Abstract: Disclosed is a method to image events with a camera having a focal plane ay of sensors on a charge coupled device whose parallel vertical registers clock signal charges to a horizontal register. The method includes sending a first clock signal to first gates on vertical register zones proximal to the sensors, and sending a second clock signal to second gates on distal vertical register zones remote from the sensors. A first transfer pulse on the first clock signal causes first signal charges in the sensors to transfer to the proximal zones, and then the first signal charges dissipate into the substrate of the charge coupled device. A second transfer pulse of the first clock signal occurs at a predetermined interval after the first transfer pulse and second signal charges transfer to the proximal zone. The second signal charges are clocked off the charge coupled device to become part of a video signal.

Abstract: An open loop control arrangement for an electrical energy flow-controlling circuit coupling the varying terminal voltage of an energy storing capacitor to a fixed voltage direct current aircraft energy supply bus in order to supplement bus voltage transients. The open loop control arrangement allows energy flow from the varying terminal voltage of the capacitor to the fixed bus voltage by providing a time varying pulse modulation cycle in an energy conveying and voltage changing inductive element located in the energy coupling path. The open loop control arrangement senses input voltage rather than output voltage of the coupling circuit in what is termed a "feed forward " output regulation algorithm. A transistorized and integrated circuit inclusive preferred embodiment of the invention is disclosed in which a disconnect of the inductance from the aircraft supply bus is accomplished during shunt path inductance energy charging portions of an operating cycle.

Abstract: Disclosed is substantially pure DNA encoding an Arabidopsis thaliana Rps2 polypeptide; substantially pure Rps2 polypeptide; and methods of using such DNA to express the Rps2 polypeptide in plant cells and whole plants to provide, in transgenic plants, disease resistance to pathogens. Also disclosed are conserved regions characteristic of the RPS family and primers and probes for the identification and isolation of additional RPS disease-resistance genes.

Abstract: A new method for improving the mechanical properties and nonlinear optical performance characteristics of gallium selenide crystals (GaSe) is disclosed. A charge of GaSe crystals was doped with indium before being made into a crystal. The indium-doped GaSe crystals have improved physical properties in that they can be cut along the cleave planes and the cleaved surfaces polished without the usual delaminations typically observed in prior art pure GaSe crystals. The indium-doped crystals were tested in a second harmonic generation (SHG) system and found to have nearly twice the SHG efficiency as pure, or undoped, GaSe crystals.

Abstract: This method and apparatus for detecting target molecules in a liquid phase. The apparatus monitors whether the target molecule has selectively bound to recognition agents on the surface of a magnetic field sensor by monitoring the output of the sensor. The recognition agents which selectively bind target molecules are covalently bound to microfabricated magnetic field sensors. These sensors are then exposed to a sample suspected of containing the target molecules, whereupon the recognition agents bind to and immobilize any target molecules present. Depending on the embodiment, recognition agents that selectively bind the target molecule, or recognition agents that selectively bind the sensor-bound recognition agents, are covalently bound to magnetizable particles. These particles are then added to the sensors and, again depending on the embodiment, attach either to any immobilized target molecules or to sensor-bound recognition agents.

Abstract: A computer implemented physical signal analysis method is invented. This method includes two essential steps and the associated presentation techniques of the results. All the steps exist only in a computer: there are no analytic expressions resulting from the method. The first step is a computer implemented Empirical Mode Decomposition to extract a collection of Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMF) from nonlinear, nonstationary physical signals. The decomposition is based on the direct extraction of the energy associated with various intrinsic time scales in the physical signal. Expressed in the IMF's, they have well-behaved Hilbert Transforms from which instantaneous frequencies can be calculated. The second step is the Hilbert Transform. The final result is the Hilbert Spectrum. Thus, the invention can localize any event on the time as well as the frequency axis. The decomposition can also be viewed as an expansion of the data in terms of the IMF's.

Abstract: A personal computer card which includes four tone generators connected to a radio frequency synthesizer which, in turn, is connected to a 400 MHz hcal rubber coated antenna. Each of the four tone generators may be programmed to generate any one of twenty Interrange Instrumentation Group standard decoder tones which are used for testing the flight termination receivers and decoder in certain weapons systems such as a missile. The standard decoder tones generated by each of the four tone generators are supplied to the radio frequency synthesizer. The radio frequency synthesizer frequency modulates the IRIG tones onto a carrier signal in the flight termination band which is in a range from 400 MHz to 440 MHz. The modulated radio frequency signal is then supplied to the antenna for transmission to the weapons system being tested.

