Abstract: The apparatus/method according to the present invention accomplishes a reduction in the total number of direct digital synthesizers (DDSs) needed for use in electronically scanned antenna array to generate multiple simultaneous radio frequency (RF) beams. The apparatus includes, inter alia, a multi-beam forming synthesizer, a plurality of DDSs, a corresponding plurality of amplifiers all operatively connected to a plurality of radiating elements of the antenna array. This arrangement uses a single DDS per radiating element. Each DDS uses a composite amplitude, phase and frequency information computed by the multi-beam forming synthesizer to create the proper waveform for driving the antenna array, and accordingly, generating the desired multiple simultaneous RF beams, i.e. 1-M (e.g. 1 through M) RF beams each of which can have a different frequency and separate modulation.

Abstract: A recombinant, refolded non-fusion polypeptide expressed from a truncated r56 gene of the causative agent of scrub typhus, Orientia tsutsugamushi. The invention is useful for detecting prior exposure to scrub typhus and as a component in vaccine formulations.

Abstract: A novel co-culture system using human brain endothelial cells (HUBEC) which promotes the expansion of human CD34+CD38− cells consistent with the PMVEC system is disclosed. HUBEC were isolated from cadaveric donors, passed in primary culture, cloned and found to be Von Willebrand Factor positive. Cultivation of purified bone marrow CD34+ cells on HUBEC monolayers supplemented with GM-CSF+IL-3+IL-6+SCF+flt-3 ligand caused a 14.5-fold increase in total cells, an 6.6-fold increase in CD34+ cells, and, most remarkably, a 440-fold increase in CD34+CD38− cells after 7 days. Further, CFU-GM production increased 15.1-fold, BFU-E increased 8-fold, and CFU-Mix increased 5.2-fold. Optimal generation was dependent upon the continued presence of exogenous supplied cytokines. Moreover, we found that non-brain human endothelial cells isolated from the same donors supported neither the expansion nor the maintenance of human CD34+CD38− cells.

Abstract: A rapid, non-invasive, semi-quantitative immunoassay of saliva has been developed to aid in the diagnosis of diseases, e.g., using saliva to detect subjects actively or previously infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a causative organism of tuberculosis. The semi-quantitative assay comprises spotting disease-related antigens on the surface of a solid substrate; contacting the solid substrate with a saliva sample which, in positive subjects, contains primary antibodies to the disease-related antigens; contacting the primary antibodies with a label capable of being detected; and detecting and reading the label whereby exposure to the antigens is determined. The device for conducting these assays is a frame or support which holds a solid substrate capable of immobilizing the antigens of interest while permitting drainage of other materials or fluids away from the immobilized antigens.

Abstract: A gauge and a method for using the gauge, measures the Frankfurt Mandibular Angle (FMA) non-invasively, without the use of x-rays. The gauge has an upper bar that, in use, parallels the patient's porion-orbitale line. A downward bar depends from the upper bar and has an adjustably attached lower bar. The lower bar is adjusted to parallel the patient's gonion-menton line. Once the gauge is properly adjusted to the patient and locked into place, the user reads a measuring device on the gauge, which indicates the relative positions of the components of the adjusted gauge. These reading are then correlated, directly or indirectly, to the patient's FMA.

Abstract: A recombinant, refolded non-fusion polypeptide expressed from a truncated r56 gene of the causative agent of scrub typhus, Orientia tsutsugamushi. The invention is useful for detecting prior exposure to scrub typhus and as a component in vaccine formulations.

Abstract: A method of simultaneously staining for various opportunistic pathogens stains tissues sections with Ziehl-Neelsen carbo-fuchsin, Schiff reagent, and a mixture of metanil yellow and stock fast green solution. In particular, the method is useful for staining tissue sections suspected of containing opportunistic pathogens commonly found in AIDS patients, i.e., acid fast mycobacteria, fungus, and Pneumocystis carinii.

Abstract: The invention relates to a passive protective agent against P. vivax. The passive protective agent is an antibody that, when a concentration of the antibody is injected intravenously, protects a subject to the limits of that concentration of antibody from developing malaria when the subject is subsequently challenged with live, infectious P. vivax sporozoites. The invention includes methods of treatment and pharmaceutical formulations of the agent.

Abstract: The invention is accomplished by preventing and/or reversing inner ear damage due to noise or toxins. In part, this is accomplished by upregulating antioxidant enzyme activity by applying agents such as R-N6-Phenylisopropyl adenosine (R-PIA) to the round window membrane of the inner ear or systemically, and/or by also applying agents such as 1-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (Procysteine) to the round window membrane. Also, the invention is accomplished by giving the compounds systemically. Selective auditory hair cell protection in the face of gentamicin exposure by concomitant delivery of an NMDA antagonist or glial derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) with the gentamicin. These and additional agents are also accomplished by curtailing activated programmed cell death pathways and/or inducing/enhancing cell repair mechanisms in the inner ear. The agent (s) may be applied before, during or after the noise trauma or toxin exposure.

