Abstract: The combination of HIV proteins Tat and Nef is chemotactic for CD4+ cells. Utilizing the capacity of Tat and Nef to modulate CD4+ cell trafficking and infiltration, the invention provides various treatment modes for individuals infected with HIV. The invention further provides treatment modes for other localized diseases by controlling CD4+ cell trafficking and infiltration. In particular, the invention provides methodology for promoting CD4+ cell chemotaxis to a localized site of infection as a means of augmenting the efficacy of extant chemotherapeutic methods. The invention further provides methodology for diverting CD4+ cell infiltration from a localized site where the presence of CD4+ cells is detrimental to the clinical outcome, by providing a composition comprising Tat and Nef at a distinct site, such as blood, within the individual where the accumulation of CD4+ cells is less detrimental.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes receiving a number of optical sections of different parts of an embryo over time along a Z-axis through differential interference contrast microscopy. The method also includes outlining a perimeter of the number of parts of the embryo within the number of optical sections. Additionally, the method includes generating a three-dimensional faceted image of the number of parts based on the outlined perimeter. The method includes reconstructing, separately, a four-dimensional image of a growth of the different parts of the embryo over time based on the three-dimensional facet image of the number of parts.

Abstract: The combination of HIV proteins Tat and Nef is chemotactic for CD4+ cells. Utilizing the capacity of Tat and Nef to modulate CD4+ cell trafficking and infiltration, the invention provides various treatment modes for individuals infected with HIV. The invention further provides treatment modes for other localized diseases by controlling CD4+ cell trafficking and infiltration. In particular, the invention provides methodology for promoting CD4+ cell chemotaxis to a localized site of infection as a means of augmenting the efficacy of extant chemotherapeutic methods. The invention further provides methodology for diverting CD4+ cell infiltration from a localized site where the presence of CD4+ cells is detrimental to the clinical outcome, by providing a composition comprising Tat and Nef at a distinct site, such as blood, within the individual where the accumulation of CD4+ cells is less detrimental.

Abstract: A Candida albicans gene, CaNik1, is involved in phenotypic switching which is significant because of a direct correlation between the switching and the level of virulence of the organism. A method of screening for anti-fungal pharmaceutical candidates entails bringing a test substance into contact with cells containing a CaNik1 gene or a variant thereof and then monitoring the effect, if any, on the level of expression of the gene.

Abstract: The combination of HIV proteins Tat and Nef is chemotactic for CD4+ cells. Utilizing the capacity of Tat and Nef to modulate CD4+ cell trafficking and infiltration, the invention provides various treatment modes for individuals infected with HIV. The invention further provides treatment modes for other localized diseases by controlling CD4+ cell trafficking and infiltration. In particular, the invention provides methodology for promoting CD4+ cell chemotaxis to a localized site of infection as a means of augmenting the efficacy of extant chemotherapeutic methods. The invention further provides methodology for diverting CD4+ cell infiltration from a localized site where the presence of CD4+ cells is detrimental to the clinical outcome, by providing a composition comprising Tat and Nef at a distinct site, such as blood, within the individual where the accumulation of CD4+ cells is less detrimental.

Abstract: A gene previously identified in the context of controlling filamentous growth in C. albicans, TUP1, plays a central role in the regulation of phenotype switching in Candida cells. Accordingly, compounds and therapeutic protocols can be screened for an ability to disrupt the pathway, controlled by TUP1, that is comprised of genes the expression of which affect switching specifically. Agents thus identified are candidates for use in treating or preventing candidiasis.

Abstract: A treatment system is provided for liquefied livestock waste contained in a slurry pit of a livestock confinement building or lagoon. Waste slurry is pumped through a sonication chamber where it is treated with ultrasound and energy density. The configuration of sonicator probes, the duration of treatment, and the sonication chamber design subject the animal waster therein to maximum sonic cavitation. The treatment should be such that the particle size of the waste is sufficiently reduced to suspend or dissolve the particles permanently, which greatly enhances the speed of biodegradation. Where the pits are under confinement buildings, the waste slurry may be recycled after treatment back into the slurry pit. In other cases, the waste slurry may be treated and then passed to a transient storage tank for trapping methane, and then to a lagoon, or passed directly to a lagoon.

Abstract: Candida yeast such as C. glabrata, express a hemolysin-like protein (HLP) that is structural similarity to hemolysins in other pathogens. HLP polypeptides are antigenic and are useful as vaccine components to raise a protective immune response against Candida. HLP expression is regulated by phenotype switching in C glabrata and coincides with the hemolytic activity of the phenotype.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically analyzing a mobile object. One embodiment of the invention provides a computerized method that includes obtaining a plurality of digital representations of the mobile object, establishing a first and a second processing station in a session, processing the digital representations on the first processing station, processing in parallel the digital representations on the second processing station to compute a plurality of parameters representing a motility or morphology of the mobile object, and displaying a graphical reconstruction of the mobile object. In one implementation, the computerized method further includes establishing one or more control panels to control various functionalities of the first and second processing stations. In another implementation, the computerized method further includes preserving the first and second processing stations in the session.

