Abstract: A medical system incorporates a perforated flexible web conformable to a patient, at least one electroacoustic transducer attached to the web, an a-c current source being operatively connected to the transducer for energizing the transducer with an electrical signal of a pre-established ultrasonic frequency to produce a first pressure wave. At least one acoustoelectric transducer is attached to the web, while an analyzing component is operatively connected to the acoustoelectric transducer for determining three-dimensional shapes of internal organs of the patient by analyzing signals generated by the acoustoelectric transducer in response to second pressure waves produced at internal organs of the patient in response to the first pressure wave. An image of internal organic structures derived through the ultrasonic signal analysis is displayed on a video monitor for enabling direct observation of invasive diagnostic and therapeutic operations.

Abstract: This invention relates to anti-viral drugs such as Helioxanthin and its analogs. The present compounds may be used alone or in combination with other drugs for the treatment of Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), Yellow Fever, Dengue Virus, Japanese Encephalitis, West Nile virus and related flaviviruses. In addition, compounds according to the present invention can be used to prevent hepatoma secondary to virus infection as well as other infections or disease states which are secondary to the virus infection.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a vaccine from substantially viable spirochetal bacteria of Borrelia, preferably Borrelia burgdorferi having immunogenic or therapeutic properties and capable of inducing an immune or therapeutic response against Lyme Disease when administered to a patient is described. The product for use against Lyme Disease is produced by ultrasound treatment of substantially viable spirochetal bacteria of Borrelia burgdorferi. The invention produces a product and a method of treatment that can be used for the immunization and/or therapy of a patient against Lyme Disease to minimize or prevent the contraction of the disease or to treat the disease.

Abstract: A stagnant-water intercepting device for disposition in earthworks is formed by an intercepting member and two auxiliary intercepting plates. The intercepting member has a semi-cylindrical center portion and two side wing portions. The semi-cylindrical center portion and the side wing portions are integrated into a single body. The two auxiliary intercepting plates are respectively provided with a plurality of spaced holes at their exposed portions and fixedly fitted into respective ones of the side wing portions of the intercepting member. The portions of the intercepting plates fitted into the side wing portions of the intercepting member are each provided with a plurality of holes.

Abstract: A bag comprises a bottom panel and a sidewall connected to the bottom panel about a periphery thereof, the sidewall defining a mouth located on a side of the sidewall opposite the bottom panel. The sidewall is folded back on itself at least twice to form a sidewall region with at least three coextensive and adjacent sections of the sidewall. The sidewall has a pair of folds defining a circumferentially or perimetrically extending first edge on an outer side of the sidewall and a circumferentially or perimetrically extending second edge on an inner side of the sidewall. The folds define a pair of circumferentially extending pockets, one on the outer side of the bag sidewall and another on the inner side of the sidewall. A reinforcement board is inserted in one of the pockets. Decorative graphics overlay the pockets.

Abstract: A printing assembly comprises a first printer for printing documents encoded in computer generated signals and a second printer for printing documents encoded in computer generated signals, the documents including alphanumeric characters, charts and graphics. The printers are disposed one above the other and are connected in tandem to one another via a multiple-page continuous web of paper extending along a U- or C-shaped path from a paper output port of the first printer to a paper feed port of the second printer. A computer for generating a signal encoding a multiple page document is coupled via connection componentry to the printers for transmitting odd pages in encoded form to one of the printers and even pages to the other printer.

Abstract: Provided is an inexpensive process for producing hydrogen absorbing alloy powder suitable for a nickel-metal hydride storage battery having a high rate discharge property, a high capacity and a long cycle life for repetition of charge and discharge. The process comprises a step of an addition of a rare earth metal oxide and/or hydroxide to a hydrogen absorbing alloy powder, a wet or dry mixing step and a thermal treatment step in an inert atmosphere or in a vacuum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that certain &bgr;-L-dioxolane nucleoside analogs which contain a uracil base, and preferably, a 5-halosubstituted uracil base, exhibit unexpectedly high activity against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Varciella-Zoster virus (VZV) and Herpes Virus 8 (HV-8). In particular, the compounds according to the present invention show potent inhibition of the replication of the virus (viral growth) in combination with very low toxicity to the host cells (i.e., animal or human tissue). Compounds are useful for treating EBV, VZV and HV-8 infections in humans.

