Abstract: Antibodies directed to SPICE and VCP which may be used for detection, prevention, and treatment of variola virus or vaccinia virus are provided. Recombinant SPICE and VCP proteins are also provided which are used for enhancing the immune response to variola or vaccinia virus and modulating of complement activation. Methods and kits for detecting nucleic acid sequences encoding SPICE and VCP are also provided.

Abstract: An inflatable circulation assist device is disclosed consisting of an inflatable stator housing an impeller with inflatable blades of varying shapes and sizes. The invention is introduced into the patient percutaneously. The circulation assist device is a small pump packaged into a compact form that is attached to a long flexible driveshaft. The pump is inserted along a guidewire to a target location, and then the pump is inflated. The circulation assist device's exterior is designed to expand only so much as to closely fit whatever cardiovascular system element in which it is placed for operation. The vascular assist device can be expanded either by inflation with a fluid. The driveshaft, which connects to the circulation assist device's impeller and extends outside the patient's body, is rotated by an external motor. After the circulation assist device is no longer needed, it is collapsed into a compact form and removed from the patient percutaneously.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds and methods of identifying and designing compounds which inhibit activity of inward-rectifier K+ channels. In particular, compounds having a tertiapin-like ? helix, such as a stable tertiapin derivative wherein the methionine residue in position 13 of tertiapin is replaced by glutamine, are described. Methods of using these compounds to control insulin secretion, and cardiac rhythm and electrical conduction, to modulate neurotransmissions of neurons, and to induce diuresis in mammals are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions containing cyclophilin B, mutants of cyclophilin B or inhibitors of cyclophilin B and methods of using these compositions to modulate somatolactogenic function are provided.

Abstract: Compositions of cross-linked collagen and a glycosaminoglycan are provided which retain characteristics rendering them useful as tissue engineering matrices or scaffolds following terminal sterilization. Also provided are methods for producing these compositions and terminally sterilized matrices or scaffolds from these compositions as well as methods of using these matrices or scaffolds as tissue engineering devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method for detecting, diagnosing, monitoring, staging, prognosticating, imaging and treating gastointestinal cancers including small intestine, colon and stomach cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method for detecting, diagnosing, monitoring, staging, prognosticating, imaging and treating prostate cancer.

Abstract: Negative ion atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometers and selected ion mass spectrometers with a 63Ni ion source and a drift tube for reaction of a sample with electrons from the 63Ni ion source prior to analysis of a sample by mass spectrometry are provided. Also provided are methods for chemically analyzing a sample by negative ion atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometry by exposing the sample to electrons from a 63Ni ion source in a drift tube and allowing the sample and electrons to react in the drift tube prior to analysis via mass spectrometry.

Abstract: The present invention provides new methods and agents for detecting, diagnosing, monitoring, staging, prognosticating, imaging and treating gastrointestinal cancer.

Abstract: A driving unit for use with a rolling vehicle is provided containing a first and second motor mechanically coupled to two wheels via a transmission unit which is pivotable about the steering axis of the driving unit and adapted to establish a driving relationship between the first motor and one wheel of the unit and for establishing a driving relationship between the second motor and a second wheel of the unit. The coupling between the first motor and second motor and the transmission unit allows the transmission unit to pivot about the steering axis without causing a corresponding pivotal movement of the platform on which the first motor and the second motor are fixedly mounted, while allowing the first motor and the second motor to transmit power to their respective wheels. Various transmission units for use in these driving units are provided as well as rolling vehicles containing such units.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method for detecting, diagnosing, monitoring, staging, and prognosticating colon cancer.

Abstract: Computer security protection referred to herein as ATM/ALERT is provided. This system interacts with established software to recognize a valid identification which will then allow a requested action such as an ATM transaction to occur. The system also interacts with the established software to recognize an alert signal issued by the user who is under duress which will then activate security measures via the established software. Exemplary identifications include a PIN number, iris scan, thumb print or facial scan. In some embodiments, the computer security protection requires first-time entry of a valid identification and second-time entry of a valid identification to allow the requested action.

Abstract: The present invention provides cDNAs encoding deoxyribonuclease II? and isolated, purified deoxyribonuclease II? proteins. Antibodies against this protein and antisense agents targeted to a cDNA or corresponding mRNA encoding deoxyribonuclease II? are provided. In addition, methods of identifying and using modulators of deoxyribonuclease II? activity are described.

Abstract: Bone marrow (BM) is the major organ where immune cells are derived. Homeostasis in the BM is maintained by inter- and intra-cellular interactions by the various subsets of BM cells. The present invention discloses the cloning of a new cDNA from stimulated BM stromal cells that was retrieved with a probe specific for the neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor. The cloned cDNA was designated ‘Hematopoietic Growth Factor Inducible Neurokinin-1 type’ (HGFIN) gene based on its expression in differentiated hematopoietic cells. Hence, the present invention provides a novel gene, HGFIN, which encodes a protein receptor that is involved in the regulation of hematopoietic proliferation and differentiation.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods of performing ex vivo expansion of gene-modified hematopoietic stem cells which are useful for many applications involving bone marrow transplantation and ex vivo gene therapy. The present invention further includes the gene-modified hematopoietic stem cells that are used and produced by such methods. Such gene-modified hematopoietic stem cells can also contain a second heterologous gene. In addition, the present invention also includes methods of engrafting the gene-modified hematopoietic stem cells of the present invention into animals, including for ex vivo gene therapy and for reconstitution of hematopoietic cells in ablated mammals. The present invention also provides a method of isolating stem cells.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of using compositions with a nuclear targeting peptide containing a nonclassical nuclear localization signal to deliver selected molecules to the nucleus of eukaryotic cells are provided. The compositions are useful for gene transfer.

Abstract: A nucleic acid sequence which regulates the autolytic activity of bacteria is provided. Methods for identifying and using agents which interact with the gene to inhibit bacterial growth and infectivity also are provided.

Abstract: An interlocking isolator for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell is provided which protects a fuel cell positioned in the interlocking isolator from electricity and heat. The interlocking isolator also permits multiple fuel cells positioned with the isolators to be stacked adjacently, thereby forming fuel cell stacks.

Abstract: Methods for determining levels of endotoxin in a sample are provided. These methods are useful in the diagnosis of septicemia. Kits for the detection of endotoxin are also provided.

Abstract: Polyaromatic hydrocarbons are found in contaminated soils and groundwater and are a large class of compounds for which treatment by bioremediation is sought. Accordingly, indigenous organisms that can degrade polyaromatic hydrocarbon are needed. Presented are strains of the Paenibacillus genus that degrade low molecule weight polyaromatic, and, in the presence of phenanthrene, high molecular weight polyaromatic hydrocarbons. These bacteria strains are unique among PAH-degrading bacterial strains because they form endospores and therefore can survive adverse environmental conditions. Among the strains presented are several from “P. naphthalenovorans”, a newly described species. Also presented are compositions for bioremediation comprising the bacterial strains of the invention, and a method for isolating the strains and a method for using the strains for bioremediation.