Abstract: Described herein is a novel method for generation of recombinant poxviruses using an E3 and K3 double deletion mutant virus as the parental virus for generation of recombinant viruses. Following allowing for crossing over between the parental virus and an insertion cassette including an orthopox K3 peptide and the gene of interest, recombinant viruses are selected by infecting a host cell line permissive for the orthopox K3 peptide but not for the E3 and K3 double mutant parental virus. It is also demonstrated that a specific small molecule inhibitor of NEDD8 activating enzyme, MLN4924, can completely block poxvirus K3 family protein mediated PKR degradation and virus replication.

Abstract: Instead of generating immune responses to several HIV proteins and risk over activating more CD4+ T cells (easy targets for HIV-1 infection) as current candidate vaccines try to do, a lower magnitude, narrowly focused, well maintained virus specific CD8+ T cell response to multiple subtypes should destroy and eliminate a few founder viruses without inducing inflammatory responses that may activate more CD4+ T cells and provide more targets for HIV-1 virus infection. Specifically, described herein is a method that focuses the immune response to the 12 protease cleavage sites.

Abstract: A system and method for capturing and separating carbon dioxide from mixed gas streams. The gas stream is processed in a structure including a compression module comprising a plurality of compressors, intercoolers and inter-stage condensate separators. The flow path from the compression module includes a plurality of flow separators, gas stream splitters, heat exchangers and at least a first mixer and a first expander. The gas stream is sequentially compressed and cooled to form process condensate and separate it from the compressed gas stream. The gas stream is further dried and cooled to liquefy carbon dioxide and separate it from the non-condensable portion. Selective expansion of liquid carbon dioxide streams provides cooling for the system, and further energy efficiency is achieved by selective recycling of portions of gas streams, allowing for compact equipment and economical operation, while providing for high purity product streams of carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Lap joints and butt joints can be used for braze-welding metals together, particularly metal sheet materials. Disclosed herein are hybrid joints that include features of both lap joints and of butt joints, that are suitable for braze-welding together articles and workpieces, particularly sheets, composed of different metals including aluminum and steel. Methods for braze-welding such hybrid joints are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are provided for automatically performing atmospheric compensation of a multi or hyper spectral image. One method comprises transforming at least two endmembers extracted from an image into at-ground reflectance. The transformation may be approximate and/or only in certain spectral bands in order to reduce processing time. A matching component is then located in a spectral library for each of the at least two extracted endmembers. Gain and offset values are then calculated using the at least two matched extracted endmember and spectral library component pairs. At least part of the image is then compensated using the calculated gain and offset values. Another method uses at least one endmember extracted from the image and a black level. Methods for atmospheric compensation using water vapor content of pixels are also provided. In addition, methods for shadow correction of hyper and multi spectral images are provided.

Abstract: A method of making an antibody in plants that binds to ricin B chain is described. The method comprises (a) introducing a nucleic acid molecule encoding a heavy chain variable region of the antibody and a nucleic acid molecule encoding a light chain variable region of the antibody into a plant or plant cell; and (b) growing the plant or plant cell to obtain a plant that expresses the antibody or antibody fragment. The disclosure also relates to anti-ricin B chain antibodies and antibody fragments as well as methods of using same in therapy and prophylaxis.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides a camera probe having an elongated housing provided with an external wall made of heat-resistant material enclosing an internal space. The housing has a forward opening covered by a window of heat-resistant radiation-transparent material and a position within the internal space for mounting a camera positioned to receive radiation from the window. At least one cooling channel is provided within or adjacent to the external wall, at least over a part of the external wall exposed to elevated temperatures during use of the probe. At least one gas exit port is provided adjacent the window and is oriented to cause gas leaving the gas exit port to sweep over an external surface of the window to keep it cool and free of debris.

Abstract: A method of transforming a mitochondrion of a plant cell to express a nitrogenase enzyme includes exposing the plant cell to a mitochondrial-targeting nanocarrier polypeptide and one or more nucleic acids encoding the nitrogenase enzyme. The one or more genes encoding the nitrogenase enzyme can be one or more Klebsiella nif genes. The method can be used to generate plants which have the capability of fixing atmospheric elemental nitrogen.

Abstract: The invention discloses use of a catalyzed particulate filter loaded with a silver-zirconia catalyst prepared by citric acid-assisted sol-gel method for soot removal from engine exhaust. The invention discloses a method of making xAg/ZrO2 where x is 20 mol %, said method comprises: mixing aqueous solutions of AgNO3 and ZrO(NO3)2 hydrate to produce a first mixture, adding an aqueous solution of citric acid to the first mixture, wherein the molar ratio of metal ions to citric acid is about 1:3 to produce a second mixture; heating the second mixture to about 80-90° C. to evaporate excess water in the second mixture to form a viscous gel, charring the viscous gel at about 200° C. for about 12 hours to produce a foam-like material, grounding the foam-like material to form a grounded material, and calcinating the grounded material at 500° C. for about 10 hours.

