Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inducing an adaptive immune response against Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a subject. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a composition comprising a nucleoside-modified nucleic acid molecule encoding a HCV antigen, adjuvant, or a combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the composition comprises a vaccine comprising a nucleoside-modified nucleic acid molecule encoding a HCV antigen, adjuvant, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inducing an adaptive immune response against Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a subject. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a composition comprising a nucleoside-modified nucleic acid molecule encoding a HCV antigen, adjuvant, or a combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the composition comprises a vaccine comprising a nucleoside-modified nucleic acid molecule encoding a HCV antigen, adjuvant, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inducing an adaptive immune response against Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a subject. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a composition comprising a nucleoside-modified nucleic acid molecule encoding a HCV antigen, adjuvant, or a combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the composition comprises a vaccine comprising a nucleoside-modified nucleic acid molecule encoding a HCV antigen, adjuvant, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices, systems and methods for the acquisition and display of captured and/or saved slide images of a sample. In particular embodiments, the images are displayed on a portable computer attached to a removable device configured to hold a slide of the sample. The device is aligned with the portable computer so that the displayed sample image is overlaid with the sample being held by the device. In exemplary embodiments, the displayed image is used as a template for dissection of the sample being held by the device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices, systems and methods for the acquisition and display of captured and/or saved slide images of a sample. In particular embodiments, the images are displayed on a portable computer attached to a removable device configured to hold a slide of the sample. The device is aligned with the portable computer so that the displayed sample image is overlaid with the sample being held by the device. In exemplary embodiments, the displayed image is used as a template for dissection of the sample being held by the device.

Abstract: A method of providing operating electrical power from a stationary power source to a mobile conveyor utilized in material handling at a mine site as the conveyor moves over a predetermined path at the site without having to move long lengths of cable as the conveyor moves away from the power source. The method utilizes a cable reel that features a power receptacle into which a cable connector can be easily plugged and unplugged.

Abstract: A method of providing operating electrical power from a stationary power source to a mobile conveyor utilized in material handling at a mine site as the conveyor moves over a predetermined path at the site without having to move long lengths of cable as the conveyor moves away from the power source. The method utilizes a cable reel that features a power receptacle into which a cable connector can be easily plugged and unplugged.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for generating antibodies to human metapneumovirus (HMPV) polypeptides, including antibodies that immunospecifically bind to a HMPV F-protein. The invention also discloses methods for preventing, treating, or ameliorating symptoms associated with HMPV infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved form of a nucleic acid encoding for the influenza hemagluttinin H5N1. The optimized gene sequence permits production via recombinant means, of the H5N1 HA protein for use in diagnostic assays and vaccines.

Abstract: A nucleic acid vaccine construct comprising an isolated polynucleotide which encodes a polypeptide comprising at least five consecutive amino acid residues from the VNTR monomer of Muc1 wherein one or more of said amino acids is a glycosylation site, characterised in that when said isolated polynucleotide is expressed in a mammalian cell, glycosylation of the resulting polypeptide is altered or prevented at at least one of said glycosylation sites.

Abstract: A method and computer program product are presented for selecting and arranging an appropriate combination of network components, or elements, in a communications network. The selection of network components is done in a manner that maximizes the net present value of cash flow resulting from the provision of communications services between nodes of the network. The method comprises the steps of receiving information that constrains network design and price establishment, and then using the constraint information to select a combination of network components for each link in the communications network. According to the invention, the selection of network components is performed for each of several successive time periods, effectively planning the evolution of the network. The selections are made so that the network components satisfy demand over time while maximizing the net present value of the cash flow that results from the provision of communications services.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated polypeptide useful for immunisation against self-antigens. In particular the invention relates to a self-protein that is capable of raising auto-antibodies when administered in vivo. The invention particularly relates to rendering human cytokines immunogenic in humans. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and their use in medicine and to methods for their production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated polypeptide useful for immunisation against self-antigens. In particular the invention relates to a self-protein that is capable of raising auto-antibodies when administered in vivo. The invention particularly relates to rendering human cytokines immunogenic in humans. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and their use in medicine and to methods for their production.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying human cancer patients whose cancerous cells overexpress the 17-1A antigen to such an extent as determined herein that the patients may be considered as suitable for treatment with a therapeutic 17-1A antigen binding agent such as an antibody. Preferably the therapeutic antibody is Edrecolomab. Kits for use in such methods and methods of treating patients so identified are also provided.

Abstract: An electrical smoking system comprising a cigarette and an electric lighter, wherein the cigarette comprises a tubular tobacco mat partially filled with material tobacco so as to define a filled tobacco rod portion and an unfilled tobacco rod portion. The cigarette and the lighter are mutually arranged so that when the cigarette is received in the lighter, the electrical heater element of the lighter at least partially superposes at least a portion of the filled tobacco rod portion. The cigarette and the lighter are also mutually arranged so that when the cigarette is received in the lighter, the free end of the cigarette is occluded. The cigarette includes a zone of perforations at a location along the filled tobacco rod portion, with the cigarette being free of perforations along the unfilled tobacco rod portion. An apparatus for perforating a cigarette which can be smoked in an electrical smoking device includes a drum link-up assembly and a laser perforating apparatus.

Abstract: An electrical smoking system comprising a cigarette and an electric lighter, wherein the cigarette comprises a tubular tobacco mat partially filled with material tobacco so as to define a filled tobacco rod portion and an unfilled tobacco rod portion. The cigarette and the lighter are mutually arranged so that when the cigarette is received in the lighter, the electrical heater element of the lighter at least partially superposes at least a portion of the filled tobacco rod portion. The cigarette and the lighter are also mutually arranged so that when the cigarette is received in the lighter, the free end of the cigarette is occluded. The cigarette includes a zone of perforations at a location along the filled tobacco rod portion, with the cigarette being free of perforations along the unfilled tobacco rod portion. An apparatus for perforating a cigarette which can be smoked in an electrical smoking device includes a drum link-up assembly and a laser perforating apparatus.

Abstract: A cleaning unit used to clean condensates formed during use of a component of a smoking system. The component can be a heating fixture having a cigarette receiving section and a plurality of longitudinally extending circumferentially spaced apart heating elements located within a can which accumulates the condensates. During a cleaning operation, the heating fixture is fitted within a cavity in the cleaning unit such that the cigarette receiving end of the heating fixture engages an O-ring and the terminal base portion abuts against an indented stop in an interior sidewall of a removable portion of the housing. The cleaning unit includes a water inlet connected to a source of pressurized water such as a faucet and a spray member extends into the cigarette receiving section to spray jets of water against the interior of the can.