Abstract: A chest brace apparatus prevents the chest wall from buckling inwards during spontaneous breathing efforts and provides negative distending intra-thoracic pressure to a patient. The apparatus includes a protective adhesive layer placed on the patients skin and a brace structure that is designed to attach to the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer has an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface adapted to adhere to a chest region of the patient and the outer surface manifesting an outer adherent layer for attachment to the brace structure. The brace structure is placed about the patient's chest region and includes a frontal segment with a patient-side adherent layer for joinder to the outer surface of the adhesive layer, and movement devices connected to the frontal resilient segment for imparting an outward flexure thereof so as to distend the patient's chest region by outward pressure exerted on the adhesive layer.

Abstract: The present invention is an optical system for profiling a surface of an object. The optical system includes a projection system for directing an incident beam of light having a varying intensity pattern onto the surface of the object. The projection system includes a filter or the like for reducing or attenuating high order harmonics from the varying intensity pattern. The varying intensity pattern of the incident light beam is spatially shifted N times, where N is greater than 2. A detector array is arranged relative to the surface of the object to receive a reflected deformed grating image of the surface. A processing system, coupled to the detector array, determines a surface profile of the object based on a number of the deformed grating image at different spatial phases.

Abstract: A biosensor based on complexes between biomolecule receptors and colloidal Au nanoparticles, and more specifically, colloid layers of receptor/Au complexes that can be used to detect biomolecule analytes through measuring of binding-induced changes in electrical resistance or surface plasmon resonance. Also disclosed is a method for detecting and analysing carrier-borne chemical compounds with Raman spectroscopy using an improved SERS substrate. Further disclosed is an improved method for detecting compounds in solvents using capillary electrophoresis in conjunction with Raman spectroscopy.

Abstract: Improved bone cement compositions and method of fixing a prosthetic implant to a bone using said improved bone cement compositions. More particularly, bone cement compositions having enhanced fatigue strength and consequently an increased projected service life when placed in a patient to fix a prosthetic implant securely in place. Specifically, bone cement compositions comprising a conventional poly[(methyl methacrylate)-styrene] copolymer based bone cement consisting of a liquid component and a dry powder component, and poly(butyl methacrylate) powder wherein at least a trace but no more than 5 wt % of the dry powder component is replaced by an equal mass of the poly(butyl methacrylate) powder.

Abstract: A torsional actuator includes a plurality of segments, each segment having a substantially rectangular shape. Each segment is comprised of an electroactive material that is poled along an elongated dimension of the rectangular shape. The segments are arranged side-by-side, with adjacent segments poled in opposing directions along their long dimensions. Conductors are positioned between adjacent sides of the side-by-side segments, with all of the juxtaposed segments being bound together in an integral structure. A power supply is connected to the conductors and applies oppositely poled electric fields across adjacent segments to cause like shear deformations of each of the segments and a resultant angular rotation of a non-fixed end thereof.

Abstract: Functionalized terpolymers of two different .alpha.-olefin and para-alkylstyrene are disclosed, wherein the functionalized terpolymers have a substantially homogeneous compositional distribution represented by the formula: ##STR1## in which R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R' and R" independently, are hydrogen or a primary or secondary alkyl group; X is a functional group, such as --COOH, --OH, --SH, --NH.sub.2, --Cl, --Br, --M, --COOM (M =metals, e.g. Li, Na, K and Ca) and anhydrides; P is a polymer having a molecular weight of at least 500; Y is chemical linkage between polymer P and para-alkystyrene side chain; and the combination of a+b+c+d+e represents the empirical formula of a substantially random functional polymer; where both a and b are greater than 0; where the sum of a+b ranges from about 50 to 100,000; where each of c, d and e range from 0 to 10,000; where both d and e can not be 0; and where the sum of c+d+e is at least 1.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for the thermomechanical net shape finishing of precision gear tooth surfaces by controlled deformation into metastable austenitic condition. To this end, an arrangement of a fixed axis through-feed motion of workpiece and moving axes in-feed motion of two opposed rolling dies are utilized. By means of process control methods and architecture for accomplishing precision mechanical motions, thermal and environmental control and timely and automatic transfer of workpiece, high strength and high accuracy gear tooth contact surfaces are produced.

Abstract: A computer controlled shear cell (CCSC) tester for bulk solids, especially powders, that allows the determination of a Yield Locus curve from a single test procedure. The principle of the CCSC is that yield states can be maintained in a test cell over a range of normal and shear stresses in the same test. This leads directly to a Yield Locus curve. With its flexible design, the CCSC can also be used as a Jenike shear cell or a direct shear cell. Use of the CCSC allows the testing time and amount of material needed for testing to be reduced as compared to current testing methods.

Abstract: <001>oriented crystals of lead zinc niobate--lead titanate solid solution (0 to 5 mole % lead titanate) have high electromechanical coupling>85% and exhibit electric field induced phase transition at electric field levels>10.times.Ec (where Ec is the coercive field), resulting in increased transducer driving voltages, decreased fabrication degradation, and high sensitivity/large bandwidth transducer characteristics due to high electromechanical couplings, up to 92%. <001>oriented crystals of lead magnesium niobate--lead titanate solid solution (20 to 50 mole % lead titanate) also exhibit high electromechanical couplings>85% and up to 94%, and thereby can be formed into transducers which exhibit both high sensitivity and large bandwidth.

