Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for quickly shimming a tubular supermat to function in several different environments which create unique impurity gradients to interfere with uniformity of the electromagnetic field from the supermagnet. Non-magnetic tubes are secured to the supermagnet casing for receiving non-magnetic shim supporting rails. The shim supporting rails carry magnetic material masses, usually steel, for precise location on the periphery of the supermagnet casing. Holes may be cut into the supermagnet shroud for introducing and withdrawing the shim support rails. Arcuate aesthetic covers for the shroud holes are provided to restore the aesthetic appearance of the shroud.

Abstract: An improved method for expanding the open ends of human vessels employs an expandable cell which can be inflated a bubble at the open end of a vessel. The method is carried out with a novel closed end cell which can be connected to a source of fluidized pressure such a hypodermic syringe and, in its relaxed state can be introduced into the open end of the vessel for subsequent expansion into a bubble of the desired diameter to cause uniform length extension of the open end of the vessel. The cell may be prestressed or weakened to establish the location of bubble formation within the cell.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cyclic control of both potential and current in electrolysis, called Cyclic, Controlled-potential, controlled current Electrolysis. The method can be used with a two-electrode cell (W and C), or a three-electrode set-up using a reference electrode R to form two half cells. The method involves supplying a controlled current, preferably a constant current, to the W and C electrodes to operate the electrolysis within well-defined upper and lower potential limits. In a first embodiment (called the constant-current, preset-voltage mode), when a predetermined voltage is reached, the current is reversed until a second predetermined voltage is reached. The cycle is then repeated continuously. In a second embodiment (called the preset-voltage, preset-time mode) the current is maintained constant until the predetermined voltage is reached. Then the voltage is maintained constant by reducing the current until a predetermined time of operation has elapsed.

Abstract: A method for reducing body fat deposition in non-mammals such as chickens by orally administering over a prolonged period a therapeutic mixture of effective amounts of pyruvate and dihydroxyacetone to which may be added riboflavin. The method also increases the total body protein of the non-mammal.

Abstract: A method for reducing the weight gain in mammals by orally administering over a prolonged period therapeutically effective amounts of pyruvate to which may be added riboflavin. The method also has the effect of increasing the body protein concentration.

Abstract: Mixed anhydrides products are described. These mixed anhydrides are produced by reaction of a carboxylic acid-containing steroid with a material having the formula: ##STR1## wherein: X is a halogenZ is an oxygen or sulfurR is a hydrocarbonin an inert organic solvent containing a Lewis base. These mixed anhydrides may in turn be reacted with, for example, an alcohol ammonia or amine to produce the corresponding ester or amide steroid.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of Mycobacteria in a fluid or tissue which comprises mixing the fluid or tissue containing a secretory product of Mycobacteria with a complex of a tracer-containing molecule and a binding macromolecule having reversible binding affinity for the tracer-containing molecule and detecting the tracer-containing molecule, wherein the tracer-containing molecule is a charcoal-adsorbable protein from Mycobacterium tuberculosis which has a molecular weight of 20,000-30,000 and which is immunochemically stable from 4.degree. C. to 250.degree. C. and has a pH range from 3.0 to 9.0. The method is particularly applicable to the detection of infectious tuberculosis in humans and determining the antibiotic sensitivity of infecting Mycobacteria.

Abstract: A process for the detection of antibodies in a test sample is described. This process involves:(a) preparing an essentially isotonic and low ionic strength suspension comprising said sample and erythrocytes in net negatively-charged form;(b) maintaining said suspension for at least 30 seconds;(c) combining said suspension with an amount of a solution of polymer effective for agglutination of said erythrocytes;(d) separating the resultant agglutinates of polymer and erythrocytes from supernatant of said suspension;(e) dispersing said agglutinates in a hypertonic salt solution having an essentially neutral pH; and(f) monitoring the dispersed agglutinates for dissociation of erythrocytes.This process permits rapid detection of antibodies with great ease. Their presence is indicated by persistence of the agglutinates in the dispersion. The antigen which reacts with antibody may be native to the erythrocytes, or may be unrelated to erythrocytes but artificially coupled to those cells.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting respiratory distress is disclosed wherein the increasing force of contraction of the heart, which occurs during a respiratory distress condition is detected and utilized to signal the condition. More particularly, the increasing force of contraction of a patient's heart, which affects the electrical signal generated by an impedance pneumograph may be detected by utilizing the heart beat of the patient to generate a trigger pulse. The trigger pulse is used as a timing means to enable the effects of the heart as registered on the impedance pneumograph, to be detected and compared, with an increase in amplitude of the contractions of the heart indicating a respiratory failure.

Abstract: A method for reducing the rate of liver triglyceride synthesis and body fat deposition in mammals by orally administering over a prolonged period a therapeutic mixture of effective amounts of pyruvate and dihydroxyacetone to which may be added riboflavin. The method also has the effect of increasing the glycogen-storing capabilities of the liver and increasing the body protein concentration.

Abstract: A method for reducing the rate of liver triglyceride synthesis and body fat deposition in mammals by orally administering over a prolonged period a therapeutic mixture of effective amounts of pyruvate and dihydroxyacetone to which may be added riboflavin. The method also has the effect of increasing the glycogen-storing capabilities of the liver.

Abstract: An implantable biologically acceptable miniature fuel cell that is intermittently refuelable through one or more percutaneously positioned refueling ports. Refueling occurs by injection, preferably by hypodermic, typically annually. No transcutaneous leads or refueling stoma or tubes are employed. The cell is a bio-oxidant cell, as distinct from being a bioautofuel cell, having a silicone membrane coating over at least one external cathode surface permitting oxygen and water molecules to diffuse there through while preventing exit of organic fuel or oxidation-reduction by-products. Carbohydrate fuels are disclosed with glycerol being preferred from among it, glucose, sorbitol and mixtures. A variety of cathode and anode compositions are disclosed with Pt-black anodes and carbon-black cathodes being preferred. A high fuel to O.sub.2 concentration ratio is important to prevent O.sub.2 -parasitic effect on the anode. A high IS buffer is employed as the electrolyte, in the range of above 0.2 M, preferably 0.3-1.