Abstract: An enhanced immune response to antigens, particularly normally weakly-immunogenic viral antigens, such as the HA antigen from influenza virus, is achieved by coadministering the antigen in two different physiochemical forms, particularly to enable presentation of antigen both by B cells and accessory cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is an invention related to the preparation and use of vaccines against pathogenic organisms, such as herpes virus. The vaccines hereof are based upon the use of glycoproteins of the organism, that have been prepared via recombinant means, and preferably C-truncated versions thereof. These glycoproteins when incorporated into a vaccine composition afford protection against pathogenic challenge after administration.

Abstract: A protective cover for a hand operated computer control device. The device includes a cover having a cavity shaped to receive a control device such that the control device is releasably held within the cavity. The cover further includes weakened sections creating a push button member oriented to be adjacent a button on the control device when the control device is positioned within the cover. The push button member is moveable into the cavity to engage and actuate a button on the control device when a user presses down on the push button member.

Abstract: Molecular clones of primate lentiviruses that harbor an engineered non-revertible null mutation in the nef gene and which may further include a non-revertible null mutation in one or more non-essential genetic elements, vif, vpr, vpx, vpu, Negative Regulatory Element, nuclear factor .kappa.B-binding element, or Sp1 binding element sequences are disclosed. Intact viruses containing such mutant genomes are also disclosed. These infectious, nonpathogenic viruses are capable of eliciting a protective host immune response and, thus, are useful as a vaccine that protects against AIDS in human subjects.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to novel methods and compositions for protecting cats from infection by a broad range of FIV strains using a multi-subtype FIV vaccine. Multi-subtype FIV vaccines comprising either cell free whole virus or cell lines infected with viruses are described. Methods for vaccinating cats with the subject vaccine compositions are also described. Cats vaccinated according to the methods and compositions of the subject invention exhibit protective humoral and cellular immune responses to FIV when challenged with homologous or heterologous strains of FIV. The subject invention also pertains to novel feline cell lines that are susceptible to infection by FIV and their methods of use.

Abstract: A machine dishwashing process for cleaning soiled crockery is provided. The process comprises: (1) optionally prewashing the crockery in a prewash zone; (2) washing the crockery in a wash zone with washing liquor; (3) spraying the crockery from the wash zone with a spraying solution; and (4) rinsing the crockery in a clear washing zone. The washing liquor includes used spraying solution from step (3). The spraying solution has an alkali content of at least 0.8 % by weight. An additive which is substantially free of alkali is supplied to the washing liquor to give a concentration in the washing liquor in the presence of the used spraying solution of at least 0.004 % by weight of complexing agent(s) and/or sequestering agent(s).

Abstract: An inhalant composition is provided that includes nitrogen, oxygen, an inert gas, carbon dioxide, and an anaesthetic agent present in a proportion insufficient to produce anaesthesia. Preferably the inert gas includes a mixture of argon and neon, and the anaesthetic agent is nitrous oxide. The inhalant is used to produce a feeling of well-being and may be inhaled at predetermined intervals over a predetermined time period. The inhalant may also be used to assist in smoking cessation by being used when a desire for a cigarette is experienced. Uses are also contemplated for deep-sea divers and athletes in training.

Abstract: D-factor, growth hormone, IL-1, and tumor necrosis factors are employed alone or in combination as synergistic cytoprotective agents for patients exposed to toxic doses of ionizing radiation and/or chemotherapy. Synergistic cytoprotective regimens are provided. Use of D-factor, growth hormone, tumor necrosis factors, and/or IL-1, alone or in synergistic combination, is disclosed for the prevention and treatment of alopecia.

Abstract: This invention relates to immunogenic luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) peptides that lead to suppression of LHRH activity in males or females. These peptides are useful for inducing infertility and for treating prostatic hyperplasia, androgen-dependent carcinoma, prostatic carcinoma and testicular carcinoma in males. In females, the peptides are useful for treating endometriosis, benign uterine tumors, recurrent functional ovarian cysts and (severe) premenstrual syndrome as well as prevention or treatment of estrogen-dependent breast cancer. The subject peptides contain a helper T cell epitope and have LHRH at the C terminus. The helper T cell epitope aids in stimulating the immune response against LHRH. The peptides, optionally contain an invasin domain which acts as a general immune stimulator.

Abstract: Novel peptides are disclosed which correspond to epitopes of the HIV-1 gp120 protein. These antigenic peptides induce antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity against HIV, and thus are useful in immunization against HIV infection and induction of a heightened immune response to HIV.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed to wash blood cells in a discrete manner that is compatible with automated sample preparation systems. The test tube containing the cells to be washed is mounted on a rotatable spindle. The spindle includes central passageways for the introduction of wash fluid and air into the test tube, and radial exit passageways at the bottom of the spindle. The test tube is first spun about its vertical axis to centrifuge cells against the inner wall of the test tube. A vacuum is then applied to the exit passageways so cell supernatant is aspirated out through the exit passageways. Wash fluid is then introduced into the test tube, and aspirated out through the exit passageways, thereby washing the cells. Rotational acceleration and deceleration of the test tube then resuspends the cells in wash fluid.

