Abstract: The invention described includes methods and compositions useful in preventing infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and related organisms. Diclosed is a peptide having the sequence corresponding to an antigenic site in the protein exoenzyme S which is antigenically similar to a C-terminal portion of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa pilin protein. The peptide is cross-reactive with surface peptides present in certain bacterial and fungal microorganisms, and is effective in inhibiting binding of such organisms to target epithelial cells. The peptide may also be employed in a vaccine composition, for producing immunity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa as well as against such cross-reactive microorganisms.

Abstract: A peptide having a sequence corresponding to an antigenic site in the protein exoenzyme S which is antigenically similar to a C-terminal portion of the Pseusdomonas aeruginosa pilin protein is disclosed. The peptide is cross-reactive with surface peptides present in certain bacterial and fungal microorganisms, and is effective in inhibiting binding of such organisms to target epithelial cells. The peptide may also be employed in a vaccine composition, for producing immunity against such cross-reactive microorganisms.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electronic barometric staging unit or aerial cargo delivery actuator for use with cargo carrying or recovery parachutes having an electronic pressure sensing assembly for initiating actuating of a deployment or staging line cutter such that parachute canopy directing and deployment occurs as a programmed function of a barometrically corrected altitude. The invention features a two-part housing assembly carrying the relatively expensive portion of the assembly that is reusable and an expendible or discardable portion of the assembly so that by recovering or retrieving the electronic module, it may be mated up with a new portion so as to substantially reduce the cost of subsequent usages of the apparatus. Since the barometric transducer per se is solid state and of extremely light weight, deceleration moments due to impacting the ground do not in any way impair its operation so that it may be recovered for re-use.