Abstract: A method of altering degradation of heterologous proteins in transgenic plants has now been found that utilizes ER-localizing proteins of plant viruses as part of a fusion protein. An engineered fusion protein is protected from degradation by a viral ER-localizing protein, and made more susceptible to degradation by certain mutant viral proteins that fail to localize to the ER.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of suppressing gene silencing and/or stabilizing expression of a coding sequence in a cell comprising expressing a 126 kDa protein and/or the 183 kDa protein of a subgroup sindbis plant virus in the cell. The invention can thus be used to avoid the deleterious effects of gene silencing in a cell. Also provided by the invention are methods of delivering a polypeptide of interest to a limited part of a plant.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating by sputter ion plating comprises a chamber having a gas inlet and outlet for passing gas under low pressure continuously therethrough; a cathode fabricated of coating material or precursor therefor positioned in the chamber; and means for generating a glow discharge within the chamber to sputter cathode material to form a coating thereof or of a product obtained therefrom on a substrate also positioned in the chamber.The cathode includes a plurality of projections (e.g. fins) extending from a surface, their disposition and geometry being such as to increase the effective ion current density in the chamber. In this way, high currents at low voltages and pressures may be achieved so that the apparatus can be used to coat a large substrate load, possibly at a higher coating rate.

Abstract: The invention is a detachable auxiliary handle that may be attached to the shaft of a work implement such as a shovel, rake, hoe or other implement. The auxiliary handle may be placed at any point on the shaft to suit the user and will fit almost any size and shape of shaft. The auxiliary handle is composed of a handle and two brackets, one bracket attached to each side of the handle. The brackets have a vertical arm portion and a horizontal portion leading to a shaft engaging portion, which is vertical and has a curved shaft engaging section which is tightened around the shaft of the implement with bolts. Preferably the vertical arm portion is curved in the vertical plane to provide extra leverage and greater ease of use.

Abstract: A device for the treatment of fluids in which the fluid is caused to contact the device. The device is particularly useful in the field of catalysis. The device comprises a plurality of substantially parallel elongate helically wound coils of wire connected together by a connecting member to form a sheet of interconnected coils. In the case where the device is used for the treatment of the fluid by catalysis, the wire is made from, or coated with, a catalytically active material.

Abstract: A method of growing a diamond crystal which comprises bombarding the diamond with a flux of carbon ions of sufficient energy to penetrate the diamond crystal and cause crystal growth which is at least predominantly internal, the temperature of the crystal being at least 400.degree. C. and less than the graphitization temperature, such that the diamond crystal structure is maintained during growth.

Abstract: A method of growing a diamond crystal which comprises bombarding the diamond with a flux of carbon ions of sufficient energy to penetrate the diamond crystal and cause crystal growth which is at least predominantly internal, the temperature of the crystal being at least 400.degree. C. and less than the graphitisation temperature, such that the diamond crystal structure is maintained during growth.

Abstract: A diamond is toughened by bombarding it at elevated temperature with ions such as protons which form a dislocation network in it, inhibiting microcleavage.