Abstract: Cartilage has been constructed using biodegradable electrospun polymeric scaffolds seeded with chondrocytes or adult mesenchymal stem cells. More particularly engineered cartilage has been prepared where the cartilage has a biodegradable and biocompatible nanofibrous polymer support prepared by electrospinning and a plurality of chondocytes or mesenchymal stem cells dispersed in the pores of the support. The tissue engineered cartilages of the invention possess compressive strength properties similar to natural cartilage. Methods of preparing engineered tissues, including tissue engineered cartilages, are provided in which an electrospun nanofibrous polymer support is provided, the support is treated with a cell solution and the polymer-cell mixture cultured in a rotating bioreactor to generate the cartilage. The invention provides for the use of the tissue engineered cartilages in the treatment of cartilage degenerative diseases, reconstructive surgery, and cosmetic surgery.

Abstract: An electron paramagnetic resonance imaging system that includes means for continuously irradiating a sample with RF irradiation; means for imposing on the sample a sinusoidally varying magnetic field along with rotating gradients for spatial encoding; means for directly detecting signal data from the sample, without using field modulation, while irradiating the sample with RF radiation continuously, the means for directly detecting having means for sweeping the sinusoidally varying magnetic field; and means for transmitting, receiving and processing the signal data, using means including a digital signal processor.

Abstract: Found in various eukaryotic organisms, polo-like kinases (collectively, Plks) are a conserved subfamily of Ser/Thr protein kinases that play critical roles in cell proliferation. Provided herein are compounds that specifically inhibit the activity of Plks, specifically Plk1. Further provided herein are methods for use of the compounds for the treatment of hyperproliferative disorders, particularly cancer. Also provided are uses of the compounds for the preparation of a medicament.

Abstract: Immunogenic T-cell receptor gamma Alternate Reading Frame Protein (TARP) polypeptides are disclosed herein. These immunogenic TARP polypeptides include nine consecutive amino acids of the amino acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO: 9 and do not comprise amino acids 1-26 or amino acids 38-58 of SEQ ID NO: 1. Several specific, non-limiting examples of these polypeptides are set forth as SEQ ID NOs: 3-7. Nucleic acids encoding these polypeptides, and host cells transfected with these nucleic acids, are also disclosed. Methods of using these polypeptides, and polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, for the treatment of breast and prostate cancer are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention generally provides compositions and methods for modulating cell properties and enhancing recombinant protein yields. In particular, the compositions and methods provide for cells having altered growth characteristics, including altered adhesion, rate of proliferation, growth to particular cell density, and recombinant protein expression level.

Abstract: The invention relates to vaccine compositions including CEV serogroup immunogens, attenuated and inactivated viruses of the CEV serogroup and chimeric Bunyaviridae. Also disclosed are methods of treating or preventing CEV serogroup infection in a mammalian host, methods of producing a subunit vaccine composition or an immunogenic composition, isolated polynucleotides comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a CEV serogroup immunogen, methods for detecting La Crosse virus (LACV) infection in a biological sample and infectious chimeric Bunyaviridae.

Abstract: Novel biofunctionalized quantum dots include a mercaptoalkanoic acid linked to the surface of a nanocrystalline core and a biofunctional group linked to the surface. Biofunctionalized quantum dots are made by a novel synthesis method. Biofunctionalized quantum dots can be used in imaging or therapy applications.

Abstract: This application provides universal labeled primers for detection and amplification of nucleic acid molecules. These universal primers can be attached to the 5?-end of a target sequence-specific primer. In particular examples, the universal primer includes a labeled nucleotide flanked on both sides a nucleotide whose complement nucleotides changes a detectable signal from the label when the universal primer hybridizes with its complementary nucleic acid molecule. Also disclosed are methods of using the universal primer in nucleic acid amplification, such as real-time PCR.

Abstract: A device for performing target activated transfer that includes a mounting surface for mounting a tissue sample; and a light source positioned to substantially uniformly irradiate both stained and unstained regions of the tissue sample with light energy that activates the reagent to selectively adhere the stained regions to a transfer surface. Also described is an automated system for transferring tissue from a tissue sample to a transfer substrate. The system includes means for holding a tissue section that includes targets specifically stained with an absorptive stain thereby resulting in a stained tissue surface, and a flexible transfer film that includes a lower thermoplastic layer in sufficient thermal contact with the stained tissue surface; an irradiating assembly configured to provide a predetermined uniform light dose to the entire tissue section; and means for applying a constant pressure to the transfer film during irradiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a papillomavirus-like particle, characterized as having conformational epitopes, comprising a papillomavirus L1 product and a papillomavirus L2 fusion product; and related synthetic DNA molecules, host cells, methods and vaccines.

