Abstract: Live attenuated Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) vaccines that outperform the PE-6 vaccine in mice aerosol challenged with >1,000×LD50. Candidates include four furin-cleavage deletion mutants and one E3 deletion mutant. Each vaccine provided protection in birds against antigenically distinct North and South American strains of EEE. The PE-6 vaccine does not provide protection against South American EEEs. Animals inoculated with each of the vaccines of the invention developed neutralizing antibodies to EEE.

Abstract: Described in this application is a synthetic P. vivax circumsporozoite protein useful as a diagnostic reagent, for antibody production, and as a vaccine protective against infection with any strain of P. vivax.

Abstract: The invention described here entails a protein vaccine against poxviruses which contains at least two purified recombinant monkeypox virus proteins or peptides. The proteins or peptides are encoded by the open reading frames of the monkeypox ortholog genes M1R, A35R, A29L B6R, and orthologs of these proteins or peptides having 90% identity. The invention also entails a vaccine protocol against poxvirus whereby a vaccine is vaccinated with a first vaccine made up of a nucleic acid vaccine of three or more poxvirus virus genes, and subsequently vaccinated with at least one other booster vaccine made up of two or more poxvirus virus proteins.

Abstract: This invention is directed to preparation and expression of synthetic genes encoding polypeptides containing protective epitopes of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT). The invention is also directed to production of immunogenic peptides encoded by the synthetic genes, as well as recovery and purification of the immunogenic peptides from recombinant organisms. The invention is also directed to methods of vaccination against botulism using the expressed peptides.

Abstract: In this application is described the establishment and maintenance of a normal human hepatocyte cell line able to support complete development of malaria parasite development in vitro. The cell line can be used in methods for screening compounds affecting normal human liver cells or normal human cells infected with malaria parasites, measuring uptake of drugs or chemicals into normal human liver cells, and measuring metabolism of a drug in a normal human liver cell. Other advantages and uses of the cell line are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a pharmacophore model for inhibiting anthrax lethal factor protease activity which comprises a first aromatic center A, a second aromatic center B, a first polar center C, a second polar center D, a third polar center E, and a neutral linker F. Also disclosed are small molecules fitting the pharmacophore model and compositions and methods of using thereof.

Abstract: An artificial invasin complex is prepared from purified or recombinantly prepared invasins and gram negative bacteria lipopolysaccharides. Typically, IpaB is mixed with IpaC to form a IpaB:IpaC complex. This invasin protein complex is then mixed with the lipopolysaccharide to form an artificial invasin complex. Additional bioactive molecules can be incorporated into the complex during manufacture. This artificial invasin complex is similar in function to native Invaplex 24 or Invaplex 50. The artificial invasin complex has superior immunogenicity properties relative to the native complex and can be tailor made. Its method of preparation lends itself to scale up. The artificial invasin complex can facilitate transport of biomolecules, therapeutics and antibiotics across cell membranes in a manner similar to native Shigella Invaplex.

Abstract: A method that includes but is not limited to accepting user input specifying a geometrical arrangement of two or more buttons on one or more displayed pages; accepting user input labeling at least two of the two or more buttons on the one or more displayed pages; accepting user input defining at least one interaction between the labeled at least two buttons; accepting user input specifying at least one constraint cost for the defined at least one interaction; and assigning the labels of the at least two buttons among the two or more buttons on one or more displayed pages such that the at least one constraint cost is substantially optimized.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing researchers with a computer-assisted tool to evaluate, over a communications network, large electronic data sets stored on a remote server. The system allows the centralization of multiple data manipulation and analysis software modules co-located with the large data sets to reduce the amount of data from the data sets and software that has to be downloaded to a particular user's client computer. The system is designed to accommodate multiple researchers located at different geographic locations each of whom may have, with regard to the data, different scientific research objectives.

Abstract: A safety adaptor having attachment components and reservoir components for use with balloon anchored catheters such that if the catheter is forcibly removed the reservoir components will act as a safety valve and allow the anchoring balloon to deflate. The safety adaptor acts to minimize damage caused to a patient due to the removal of an inflated anchor balloon of a catheter. The safety adaptor attaches to any existing catheter having a fluid balloon and does not require re-engineering or re-tooling of the catheter or adaptor.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for predicting cognitive performance of an individual based on factors including preferably sleep history and the time of day. The method facilitates the creation of predicted cognitive performance curves that allow an individual to set his/her sleep times to produce higher levels of cognitive performance. The method also facilitates the reconstruction of past cognitive performance levels based on sleep history.

