Abstract: The subject application provides various compositions of matter directed to West Nile virus (WNV) polypeptides and fragments thereof and polynucleotides, vectors and transformed host cells that encode, direct the expression of, or produce WNV polypeptides as set forth herein. Methods of using the polypeptides and polynucleotides for the production of immune responses in individuals or detecting the presence of WNV specific or neutralizing antibodies are also provided herein.

Abstract: Novel pseudopeptide analogs of the insect allatostatin neuropeptide family which possess biological activity mimicking that of the naturally occurring neuropeptides are disclosed. By addition of a hydrophobic moiety to an active portion of the allatostatin peptides, analogs are produced which exhibit an overall amphiphilic nature and which are capable of penetrating the insect cuticle while still retaining biological activity. Furthermore, by substituting sterically hindered amino acids or aromatic acids for any or all of the first, third or fifth amino acid residues of the allatostatin C-terminal pentapeptide, analogs may be produced which are resistant to degradation by insect peptidases while still retaining biological activity. The analogs may be used for insect control by disrupting critical reproductive and/or developmental processes normally regulated by allatostatins in insects.

Abstract: Transgenic cells may be selected using temperature sensitive marker proteins. In this method, a population of host cells are transformed with a foreign DNA construct which includes at least one first nucleic acid coding sequence and a second nucleic acid sequence encoding a temperature sensitive marker protein, wherein each of the first and second nucleic acid coding sequences are operatively linked to gene expression control sequences. Suitable temperature sensitive marker proteins which may be used herein include heat shock proteins, heat shock transcription factors, cold regulated proteins (COR), or cold regulated protein transcription factors. Following transformation, the population of cells are cultured under temperature conditions wherein growth of non-transformed cells is suppressed or prevented while growth of cells transformed with the DNA construct is supported or promoted.

Abstract: A multiple-piece corner post used for cushioning and supporting large appliances is provided. The corner post is made from two or more structural members joined together. The multiple structural members are shaped into the desired shapes and then joined together near the ends to form a generally “L” shaped corner post. Similarly shaped structural members may be nested to save space during shipping prior to assembly.

Abstract: Hybrid cell lines which secret monoclonal antibody which is group-specific to bluetongue virus (BTV) antigen and which does not react to antigenically related epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus antigen are disclosed. The antibodies identify BTV in infected cell cultures with immunofluorescence and provide a means for ready diagnosis of BTV in animals.