Abstract: Allosteric hemoglobin modifier compounds having the general formula ##STR1## wherein X and Z may be CH.sub.2, NH or O.

Abstract: A supersonic bone conduction hearing aid that receives conventional audiometric frequencies and converts them to supersonic frequencies for connection to the human sensory system by vibration bone conduction. The hearing is believed to use channels of communications to the brain that are not normally used for hearing. These alternative channels do not deteriorate significantly with age as does the normal hearing channels. The supersonic bone conduction frequencies are discerned as frequencies in the audiometric range of frequencies.

Abstract: A method for alleviating stress induced immunosuppression is accomplished by application of low doses of ANF[1-28] or other ANF analogs having intact N-terminal sequences. Atrial natriuretic factors (ANFs) with intact N-terminal sequences are shown to be effective inhibitors of CRF 41-stimulated ACTH secretion when the ANFs are present in low concentrations. ANF[1-28] significantly inhibited ACTH release stimulated by 1-5 nM CRF. At the most effective concentration of 100 pM, ACTH release was inhibited by 40.1% (p<0.001). This effect was manifested after three hours, but not after only one half or one hour of incubation. Conversely, ANF[5-28], at concentrations of 10 to 10,000 pM, had no effect on ACTH secretion after one half, one, or three hours. ANF[1-11] weakly inhibited ACTH secretion at concentrations of 100 pM and 1000 pM. Again, three hours of incubation was required to manifest these effects.

Abstract: An instrument and method for examining the optic nerve head (34) of a patient's eye (14) is disclosed. The instrument is comprised of a gonioscopic lens (10) a lens system (26) where the lens system (26) directs a collimated beam of light towards a point (32) away from the center line (28) through the gonioscopic lens (10) and eye (14). When the patient fixates on the beam of light (32), the ophthalmologist can examine the optic nerve head (34) through the gonioscopic lens (10).

Abstract: The dewaterability of alum sludge is improved by treating the alum sludge with low doses of hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide enhances filterability and drainability of the alum sludge and also improves the resulting cake quality of the dewatered alum sludge.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring the internal force characteristics of a blood sample (12) during clotting has been developed. The blood sample (12) is held between a cup (10) and a plate (16). The plate (16) is connected to a force displacement transducer (22). As the clot forms, platelets contract and exert an inward pulling force on the plate (16). This inward pulling force is sensed by the transducer (22) which outputs a corresponding voltage signal. The voltage signal is amplified (24) and recorded on strip chart paper (28). The voltage signal (32) can be directly translated into force parameters by first calibrating the instrument with standard weights. It has been found that the maximum force measurements are obtained under controlled temperature, ionic strength and calcium concentration conditions which approximate those of the blood while in the body. A particular feature of the invention includes a water jacket (14) which is used to maintain the temperature of the blood sample (12) at 37.degree. C.

Abstract: A method for treating anemia comprises administering an atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) alone or in combination with erythropoietin (Epo). The ANF potentiates the activity of Epo and causes production of erythroid progenitors, BFU-E and CFU-E, and as a consequence red blood cell production at greater levels than if Epo alone is present in the blood stream.

Abstract: A supersonic bone conduction hearing aid that receives conventional audiometric frequencies and converts them to supersonic frequencies for connection to the human sensory system by vibration bone ocnduction. The hearing is believed to use channels of communications to the brain that are not normally used for hearing. These alternative channels do not deteriorate significantly with age as does the normal hearing channels. The supersonic bone conduction frequencies are discerned as frequencies in the audiometric range of frequencies.

Abstract: A system for eye movement detection is disclosed that utilizes an infrared light emitting diode mounted coaxially in front of the lens of an infrared sensitive video camera for remotely making images of the eye of a computer operator. The reflected light causes bright eye effect which outlines the pupil as brighter than the rest of the eye and also causes an even brighter small glint from the surface of the cornea. The computer includes graphic processing which takes a video image, digitizes it into a matrix of pixels and analyzes the matrix. Using special algorithms the analysis determines the location of the pupil's center and the location of the glint relative to each other and with this information determines where the eye is gazing. If the eye-gaze is for a predetermined time at images in selected areas on the computer screen, the area is selected and results in actuation of other devices or the presentation of additional images on the screen.

Abstract: There is disclosed an image processing, pattern recognition and computer graphics system and method for the noninvasive identification and evaluation of atheroscelerosis using multidimensional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Functional information, such as plaque tissue type, is combined with structure information, represented by the 3-D vessel and plaque structure, into a single composite 3-D display. The system and method is performed with the application of unsupervised pattern recognition techniques and rapid 3-D display methods appropriate to the simultaneous display of multiple data classes. The results are a high information content display which aids in the diagnosis and analysis of the atherosclerotic disease process, and permits detailed and quantitative studies to assess the effectiveness of therapies, such as drug, exercise and dietary regimens.