Abstract: With the goal of creating a combination vaccine against Shigella and other diarrheal pathogens we have constructed a prototype vaccine strain of Shigella flexneri 2a (SC608) that can serve as a vector for the expression and delivery of heterologous antigens to the mucosal immune system. SC608 is an asd derivative of SC602, a well-characterized vaccine strain, which has recently undergone several phase 1 and 2 trials for safety and immunogenicity. Using non-antibiotic asd-based plasmids, we have created novel constructs for the expression of antigens from enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), including CFA/I (CfaB and CfaE) and the B-subunit from heat-labile enterotoxin (LTB) in Shigella vaccine strain SC608. Heterologous protein expression levels and cellular localization are critical to immune recognition and have been verified by immunoblot analysis.

Abstract: A medical check-in and data communication kiosk for efficiently checking-in patients at a medical facility and/or exchanging relevant data with the patient. A patient automatically provides initial identification information by swiping, scanning, etc., an I.D. card and the kiosk then accesses various legacy database systems to gather all relevant medical data corresponding to the particular patient. The patient is requested to verify and/or update any third party payer information, such as insurance information, and is also informed of suggested preventive healthcare actions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for the large-scale preparation of human butyrylcholinesterase (HuBChE) preparations from Cohn Fraction IV-4. As disclosed, the methods provide HuBChE preparations that are about 99% or more pure with recovery yields of about 60%. Also disclosed are the pharmacokinetics, safety and toxicity, stability and efficacy of the HuBChE preparations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically attenuated superantigen toxin vaccines altered such that superantigen attributes are absent, however the superantigen is effectively recognized and an appropriate immune response is produced. The attenuated superantigen toxins are shown to protect animals against challenge with wild type toxin. Methods of producing and using the altered superantigen toxins are described.

Abstract: A novel targeting peptide from the C-terminal of endothelin and/or a novel fusogenic peptide from hemagglutinin are optionally conjugated to the carboxy group of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-succinate and incorporated into liposomes for therapeutic treatment. The novel targeting peptide directs liposomes to lung cells, and, therefore, is useful for delivering liposomes encapsulating cholinesterase genes, particularly, the human serum butyryl cholinesterase (Hu BChE) gene, as a treatment against nerve agents. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader quickly to ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the appended issued claims. 37 CFR §1.72(b).

Abstract: Using CTL epitopes to the Ebola GP, NP, VP24, VP30, VP35 and VP40 virion proteins, a method and composition for use in inducing an immune response which is protective against infection with Ebola virus is described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for allowing quality of an image to be tested. For example, the present invention may be utilized to test the quality of an image produced by a helmet-mounted display such as an Integrated Helmet and Display Sighting System (IHADSS). In at least one embodiment, after the image is captured by a camera, for example, at least one measurable aspect of the image is analyzed in an objective manner to determine at least one possible difference in the measurable aspect of the image and a corresponding measurable aspect of a recalled representation of the image and presenting the difference via a visual display device.

Abstract: Chimeric GP molecules were constructed which contain portions of both the EBOV and MBGV GP proteins by swapping the subunits between EBOV and MBGV. The chimeric molecules were cloned into an alphavirus replicon which offers the advantage of high protein expression levels in mammalian cells and is a proven vaccine vector. These chimeric molecules fully protected guinea pigs from MBGV challenge, and conversely protected the animals from EBOV challenge. These results indicate that a protective epitope resides within the GP2 subunit of the MBGV GP protein and at least partially within the GP2 subunit of the EBOV GP protein. Additionally these results show that a construction of a single-component bivalent vaccine protective in guinea pigs is achievable.

Abstract: In this application are described monoclonal antibodies which specifically recognize V antigen of Y. pestis and epitopes recognized by these monoclonal antibodies. Also provided are mixtures of antibodies of the present invention, as well as methods of using individual antibodies or mixtures thereof for the detection, prevention, and/or therapeutical treatment of plague infections in vitro and in vivo.