Abstract: This invention addresses how to rapidly prevent alphavirus-induced encephalitides before and after exposure to alphaviruses. The invention discloses a single dose administration of two types of recombinant viral vectors: one expressing interferon and another expressing the structural proteins of alphaviruses or a single dose administration of the recombinant viral vector co-expressing both interferon and the structural proteins of alphaviruses. This invention can be used to prevent humans from alphavirus-induced encephalitides in the event of a bioterrorism attack or biowarfare in which alphaviruses such as Venezuelan (VEEV), eastern (EEEV) and western (WEEV) equine encephalitis viruses are deliberately released to humans, a natural outbreak of alphaviruses, and an accidental exposure to alphaviruses in laboratory.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dielectric resonator antenna comprising: a dielectric resonator; a ground plane, operatively coupled with the dielectric resonator, the ground plane having four slots; and a substrate, operatively coupled to the ground plane, having a feeding network consisting of four microstrip lines; wherein the four slots are constructed and geometrically arranged to ensure proper circular polarization and coupling to the dielectric resonator; and wherein the antenna feeding network combines the four microstrip lines with a 90 degree phase difference to generate circular polarization over a wide frequency band.

Abstract: A method for effecting physicochemical transformations and detonation properties in a material using super-compressed detonation includes: providing an insensitive energetic material to be compressed; super-compressing the material by exposure to at least one of a normally or obliquely oriented cylindrical imploding shock wave, generated from a first detonation; effecting transformations from the super-compression in the material including increasing at least material density, structural transformations and electronic energy gap transitions relative to a material unexposed to the super-compression; exposing the super-compressed material to a second detonation; and effecting transformations from the second detonation in the material including increasing at least detonation pressure, velocity and energy density relative to a material unexposed to the super-compression and second detonation.

Abstract: Isolated and/or recombinant adhesin polypeptides from B. pseudomallei are provided, which are used as vaccines. Genetic constructs comprising nucleic acid sequences encoding such polypeptides are also provided. Vectors comprising such constructs have been prepared and used for transforming host cells for producing the polypeptides of the invention. Antibodies to such polypeptides are also provided. Such antibodies can be used to detect the presence of B. pseudomallei or B. mallei.

Abstract: A method for effecting physicochemical transformations and detonation properties in a material using super-compressed detonation includes: providing an insensitive energetic material to be compressed; super-compressing the material by exposure to at least one of a normally or obliquely oriented cylindrical imploding shock wave, generated from a first detonation; effecting transformations from the super-compression in the material including increasing at least material density, structural transformations and electronic energy gap transitions relative to a material unexposed to the super-compression; exposing the super-compressed material to a second detonation; and effecting transformations from the second detonation in the material including increasing at least detonation pressure, velocity and energy density relative to a material unexposed to the super-compression and second detonation.

Abstract: An end-of-service life indicator for a sorbent filter includes a tube containing a noble metal nanoparticle film on an optically transparent substrate, the substrate being perpendicular to the axis of the tube. An opening in the tube adjacent to the film allows chemical vapor to accumulate in the tube and be absorbed by the film. A light source located at one end of the tube and a light detector at the other end determines the amount of light absorbed by the nanoparticle film due to exposure to chemical vapor. A signal from the light detector is applied to an electronic processor that determines attenuation of light by the film, and the processor is connected to an indicator to provide an indication of the exposure of the film to the vapor.

Abstract: A method of eddy current testing without the need for lift-off compensation. Signal response features similar to those used in pulsed eddy current techniques are applied to conventional (harmonic) eddy current methods. The described method provides advantages in terms of data storage, since only two response parameters, the amplitude and phase, are sufficient to reconstruct any sinusoidal signal, therefore allowing for scanning of large surfaces.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods for identifying Francisella tularensis vaccine candidates. It enables identification of novel vaccine candidates and quality assurance for vaccine batches, assessment of protection in vaccinates and identification of the infecting agent in vaccinates. Mice were first vaccinated with Brucella abortus O-polysaccharide (OPS) vaccine. These animals were then given 10 LD50s of F. tularensis live vaccine strain (LVS). Sixty percent (60%) of the vaccinated mice survived the multiple lethal doses. Sera were collected from these surviving mice and the antibodies were used to probe supernatant and cell lysates of live F. tularensis LVS cultures. Several F. tularensis components were identified only by the noted “survivor” antisera. Of these identified proteins, enzyme digestions and chemical oxidation suggest post-translational modifications of some proteins e.g. a 52 kDa glycoprotein, a 45 kDa lipoprotein and a 19 kDa nucleoprotein.

Abstract: A hybrid drive (HD) multi-mode pipe projector (MMPP) for use in underwater acoustic applications is provided. The HD MMPP is formed with an inner magnetostrictive drive motor nested within an outer drive motor. The inner motor is surrounded by a magnetic field generating coil winding. Preferably the inner drive motor is a Terfenol-D motor and the outer drive motor is a radially-poled piezoceramic drive motor. This nested configuration provides increased bandwidth and low-frequency extension to the MMPP design.

Abstract: Construction of a recombinant gene fusion encoding a human IgG1 heavy chain constant region and a single-chain variable fragment antibody of 1A4A1 monoclonal antibody is disclosed. The recombinant antibody of the present invention confers human immune effector functions on murine antibodies. After expression in bacteria as inclusion bodies, the recombinant antibody was purified and refolded in vitro. The recombinant soluble antibody retains high antigen-binding affinity to VEE and possesses some human IgG crystallizable fragment domain functions. On non-reducing gel electrophoresis analysis, disulfide bond formation was found in the hinge region of the recombinant antibody. The present invention shows that the recombinant antibody is in a native, functionally active form and it provides the basis to characterize the recombinant antibody for efficacy in vivo.

