Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to compositions for enhancing an immune response in an antigen presenting cell of the immune system via an inhibitor of CD1 signaling. Uses thereof in a therapeutic protocol for treating or preventing conditions associated with a defective or inadequate immune response, such as cancer and infection, are detailed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to compositions for inducing an immunosuppressive phenotype in an antigen presenting cell of the immune system via ligands that activate CD1d signaling. Uses thereof in a therapeutic protocol for treating or preventing conditions associated with aberrant immune system activation, such as autoimmune disease, inflammatory disease, allergy and transplant rejection are detailed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for inhibiting activation of ?? T cells that express a V?9+ TCR in a subject by administering a BTN2A1 antagonist to a subject as well as methods for inducing or enhancing ?? T cells that express a V?9+ TCR in a subject by administering a BTN2A1 antagonist to a subject. The disclosure additionally relates to BTN2A1 antagonists and BTN2A1 agonists.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a glycopeptide conjugate compound of Formula (I):, as described herein, compositions comprising the conjugate compound and to the use of such a compound to as a vaccine.

Abstract: An optical pulse source comprising a DPSS pump laser, a photonic crystal fiber (PCF), and acousto-optic modulator (AOM) gating device is disclosed. The pump pulses are coupled through lenses to the AOM gating device, which is synchronized to the pump laser and is operable to gate the pump pulses to a reduced repetition rate Rr=Rf/N, where Rf is the pump laser fundamental frequency. The pulses from the AOM are injected via optics into the PCF. Propagation through the PCF causes the pulses to broaden spectrally to produce optical supercontinuum pulses. An optical pulse source that further includes an acousto-optical tunable filter (AOTF) operable to convert the optical supercontinuum pulses into wavelength variable output pulses is also provided. A method of scaling the energy of the optical supercontinuum pulses is also disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetic clamp for attaching to a ferromagnetic mounting surface to provide a securement location on the mounting surface is disclosed. The magnetic clamp includes a base member formed of substantially non-ferrous material, wherein the base member is operable to flex to accommodate for changes in curvature or irregularities of the mounting surface and at least one of magnet element arranged on the flexible base member for attaching the base member to the mounting surface. The magnetic clamp further includes a securement means as well as manually actuated release means to remove the magnetic clamp from the mounting surface.

Abstract: A magnetic clamp attachment assembly for securing a ladder arrangement to a ferromagnetic surface is disclosed where the ladder arrangement comprises two spaced apart side members and at least one rung extending between the side members. The magnetic clamp attachment assembly includes a spacer member sized and configured to extend over the spaced apart side members of the ladder arrangement and magnetic attachment means for attaching the spacer member and securing the ladder arrangement to the ferromagnetic surface.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a magnetic clamping system for attaching removable stabilizing fins or similar devices to any type of watercraft such as surfboards, wind-surfer craft, rowing sculls, water skis, sailboards and the like.

Abstract: An optical pulse source comprising a DPSS pump laser, a photonic crystal fiber (PCF), and acousto-optic modulator (AOM) gating device is disclosed. The pump pulses are coupled through lenses to the AOM gating device, which is synchronized to the pump laser and is operable to gate the pump pulses to a reduced repetition rate Rr=Rf/N, where Rf is the pump laser fundamental frequency. The pulses from the AOM are injected via optics into the PCF. Propagation through the PCF causes the pulses to broaden spectrally to produce optical supercontinuum pulses. An optical pulse source that further includes an acousto-optical tunable filter (AOTF) operable to convert the optical supercontinuum pulses into wavelength variable output pulses is also provided. A method of scaling the energy of the optical supercontinuum pulses is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the encapsulation of fine particulate materials which comprises treating these materials with a microfine hydraulic inorganic filler which, typically, comprises a cementitious material, such as Portland Cement. The filler is ground to a much smaller particle size than is normally used in the production of a grout and is provided in the form of an aqueous composition for the treatment of the fine particulate materials by pumping under pressure through these materials such that they become intimately encapsulated. The method is particularly applicable to the treatment of waste materials and, most particularly, waste materials which are encountered in the nuclear industry.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the encapsulation of uranium metal which comprises treating the metal with an encapsulant which comprises a cementitious material and curing the cementitious material, the process additionally comprising the provision of means for the minimisation of the corrosion of the metal. Suitable modes for the provision of means for the minimisation of corrosion include the provision of a source of oxygen within the cement matrix, either by facilitating enhanced oxygen access from the atmosphere using air entraining agents or cenospheres or by the inclusion of an independent source of oxygen, for example a peroxide. An alternative mode for the provision of means for the minimisation of corrosion comprises facilitating the minimisation of the water content of the matrix, which is conveniently achieved by the addition of superplasticisers. The method allows for the long team storage of uranium metal and provides significant benefits in terms of health, safety and the environment.

Abstract: A method for the encapsulation of fine particulate materials includes treating these materials with a microfine hydraulic inorganic filler which, typically, includes a cementitious material, such as Portland Cement. The filler is ground to a much smaller particle size than is normally used in the production of a grout and is provided in the form of an aqueous composition for the treatment of the fine particulate materials by pumping under pressure through these materials such that they become intimately encapsulated. The method is particularly applicable to the treatment of waste materials and, most particularly, waste materials, which are encountered in the nuclear industry.

Abstract: In a frequency modulated digital radio transmission system, frequency differences between transmitter and receiver which give rise to DC offsets at the output of the demodulator are countered for any one data transmission by establishing a frequency controlling or DC level controlling signal during a preamble sequence having a known constant DC component, such as the sequence 10101 - - - used for clock or data synchronization, and retaining that controlling signal substantially unaltered for use during the remainder of that data transmission.