Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and compositions for modifying the perceived sweetness of a comestible, methods and compositions for increasing the perceived sweetness of a comestible; methods and compositions for suppressing the perceived sweetness of a comestible, hybrid plants, methods of producing hybrid plants, and sweetener compositions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and compositions for modifying the perceived sweetness of a comestible, methods and compositions for increasing the perceived sweetness of a comestible; methods and compositions for suppressing the perceived sweetness of a comestible, hybrid plants, methods of producing hybrid plants, and sweetener compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant promoters that drive tissue-specific expression, and transgenes comprising such recombinant promoters. Specifically, the invention provides transgenes comprising a recombinant promoter that drives tissue-specific expression of a heterologous nucleic acid molecule in a floral organ. The invention also provides methods for using such transgenes to produce a protein in a plant host cell or transgenic plant. The invention further provides methods for producing a transgenic plant that produces, for example, longer-lasting flowers, better fragrance, or better or longer-lasting color as compared to a wild type plant.

Abstract: A plant promoter that is a nucleic acid region located upstream of the 5' end of a plant DNA structural coding sequence that is transcribed at high levels in meristematic tissue and/or rapidly dividing cells. This promoter region is capable of conferring high levels of transcription in meristematic tissue and/or rapidly dividing cells when used as a promoter for a heterologous coding sequence in a chimeric gene. The promoter and any chimeric gene in which it may be used can be used to obtain transformed plants or plant cells. A DNA coding sequence that codes for a gene that is highly transcribed in meristematic tissue of Arabidopsis thaliana is also disclosed. This coding sequence can be used to obtain a cDNA probe useful in obtaining analogous promoters from a homologous coding sequence in other plant species. Chimeric genes including the isolated promoter region, transformed plants containing the isolated promoter region, transformed plant cells and seeds are also disclosed.

Abstract: A consumer interactive apparatus and method for ordering photofinishing services for a photosensitive film. The photosensitive film is provided with a device for indicating a prepaid amount of photofinishing services available. The apparatus includes an input device for allowing entry of a photofinishing order, a mechanism for receiving a film containing a magnetic media for indicating a prepaid amount of photofinishing services, and reading device for reading the magnetic media for determining the amount of prepaid photo services available. The input device allows the user to select the desired type of photofinishing services with respect to the film being supplied to the apparatus. The apparatus allows the customer to order photofinishing service as desired by the customer and also allows debiting of the magnetic layer such that the amount remaining after the placement of the order is placed on the magnetic layer.

Abstract: A stored image capture system intended to provide an image capturing device for use by the general public at sites having objects of interest. The stored image capture system is designed to accept a user's image recording medium and allow the user to capture on the user's image recording medium a stored image of an object of interest. The system generally includes a compartment for receiving an image recording medium, a memory device to store an image, a display device to display the stored image for viewing by the user, a projection device to project the stored image onto the image recording medium, and a control mechanism to control the operation of the memory device, the display device and the projection device.

Abstract: A method for controlling the ripening of fruits and vegetables as well as a method for controlling senescence of plant tissue is described. The method generally embraces the expression of an ACC metabolizing enzyme in the fruit or other desired plant tissue to inhibit the production of ethylene in the fruit or plant tissue. The use of the ACC metabolizing enzyme ACC deaminase is described in detail. The ripening or senescence process in the fruit or plant tissue is inhibited by the expression of the ACC deaminase gene such that the shelf-life and marketability of the fruit or plant is enhanced. The ACC metabolizing enzyme may be used in combination with other methods for reducing ethylene production in transformed plants to further reduce the production of ethylene in the fruit or plant. DNA constructs containing the ACC deaminase gene are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving undeveloped film and for delivering prints and developed film to a customer. The apparatus comprises a workstation for interaction of a customer at the apparatus thereby providing instructions to the customer for ordering processing of an undeveloped photosensitive material. The workstation includes a first display device for providing instructions and information to the customer for use in said apparatus, for entering data responsive to said instructions; an acceptance device for receiving image data; a printing mechanism for issuing a customer claim check having a unique identification indica; and a second display visually separate from the workstation for displaying the status of various customer orders.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a filmstrip contained in a film cartridge, the filmstrip having a trailing end secured to the cartridge. The apparatus includes at least one processing tank for holding a processing solution therein and a holding mechanism for holding and retaining a film cartridge containing a filmstrip. The holding mechanism includes a reel assembly for receiving and holding a portion of the filmstrip as it exits the film cartridge. The reel assembly capable of being positioned within the at least one processing tank so that the filmstrip will be submersed within a processing solution contained in the at least one processing tank.