Abstract: The invention provides an isolated peptide and a peptide construct of formula I that binds antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLA). The present invention further provides methods for detection of aPLA. The present invention also provides methods for diagnosing and treating the antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).

Abstract: Hydropneumatic energy-recuperating recoil brake for artillery pieces and firearms.A hollow rod (8) connected to the recoiling mass slides sealingly inside a cylindrical tubular body (1). A mobile energy-recuperation piston (27) divides the inside of the hollow rod (8) into a first chamber (31) filled with hydraulic liquid and a second chamber filled with gas under pressure. A flow-regulating valve (37) works with a seat (33) fixed to the rod (8) so as to delimit a passageway having a cross-section which varies during the recoil movement of the rod (8) inside the body. The body (37a) of the valve (37) is located upstream of the valve seat (33) with respect to the liquid flow, with the valve (37) moving in the reverse direction to the said flow to open the passageway during recoil of the rod (8).

Abstract: On impact the primer (37) is struck by the point (33) and transmits the ignition to an explosive column (14) located in the hollow nose (4). The splinters from a metal closing piece (17) are then thrown violently into an empty duct (19) located along the center line of the high-explosive filling (23, 24) made of stabilized secondary explosive material. When the projectile has been fired it is driven in rotation in order to stabilize it and the bolt (27) subjected to centrifugal force frees the way along the duct (19). The splinters from piece (17) can therefore travel through the duct (19) and strike the ignition booster (22) which is also made of stabilized secondary explosive material. The hollow charge is formed by the conical piece (11).A highly effective projectile is produced having great operational safety.