Abstract: A surgical staple, particularly but not exclusively for use in endoscopic surgery, includes a first leg, a second leg, and a hinge portion joining the first leg and the second leg to one another. A spring element is connected between the first leg and the second leg biases the staple in a closed postfiring configuration. The staple is temporarily disposed in an open prefiring configuration in an access tube by a stalk holding the legs of the staple apart. A stapling operation includes manipulating the stalk to affix the staple to a soft substrate, and subsequently withdrawing the stalk to release the staple and allow the spring element to develop closing force in the legs. The spring element may be integral with the legs or a separate element connected thereto.

Abstract: An air pressure stabiliser device is adapted to be located in a aperture in a wall, which may be provided by ductwork, extending into and from a room within which the pressure is to be maintained in excess of atmospheric pressure, but which is vented when the pressure rises above a predetermined maximum. The stabilising device comprises two bearing assemblies defining a longitudinal axis, and a control member extending between the bearing assemblies, being supported thereby for rotation about said axis. Adjustment means are provided positionally to adjust the control member in a direction extending at right angles to the pivot axis, to adjust the excess pressure to which the control member responds and the threshold opening pressure. These adjustment means are provided to enable the control member to open fully in response to the detection of the desired excess pressure within the room being controlled.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical prodrug compositions are provided comprising azide derivatives of drugs which are capable of being converted to the drug in vivo. Azide derivatives of drugs having amine, ketone and hydroxy substituents are converted in vivo to the corresponding drugs, increasing the half-life of the drugs. In addition azide prodrugs are often better able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier than the corresponding drugs. Especially useful are azide derivatives of cordycepin, 2′-F-ara-ddI, AraA, acyclovir, penciclovir and related drugs. Useful azide prodrugs are azide derivatives of therapeutic alicyclic amines, ketones, and hydroxy-substituted compounds, including aralkyl, heterocyclic aralkyl, and cyclic aliphatic compounds, where the amine or oxygen moiety is on the ring, or where the amine or oxygen moiety is on an aliphatic side chain, as well as therapeutic purines and pyrimidines, nucleoside analogs and phosphorylated nucleoside analogs.

Abstract: Natural product metabolites produced by fungi are synthesized using fungal spores that have been immobilized onto/into a support. Supports that can be used include loofah sponge, synthetic sponge, powdered cellulose paper, wood shavings, calcium alginate gel beads, agar gel beads, channeled aluminum beads, polypropylene beads and glass beads. Immobilizing the fungal spores provides accelerated production of the natural product metabolite in a standard bioreactor. Fungi that can be used include Penicillium cyclopium, Penicillium chrysogenum, Penicillium citrinum, Trichoderma viride, Aspergillus terreus and Monascus ruber. In a preferred embodiment, spores of Penicillium cyclopium NRRL 6233 immobilized with loofah sponge are cultured in a nutrient media for at least 4 days to produce compactin which is a hypocholesteremic agent.

Abstract: A surgical method for assisting cardiac function utilizes a balloon initially in a collapsed configuration. The balloon is inserted onto an intrapericardial space about a patient's heart and is disposed about one portion of the patient's heart. The method further includes inflating the balloon in the intrapericardial space to compress one portion of the patient's heart. A lower end portion of the patient's heart is separately compressed by an additional instrumentality to reduce ventricular volume.

Abstract: A pillow-like protector and body support device having a central section stuffed with polyurethane and covered with soft hypoallergenic material is provided with cut-away air gaps and medial seams that form air grooves or channels. The pillows and supports are made for supporting various body parts, e.g., the neck, shoulder, torso, elbows, and tailbone. Many of the pillows/supports are capable of being used together into an integrated system for alleviating bedsores and other medical problems associated with sitting or lying in the same position for long periods of time. One embodiment of the invention relates to a coccyx protector and is adapted to slip over a bedpan. In addition, embodiments are disclosed related to breast supports. One version is a small pillow/protector with an airflow pocket. Another version is sling-like and includes an air circulation seam for the skin just beneath the pillow. Yet another version of the breast support for protecting both breasts.