Abstract: A Bayesian blind equalizer which approximates the optimum symbol-by-symbol detector for an unknown intersymbol interference pattern in a communication channel is provided in a plurality of parallel processors. Each processor operates in parallel from a common data bus with each of the other processors. Each of the processors in turn generates an estimated signal and updated metric for the communication channel for a corresponding one of each of the possible data subsequences which could cause intersymbol interference. The estimated signals or innovations are then combined with the updated metrics in a supervisory processor to generate unconditional channel coefficients for the next received data sample. Using the estimated channel coefficients and received data samples, the transmitted data sample is reliably decoded notwithstanding intersymbol interference without the use of data preambles or training data and notwithstanding that the channel coefficients may be rapidly varying.

Abstract: A shoulder coil of the present invention includes a generally ring-shaped transverse housing oriented in a vertical plane with a parallel wound solenoid supported therein. Annular anterior and posterior housings are mounted diametric on said transverse housing and perpendicularly thereto, and have antenna loops supported therein. The anterior and posterior housings are preferably mounted in planes which diverge downwardly at an angle of approximately 30.degree. from parallel to one another. The transverse housing is a generally cylindrical shaped strap having opposite side edges, with the lower half of the transverse housing folded such that the side edges are abutting to form a joined edge. The anterior, posterior, and transverse housing are preferably formed of a resilient semi-flexible plastic material with the loop antennas and solenoid embedded therein such that the housings may be manipulated and formed to provide a garment-like fit on the shoulder of a patient.

Abstract: Methods of detecting label retaining cells in self-renewing tissues, such as hair follicle, are provided. Methods of modulating the activity of slow-cycling cells and methods of evaluating the efficacy of agents for modulating the activity of stem cell populations are also provided. Generally, cells are continuously labeled, induced into a proliferative phase by exposure to an agent such as TPA or a cytokine, and then observed in relation to established criteria.

Abstract: Methods for the suppression and inhibition of carcinogenesis are provided in which a Bowman-Birk product produced in accordance with the processes described are administered. The methods are particularly adaptable to the prevention or treatment of colon, lung, liver, esophagus, oral epithelium (squamous carcinomas), and bone marrow cancer. The preferred mode of administration is as a dietary supplement.

Abstract: A return mail piece includes a generally rectangular sheet of material with a delimited mailing address zone, a bar code zone in the lower right corner of the sheet, and a subclassification zone in the upper left hand corner of the sheet. Site location indicia is printed within the mailing address zone to identify the address of the site location. Separate subclassification indicia is printed within the subclassification zone so as to identify one of a plurality of end locations as the site location.

Abstract: A method and system for improving signal recovery for tomographic-type detection systems is disclosed which reduces the effect of blurring by obtaining a spatial response function for a plurality of selected detectors and moving the detectors to various positions at various times such that at least two tomographic measurements are taken of substantially the same signal when the object and detection means are at different relative positions. The measurements are then represented as a set of linear equations wherein elements of the response function become weighting factors for corresponding unknown tomographic signal elements. The unknown tomographic signal elements are then estimated by solving the set of linear equations. The tomographic signal elements may then be used as data in projection profiles to generate projection matrices or images directly.

Abstract: A cervical orthosis is provided which supports the weight of the head with a chin support having a pair of transverse members extending rearward from the chin support to the wearer's shoulder. The transverse members are joined at the shoulder to a pair of vertical members which travel down the wearer's back. The orthosis is secured to the wearer by means of a belt attached to the lower ends of the transverse member which is fastened about the wearer's torso. In a preferred embodiment the orthosis is formed of one continuous piece of a suitably rigid material and conforms to the contours of the wearer's body. A method of forming a customized orthosis to conform to the contours of a wearer positioned in a desired posture is also provided.

Abstract: Thermotropic liquid crystalline poly(ester-amide) compositions are disclosed which comprise a bis(4-carbonyl phenylene) terephthalate unit and a unit derived from an N-substituted hydrocarbylenediamine (e.g., one derived from an N,N-dialkylalkylene).

Abstract: A NMR pelvic coil includes an anterior housing with a support arm projecting rearwardly therefrom, and a posterior housing with a base arm projecting rearwardly therefrom, the two housings pivotally connected at the rearward ends of their respective support and base arms, for pivotal movement towards and away from one another. The anterior and posterior housings each support a plurality of NMR coils, and are curved from side edge to side edge towards one another to closely conform to the patient anatomy as well as the curvature of the patient table. An adjustment bar is pivotally connected to the base arm and extends upwardly and through an aperture in the support arm, and includes teeth thereon so as to selectively engage the support arm to hold the anterior housing in the desired position relative to the posterior housing.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for the diagnosis of autosomal muscular dystrophy through the analysis of muscle tissue using antibodies reactive with components of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex. An experimental muscle tissue sample, treated if necessary to render components of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex available for antibody binding, is contacted with an antibody which binds to a dystrophin-associated protein. The extent of antibody binding is determined, and compared to the extent of antibody binding to normal control tissue. A substantial reduction in the extent of binding to experimental tissue, as compared with normal control tissue, being diagnostic of autosomal muscular dystrophy. Among the autosomal muscular dystrophies which are detectable by the methods described herein are Fukuyama muscular dystrophy and severe childhood autosomal recessive muscular dystrophy.

