Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing protoplasts of cassava or closely related species, which protoplasts are capable of regeneration into plants. The method comprises producing friable embryogenic callus from explants of cassava or closely related species and isolating protoplasts from said friable embryogenic callus. The invention also concerns protoplasts obtainable by said method. The invention further relates to a method for transforming such a protoplast of cassava or closely related species, and transformed protoplasts obtainable thereby. In addition, the invention concerns a method for regenerating plants from these protoplasts and a cassava plant or closely related species obtainable thereby. Starch isolated from tubers of such cassava plants have an increased amylopectin content. The starch and a method for isolating it from said plants also forms part of the invention.

Abstract: Identification of the molecular targets of a drug or toxin is the first step in understanding how the drug or toxin works, an important advance in learning how to improve a drug or assess the risks due to a toxin. The primary action of a drug usually involves binding to a protein; secondary actions may express themselves in the form of side effects and in some cases may be due to binding to other proteins. Consequently, it is useful to identify all physiologically relevant sites of action of a drug or toxin. A simple method for obtaining a list of the potential targets of a drug, toxin or other biologically active substance (referred to collectively as ligands) involves a multistep process. The first step is screening a protein or peptide library to identify library members that exhibit high affinity for a particular ligand. The second step involves searching of sequence data bases for proteins that contain the sequences of the library members shown to have high affinity for the ligand.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a malto-oligosaccharide derived glycoside. Generally, the method comprises providing a malto-oligosaccharide and glycosylating the malto-oligosaccharide with an alcohol or a thiol under conditions suitable to form a malto-oligosaccharide derived glycoside. Also disclosed is a method for preparing a mixture of malto-oligosaccharide derived glycosides by providing a mixture of malto-oligosaccharides and glycosylating the malto-oligosaccharides with an alcohol or a thiol under substantially anhydrous conditions to form a mixture of malto-oligosaccharide derived glycosides.

Abstract: The aging of swellable starch maleates is reduced by reacting with one or more singly and/or multiply functional nucleophiles as in a Michael condensation reaction. Mixtures of mercaptoethanol and 1,2-bis-(2-mercaptoethoxy)-ethane or mixtures of sodium bisulfite and pentaerythrite-tetrakis-(2-mercaptoacetate) are preferred. The decrease of the retention capacity [SRV] in the reaction products after 100 days is preferably <10%. The products find use as biodegradable, non-aging superabsorbers.

Abstract: Latex paint compositions containing water, pigment and a latex wherein the latex is prepared by emulsion polymerization of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer in the presence of 0.1 to 0.2 pphm of at least one hydrophobically modified starch having the structure ##STR1## In the above structure, St is a starch base material, R.sup.1 is a dimethylene or trimethylene group, R.sup.2 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, aralkyl and aralkenyl groups having 2 to 20 carbon atoms, and Y is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkali metal, alkaline earth metal and ammonium. The hydrophobically modified starch is the reaction product of starch and an anhydride moiety and provides the latex paint with improved rheological properties and allows for easier spreading and less dripping of paint.

