Abstract: Expression vectors for the expression of proteins, particularly eukaryotic proteins are provided which are based on novel plasmid replicons. Sequence cassettes useful in constructing such vectors are also disclosed. The expression vectors according to the invention are useful for expressing selected proteins in insects and insect cells.

Abstract: Chicken cell lines which contain Marek's Disease Virus (MDV) which is present as a non-lytic or a lytic infection of the cell line and method of production are described. Methods and vaccines against avian MDV prepared from the cell lines are also described.

Abstract: Nucleic acid encoding four novel immunodeterminant protein antigens of M. bovis BCG, which is a vaccine strain for tuberculosis, have been isolated. These genes were isolated as immunoreactive recombinant clones from a genomic library of M. bovis BCG DNA, constructed in pBR322 vector, and screened with sera collected from tuberculosis patients. The BCG DNA insert of one of the recombinants, pMBB51A, which expressed an antigen of Mr 90 kD, was sequenced completely and an ORF encoding 761 amino acids encoding a protein of deduced molecular weight 79 kD, was identified. This gene was identified to encode a membrane bound, ion-motive ATPase of M. bovis BCG. The approach described here can be used to identify immunogens of mycobacteria. In addition, the well-characterized M. bovis BCG antigens can be used in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis. The 79 kD antigen is also useful in the design of recombinant vaccines against different pathogens.

Abstract: An isolated stealth virus that is positively correlated with chronic fatigue syndrome is provided from a patient having a disease. Examples of diseases the patient may have include multiple sclerosis, unexplained encephalopathy, acute encephalopathy, psychiatric disorder, Alzheimer's disease, fibromyalgia, myositis, muscle neuritis, chronic pain syndrome, salivary gland enlargement, autoimmune disease, and unexplained hepatitis. A vaccine having an isolated stealth virus or antigen is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for quantitatively assessing the amount of any extraneous water contained in a milk sample, the method comprising the steps of (a) performing a determination of the infrared (IR) attenuation of the sample in at least one waveband, (b) quantitatively assessing the amount of any extraneous water in the sample on the basis of the determination (a) and predetermined regression coefficients derived from multivariate calibration with respect to the relationship between infrared attenuation in the at least one waveband and the amount of extraneous water. The invention furthermore relates to a similar method for determining the freezing point depression of the sample. In addition, the invention relates to a method for the establishment of a set of regression coefficients for use in an instrument which determines the amount of extraneous water or the freezing point depression of a milk sample.

Abstract: A direction method of stably cloning large repeating units of DNA is described. The method is especially useful for the stable cloning of alpha satellite DNA.