Abstract: Improved p-channel FETs and optoelectronic devices make use of reduced hole effective mass achieved with quantum confinement. The devices include multiple one-dimensional p-channel FETs which have electrically induced and controllable one dimensional p-type semiconductor wires; square well two-dimensional p-channel FETs; and laser diodes and light emitting diodes which use one dimensional p-type semiconductor wires.

Abstract: A support that uses gravity and the patient's own body weight to produce traction for lumbar reduction is in the form of a vest worn around the patient's chest and including weight supporting arm rests attached to the vest, so the elbows and forearms can be rested thereon to partially support the patient's weight. The weight supported through the arms relieves part of the load on the ribs and trunk of the patient. The support is low cost and comprises a cross bar such as the commonly used chinning bar that is supported in a doorway at a height adjusted so the patient can touch the floor with his toes and adjust the weight supported through the vest, as well.

Abstract: A method for recovery of metal and cyanide from plating baths and rinse waters includes formation of hydrogen cyanide by acid treatment of such solutions, followed by HCN removal through diffusion across a microporous membrane. The method is applicable in a system wherein soluable metal cyanides and metal cyanide complexes are concentrated through use of a basic anion exchange system. Free hydrogen cyanide is released from the anion exchange system by means of an acid regenerant. In a preferred application of the invention, HCN, once having diffused through the microporous membrane, is neutralized with sodium hydroxide, to form a sodium cyanide solution that can be returned to a plating bath.

Abstract: A bi-axial compression test apparatus for geomaterial (soil, etc.) samples that is designed to allow free shear band formation and provide measurements of the stress displacement characteristics of the failure zone. A geomaterial sample formed into a specimen comprising a right rectangular prism is surrounded by a thin rubber membrane and is supported by walls along two parallel faces. An axial load is kinematically applied by a plate that is guided to prevent any tilt or eccentricity, while a bottom support plate for the specimen is horizontally guided by a linear bearing that is substantially friction free. All of the surfaces in contact with the specimen are glass lined and lubricated to minimize friction. The assembly of the specimen and its supports is placed in a conventional tri-axial cell in a loading frame so that an axial load can be applied to one end of the specimen and reacted against the bottom plate.

Abstract: A single-crystal monolith containing a 3-D doping pattern forming varied devices and circuits that are junction-isolated. The semiconductor monolith includes interconnecting signal paths and power buses, also junction-isolated, usually with N+ regions within P matrix regions, and tunnel junctions, N+ - P+ junctions, as ohmic contacts from N-type to P-type regions. An isolating box incorporates an orthogonal isolator. The 3-D structure places layers of critical profile normal to the growth axis. The orthogonal isolator can include floating elements. The 3-D semiconductor monolith can be manufactured through continuous or quasicontinuous processing in a closed system, such as through MBE or sputter epitaxy. Also, a thin layer of silicide can be provided as an ohmic contact and/or a thick layer of silicide can be provided as a conductor thereby providing monocrystalline 3-D devices or integrated circuits. Finally, an insulator can be provided about an entire device for isolation.

Abstract: Tracking instrumentation for measuring human motor control includes a load cell or potentiometer for converting a force or position to an electrical signal. An analog-to-digital converter periodically samples the electrical signal and converts it into a series of digital words representing a force amplitude value. A computer system includes a monitor for displaying a tracking element, the position of the tracking element controlled by the digital words. The computer system further includes means for displaying a tracking pattern on the monitor and plotting scaled values on the monitor superimposed on the tracking pattern. The values are plotted so that the user operating a handgrip can adjust the handgrip in an attempt to track the pattern across the monitor. The system further includes means and methods for recording and analyzing the tracking performance data and for objectively scoring the tracking data.

Abstract: A direct-drive active compliant end-effector (10) comprises a planar linkage (28) having input links (30, 44) driven by motors (24, 26). A force sensor (52) is connected between the output link (36) and a tool mount (48) for measuring tool interaction forces, signals representative of which together with those representative of angular displacement and velocity of the input links (30, 44) are used by a controller (82) for controlling the drive motors (24, 26) to provide active electronic compliancy.

Abstract: A flow visualization system usable for clean rooms to determine the flow conditions that exist during manufacture, includes a frame mounting a source of steam and a liquid cryogen container. Steam is passed over an interface with the cryogenic material providing a highly visible fog that is neutrally buoyant and non-contaminating. The liquid cryogen level in the container is controlled by a float valve system which controls flow from a liquid cryogen tank.

Abstract: A process for preserving canned, low-acid foods comprising the steps of adding diacetyl, which may be in the form of a starter distillate, to food and heating the canned food to render the food commercially sterile. The diacetyl lowers the temperature required for processing and remains in the food product at a level sufficient to kill germinating bacterial spores.

Abstract: Acylated cyanamide compounds useful for ethanol deterrence of the formula RCONHCN, wherein R is a lipophilic acyl group or is derived from an (N-substituted)-alpha-aminoacyl group.

