Abstract: A pattern recognition system for use in an implantable cardioverter defibrillator that is capable of responding correctively to abnormal activity of the heart efficiently and specifically. The system of the present invention first establishes a template standard defining a median or other statistical measure of central tendency representing the point above which or below which actual sample values would be remarkable. Against the median are compared sampled values within a window having a pre-programmed length. For each cycle, a comparison is made between the template median and every value sampled within this pre-programmed window. Each cycle is then individually diagnosed such that if a selected value is above a particular pre-established threshold or below a particular pre-established threshold it will be classified as abnormal. A plurality of specific cycles must be classified abnormal in order for a final diagnosis to be made that the individual is experiencing arrhythmia.

Abstract: Novel radioiodinated analogues of naturally-occurring phospholipid ethers are tumor-specific and have a triglycerol backbone structure which, in certain embodiments, is substituted at the 3-position with an alkyl phosphocholine and include a monoiodinated benzoyl side chain substituted at the 2-position in accordance with the general formula: ##STR1## where n=1-15 ##STR2## M=0-15; Z=.sup.123 I, .sup.125 I, and .sup.131 I; Y=NH.sub.2, NR.sub.2, and NR.sub.3, and R=alkyl, aralkyl.

Abstract: Spatial resolution in imaging-type scintillation detectors, such as gamma ray cameras used in nuclear medicine, is improved by providing an array of multi-faceted corner-cube reflectors on the back surface of the scintillator crystal. The reflectors modify the light spread function of the scintillator in accordance with any number of different applications, by appropriate adjustment of the orientation angle between facets.

Abstract: An ionization detector, an electrode configuration and a single polarity charge detection method each utilize a boundary electrode which symmetrically surrounds first and second central interlaced and symmetrical electrodes. All of the electrodes are held at a voltage potential of a first polarity type. The first central electrode is held at a higher potential than the second central or boundary electrodes. By forming the first and second central electrodes in a substantially interlaced and symmetrical pattern and forming the boundary electrode symmetrically about the first and second central electrodes, signals generated by charge carriers are substantially of equal strength with respect to both of the central electrodes. The only significant difference in measured signal strength occurs when the charge carriers move to within close proximity of the first central electrode and are received at the first central electrode.

Abstract: A method for isolating a gene, comprising:(i) isolating a cell possessing a post-translational characteristic of interest, said post-translational characteristic being the presence of a membrane-bound oligosaccharide or polysaccharide of interest on the surface of said cell, the presence of a soluble oligosaccharide or polysaccharide of interest in an extract of said cell, or the presence of a particularly glycosyltransferase activity in an extract of said cell;(ii) creating a genetic library of either cDNA or genomic DNA from the genetic material of said isolated cell;(iii) transforming host cells with said genetic library; and(iv) screening said transformed host cells for a host cell containing said post-translational characteristic, thereby obtaining a cell containing said gene, is disclosed. The method can be used to obtain genes encoding glycosyltransferases.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and devices are provided for the growth of human stem and/or hematopoietic cells in culture. Bioreactors are provided in which diverse cell types are simultaneously-cultured in the presence of appropriate levels of nutrients and growth factors substantially continuously maintained in the bioreactor while removing undesirable metabolic products. This simultaneous culture of multiple cell types successfully reconstructs hematopoietic tissue ex vivo. Optionally, at least one growth factor is provided through excretion by transfected stromal cells, particularly heterologous cells. The stromal cells and hematopoietic cells may be maintained separately, and both the adherent and non-adherent cells harvested.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, compositions and devices for use in transferring nucleic acids into bone cells in situ. The transfer of an osteotropic gene into bone progenitor cells is described, which event is shown to stimulate the progenitor cells and to promote bone growth, repair and regeneration in vivo. These gene transfer protocols are suitable for use in transferring various nucleic acid materials into bone, and have many uses, for example, in treating various bone-related diseases and defects, such as, in promoting fracture repair, use in connection with implants, and in treating osteoporosis and osteogenesis imperfecta.

