Abstract: A Pressure Cell for pressurizing material for use in NMR spectroscopy, comprising a sample tube made of sapphire for placing the material; the tube being closed at one end, a housing for holding the sample tube such that the material in the tube can be pressurized, a cover for closing the housing, the cover having an inlet for pressuring the material, means of sealing the cover to the housing; and means of sealing the housing to the sample tube.

Abstract: Ferroelectric PbZr.sub.x T.sub.1-x O.sub.3 (PZT) thin films are deposited on Pt coated Si substrates by using RF magnetron sputtering. A method for obtaining desirable stoichiometric PZT, the desired ferroelectric perovskite phase, and better dielectric properties using a PZT target with Pb/(Zr+Ti) ratio of 1.2 and depositing at 350.degree. C., followed by thermal treatment at 620.degree. C. for 30 min is disclosed. The structural and electrical properties of the PZT layer were further improved by a method of fabricating a novel multi-layer structure which combined the PZT thin film with nanolayers of BaTiO.sub.3. The method and device of the present invention provided reduced leakage current density while maintaining high relative effective dielectric constants.

Abstract: The invention discloses a novel method for preventing acute lung injury in a mammal following trauma. The method includes treating the mammal with an effective amount of a tetracycline prior to intrapulmonary accumulation of neutrophils.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated I.kappa.B kinase binding protein designated Y2H61 and functional equivalents therof. The amino acid sequence of Y2H61, the nucleotide sequence encoding Y2H61, and other related protein and nucleic acid molecules are also provided.

Abstract: Nucleotide sequences, derived from Moraxella catarrhalis, which encode one or more epitopes of outer membrane protein B1 are disclosed. Recombinant B1 protein or B1 peptides may be produce by culturing in a medium a host cell genetically engineered to contain and express a nucleotide sequence according to the present invention, and recovering the recombinant protein or peptide from the cultured host cell or culture medium. The nucleotide sequence of the present invention can also be used in molecular diagnostic assays for detecting M. catarrhalis genetic material, and in antigenic compositions for producing B1-specific amino acids.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a three-dimensional visualization image of an object such as an organ using volume visualization techniques and exploring the image using a guided navigation system which allows the operator to travel along a flight path and to adjust the view to a particular portion of the image of interest in order, for example, to identify polyps, cysts or other abnormal features in the visualized organ. An electronic biopsy can also be performed on an identified growth or mass in the visualized object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing polymer composites. The method includes providing a mixture of concentrated emulsions and polymerizing the mixture of concentrated emulsions under conditions effective to form a polymer composite. The mixture of concentrated emulsions includes either a divinyl-terminated macromonomer and a first partially polymerized concentrated emulsion of a first monomer or a first partially copolymerized concentrated emulsion of a divinyl-terminated macromonomer and a first monomer. The mixture of concentrated emulsions further includes either a second partially polymerized concentrated emulsion of a second monomer or a second partially copolymerized concentrated emulsion of a divinyl-terminated macromonomer and a second monomer. Using the methods of the present invention, polymer blends and/or polymer networks containing compatibilizers can be produced.

Abstract: A method for chemical vapor deposition of a silicon-nitrogen based film onto a substrate includes introducing into a deposition chamber: (i) a substrate; (ii) a haloethylsilane precursor in the vapor state; and (iii) at least one nitrogen-containing reactant gas; and maintaining the deposition temperature within the chamber as from about 200.degree. C. to about 1000.degree. C. for a period of time sufficient to deposit a silicon-nitrogen based film on the substrate. Silicon-nitrogen based films are also included which are formed by chemical vapor deposition using a haloethylsilane precursor in a vapor state and at least one reactant gas comprising nitrogen.

Abstract: A process comprising subjecting at least one compound containing at least one carbon--carbon double bond or at least one carbon--carbon triple bond, hydrogen and carbon monoxide, to a hydrocarbonylation reaction in supercritical carbon dioxide, in the presence of a Group VIII transition metal catalyst precursor, and a phosphite ligand.

Abstract: Probabilities of usage of specific words are evaluated based on frequency of usage in the selected language, such as English. Syntax type probabilities of word sequencing are evaluated through (i) rules based on transitional probability of use of two particular words in sequence in English usage and (ii) rules based on probability of relative positioning of words of particular word categories (e.g., nouns and adjectives) in a sentence structure in English usage. A word trellis or lattice represents choice paths for alternative sentence structures. By selecting the path with the highest probability values, highly accurate sentence reconstruction is provided.

Abstract: A method of treating inflammation in a mammal, which comprises contacting the affected area with an amount sufficient to ameliorate the inflammatory condition, of a compound of the following formula ##STR1## in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier containing a detergent, where Z is a substituted phenyl, R is a substituted or unsubstituted alkylsulfonyl group from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and X is --CN, --NO.sub.2, --H, halogen, lower alkyl or lower haloalkyl radical.

Abstract: The invention provides an extracellular matrix for enhancing wound healing. The extracellular matrix comprises a recombinant fibronectin protein and a backbone matrix, wherein the recombinant fibronectin protein comprises peptides from two or more fibronectin domains. The extracellular matrix facilitates wound healing by providing hemostasis and, in addition, an environment that intrinsically recruits new tissue cells to the wound site. The extracellular matrix according to the subject invention is thus used in a method for enhancing wound healing. The method comprises applying the extracellular matrix to the wound.