Abstract: Electrochemiluminiscent moieties having the formula?Re(P).sub.m (L.sup.1).sub.n (L.sup.2).sub.o (L.sup.3).sub.p (L.sup.4).sub.q (L.sup.5).sub.r (L.sup.6).sub.s !.sub.t (B).sub.uwhereinP is a polydentate ligand of Re;L.sup.1, L.sup.2, L.sup.3, L.sup.4, L.sup.5 and L.sup.6 are ligands of Re, each of which may be the same as or different from each other ligand;B is a substance which is a ligand of Re or is conjugated to one or more of P, L.sup.1, L.sup.2, L.sup.3, L.sup.4, L.sup.5 or L.sup.6 ;m is an integer equal to or greater than 1;each of n, o, p, q, r and s is zero or an integer;t is an integer equal to or greater than 1; andu is an integer equal to or greater than 1;P, L.sup.1, L.sup.2, L.sup.3, L.sup.4, L.sup.5, L.sup.6 and B being of such composition and number that the chemical moiety can be induced to emit electromagnetic radiation and the total number of bonds to Re provided by the ligands of Re being equal to the coordination of Reare disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for preventing or substantially inhibiting the hemolytic activity of hemolysis inducing agents. The methods and compositions are based on the use of an anionic oligosaccharide, such as polysulfated cyclodextrin, to achieve the desired reduction in hemolytic active inducing agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoplastic and biodegradable polysaccharide esters/polysaccharide ether esters, which are characterised in that they can be represented by the general structure ##STR1## wherein Polysaccharide-O represents the substituted OH groups of a polymeric saccharide unit and wherein A is a linear polyether chain of the following structureA=(E--O)nwherein E signifies a linear aliphatic or aromatic branched or unbranched chain having 2 to 11 C atoms, n is an integer equal to or greater than 0 and both B and D are a maleic acid addition product of the following structure ##STR2## wherein F is an aliphatic, saturated, monounsaturated or polyunsaturated carbon skeleton, which may optionally be provided with further substituents and wherein C can be a hydrogen atom, one or more substituents from the group dihydroxyethyl, hydroxypropyl, hydroxybutyl, methyl, ethyl, benzyl, dihydroxypropyl, carboxyalkyl, sulphoalkyl or cyanoethyl.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a new cationic starch and cationic starch paste or slurry. The starch paste or slurry has a low cation equivalent value despite its high nitrogen content and also has a low solution viscosity despite its high molecular weight. The cationic starch and cationic starch paste or slurry is formed by substitution with a one or both of quaternary ammonium salt or a tertiary amino group, characterized in that its nitrogen content (X) due to the quaternary ammonium salt and/or tertiary amino group is related to its cation equivalent value (Y) as defined below:Y<0.70097X-0.07978(in the case of natural terrestrial stem starch)Y<0.32936X-0.00495(in the case of natural subterranean stem starch having ester-type substituents)Y<0.40942X+0.

Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of oligosaccharides, using polymer supported methodology. By this method, which offers anomeric control, oligosaccharides are produced very rapidly in comparison with known methodologies. Thus, there is disclosed a process for the preparation of oligosaccharides which comprisesa) forming a synthon of a saccharide and a monomethylether of polyethylene glycol or a derivative thereof, the synthon having a linkage between the oligosaccharide and the monomethylether of polyethylene glycol or a derivative thereof, which linkage can be severed under conditions that do not damage glycosidic or other bonds in a desired end product;b) subjecting the synthon to repeated additions of a suitable glycosylating agent to form a desired oligosaccharide-polyethylene glycol linked product;c) isolating the linked product as a solid;d) purifying this solid; ande) releasing the oligosaccharide from the polyethylene glycol.

Abstract: The invention is a 2'-O-(4-benzoyl)benzoyl nucleoside 3', 5'-cyclic monophosphate of formula (I) ##STR1## wherein R' is guanine or adenine. Also disclosed are topical pharmaceutical compositions and methods of using them for reducing intraocular pressure.

Abstract: A novel starch used in a size composition is disclosed. The novel starch is a quaternary ammonium ether and acyl ester of starch which has a DS of quaternary ammonium ether of between 0.02 to 0.2 and a DS of acyl ester of between 0.01 to 0.3. The size composition is made from the novel starch and polyvinyl alcohol in a ratio of starch: polyvinyl alcohol of between 1:9 to 10:0. The method of making the size composition and the method of applying the size composition to the yarn is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for preparing an amino deoxy derivative of a polysaccharide. The process comprises oxidizing the polysaccharide with dimethyl sulfoxide in combination with acetic anhydride or acetic anhydride with paraformaldehyde in a first step. The product from the first step is subjected to reductive amination.

Abstract: The invention relates to the carbonylation of cross linked substituted and unsubstituted polysaccharides, their copolymers with macroporous synthetic polymers, macroporous synthetic polymers and rigid supports with pendant hydroxyalkyl groups. The carbonylated product can be used to prepare an affinity chromatography matrix which remains an uncharged species at varying pH's. The carbonylated product is also useful for the preparation of other compounds: Typical polysaccharides are agarose, starch, dextran, cellulose and regenerated cellulose, typical macroporous synthetic polymers are acrylamides, acrylates and methacrylates, typical rigid supports are silica beads coated with hydroxy alkyl groups and typical cabonylating agents are N,N'-carbonyl diimidazole; N,N'carbonyl di-1,2,3-benzotriazole; and N,N'-carbonyl di-1,2,4-triazole.

