Abstract: The invention provides a nucleic acid encoding the 37-kDa pneumococcal surface adhesion A protein (PsaA) from Streptococcus pneumoniae. The invention also provides purified polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid encoding the 37-kDa protein from and the nucleic acids comprising unique fragment of at least 10 nucleotides of the 37-kDa protein. Additionally, multiple antigenic peptides that provide protection against S. pneumoniae challenge are provided. These multiple antigen peptides comprise the peptides that immunospecifically bind to the monoclonal antibodies. Also provided are vaccines comprising such immunogenic peptides, and methods of conferring protective immunity against Streptococcus pneumoniae infection by administering therapeutic composition comprising the immunogenic peptides of the invention.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure is tested for latchup characteristics by imposing increasing levels of current thereon, and measuring increase in structure current in response thereto. When an imposition in current results in a corresponding increase in semiconductor structure current which is not substantially linearly proportional to the amount of current imposed thereon, onset of latchup is indicated. Other semiconductor structures are tested, and measurements are compared to gain knowledge of the structures tested.

Abstract: A leading edge component for reducing drag and improving heat sink properties of an air foil. The leading edge component includes a composite tile component with a predetermined aerodynamic shape and a metallic lip portion with high thermal conductivity. The metallic lip portion is secured to a forwardmost edge portion of the composite tile component to thereby form a leading edge of the air foil. The leading edge component is better able to withstand the structural stresses and extremely high temperatures that result while travelling at hypersonic speeds, without a significant increase in weight to the air foil with which the leading edge component is used.

Abstract: A water filtration system is disclosed for removing solid particulates from water, and in particular from storm water collection basins prior to passage into a storm water sewer system, comprising an ingress conduit to bring water into the system, a primary filter, a secondary filter of granular material, a primary filter carrier receptacle containing the primary filter which allows water to pass through but not the granules of the secondary filter, a collection conduit to remove the filtered water, and an access port connecting to the carrier receptacle which allows the primary filter to be removed from and returned to the carrier receptacle without disturbing the secondary filter. Preferably the system also comprises a rigid, water impermeable, closed housing. Alternatively, the housing may be constructed of a number of modular units joined together.