Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating Pneumocystis pneumonia infection in a subject. This method involves administering to a subject having a Pneumocystis pneumonia infection one or more antibodies that bind specifically to a Pneumocystis cross-reactive antigen 1 (PCA1) protein under conditions effective to treat the Pneumocystis infection in the subject. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of treating a subject at risk for Pneumocystis pneumonia infection. A further aspect of the present invention relates to an isolated protein or polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the isolated protein or polypeptide of the present invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Immunologically active agents are described, including isolated Pneumocystis A 12 protein or polypeptides; immunogenic conjugates containing Pneumocystis A 12 protein or polypeptide of the present invention; antibodies recognizing the Pneumocystis A 12 protein or polypeptide or the immunogenic conjugates of the present invention; and nucleic acid molecules that encode the Pneumocystis A 12 protein or polypeptide of the present invention, as well as DNA constructs, expression vectors, and host cells that contain the nucleic acid molecules. Disclosed uses of the antibodies, immunogenic conjugates, and DNA constructs include inducing passive or active immunity to treat or prevent pathogen infections, particularly by a Pneumocystis organism, in a subject.

Abstract: Immunologically active agents are described, including isolated Pneumocystis A 12 protein or polypeptides; immunogenic conjugates containing Pneumocystis A 12 protein or polypeptide of the present invention; antibodies recognizing the Pneumocystis A 12 protein or polypeptide or the immunogenic conjugates of the present invention; and nucleic acid molecules that encode the Pneumocystis A 12 protein or polypeptide of the present invention, as well as DNA constructs, expression vectors, and host cells that contain the nucleic acid molecules. Disclosed uses of the antibodies, immunogenic conjugates, and DNA constructs include inducing passive or active immunity to treat or prevent pathogen infections, particularly by a Pneumocystis organism, in a subject.

Abstract: A slurry coating composition is described, which is very useful for enriching the surface region of a metal-based substrate with aluminum. The composition includes colloidal silica and particles of an aluminum-based powder, and is substantially free of hexavalent chromium. The slurry may include colloidal silica and an alloy of aluminum and silicon. Alternatively, the slurry includes colloidal silica, aluminum or aluminum-silicon, and an organic stabilizer such as glycerol. The slurry exhibits good thermal and chemical stability for extended periods of time, making it very useful for industrial applications. Related methods and articles are also described.

Abstract: An article made of constituent elements is prepared by furnishing at least one nonmetallic precursor compound, wherein all of the nonmetallic precursor compounds collectively contain the constituent elements. The constituent elements include a titanium-base metallic composition, boron present at a level greater than its room-temperature solid solubility limit, and, optionally, a stable-oxide-forming additive element present at a level greater than its room-temperature solid solubility limit. The precursor compounds are chemically reduced to produce a material comprising a titanium-base metallic composition having titanium boride particles therein, without melting the titanium-base metallic composition. The titanium-base metallic composition having the titanium boride particles therein is consolidated without melting.

Abstract: A number of immunologically active agents are described, including an isolated protein or polypeptide that includes the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, immunogenic conjugates containing either the protein or polypeptide, a full-length Pneumocystis kexin, or a full length Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA), antibodies recognizing the protein or polypeptide or the immunogenic conjugates (particularly the epitope of SEQ ID NO: 1), and nucleic acid molecules that encode the protein or polypeptide, as well as DNA constructs, expression vectors, and host cells that contain the nucleic acid molecules. Disclosed uses of the antibodies, immunogenic conjugates, and DNA constructs include inducing passive or active immunity to treat or prevent pathogen infections, particularly by a Pneumocystis organism, in a patient.

Abstract: Shell molds and processes for making the shell molds that exhibit high emissivity in the red and infrared regions. In this manner, thermal resistance within a gap formed between solidifying cast metal and the interior mold surface is decreased. In one embodiment, the facecoat region is formed from a slurry composition comprising an aluminum oxide, a green chromium oxide and a silicon dioxide. In another embodiment, the facecoat region is formed from a slurry composition including zirconium silicate and silica with stucco layer of alumina is included.

