Abstract: Various example implementations of the present invention are directed towards systems and methods to quantify biometric acquisition and identification. A test facility evaluates the acquisition by a biometric station of biometric information. Evaluations can relate to biometric information acquisition speed, rates of acquisition failure, rates of biometric information extraction failure, rates of biometric match failure, calculating a true identification rate, and/or calculating other metrics related to quantifying biometric acquisition and identification. The test facility can calculate an efficiency metric and an effectiveness metric of the quantification determinations, and output such results.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an isolated polynucleotide encoding a modified picornavirus 3C protease, wherein the modified picornavirus 3C protease includes an altered secondary structure and one or more amino acid substitution(s) located at one or more amino acid position(s) corresponding to positions 16-25, 99-100 and 115-130 of a wild-type Fool-and-Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) 3C protease, wherein the isolated polynucleotide encoding the modified picornavirus 3C protease, when transformed into and co-expressed in a host cell, enhances transgene expression of a P1 precursor polypeptide in comparison to an amount of P1 precursor polypeptide transgene expression exhibited in a host cell transformed and co-expressed with a control picornavirus 3C protease, wherein the one or more corresponding amino acid position(s) is/are identified by an alignment of the modified picornavirus 3C protease with the one or more of the wild type FMDV 3C protease(s).

Abstract: This application is directed generally to foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) 3C proteases that have been modified by mutating a polynucleotide sequence coding for the FMDV 3C protease. The modified FMDV proteases exhibit proteolytic activity on FMDV P1 precursor protein and exhibit a reduction in one or more toxic or inhibitory properties associated with an unmodified FMDV 3C protease on a host cell used to recombinantly produce it. Vectors carrying polynucleotides encoding modified FMDV 3C protease sequences can induce production of FMDV virus-like particles in a host cell when expressed in the host cell. The modified FMDV 3C proteases can generally be used to produce immunogenic FMDV preparations capable of inducing an immune response against FMDV.

Abstract: Collection, validation, accuracy checking, and matching of information for individuals, e.g., in-scope people entering/exiting a country is described. The systems, techniques, devices, methods, and approaches described herein can be used to collect biographic, biometric, and travel information for persons who enter a country with the expectation that the person will eventually exit. The system and method described herein include structures and procedures for determining whether the individual, based on his/her information, meets a predefined criterion that is associated with predefined procedures, e.g., special precautions are to be implemented. This document also describes how information for an individual can be matched with an existing record in order to ensure accurate recordkeeping.

Abstract: Polynucleotide constructs that express an engineered foot-and-mouth disease (FMDV) P1 precursor protein and a non-FMDV TEV protease and methods for safe and efficient recombinant production of FMDV antigens and immunogens. Recombinant production of FMDV antigens avoids the need to culture highly-infectious FMDV, while conventional culture methods for producing FMDV antigens rely on the native FMDV 3C protease which exerts toxic effects on host cells. The inventors have developed a new system that efficiently and safely processes FMDV P1 precursor without the FMDV 3C protease, thus avoiding the toxic effects associated with use of the 3C protease. The invention is also directed to the FMDV antigens and virus-like particles produced by this system as well as to FMDV vaccines, diagnostics and other biologics.

Abstract: This application relates generally systems and methods for interrupting counterfeiting workflows, and more specifically to methods for adequately concealing aspects of printer configuration, such as number of plates used to print a document or a setup of inks and split fountains. It is therefore possible to obscure the individual plate images and application of ink to those plate images, thereby impeding accurate redrawing of security artwork.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a measurement system for measuring a reflection coefficient of a test sample, including: a transceiver antenna configured to be coupled to a source of electromagnetic radiation; and a RAM positioned between the transceiver antenna and a measurement region of the transceiver antenna, wherein the RAM comprises an aperture substantially orthogonal to and substantially aligned with a transceiving axis of the transceiver antenna. A method for obtaining error correction of a measurement system and a method of measuring a reflection coefficient in a test sample are also provided.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed towards a system and method for synchronized markers. A multiple-scanner X-ray system includes a belt passing by an upper X-ray scanner and a lower X-ray scanner. An upper belt portion is conveyed in a first direction by the upper X-ray scanner and a lower belt portion is conveyed in a second direction opposite the first direction by the lower X-ray scanner, to obtain upper and lower X-rays. A plurality of X-ray reactive markers are positionally synchronized relative to each other and the belt and conveyed by the belt to cause upper visual marker information, corresponding to a visual appearance of the upper scanned belt section, to be consistent with i) upper X-ray marker information of the upper X-ray, and ii) lower X-ray marker information of the lower X-ray.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are the identification, cloning, and optimizing the lytic activity of one or more novel Bacillus lysin proteins, a method of selecting a lysin agent for use in molecular diagnostic testing that includes analyzing genome databases for Bacillus anthracis and near neighbors, selecting candidate genes encoding potential lytic enzymes based on conserved amino acid motifs as determined in peptidoglycan hydrolases, cloning the candidate genes in expression vector, isolating proteins thereof, and testing for lytic activity against Bacillus anthracis, and selecting an optimum gene of the candidate genes for optimizing lysis conditions.

Abstract: This application is directed to a firearm that is functional, but is not fully functional as it is incapable of discharging ammunition, e.g., causing ammunition to ignite and discharge a bullet. Related methods, techniques, and approaches are also discussed. In embodiments, the firearm is functional, but not fully functional and it is impractical and/or irreversible to alter the firearm to make it fully functional through replacement of interchangeable parts that correspond to that particular firearm model. In embodiments, the firearm is also identifiable as being less than fully functional, e.g., it is incapable of discharging ammunition.