Abstract: A menu of mutations was developed that is useful in fine-tuning the attenuation and growth characteristics of dengue virus vaccines.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dengue virus tetravalent vaccine containing a common 30 nucleotide deletion (?30) in the 3?-untranslated region of the genome of dengue virus serotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4, or antigenic chimeric dengue viruses of serotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Abstract: Isolated or purified oligonucleotides and isolated or purified morpholino oligomers; a method of detecting cancer or a predisposition to cancer in a mammal, comprising comparing the level of expression of Wip1 in the mammal to a control; a method of treating cancer in a mammal that expresses the same or a higher level of Wip1 as compared to a mammal of the same species that does not have cancer, comprising administering to the mammal a cancer-treating effective amount of a Wip1 inhibitor; a method of screening an oligonucleotide or morpholino oligomer for the ability to inhibit the expression of Wip1; a method of determining the efficacy with which a test oligonucleotide or morpholino oligomer inhibits Wip1 expression; a method of screening a compound for Wip1-inhibiting activity; and a method of determining the efficacy with which a test compound inhibits Wip1.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a jam detection and safety system for machines prone to jamming, such as a baler. In particular embodiments, the system is implemented in a horizontal baler having a shear bar and a hydraulic ram that advances material being baled past the shear bar into a compression chamber. The system includes a strain gage mounted on the shear bar and a controller that is electrically connected to the strain gage. The controller receives strain signals from the stage gage and compares the strain of the shear bar to a predetermined strain threshold corresponding to a jamming condition. If the strain exceeds the predetermined threshold, the controller automatically deactivates the ram, such as by disconnecting line power from the baler and/or by turning off the control power of the baler.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detecting immune responses and antigen-specific cells are described herein.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods and compositions for gene expression and enhancement of protein production and/or accumulation. The invention provides gene-cassettes and methods of introducing the same into host cells for enhanced expression of target genes and production and/or accumulation of encoded proteins or peptides, or the like.

Abstract: The invention provides for compositions, e.g., pharmaceutical compositions, comprising a T lymphocyte, or a population thereof, expressing at least one recombinant polynucleotide encoding a cytokine that enhances T lymphocyte survival during the contraction phase of an immune response. The invention further provides an isolated T lymphocyte, or population thereof, expressing at least one recombinant polynucleotide encoding the cytokine, wherein the polynucleotide comprises a non-native coding sequence encoding the cytokine. Also provided is the use of such compositions and T lymphocytes, or populations thereof, for the treatment or prevention of a medical condition e.g., cancer. A method of preparing the a T lymphocyte with enhanced T cell survival is further provided herein.

Abstract: Provided are Nocardia farcinica-specific primers comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1-39. Provided is a polynucleotide represented by SEQ ID NO:41 and SEQ ID NO:40. Further provided is a method of identifying a Nocardia farcinica infection in a subject with the primer identified by SEQ ID NO:1-39, or detecting the presence of a polynucleotide consisting of the nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:40 or SEQ ID NO:41. Also provided is a method of identifying Nocardia farcinica infection in a subject by amplifying DNA from the subject using a Nocardia farcinica-specific primer comprising a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:1-39. Further provided is a kit for identifying Nocardia farcinica comprising a Nocardia farcinica-specific primer comprising SEQ ID: NO:1-39 and a kit for identifying Nocardia farcinica comprising a Nocardia farcinica specific primer capable of amplifying SEQ ID NO:41.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the induction and characterization of a humoral immune response targeting “entry-relevant” gp41 structures. In its broadest aspect, the present invention is directed to methods of raising a neutralizing antibody response to a broad spectrum of HIV strains and isolates. The present invention targets particular molecular conformations or structures that occur at the cell surface of HIV during viral entry into host cells. Such a humoral response can be generated in vivo as a prophylactic measure in individuals to reduce or inhibit the ability of HIV to infect uninfected cells in the individual's body. Such a response can also be employed to raise antibodies against “entry relevant” gp41 structures. These antibodies can be employed for therapeutic uses, and as tools for further illuminating the mechanism of HIV cell entry.

Abstract: The invention provides modified virus Ankara (MVA), a replication-deficient strain of vaccinia virus, expressing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) env, gag, and pol genes.