Abstract: A method for producing beta silicon carbide thin films by co-depositing thin films of amorphous silicon and carbon onto a substrate, whereafter the films are irradiated by exposure to a pulsed energy source (e.g. excimer laser) to cause formation of the beta-SiC compound. Doped beta-SiC may be produced by introducing dopant gases during irradiation. Single layers up to a thickness of 0.5-1 micron have been produced, with thicker layers being produced by multiple processing steps. Since the electron transport properties of beta silicon carbide over a wide temperature range of 27.degree.-730.degree. C. is better than these properties of alpha silicon carbide, they have wide application, such as in high temperature semiconductors, including hetero-junction bipolar transistors and power devices, as well as in high bandgap solar arrays, ultra-hard coatings, light emitting diodes, sensors, etc.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell for capacitive deionization and electrochemical purification and regeneration of electrodes includes two oppositely disposed, spaced-apart end plates, one at each end of the cell. Two generally identical single-sided end electrodes, are arranged one at each end of the cell, adjacent to the end plates. An insulator layer is interposed between each end plate and the adjacent end electrode. Each end electrode includes a single sheet of conductive material having a high specific surface area and sorption capacity. In the preferred embodiment, the sheet of conductive material is formed of carbon aerogel composite. The cell further includes a plurality of generally identical double-sided intermediate electrodes that are equidistally separated from each other, between the two end electrodes. As the electrolyte enters the cell, it flows through a continuous open serpentine channel defined by the electrodes, substantially parallel to the surfaces of the electrodes.

Abstract: A fast discrete cosine transform (DCT) based method of encoding and decoding signals is disclosed. A signal of finite length is decomposed into subsignals of shorter length and an approximate DCT (A-DCT) is computed by keeping only selected subsignals. Computation time decreases relative to the number of subsignals being used to compute the A-DCT, fewer subsignals resulting in a faster computation. For signal compression applications, the computed A-DCT coefficients are quantized and coded. For signal recovery, the encoded A-DCT coefficients are processed through a decoder and the decoded signal is recovered using a direct inverse DCT (I-DCT). In some applications, an approximate inverse DCT (AI-DCT) based on similar decomposition can be used to recover the signal from the encoded data. In image coding applications, the image recovered from the decoded signal exhibits negligible block artifacts compared to conventional JPEG, particularly for low bit rate compression.

Abstract: Optical measurements of turbid media, that is media characterized by multiple light scattering, is provided through an apparatus and method for exposing a sample to a modulated laser beam. The light beam is modulated at a fundamental frequency and at a plurality of integer harmonics thereof. Modulated light is returned from the sample and preferentially detected at cross frequencies at frequencies slightly higher than the fundamental frequency and at integer harmonics of the same. The received radiance at the beat or cross frequencies is compared against a reference signal to provide a measure of the phase lag of the radiance and modulation ratio relative to a reference beam. The phase and modulation amplitude are then provided as a frequency spectrum by an array processor to which a computer applies a complete curve fit in the case of highly scattering samples or a linear curve fit below a predetermined frequency in the case of highly absorptive samples.

Abstract: The present invention provides substantially purified cryptdin peptides having a consensus amino acid sequence as follows:X.sub.1 -C-X.sub.2 -C-R-X.sub.3 -C-X.sub.4 -E-X.sub.5 -G-X.sub.6 -C-X.sub.7 -C-C-X.sub.8wherein X.sub.1 is 3-6 amino acids; X.sub.2 is one amino acid; X.sub.3 is 2 or 3 amino acids; X.sub.4 is three amino acids; X.sub.5 is three amino acids; X.sub.6 is one amino acid; X.sub.7 is 6 to 10 amino acids; and X.sub.8 is 0 to 7 amino acids.The invention further provides substantially purified cryptdin peptides having a consensus amino acid sequence as follows:X.sub.1 -L-X.sub.2 -C-Y-C-R-X.sub.3 -C-K-X.sub.4 -E-R-X.sub.5 -G-T-C-X.sub.6 -C-C-X.sub.7wherein X.sub.1 is one to four amino acids; X.sub.2 is one amino acid; X.sub.3 is three amino acids; X.sub.4 is two amino acids; X.sub.5 is two amino acids; and X.sub.6 is six to nine amino acids; and X.sub.7 is zero to seven amino acids.

