Abstract: Methods and materials for treating and preventing autoimmune diseases, in particular, multiple sclerosis (MS) including small peptides are capable of interacting with CD40, thereby altering and/or modulating the ability of CD40 to interact with CD154, which apparently affects inflammation; and/or the use of such peptides in reducing the inflammatory response, and in particular, the autoimmune inflammatory response; and/or the use of such short peptides to prevent or reverse autoimmune disease, and particularly, multiple sclerosis, in individuals; and/or methods and materials for detecting T-cells that express CD40 (Th40 cells). Also provided are kits for reducing inflammation, treating autoimmune diseases, or detecting Th40 cells. Additionally, methods and apparatuses to administer the peptide are provided.

Abstract: A hazard beacon has an interface to a vehicle wiring harness configured to detect that vehicle emergency indicators have been deployed, a plurality of separately strobe capable light segments forming a hazard symbol, and a microcontroller controlling operation of the plurality of separately strobe capable light segments.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a novel system and method for providing a fast, inexpensive and reliable diagnostic test for indicating the presence of a biological threat. This test utilizes surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy to interrogate a sample comprising metallic plasmonic particles suspected of contamination with the biological threat. The Raman spectrum is analyzed for specific Raman shifts that are characteristic of an interaction of the biological threat with the metallic plasmonic particles to produce a diagnostic result.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of use thereof for the treatment of disorders associated with the gastrointestinal tract, including Clostridium difficile infections are provided for use in, e.g., the fields of medicine and gastroenterology.

Abstract: An illuminatable ornament comprises an elongated translucent member extending along a longitudinal axis and an illuminatable decorative display coupled to the translucent member. The member has a base that couples the member to a light source which directs light along the axis. The translucent member is formed of a plurality of surfaces that redirect light substantially transversely to the axis to illuminate the decorative display.

Abstract: An illuminatable ornament comprises an elongated translucent member extending along a longitudinal axis and an illuminatable decorative display coupled to the translucent member. The member has a base that couples the member to a light source which directs light along the axis. The translucent member is formed of a plurality of surfaces that redirect light substantially transversely to the axis to illuminate the decorative display.

Abstract: An increased capacity magazine for a firearm, such as a pump shotgun, wherein the shotgun has mounted under the barrel thereof a cylindrical housing, the housing having assembled therein a rotating mechanism including plurality of shell retaining tubes in contiguous lengthwise relation, assembled about, and fixed to, a pivot shaft. The housing includes a center tubular housing and forward and rear housings attached to the ends of the center housing. The rear housing has an opening in alignment with the loading port of the shotgun. The forward housing includes a rotation spring member which, upon emptying of the shells from a shell tube, automatically enables rotation of the tubes within the housing for positioning the next tube in alignment with the loading port. Each tube has a spring member therein for urging against a follower, which in turn urges shells within the tube toward the rear housing.