Abstract: A method for preparing a treated nanocrystalline metallic material. The method of preparation includes providing a starting nanocrystalline metallic material with a grain size less than about 35 nm, compacting the starting nanocrystalline metallic material in an inert atmosphere and annealing the compacted metallic material at a temperature less than about one-half the melting point of the metallic material.

Abstract: A computerized method and system based on quantitative analysis of geometric features of various infiltrate patterns in chest images for the detection and categorization of abnormalities related to the infiltrate patterns. Chest images are digitized and a lung texture analysis is performed on a number of small regions of interest (ROIs) in order to determine a classification of normal or abnormal of the particular patient's lungs. If the lungs are determined as being abnormal, large ROIs with a 128.times.128 matrix are selected in order to cover the detected areas of abnormality. Overall background trend correction is then performed in these large ROIs using a 2D-surface fitting technique for isolation of the fluctuating patterns of the underlying lung texture. Opacities of interstitial infiltrates are identified from two processed images which are obtained by employing thresholding with a morphological filter and a line enhancement filter.

Abstract: A protective tube for a laser endoscope that prevents the passage of laser smoke towards the oral cavity of a patient, removes debris from the endoscope and which is adapted to be inserted through the oral cavity and into an esophagus of a patient receiving medical treatment, the protective tube comprising a curved resilient member having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end including a mouthpiece and the distal end including a first sealing means and a second sealing means, the first sealing means forming a first seal between an outer surface of the tube and an inner surface of the esophagus and the second sealing means forming a second seal between an inner surface of the tube and an outer surface of the laser endoscope.

Abstract: A zeolite based catalyst for activation and conversion of methane. A zeolite support includes a transition metal (Mo, Cr or W) sulfide disposed within the micropores of the zeolite. The catalyst allows activation and conversion of methane to C.sub.2 + hydrocarbons in a reducing atmosphere, thereby avoiding formation of oxides of carbon.

Abstract: A foreign gene is inserted into a viral genome under the control of promoter-regulatory regions of the genome, thus providing a vector for the expression of the foreign gene. DNA constructs, plasmid vectors containing the constructs useful for expression of the foreign gene, recombinant viruses produced with the vector, and associated methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A computerized method and system for reducing the number of false-positive detections of nodule candidates in the detection of abnormalities in digital chest radiography. The image is initially subjected to an image difference technique where the detection sensitivity is increased so as to avoid missing small nodules which might otherwise go undetected. Such a technique tends to increase the number of false-positives, however, leading to possible incorrect diagnoses of the radiographs. To reduce the number of false-positives, feature extraction techniques are applied to grown regions around the nodule candidates, in order to provide computer generated information concerning the candidates. A data base of parameters common to false-positives is compared to calculated parameters of a candidate of interest. The candidates with grown region parameters within the data base range common to false-positives are eliminated as being probable false-positive detections due to normal background anatomical features.

Abstract: The present invention discloses improved methods for the treatment of autoimmune diseases using .beta.-adrenergic agonists, and particularly, .beta..sub.2 -adrenergic agonists. The treatment of animals with either EAE or EAN using the .beta..sub.2 -adrenergic agonist terbutaline significantly suppressed clinical disease. A Phase I safety treatment trial with terbutaline was conducted in MS patients. Twenty-four patients were treated for 4 weeks. No obvious side effects were observed. At 4 weeks, 15 of the 24 patients improved on neurologic rating scale and 17 patients reported subjective improvement. Treatment of rats with EAMG, an animal model of tThe government may own rights in the present invention pursuant to NIH grants 2 RO1 NS18413-07A1 and PO1NS-24575-03.

Abstract: A method for mixing and separating immiscible liquid salts and liquid metals in a centrifugal contractor. The method includes introducing the liquids into an annular mixing zone and intensely mixing the liquids using vertical vanes attached to a rotor cooperating with vertical baffles, a horizontal baffle, and bottom vanes attached to the contactor housing. The liquids enter the contactor in the range of 700-800 degrees Celsius. The liquids are separated in the rotor into a dense phase and a light phase which are discharged from the contactor.

Abstract: An electrically conductive material for use in solid oxide fuel cells, electrochemical sensors for combustion exhaust, and various other applications possesses increased fracture toughness over available materials, while affording the same electrical conductivity. One embodiment of the sintered electrically conductive material consists essentially of cubic ZrO.sub.2 as a matrix and 6-19 wt. % monoclinic ZrO.sub.2 formed from particles having an average size equal to or greater than about 0.23 microns. Another embodiment of the electrically conductive material consists essentially at cubic ZrO.sub.2 as a matrix and 10-30 wt. % partially stabilized zirconia (PSZ) formed from particles having an average size of approximately 3 microns.