Abstract: The cytotoxic T cell response to the protein encoded by the NS5 region of hepatitis C virus was determined using 28 peptides from NS5 which were selected by an amphipathicity algorithm as candidates for T cell epitopes. In BALB/c mice, a single relatively conserved epitope represented by a 16-residue synthetic peptide was presented by D.sup.d class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules to conventional CD4.sup.- CD8.sup.+ CTL. An exemplary peptide, which represents amino acid residues 2422-2437 of the polyprotein of the Chiron HCV1 isolate, had the amino acid sequence MSYSWTGALVTPCAAE [SEQ ID NO: 1]. A CTL line specific for this peptide recognized the two known natural variants of this NS5 sequence, each with conservative substitutions. Thus, CTL can recognize the product of the HCV NS5 gene, the probable RNA polymerase, in association with class I MHC molecules on model target cells and may recognize the same epitope on hepatocytes or any other cells infected with the virus.

Abstract: A precursor composition includes (1) at least one crosslinking compound resented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein: u and x are independently selected positive integers, v and w are independently selected integers greater than or equal to zero, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6, R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, haloalkyl, haloaryl and mixtures thereof, A and E are independently selected from the group consisting of O, an aliphatic bridge, an aryl bridge and mixtures thereof; and R.sup.9 and R.sup.10 are unsubstituted or substituted vinyl or ethynyl groups, (2) at least one organosilicon compound containing at least two silicon hydride moieties per molecule, and (3) a hydrosilation catalyst. A cross-linked polymer is formed by reacting the crosslinking compound of formula I with the organosilicon compound via a hydrosilation reaction. A thermoset polymer is formed by thermally curing the crosslinked polymer.

Abstract: The single channel transceiver with polarization diversity is a target detion and tracking system that results from combining the well-established technology of single channel transceiver with that of microstrip polarization-diverse antenna. The single channel transceiver with polarization diversity transmits a pair of pulses of a pre-selected polarization sense toward a target object and receives two scattered pulses of orthogonal polarizations in rapid sequence. Thereupon, a second pair of pulses, this time of opposite polarization, is transmitted and, again, two scattered pulses of orthogonal polarizations from this second pair of transmitted pulses are received in rapid sequence. Thus, the single channel transceiver with polarization diversity has the capability to obtain the complete scattering matrix of a target by use of four transmitted pulses.

Abstract: An apparatus and process that utilize a low temperature nonequilibrium plasma reactor, for improving the particulate removal efficiency of an electrostatic precipitator (ESP) are disclosed. A portion of the flue gas, that contains a low level of SO.sub.2 O.sub.2 H.sub.2 O, and particulate matter, is passed through a low temperature plasma reactor, which defines a plasma volume, thereby oxidizing a portion of the SO.sub.2 present in the flue gas into SO.sub.3. An SO.sub.2 rich flue gas is thereby generated. The SO.sub.3 rich flue gas is then returned to the primary flow of the flue gas in the exhaust treatment system prior to the ESP. This allows the SO.sub.3 to react with water to form H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 that is in turn is absorbed by fly ash in the gas stream in order to improve the removal efficiency of the EPS.

Abstract: An automatic tracking device is disclosed that extracts data from the comite video output signal of a camera and uses it to electronically isolate an object in the image information on the video output signal and follows the object with a crosshair added to the video by the autotracking device. The autotracking device generates steering signals that are applied to the camera directing circuits to cause the camera to automatically follow the object as the object moves.