Abstract: In order to avoid problems associated with thermal distortion, loss of energy, and destruction of system components, the invention provides a means for producing, for the first time, high repetition rate, high power pulses while avoiding thermal distortion and its attendant difficulties. The invention provides the ability to remove heat generated from the gain media (lasant material) and to repeatedly extract energy from the media without the accumulation of heat in the media which causes thermal distortions. The invention avoids thermal distortions by pumping an unheated gain region every time an optical pulse is incident thereon. In one aspect, the gain media is essentially uniformly pumped using an essentially instantaneous uniform spatial profile provided by a multi-mode oscillator. The resulting instantaneous uniform temperature profile does not create thermal gradients, thus, no thermal distortions occur.

Abstract: An x-ray imaging detector having an x-ray converter layer, a pixellated detection array closely adjoining the x-ray converter layer, and a substrate supporting the detection array, the substrate having a surface nearest said x-ray converter layer, the substrate including one or more elements having atomic numbers greater than 22, said elements having a total concentration in the substrate of greater than about 1 mole percent relative to the total number of moles of elements having atomic numbers of 22 or less, the substrate having a thickness in the same direction as the thickness of the x-ray converter of less than about 0.2 mm.sup.2 divided by the thickness of the converter in millimeters, the substrate having a dimensionless absorption exponent of greater than about 0.5 and less than about 5 for gamma ray emission of Am.sup.241 at about 60 keV;whereinAE(Am.sup.241 60 keV)=t*(k.sub.1 e.sub.1 +k.sub.2 e.sub.2 +k.sub.3 e.sub.3 + . . . )wherein AE(Am.sup.

Abstract: Hyperpigmentation of black skin may be treated by topical application of retinoic acid to the skin. Topical application of retinoic acid is also effective for lightening normal black skin.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing development time of a complex system such as an automobile engine utilizing correlation matrices are provided. First, second and tertiary level correlation matrices are preferably created and stored on a computer system in a LAN. The correlation matrices are provided to identify the minimum necessary tests and components that are required to parallel test the subsystems of a selected major engine system without the use of the entire engine. In a matrix development stage, test procedures are researched and various engineers are consulted to subjectively rank the matrices to obtain subjective matrices. These rankings allow one to determine which components are required to validate an engine subsystem test. In addition, an objective matrix is developed in a matrix validation procedure based on actual test results of a fully functional engine. This allows the user to compare the objective matrix with a corresponding subjective matrix to determine a level of confidence.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for storing media identification data in a file using a digital computer in communication with a media presentation system. The method includes the step of receiving at the digital computer a signal indicating a command to position a marker within the file. The method also includes the step of presenting audio/visual information at the media presentation system. The method further includes the step of receiving a signal indicating a relationship between the position of the marker and the presented audio/visual information. In addition, the method includes the step of transmitting a signal indicating a request for media identification data and the step of transmitting a signal representing the media identification data. The method finally includes the step of storing the media identification data in the file at the position of the marker.

Abstract: Processes, compositions and uses of hematopoietic cells are disclosed. Hematopoietic cells are cells which can differentiate into mature blood cells when co-cultured with osteoblasts. Specifically, a process for propagating and maintaining the immature morphology of a hematopoietic cell by co-culturing with osteoblasts is disclosed. The osteoblasts provide cytokines and/or a microenvironment which propagates and maintains the immature morphology of a hematopoietic cell. Hematopoietic cells are useful in the treatment of certain blood related disorders and are useful for treatment of patients in need of hematopoietic cells.