Abstract: Starch ether derivatives are prepared by reacting a starch base with N-(2-haloethyl)iminobis(methylene)diphosphonic acid or with a N-(alkyl)-N-(2-haloethyl)aminomethylphosphonic acid. The derivatives contain aminophosphonic acid groups (or their salts) as zwitterion substituents which consist of either one or two anionic methylene phosphonic acid groups bound to a cationic nitrogen. Their cationic or anionic characteristics may be increased by introducing suitable cationic or anionic groups either by simultaneous reaction with the aminophosphonic acid reagent or by consecutive reaction either prior to or subsequent to the aminophosphonic acid reaction. They are especially useful as pigment retention aids in paper making processes. The N-(alkyl)-N-(2-haloethyl)aminomethylphosphonic acids are new reagents prepared by reacting a N-(2-haloethyl)alkylamine hydrohalide (e.g.

Abstract: A highly absorbent material, especially suitable for use in absorbent disposable products such as sanitary towels and tampons, consisting of a substantially water-insoluble cross-linked gelatinized starch, in which the degree of substitution of the cross-linking groups is from 0.001 to 0.04, which is substituted by ionic groups which are associated with mono- or di-valent counterions, and which has a urine retention value of at least 6 g/g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chloral derivative having the general formula ##STR1## in which Y' is a polysaccharide consisting of a chain of anhydroglucose, modified anhydroglucose or uronic acid units as substituent group and in which R is selected from --H, --COCH.sub.2 OH, --[(CH.sub.2).sub.n 0].sub..chi. --H in which n is 2 to 5 and .chi. is 1 to 7; --CH.sub.2 OSO.sub.2 X' or --CH.sub.2 COOX' in which X' is NH.sub.4 or a single equivalent of a non-toxic metallic cation, --(CH.sub.2).sub.n H where n is 1 to 7, --(CH.sub.2).sub.n (OH).sub..chi. Y where Y is --H or --CH.sub.3 n is 1 to 7, .chi. is 1 to 12 and the --OH groups are attached to any or all of the carbon atoms by substitution and wherein when Y.sup.1 is a chain of unmodified anhydroglucose units, these units have the following configurations:.alpha.-D-glucopyranosyl units having a predominantly 1-4 linkage.beta.-D-glucopyranosyl units having a predominantly 1-4 linkage and/or.beta.

Abstract: Starch ether derivatives are prepared by reacting a starch base with N-(2-haloethyl)iminobis(methylene)diphosphonic acid or with a N-(alkyl)-N-(2-haloethyl)aminomethylphosphonic acid. The derivatives contain aminophosphonic acid groups (or their salts) as zwitterion substituents which consist of either one or two anionic methylene phosphonic acid groups bound to a cationic nitrogen. Their cationic or anionic characteristics may be increased by introducing suitable cationic or anionic groups either by simultaneous reaction with the aminophosphonic acid reagent or by consecutive reaction either prior to or subsequent to the aminophosphonic acid reaction. They are especially useful as pigment retention aids in paper making processes.

Abstract: Carbonylation of a polysaccharide and the product of that carbonylation. The carbonylated product can be used to prepare an affinity chromatography matrix which is an uncharged species of varying pH's. The carbonylated product is also useful for the preparation of other compounds. Typical polysaccharides are agarose, starch, dextran, cellulose and regenerated cellulose and typical carbonylating agents are N,N'-carbonyl diimidazole; N,N' carbonyl di-1,2,3-benzotriazole; and N,N'-carbonyl di-1,2,4-triazole.

Abstract: Starch is phosphorylated by a virtually pollution-free, continuous process whereby an aqueous reagent solution of a tripolyphosphate, orthophosphate or pyrophosphate salt or a mixture thereof is sprayed onto a moist starch cake on a rotary vacuum filter in an amount sufficient to achieve efficient impregnation of the starch cake without losing significant levels of salt to the effluent. In a preferred embodiment, the reagent solution contains alkali metal tripolyphosphate salt and is obtained by diluting a concentrated solution thereof. The thus-impregnated starch is subsequently dried and heat-reacted by known procedures to produce an orthophosphate starch monoester.

