Abstract: Wheat bran fiber is used to alter the enterohepatic recirculation of estrogens leading to an increased fecal excretion of estrogens together with a decrease in urinary excretion of estrogens. Increased lipid excretion is also found. Thus wheat bran fiber is useful to remove estrogen and lipid in mammals.

Abstract: Novel radiopaque materials and a method for their preparation are described. The radiopaque materials comprise composites of polymers and heavy metal-containing organic compounds, which heavy metal containing compounds have the following formula: ##STR1## wherein X is a heavy metThis invention was made with Government support under research Grant No. NIH-1-RO1-DEO6179001A1 awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The Government has certain rights in this invention.

Abstract: The method and composition for treating psychotic disorders with psychoactive drugs which bind at the sigma binding site and act as antagonists to inhibiting psychotic action. The preferred compounds are N-cyclohexyl-N-ethyl benzylamine, N-cyclohexyl-N-ethyl 2-phenylethylamine, and bromhexine.

Abstract: A broadband microwave active inductor circuit for producing a flat inductive response versus frequency comprises a pair of bipolar transistors arranged in a gyrator configuration for producing an active inductance. Because the transistors exhibit intrinsic characteristics which influence the inductive response of the active inductor circuit, a feedback network is connected to the gyrator configuration to compensate for the intrinsic characteristics of the transistors so that the active inductor circuit realizes a flat inductive response over a wide range of frequencies including microwave frequencies.

Abstract: An improved multistep liquefaction process for organic carbonaceous mater which produces a virtually completely solvent-soluble carbonaceous liquid product. The solubilized product may be more amenable to further processing than liquid products produced by current methods. In the initial processing step, the finely divided organic carbonaceous material is treated with a hydrocarbonaceous pasting solvent containing from 10% and 100% by weight process-derived phenolic species at a temperature within the range of 300.degree. C. to 400.degree. C. for typically from 2 minutes to 120 minutes in the presence of a carbon monoxide reductant and an optional hydrogen sulfide reaction promoter in an amount ranging from 0 to 10% by weight of the moisture- and ash-free organic carbonaceous material fed to the system. As a result, hydrogen is generated via the water/gas shift reaction at a rate necessary to prevent condensation reactions. In a second step, the reaction product of the first step is hydrogenated.

Abstract: An immunoassay for small cell lung carcinoma is provided which uses small cell lung carcinoma voltage-gated calcium channel antigen (SCC-VGCC Ag) comprising a detectable label and antibodies against SCC-VGCC Ag to detect endogenous SCC-VGCC Ag.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of infertility in mammalian male animals based upon failure of sperm to undergo successful capacitation. Sperm samples are given the opportunity to undergo capacitation and subsequently contacted with antibodies to fibronectin. Binding levels indicate the degree of capacitation and consequently the presence of infertility.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanochemical engine capable of converting chemical work to mechanical work. The mechanochemical engine comprises an elastomeric material capable of reversibly contracting and relaxing by an inverse temperature transition induced by changes in the chemical potential of a surrounding medium. Examples of elastomeric materials and their elastomeric units that may be used in the mechanochemical engine are described.

Abstract: A digital data memory unit and memory unit array, each unit of which can be searched in accordance with the contents thereof and updated, utilizes a digital storage element in the form of a register, latch, or memory cell, a comparator and control logic. Data is presented to the units in parallel on data lines and compare data is supplied in parallel to the units along other data lines. Parallel search of data in each unit, with multiple updates in units where the stored data matches the compare data, occurs rapidly and in one clock cycle (e.g., approximately 50 nanoseconds). The control logic responds to a match output from the comparator and an update enable pulse to enable a new data word on the data lines to be written into the digital storage element of the unit. The memory unit array is useful in image processing for storing pixel values and searching and updating these values in the process of image analysis to recognize certain images.

Abstract: The electrodeposition of bismuth based materials and superconductors is achieved under isothermal, constant potential conditions using a three electrode, one compartment cell geometry operating at temperature below about 450.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention provides inhibitors of kynureninase having the formula ##STR1## where R.sub.a and R.sub.b, independently of one another are H, a halogen, CF.sub.3 or a small alkyl group having one to three carbon atoms; R.sub.1 is NH.sub.2, NR.sub.6 R.sub.7, halogen, CF.sub.3 or a small alkyl group having from one to three carbon atoms, wherein R.sub.6 and R.sub.7, independently of one another, are H, a formyl group or a small alkyl group having from one to three carbon atoms with the exception that only one of R.sub.6 or R.sub.7 can be a formyl group; R.sub.2 is OH, H, halogen, CF.sub.3 or a small alkyl group having from one to three carbon atoms; and R.sub.3, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5, independently of one another, are H, halogen, CF.sub.3 or small alkyl group having from one to three carbon atoms. In particular, compounds of formula I having the (.alpha.S,.gamma.S) configuration or (.alpha.R,.gamma.R) configuration when R.sub.A or R.sub.B is a halogen are more potent inhibitors of kynureninase.

