Abstract: Systemin, an 18 amino acid peptide hormone and first polypeptide hormone found in plants, induces expression of defense genes in plants wounded mechanically or by predators including herbivores, insects, bacteria and viruses. The precursor for systemin is encoded as a 200 amino acid prosystemin molecule that has the systemin peptide sequence located near the carboxyl-terminus. Both a 951 bp cDNA for prosystemin and 4526 bp genomic DNA were cloned and the organization of the gene was determined. Transgenic plants constructed with antisense prosystemin DNA fail to mount a defensive response to wounding. Transgenic plants constructed with increased copy number of prosystemin genes exhibit increased resistance to wounding. Insect larval that feed on transgenic plants constructed with increased copy number of prosystemin genes exhibit decreased growth weight compared to larval that feed on wild type plants.

Abstract: Systemin, an 18 amino acid peptide hormone and first polypeptide hormone found in plants, induces expression of defense genes in plants wounded mechanically or by predators including herbivores, insects, bacteria and viruses. The precursor for systemin is encoded as a 200 amino acid prosystemin molecule that has the systemin peptide sequence located near the carboxyl-terminus. Both a 951 bp cDNA for prosystemin and 4526 bp genomic DNA were cloned and the organization of the gene was determined. Transgenic plants constructed with antisense prosystemin DNA fail to mount a defensive response to wounding. Transgenic plants constructed with increased copy number of prosystemin genes exhibit increased resistance to wounding. Insect larval that feed on transgenic plants constructed with increased copy number of prosystemin genes exhibit decreased growth weight compared to larval that feed on wild type plants. A tomato systemin polypeptide has an amino acid sequence NH.sub.3 -AVQSKPPSKRDPPKMQTD-COO-.

Abstract: Treatment systems for treating flowable food products using electrical pulses to inactivate microbes. Systems described include one or more stages having flow-through processors. The flow-through processors have first and second electrodes which are spaced across a treatment chamber in which an intense electrical field is generated using bipolar electrical pulses. The treatment chamber is temperature stabilized to improve processing and minimize surface buildup on the electrodes. Oversized processor electrodes can be used such as in conjunction with an electrode spacer to provide a treatment zone having a relatively uniform and high electrical field strength.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for estrous detection, analysis and telemetric communication of a signal indicating estrus. The apparatus is specially adapted for surgical implantation on the hindquarters of cattle or other animals which exhibit selective standing heat behavior often termed standing to be mounted. The apparatus which is implanted under the hide of the animal, comprises a self contained power source, a force responsive sensor, a controller, a transmitter, an antenna, and a fluid-tight capsule which surrounds the other elements of the apparatus. The apparatus operates by sensing force applied during sustained mounting of an animal which is in estrus by another animal in the herd. The implantable apparatus analyzes the duration of mounting to discriminate standing heat mountings from shorter duration spurious mountings which routinely occur in cattle herds.

Abstract: An electronic asynchronous digital controller for use in microprocessors, computers and other digital systems. The controller stores a present state code which is classified into one of at least two state code classes, such as in either even or odd parity. A programmed instruction subsystem analyzes system inputs and present state code information to provide transition instructions indicating whether a state code transition should occur and the appropriate type of transition. Circuitry is included to assure that transitions only occur from one state code class into a different state code class, preferably by changing a single state code bit. Transition can also only progress if all previous transitions have been completed. The invention further includes methods for asynchronously controlling digital systems.

Abstract: Disclosed are testing apparatus and methods for estimating mechanical properties of nonhomogeneous materials, such as lumber and other wood materials and composite materials, particularly elongated slender members. The testing is appropriate for estimation of tensile and bending strength, tensile and bending moduli of elasticity and possibly other mechanical properties. The testing apparatus include a test specimen support which holds the specimen during testing in a manner which minimizes attenuation of the stress wave which is intentionally generated in the specimen to help predict the mechanical properties. The specimen supports also preferably include means for weighing the specimen which is combined with size information gathered through an optical scanning system thereby allowing the density to be obtained automatically.

