Abstract: An image processing system that performs edge-enhancement on an image. The image processing system processes a region of the image at a given time. One specific pixel of an image region is compared to several surrounding pixels to determine the existence of a black edge or a white edge in the image. Additionally, the image processing system includes a classifier that determines whether the image is substantially text-like or substantially photo-like. When the image is substantially text-like, a dynamic black threshold is used to determine the existence of a black edge within the image. The dynamic black threshold is modified during the processing of the image by the image processing system as a function of the relationship between the one specific pixel to at least one other of the several surrounding pixels. The image processing system selectively applies a first threshold scheme or a second threshold scheme upon identification to the image depending on the characteristics of the one specific pixel.

Abstract: A magnetically controllable, or guided, ferrocarbon particle composition and methods of use and production are disclosed. The composition may optionally carry biologically active substances that have been adsorbed onto the particle. The composition comprises composite, volume-compounded particles of 0.1 to 5.0 &mgr;m in size, and preferably between 0.5 and 5.0 &mgr;m, containing 1.0 to 95.0% by mass of carbon, and preferably from about 20% to about 60%. The particles may be produced by mechanical milling of a mixture of iron and carbon powders. The obtained particles are optionally placed in a solution of a biologically active substance to adsorb the substance onto the particles. The composition is generally administered in suspension.

Abstract: A magnetically controllable, or guided, ferrocarbon particle composition and methods of use and production are disclosed. The composition may optionally carry biologically active substances that have been adsorbed onto the particle. The composition comprises composite, volume-compounded particles of 0.1 to 5.0 &mgr;m in size, and preferably between 0.5 and 5.0 &mgr;m, containing 1.0 to 95.0% by mass of carbon, and preferably from about 20% to about 60%. The particles may be produced by mechanical milling of a mixture of iron and carbon powders. The obtained particles are optionally placed in a solution of a biologically active substance to adsorb the substance onto the particles. The composition is generally administered in suspension.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing multi-level resolution conversion (MLRC) of a set of image pixels efficiently using linear interpolation. The system automatically generates equations for determining the values of output pixels in a real-time manner as a function of the input pixels and a desired resolution conversion. As the input pixel values are received, the MLRC system generates the pixel values in real-time at a rate required for the output resolution without requiring a large number of intermediate complex calculations to be stored in memory. The pixel values utilized in the equations are normalized and scaled to values within a predetermined normalization range in order to minimize the complexity of the calculations performed by the MLRC system.

Abstract: A magnetically controllable, or guided, carrier composition and methods of use and production are disclosed, the composition for carrying biologically active substances to a treatment zone in a body under control of a magnetic field. The composition comprises composite, volume-compounded paclitaxel-adsorbed particles of 0.2 to 5.0 &mgr;m in size, and preferably between 0.5 and 5.0 &mgr;m, containing 1.0 to 95.0% by mass of carbon, and preferably from about 20% to about 60%. The particles are produced by mechanical milling of a mixture of iron and carbon powders. The obtained particles are placed in a solution of a biologically active substance to adsorb the substance onto the particles. The composition is generally administered in suspension. Magnetic carrier particles having therapeutic quantities of adsorbed paclitaxel, doxorubicin, Tc99, and antisense-C Myc oligonucleotide, an hematoporphyrin derivative, 6-mercaptopurine, Amphotericin B, and Camptothecin have been produced using this invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods useful in the treatment of benign, premalignant and malignant solid tumors, especially those of the skin comprising methods for the administration of pharmacologically active compositions containing catecholic butanes. The invention also relates to methods of preventing the occurrence of tumors, and the use of catecholic butanes as a sunscreening agent. The preferred catecholic butane is nordihydroguaiaretic acid. The preferred methods of application of the compositions containing catecholic butanes are by topical application and intratumor injection.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods useful in the treatment of benign, premalignant and malignant solid tumors, especially those of the skin comprising methods for the administration of pharmacologically active compositions containing catecholic butanes. The invention also relates to methods of preventing the occurence of tumors, and the use of catecholic butanes as a sunscreening agent. The preferred catecholic butane is nordihydroguaiaretic acid. The preferred methods of application of the compositions containing catecholic butanes are by topical application and intratumor injection.

Abstract: This invention is a method of inducing a reservoir effect in skin and mucous membranes so as to enhance penetration and retention and reduce transdermal flux of topically applied therapeutic and cosmetic pharmacologically active agents. The invention also relates to topical treatment methods involving such reservior effect enhancers, and to pharmaceutical compositions containing them.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of using a number of compounds for the inhibition of lipoxygenase in humans. Pathological conditions which may be treated by the compounds described herein include psoriasis, cellular proliferation, skin allergies, insect bites, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, hay fever, bronchial asthma, allergic gastroenteritis, uterine contractions, hyperactivity of the colon and bronchospasms.