Abstract: A method and a system for variable aggregation among large-scale data processing workers is discussed. Workers join groups and add variables to the groups. One worker is elected as the group leader. Workers post values to group variables, which are aggregated by the leader. The leader also announces the aggregated values. This variable aggregation allows for asynchronous communication among data processing workers.

Abstract: A pressure vessel (10) and a process for its fabrication, the vessel (10) having a liner shell (16) formed from composite materials cured out-of-autoclave, and an outer structure (18) formed by winding or laying up additional layers of composite material over the liner shell. The liner shell (16) is formed as two halves, each with an opening into which a boss fitting (20) is installed. The two halves may be separately formed by a lay-up process, or first formed as a whole liner shell by filament winding, the whole liner shell then being cut in half to permit installation of the boss fittings (20). After curing, the halves are assembled and the outer structure (18) is wrapped over the liner shell (16) and also cured out-of-autoclave. The resulting pressure vessel (10) can be used for reliable storage of cryogenic or other materials, yet is light in weight and not costly.

Abstract: Disclosure is made of a method employing real-time imaging techniques such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging in order to investigate the effect of air way structures or administration and respiratory drugs when administered by oral inhalation. The information obtained from the practice of this method yields the criteria that can be used, among other things, to design more efficient aerosol drug delivery systems which optimize the amount of medicine delivered to the lung.

Abstract: Disclosure is made of a method employing real-time imaging techniques such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging in order to investigate the effect of air way structures or administration and respiratory drugs when administered by oral inhalation. The information obtained from the practice of this method yields the criteria that can be used, among other things, to design more efficient aerosol drug delivery systems which optimize the amount of medicine delivered to the lung.

Abstract: An RF receiver coil structure for NMR imaging of a human head attached by a neck to a body (normally lying horizontally), having ear positions, and having a defined axis generally along a line extending from the top of the head through the neck. The coil lies primarily in a coil plane which is horizontal, and thus is properly oriented with reference to the main field orientation of an NMR system. The coil is generally oval in configuration, having sides and defined upper and lower ends spaced by an oval height. The coil is sized for positioning around the head oriented such that the coil upper end is adjacent to the top of the head, the coil sides are generally adjacent to the ear positions, and the defined head axis lies in the defined coil plane.

Abstract: An assembly is disclosed which comprises brackets and a template for facilitating the mounting of a replacement article such as a compressor or the like on an existing base. The brackets are adapted for adjustable mounting on the base and the template has arms joined in adjustable relationship by a central pivot clamp so that the brackets and template can cooperate to establish an index which will align mounting elements in the base in coincident relationship with corresponding mounting elements on the replacement article.