Abstract: Compositions that inhibit the binding of Plasmodium falciparum to erythrocytes include a family of erythrocyte binding proteins (EBPs). The EBPs are paralogues of the P. falciparum binding protein EBA-175. The present invention includes peptides of the paralogues that prevent the binding of P. falciparum. Antibodies specific for each paralogue that also prevent the binding of P. falciparum are also included. Methods of the invention utilize the paralogues, antibodies thereof and peptide compositions for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of P. falciparum diseases such as malaria, as well as methods for the detection of P. falciparum in biological samples and culture media.

Abstract: A novel gene designated as FRAG1 from and its encoded protein is disclosed. A fusion protein called FGFR2-ROS, which is formed by chromosomal rearrangement of rat FRAG1 with FGFR2 is also disclosed. Methods of producing FRAG1 protein, related fusion proteins, and antibodies against FRAG1 are disclosed, as are related pharmaceuticals and methods of using such nucleic acids, polypeptides, and antibodies are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides variants of cyanovirin-N and water-soluble polymer conjugates thereof. The cyanovirin-N of the invention are particularly suited for site-selective covalent attachment of one or more water soluble polymers, to provide polymer conjugates of cyanovirin-N variants exhibiting antiviral activity.

Abstract: A specific binding agent is provided, wherein the specific binding agent specifically binds Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) interleukin-6 (vIL-6), and the specific binding agent neutralizes an activity of vIL-6. In one embodiment, the specific binding agent is an antibody. Methods are provided for using a specific binding agent that binds vIL-6, and neutralizes a biological activity of vIL-6. Methods of treatment for a KSHV-associated disorder are also provided. Methods for diagnosing a KSHV-associated disorder are provided, as are kits that include a specific binding agent of the invention. A method is also provided for testing an agent for effectiveness in treating a KSHV-associated disorder. The method includes incubating the agent with a cell free system comprising a vIL-6 receptor component and vIL-6, and comparing the binding of vIL-6 and the receptor component in the presence of the agent to binding of vIL-6 to the receptor component in the absence of the agent.

Abstract: Hybrid human interferon-? polypeptides, and the corresponding nucleic acid molecules, are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising these peptides, and the use of these polypeptides to treat viral disease and regulate cell growth are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a hydroxyl-protected alcohol comprising a thermolabile hydroxyl-protecting group comprising a 2-pyridyl substituent and a precursor of the thermolabile hydroxyl-protected alcohol. An exemplary thermolabile hydroxyl-protected alcohol is represented by the formula Pg-O—R, wherein Pg is a protecting group of the formula: (Formula) wherein: A is a 2-pyridyl; Z is CH2 or NR1; R1, R2, R2?, R3 and R3? are the same or different and each can be, e.g., H, alkyl, or alkyl comprising an aryl substituent; W is CO, CS, or SO; and R is the organic residue of the hydroxyl-protected alcohol. Also provided is a method of producing an alcohol, which method comprises heating the hydroxyl-protected alcohol, which optionally may be obtained from a precursor, at a temperature effective to cleave the hydroxyl-protecting group. The method can be used to produce oligonucleotides.

Abstract: Nucleic acids for detecting Aspergillus species and other filamentous fungi are provided. Unique internal transcribed space 2 coding regions permit the development of nucleic acid probes specific for five different species of Aspergillus, three species of Fusarium, four species of Mucor, two species of Penecillium, five species of Rhizopus, one species of Rhizomucor, as well as probes for Absidia corymbifer, Cunninghamella elagans, Pseudallescheria boydii, and Sporothrix schenkii. Methods are disclosed for the species-specific detection and diagnosis of infection by Aspergillus, Fusarium, Mucor, Penecillium, Rhizomucor, absidia, Cunninghaemella, Pseudallescheria or Sporthrix in a subject. Furthermore, genus-specific probes are also provided for Aspergillus, Fusarium and Mucor, in addition to an all-fungus nucleic acid probe.

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: A conjugate comprising a ligand, a linker, and a cytotoxic agent, in which the linker is FALA, VLALA, ALAL, ALALA, ChaLALA, ChaChaLAL, NalChaLAL or NalLALA; a composition thereof; a method of delivering a cytotoxic agent in a cell-specific manner; and a method of treating cancer in a mammal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid sequence encoding a melanoma antigen recognized by T lymphocytes, designated MART-1. This invention further relates to bioassays using the nucleic acid sequence, protein or antibodies of this invention to diagnose, assess or prognoses a mammal afflicted with melanoma or metastata melanoma. This invention also provides immunogenic peptides derived from the MART-1 melanoma antigen and a second melanoma antigen designated gp100. This invention further provides immunogenic peptides derived from the MART-1 melanoma antigen or gp100 antigen which have been modified to enhance their immunogenicity. The proteins and peptides provided can serve as an immunogen or vaccine to prevent or treat melanoma.