Abstract: Bioprocessing apparatus and method using centrifugal acceleration of cells to maintain a culture within a reaction zone. The reactor has an inflow at a relatively distance inlet and an outflow at an inwardly spaced point toward the rotational axis. The reaction chamber has an inwardly diverging zone with a velocity gradient which captures cells of varying sizes. A recycle system is preferably used to recycle medium containing nutrients for the culture microbes. Byproducts of the cells are removed by the circulated medium and can be extracted using a desired extraction process.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing the risk of skin cancer. The novel compositions include at least one effective protease inhibitor. Preferred protease inhibitors include serine protease inhibitors and metallo- protease inhibitors. The protease inhibitors are preferably included in concentrations ranging from approximately 10 picograms to 10 milligrams per milliliter of the skin-applicable topical mixtures. The topical mixtures preferably include a suitable topical vehicle such as a cream, lotion, or ointment. One class of anti-carcinogenic skin treatment compositions of this invention preferably includes the desired protease inhibitors in combination with a suitable sunscreen agent or agents, such as para-amino benzoic acid, to provide particularly advantageous compositions for reducing the risk of sunlight-induced skin cancer.

Abstract: A digital integrator for sensors which takes a time varying current or charge flow signal and converts it into a proportional voltage varying signal. The voltage varying signal is then preferably passed through an active full wave rectification subcircuit to provide an absolute value of the time varying voltage signal. The voltage signal also is analyzed by a zero crossing detector. The absolute value signal is converted into a proportional frequency varying signal which is counted either positively or negatively to produce an integral of the current flow with time. The integrator can be used with sensors such as piezoelectric crystals to indicate force on a real-time basis. The integrator is described as part of an animal hoof force detection system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for non-destructively testing and evaluating mechanical properties of composite materials such as particleboard, plywood, graphic fiber-epoxy composites and other bonded composite materials. The composite material structural elements are subjected to an impact, force or other stress wave producing stimulus. The resulting stress wave is sensed at two different points in time. The speed and attenuaton rate of the stress wave are determined. Measurements of the composite material density are combined with the stress wave speed and attenuation rate into an equation also defined by predetermined experimentally derived parameters. The experimentally derived parameters are specific to the test system, materials, and structural elements being tested. Apparatuses disclosed have sensors which are positioned to determine the stress wave intensity at spaced positions from the stress wave inducing device. The sensors can be retractably mounted and arranged in concentric circles.

Abstract: Systems including piezoelectric sensor elements advantageously mounted between supporting hard plastic material of various types or other mechanically similar materials. The sensor can further be supported by backup plate structures. Some backup plates show full shoe coverage and others show partial sole coverage. Detachable mounting formed by mechanically interengaging parts allow transducer inserts to be made in a modular manner for use in different sensor shoes or sensor insole pads, thus allowing many more patients to be analyzed and treated through use of the invention. Also disclosed is a digital charge signal integrator circuit.

Abstract: A transducer and system for optically indicating the level of stress experienced during loading. The system is designed for use in shock loading conditions. The transducer uses a transducer piece made from a crystalline luminescent material such as ruby. The transducer piece is preferably positioned between one or two support pieces, preferably along flat faces to create a uniform stress field within a limited detection area. The system uses the luminescent output from the detection area to produce a spectral output with time using a spectrometer and streak camera. The streak camera output is advantageously converted to digital signals for storage and analysis.