Abstract: A novel use for the class of biologically active bis-indole alkaloid compounds, which have been named topsentins, nortopsentins, or dragmacidins, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, methods of producing the compounds, and methods of using the compounds are disclosed. Specifically, the novel utility pertains to the anti-inflammatory properties exhibited by the bis-indole compounds and their analogs.

Abstract: Methods of detecting label retaining cells in self-renewing tissues, such as hair follicle, are provided. Methods of modulating the activity of slow-cycling cells and methods of evaluating the efficacy of agents for modulating the activity of stem cell populations are also provided. Generally, cells are continuously labeled, induced into a proliferative phase by exposure to an agent such as TPA or a cytokine, and then observed in relation to established criteria.

Abstract: An improved pulsatile system for a cochlear prosthesis is disclosed. The system employs a multi-spectral peak coding strategy to extract a number, for example five, of spectral peaks from an incoming acoustic signal received by a microphone. It encodes this information into sequential pulses that are sent to selected electrodes of a cochlear implant. The first formant (F1) spectral peak (280-1000 Hz) and the second formant (F2) spectral peak (800-4000 Hz) are encoded and presented to apical and basal electrodes, respectively. F1 and F2 electrode selection follows the tonotopic organization of the cochlea. High-frequency spectral information is sent to more basal electrodes and low-frequency spectral information is sent to more apical electrodes. Spectral energy in the regions of 2000-2800 Hz, 2800-4000 Hz, and above 4000 Hz is encoded and presented to three fixed electrodes.

Abstract: Aqueous mixtures of hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules are separated by adding to the aqueous mixture a second aqueous solution containing 95 mole percent of an alkyldimethylphosphine oxide and 5 mole percent of a phospholipid at 0-10.degree. C. followed by warming to 12-20.degree. C. and separating the resulting two layers.

Abstract: A Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC) for capturing transients in the GHz range is disclosed. The device includes a transmission line formed in a GaAs substrate. The transmission line includes a number of threshold devices forming shunts on the transmission line. The threshold devices are positioned at predetermined locations with respect to one another. A reference signal and an unknown signal are counter-propagated along the transmission line. When the two signals collide, they produce a collision voltage which exceeds the threshold voltage of the threshold devices. The voltage information is distributed along the predetermined length of several threshold devices. Thus, amplitude, phase, and timing information regarding the two signals may be obtained. This information may be utilized for triggering, clock interpolation, data demodulation, and other applications.

Abstract: A digital data memory unit and memory unit array, each unit of which can be searched in accordance with the contents thereof and updated, utilizes a digital storage element in the form of a register, latch, or memory cell, a comparator and control logic. Data is presented to the units in parallel on data lines and compare data is supplied in parallel to the units along other data lines. Parallel search of data in each unit, with multiple updates in units where the stored data matches the compare data, occurs rapidly and in one clock cycle (e.g., approximately 50 nanoseconds). The control logic responds to a match output from the comparator and an update enable pulse to enable a new data word on the data lines to be written into the digital storage element of the unit. The memory unit array is useful in image processing for storing pixel values and searching and updating these values in the process of image analysis to recognize certain images.

Abstract: Assays are provided for detecting the existence of active rheumatoid arthritis by detecting rheumatoid factor as a blood component which cross-links human IgG with sheep IgG. Particularly, an enzyme labelled assay is provided using biotin-avidin to link the enzyme to the immunoglobulin. The binding peptide of the rheumatoid factor is also provided.

Abstract: The production of artificial viral envelopes by a novel double-detergent dialysis technique is disclosed. Specifically exemplified is the production of HIV-1 and RSV viral envelopes. The resulting artificial viral envelopes are essentially identical to the natural virus with regard to characteristics which are relevant to immunogenicity.

Abstract: A factor (NKEF) for use in enhancing the activity of natural killer cells both in vivo and in vitro. NKEF is a soluble red blood cell cytosol protein having a molecular mass of between about 300 and 400 kilodaltons as determined by gel filtration high pressure liquid chromatography and an apparent molecular weight of about 48 kilodaltons as determined by non-reducing SDS-PAGE.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for diagnosing the mechanical condition of a machine. The method of the invention includes the following steps: sensing a reference vibrational signal of the machine; creating a reference set of events from the reference vibrational signal of the machine; saving the reference set of events; sensing a test vibrational signal of the machine; creating a test set of events from the test vibrational signal of the machine; and, comparing the test set of events with the reference set of events to determine the mechanical condition of the machine. The invention further includes a method of extracting a set of events from a vibrational signal of a machine wherein a subset of the events corresponds to a physical action of the machine. The invention also includes a method of determining a set of clustered events for a machine from a plurality of sets of events, wherein each of the sets has a number of events therein.