Abstract: The present invention encompasses isolated nucleic acids containing transcriptional units which encode a signal sequence of one flavivirus and an immunogenic flavivirus antigen of a second flavivirus. The invention further encompasses a nucleic acid and protein vaccine and the use of the vaccine to immunize a subject against flavivirus infection. The invention also provides antigens encoded by nucleic acids of the invention, antibodies elicited in response to the antigens and use of the antigens and/or antibodies in detecting flavivirus or diagnosing flavivirus infection.

Abstract: Aerosol delivery systems and methods for delivering an agent to a patient are described herein. The present invention includes embodiments comprising an insulated receptacle connected to a body to hold a vial of an agent to be delivered to a patient. The vial is located in an inverted position within the receptacle and connected to the housing. One or more reusable thermal packs can be located on the inner sides of the receptacle, to maintain a selected temperature surrounding the vial. The agent is administered to a patient by placing a prong into one of the patient's orifices and then activating an aerosol delivery system. Such systems comprise jet aerosolization and pneumatic and ultrasonic nebulizers and preferably are portable.

Abstract: Peptides are disclosed that include SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, and SEQ ID NO:6, or a conservative variant or mimic thereof, wherein the conservative variant or mimic specifically binds an antibody that specifically binds SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID or NO:6. These peptides are of use in generating an immune response against C. pneumoniae, or in preventing infection with against C. pneumoniae.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a newly isolated human coronavirus (SARS-CoV), the causative agent of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Also provided are the nucleic acid sequence of the SARS-CoV genome and the amino acid sequences of the SARS-CoV open reading frames, as well as methods of using these molecules to detect a SARS-CoV and detect infections therewith. Immune stimulatory compositions are also provided, along with methods of their use.

Abstract: An enclosure is provided having openings for entry of rodents within the enclosure. There is arranged one or more applicators in the form of a suspended flexible web configured to contact rodents entering the chamber and having a chemical on the web for application to the rodents.

Abstract: According to a disclosed embodiment, an auscultatory training apparatus includes a database of pre-recorded physiological sounds stored on a computer for playing on a playback system. A user-friendly, graphical user interface software program is stored on the computer for use with a conventional computer mouse. The program allows a user to select one of the pre-recorded sounds for playback. In addition, the program is operable to generate an inverse model of the playback system in the form of a digital filter. If employed by the user, the inverse model processes the selected sound to cancel the distortions of the playback system so that the sound is accurately reproduced in the playback system. The program also permits the extraction of a specific sound component from a pre-recorded sound so that only the extracted sound component is audible during playback.

Abstract: A variety of methods and systems related to automated quantitative analyses via digital spectroscopy techniques can be used to determine the quantity of one or more analytes in a sample. A parameter file can be used to control automated analysis. Suspect conditions related to parameters can be identified and-appropriate advisories provided. Suspect conditions related to analysis can be identified and appropriate warnings provided. Various algorithmic techniques are supported and can be selected by a user by modifying parameters via a parameter-editing user interface presented by software.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling ectoparasites of small rodents, thereby preventing the transmission of diseases by arthropod vectors. The invention further provides an enclosure having openings for entry of rodents, and having arranged therein one or more applicators which are configured to contact rodents entering the chamber and having an ectoparasiticide on the applicator for application to the rodents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling ectoparasites of small rodents, thereby preventing the transmission of diseases by arthropod vectors.

Abstract: An enclosure is provided having openings for allowing entry of rodents into the enclosure. There is arranged one or more applicators in the form of a suspended flexible web configured to contact rodents entering the chamber and having a chemical on the web for application to the rodents.

Abstract: A wearable kneel-sit support device includes a U-shaped body that is pivotally connected to both a seat member and a base member. A linking member connects the seat member and the base member, such that moving one of the seat member and the base member causes both the seat member and the base member to rotate from a folded position adjacent the leg of the user to an unfolded position. In the unfolded position, the base member can rest on a horizontal surface and the seat member is substantially parallel to the base member, so that the wearer can sit on the seat while kneeling. The device may be worn on the lower leg of a user in a folded position to allow unhindered ambulation.