Abstract: A wearable electronic data collection and storage device is used for recording field medical data. The device is small, portable and easily worn, similar to a watch or medallion and is capable of interfacing with a large, external accessing system. The device includes an application specific integrated circuit card which is received in and is removable from a wearable/portable data entry, storage and retrieval device. The card includes a programmable memory for storing data. These two elements, when combined, form the MEDTAG unit. This unit also includes a memory for storing software, and a microprocessor for reading and entering data, and executing the software. The wearable/portable data entry storage and retrieval device includes an electrical connection to the removable card, a display for showing menus and data to a user, and two manual input buttons allowing the user to select from the menus and enter data into the programmable memory of the card.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a murine hybridoma cell (ATCC HB 11944) that secretes a monoclonal antibody (PV-1) that binds to the CD 28 receptor. The antibody selectively stimulates the production of T-Cell populations to proliferate and expand in the absence of exogenous growth factors and accessory cells.

Abstract: An IgG1 monoclonal antibody, Navy Yoelii Liver Stage 3 (NYLS3) does not recognize sporozoites, but recognizes P. yoelii liver stage parasites within 6 hours of invasion of mouse hepatocytes, and throughout the hepatic and asexual erythrocytic stages of the life cycle. When added to primary cultures of mouse hepatocytes 24 hours after inoculation with P. yoelii sporozoites, when all sporozoites have invaded hepatocytes, NYLS3 eliminates up to 98% of liver stage parasites. Intravenous injection of NYLS3 into mice delays the onset and reduces the density of blood stage parasitemia after sporozoite or blood stage challenge. The protein recognized by this mAb is identified and designated P. yoelii hepatic and erythrocytic stage protein, 17-kDa or PyHEP17. The gene encoding PyHEP17 and a DNA vaccine comprising exons of the DNA that encodes PyHEP17 are disclosed. A DNA vaccine consisting of exon 1 and part of exon 2 of the gene encoding PyHEP17 protects 86% of A/J mice, 33%-43% of B10.

Abstract: All or part of the DNA sequence of the gene which encodes the S-layer protein of R. prowazekii as illustrated in Sequence ID No. 1 as well as a truncated identical piece of this gene in R. typhi as well as the 5' and 3' noncoding regions can be used for vaccination against typhus and spotted fever rickettsial infection or to diagnose the diseases caused by these bacteria. The invention is also accomplished by the deduced amino acid sequence of the S-layer protein of R. prowazekii derived from the DNA sequence of the encoding gene. Further, the invention includes the peptide or protein products based on all or parts of this gene.

Abstract: A transgenic animal, whose germ cells and somatic cells contain a transgene including a DNA sequence encoding a CD28 ligand and a tissue-specific promoter operably linked to the DNA sequence, wherein the tissue-specific promoter effects expression of the CD28 ligand in cells of a specific tissue of the animal is disclosed. This animal serves as a transgenic model for specific autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: An agent and pharmaceutical formulations of the agent containing a synthetic peptide of the human malaria Plasmodium vivax, containing at least one repeat of a synthetic peptide having the amino acid sequence Ala-Gly-Asp-Arg (AGDR) which is a protective epitope found on the circumsporozoite (CS) protein of the sporozoites of the human malaria Plasmodium vivax. When a monoclonal antibody specific for this four amino acid sequence binds to the CS protein of the P. vivax sporozoite in vivo, infection is prevented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of amplifying in vitro stemcells. In this method hematopoietic CD34.sup.+ stem and progenitor cells are isolated from human bone marrow and contacted with endothelial cells. The contacted stem cells and endothelial cells are cultured in the presence of at least one cytokine in an amount sufficient to support amplification/expansion of the hematopoietic CD34.sup.+ stem and progenitor cells. This method produces increased yields of hematopoietic CD34.sup.+ stem and progenitor cells which can be used in human therapeutics.

Abstract: A slide holding a film with an image containing portion adapted for use in n application such as Night Vision Goggle training in which the film in the slide is to receive an extremely low level of light. A combination of filters is placed adjacent the light receiving face of the film and an opaque mat having a cutout corresponding to the film image bearing portion is placed adjacent both the light receiving side of the filters and the light output face of the film to reduce the amount of stray light reaching the film with the components held together by a pair of frame members each holding a glass plate next to a mat.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody is disclosed which is reactive to Treponema denticola and produced by the hybridoma deposited under ATCC HB 9966. The invention also discloses diagnostic reagents and methods for detecting Treponema denticola utilizing the hybridoma deposited under ATCC HB 9966.