Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for identifying flavivirus cross-reactive epitopes. Also provided are flavivirus E-glyco-protein cross-reactive epitopes and flavivirus E-glycoprotein crossreactive epitopes having reduced or ablated cross-reactivity (and polypeptides comprising such epitopes), as well as methods of using these molecules to elicit an immune response against a flavivirus and to detect a flaviviral infection.

Abstract: Novel techniques for the detection of Aspergillus in samples are disclosed. These techniques relate to PCR amplification and/or detection of Aspergillus ITS1 rDNA sequences, and the identification of particular species of Aspergillus by detecting differences in the ITS1-V1, ITS-V2, ITS-V3, ITS-V4, and ITS-V5 nucleic acid sequences of Aspergillus. The highly variable regions of the ITS1 rDNA sequences are particularly useful in distinguishing, for example, Aspergillus clavatus, Aspergillus granulosus, Aspergillus sydowii, Aspergillus flavipes, Aspergillus restrictus, Aspergillus versicolor, Aspergillus wentii, and Aspergillus chevalieri. In particular embodiments, the sequence differences are also able to distinguish among variants of particular species, such as Aspergillus granulosus CBS 119.

Abstract: Rabies Virus compositions and methods are provided. The full-length sequence of Rabies Virus strain Evelyn-Rokitnicki-Abelseth (ERA) is disclosed. A reverse genetics system for producing recombinant ERA virus and derivatives thereof is provided, along with compositions including ERA and/or ERA derivative strain viruses, nucleic acids and/or proteins. In some instances, the compositions are immunogenic compositions useful for the pre- or post-exposure treatment of Rabies Virus.

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: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for leak testing the ventilation system of an environmental enclosure using a gas that is naturally present in ambient air, such as nitrogen, oxygen, argon, or carbon dioxide, as a tracer gas. In one embodiment, a gas filter capable of filtering all of the tracer gas from the air flowing through the filter is installed in the ventilation system. Testing is performed by operating the ventilation system to cause outside air to flow through the filter and into the enclosure so as to establish positive pressurization inside the enclosure. A gas monitor placed inside the enclosure is used to detect for the presence of leaks in the ventilation system by monitoring the concentration of the tracer gas inside the enclosure.

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: Compositions and methods for the detection of Taenia solium and the diagnosis of T. solium infection are described. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the antigenic T. solium polypeptides gp50a, gp50b and gp50c are provided. The compositions contain synthetic antigenic polypeptides of larval origin prepared using the sequences described herein. Probes and primers for the detection or amplification of T. solium nucleic acid molecules are also described. The polypeptides can be administered to a human or animal to protect against T. solium infection. In addition, the polypeptides are useful as research tools for studying T. solium and as reagents in assays for the detection of T. solium antibodies in a biological sample. The methods are sensitive and specific assays that utilize the stable recombinant or synthetic antigenic polypeptides or nucleic acid molecules encoding the larval polypeptides.

Abstract: Various technologies are described by which the usable portion or threshold value of a sigmoid curve is found. Such techniques can be useful, for example, when determining the concentration or presence of a substance in a test sample. Various techniques can avoid variability in results.

Abstract: Methods of detecting a dimorphic fungus, including differentiating a dimorphic fungus from other fungi are disclosed. A sample suspected of containing a nucleic acid of a fungus, such as an internal transcribed spacer-2 (ITS2) nucleic acid sequence of a dimorphic fungal rDNA, is screened for the presence or absence of that nucleic acid. The presence of the nucleic acid indicates the sample was contacted by the fungus. Determining whether the nucleic acid sequence is present in the sample can be accomplished by detecting hybridization between a dimorphic probe, species-specific probe, and/or microbe-specific probe and a nucleic acid sequence corresponding to the ITS2 region of fungal rDNA. Kits and arrays for carrying out these methods also are disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein are nucleic acid molecules which encode multiple highly conserved epitopes from HIV-1 proteins, and optionally also epitopes from CCR5; usually also included sequences that encode spacers between two or more of the epitopes. Some of the provided nucleic acid molecules further include sequences that encode targeting domains, useful for targeting the encoded protein into a pathway for enhancing epitope presentation in a vertebrate immune system. Also described are multivalent proteins encoded for by these nucleic acid molecules. The disclosure also encompasses immunogenic compositions that comprise one or more of the nucleic acid molecules, and/or one or more of the proteins encoded thereby, as well as methods of inducing an immune response against HIV-1 in a subject by administering to the subject an effective amount of a composition containing one or more of these molecules. Also provided are cultured host cells containing within them one or more of the described nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: The invention encompasses nucleic acid molecules containing transcription units which encode the flavivirus M and E protein antigens. The flaviviruses include Japanese encephalitis virus, dengue, yellow fever virus and St. Louis encephalitis virus. The nucleic acids function to provide the M and E protein antigens when the nucleic acid resides in an appropriate host cell, especially when the host cell is the cell of a subject. The invention also encompasses a vaccine whose active agent is the nucleic acid. The invention further encompasses the cultured host cells when they contain within them nucleic acid molecules containing the transcription units. The invention in addition encompasses a method of immunizing a subject against flavivirus infection by administering to the subject an effective amount of a vaccine containing a nucleic acid molecule containing the transcription unit of the invention.