Abstract: Several methods have been developed for improving transillumination devices such that they may be effectively used for breast cancer examinations. Each of the methods involves a particluar technique for reducing scattered light. If light which passes straight through a breast can be distinguished from light which is scattered within the breast, better images can be produced. In addition, biochemical markers have been developed which associate with cancerous tissue and enhance the contrast by absorbing light of specific wavelengths.

Abstract: The invention discloses an electrogustograph for detecting the physiological responses of the tongue to various tastants applied thereto through a small vacuum sensor. The small sensor has a peripheral annual vacuum port by which the sensor is attached to the top surface of the tongue. The annular vacuum port surrounds a cavity which has one port for insertion of the tastant which flows across the surface of a portion of the tongue to a second port which serves as an outlet for the tastant. Electrodes are present in the sensor and on the cheek of the person being tested so as to measure the difference in the flow of electricity across the top surface of the tongue when various tastants are applied to the tongue. The electrogustograph is supported by suitable electronics and fluid flow pumps and valves all under the control of a microcontroller to provide a flexible and relatively easy to use electrogustographic system.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a strain sensor. The strain sensor is comprised of an optical waveguide, a device for providing optical pulses to the optical waveguide and a device for sensing localized strain in the optical waveguide. The sensing device determines shifts in arrival times of the optical pulses at the sensing device that correspond to the localized strain. In a preferred embodiment the sensing device includes a device for reflecting a portion of the optical pulses at predetermined positions in the optical waveguide and a device for detecting the shift in arrival times of the portion of the optical pulses which are reflected.

Abstract: Computationally complex primitive operations of an algorithm are executed concurrently in a plurality of functional units under the control of an assignment manager. The algorithm is preferably defined as a computationally marked graph contianing data status edges (paths) corresponding to each of the data flow edges. The assignment manager assigns primitive operations to the functional units and monitors completion of the primitive operations to determine data availability using the computational marked graph of the algorithm. All data accessing of the primitive operations is performed by the functional units independently of the assignment manager.

Abstract: A method of producing prepolymeric materials from lignin is disclosed. The method uses lignin which has been hydroxyalkyl modified, such that the lignin is substantially non-phenolic and solvent soluble and/or liquid. The modified lignin is reacted with materials which yield prepolymers which may be polymerized according to known methods to produce useful polymers.

Abstract: An electron beam controlled semiconductor switch is capable of carrying large currents without being restricted by the space charge limited current condition. The switch includes a block of semiconductor material having ohmic contacts connectable to first and second electrical conductors. Semi-insulating GaAs may be used as the semiconductor material. A shallow donor or acceptor doped layer may be formed at the surface receiving the electron beam for increased band-edge radiation. This recombination radiation ionizes, together with X-rays produced by Bremsstrahlung, the bulk of the semiconductor block to provide relatively high current density and current gain.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an optical splice. The optical splice includes a member having an alignment cavity which receives optical waveguides and allows light to pass there between. The member is made of a material that is moldable such that when an optical waveguide is received by the member, the alignment cavity expands but constricts about the optical waveguide in a predetermined position. The member has a plurality of funnels which communicate with the alignment cavity and guide an optical waveguide into the alignment cavity where it is received thereby. The present invention also pertains to a method for making a funnel in a member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the populations of harmful arthropods. The method employs a decoy shaped like a female arthropod which includes a volatile sex attractant pheromone and a mounting pheromone which, in combination, induce mating behavior in arthropods. The decoy also includes a pesticide encapsulated therein which contaminates male arthropods upon physical contact with the decoys.

Abstract: A system for eye movement detection is disclosed that utilizes an infrared light emitting diode mounted coaxially in front of the lens of an infrared sensitive video camera for remotely making images of the eye of a computer operator. The reflected light causes bright eye effect which outlines the pupil as brighter than the rest of the eye and also causes an even brighter small glint from the surface of the cornea. The computer includes graphic processing which takes a video image, digitizes it into a matrix of pixels and analyzes the matrix. Using special algorithms the analysis determines the location of the pupil's center and the location of the glint relative to each other and with this information determines where the eye is gazing. If the eye-gaze is for a predetermined time at images in selected areas on the computer screen, the area is selected and results in actuation of other devices or the presentation of additional images on the screen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical laser analog-to-digital (A/D) converter and the use of such a converter as a transducer. In a first embodiment of the invention, the converter consists of a source which produces a coherent beam of light that is passed through a lens system to produce a line or bar of light. The bar of light passes through a coded optical mask which is made of a thin transparent material with a binary or gray code printed thereon. The mask is mounted to an object whose movement is to be detected. The mask may also be configured in the form of a circle and mounted to a motor shaft to sense motor rotational displacement, RPM or velocity. As the mask moves, the imprinted pattern changes according to the coding on the mask. The portion of the light that passes through the mask strikes the target of a moving recording media.