Abstract: Provided is a method of treating an immune system disorder not involving T cell proliferation, comprising administering to the animal an immunotoxin comprising a mutant diphtheria toxin moiety linked to an antibody moiety which routes by the anti-CD3 pathway, or derivatives thereof under conditions such that the disorder is treated. Thus, the present method can treat graft-versus-host disease.

Abstract: The invention provides a nucleic acid encoding the 37-kDa protein from Streptococcus pneumoniae. Also provided are isolated nucleic acids comprising a unique fragment of at least 10 nucleotides of the 37-kDa protein. The invention also provides purified polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid encoding the 37-kDa protein from and the nucleic acids comprising a unique fragment of at least 10 nucleotides of the 37-kDa protein. Also provided are antibodies which selectively binds the polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid encoding the 37-kDa protein and the nucleic acids comprising a unique fragment of at least 10 nucleotides of the 37-kDa protein. Also provided are vaccines comprising immunogenic polypeptides encoded by the nucleic acid encoding the 37-kDa protein and the nucleic acids comprising a unique fragment of at least 10 nucleotides of the 37-kDa protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling ectoparasites of small rodents, thereby preventing the transmission of diseases by arthropod vectors. The invention further provides an enclosure having openings for entry of rodents, and having arranged therein one or more applicators which are configured to contact rodents entering the chamber and having an ectoparasiticide on the applicator for application to the rodents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling ectoparasites of small rodents, thereby preventing the transmission of diseases by arthropod vectors. The invention further provides an enclosure having openings for entry of rodents, and having arranged therein one or more applicators which are configured to contact rodents entering the chamber and having an ectoparasiticide on the applicator for application to the rodents.

Abstract: A mixing vial for storing and mixing first and second components includes a mixing container for holding one of the components, and a supplemental container received within the mixing container for holding the other of the components separated from the first component. Manually operable release mechanism is actuatable to produce opening of the supplemental container within the mixing container to permit mixing of the previously segregated components to form a combined mixture in the mixing container.

Abstract: An antigen composition and method for the detection of antibodies to Treponema pallidum and the diagnosis of syphilis are described. The antigen composition contains synthetic cardiolipin and synthetic lecithin. The antigen composition may additionally contain cholesterol and an alcohol. The antigen composition is useful as an immunoreagent in immunoassays for the detection of antibodies associated with T. pallidum infection. The methods are sensitive and specific for T. pallidum infection.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the detection of adult Taenia solium and the diagnosis and treatment of T. solium infection are described. The compositions contain one or more adult T. solium polypeptides. The polypeptides are useful as diagnostic agents for the detection of adult tapeworm infection. More preferably, the polypeptides are T. solium glycoprotein antigens referred to herein as T. solium excretory/secretory (TS/ES) polypeptides. The most preferred TS/ES polypeptide has a molecular weight of approximately 33 kDa, 38 kDa, or 42 kDa as determined by SDS-PAGE analysis.

Abstract: Assays and kits for the detection of phenotypic resistance of a retrovirus to reverse transcriptase inhibitor drugs in a biological sample. The assays are based on the direct analysis of the susceptibility of retroviral reverse transcriptase to inhibition by a reverse transcriptase inhibitor drug. The enzymatic activity of the reverse transcriptase is determined by measuring the DNA product produced when an RNA template and a first complementary DNA primer from a suitable region of the encephalomyocarditis virus genome are incubated with a biological sample containing reverse transcriptase in the presence of the drug to which resistance is being determined. The incubation mixture is reacted under conditions whereby the RNA template and the DNA primer will anneal and a DNA strand will be synthesized as an extension from the DNA primer if the reverse transcriptase in the sample is resistant to and not inhibited by the drug.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling ectoparasites of small rodents, thereby preventing the transmission of diseases by arthropod vectors.