Abstract: A hydrogen permeation membrane is provided having a cP2 Pearson symbol (Pm3m space group) structure. Suitable alloys include an “A” element from Periodic Table groups 3b-5b and an “M” element from the Periodic Table groups 6b-1b present at a stoichiometry that achieves the inventive crystal structure. Zr and Nb are the preferred A elements followed in preference by Ti and V. First Periodic Table row elements from groups 6b-1b are the preferred B elements. The inventive alloys also find applications as hydrogen getters, Ni-metal hydride battery materials, and hydrogen storage materials.

Abstract: A novel group of apomorphine derivatives are provided that are well suited as radioimaging agents upon incorporation of radionuclides. Through reaction of D ring sites, the less reactive sites of the apomorphine A ring is modified in ways previously unattainable.

Abstract: A reagent for the detection of an extracellular enzymatically active protein produced by a beta-hemolytic streptococcus bacteria found in a host biological fluid includes a proteinaceous substrate or a cholesterol-containing membrane substrate for the extracellular protein. The substrate is nonspecific within the groups of beta-hemolytic streptococcus bacterium and is in contact with an inert solid matrix. Upon reaction between the streptococcus enzymatically activate protein and the substrate, a color change discernable by an unaided human eye results. Extracellular streptococcus protein found in saliva represents a less invasive source of biological fluid for the determination as to whether a host suffers acute pharyngitis.

Abstract: An image acquisition and display assembly 12 for use upon a vehicle 10 and which includes a pair of substantially identical cameras 14, 16 which are adapted to receive images of objects 50, 52 or portions of the vehicular ambient environment 27 located in the front of and/or along the sides 24, 26 of the vehicle 10 and of objects 28, 30 or portions of the vehicular ambient environment 27 located in the rear and/or along the sides of the vehicle 10. The assembly 12 may include a pair of movable mirror assemblies 34, 36 which selectively and respectively communicate with cameras 14, 16, thereby allowing the cameras 14, 16 to receive the desired and previously delineated images.

Abstract: A system 10, which receives a computer, aided model or design 18 and which probabilistically analyzes the model 18 by use of a modified Latin Hypercube sampling technique and combined MARS and Kriging simulation methodologies, thereby allowing a simulation to be conducted at a most probable point of operation and allowing products having desired characteristics and attributes to be created.

Abstract: A node switch useful for resource sharing within a network environment incorporating computer control uses opto-electronic isolators and switching devices to route bidirectional communications between a common port and at least two I/O ports on an asynchronous basis. Separate power supplies are used for the ports and the internal circuitry, thus providing signal matching between disparate pieces of equipment. Multiple node switches may be cascaded or "daisy-chained" to provide for flexible switching, depending upon the application.