Comparison of genetic-algorithm and emissivity-ratio analyses of image data from OMEGA implosion cores.

Detailed analysis of x-ray narrow-band images from argon-doped deuterium-filled inertial confinement fusion implosion experiments yields information about the temperature spatial structure in the core at the collapse of the implosion. We discuss the analysis of direct-drive implosion experiments at OMEGA, in which multiple narrow-band images were recorded with a multimonochromatic x-ray imaging instrument. The temperature spatial structure is investigated by using the sensitivity of the Ly beta/He beta line emissivity ratio to the temperature. Three analysis methods that consider the argon He beta and Ly beta image data are discussed and the results compared. The methods are based on a ratio of image intensities, ratio of Abel-inverted emissivities, and a search and reconstruction technique driven by a Pareto genetic algorithm.

Recombinant human antibody single chain variable fragments reactive with Candida albicans surface antigens.

A combinatorial phage display library expressing human immunoglobulin heavy and light chain variable regions was used to identify phage clones capable of binding to the surface of Candida albicans blastoconidia. Single chain antibody variable fragments (scFv) derived from three clones detected C. albicans antigens by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Western blotting. The antigens detected were conserved among different strains of C. albicans and several other Candida species. Two scFv clones detected antigens specifically expressed by C. albicans blastoconidia; the third detected antigens in both blastoconidia and filamentous forms of C. albicans. The antigens containing the epitopes recognized by all three scFv could be extracted from blastoconidia by dithiothreitol, suggesting attachment to the cell wall via sulfhydryl bonds. Epitope detection by the scFv was sensitive to treatment of C. albicans blastoconidia with sodium periodate, but not proteinase K, indicating the cognate epitopes were composed of carbohydrate. Antigenic determinants for each of the three scFv were detected by immunohistochemical staining of skin sections from a model of cutaneous candidiasis, demonstrating expression in vivo. Through selection for the ability to bind intact organisms, the phage display system provides a means to rapidly identify monoclonal binding ligands to Candida surface antigens. Being entirely human, mature antibodies generated from the scFv have potential utility in the treatment of candidiasis.