Abstract: The invention relates to a new class of compounds herein identified generally as “sultams”, which may be represented by the following formula V, in FIG. 1, in which numbering of the atoms is started with the sulfur atom of the isothiazole. Two of the rings (rings A and C) are aromatic, and the third is a heterocyclic ring (ring B), a cyclic sulfonamide. Of particular importance are the enantiomerically pure sultams since they are especially potent HIV-1 inhibitors.

Abstract: An OAUGD plasma is generated using, for example, paraelectric or peristaltic electrohydrodynamic (EHD) techniques, in the plasma generator of a remote-exposure reactor, wherein one or more active species, especially oxidizing species in the plasma are convected away from the plasma-generation region and directed towards a workpiece that is located outside of the plasma-generation region (e.g., within an optional remote-exposure chamber configured to the plasma generator). In this way, the workpiece can be subjected to the one or more active species without directly being subjected to either the plasma or to the electric fields used to generate the plasma. The plasma generator may have a set of flat panels arranged within an air baffle to convect the active species in a serpentine manner through the plasma generator.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition comprising a recombinant or genetically engineered Rhabdovirus that expresses a Fusion Protein, such as the F protein of the Paramyxovirus SV5 strain. This recombinant Rhabdovirus may express other non-Rhabdovirus attachment proteins and/or an enhancer protein. The invention also relates to methods of making recombinant Rhabdoviruses which express an F Protein. These recombinant compositions can be used for purposes of research, as well as for diagnostic and therapeutic compositions for treatment of diseases.

Abstract: Treatment of normal, non-cancerous, animal cells with an agent that depletes polyamines within the cells results in an inhibition of apoptosis when the cells are exposed to an inducer of apoptosis. This inhibition of apoptosis is not observed, or is observed to a lesser extent, in similarly treated cancerous cells. The method of the invention is useful in obtaining preferential killing of cancer cells, as opposed to normal cells, due to anti-cancer therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for marking metallic alloys using laser alloying. Specifically, the present invention is directed toward the use of laser alloying steel or aluminum alloys with a mark that provides protection against wear and corrosion and greater permanency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel class of androgen receptor targeting agents (ARTA) which demonstrate androgenic and anabolic activity of a nonsteroidal ligand for the androgen receptor. The agents define a new subclass of compounds which are selective androgen receptor modulators (SARM) which are useful for male hormone therapy such as oral testosterone replacement therapy, treating prostate cancer, imaging prostate cancer.

Abstract: Recombinant hybrid streptococcal M protein antigens are provided which elicit protective antibodies against Group A streptococci and prevent rheumatic fever. Recombinant hybrid genes which encode the antigen are provided. Vaccine compositions and methods of administering the compositions are provided to elicit immunity against Group A streptococci.

Abstract: This invention relates to a force measuring system capable of measuring forces associated with vehicle braking and of evaluating braking performance. The disclosure concerns an invention which comprises a first row of linearly aligned plates, a force bearing surface extending beneath and beside the plates, vertically oriented links and horizontally oriented links connecting each plate to a force bearing surface, a force measuring device in each link, a transducer coupled to each force measuring device, and a computing device coupled to receive an output signal from the transducer indicative of measured force in each force measuring device. The present invention may be used for testing vehicle brake systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antiandrogen compound and a method of treating prostate cancer in a patient utilizing the compound. The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition which includes the compound.

Abstract: Hydrophobic polymer materials having improved dyeability with water-based dyes are prepared by treating a hydrophobic polymer with aglow discharge plasma generated from working gases selected from SO2, O2, N2, He, H2, CO2, CF4, NO, N2O, 2-Hydroxypropyl Methacrylate (HPMA), air or combinations thereof, in which a treated material comprises a hydrophobic inner core and a hydrophilic outer sheath having polar functional groups. A method of treating hydrophobic polymer materials using a glow discharge plasma, preferably at high pressure (e.g., about 50 Torr or greater), thereby modifying the active surface characteristics of the polymer to contain polar functional groups is also presented.