Abstract: A gene previously identified in the context of controlling filamentous growth in C. albicans, TUP1, plays a central role in the regulation of phenotype switching in Candida cells. Accordingly, compounds and therapeutic protocols can be screened for an ability to disrupt the pathway, controlled by TUP1, that is comprised of genes the expression of which affect switching specifically. Agents thus identified are candidates for use in treating or preventing candidiasis.

Abstract: A Candida albicans gene, CaNik1, is involved in phenotypic switching which is significant because of a direct correlation between the switching and the level of virulence of the organism. A method of screening for anti-fungal pharmaceutical candidates entails bringing a test substance into contact with cells containing a CaNik1 gene or a variant thereof and then monitoring the effect, if any, on the level of expression of the gene.

Abstract: The invention consists of a sonication and imbibition process for the uptake of water and/or other beneficial substances into a seed. The seed to be treated is immersed in water or other liquids. The seed is exposed to sound energy at frequencies between 15 kHz and 30 kHz for periods between about 1 and 15 minutes. The ultrasonic energy generates cavitational forces by the adiabatic collapse of microbubbles in the liquid medium, particularly those bubbles that collapse at the surface of the seed. The ultrasonic cavitational forces impart an enhanced stable memory for the seeds to imbibe water and/or other substances beneficial to the seed and/or plant. The ultrasonically treated seed can be dried, stored, and later imbibed with a substance that enhances a growth characteristic of the seed or resultant plant. Upon germination, the plant maintains the enhanced growth characteristics.

Abstract: The combination of HIV proteins Tat and Nef is chemotactic for CD4+ cells. Utilizing the capacity of Tat and Nef to modulate CD4+ cell trafficking and infiltration, the invention provides various treatment modes for individuals infected with HIV. The invention further provides treatment modes for other localized diseases by controlling CD4+ cell trafficking and infiltration. In particular, the invention provides methodology for promoting CD4+ cell chemotaxis to a localized site of infection as a means of augmenting the efficacy of extant chemotherapeutic methods. The invention further provides methodology for diverting CD4+ cell infiltration from a localized site where the presence of CD4+ cells is detrimental to the clinical outcome, by providing a composition comprising Tat and Nef at a distinct site, such as blood, within the individual where the accumulation of CD4+ cells is less detrimental.

Abstract: A method of enhancing a growth characteristic of seed by immersing the seed in an aqueous solution including dissolved inert gas and sonicating the seed at a frequency preferably of between about 15 kHz and about 30 kHz and an energy density of between about 1 watt/cm2 and about 10 watts/cm2 for a period of between 1 minute and about 15 minutes. The sonicated seed exhibits an enhanced growth characteristic including resistance to pests and growth properties consistent with the introduction of essential nutrients. Plants grown from the treated seeds exhibit improved characteristics.

Abstract: A method of enhancing a growth characteristic of seed by immersing the seed in an aqueous solution including dissolved inert gas and sonicating the seed at a frequency preferably of between about 15 kHz and about 30 kHz and an energy density of between about 1 watt/cm2 and about 10 watts/cm2 for a period of between 1 minute and about 15 minutes. The sonicated seed exhibits an enhanced growth characteristic including resistance to pests and growth properties consistent with the introduction of essential nutrients. Plants grown from the treated seeds exhibit improved characteristics.

Abstract: A method of clearing fungal spores from seed by immersing the seed in an aqueous solution including dissolved inert gas and sonicating the seed at a frequency preferably of between about 15 kHz and about 30 kHz and an energy density of between about 1 watt/cm2 and about 10 watts/cm2 for a period of between 0.1 minute and about 15 minutes.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the germination of seed by immersing the seed in an aqueous solution including dissolved inert gas and sonicating the seed at a frequency preferably of between about 15 kHz and about 30 kHz and an energy density of between about 1 watt/cm.sup.2 and about 10 watts/cm.sup.2 for a period of between 1 minute and about 15 minutes. The sonicated seed exhibits enhanced germination by a reduction in the time required for germination, an increase in the percentage of total seeds that germinate, and an increase in the percentage of seeds that germinate at reduced temperatures. Plants grown from the treated seeds exhibit improved characteristics.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for dynamic analysis of images of a mobile object. An electronic signal corresponding to the images, for example, from a video camera, is input into a digitizer which identifies the coordinates of the periphery of the mobile object in each of the images. A digital processor processes the contour information and a computer controlled by a software program having image processing and graphics capabilities calculates a plurality of parameters representative of the shape and motion of the object. The output from the computer may be displayed in graphical representations tabular form, in the formation animations on a monitor, or in hard copy printouts of the tables, animations and other graphical representations.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for assessing relatedness from autoradiograms. A scanner reads and digitizes the one or more banded lanes of an autoradiogram and communicates the information to a digital computer. The information is processed and analyzed to rationalize the banded lanes with a standard. Similarity coefficients and dendrograms of relatedness are generated.