Abstract: This invention provides a purified cochlear antigen reactive with an autoantibody associated with autoimmune sensorineuronal hearing loss. The purified antigen is defined as having a molecular weight of about 68,000 daltons as determined by SDS-PAGE analysis under reducing conditions. This invention also provides a method for detecting autoimmune sensorineural hearing loss in a patient. Finally, a kit containing reagents to assay for an antibody associated with autoimmune sensorineural hearing loss in a patient sample is disclosed and claimed by this invention.

Abstract: A phase linear filter for soliton suppression is in the form of a laddered series of stages of non-commensurate low pass filters with each low pass filter having a series coupled inductance (L) and a reverse biased, voltage dependent varactor diode, to ground which acts as a variable capacitance (C). L and C values are set to levels which correspond to a linear or conventional phase linear filter. Inductance is mapped directly from that of an equivalent nonlinear transmission line and capacitance is mapped from the linear case using a large signal equivalent of a nonlinear transmission line.

Abstract: A method to obtain selected individual peptides or families thereof which have a target property and optionally to determine the amino acid sequence of a selected peptide or peptides to permit synthesis in practical quantities is disclosed. In general outline, the method of the invention comprises synthesizing a mixture of randomly or deliberately generated peptides using standard synthesis techniques, but adjusting the individual concentrations of the components of a mixture of sequentially added amino acids according to the coupling constants for each amino acid/amino acid coupling. The subgroup of peptides having the target property can then be selected, and either each peptide isolated and sequenced, or analysis performed on the mixture to permit its composition to be reproduced. Also included in the invention is an efficient method to determine the relevant coupling constants.

Abstract: A process whereby Resorcinol/Formaldehyde (RF) aerogel having a density of about 0.4-1.2 g/cc can be manufactured using a simple air drying procedure. This process is inherently simpler, quicker, and less expensive than the more conventional supercritical or subcritical CO.sub.2 extraction procedures. RF aerogels can be used as produced, such as in insulation applications, or pyrolyzed to form carbon aerogels with a density of about 0.9 g/cc for use in applications such as batteries, supercapacitors, etc.

Abstract: Synthesis of fullerene/glass composites. A direct method for preparing solid solutions of C.sub.60 in silicon dioxide (SiO.sub.2) glass matrices by means of sol-gel chemistry is described. In order to produce highly concentrated fullerene-sol-gel-composites it is necessary to increase the solubility of these "guests" in a delivery solvent which is compatible with the starter sol (receiving solvent). Sonication results in aggregate disruption by treatment with high frequency sound waves, thereby accelerating the rate of hydrolysis of the alkoxide precursor, and the solution process for the C.sub.60. Depending upon the preparative procedure, C.sub.60 dispersed within the glass matrix as microcrystalline domains, or dispersed as true molecular solutions of C.sub.60 in a solid glass matrix, is generated by the present method.

Abstract: A human B-lymphoblastoid cell line which is identified as L612. The L612 cell line is an Epstein-Barr virus transformed cell line which secretes a human monoclonal antibody (L612) which is reactive with glycoconjugates having an epitope of terminal NeuAc .alpha.2-3 Galactose residue such as GM3 and GM4 present on a variety of human tumor tissues. The L612 antibody is useful in treating patients with the epitope containing tumors and is also useful in raising anti-id antibodies for use as surrogate antigens and diagnostic reagents.

Abstract: An article of manufacture is provided including a substrate having an oxide surface layer and a selective thin film of a cyclodextrin derivative chemically bound upon said substrate, said film is adapted for the inclusion of a selected organic compound therewith. Such an article can be either a chemical sensor capable of detecting a resultant mass change from inclusion of the selected organic compound or a chemical separator capable of reversibly selectively separating a selected organic compound.

Abstract: An x-ray anti-scatter grid for x-ray imaging, particularly for screening mammography, and method for fabricating same, x-rays incident along a direct path pass through a grid composed of a plurality of parallel or crossed openings, microchannels, grooves, or slots etched in a substrate, such as silicon, having the walls of the microchannels or slots coated with a high opacity material, such as gold, while x-rays incident at angels with respect to the slots of the grid, arising from scatter, are blocked. The thickness of the substrate is dependent on the specific application of the grid, whereby a substrate of the grid for mammography would be thinner than one for chest radiology. Instead of coating the walls of the slots, such could be filed with an appropriate liquid, such as mercury.