Abstract: A novel polymer consisting of a macromolecular polysaccharide matrix which is esterified in whole or in part by activated polyunsaturated acids containing twenty carbon atoms. Typical of these acids are, for example, 8, 11, 14-eicosatrienoic acid, 5, 8, 11, 14-eicosatetraenoic acid and 5, 8, 11, 14, 17-eicosapentenoic acid. These polymers are therapeutically useful products which have utility in the same fields of application as the prostaglandins but absent their adverse side effects.

Abstract: Starch ether derivatives are prepared by reacting a starch base with about 0.5-100% by weight of a neutralized alkyl ester of 3-chloro-2-sulfopropionic acid, based on dry starch, and then isolating the resultant starch derivative. The 2-sulfo-2-carboxyethyl starch ethers thus prepared may be utilized in many applications, and are particularly useful as wet-end additives in paper manufacturing at low pH.

Abstract: Starch is phosphorylated by an improved pollution-free process which involves forming a reagent solution of an alkali metal tripolyphosphate salt in water having 20- 36% by weight of the salt dissolved therein, forming a starch cake containing no more than 45% by weight moisture, adding 2 - 30% by weight of the tripolyphosphate salt reagent solution to the starch cake, and drying and heat-reacting the thus-impregnated starch. In this process more efficient impregnation of the starch is achieved. The impregnation is preferably effected in a centrifuge.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are described for producing modified starch products. In the method of the invention, a slurry of starch is continuously moved at elevated temperature and pressure through a tubular heating zone and the hot fluid mass emerging from the heating zone is forced through a flow restricting zone within which the fluid mass is highly compressed. This highly compressed fluid material emerges from the confining zone into a tubular reaction zone with a sudden release of energy in the form of a fine spray or mist. The compressive forces followed by the sudden energy release act on the starch molecules to temporarily greatly increase the reactivity of the starch within the reaction zone, whereby modified starch products are quickly formed.

Abstract: A polysaccharide or polyvinyl alcohol containing a mixture of nitrite ester groups with sulfate or nitrate ester groups with the mixture of ester groups being substantially uniformly distributed among the polymer units of the polysaccharide or polyvinyl alcohol.A nitrite ester of a polysaccharide alcohol having a degree of substitution of less than about 2.0. A nitrite ester of polyvinyl alcohol having a degree of substitution of 1.0 or less.

Abstract: Novel starch ether derivatives are prepared by reacting starch with 3-chloro-2-sulfopropionic acid. The resulting 2-sulfo-2-carboxyethyl starch ether derivatives find use in many applications, but are particularly useful as pigment retention aids in papermaking processes.

Abstract: Novel amphoteric starch derivatives, xanthated starch amines, have been employed as wet-end paper additives for improving both wet and dry strength. They are easily repulpable, readily biodegradable, effective in a broad range of furnish pH's, and are competitive on a cost/performance basis with commercial systems.

Abstract: The use in the manufacture of paper of additives comprising derivatives of starches having particular levels of water fluidity and which contain controlled proportions of cationogenic or cationic substituent groups as well as sulfo-succinate groups. The resulting paper containing the latter additives is characterized by improved retention of pigments and increased strength.

Abstract: A reagent useful for the chemical modification of starch is prepared by the reaction of a 2,3-dihalopropionic acid or alkyl ester thereof with a secondry amine. The reaction of the reagent with starch, carried out in an aqueous solution under controlled conditions, produces novel amino acid ether derivatives which are characterized by the presence of both a cationic and an anionic substituent group on the same reactive site. The resulting starch ethers are characterized by their stability, their ability to form cooked pastes which are more resistant to gelling upon cooling and their lowered gelatinization temperatues.

Abstract: A polysaccharide or polyvinyl alcohol containing a mixture of nitrite ester groups with sulfate or nitrate ester groups with the mixture of ester groups being substantially uniformly distributed among the polymer units of the polysaccharide or polyvinyl alcohol.A nitrite ester of a polysaccharide alcohol having a degree of substitution of less than about 2.0. A nitrite ester of polyvinyl alcohol having a degree of substitution of 1.0 or less.