Abstract: Antineoplastic taxol derivatives are derived by selective oxidation of the alkene portion of the side chain of cephalomannine. The derivative displays high activity in promoting assembly of microtubulin and also displays cytotoxic activity against malignant cells.

Abstract: A process for oxidizing cephalomannine and related taxanes in the presence of taxol is described. The process involves the use of ozone which is able to oxidize cephalomannine and easily oxidizable taxanes while leaving taxol essentially unchanged. Taxol can then be separated from the oxidized cephalomannine and other oxidized taxanes using conventional procedures. A process for oxidizing taxanes is also provided.

Abstract: Optical filtering elements having two opposed surfaces and including at least one thin layer of stable non-reflective fluorescent material provide transparent articles which, when exposed to incident electromagnetic radiation at one surface of the fluorescent layer, absorb certain wavelengths within the fluorescent layer and emit other wavelengths at the opposed surface of the fluorescent layer. In preferred embodiments, when radiation (light) in the visible range (about 400 nm to about 700 nm) is incident on the element from one side, certain wavelengths of radiation which transverse the element are absorbed in the fluorescent layer and other radiation of greater, but also visible wavelengths are emitted from the opposed side without fluorescent light being reflected by the fluorescent layer at the incident side.

Abstract: A wedge-shaped whipstock is provided for directional well drilling which tapers from the lead end to a thick section at the bottom, and is fabricated from a tough polymeric material. An adhesive coating is applied to the outside surface of the wedge for permanent adherence of the whipstock to the surface of the drill hole. A deformable highly viscous material can fill and complement the internal wedge portion to produce a cylindrical configuration prior to use. Alternatively, or in conjunction with the deformable viscous material, a compressive element having a shaped compression face and made from a frangible material may be formed on the drill bit and/or attached to the prepared whipstock for the lowering of the tool into the drill hole and bonding the whipstock in place. The bottom surface of the whipstock is reinforced for positioning in the hole over a bridge plug or broken drill pipe.