Abstract: A system for use in rapid sample analysis that includes a biosensor reagent, wherein the biosensor reagent includes living biological cells; a reservoir card, wherein the reservoir card stores the biosensor reagent; and a test cartridge base, wherein the test cartridge base is configured to accept the reservoir card, and wherein the test cartridge base further includes a reaction chamber having a central axis, wherein the reaction chamber has the shape of a revolved half ellipse; and an inlet channel connected to the reaction chamber, wherein the inlet channel is positioned above the reaction chamber at an angle of 15-60 degrees above the horizontal, and wherein the inlet channel is offset from the central axis of the reaction chamber.

Abstract: The invention is a general method for improving the performance of the DNA-based vaccines. The method utilizes a complex DNA-generated profile of antigens to extend the effects of DNA-based vaccines and to broaden the immune response. This broadened immune response in turn improves the protection of the recipient from divergent (but related) strains of a pathogen. In addition, it effectively improves the efficacy of DNA-based vaccines used for treatment of viral diseases, including acquired immunity disorder (AIDS). One embodiment, where the target viral pathogen is HIV (the causative agent for aids), the method identifies an orderly set of plasmids of related sequences that may be used to prime a broad and strong immune response to HLA-restricted viral antigens. This mixture of plasmids is thus capable of priming an appropriate immune response to reduce the viral burden in HIV infected patients or to protect uninfected patients from HIV infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides mutant proteins of steroid hormone receptors. These mutant proteins are useful in methods of distinguishing a steroid hormone receptor antagonist from a steroid hormone receptor agonist. The present invention also provides plasmids containing mutated steroid hormone receptor proteins and cells transfected with those plasmids. In addition, the present invention provides methods for determining whether a compound is a steroid hormone receptor antagonist or agonist. Also, the present invention provides methods of determining endogenous ligands for steroid hormone receptors. The invention further provides a molecular switch protein for regulating expression in gene therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides mutant proteins of steroid hormone receptors. These mutant proteins are useful in methods of distinguishing a steroid hormone receptor antagonist from a steroid hormone receptor agonist. The present invention also provides plasmids containing mutated steroid hormone receptor proteins and cells transfected with those plasmids. In addition, the present invention provides methods for determining whether a compound is a steroid hormone receptor antagonist or agonist. Also, the present invention provides methods of determining endogenous ligands for steroid hormone receptors. The invention further provides a molecular switch protein for regulating expression in gene therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides modified proteins of steroid hormone receptors. These mutated proteins are useful as gene medicines. In particular, these mutated proteins are useful for regulating expression of genes in gene therapy. In addition, the present invention provides plasmids encoding for the desired mutated steroid hormone receptor proteins, as well as cells transfected with those plasmids.

Abstract: The present invention provides mutated proteins of steroid hormone receptors. These mutated proteins are useful as gene medicines. In particular, these mutated proteins are useful for regulating expression of genes in gene therapy. In addition, the present invention provides plasmids encoding for the desired mutated steroid hormone receptor proteins, as well as cells transfected with those plasmids.