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: 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.