Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for characterizing the unknown state of a physical system having a variant signature, the characterization being made with reference to a known state of like physical systems. A response signature representative of the unknown system state is compared to a standard signature representative of the known system state. The standard signature comprises a multi-dimensional region within a pre-defined, transformed coordinate system having an inner and outer boundary. If the response signature lies wholly within the bounded region, the system being characterized is deemed to be in the known state. Conversely, if the response signature does not lie wholly within the bounded region, the system being characterized is deemed to be in a state other than the known state.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for characterizing the unknown state of a physical system having a time varying history, the characterization being made with reference to a known state of like physical systems. A response signature representative of the unknown system state is compared to a standard signature representative of the known system state. The standard signature includes a primary signature comprising a multi-dimensional region within a pre-defined, transformed coordinate system having an inner and outer boundary, and a secondary signature comprising at least one, but preferably two or more isoclines situated within the bounded region. If the response signature lies wholly within the bounded region and does not cross any of the region's isoclines, the system being characterized is deemed to be in the known state.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for characterizing the unknown state of a physical system having a time varying history, the characterization being made with reference to a known state of like physical systems. A response signature representative of the unknown system state is compared to a standard signature representative of the known system state. The standard signature includes a primary signature comprising a multi-dimensional region within a pre-defined, transformed coordinate system having an inner and outer boundary, and a secondary signature comprising at least one, but preferably two or more isoclines situated within the bounded region. If the response signature lies wholly within the bounded region and does not cross any of the region's isoclines, the system being characterized is deemed to be in the known state.

Abstract: There are provided therapeutic compositions comprising certain selenium-containing compounds which exhibit therapeutic benefits in mammal hosts including humans. The selenium compounds in accordance with this invention are preferably water soluble organic or inorganic compounds containing selenium such as alkali metal selenites and selenates. Among the therapeutic benefits exhibited by these compositions are the reduction in severity from and improvements in recovery from physically induced damage to body tissue which includes damage caused by surgical incisions, lacerations and burns.