Abstract: An eye comfort device for optically adjusting the focal distance for screen viewing of a video display comprising a transparent plate constituting a lens with a diopter vergence value in the range of from 0.4 to 0.8 diopters and preferably from 0.5 to 0.6 diopters. The plate contains a quantity of a UV absorbent rose, magenta or pink tint or colorant sufficient to block at least 80 percent of UV transmissions within the range of from 300 to 360 nm. The preferred plate composition is a substantially transparent organic polymer containing, in addition to the magenta tint, a quantity of a UV absorbent sufficient to block at least 90 percent of UV transmissions below 400 nm.

Abstract: Sensitive proteins in human biological secretion samples are preserved by dispersing them in an aqueous solution containing from 0.05 to 0.5M of a buffer which is effective to maintain the solution pH within the range of from 6.5 to 8.0; from 0.1 to 10 wt. % of a non-immune animal protein selected from the group consisting of albumin, ovalbumin, casein, glycoprotein and mixtures thereof; from 40 to 2000 kallikrein units/mL of an enzyme inhibitor of trypsin, chymotrypsin, kallikrein or plasmin; and from 0.01 to 0.1 wt. % of a bacteriostatic agent. The solution preferably also contains from 5 .mu.M to 1 mM of a protease inhibitor; and from 1 to 10 mM of a chelating agent. Optimally, the enzyme inhibitor is aprotinin, the protease inhibitor is phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride, the non-immune animal protein is bovine serum albumin, and the protease inhibitor is phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride. 0.0 to 0.15 mM of a water-soluble non-interfering salt, such as NaCl, may be desired.

Abstract: The therapeutic compositions of this invention comprise one or more porphycene compounds incorporated within liposomes. The method of this invention for treating cancer comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of a porphycene derivative to a patient, and exposing an affected body area of the patient to a therapeutically sufficient amount of light having a wavelength of from 600 to 950 nm.

Abstract: A transplantable artificial tissue matrix structure containing viable cells which is suitable for insertion into the body is made by polymerizing precursors in an aqueous solution to form a shape retaining solid matrix comprising viable cells, matrix polymer and reversible gel polymer. The solution contains a matrix polymer precursor, a reversible gel polymer precursor, and viable cells. The reversible gel polymer is dissolved and removed to yield an insoluble, porous matrix containing viable cells. The conditions and reagents are selected to maintain the viability of the cells. The invention is particularly suitable for artificial transplant matrix tissue containing pancreatic islet cells.

Abstract: Methods and reagents for early detection of myocardial infarction determine the level of CK-MM.sub.A and the level of the combined CK-MM.sub.A and CK-MM.sub.B in a serum sample. From these measurements, the time of the acute phase can be more accurately determined. Novel anti-(CK-MM.sub.A) antibodies, anti-(CK-MM.sub.B) antibodies, anti-(CK-MM.sub.(A+B)) antibodies, labeled and insolubilized derivatives of these antibodies, labeled CK-MM isoforms, and kits containing one or more of these reagents are also described.

Abstract: The process of this invention for preparing Mn(II) chelate comprises forming the Mn(II) chelate by mixing manganese(II) oxide (insoluble) with an aqueous suspension comprising a molar equivalent or molar excess of the insoluble protonated chelating compound at a temperature of from 20.degree. to 50.degree. C. When the reaction is carried out with a protonated chelating agent in the absence of base, a precipitate of the protonated Mn(II) chelate is formed. A low osmolarity Mn(II) chelate solution can be formed from the precipitates by dissolving them in an aqueous solution of base. When the initial chelate forming reaction is carried out in a solution containing a molar equivalent or excess of sodium hydroxide, a low osmolarity solution of the Mn(II) chelate is directly formed with most chelating agents. Preferred chelating compounds for this process include DPDP, DTPA, DCTA, EDTP, DOTA, DOXA, DO3A and EDTA.

Abstract: A diffusion furnace and method for processing semiconductor wafers standing on edge wherein the furnace has vertically adjacent electrical resistance heating elements wired in parallel and disposed above the wafers. This arrangement enables the heat input to the furnace by the heating elements to be varied. In a preferred embodiment, the heating elements in the upper section of the tube are connected in one circuit and the heating elements in the lower section of the tube are connected in a second circuit and each circuit is controlled in response to the temperature in that section.

