Abstract: An inactivated dengue virus vaccine to immunize and protect humans against dengue fever is described. The vaccine is based on dengue viruses which have been propagated to high titers in suitable cells, purified and inactivated under conditions which destroy infectivity but preserve immunogenicity, a high level of which is demonstrated in animal models. Uses of the inactivated dengue virus for detecting antibodies to dengue and kits therefor are also described.

Abstract: Provided is a breeding container which is adapted to be lethal to container breeding mosquitoes which contains: a walled structure defining an internal volume, the walled structure being constructed and arranged to contain an aqueous liquid within at least a portion of the internal volume; at least one opening in the walled structure disposed so as to allow mosquitoes to enter the walled structure; mosquito egg laying structure in the internal volume constructed and arranged such that female mosquitoes contact a surface of the mosquito egg laying structure; and an insecticide that is lethal to mosquitoes present in an amount sufficient to kill the female mosquitoes in contact with the surface. Also provided is a lethal mosquito breeding container kit and a method for controlling the population of container breeding mosquitoes.

Abstract: Compositions containing 2-(phosphonomethyl)-pentanedioic acid (PMPA) and pha. and .beta. N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamate (NAAG) are appropriate means for treatment of neuronal tissue injury that may result from such factors as injury, toxicity, hypoxia or ischemia (a frequent cause of hypoxia). Target tissues include the brain, spinal cord and retina.

Abstract: Novel additive solutions useful for the storage of human red blood cells (RBCs) under refrigerated conditions are disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of using the additive solutions in an appropriate volume to preserve RBCs at about 1 to 6.degree. C. for up to 10 weeks. Additive solutions and processes in accordance with the present invention allow the viable storage of human RBCs for an extended period of time in a solution which is directly infusible in humans.

Abstract: A self-piercing pulse oximeter sensor is provided for attachment to subject, e.g., an individual or an animal. The device includes a flexible pulse oximeter sensor, an earring post, and a grommet. The earring post may be used as a piercing device if there is not a pierced body part suitable for attaching the pulse oximeter sensor to the body. Otherwise the earring post may be slid into the pierced hole. In either case, the tip of the earring post engages a grommet once passing through the body part. Thus, the pulse oximeter sensor functions in a transilluminance mode by transmitting light through the pierced body part.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a means for quantitatively determining the vel of tumor suppressor gene p53 by determination of level of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) of the gene in a sample when compared with a prepared standard. The assay is quantitative in that the specific number of copies of the p53 mRNA in a sample may be derived from a curve from a standard of p53 RNA. The RNA used in preparation of a standard curve to quantitate RNA is generated using a plasmid which is part of the invention. In the assay, the RNA is produced by a protein (RNA polymerase) that reads the DNA message and manufactures an RNA copy. The RNA content of the transcribed sample is determined spectrophotometrically to measure the molar concentration.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the true distance and relative velocity between first and second objects. The apparatus comprises a transceiver located at the first object which measures a first transit time for the transmission of a first signal from a first object to a second object and for the reflection of the first signal from the second object back to the first object. The transceiver further measures a second transit time for the transmission and reflection of a second signal, the second signal being transmitted immediately upon the reflection of the first signal back to the first object. First and second transit times can be used to calculate first and second apparent distances between the first and second objects, respectively. The apparatus also includes calculating means for determining the relative velocity between the first and second objects using the first transit time and the second transit time.

Abstract: Vaccines for the induction of immunity to malaria, based on aluminum hydroxide-treated, lipid A- and malarial antigen-containing liposomes, are described. Vaccines of this sort are useful in both humans and animals.