Abstract: An apparatus for directionally casting articles generally includes a seal between a mold assembly and chill plate. In one embodiment, the mold assembly includes a skirt laterally extending from at least one shell mold, wherein the skirt includes a channel disposed in a bottom surface that is configured to surround the at least one shell mold. A chill plate fastened to a bottom of the mold assembly and includes a boss having a shape complementary to the channel, wherein the boss of the chill plate is seated within the channel of the mold assembly to define the seal about the at least one shell mold.

Abstract: A number of immunologically active agents are described, including an isolated protein or polypeptide that includes the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, immunogenic conjugates containing either the protein or polypeptide, a full-length Pneumocystis kexin, or a full length Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA), antibodies recognizing the protein or polypeptide or the immunogenic conjugates (particularly the epitope of SEQ ID NO: 1), and nucleic acid molecules that encode the protein or polypeptide, as well as DNA constructs, expression vectors, and host cells that contain the nucleic acid molecules. Disclosed uses of the antibodies, immunogenic conjugates, and DNA constructs include inducing passive or active immunity to treat or prevent pathogen infections, particularly by a Pneumocystis organism, in a patient.

Abstract: A slurry coating composition is described, which is very useful for enriching the surface region of a metal-based substrate with aluminum. The composition includes colloidal silica and particles of an aluminum-based powder, and is substantially free of hexavalent chromium. The slurry may include colloidal silica and an alloy of aluminum and silicon. Alternatively, the slurry includes colloidal silica, aluminum or aluminum-silicon, and an organic stabilizer such as glycerol. The slurry exhibits good thermal and chemical stability for extended periods of time, making it very useful for industrial applications. Related methods and articles are also described.

Abstract: A method for determining incipient mechanical failure of an object includes insonifying the object with ultrasonic energy at a selected fundamental frequency. Amplitude data is acquired from the insonified object at the fundamental frequency and at a second harmonic of the fundamental frequency, and a non-linear acoustic image is generated from the amplitude data at the fundamental frequency and the second harmonic frequency.

Abstract: A measurement device for measuring and displaying a physical quantity such as a heartbeat, an atmospheric pressure or temperature, or the like, includes a clock for counting time, a physical quantity measuring device for measuring the physical quantity to be displayed, a processor for determining a plurality of values based on the measured physical quantity and the counted time, a first display for simultaneously displaying the plurality of values and a second display for magnifying at least one of the values and displaying the magnified value.

Abstract: A method for determining incipient mechanical failure of an object includes insonifying the object with ultrasonic energy at a selected fundamental frequency. Amplitude data is acquired from the insonified object at the fundamental frequency and at a second harmonic of the fundamental frequency, and a non-linear acoustic image is generated from the amplitude data at the fundamental frequency and the second harmonic frequency.

Abstract: A mold is provided for enabling casting of single crystal metallic articles including a part-defining cavity, a sorter passage positioned vertically beneath and in fluid communication with the part-defining cavity, and a seed cavity positioned vertically beneath and in fluid communication with the sorter passage. The sorter passage includes a shape suitable for encouraging a single crystal structure in solidifying molten metal. Additionally, a portion of the mold between the sorter passage and the part-defining cavity includes a notch for facilitating breakage of a cast article proximate the notch during thermal stress build-up, so as to prevent mold breakage or the inclusion of part defects.

Abstract: The production of stable hybrid cell lines that secrete human monoclonal antibodies against bacterial toxins by fusing post-immunization human peripheral blood lymphocytes with nonsecretor mouse myeloma cells is described. Using the method, protective monoclonal antibodies against tetanus toxin and diphtheria toxin were produced that bind tetanus toxin and diphtheria toxin in vitro, respectively, and prevent tetanus and diphtheria in vivo in animals, respectively.