Abstract: An improved binding assay plate having greatly reduced non-specific binding with proteinaceous reagents comprising a polysilicon surface having a binding reagent adhered thereto, the surface having a coating adsorbed thereon of a proteinaceous non-specific binding inhibitor. This binding assay product is prepared by adhering binding reagent to a polysilicon surface and then treating the surface with the proteinaceous non-specific binding inhibitor.The binding assay method comprises the steps of contacting the polysilicion surface having a primary binding reagent and non-specific binding inhibitor adhered to the surface thereof with a solution containing an analyte with which the primary binding reagent specifically binds for a time sufficient to permit conjugation of analyte with the primary binding reagent and determining the analyte bound to the polysilicon surface. The plate is suitable for both sandwich and competition immunoassays.

Abstract: A skeletal frame supporting a continuous sealed, flattened plastic film tube for retaining gas under positive pressure. The tube has opposed edges with a flexible film retainer line passing therethrough and extending beyond the end thereof to form edge beads. Guide strips having integral track means are positioned on opposite edges of the guide strip. The guide tracks receive and guide an edge of the flattened film tube drawn therethrough by the retainer line and retain the retainer line and film tube means in place on the skeletal structure. The plastic film tube of the fully assembled structure is a sealed envelope filled with a gas under positive pressure. In the preferred fully assembled wall structure, the plastic film has the form of a flattened four film layer forming two air-filled insulating layers. The film layer is formed from two concentric tubes, sealed at the ends to form a tubular sealed envelope, and the double walls are sealed to form a tubular envelope.

Abstract: A diffraction immunoassay method in which a diffraction grating design of non-light disturbing primary binding reagent on an insoluble surface is conjugated with analyte in a sample. If the primary binding reagent-analyte conjugate is light disturbing, a diffraction grating is formed. If the primary binding reagent-analyte conjugate is non-light disturbing, the analyte is further conjugated with a secondary binding reagent which is labeled with a light disturbing material to form a diffraction grating. Light from a narrow band light source is then applied to the surface, and the intensity of beams of diffracted light formed by the diffraction grating is determined. The diffraction immunoassay plate for the method comprises a smooth insoluble surface having on the surface thereof, a diffraction grating design of lines of the primary binding reagent.

Abstract: This invention is a method for obtaining improved NMR images of the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes comprising imjecting a physiologically acceptable solution of a chelate of a parmagnetic material into the uterus under sufficient pressure to cause the solution to pass through the fallopian tubes and obtaining an enhanced NMR image of the tissue surrounding the fallopian tubes. The chelates and the injection solutions thereof do not include carbohydrate groups or other compounds which might support growth of Staphylococcus aureus or other pathological miroorganisms in the peritoneal cavity.Kits including contrast medium and non-metallic uterine balloon catheters suitable for use with NMRI procedures are also included within the scope of this invention.

Abstract: In the NMR imaging of a subject comprising administering to such subject a composition containing an image-modifying effective amount of an image enhancer, permitting the enhancer to move through the subject, and after a time interval taking an NMR image of the subject, the improvement which comprises employing as said enhancer a complex of a paramagnetic polyvalent metal and a partial amide and/or ester of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid. The complexes are new.

Abstract: A method for treating psoriasis comprising applying an effective amount of a cytotoxic drug dispersed in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle containing a penetrating solvent for the drug, the drug being applied to the skin area affected by the psoriasis without occlusion in pulses of from 1 to 3 applications per pulse, the pulses being applied at an interval of once every from 3 to 30 days and preferably at an interval of from 4 to 14 days. Optimally, the penetrating solvent is free from toxic effects, such as AZONE or similar substituted azacycloalkyl-2-ones, tertiary amine oxides, and the like.

Abstract: A method for treating actinic keratosis comprising applying an effective amount of a cytotoxic drug dispersed in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle containing a penetrating solvent for the drug, the drug being applied to the skin area having the actinic keratosis growth without occlusion in pulses at an interval of once every from 3 to 30 days and preferably at an interval of from 4 to 14 days. Optimally, the penetrating solvent is free from toxic effects, such as propylene glycol, AZONE.RTM. or similar substituted azacycloalkyl-2-ones, tertiary amine oxides, and the like.

