Abstract: There are disclosed sulfonic acid precursor compositions, as are methods of using these compositions in, for example, photolithography. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: An Optical Imaging Device of Retinal Function has been developed to detect changes in reflectance of near infrared light from the retina of human subjects in response to visual activation of the retina by a pattern stimulus. The measured changes in reflectance correspond in time to the onset and offset of the visual stimulus in the portion of the retina being stimulated. Any changes in reflectance can be measured by interrogating the retina with a light source. The light source may be presented to the retina via the cornea and pupil or through other tissues in and around the eye. Different wavelengths of interrogating light may be used to interrogate various layers of the retina. Additionally, various novel patterns and methods of stimulation have been developed for use with the imaging device and methods.

Abstract: A method and system for imaging of a scattering target medium using a modified perturbation formulation of a radiation transport equation where normalized measured values are used to recover a relative difference in absorption and/or scattering properties based on the normalized measured values with respect to a reference medium. The modified perturbation formulation provides enhanced stability, reduces the sensitivity of solution to variations between the target and reference media, produces solutions having physical units and reduces the need for absolute detector calibration. Moreover, the modified perturbation equation lends itself to the detection and imaging of dynamic properties of the scattering medium.

Abstract: A method for treating mammals suffering from conditions associated with excess phospholipase A.sub.2 activity and/or production comprising administering to the mammal an effective amount of a non-antimicrobial tetracycline sufficient to inhibit excess phospholipase A.sub.2 activity and/or production is disclosed. A pharmaceutical composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tracheal guide (10) for positioning a medical device (11) such as an endotracheal or intubation tube in the trachea (12) of a human patient (13). The tracheal guide includes an elongated member (14) with a generally U-shaped passage (17) extending therethrough. Ears (18, 33) are disposed laterally about the passage and, in particular, the distal end (15) thereof. These ears are shaped for conformance with and placement in the piriform fossa (19, 34), which are located in the vicinity of the glottic opening (39) of the trachea. A tongue (25) extends distally from the distal end of the elongated member and into the esophagus (32) of the patient when the ears of the guide are positioned in the piriform fossa. The passage of the elongated member includes first and second surfaces (20, 24) that form an edge (26) that extends anterior to the cricoid cartilage and, in particular, the transverse arytenoid when the edge and ears are properly positioned in the patient's airway.

Abstract: A solder joint between two surfaces comprising an intermediate composite solder preform, said preform comprising metal coated carbon fibers contained in a metal matrix, said fibers comprising from 2 to 80 percent by volume of the composite, said metal matrix melting at a temperature below 600.degree. C. and containing at least 15 weight percent tin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for written character recognition. The method includes thresholding an input gray level character image to derive its bilevel image, extracting stroke-based features of said bilevel image, classifying the features based upon a set of predetermined rules, determining the identity of the character utilizing the classification, and indicating the identity of the character. A method and apparatus for extracting features of a written character is also provided. This method includes raster scanning the written character to determine stroke-based features, extracting vertical strokes of the character and extracting horizontal strokes of the character.

Abstract: In situ preservation of animal organs for transplantation is effected by establishing upper and lower blockages in a vascular conduit connected with such organs and then introducing a flushing solution into the conduit through a cannula at a flow rate sufficient to provide a renal flush of about 60 to 70 cc/100 g/min and until the core temperature of the organs being removed has been lowered to at least about 22.degree. C. A particular cannula assembly and flushing kit also is provided.

Abstract: Novel synthetic routes to (3a.alpha.,6a.alpha.)-1,3-dibenzyl hexahydro-1H-thieno[3,4-d]imidazol-2(3H)-one 5,5-dioxide, a known intermediate in the synthesis of biotin are provided.A novel synthetic route from this intermediate to biotin is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sterile, non-pyrogenic composition and method for preparing technetium 99m colloidal material substantially free of sulfur utilized in the scanning of organs of the body.