Abstract: Esters of .alpha.,.alpha.-haloalkyl boronic acids are prepared by the addition of an alkali metal dialkylamide, or some other equivalent sterically hindered base to a mixture of a 1,1-dihaloalkane and a trialkyl borate in an organic solvent at a temperature between about -78.degree. C. and +25.degree. C. In one embodiment, diisopropyl (dichloromethyl)borate is formed by the addition of lithium diisopropylamide to a mixture of dichloromethane and triisopropyl borate in the presence of tetrahydrofuran as the solvent medium at a temperature between about -10.degree. C. and +10.degree. C.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for time dispersive ion spectroscopy such as ion mobility spectroscopy. The methods include ionizing molecules of a sample and controllably admitting pulses of the resulting ions into a drift region. The drift region has an electric field therein which forces the admitted ions through the drift region. Ions emitted from the drift region during a gate open period simultaneous with the ion admission period are exclusively detected resulting in an ion detection signal. Data is recorded for the frequency rate at which the ion pulses are admitted to the drift region and the associated ion detector signal. The frequency of admitted ion pulses is scanned over a relevant range during which the ion admission period also varies. Data recorded for frequency and ion detection can be recorded and/or transformed such as by a Fourier transform to produce time dispersive spectra in the form of ion intensity or quantity as a function of the time period necessary for the ions to transit the drift region.

Abstract: Disclosed is a testing machine for testing specimens such as lumber which may have varying overall lengths. The testing machine includes the frame having an elongated longitudinal member which can be pivotally mounted with respect to stands. Two sets of transverse arms are connected to the longitudinal member at appropriate points. One set of transverse arms is pivotable. The transverse arms extend outwardly from the longitudinal member and have an extendible and contractible force member for increasing and decreasing the distance between the arms along one side of the frame. Jaw sets are pivotally mounted to the transverse arms opposite from the force member for engaging a specimen being tested. The jaw sets are preferably hydraulically closed, using the same hydraulic supply as used to extend the force member, thus automatically proportioning the gripping force of the jaws with relationship to the applied load to the specimen.

Abstract: Boronate complexes are rearranged in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst to boronic esters, particularly .alpha.-haloboronic esters.

Abstract: A process for immediate stabilization and subsequent promotion of bone-to-bone fusion in a joint where separation of the bones is restricted by surrounding ligaments or other soft tissue. A hole is bored transversely across the joint. A slightly larger cylindrical basket is driven into the hole, thereby spreading the bones in resistance to the tensile forces of the surrounding tissue. Immediate stabilization of the joint is achieved by the implantation of the rigid cylindrical basket. Subsequent bone-to-bone fusion is achieved, both through and about the basket, which is filled with bone fragments produced during the boring step.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for depositing metal from one conductor to another by electrode deposition. One conductor, the electrode, may remain in contact with the other conductor, the workpiece, as the electrode is continuously oscillated about a central electrode axis. Short duration, high amperage charges are directed through the oscillating electrode and the workpiece. The charge duration is controlled by the charging rate of a capacitor in a charging circuit. The rate of capacitor discharge is prescribed by an independently triggered thyristor. Extremely short duration discharges at a high discharge frequency results in deposition of the electrode material onto the workpiece.

Abstract: A short-retention-time blender is described for applying liquid to wood particle furnish falling freely in the form of a concentric shell through an upright cylindrical housing. The particles are fed into the center of a rotating disk within the cylindrical housing. The disk deflects the furnish radially outward against a flared deflector surface. This surface deflects the furnish directly downward substantially in the form of a uniform concentric hollow shell. Inverted conical atomizer disks are rotated on the axis of the housing to produce annular atomized spray patterns of liquid, directed outwardly against the falling furnish.

Abstract: A system for pressure infiltration of liquid through the skin of fresh produce. The produce is subjected to vacuum pressure, and then coated with the liquid without submersion while continuing to subject the produce to the vacuum pressure. The application of liquid is continued as the vacuum pressure is progressively released to return the pressure surrounding the produce to atmospheric conditions, thereby causing the liquid to be forced through the produce skin surfaces due to the increase in exterior pressure about it. The coating apparatus is a combination of yieldable support rollers and an overhead spray. The rollers are partially immersed in a liquid bath from which liquid is recirculated to the spray nozzles.