Abstract: Methods of treating a disease or disorder associated with a down or up-regulation of an immune response of a subject are disclosed. The methods comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of any one or more of the molecule 1?-2? glycosyl cyclic adenosine diphosphate ribose (1?-2? gcADPR), 1?-3? gcADPR or Tad1 protein.

Abstract: Virion-constrained nanoparticles comprising a shell of virion coat protein(s) surrounding an organic, inorganic and/or organo-metallic non-viral nanoparticle and methods of making and using.

Abstract: Virion-constrained nanoparticles comprising a shell of virion coat protein(s) surrounding an organic, inorganic and/or organo-metallic non-viral nanoparticle and methods of making and using.

Abstract: Autoinducer compounds which enhance gene expression in a wide variety of microorganisms, therapeutic compositions and therapeutic methods wherein gene expression within microorganisms is regulated are disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques for continuously programming a coherent transient spatial-spectral optical signal processor involve the repeated application of two or more spatially distinct optical programming pulses to a non-persistent hole-burning material to write an accumulated, spatial-spectral population grating with low intensity optical pulses as compared to single shot programming. An optical data stream is introduced on a processing beam, resulting in a processor output signal spatially distinct from all the processing pulses. Programming and processing take place simultaneously, asynchronously and continuously. For accumulated gratings, the frequency stability of the optical source is an important consideration.

Abstract: Techniques for stabilizing a laser at a selectable frequency include splitting an output beam from an electrically adjustable laser into a first beam and a second beam. The second beam is transmitted through a modulator. Then the second beam is transmitted through a transient spectral hole burning material onto a detector. The laser is electronically adjusted in response to a detector output from the detector which senses the changes in the modulated second beam after it passes through the transient spectral hole burning material.

Abstract: This invention relates to new vaccines against microorganisms based on antigenically mimetic peptides. The invention also relates to methods of discovering such mimetic peptides by first screening peptide-display phage libraries with antibodies against the microbial carbohydrates(s) of interest to locate antigenically mimetic peptides. Vaccines against Group B Streptococcus, or Streptococcus Agalactiae, are preferably produced using this method.

Abstract: A composition, pharmaceutical composition, vaccine and method for the treatment of disseminated candidiasis due to infection by C. albicans. The composition includes phosphomannan of C. albicans, peptide mimotopes of phosphomannan epitopes, or polynucleotides encoding the peptide mimotopes. Monoclonal antibodies for use in passive immunization against candida infections are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention pertains, in general, to the identification, isolation and use of Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (TERT) genes and the proteins encoded by such genes. In particular, the present invention pertains to the identification, isolation and use of TERT genes and TERT proteins from several genetically diverse and economically important organisms, including two human pathogens, Candida albicans and Plasmodium falciparum and an agronomic crop species, Oryza sativa.

Abstract: Techniques for stabilizing a laser (110) at a selectable frequency include splitting an output beam from an electrically adjustable laser into a first beam (369) and a second beam (361). The second beam is transmitted through a modulator (112). Then the second beam is transmitted through a spectral hole burning material (310) onto a detector (120). The laser is electronically adjusted in response to a detector output from the detector which senses the changes in the modulated second beam after it passes through the spectral hole burning material.

Abstract: This invention relates to new vaccines against microorganisms based on antigenically mimetic peptides. The invention also relates to methods of discovering such mimetic peptides by first screening peptide-display phage libraries with antibodies against the microbial carbohydrates(s) of interest to locate antigenically mimetic peptides. Vaccines against Group B Streptococcus, or Streptococcus Agalactiae, are preferably produced using this method.

Abstract: A method for optimizing the interaction of a resonant material having generalized crystal symmetry with a beam or beams of radiation. The invention includes determining a special direction relative to the axes of crystal symmetry of the material and polarizing the interaction radiation beam along this direction. The polarized radiation beam is propagated through the material perpendicular to this special direction. The method and system are used in any application which involves the coherent interaction of optical radiation beams or fields with resonant ion-doped or molecular crystals of various types. Coherent interaction of optical radiation beams or fields with resonant ion-doped or molecular crystals of various types includes the phenomena of optical coherent transients, spectral hole burning, and spatial-spectral holography (also called time and space domain holography) and provides the basis for optical-electronic devices. Such applications include computer and communications networks.

Abstract: A composition, pharmaceutical composition, vaccine and method for the treatment of disseminated candidiasis due to infection by C. albicans. The composition includes phosphomannan of C. albicans, peptide mimotopes of phosphomannan epitopes, or polynucleotides encoding the peptide mimotopes. Monoclonal antibodies for use in passive immunization against candida infections are also provided.

Abstract: A composition, pharmaceutical composition, vaccine and method for the treatment of disseminated candidiasis due to infection by C. albicans. The composition includes phosphomannan of C. albicans. Monoclonal antibodies for use in passive immunization against candidal infections.

Abstract: Autoinducer compounds which enhance gene expression in a wide variety of microorganisms, therapeutic compositions and therapeutic methods wherein gene expression within microorganisms is regulated are disclosed.

Abstract: A composition, pharmaceutical composition, vaccine and method for the treatment of disseminated candidiasis due to infection by C. albicans. The composition includes phosphomannan of C. albicans, peptide mimotopes of phosphomannan epitopes, or polynucleotides encoding the peptide mimotopes. Monoclonal antibodies for use in passive immunization against candida infections are also provided.

Abstract: A virion-constrained nanoparticle of the invention comprises a shell of a virion coat protein(s) that encapsulates a core non-viral material, which is organic, inorganic or organometallic in nature. A particularly preferred virion coat is that of cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV). Encapsulation of a desired particle is effected by adjusting reaction conditions, e.g., by lowering the pH of a solution containing the virion protein and the non-viral substance. Processes for producing the virion-constrained nanoparticles of the invention are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means to generate a Raman-shifted output from a pump laser source. Multiple embodiments all provide a manner of producing an off-resonant, continuous wave, Raman laser by using a pump laser source having a low power. This is accomplished by using a Raman medium within a cavity having a high finesse.

Abstract: An isolated substantially pure pseudomonas culture, exemplified by pseudomonas syringae MSU 16H (ATCC No. 67028), produces the substantially pure peptide pseudomycin which has broad spectrum anti-fungal characteristics.

Abstract: An assay and test kit for testing and quantifying fungal inhibition by an antifungal agent. In the assay, inhibition is measured by a reduction in substrate uptake (such as glucose) as compared to uninhibited controls. A minimum inhibitory concentration value for each antifungal agent is obtained from the assay.