Abstract: This invention, in one aspect, relates to synthetic immunoreactive peptides. These peptides are approximately 20-25 amino acids in length which are portions of the N termini of the M proteins of the most prevalent United States (U.S.) Group A Streptococcus (GAS) serotypes. At least some of the synthetic peptides can be recognized by M type-specific antibodies and are capable of eliciting functional opsonic antibodies and/or anti-attachment antibodies without eliciting tissue cross-reactive antibodies. In another aspect, it relates to compositions or vaccines comprising these synthetic serotype-specific peptides, including polypeptides and proteins. The invention may also be isolated antibodies which are raised in response to the peptides, compositions or vaccines. The invention further relates to kits for using the peptides, compositions, or antibodies.

Abstract: Antibodies to various fungal antigens are disclosed, including monoclonal antibody 9B4 that selectively binds an antigen of Stachybotrys chartarum spores not found in Stachybotrys chartarum mycelium. The antibodies may be used in a variety of methods, such as detecting the presence of fungal antigens in the environment or within a sample obtained from an animal or plant, or testing the effectiveness of an agent in binding an antigen.

Abstract: A rock bolt includes a hollow body and a gap along a length of the hollow body. At least one strain gauge is affixed to an inner surface of the rock bolt and is accessible from the gap. The rock bolt may include a data logger within the hollow body and coupled to receive signals from one or more strain gauges, and to record these signals in a memory. The data logger may comprise a data port adapted to be accessible from the outside of a bore hole into which the rock bolt is inserted. The data logger also may include at least one of a visual and auditory alarm. A graphic user interface software program can be used to download data from the data logger and set certain operating parameters of the data logger.

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: Disclosed are methods of using enterovirus-specific primers for the detection and identification of enterovirus infection. Also provided are isolated nucleic acid molecules and kits useful for detection and diagnostic testing of enterovirus infection in a subject.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for controlling an arthropod pest population that include an eremophilane sesquiterpene pest control agent (such as, nootkatone or 13-hydroxy-valencene) and a dialkyl-substituted phenol pest control agent (such as, carvacrol) are disclosed. The compounds present in the compositions may be isolated from natural sources, semi-synthesized from naturally occurring compounds, or completely synthesized. The pest control compositions may be applied directly to a pest or the locus of a pest, and function as topical or ingestible pest toxins.

Abstract: Aerosol delivery systems and methods for delivering an agent to a patient are described herein. The present invention includes embodiments comprising an insulated receptacle connected to a body to hold a vial of an agent to be delivered to a patient. The vial is located in an inverted position within the receptacle and connected to the housing. One or more reusable thermal packs can be located on the inner sides of the receptacle, to maintain a selected temperature surrounding the vial. The agent is administered to a patient by placing a prong into one of the patient's orifices and then activating an aerosol delivery system. Such systems comprise jet aerosolization and pneumatic and ultrasonic nebulizers and preferably are portable.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses isolated nucleic acids containing transcriptional units which encode a signal sequence of one flavivirus and an immunogenic flavivirus antigen of a second flavivirus. The invention further encompasses a nucleic acid and protein vaccine and the use of the vaccine to immunize a subject against flavivirus infection. The invention also provides antigens encoded by nucleic acids of the invention, antibodies elicited in response to the antigens and use of the antigens and/or antibodies in detecting flavivirus or diagnosing flavivirus infection.

Abstract: Peptides are disclosed that include SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, and SEQ ID NO:6, or a conservative variant or mimic thereof, wherein the conservative variant or mimic specifically binds an antibody that specifically binds SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID or NO:6. These peptides are of use in generating an immune response against C. pneumoniae, or in preventing infection with against C. pneumoniae.