Abstract: A novel compound which polymerizes to a thermoset polymer and which pyrols to amorphous carbon, is selected from the group consisting of: ##STR1## where R.sup.1 is --C.tbd.C.phi.. A novel thermoset polymer is made by heating an aromatic acetylenic monomeric precursor with the formula: ##STR2## where R.sup.1 is --C.tbd.C.phi., and where R.sup.2, R.sup.3, and R.sup.4 are independently selected from the group consisting of --H and --C.tbd.C.phi., or a mixture of two or more of these compounds, to a polymerization temperature. A novel process for making amorphous carbon with high char yield and low porosity, comprises pyrolyzing an aromatic acetylenic monomeric precursor/polymer, or a mixture of two or more precursors/polymers to a temperature in excess of 450.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of fingerprint verification that includes the steps of capturing a complete fingerprint of a number of enrollees; capturing a portion of a claimant's fingerprint, where the portion is less than an entire fingerprint; dividing the portion of the claimant's fingerprint into a number of segments; comparing each of the segments against the fingerprint of the enrollee the claimant claims to be; generating a correlation score for each of the segments; calculating a distance error for the segments; combining the distance errors into an average distance error; generating a verification vector based on each of the correlation scores for each of the segments and the distance error; establishing a threshold vector; and comparing the verification vector against the threshold vector in order to determine whether or not the claimant is the enrollee the claimant claims to be.

Abstract: A method is described for a simple, fast and efficient synthesis of homopolymers and copolymers by the enzymatic ring opening polymerization of lactones and lactides. The enzyme used is an ion paired protease. The advantage of this enzymatic system is in using small amount of enzyme per monomer and lower reaction time. Homopolymers and copolymers are synthesized with molecular weights between 1000 and 4600 daltons, and dispersity as low as 1.1. The monomer conversion after 4 days, for reactions catalyzed by protease S, has reached 100%. Different initiators are used to control the rate and degree of polymerization. Synthesis of block copolymers with defined block size and crystallinity are described in this invention. These biodegradable and bioerodable polyesters and copolyesters with controlled molecular weight, dispersity and crystallinity have applications in medical, drug, cosmetic and food industries.

Abstract: This invention provides for immunotoxins comprising a Pseudomonas exotoxin (PE) that does not require proteolytic activation for cytotoxic activity attached to an Fv antibody fragment having a variable heavy chain region bound through at least one disulfide bond to a variable light chain region. The combination of a "disulfide-stabilized" binding agent fused to a PE that does not require proteolytic activation provides an immunotoxin having surprising cytotoxic activity.

Abstract: This invention provides for recombinant single chain antibodies capable of specifically binding to a Lewis.sup.Y -related carbohydrate antigen and fusion proteins comprising these antibodies. More particularly, the invention provides for single chain Fv regions of the monoclonal antibodies B1 and B5. The invention also provides for a number of stabilizing mutations of the Lewis.sup.Y -binding monoclonal antibody B3. In addition, the invention provides for methods of detecting cells bearing a Lewis.sup.Y antigen in a patient and for methods of killing or inhibiting the growth of cells bearing a Lewis.sup.Y antigen in a patient.

Abstract: An imaging system is described which can be used to either passively search for sources of ultrasonics or as an active phase imaging system, which can image fires, gas leaks, or air temperature gradients. This system uses an array of ultrasonic receivers coupled to an ultrasound collector or lens to provide an electronic image of the ultrasound intensity in a selected angular region of space. A system is described which includes a video camera to provide a visual reference to a region being examined for ultrasonic signals.

Abstract: A method and crucible for annealing SiC at high temperatures. The crucible is a vessel having a peripheral wall, at least two compartments separated by an inner wall within the peripheral wall and a lid which separates the compartments from the crucible surroundings while providing a passageway between the compartments. The peripheral wall, inner wall and lid are composed of materials capable of withstanding annealing temperatures. The process disposes an SiC wafer in one of the compartments and SiC powder disposed in another of the compartments. The SiC powder is present to hinder SiC wafer decomposition during annealing of the SiC wafer. The crucible is then heated to a temperature sufficient anneal the SiC wafer, preferably after evacuating air and flowing an inert gas in and around the crucible.

Abstract: A sample storage device comprises a vial provided with an opening, a permion tube arranged within the vial, permeable to a fluid contained in the vial or the permeation tube, and having a first closed end and an opposite second end, and a septum closure sealing the vial opening. In one embodiment, the permeation tube second end is open, the permeation tube is arranged within the vial with the second end adjacent the vial opening, and the septum closure seals the vial opening and the second open end of the permeation tube. The vial has a sample fluid, at least a portion of which is in contact with an outer surface of the permeation tube, and the permeation tube is permeable to the sample fluid. In a second embodiment, the permeation tube second end is closed, and the permeation tube includes a marker-containing adsorbent therein. The vial has a sample fluid therein and the permeation tube is permeable to the marker.