Abstract: Disclosed are methods of altering blood constituents in grazing animals. Serum concentrations of serum insulin, serum urea nitrogen, serum glucose, and serum growth hormone in ruminants were varied by feeding specific protein supplements and an otherwise negative energy diet. Protein supplements were selected both from high rumen-degradable proteins, such as cottonseed meal, and low rumen-degradable proteins, such as blood and feather meals. Improvement in body condition and body weight was concomitant with reduced milk production.

Abstract: A new electrochemical probe(s) design allowing for continuous (renewable) reagent delivery. The probe comprises an integrated membrane-sampling/electrochemical sensor that prevents interferences from surface-active materials and greatly extends the linear range. The probe(s) is useful for remote or laboratory-based monitoring in connection with microdialysis sampling and electrochemical measurements of metals and organic compounds that are not readily detected in the absence of reacting with the compound. Also disclosed is a method of using the probe(s).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for monitoring curing in a resin. Acoustic, ultrasonic waves are propagated through a waveguide disposed through a quantity of resin while the resin is curing. The waves are transmitted and received by transducers arranged in an acousto-ultrasonic configuration with respect to a flexible waveguide. The waveguide may be made from bundled fibers. The velocity or amplitude of the acoustic waves is affected by the physical characteristics of the resin sample. Monitoring changes in the speed or amplitude of the propagated waves permits changes in the resin to be monitored in real time. Only a small sample quantity of resin need be employed.

Abstract: A microbiological assay for chemicals, which uses a cell and a reducing dye to quantitatively measure inhibition of electron transport in the cell membrane as a function of chemicals in the substance being tested, is disclosed. This assay and method is reliable, simple, fast, and inexpensive, requires a minimum amount of durable equipment, and avoids the need for the use of live animals as the indicator organisms. The assay is particularly useful for testing for toxicity in food products, environmental, medical and industrial processes, sewage treatment, effluent, agricultural wastes, and chemical dumps.

Abstract: A method of producing ferrate is disclosed, in which Fe.sup.3+ is oxidized with monoperoxosulfate (HSO.sub.5.sup.-) to form K.sub.2 FeO.sub.4 /K.sub.2 SO.sub.4. The isolation of the potassium ferrate (K.sub.2 FeO.sub.4) product in a sulfate matrix (K.sub.2 SO.sub.4) stabilizes the ferrate against decomposition and inhibits clumping of the solid product by inhibiting moisture adsorption. The method is a safe, simple process for the production of ferrate that is reliable, fast, and inexpensive, and that avoids the use of chlorine or chlorinated products, thus avoiding their harmful side effects. The improved ferrate product of this method is particularly useful for water and wastewater treatment, especially in the treatment of sulfides and hydrazines, and in other applications.

Abstract: An adaptive optics system which simultaneously measures the phase function and corrects the phase distortion of a wavefront using a liquid crystal device placed in an interferometer. The liquid crystal device inserts the conjugate phase function in the path and obtains a null in the interference pattern.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor for remote detection, particularly useful for metal contaminants and organic or other compounds. The sensor circumvents technical difficulties that previously prevented in-situ remote operations. The microelectrode, connected to a long communications cable, allows convenient measurements of the element or compound at timed and frequent intervals and instrument/sample distances of ten feet to more than 100 feet. The sensor is useful for both downhole groundwater monitoring and in-situ water (e.g., shipboard seawater) analysis.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of repartitioning nutrients in ruminants. Serum concentrations of serum insulin, serum urea nitrogen, serum glucose, and serum growth hormone in ruminants were varied by feeding specific protein supplements and an otherwise negative energy diet. Improvement in body condition and body weight was concomitant with reduced milk production and calf weight.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting faults in digital, analog, and hybrid integrated circuits is disclosed. A single test vector employing bias voltage on input used in conjunction with pulsing the power supply rails is used to allow detection of the various faults which may be present. The instantaneous rail current (i.sub.DD) is then employed for analysis of the circuit, preferably by neural network.

Abstract: An asynchronous temporal neural processing element. The processing element is useful in solving problems from the class of temporal signal processing problems and is modeled closely on the sub-cellular biology and electrophysiology of neurons having chemical synapses.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and apparatus for trace metal testing using mercury-coated screen printed electrodes. Both voltammetric and potentiometric stripping analysis are used. Sample solutions were tested employing both stirring and non-stirring, as well as aeration and deaeration procedures. Microliter samples suitable for slide mounting were also employed.

Abstract: A method of preparing and producing a nutritious, low calorie, low cholesterol, shelf-stable, expanded snack food product for humans and pets is disclosed. The process involves using a proteinaceous material, such as raw comminuted meats or mechanically separated meats, that are frozen or chilled. Prior to using the raw, frozen or chilled meat, it is further comminuted to relatively small particle size to provide optimum dispersion of the meat products with the farinaceous (starch) component of the mixture. This blend containing the raw, frozen or chilled meat products, is mixed with pregelatinized flour and is then subjected to elevated temperatures and shear pressure as it moves through the high-temperature, short-time, screw-type extruder. Flavorings, coloring, spices, and the like, may be blended with the ingredients or may be topically applied to the extrudate prior to packaging and after cutting to desired lengths.