Abstract: A hot stage for a scanning probe microscope includes a substrate having a dielectric window region which is stress compensated to be held in mild tension at elevated temperatures. A heating element is supplied to heat a specimen deposited on the dielectric widow region and the scanning probe microscope is used to observe specimen characteristics at the elevated temperatures. The dielectric window region is configured to be thermally isolated from the rest of the hot stage allowing only a minimum amount of heat to be dissipated into the scanning probe microscope. Temperature sensing resistors are included for monitoring the temperature in the dielectric window region. Conductivity cell electrodes can also be included for sensing the conductivity and capacitance of the specimen. Furthermore, additional control and measurement hardware, such as a temperature sensor circuit, evaluation station, the ramp generator circuit, etc. can be included to provide additional system features.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enabling the creation of multiple extended conduction paths in the atmosphere including a chirped-pulse amplification laser system having a high peak-power laser capable of transmitting through the atmosphere a high-peak power ultrashort laser pulse. The laser pulse is configured to have a rough spacial profile and is of sufficient energy to create multiple electrically conductive ionized channels in the atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus for selecting and controlling devices located remotely from a local site where an operator resides. A laser or other source of a focused electromagnetic bean moves in association with a camera located at the remote site. The camera thus can detect the object on which the focused laser beam projects. The camera outputs a video signal which is transmitted from the remote site to the local site. The operator at the local site views the video signal on a monitor so that the operator can determine the location of the laser beam. When the laser beam illuminates at least one particular transponder out of one or a plurality of transponders, the transponder outputs a signal to at least one device to activate or deactivate the device, thus providing the operator remote control of the device. A light may also be associated with the transponder and activates when the transponder has been selected to provide a positive indication to the operator that only the particular transponder has been selected.

Abstract: Dendritic polymer conjugates which are composed of at least one dendrimer in association with at least one unit of a carried material, where the carrier material can be a biological response modifier, have been prepared. The conjugate can also have a target director present, and when it is present then the carried material may be a bioactive agent. Preferred dendritic polymers are dense star polymers, which have been complexed with biological response modifiers. These conjugates and complexes have particularly advantageous properties due to their unique characteristics.

Abstract: The invention provides a compound having conjugated double bonds in an acyclic structure formed by Schiff base reaction between an unsaturated aldehyde (RCHO) and diaminomaleonitrile (DE). The compound is a monoalkylated DAMN derivative having one unit of diaminomaleonitrile for every unit of alkyl (RC) derived from the unsaturated aldehyde. The invention also provides a polymer having an acyclic structure and containing monomeric units formed by Schiff base reaction between an unsaturated aldehyde and a diaminomaleonitrile.

Abstract: A method for treating a herpes viral infection comprising administering to the infected host a therapeutically effective amount of a compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or formulation thereof, selected from the group consisting of compounds having the following formula: ##STR1## wherein: R.sub.1 is H, R.sub.2 is Cl, R.sub.3 is Cl, R.sub.4 is H, R.sub.5 is Br and R.sub.6 is .beta.-D-ribofuranosyl (denoted compound 52 in the text);R.sub.1 is H, R.sub.2 is NO.sub.2, R.sub.3 is NO.sub.2, R.sub.4 is H, R.sub.5 is Cl and R.sub.6 is .beta.-D-ribofuranosyl (denoted compound 61 in the text);R.sub.1 is Cl, R.sub.2 is H, R.sub.3 is Cl, R.sub.4 is H, R.sub.5 is Cl and R.sub.6 is .beta.-D-ribofuranosyl (denoted compound 81 in the text);R.sub.1 is H, R.sub.2 is Cl, R.sub.3 is Cl, R.sub.4 is H, R.sub.5 is I and R.sub.6 is .beta.-D-ribofuranosyl (denoted compound 83a in the text);R.sub.1 is Br, R.sub.2 is Br, R.sub.3 is H, R.sub.4 is H, R.sub.5 is Cl and R.sub.6 is .beta.

Abstract: Proteins, and corresponding DNA and RNA sequences, useful for the regulation of expression of .kappa.B-containing genes are disclosed. These proteins are useful to either stimulate or inhibit the expression of .kappa.B-containing genes. Proteins stimulating the expression of .kappa.B-containing genes have an amino acid sequence at least 80% identical to the amino acid sequence of from position 1 to position 374 of p100 ?SEQ ID NO: 2!. Proteins having an inhibitory effect on the expression of .kappa.B-containing genes have sequences either at least 80% identical to the amino acid sequence of from position 407 to the carboxyl end of p100 ?SEQ ID NO: 2! or having an amino acid sequence at least 80% identical to the amino sequence of either from position 1 to 100 sor from position 101 to position 374 of p100 ?SEQ ID NO: 2!.