Abstract: The invention relates to a semi-submersible vessel designed to operate in harsh environment. The vessel has a twin-hull pontoon structure that supports four corner caissons extending vertically from the pontoons above an operational draft of the vessel. A pair of slender parallel horizontal braces connects each pair of opposing caissons, the braces extending in a general plane perpendicular to longitudinal axes of the pontoons. One of the pair of braces is secured between the forward columns and another of the pair of braces is secured between the aft columns. The braces reduce spreading and torque-induced forces acting on the columns, while not substantially increasing water plane area of the vessel. Each brace has an internal “redundancy” feature, being divided into two independent watertight compartments to continue providing buoyancy to the structure if one of the compartments is breached.

Abstract: Novel chromogenic, fluorogenic and fluorescence polarization substrates which are useful in HCV NS3 protease and inhibitor assays.

Abstract: Covalent HCV NS4A-NS3 complexes comprising the central hydrophobic domain of native HCV NS4A peptide, a linker, and the HCV NS3 serine protease domain, wherein the hydrophobic domain of native HCV NS4A peptide is tethered by the linker to the amino terminus of the HCV NS3 protease domain.

Abstract: Programmable attenuators including DPDT relays or pairs of SPDT relays with terminals which are interconnected through conductors and attenuator sections disposed on opposite sides of grounded isolation elements, and so configured and supported by printed circuit boards or the like as to provide very high isolation while obtaining flat response characteristics up to very high frequencies, in the megahertz range.

Abstract: A sequenced, directional restraint system for an inflatable evacuation slide wherein three separate restraints are provided across the width of the fluid distensible member of the inflatable evacuation slide and a sequenced, directional method of deploying an inflatable evacuation slide from an elevated egress to a lower surface.

Abstract: A buoyant body having one end of a plurality of elongated electrically conductive spring members affixed thereto with the other end of the spring members attached to a movable member, which is in turn affixed to the body and movable with relation thereto, said movable member being held in a first or stored position and biased by the spring members to a second or erected position wherein the spring members define spaced apart arcuate portions of a sphere and are connected as elements of the antenna.