Abstract: An approach using two terminal current measurements, preferably in a cyclic current-voltage sweeping procedure, and specialized test structure, is shown to be very useful in detecting processing induced changes in poly-Si/ultra-thin SiO.sub.2 /substrate Si structures. The charging current structure discernible in this approach is seen to have different features depending on processing history of the device. This is shown for the specific case of plasma gate definition etching with or without annealing.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to controllably modifying or tailoring the structure of crystalline films to adjust and enhance the material properties of the film, such as optical, mechanical and electrical properties. Crystalline films generally refer to microcrystalline (.mu.c) film, nanocrystalline (nc) film, polycrystalline (poly-c) film, and other crystallized films. The present invention provides a method for controllably obtaining desired grain sizes (or crystal sizes) in crystalline films and for controllably providing a predominance of grains sizes in a predetermined range to adjust and enhance the optical absorption properties of the crystalline film. The present invention also provide a method for controlling the mechanical properties, e.g., stress formation levels, during crystallization of at least a portion of the precursor film. Through control of the stress formation levels, it is possible to controllably adjust and enhance the electrical properties (e.g.

Abstract: A method for densifying a dielectric antiferroelectric material includes the steps of adding a compound which includes lithium to the dielectric material to create a mixture thereof. Thereafter, the mixture is heated to a temperature of not greater than about 1100.degree. C. for a predetermined period to densify the mixture. It is preferred that the lithium compound be a lithium salt and that the dielectric material comprise a PLZT composition.

Abstract: Artificial systems for the production of infectious human papillomavirus allow development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies based on replication and infectivity studies for diseases caused by these viruses. The artificial introduction of papillomavirus genomic DNA into an epithelial cell line. In particular, HPV type 18 genomic DNA is transfected into primary keratinocytes. Transfection is followed by clonal expansion of the transfected cells, and induction of epithelial stratification and differentiation in organotypic cultures resulting in the synthesis of virions. Virus particles synthesized were approximately 50 nanometers in diameter as observed by electron microscopy. In particular HPV18 virions produced by the system and purified by an isopycnic gradient were capable of infecting keratinocytes.

Abstract: Plant cell expansion is regulated by wall relaxation and yielding, which is thought to be catalyzed by elusive "wall loosening" enzymes. By employing a reconstitution approach, we initially found that a crude protein extract from the cell walls of growing cucumber seedlings possessed the ability to induce the extension of isolated cell walls. This activity was restricted to the growing region of the stem and could induce the extension of isolated cell walls from various dicots and monocots, but was less effective on grass coleoptile walls. Sequential HPLC fractionation of the active wall extract revealed two proteins with molecular masses of 29 and 30 kD, as measured by SDS-PAGE, associated with such activity. Each protein, by itself, could induce wall extension without detectable hydrolytic breakdown of the wall We proposed the name "expansins" for this class of proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing catalytic materials which comprises passing an aerosol comprising a mixture of metal powder and support through a plasma torch.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for delivering agents across cell membranes are disclosed. The compositions include an agent to be delivered, a viscous material, such as a hydrogel, lipogel or viscous sol, and, optionally, a carrier that includes a ligand that binds to or interacts with cell surface receptors. The agent to be delivered binds to or otherwise interacts with cell surface receptors, is attached, either covalently or ionically to a molecule that binds to or interacts with a cell surface receptor, or is associated with the carrier. Agents to be delivered include bioactive compounds and diagnostic agents. The compositions have an apparent viscosity roughly equal to the viscosity of the cytosol in the cell to which the agent is to be delivered. The rate of cellular internalization is higher when the viscosity of the viscous material and that of the cytosol in the cell are approximately the same, relative to when they are not the same.

Abstract: The invention provides a container for transporting antiprotons including a dewar having an evacuated cavity and a cryogenically cold wall. A plurality of thermally conductive supports are disposed in thermal connection with the cold wall and extend into the cavity. An antiproton trap is mounted on the extending supports within the cavity. A sealable cavity access port selectively provides access to the cavity for selective introduction into and removal from the cavity of the antiprotons. The container is capable of confining and storing antiprotons while they are transported via conventional terrestrial or airborne methods to a location distant from their creation.

Abstract: Polypropylene (PP) membranes having a hydrophilic surface have been prepared by extracting a fugitive hydrophilic pore-forming agent from a gelled film prepared by evaporating the solvent from a homogeneous solution of isotactic polypropylene, functionalized polypropylene and the fugitive agent in a solvent, such as xylene. Most of the functional groups, such as --OH, --NH.sub.2 and --COOH, in the functionalized polypropylene are located on the surfaces of the membrane, including pore surfaces. The resulting membranes, especially membranes having an asymmetric structure, are useful for ultrafiltration, dialysis and/or microfiltration.

Abstract: A nozzle for an abrasive blast cleaning apparatus consisting of a short, relatively rapidly converging inlet section, a constant-area throat, a rapidly diverging first diverging section, and a long second diverging section that diverges less rapidly than the first diverging section. The inlet section quickly accelerates the abrasive particles after entering the nozzle, while the first diverging section rapidly brings the relative velocity of the air stream and the abrasive particles to about Mach 1.4. The second diverging section helps to maintain the relative Mach number while the abrasive particles continue to accelerate. This makes abrasive blast cleaning more efficient, particularly because the kinetic energy of the abrasive particles emerging from the nozzle is significantly increased.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating neoplastic disease whereby gene therapy treatments are employed in combination with a chemotherapy regime. A combinational therapy with anti-neoplastic alkylating agents will optimize host tumor sensitivity to these agents used alone or in combination with O.sup.6 -benzylguanine (BG) or a similar compound or compounds. Hematopoietic cells are infected with a transgene expressing a mutant AGT protein exhibiting DNA repair activity while imparting resistance to BG or a related compound. Introduction of the transduced hematopoietic cell population expressing the mutant AGT protein into the patient in tandem with the chemotherapeutic regime will substantially reduce myelosuppression traditionally associated with the administration of these anti-neoplastic drugs.