Abstract: A system for providing an objective visibility measurement to a flight crew preferably includes a LIDAR system (100), an evaluation unit (150), and a crew interface (200). In at least one embodiment, the system includes the capability of compensating for aircraft turns such that the absolute direction of the visibility reading remains constant through the maneuver. A method for providing an objective visibility reading to a flight crew preferably includes tacking a visibility reading (S820, S920); providing the visibility reading to the flight crew (S830, S930); and notifying the flight crew when the visibility has decreased to and/or less than a minimum visibility threshold (S840).

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus is characterized by an intubation-tube placement device; and an intubation tube secured to the intubation-tube placement device. In another embodiment, an apparatus is characterized by an intubation-tube placement device; and an anti-perforation device coupled to the intubation-tube placement device. In another embodiment, an apparatus is characterized by an intubation-tube placement device; and at least one tactile-accentuator flap coupled to the intubation-tube placement device. In another embodiment, an apparatus is characterized by an intubation-tube placement device; and a handle affixed to the intubation-tube placement device.

Abstract: In this application is described the expression and purification of a recombinant Plasmodium falciparum (3D7) LSA-NRC polypeptide. The method of the present invention produces a highly purified polypeptide which is useful as a vaccine and as a diagnostic reagent.

Abstract: A personal water and additive apparatus includes a first container; a manifold having a water passageway and an additive passageway, the water passageway and additive passageway intersecting to form a single mixing passageway; a first tube connecting the first container to the water passageway of the manifold, the combination of the first tube and the water passageway defining a water channel; a second container; a second tube connecting the second container to the additive passageway of the manifold, the combination of the second tube and the additive passageway defining an additive channel; an outlet tube having one end connected to the mixing passageway of the manifold; a check valve disposed in the water channel; and a flow regulator that controls flow in at least one of the water passageway and the additive passageway.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a pharmacophore model for arthropod repellent activity and methods of making and using thereof. The pharmacophore comprises two hydrophobic aliphatic functions, one aromatic function and one hydrogen bond acceptor function. The pharmacophore model was made using a test set of arthropod repellent compounds. Also disclosed are arthropod repellent compounds identified by screening databases with the pharmacophore model. Also disclosed are methods of repelling arthropods from a surface or area. Compositions and formulations comprising the compounds of the present invention as well as objects having the compounds of the present invention are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of preventing biofilm formation in an environment including the steps of administering to the environment an effective amount of a peptide having the amino acid sequence NH2-lys-lys-val-val-phe-lys-val-lys-phe-lys-CONH2 [SEQ ID NO: 1] The method is useful in preventing the formation of biofilms in various environments including a home, workplace, laboratory, industrial environment, aquatic environment, animal body or human body. A method of inhibiting the growth of oral microorganisms including the steps of administering to an oral environment an effective amount of a peptide having the amino acid sequence NH2-lys-val-val-phe-lys-val-lys-phe-lys-CONH2 [SEQ ID NO: 1].

Abstract: An accessory clip for attaching medical equipment and the alike to a litter stand that is for attaching to a litter. The accessory clip preferably includes at least one attachment for a piece of medical equipment such as medical monitors, ventilators, infusion pumps, and IV bags. The accessory clip preferably includes components that allow it to be attached to the litter stand.

Abstract: Using the MBGV GP, NP, and virion proteins, a method and composition for use in inducing an immune response which is protective against infection with MBGV in nonhuman primates is described.

Abstract: A method for interpreting data representing forces and torques exerted by a right and left foot on a first and second plate treadmill to determine forces and torques exerted on the right and left foot over a specified period of time. A plurality of signals is preferably analyzed to produce data readings from the first and second plates to determine an occurrence of feet contact on the plates and feet departure from the plates. The data from the signals is then separated into a side A dataset and a side B dataset. Each of the datasets is then matched to one of the individual's feet. The resulting determination of forces and torques exerted on the feet provides a more complete analysis of an individual's progress during injury or rehabilitation.

Abstract: Methods for the diagnosis of visceral, cutaneous and canine leishmaniasis in a subject suspected of being infected with the parasitic protozoa Leishmania is disclosed. Disclosed are antibody-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the detection of antibodies to Leishmania parasite soluble antigens and antigen-capture ELISAs for the detection of Leishmania parasite soluble antigens in host samples. Also disclosed are immunodiagnostic kits for the detection of Leishmania parasite circulating antigens or IgM and IgG antibodies in a sample from subject having visceral, cutaneous or canine leishmaniasis. In these methods and kits, detection may be done photometrically or visually. The methods and kits also allow the visualization of Leishmania amastigotes or promastigotes in a sample.