Abstract: A process of preparing lignite (low rank) coal filter material, suitable for use in lieu of more expensive activated carbon filter materials, is disclosed. The process comprises size reducing Leonardite coal material to a suitable filtering effective size, and thereafter heating the size reduced Leonardite preferably to at least 750.degree. C. in the presence of a flow of an inert gas.

Abstract: Synthesis of desferrioxamine B and analogs and homologs thereof beginning with O-protected, N-protected hydroxylamine, which is N-alkylated to produce a protected N-4-cyanoalkylhydroxylamine which is acylated with a suitable anhydride. The resulting half-acid amide is subjected to a series of high yield condensations and reductions which provide desferrioxamine B in high overall yield. Alternatively, polyether analogs of desferrioxamine B can be prepared by reacting an activated polyether with the O-protected, N-protected hydroxylamine and subjecting the resulting product to a series of similar steps.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for eliminating zebra mussel colonizations from fresh water intake pipes for facilities, such as power plants and water treatment plants, are disclosed. One or more small diameter alternate intake pipes are disposed within a main intake pipe, and the pipes are connected by means of individually controllable valves to a pump for supplying water to the facility. Zebra mussel build up along the interior walls of any of the pipes is eliminated by shutting off flow in any mussel infested pipes with the valves, which causes starvation of the mussels due to suffocation. When water flow is resumed, the dead mussels are easily washed out of the pipes. The alternate intake pipes can be made of inexpensive flexible material, such as rubber, since they are not exposed to the environment external to the main intake pipe. In addition, a non-stick coating, such as silicone, can be disposed on the interior walls of the alternate pipes to further prevent mussel build up.

Abstract: The surface properties of copper-refractory metal (CU-RF) alloy bodies are modified by heat treatments which cause the refractory metal to form a coating on the exterior surfaces of the alloy body. The alloys have a copper matrix with particles or dendrites of the refractory metal dispersed therein, which may be niobium, vanadium, tantalum, chromium, molybdenum, or tungsten. The surface properties of the bodies are changed from those of copper to that of the refractory metal.

Abstract: A method for measuring texture of metal plates or sheets using non-destructive ultrasonic investigation includes measuring the velocity of ultrasonic energy waves in lower order plate modes in one or more directions, and measuring phase velocity dispersion of higher order modes of the plate or sheet if needed. Texture or preferred grain orientation can be derived from these measurements with improves reliability and accuracy. The method can be utilized in production on moving metal plate or sheet.

Abstract: Spraying equipment for plants growing in parallel rows comprises a main horizontal air duct and several secondary ducts extending therefrom in downward direction between the rows of plants. Each duct is provided with air outlets directed towards the plants, which are alternately opened and closed by valves so as to eject the air in pulses. One spray nozzle each is positioned in the center of each air outlet serving to eject into the pulsating air stream a jet of spraying fluid which is thereby carried onto the plants covering these from top to bottom. The equipment is attached to the front or rear of a tractor which carries a supply of spraying fluid and a pump serving to supply the material to each nozzle through piping. A blower is positioned in the main duct supplying air under pressure to the secondary ducts and to the air outlets.

Abstract: A tracheostomy tube assembly, particularly for pediatric use, is provided. The tracheostomy tube assembly includes a tracheostomy tube having an adjustable length and being adapted for insertion into the trachea through an opening in a patient's neck. The assembly further includes a neck collar adapted to fit on the exterior of the patient's neck. The neck collar has an opening through which the tracheostomy tube passes. The neck collar includes a locking means adapted to adjustable maintain the tracheostomy tube at a predetermined length in the trachea.

Abstract: A method disclosed for studying the interaction in solution of two molecules of the type such as a ligand and a receptor that are capable of reacting or binding with each other. The method comprises preparing an aliquot of a solution containing the first of the molecules. The second of the molecules is then added to the aliquot. A fluorescently labeled molecule is added to the aliquot, wherein the fluorescently labeled molecule is also capable of reacting or binding with the second of the molecules. A porous matrix that is optically transparent is immersed into the aliquot containing the two molecules being studied and the fluorescently labeled molecule, wherein the second molecule and any fluorescently labeled molecule bound thereto is sterically hindered from permeating the porous, optically transparent matrix, while any unbound fluorescently labeled molecule permeates the matrix.