Abstract: In one aspect, the subject invention concerns the cloning and characterization of a previously unidentified gene, provisionally named fim N, encoding a fimbrial protein that is putatively involved in the attachment of B. bronchiseptica to respiratory epithelium. This gene has been subcloned into a bacterial expression vector, and the recombinant protein has been isolated and partially characterized.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for making absolute distance or ranging measurements using Fresnel diffraction. The invention employs a source of electromagnetic radiation having a known wavelength or wavelength distribution, which sends a beam of electromagnetic radiation through a screen at least partially opaque at the wavelength. The screen has an aperture sized so as to produce a Fresnel diffraction pattern. A portion of the beam travels through the aperture to a detector spaced some distance from the screen. The detector detects the central intensity of the beam as well as a set of intensities displaced from a center of the aperture. The distance from the source to the target can then be calculated based upon the known wavelength, aperture radius, and beam intensity.

Abstract: This invention includes retrovirus envelope mutants into which heterologous peptide or glycopeptide sequences can be linked for expression and stable presentation on retroviral vectors. The envelope mutants are characterized by the ability to restore the target penetration capability that is lost or greatly diminished upon fusion of heterologous sequences to the wild type envelope protein and the ability to increase the fusion envelope protein stability and decrease envelope shedding from virus particles. The envelope mutants are created by rotating residues in at least one of 7 motifs. The disclosed envelope proteins also can be used in liposome or pseudotype-virus compositions for delivery of agents including nucleic acid molecules. Methods of preparing and utilizing these envelope mutants in gene therapy are also described.

Abstract: A Candida albicans oligopeptide transport gene, OPT1, was cloned from a C. albicans genomic library through heterologous expression in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae di-/tripeptide transport mutant PB1X-9B. When transformed with a plasmid harboring OPT1, S. cerevisiae PB1X-9B, which did not express tetra-/pentapeptide transport activity under the conditions used, was conferred with an oligopeptide transport phenotype as indicated by growth on the tetrapeptide Lysyl-Leucyl-Leucyl-Glycine, sensitivivity to toxic tetra- and pentapeptides, and an increase in the initial uptake rate of the radiolabeled tetrapeptide Lysyl-Leucyl-Glycyl-[3H]Leucine. The entire 3.8 kb fragment containing the oligopeptide transport activity was sequenced and an open reading frame of 2349 nucleotides containing a 58 nucleotide intron was identified. The deduced protein product of 783 amino acid residues contained twelve hydrophobic regions suggestive of a membrane transport protein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a filter media for a high efficiency particulate air (“HEPA”) filter including a multiplicity of adjacent electrostatically charged piles of nonwoven fabric. The invention further includes a method of making a HEPA filter.

Abstract: A method of detecting amyloid fibrils in biological samples utilizing flow cytometry is described. It has been found that the measurement of fluorescence from amyloidophilic dyes, such as thioflavin T and Congo red, as well as side scatter and forward scatter measurements are particularly useful in detecting the presence of amyloid fibrils. Flow cytometric detection of amyloid fibrils in subjects such as humans and livestock can be employed for diagnosis, assessment of therapeutic efficacy, research, and monitoring of livestock for the presence of infectious amyloidosis.

Abstract: Recombinant hybrid streptococcal M protein antigens are provided which elicit protective antibodies against Group A streptococci and prevent rheumatic fever. Recombinant hybrid genes which encode the antigen are provided. Vaccine compositions and methods of administering the compositions are provided to elicit immunity against Group A streptococci.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Dogwood tree, Cornus florida, named ‘Kay's Appalachian Mist’, is provided. This cultivar is characterized by resistance to powdery mildew which is superior to any other white flowering dogwood.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Dogwood tree, Cornus florida, named ‘Jean's Appalachian Snow’, is provided. This cultivar is characterized by resistance to powdery mildew which is superior to any other white flowering dogwood.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Dogwood tree, Cornus florida, named ‘Karen's Appalachian Blush’, is provided. This cultivar is characterized by resistance to powdery mildew which is superior to any other white flowering dogwood.