Abstract: A composition which can bind heparin and promote cellular adhesion is provided which consists essentially of a polypeptide of the formula:arg-tyr-val-leu-pro-arg-This invention was made with Government support under contract number CA 29995 by the U.S.The Government has certain rights in the invention.

Abstract: A monolithic semiconductor transistor structure is described wherein the active collector region of a bipolar-junction transistor is physically and operatively merged with the channel region of a junction field-effect transistor, providing a composite circuit which approximates a cascode configuration. By controlling the integral of the net impurity doping concentration to various active regions of the device, the active collector region of a bipolar-junction transistor configuration is made sufficiently thin so as to simultaneously function as an active collector region as well as a channel region of one or more field-effect transistors. The channel-collector transistor provides high breakdown voltage, high dynamic resistance and linearity over a wide voltage range, and is compatible with solid-state batch fabrication processes for direct incorporation into larger integrated circuits. The device is particularly suitable for linear applications.

Abstract: Logic gates with large logic swings and large noise margins use complementary pull-up and pull-down enhancement-mode drivers. Connected between the input node of the logic gate and the control electrode of each of the drivers is a series combination of a level shifter (or constant-voltage element) and a current regulator (or constant-current element). The level shifter permits a voltage drop approximately independent of current, while the current regulator limits current flowing between the input node and the control electrode approximately independent of voltage.

Abstract: A method comprising stimulating the biosynthesis of glutathione in mammalian cells by contacting the cells with an effective amount of a compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is a (CHOH).sub.n CH.sub.2 OH and wherein n is 1-5, preferably R is derived from a D-aldose monosaccharide.

Abstract: A method is provided for the purification and concentration of soy protein comprising mixing an aqueous solution including soy protein along with other water soluble moieties including sugars, salts, and phytins with a solid crosslinked polymer gel selected from the group consisting of N-substituted polyacrylamides and copolymers of N-substituted polyacrylamides; swelling the gel to absorb a portion of the water and other water soluble moieties including sugars, salts, and phytins from the aqueous solution by substantially maintaining the temperature of the gel at a preselected temperature below the lower critical solution temperature of the gel, to yield a concentrated soy protein solution; and separating the concentrated soy protein solution from the swollen gel. The concentrated soy protein solution may be repeatedly subjected to the gel treatment depending on the desired purity of the protein and the desired solids concentration.

Abstract: A new family of memory cells and digital-logic gates use an enhancement-mode driver, a voltage-level shifter, and a current regulator to provide improved noise margins and large logic swings. The voltage-level shifter and the current regulator are connected in series between an input and the control electrode of the driver. The voltage-level shifter establishes a voltage drop which is independent of current, while the current regulator establishes a constant current in the series path to the control electrode which is independent of voltage. The driver is an enhancement-mode device, such as a JFET, MESFET, or BJT.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for measuring the activity of thioredoxin reductase in mammalian cells by contacting the cells in vivo or in vitro with a quaternary ammonium salt spin-labelled with a stable nitroxide free radical, and measuring the rate of reduction of the uncomplexed nitroxide free radical at the cell surface by electron spin resonance. This rate of reduction provides a measure of thioredoxin reductase activity at the surface of the cells.

Abstract: An implantable intravascular access system, including an implantable, catheter obturator controller manifold for use with an implantable intravascular catheter. The catheter includes a lumen, having an expanded state and a normal state, an obturator, and an obturator plenum having an inflated state and a contracted state. The lumen can be closed or opened by hydraulically actuating the expansion or contraction of the obturator plenum when the lumen is in its normal state. When the obturator plenum is expanded to its inflated state, the obturator substantially blocks the lumen such that substantially no fluid can pass through the lumen when the lumen is in its normal state. The manifold comprises a housing, a receiving mechanism for receiving the catheter, an actuating mechanism for hydraulically actuating the expansion or contraction of the plenum, and a first entry mechanism for entering the housing.

Abstract: A method of conducting a Diels-Alder reaction is provided comprising reacting a Diels-Alder diene comprising a 1,3-conjugated diene with a dienophile comprising an alpha,beta-unsaturated acetal or ketal in the presence of a protonating acid to yield a [4+2] cycloadduct.

Abstract: A vehicle detection system for providing data characteristic of traffic conditions includes a camera overlooking a roadway section for providing video signals representative of the field (traffic scene), and a digitizer for digitizing these signals and providing successive arrays of pixels (picture elements) characteristic of the field at successive points in space and time. A video monitor coupled to the camera provides a visual image of the field of view. Through use of a terminal and in conjunction with the monitor, an operator controls a formatter so as to select a subarray of pixels corresponding to specific sections in the field of view. A microprocessor then processes the intensity values representative of the selected portion of the field of view in accordance with spatial and/or temporal processing methods to generate data characteristic of the presence and passage of vehicles.