Abstract: Carbon nanostructures for use as catalyst supports in hydrogen fuel cells are produced by mixing a carbon material with at least one transition metal such as iron and cobalt, subjecting the mixture thus produced to mechanical grinding, e.g. ball milling in a hydrogen atmosphere for a time sufficient for hydrogen to be absorbed into the mixture, and heating the mixture in an inert atmosphere at a temperature sufficient to crystallize at least one of the carbon material and carbide nanocrystals.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods for identifying Francisella tularensis vaccine candidates. It enables identification of novel vaccine candidates and quality assurance for vaccine batches, assessment of protection in vaccinates and identification of the infecting agent in vaccinates. Mice were first vaccinated with Brucella abortus O-polysaccharide (OPS) vaccine. These animals were then given 10 LD50s of F. tularensis live vaccine strain (LVS). Sixty percent (60%) of the vaccinated mice survived the multiple lethal doses. Sera were collected from these surviving mice and the antibodies were used to probe supernatant and cell lysates of live F. tularensis LVS cultures. Several F. tularensis components were identified only by the noted “survivor” antisera. Of these identified proteins, enzyme digestions and chemical oxidation suggest post-translational modifications of some proteins e.g. a 52 kDa glycoprotein, a 45 kDa lipoprotein and a 19 kDa nucleoprotein.

Abstract: A CDR grafted humanized rAb comprises a human Ig framework having CDRs from murine mAb 1A4A1 VH and VL. DNA sequences and vectors incorporating such sequences are also provided as are pharmaceutical preparations and methods of using the humanized rAbs.

Abstract: A recombinant gene encoding a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibody against Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEE) being cloned into a prokaryotic T7 RNA polymerase-regulated expression vector was disclosed. A streptavidin-binding peptide (SBP) sequence fused to a 6His tag is then attached downstream to the scFv gene. The recombinant fusion protein is expressed in bacteria and then purified by immobilized metal affinity chromatography. ELISA and Western blotting results revealed that the fusion protein not only retained VEE antigen binding and specificity properties similar to those of its parent native monoclonal antibody, but also possessed streptavidin-binding activity. This discovery obviates the need for chemical biotinylation of antibodies and the risk associated with antibody denaturation and provides a stable and reproducible reagent for rapid and efficient immunoassay of VEE.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detonation of a super-compressed insensitive energetic material by cylindrical implosion followed by an axial detonation to a detonation velocity several times that of TNT and a detonation pressure in excess of ten times that of TNT. The device provides a conical metal flyer shell within which is disposed a cylindrical anvil surrounded by explosive. The anvil retains an insensitive energetic material to be compressed and detonated. A first detonation of explosive by impact of the flyer shell generates a reverberating oblique shock wave system for sample compression. Axial detonation of the compressed sample through any length of a sample is achieved following the principal of matching the axial velocity and compression time of the oblique shock wave system to the detonation velocity and induction delay time of the compressed sample. The method and apparatus are also applicable to enhancing the effect of anti-armour and anti-hard-target munitions.

Abstract: A portable directional gamma ray radiation detector having a plurality of gamma ray radiation detectors separated by lead shielding arranged in an enclosure. Outputs from the detectors are applied to a signal processor to determine the location of a gamma ray emitter, and the signal processor is connected to a display device on the detector that indicates the direction to the gamma ray emitter.

Abstract: A laser warning receiver (LWR) to detect a very low power laser beam for a laser beam rider and provide a high angular resolution in determining the angle-of-arrival of that beam. An aperture having a fixed field-of-view (FOV) is located in a detection channel followed by a narrow-band filter and a detector whose output is applied to a pulse analyzer circuit. A localization channel with the same FOV has a similar narrow-band filter and a lens to focus light from that FOV onto a detector through a N×M element LCD matrix, an output of that detector being applied to the pulse analyzer circuit whose output is applied to a LCD pattern selector connected to the matrix which controls elements in the matrix to provide a transparent window of variable size and position. The size and position of that window allows a laser beam to reach the detector, the window being iterative reduced in size when a beam is detected to provide the location of its source.

Abstract: A portable low frequency underwater acoustic projector having two circular diaphragms separated by a spacer ring with a pair of coils and oscillating masses being located in pipes connected to central opening in two diaphragms, the coils driving these masses in opposite directions. Central openings in each diaphragm have an associated pipe extending outward from the interior of the projector, the pipe having closed outer ends. The interior of the projector being gas filled to provide pressure compensation.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods for identifying Francisella tularensis vaccine candidates. It enables identification of novel vaccine candidates and quality assurance for vaccine batches, assessment of protection in vaccinates and identification of the infecting agent in vaccinates. Mice were first vaccinated with Brucella abortus O-polysaccharide (OPS) vaccine. These animals were then given 10 LD50s of F. tularensis live vaccine strain (LVS). Sixty percent (60%) of the vaccinated mice survived the multiple lethal doses. Sera were collected from these surviving mice and the antibodies were used to probe supernatant and cell lysates of live F. tularensis LVS cultures. Several F. tularensis components were identified only by the noted “survivor” antisera. Of these identified proteins, enzyme digestions and chemical oxidation suggest post-translational modifications of some proteins e.g. a 52 kDa glycoprotein, a 45 kDa lipoprotein and a 19 kDa nucleoprotein.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting the radio-luminescence created by radioactive sources includes a telescope, a plurality of UV sensitive cameras, and an optical system in the optical path of the telescope for directing images to the cameras. The cameras simultaneously obtain images from a plurality of spectral bands covering strong transitions of N2 molecule created by the radioactive source and at least one spectral band containing very little transition strength (a background band). The background image is used to assess the background level for the other spectral bands. The images are then fused digitally to create one image of the radio-luminescence.