Abstract: Conducting articles such as fibers, films, tapes and the like are fabricated from intractable conducting polymers such as polyacetylene. The articles are prepared by (a) forming a gel of a carrier polymer in a compatible solvent, (b) polymerizing, within the gel, a selected monomer, and (c) doping the article so provided. The articles are highly electrically conductive as well as mechanically quite strong.

Abstract: Chromosomes are characterized by fluorescent emissions from a single fluorescent dye that is excited over two different wavelengths. A mixture containing chromosomes is stained with a single dye selected from the group consisting of TOTO and YOYO and the stained chromosomes are placed in a flow cytometer. The fluorescent dye is excited sequentially by a first light having a wavelength in the ultraviolet range to excite the TOTO or YOYO to fluoresce at a first intensity and by a second light having a wavelength effective to excite the TOTO or YOYO dye to fluoresce at a second intensity. Specific chromosomes may be identified and sorted by intensity relationships between the first and second fluorescence emissions.

Abstract: The present invention is a thin filament embedded in a low density aerogel for use in radiation detection instruments and incandescent lamps. The aerogel provides a supportive matrix that is thermally and electrically nonconductive, mechanically strong, highly porous, gas-permeable, and transparent to ionizing radiation over short distances. A low density, open-cell aerogel is cast around a fine filament or wire, which allows the wire to be positioned with little or no tension and keeps the wire in place in the event of breakage. The aerogel support reduces the stresses on the wire caused by vibrational, gravitational, electrical, and mechanical forces.

Abstract: An ultrafast scanning probe microscopy method for achieving subpicosecond-temporal resolution and submicron-spatial resolution of an observation sample. In one embodiment of the present claimed invention, a single short optical pulse is generated and is split into first and second pulses. One of the pulses is delayed using variable time delay means. The first pulse is then directed at an observation sample located proximate to the probe of a scanning probe microscope. The scanning probe microscope produces probe-sample signals indicative of the response of the probe to characteristics of the sample. The second pulse is used to modulate the probe of the scanning probe microscope. The time delay between the first and second pulses is then varied. The probe-sample response signal is recorded at each of the various time delays created between the first and second pulses. The probe-sample response signal is then plotted as a function of time delay to produce a cross-correlation of the probe sample response.

Abstract: A universal airborne-particle size-selective inlet (10) for separating particles (82) larger than a cut size from particles (84) smaller than the cut size is disclosed. The larger particles (82) are separated by inertial collection as they are drawn into the apparatus (10) in an air stream (78) which exits jet orifices (46) aligned with collector holes (34) leading to closed stagnation chambers (24). The larger particles (82) pass through the collector holes (34) and into the stagnation chambers (24) where they remain. The smaller particles (84) are carried by the flowing airstream (78) that turns at, and passes by, the collector holes (34) to an external downstream small particle collection device.

Abstract: A high performance capacitor fabricated from nano-structure multilayer materials, such as by controlled, reactive sputtering, and having very high energy-density, high specific energy and high voltage breakdown. The multilayer capacitors, for example, may be fabricated in a "notepad" configuration composed of 200-300 alternating layers of conductive and dielectric materials so as to have a thickness of 1 mm, width of 200 mm, and length of 300 mm, with terminals at each end of the layers suitable for brazing, thereby guaranteeing low contact resistance and high durability. The "notepad" capacitors may be stacked in single or multiple rows (series-parallel banks) to increase the voltage and energy density.

Abstract: In the magnetic optical system of a transmission electron microscope (TEM), the increased strength of a second objective lens is used to increase the longitudinal energy dispersion by forming an image at a magnified second back-focal plane. The electric current distribution of other lenses in the microscope is reconfigured to compensate for any offsets introduced by the modified second objective lens. A plurality of deflectors are installed which enable the manipulation of the electron beam electronically between the specimen and the second back-focal plane. The magnified second back-focal plane is projected onto the selected-area aperture, allowing the use of the existing selected-area aperture as an objective aperture to achieve an energy filtering effect which improves the image contrast and resolution.