Abstract: A method of detecting oxidants in a biological sample comprising: adding a source of ferrous ions to said sample, whereby the presence of oxidants in said sample oxidize at least a portion of said ferrous ions to ferric ions; adding a chromogenic compound to said sample, whereby said chromogenic compound reacts with at least a portion of any ferric ions present in said sample; and detecting for the product of said chromogenic compound-ferric ion reaction; whereby the detection of said chromogenic compound-ferric ion reaction product indicates the presence of oxidants in said sample. The method of detecting adulteration of a urine sample also comprises adding a source of ferrous ions to a urine sample; adding a chromogenic compound to said urine sample; detecting the presence or absence of a chromogenic reaction product; determining a concentration of said chromogenic reaction product; and determining if said concentration signifies adulteration of said urine sample.

Abstract: The device performs the function of opening and/or closing lids attached to containers, and more particularly child-proof lids in at least some embodiments. The device preferably includes a base, a post, a lever, a plate to engage the lid of a container, and a mechanism that coverts movement of the lever to rotational movement of the plate against a lid. The conversion mechanism in at least some embodiments includes a spring.

Abstract: A method is provided for inhibiting or preventing toxicity and other unwanted effects (a) caused by solvents for pharmaceuticals which solvents or emulsifier which contain amphiphilic molecules such as polyethoxylated oils or a derivative thereof, or (b) caused by a drug in a vehicle containing amphiphilic molecules such as phopholipids or derivative thereof, emptying a complement inhibitor. Drug compositions containing amphiphilic molecules, or derivatives thereof and a complement inhibitor, and pharmaceutical compositions including a drug, solvent or carrier containing amphiphilic molecules or derivatives thereof, and a complement inhibitor are also provided.

Abstract: Live attenuated vaccines against brucellosis and infection by other diseases are described. It has been discovered that trans complementation of the Brucella wboA gene can be used to maintain an expression vector in an attenuated Brucella host cell in a vaccinee. Further, heterologous antigens can be expressed using this Brucella platform, thus effecting a multivalent vaccine against Brucella and the disease corresponding to the heterologous antigen.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are polypeptides and variants thereof comprising a polypeptide sequence having substantial identity to ricin A chain (RTA) that lack detectable N-glycosidase-rRNA activity or exhibit reduced N-glycosidase-rRNA activity as compared to controls and methods of making and using thereof. The polypeptides and variants have a greater solubility in aqueous solutions of physiological pH and ionic strength than RTA and also retain the integrity of the neutralizing immunological epitope of wild type RTA. Also disclosed are immunogenic compositions that may be used to immunize a subject against ricin intoxication. Methods of immunizing against, treating, and preventing ricin intoxication are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to amino acid sequences from within a consensus peptide of the formula: VEKNITVTASVDPTIDLLQADGSALPSAVALTYSPA (SEQ ID. NO: 1) Eight mer peptides from within the consensus peptide were tested against an antibody raised to the consensus peptide. Studies relating to antibody raised to denatured proteins from the natural organisms producing the family of proteins were also useful and showed particular value of some sequences. A sequence of the formula ASVDPTIDLLQA (SEQ ID NO: 2) was identified thereby. An enlarge sequence of the formula TVTASVDPTIDLLQAD (SEQ ID NO: 3) is also especially interesting as are intermediate sequences such as sequences VTASVDPTIDLLQAD (SEQ ID NO: 4), TASVDPTIDLLQAD (SEQ ID NO: 5), and TASVDPTIDLLQA (SEQ ID NO: 6) as being binding sites for antibodies raised to the denatured proteins.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes but is not limited to: conditioning an inhalent environment; exposing a first organism to the inhalent environment for a first-organism duration of time; and exposing a second organism to the inhalent environment for a second-organism duration of time. In one embodiment, a method includes but is not limited to: conditioning an inhalent environment; exposing a first organism to the inhalent environment until a calculated first-organism delivered dosage meets or exceeds a predefined first-organism target dosage; and exposing a second organism to the inhalent environment until a calculated second-organism delivered dosage meets or exceeds a predefined second-organism target dosage. In one embodiment, a method includes but is not limited to: detecting a first organism via a first-organism biochip device implanted in the first organism; and controlling a first-organism dosage in response to the first-organism biochip device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically attenuated superantigen toxin vaccines altered such that superantigen attributes are absent, however the superantigen is effectively recognized and an appropriate immune response is produced. The attenuated superantigen toxins are shown to protect animals against challenge with wild type toxin. Methods of producing and using the altered superantigen toxins are described.

Abstract: Using nucleic acids encoding mutant SEA and SEB exotoxins from Staphylococcus aureus, compositions and methods for use in inducing an immune response which is protective against staphylococcal aureus intoxication in subjects is described.

Abstract: This invention relates to parenteral and mucosal vaccines against diseases caused by intercellular pathogens using antigens encapsulated within a biodegradable-biocompatible microspheres(matrix).