Abstract: A method of preparing and producing a nutritious, low calorie, low cholesterol, shelf-stable, expanded snack food product is disclosed. The process involves using a proteinaceous material, such as raw comminuted meats or mechanically separated meats, that are frozen or chilled. Prior to using the raw, frozen or chilled meat, it is further comminuted to relatively small particle size to provide optimum dispersion of the meat products with the farinaceous (starch) component of the mixture. This blend containing the raw, frozen or chilled meat products, is mixed with pregelatinized flour and is then subjected to elevated temperatures and shear pressure as it moves through the high-temperature, short-time, screw-type extruder. Flavorings, coloring, spices, and the like, may be topically applied to the extrudate prior to packaging and after cutting to desired lengths.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a microprocessor based telemetry apparatus and method utilizing a commercially available IBM PC-AT or compatible CPU. Three hardware cards fit in existing slots within the computer chassis. Software is provided to accomplish, in combination with the cards, what has essentially required a mainframe computer heretofore. The microcomputer is equipped with novel hardware and software to provide PCM bit synchronizer/decoder, decommutator, time code reader and digital-to-analog converter functions. Data is stored in real time using interleaved buffers, novel software and a hard disk. Data can be archived on digital tape. Data logging can be carried out at sustained rates approaching 2 million bits per second, up to six times faster than with MS-DOS yet files are accessible with MS-DOS. Real-time data scaling and display of up to 128 separate parameters are accomplished.

Abstract: Batch injection analysis comprises apparatus and method for injecting and transporting analytes toward a detector immersed in a confined, inert electrolyte. Passage of the analyte over the detector surface provides measurement of sample concentrations. Detectors normally comprise selective electrodes, such as biologically or chemically modified surfaces, ion-selective probes, optical or thermal devices, thus eliminating conduits, valves, and pumps.

Abstract: An improved inductively coupled gas plasma torch. The torch includes inner and outer quartz sleeves and tubular insert snugly fitted between the sleeves. The insert includes outwardly opening longitudinal channels. Gas flowing through the channels of the insert emerges in a laminar flow along the inside surface of the outer sleeve, in the zone of plasma heating. The laminar flow cools the outer sleeve and enables the torch to operate at lower electrical power and gas consumption levels additionally, the laminar flow reduces noise levels in spectroscopic measurements of the gaseous plasma.

Abstract: An intravaginal anchoring device for mammalian females comprises an elongated tubular body provided with a plurality of slots disposed substantially parallel to each other and to the length of the tubular body such that, in an expanded position, the ends of the body are moved towards each other and flange portions of the body between adjacent pairs of slots are distended away from an axis of the body and, in a collapsed position, the ends of the body are moved away from each other and the flange portions are retracted towards the axis. The device further comprises a biasing means for urging the body into the expanded position. A purpose of the anchor is to contain any payload appropriate to the interior of a female mammal's vagina.

Abstract: A system for detecting the onset of parturition by a mammalian female comprises an anchor, a temperature sensing means affixed to the anchor, and an alarm means, wherein the anchor has a diameter that is smaller than an interior diameter of a posterior portion of the female's vagina at the onset of parturition but greater than the interior diameter prior to the onset of parturition, and smaller than an interior diameter of an anterior portion of the female's vagina before and at the onset of parturition, such diameters being a function of muscular activity, such that the anchor is retained in the anterior portion for a period prior to the onset of parturition and expulsed at the onset of parturition, and wherein the sensing means senses a temperature differential at the location of the anchor before and after expulsion and actuates the alarm means.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved device for intravaginal implantation in mammalian females characterized by an axially-extending hub encircled at both ends by a plurality of radially-extending springable spine-like fingers defining multi-pointed stars, the two stars being so located relative to one another and to the hub linking them together that no portion of the hub is left accessible to the vaginal wall musculature to a degree which will allow contortions thereof to expel the device while, at the same time, leaving sufficient hub exposed between the stars to receive and hold a small object no longer than it is nested within the fingers in protected relation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel method for remotely detecting and monitoring on a long term basis the deep body temperature of a mammalian female which comprises the steps of attaching a temperature-sensing probe capable of remote interrogation to an expandable anchor, implanting the probe with the anchor attached thereto in collapsed condition within the vaginal canal, expanding the anchor to maintain the probe in place despite the animal's muscular efforts to expel same, interrogating the probe from a remote location on a daily basis at approximately the same time each day for a period not less than one complete estrous cycle, and noting any abrupt change in temperature within each cycle as an indication of physiological stress.