Abstract: An enhanced immune response to antigens, particularly normally weakly-immunogenic viral antigens, such as the HA antigen from influenza virus, is achieved by coadministering the antigen in two different physio-chemical forms, particularly to enable presentation of antigen both by B cells and accessory cells.

Abstract: A roofing product is described which includes a substantially rigid foam core backed with a moisture resistant coating, a mineral aggregate layer overlying said foam core, a membrane layer thereon, a plurality of glass fibers embedded within said membrane layer or present as a separate layer between said aggregate and membrane layers, and a topcoat polymer shell on said membrane layer and overlying the edges of the product.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substantially pure HIV antigen comprising a Gag-Env fusion otein consisting of a Gag peptide fused at its C-terminus to an Env peptide, wherein the Gag peptide comprises a contiguous sequence of at least ten amino acids of the amino acid sequence represented by Gag (308-437) and the Env peptide comprises a contiguous sequence of at least a part of the amino acid sequence represented by Env (512-699), the part containing at least one epitope which is reactive to an HIV antibody. The gag-env fusion DNA corresponding to the HIV antigen of the present invention allows the production of the desired high antigenicity HIV antigen in high yield. Therefore, the HIV antigen of the present invention can be advantageously used as an active component for a diagnostic reagent, a vaccine, an antibody preparation and a therapeutic reagent for AIDS. Also disclosed is a substantially pure HIV antigen comprising a Gag protein SEQ ID No.:1 coded for by the entire gag gene.

Abstract: Immunologically active peptides which are derived from a novel immunodeficiency virus which has the designation MVP5180/91 are described. A diagnostic composition containing such a peptide and methods of detecting an antibody against a retrovirus that causes immune deficiency using such diagnostic composition are also described. A kit containing the immunologically active peptides is also described. An immunogen and method of immunizing a mammal against HIV infection using the immunologically active peptides is described. DNA encoding the peptides and methods of detecting nucleic acids encoding HIV viruses are also described.

Abstract: This invention comprises an improved process and apparatus for flushing carbon deposits and contaminants from fuel and air intake systems of an internal combustion engine. The process includes replacing the regular fuel supply with a mixture of fuel and a cleaning agent, operating the engine at idle speed and introducing another cleaning agent through the air intake system. The first and second cleaning agents can be of the same or different composition. By simultaneously introducing cleaning agents through the fuel supply system and the air intake system, the process combines the two cleaning agents on the surface area around the intake valves, the combustion chambers and other critical areas to remove stubborn carbon deposits.

Abstract: A treating liquid first in a treating bath is replaced with a second treating liquid by supplying the second treating liquid to an upper position of the treating bath while discharging the first treating liquid from a lower position of the treating bath. The replacement is effected with a balance maintained between a quantity of the first treating liquid discharged and a quantity of the second treating liquid supplied. With this method, the first treating liquid in the treating bath is replaceable with a reduced quantity of the second treating liquid. This treating liquid replacing method allows a substrate to be treated efficiently with a plurality of treating liquids in one treating bath.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel synthetic muc-1 peptides and muc-1-like analogs including at least two 20-amino acid tandem repeats of muc-1, which synthetic muc-1 and muc-1-like peptides are capable of attaining native conformation in the absence of glycosylation. The invention also relates to methods of producing the peptides. The invention further relates to uses of the peptides, such as for vaccines and diagnostic testing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the construction of a recombinant plasmid which is capable of expressing a secretory truncated glycoprotein (Tgp) of Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in mammalian cells. The secretory Tgp of the present invention contains at least one epitope capable of inducing antibody response. The present invention contemplates the production and utilization of this secretory Tgp in a vaccine against chickenpox and/or shingles. The present invention is also directed towards the use of the secretory Tgp in diagnostic assays for detection of VZV. The present invention is also directed to first antibodies specific to secretory Tgp and to second antibodies specific to the first antibodies. These second antibodies are also useful in diagnostic assays for VZV.

Abstract: A value-added composition of matter isolated from the juice of a transgenic green plant is disclosed. The composition of matter includes enzymatically-active phytase, xanthophylls, and dietary protein. The phytase is a gene product of an exogenous gene encoding for phytase which has been stably incorporated into the genome of the transgenic green plant, while the xanthophylls and the dietary protein are components native to the juice of the transgenic green plant.