Abstract: The invention provides NO- or NO−-releasing imidate, thioimidate, and amide diazeniumdiolates, in which the N2O2− functional group is bonded to a carbon atom. The invention also provides compositions comprising such diazeniumdiolate compounds, and methods of using such compounds and compositions. The invention further provides a method of preparing NO- or NO−-releasing imidate, thioimidate, and amide diazeniumdiolates.

Abstract: An intrinsic aldose reductase inhibitor is isolated and purified from mammalian cells, such as rat or human kidney cells. The intrinsic aldose reductase inhibitor may be incorporated into pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of certain conditions related to diabetes.

Abstract: Immunogenic chimeric proteins comprising an endoplasmic reticulum signal sequence and at least one other peptide are disclosed. The invention relates to the design of vaccinia virus constructs capable of directing host organism synthesis of immunogenic chimeric proteins which can be used as immunogens, as vaccines, or in methods of treatment for cancer, infectious diseases, or autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to contraceptive vaccines based on cloned zona pellucida genes and the strategy of alloimmunization with zona pellucida polypeptides. In particular, the present invention relates to a contraceptive vaccine for use in a mammalian female comprising a polypeptide which displays at least one epitope for binding of an antibody that inhibits fertilization of an oocyte by a sperm. This epitope is from a zona pellucida protein of the species in which the said vaccine is used. This invention relates, more particularly, to such vaccines wherein the zona pellucida protein is the ZP3 protein or the mouse or homologues of the protein in some other mammalian species. Further, this invention comprehends vaccines comprising a synthetic peptide that displays an epitope for such an antibody that inhibits fertilization. In addition, this invention relates to cloned DNA segments variously encoding the mouse ZP3 protein or the human ZP3 protein.

Abstract: A new human B lymphotropic virus, also designated human herpesvirus-6, has been isolated. DNA, molecular clones, antigenic viral proteins and antibodies having specificity to the new virus have been prepared. Various utilities of the new virus and products derived therefrom have been described.

Abstract: A irradiation attachment for an optical fiber which provides an output of light that has a highly uniform intensity. The device includes a hollow spherical shell having a diffusive reflective surface or target supported therein. Light is directed into the hollow spherical shell so that it reflects off the diffusive reflective surface or target. The reflected light is internally reflected off the inner surface of the hollow spherical shell several times before passing through an output aperture. As a result of the internal reflection within the hollow spherical shell, the light leaving the device has a highly uniform intensity. The device is particularly useful for photodynamic therapy.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymorphic markers (two tetranucleotide and one dinucleotide repeat polymorphisms) that are useful for human individualization. Applications are in forensic medicine and for paternity and prenatal screening as well as genetic mapping. These markers are characterized by sets of oligonucleotide primers according to the invention useful in PCR amplification and DNA segment resolution. The invention further relates to an assay for measuring the subtle differences in genetic material regarding an added or omitted set of dinucleotide or tetranucleotide repeat polymorphisms which comprises obtaining an amount of nucleotide segments effective for testing, amplifying the segments by the PCR procedure using at least one primer nucleotide sequence according to the present invention, resolving the amplified segments using gel electrophoresis, and comparing the resolved segments by autoradiography to observe the differences in migration patterns due to structural differences.

Abstract: An electric field shield for non-grounded AC powered appliances is connected to a neutral return terminal of the AC power distribution system. A polarized two prong connector assures connection of the shield to neutral. By eliminating a requirement for connection of the shield to ground, shields are made available for appliances precluded from ground connection such as bedding heaters. A double pole control switch is included to eliminate E-field generation in an OFF state caused by improper wiring or the use of unpolarized intermediate connectors. The shield is insulated and a current limiting device is series connected between the shield and neutral to reduce electrical hazards.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymorphic markers (two tetranucleotide, one dinucleotide repeat polymorphisms and 27 markers characterized by primer pairs 1A-27A) that are useful for human individualization. Applications are in forensic medicine and for paternity and prenatal screening as well as genetic mapping. These markers are characterized by sets of oligonucleotide primers according to the invention useful in PCR amplification and DNA segment resolution.

Abstract: Methods for purifying and detecting IgM antibodies employ binding substances which are Borellia burgdorferi cells, or cellular or extracellular components obtained or derived therefrom and which bind to this class of antibodies. The binding substances may be attached to a solid substrate and then the substrate contacted with a solution containing IgM antibodies under conditions such that the antibodies bind to the binding substance on the substrate. The substrate is then contacted with a solution that releases the IgM antibodies from the substrate and the antibodies are recovered or detected. Applications of these methods include, for example, assays for diagnosing diseases which elicit primary and/or secondary IgM antibody-mediated immunity.