Abstract: The present invention relates to new delivery systems for cyclopropene compounds of a cyclopropene compound generator comprising at least one substrate, a material containing at least one cyclopropene compound and a release agent whereby at least one side of one substrate is coated with the material containing at least one cyclopropene compound and wherein when the material containing at least one cyclopropene compound is exposed to the release agent, a gaseous cyclopropene compound is released. The present invention also provides methods to release a cyclopropene compound from such a generator to deliver a cyclopropene compound to plants, fruits, flowers or vegetables to inhibit an ethylene response in the plants, fruits, flowers or vegetable.

Abstract: An improved process, preferably continuous, for the manufacture of gradient refractive index optical objects, wherein a core polymer, which itself may be prepared by a continuous and incorporated process, is passed through a hollow porous surrounding, generally cylindrical so as to obtain and maintain a rounded fiber, through which is fed a second monomer whose polymer has a lower refractive index than the core polymer, so as to swell the core polymer. The swollen polymer with a gradient of swelling by the second monomer from surface to core, is then led to a polymerization unit to complete the polymerization before equilibration of the second monomer throughout the core polymer occurs. The resulting polymers are useful in the preparation of optical fibers and light pipes.

Abstract: Fluorimetric assay procedures indicative of the presence of antigens or other abnormal conditions in body fluids permit rapid, accurate screening. Extra-clinical testing is facilitated by a fluorimeter design providing for optical excitation of a totally absorbing sample and for fluorescence being detected in a direction which avoids sensing of simple reflected excitation energy. An exemplary procedure in which the sample is a drop of unprocessed blood screens for lead intoxication and iron deficiency anemia.