Abstract: A sensor made of porous matrix or sol-gel glass and non-enzymatic macromolecular polymer immobilized in the sol-gel glass. The macromolecule is physically entangled or otherwise trapped, and does not leach regardless of exposure to elevated temperature and pressure. Surface effects are minimized since the there is no chemical bond between macromolecules and sol-gel glass. Indicator molecules may be attached to the macromolecular polymer either before or after the macromolecule is incorporated into the porous matrix.

Abstract: In forming an electrophoretic gel, various defects can be induced by the shrinkage that generally accompanies polymerization. These defects can include pulling away from a vessel wall or voids or bubbles forming within the gel itself. Prior to polymerization, a monomer can be compressed to a density at least equal to that of the expected density of the final gel, which then is substantially free of such shrinkage defects. The disclosed method is readily generalizable to other situations to produce polymers substantially free of defects due to shrinkage.

Abstract: A plurality of different liquid solutions are connected to an input of a pump system having at least two displacement chambers and in a manner to control the proportions of each constituent that are taken into each chamber during its intake stroke. The outputs of the chambers are connected to a common liquid output. The chambers are driven by independently controllable motors so that the discharge stroke may be chosen to have some parameters, such as speed profile and duration, that are different than during the intake stroke. As a result, both chambers may simultaneously discharge liquid through the common output, if desired. The proportion of constituents may be made different each time one of the chambers is filled, so the simultaneous discharge of the chambers allows a gradual, carefully controlled change from the mixture of one chamber to that of the other.

Abstract: A pheromonal compound produced by the western grapeleaf skeletonizer has been identified as sec-butyl (Z)-7-tetradecenoate. The synthetically-prepared compound demonstrates activity toward both the western grapeleaf skeletonizer, Harrisina brillians Barnes and McDunnough and the grapeleaf skeletonizer, Harrisina americana (Guerin). By attracting adult moths to field traps, this compound offers a useful tool in monitoring and control of this pest.