Abstract: A process for preparing an oxidation resistant, electrically conductive copper layer on a substrate, and copper layers so formed, are disclosed. A copper layer is deposited onto the surface of a substrate, and subsequently annealed. The copper layer includes magnesium in an amount sufficient to form an inert magnesium oxide layer at the surface of the copper layer upon annealing.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are presented for use in a papermaking process for determining permeability and/or compressibility characteristics of a pulp suspension within the process. The method/apparatus includes monitoring height of pulp suspension within one or more test columns as a function of time while allowing pulp suspension drainage from each test column. At least one parameter representative of permeability or compressibility of the pulp suspension is determined, via computer processing, using the monitored height as a function of time of the pulp suspension within the test column. The at least one parameter representative of permeability or compressibility can comprise specific surface area (S.sub.w), specific volume (v.sub.f) compressibility constant m or compressibility constant n for the pulp suspension.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the field of Augmentative Communication Technology. The invention addresses the problem of providing a communication device for producing message output reflecting a user's intended message which minimizes the amount of user input required to produce a message. The invention pertains to an augmentative communication system in which user input may specify attributes of a predefined subject of desired communication. Responsive to such input, a system in accordance with the invention may provide to the user a set of predefined messages which are pertinent to the specified subject. From this set of messages the user may specify a message to be produced as output for purposes of communication. Alternatively, the user may alter the specified attributes and receive a different set of predefined messages based on the revised specifications.

Abstract: Compositions comprising outer membrane protein "E", and peptides and oligopeptides thereof, of Moraxella catarrhalis are described. Additionally, nucleotide sequences encoding the protein, peptide, or oligopeptide are disclosed, as well as recombinant vectors containing these sequences. Protein, peptide, or oligopeptide can be produced from host cell systems containing these recombinant vectors. Peptides and oligopeptides can also be chemically synthesized. Disclosed are the uses of the protein, peptides and oligopeptides as antigens in antigenic formulations for vaccine applications or for generating antisera of diagnostic or therapeutic use; and as antigens in diagnostic immunoassays. The nucleotide sequences are useful for constructing vectors for use as vaccines for insertions into attenuated bacteria in constructing a recombinant bacterial vaccine and for inserting into a viral vector in constructing a recombinant viral vaccine.

Abstract: The invention provides the development of models for cell migration, including an in vitro model and an in vivo model. The in vitro model for cell migration comprises a first extracellular matrix containing a cell (the cell which will migrate) and a second extracellular matrix in physical contact with the first extracellular matrix. The first extracellular matrix simulates a first natural environment in which the cell naturally resides, and the second extracellular matrix simulates a second natural environment into which the cell naturally migrates from the first natural environment. The in vivo model according to the subject invention comprises an animal model having a naturally occurring first extracellular matrix containing a cell, and a second extracellular matrix in physical contact with the first extracellular matrix. The first and second extracellular matrices are generally as described above for the in vitro model, except that the first extracellular matrix is part of an animal model.

Abstract: A method for treating diabetes in a mammal by moderately controlling blood glucose concentration in the mammal together with administering to the mammal an amount of a tetracycline compound effective to reduce complications associated with diabetic hyperglycemia. The method enables long term management of diabetes by avoiding the problems associated with tight control of blood glucose concentrations, i.e., hypoglycemia tolerance and seizures, while simultaneously avoiding the problems associated with conventional moderate control of blood glucose concentrations, i.e., pathological complications associated with hyperglycemia, such as nephropathy, retinopathy, etc. Blood glucose concentration can be controlled by moderate administration (e.g.

Abstract: Non-invasive apparatus and method for obtaining a quantitative determination of mean left atrial transmural pressure or otherwise obtaining a quantitative determination of a left atrial pressure value. A balloon is inserted by means of a catheter into the esophagus and positioned adjacent the left atrium. The balloon is gradually inflated. A tracing of mean balloon pressure is obtained as the balloon is inflated. In addition, a tracing of balloon pressure on a steady baseline and with low frequency oscillations due to respiration filtered out is obtained whereby the tracing represents balloon pressure oscillations effected by left atrial pressure. In accordance with the oscillometric principle the mean balloon pressure is measured when the intensity of a sound wave, after its transmission through the balloon, is at a peak. This mean balloon pressure, after adjustment for the effect, if any, of heart weight, is indicative of approximate mean left atrial pressure.

Abstract: Identified are genetic regulatory elements which are part of a natural antisense RNA negative regulatory system in eukaryotic cells. The genetic regulatory elements, designated an antisense initiator sequence, when downstream of and operably linked to a DNA molecule can transcribe the DNA molecule into RNA transcripts of negative strand polarity that function to bind to, in forming an RNA duplex with, sense RNA transcripts being produced from a target gene to be regulated. The invention relates to recombinant vectors useful for introduction into eukaryotic cells, and methods of using the vectors to regulate expression of a target gene comprising introducing the recombinant vectors into host eukaryotic cells.