Abstract: Instead of generating immune responses to several HIV proteins and risk over activating more CD4+ T cells (easy targets for HIV-1 infection) as current candidate vaccines try to do, a lower magnitude, narrowly focused, well maintained virus specific CD8+ T cell response to multiple subtypes should destroy and eliminate a few founder viruses without inducing inflammatory responses that may activate more CD4+ T cells and provide more targets for HIV-1 virus infection. Specifically, described herein is a method that focuses the immune response to the 12 protease cleavage sites.

Abstract: A broadcast communication system includes a plurality of transmitter tower stations configured to exchange inter-tower communication (ITC) signals to support a wireless ITC network (ITCN). Each TTS includes a transmitter (Tx) antenna, at least one receiver (Rx) antenna, and an ITCN server configured to form outgoing ITC signals for transmitting with the Tx antenna and to process incoming ITC signals received with the at least one Rx antenna. Each of the TTSs is configured to multiplex outgoing ITC signals with broadcast services signals prior to the transmitting and to detect the incoming ITC signals in a wireless signal received with the at least one Rx antenna. Several ITCN-integrating broadcast systems operating in a same or different frequency band may be interconnected to support an integrated inter-tower wireless communication network.

Abstract: An immunogenic polypeptide selected from an isolated Clostridium perfringens pilus polypeptide, a variant of the pilus polypeptide; a fragment of the pilus polypeptide; and a fragment of the variant, is useful for the preparation of a vaccine for the treatment or prevention of enteric necrosis in poultry. The isolated Clostridium perfringens pilus polypeptide includes an assembled pilus or the pilus subunits CnaA, FimA and/or FimB.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for using a pressurized oxy-fired configuration to conduct metal reduction. The invention discloses a process for production of metal from metal oxide ore through reduction, comprising: (a) feeding a mixture of metal oxide ore, fuel and supply of oxygen into the inlet of a metallization reactor, (b) heating the mixture of metal oxide ore, oxygen and fuel in a primary reduction zone of the metallization reactor at a pressure exceeding ambient pressure to produce a product mixture; and (c) separating the product mixture in a gas separation unit at the bottom or downstream of the metallization reactor.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for measuring the size distribution and/or hardness of free falling rock pieces. The method comprises projecting at least one laser line on the falling rock pieces by a laser device; capturing images of the falling rock pieces at an angle from the at least one laser line by at least one camera; and obtaining size distribution data of the falling rock pieces based on data obtained from a topographical map generated from the captured images. Certain embodiments further comprise: obtaining at least one of the volume and area of individual rock pieces from the topographical map; conducting a data analysis on at least one of the volume and area measurements of the rock pieces to reduce at least one of sampling and measurement errors; determining the size distribution of the falling rock pieces based on the data analysis and, optionally, evaluating a rock hardness index for the rock.

Abstract: Geothermal energy is increasingly recognized as a useful energy source for both industrial and residential purposes. Disclosed herein are units for subterranean heat exchange comprising a polymer block with ‘mini-channels’ adapted and/or sized for highly efficient heat exchange. In some embodiments such units can, as needed, be manufactured off site, spooled for transport, and conveniently installed in boreholes. Other arrangements are also described for conduits located within a borehole for heat exchange, without a polymer block. Also disclosed are geothermal heat exchange systems including those that employ such units, for example with direct expansion of a two-phase heat-exchange fluid such as carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A new cultivar of apple tree named ‘8S5505’ that is characterized by its fruit that is flavorful with aromatic tropical notes, its fruit that is crisp, its fruit that is juicy, its fruit with excellent storage life, fruit with excellent shelf life, its trees with strong lateral growth, its high disease resistance to ‘apple scab’ (Venturia inaequalis) due to the presence of the VF gene and its mid-season bloom period (similar timing to Golden Delicious).

Abstract: A new cultivar of Prunus avium tree named ‘SPC495’ that is characterized by its very late fruit harvest, its flowers that are self-fertile, its large fruit with a desirable appearance, its fruit with a low level of natural splitting, and its good storage potential in regular air MAP bag.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Prunus avium tree named ‘SPC414’ that is characterized by its mid-season fruit harvest, its fruit that is large and very firm with a desirable appearance, its fruit with a low level of natural splitting, its flowers that are self-fertile, its fruit with good storage potential in regular air MAP bag, and its slight nose dimple on the calyx at the end of the fruit.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Prunus avium tree named ‘SPC424’ that is characterized by its very late fruit harvest, its flowers that are self-fertile, its large fruit with a desirable appearance, its fruit with a low level of natural splitting, and its fruit with good storage potential in regular air MAP bag.

Abstract: A new cultivar of Prunus avium tree named ‘SPC411’ that is characterized by its fruit that is large and very firm with a desirable appearance, its fruit with a low level of natural splitting, its fruit with good storage potential in regular air MAP bag, and its flowers that are self-fertile.