Pre-symptomatic Prediction of Illness in Mice Inoculated with Cowpox

We describe here research directed towards early (presyndromic) diagnosis of infection. By using a mouse model and a multi-component blood protein diagnostic tool we detected cowpox infection several days in advance of overt symptoms with high accuracy. We provide details of the experimental design and measurement technique and elaborate on the long-range implication of these results

Production and preliminary testing of multianalyte imaging sensor arrays

This report covers the production and preliminary testing of fiber optic sensors that contain a discrete array of analyte specific sensors on their distal ends. The development of the chemistries associated with this technology is covered elsewhere

A Measurement of the Electric Form Factor of the Neutron through d⃗(e⃗,e′n)p\vec{d}(\vec{e},e'n)p at Q2=0.5Q^2 = 0.5 (GeV/c)2^2

We report the first measurement of the neutron electric form factor $G_E^n$ via $\vec{d}(\vec{e},e'n)p$ using a solid polarized target. $G_E^n$ was determined from the beam-target asymmetry in the scattering of longitudinally polarized electrons from polarized deuterated ammonia, $^{15}$ND$_3$. The measurement was performed in Hall C at Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (TJNAF) in quasi free kinematics with the target polarization perpendicular to the momentum transfer. The electrons were detected in a magnetic spectrometer in coincidence with neutrons in a large solid angle segmented detector. We find $G_E^n = 0.04632\pm0.00616 (stat.) \pm0.00341 (syst.)$ at $Q^2 = 0.495$ (GeV/c)$^2$.Comment: Latex2e 5 pages, 3 figure

Aluminum phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate in MCF-10F, human breast epithelial cells: a hole burning study.

Laser-induced holes are burned in the absorption spectrum of aluminum phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate (APT) in MCF-10F, human breast epithelial cells. The hole burning mechanism is shown to be nonphotochemical. The fluorescence excitation spectra and hole spectra are compared with those of APT in hyperquenched glassy films of water, ethanol, and methanol. The results show that the APT is in an acidic, aqueous environment with a hydrogen-bonded network similar to that of glassy water, but showing the influence of other cellular components. Pressure shifts of holes allow the local compressibility about the APT to be determined

Development of multianalyte sensor arrays for continuous monitoring of pollutants

Industrial development has led to the release of numerous hazardous materials into the environment posing a potential threat to surrounding waters. Environmental analysis of sites contaminated by several chemicals calls for continuous monitoring of multiple analytes. Monitoring can be achieved by using imaging bundles (300--400 {micro}m in diameter), containing several thousand individual optical fibers for the fabrication of sensors. Multiple sensor sites are created at the distal end of the fiber by immobilizing different analyte-specific fluorescent dyes. By coupling these imaging fibers to a charge coupled device (CCD), one has the ability to spatially and spectrally discriminate the multiple sensing sites simultaneously and hence monitor analyte concentrations

Development of the indicator-photopolymer chemistries for multianalyte sensor arrays

Remediation of ground and waste water facilities requires the analysis of the pollutants. Multianalyte fiber-optic chemical sensors based on indicators have been developed, with multiple indicators immobilized at the distal end of a single imaging fiber. By coupling the imaging fibers to a charge coupled device detector, one can spatially and spectrally discriminate the multiple sensing sites and hence monitor multiple analyte concentrations simultaneously. This report describes the development of the indicator chemistry and immobilization procedures developed for pH, Al{sup 3+}, and hydrocarbons. A polymer matrix is used to mass transfer the analyte to the indictor

Autonomous system for pathogen detection and identification

This purpose of this project is to build a prototype instrument that will, running unattended, detect, identify, and quantify BW agents. In order to accomplish this, we have chosen to start with the world� s leading, proven, assays for pathogens: surface-molecular recognition assays, such as antibody-based assays, implemented on a high-performance, identification (ID)-capable flow cytometer, and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for nucleic-acid based assays. With these assays, we must integrate the capability to: l collect samples from aerosols, water, or surfaces; l perform sample preparation prior to the assays; l incubate the prepared samples, if necessary, for a period of time; l transport the prepared, incubated samples to the assays; l perform the assays; l interpret and report the results of the assays. Issues such as reliability, sensitivity and accuracy, quantity of consumables, maintenance schedule, etc. must be addressed satisfactorily to the end user. The highest possible sensitivity and specificity of the assay must be combined with no false alarms. Today, we have assays that can, in under 30 minutes, detect and identify simulants for BW agents at concentrations of a few hundred colony-forming units per ml of solution. If the bio-aerosol sampler of this system collects 1000 Ymin and concentrates the respirable particles into 1 ml of solution with 70% processing efficiency over a period of 5 minutes, then this translates to a detection/ID capability of under 0.1 agent-containing particle/liter of air