Abstract: A fast semi-automatic prostate contouring method is provided using model-based initialization and an efficient Discrete Dynamic Contour (DDC) for boundary refinement. The user initiates the process of the preferred embodiment by identifying four (4) points on the prostate boundary, thereby scaling and shaping a prostate model, and then the final prostate contour is refined with a DDC. The method of the present invention has particular application during the pre-implant planning phase of a brachytherapy procedure. However, this method also has uses in any phase of dose planning in the brachytherapy procedure or any other therapy approach.

Abstract: A mist elimination device in the form of a hood for the removal of moisture from a gas stream treated by a WESP includes a series of gutters on the outer surface of the hood to trap liquid droplets and direct the moisture to channels to drain to the lower region of a housing. Gutters are also provided on the interior surface of the hood to catch liquid droplets carried by the gas stream into the interior of the hood.

Abstract: A method of generating an HIV-specific cytotoxic T-cell response in a host involves an initial administration of a T-helper molecule to the host to prime T-helper cells of the immune system of the host and a subsequent administration to the host of a mixture of the T-helper molecule and a T-cell inducing HIV-derived molecule to generate an HIV-specific T-cell response in the host.

Abstract: An improved yield of oil seed protein isolate, preferably canola oil seed isolate, in an oil seed meal aqueous extraction procedure is obtained from oil seed meal which has been desolventized at a temperature of about 100° C. or less, preferably about 70° to 80° C.

Abstract: An immunogenic composition capable of producing a respiratory syncytial (RS) virus specific immune response in a host immunized therewith comprises purified, inactivated RS virus which is substantially free from cellular and serum components and which is non-infectious, non-immunopotentiating, immunogenic and protective. The virus is grown on a vaccine quality cell line and harvested virus is purified under non-denaturing conditions to be substantially free from cellular and serum components. The purified RS virus is inactivated using ?-propiolactone, a non-ionic detergent, particularly n-octyl-?-D-glucopyranoside and n-octyl-?-D-glucopyranoside, or ascorbic acid. The immunogenic composition may be formulated as a vaccine for in vivo administration to a human host. The immunogenic composition also may be used in diagnostic applications.

Abstract: A novel orthodontic bracket system comprised of orthodontic appliances, such as brackets or buccal tubes, with a vertical instead of conventional horizontal slot orientation. The occlusal-gingival slot orientation minimizes the risk of unintentional debonding of the bracket as a result of insertion and removal of the archwire. An archwire retention mechanism designed to guide, retain and/or seat the archwire. The archwire retention mechanism releases the archwire from the archwire slot whenever appropriate force is applied, or manipulation of physical properties of the material are altered by the operator.

Abstract: Nucleic acid, including DNA, for immunization to generate a protective immune response in a host, including humans, to a major outer membrane protein of a strain of Chlamydia, preferably contains a nucleotide sequence encoding a fragment that generates antibodies that specifically react with MOMP and a promoter sequence operatively coupled to the first nucleotide sequence for expression of the MOMP fragment in the host. The non-replicating vector may be formulated with a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier for in vivo administration to the host.

Abstract: A host is immunized against infection by a strain of Chlamydia by initial administration of an attenuated bacteria harbouring a nucleic acid encoding a Chlamydia protein followed by administration of a Chlamydia protein in ISCOMs. This procedure enables a high level of protection to be achieved.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward methods for the production of non-infectious, replication-deficient, immunogenic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-like particles. These particles are prepared from a recombinant expression vector comprising a heterologous promoter operatively connected to a DNA molecule comprising a modified HIV genome devoid of the long terminal repeat (LTR) regulatory regions but containing at least the gag and pol genes in their natural genomic arrangement. This vector is introduced into mammalian cells to produce the particles of interest. These particles should prove useful in a number of diagnostic, virologic, and immunologic applications.

Abstract: A canola protein isolate having a protein content of at least about 90 wt % (N×6.25) is employed as an at least partial replacement for at least one component providing functionality in a food composition. The canola protein isolate is a blend of canola protein isolate in the form of an amorphous protein mass formed by settling the solid phase of a dispersion of protein micelles and mixing the amorphous mass with concentrated supernatant from the setting step and drying the mixture.

Abstract: The recovery of protein from canola oil seed meal and other oil seed meals in the preparation of canola or other oil seed protein isolate is improved in comparison to conventional toasted meal by the use of a meal which has been air-desolventized at a temperature below about 50° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating Type I diabetes by administration of an effective amount of a glucagon-like peptide 1 or an analogue of glucagon-like peptide 1 either alone or in conjunction with a regimen of insulin administration.

Abstract: Chlorine dioxide generating processes of the single vessel type which produce chlorine dioxide of high purity are monitored and controlled by a computer using Advanced Control Strategies for steady, stable operation with optimum chemical usage on the basis of a desired chlorine dioxide production rate as the sole input from an operator to the computer program effecting the computer control.

Abstract: A chlorine dioxide generator comprises a water eductor surrounded by a variable volume plenum. The plenum casing is threaded onto the venturi body, permitting the plenum volume and area to be modified depending on the capacity required. Chlorine and sodium chlorite may be fed tangentially into a conical plenum and reacted therein to form chlorine dioxide, which is discharged into water passing through the eductor at the venturi throat.

Abstract: Cooling of the electrical coils of an electromagnetic stirrer is effected using a ferrofluid.

Abstract: Non-infectious, retrovirus-like particles contain mutations to reduce gag-dependent RNA-packaging of the gag gene product, eliminate reverse transcriptase activity of the pol gene product, eliminate integrase activity of the pol gene product and eliminate RNase H activity of the pol gene product through genetic manipulation of the gag and pol genes. The corresponding nucleic acid molecules are described. The non-infectious, retrovirus-like particles have utility in in vivo administration including to humans and in diagnosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating insulin-requiring diabetes in a mammal comprising the subcutaneous administration of an effective amount of a glucagon-like peptide 1-related peptide.

Abstract: Disease cased by papilloma virus is treated by applying an effective amount of Mycobacterium to the region of infection. Specifically, condylomata acuminata are caused by human papilloma virus infection. Despite numerous treatment modalities these patients often demonstrate recurrent disease. BCG therapy is used in primary treatment or in patients not responding to or recurrent after standard treatment. Six men with rapidly recurrent external and intraurethral condylomata acuminata underwent BCG therapy after initial laser treatment. External application and intraurethral instillation of BCG was performed six times in weekly intervals. Follow-up studies included examination and endoscopic inspection of the urethra and bladder. Three patients completed one course of BCG and had no relapse of condylomata acuminata. Two patients underwent a second course of BCG, of whom one relapsed. One patient relapsed after discontinued therapy due to penile edema. The annual recurrence rate decreased from 3.