Abstract: An optical alignment system for aligning a film cassette carrying grid cassette with an x-ray source of a portable x-ray apparatus. To facilitate accurate alignment of the central x-ray beam of the x-ray source of a portable x-ray apparatus with a focused grid in a clinical setting, the present invention uses a light projector and a reflector device. The light projector is substantially fixed relative to the x-ray source and projects a spot or line of light on the surface of the grid cassette. The reflector device, which can be temporarily or permanently fixed to the grid cassette, includes a reflector surface and an image surface. Images of the incident light spot or line and of the reflected light spot or line are formed on the image surface, and the distance between the images indicates the magnitude of angulation alignment error between the grid cassette and the x-ray source.

Abstract: A method for treating ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is disclosed. The inventive method comprises the administration of controlled dosages of dextromethorphan in therapeutically effective amounts in a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle Dextromethorphan (DMP) is a dimethylaminomethyl-substituted phenol, a sigma receptor antagonist known also as d-3-methoxy-N methylmorphinan, a d-isomer of the codeine analog, levorphanol. The inventive method has proven useful in controlling the progression of ALS in afflicted patients.

Abstract: A flywheel having superconductor bearings has a lower drag to lift ratio that translates to an improvement of a factor of ten in the rotational decay rate. The lower drag results from the lower dissipation of melt-processed YBCO, improved uniformity of the permanent magnet portion of the bearings, operation in a different range of vacuum pressure from that taught by the art, and greater separation distance from the rotating members of conductive materials.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel classes of anti-androgen including dihydrophenanthrene derivatives, their method of synthesis and their use in treating disorders associated with excessive androgenic activities.

Abstract: Disclosed are DNA sequences encoding novel DNA binding proteins implicated in regulation of early stages of cell growth. Illustratively provided are human and mouse origin DNA sequences encoding early growth regulatory ("Egr") proteins which include "zinc finger" regions of the type involved in DNA binding. Also disclosed are immunological methods and materials for detection of Egr proteins and hybridization methods and materials for detection and quantification of Egr protein related nucleic acids.

Abstract: A bipolar battery having a plurality of cells. The bipolar battery includes: a negative electrode; a positive electrode and a separator element disposed between the negative electrode and the positive electrode, the separator element electrically insulating the electrodes from one another; an electrolyte disposed within at least one of the negative electrode, the positive electrode and the separator element; and an electrode containment structure including a cup-like electrode holder.

Abstract: A method and system for quantitation of blood flow rates by using digital subtraction angiographic (DSA) images, wherein the spatial shift of the distribution of contrast material injected into an opacified vessel in the acquired angiographic images is analyzed as a bolus of the contrast material proceeds through the vessel. In order to determine the distance that the bolus travels between image acquisitions, there is obtained from the DSA images the distribution of vessel contrast along the length of the vessel, called and "distance-density" curve. The distance that the contrast material travels during the time between two images acquisitions is determined by means of cross correlation of the two respective distance-density curves. The flow rate between the image acquisitions is calculated by multiplying this distance by the frame rate and the vessel cross-sectional area which is estimated from the vessel size assuming a circular cross section.

Abstract: A method for automated analysis of abnormalities in the form of lesions and parenchymal distortions using digital images, including generating image data from respective of digital images derived from at least one selected portion of an object, for example, from mammographical digital images of the left and right breasts. The image data from each of the digital images are then correlated to produce correlated data in which normal anatomical structured background is removed. The correlated data is then searched using one or more predetermined criteria to identify in at least one of the digital images an abnormal region represented by a portion of the correlated data which meets the predetermined criteria. The location of the abnormal region is then indicated, and the indicated location is then subjected to classification processing to determine whether or not the abnormal region is benign or malignant. Classification is performed based on the degree of spiculations of the identified abnormal region.

Abstract: Method of making selected phases of nanocrystalline ceramic materials. Various methods of controlling the production of nanocrystalline alpha alumina and titanium oxygen phases are described. Control of the gas atmosphere and use of particular oxidation treatments give rise to the ability to control the particular phases provided in the aluminum/oxygen and titanium/oxygen system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting strontium and technetium values from biological, industrial and environmental sample solutions using a chromatographic column is described. An extractant medium for the column is prepared by generating a solution of a diluent containing a Crown ether and dispersing the solution on a resin substrate material. The sample solution is highly acidic and is introduced directed to the chromatographic column and strontium or technetium is eluted using deionized water.

Abstract: A method for preventing or relieving nausea and emesis associated with the use of an emesis-causing agent in warm-blooded animals comprises administering to the animal both a narcotic analgesic and a quaternary derivative of noroxymorphone prior to, simultaneously with of after administering the emesis-causing agent. A particularly preferred noroxymorphone derivative is methylnaltrexone. The method is highly effective in preventing or relieving nausea and emesis induced by anticancer drugs, and by apomorphine.