Abstract: Radioactive metal ion chelates of N,N'-bis-(pyridoxal-5-phosphate)-alkylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acids, N,N'-bis-(pyridoxal-5-phosphate)-1,2-cycloalkylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acids, and N,N'-bis-(pyridoxal-5-phosphate)-1,2-arylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acids, the corresponding monophosphate compounds and monoacetic acid compounds, and their salts and esters form stable, highly soluble chelates with paramagnetic metal ions, and are highly effective agents for radiopharmaceutical imaging. Preferred contrast agents are radioactive metal ion such as technetium-99m and indium-111 ion chelates of N,N'-bis-(pyridoxal-5-phosphate)ethylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acid, N,N'-bis-(pyridoxal-5-phosphate)trans-1,2-cyclohexylene-diamine-N,N'-diace tic acid, N,N'-bis-(pyridoxal-5-phosphate)trans-1,2-arylenediamine-N,N'-diacetic acid, and the soluble calcium salts thereof.

Abstract: A method for treating actinic keratosis comprising applying an effective amount of a cytotoxic drug dispersed in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle containing a penetrating solvent for the drug, the drug being applied to the skin area having the actinic keratosis growth without occlusion in pulses at an interval of once every from 3 to 30 days and preferably at an interval of from 4 to 14 days. Optimally, the penetrating solvent is free from toxic effects, such as AZONE or similar substituted azacycloalkyl-2-ones, tertiary amine oxides, and the like.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the low pressure, cold wall, chemical vapor deposition of refractory metals, such as tungsten on a silicon wafer. The silicon wafer is introduced into a loading lock wherein the pressure is reduced to subatmospheric pressure. The silicon wafer is transferred to a deposition chamber where it is heated to an elevated temperature. A refractory metal carbonyl vapor is introduced into the deposition chamber and dissociates to deposit a refractory metal on the silicon wafer. The wafer is transferred to an unloading lock where it is allowed to cool and is then removed.

Abstract: A back pressure sensor comprising a flexible beam having a pivot end with a pivot pin and a drive connector end with a means for engaging a pump drive. A pump actuator is connected to the flexible beam at a position intermediate the ends and connects with a positive displacement pumping member. A sensor beam is attached to the flexible beam at a connecting point spaced from said pivot end. A first capacitor plate is mounted on the flexible beam at a point which is spaced from the connecting point. A second capacitor plate is mounted on the sensor beam in a position facing and spaced apart from the first capacitor plate at a distance therefrom which permits formation of a capacitance coupling therebetween.

Abstract: A back pressure sensor for a positive displacement pump comprises at least one flexible beam having a pivot end and a drive connector end, and a pump actuator mounted between the pivot end and the drive connector end. The pump actuator connects with a positive displacement member of a pump. At least one sensor beam is connected to the flexible beam at a mounting position between the distal end and vibration damping end thereof. A first capacitor plate is mounted on the flexible beam at a position adjacent to the pivot end thereof, and a second capacitor plate is mounted adjacent the distal end of the sensor beam in a position facing the first capacitor plate at a distance which permits a capacitance coupling between the capacitor plates. A vibration damping mass is secured to the vibration damping end of the sensor beam for damping drive motion vibrations in the sensor beam.

Abstract: A small enzymically inactive peptide fragment of an enzyme (e.g. ribonuclease S-peptide) is used as the label and conjugated with the complementary fragment (S-protein) to form an enzyme which catalyzes a primary reaction whose product is, or leads to, an essential coenzyme or prosthetic group for a second enzyme which catalyzes a secondary reaction leading to a detectable result indicating the presence of analyte. Also disclosed are novel synthetic substrates for the primary reaction. Substrates for ribonuclease S conjugate enzyme are of the formula R-X where R is a pyrimidine 3'-phosphate moiety and X is a leaving group linked to R through the 3'-phosphate group and leads to said coenzyme or prosthetic group, e.g. via riboflavin, thiamine, pyridoxal, pyridoxine or pyridoxine phosphate.