Abstract: A method for image enhancement includes capturing multiple input images of a scene, including at least a first input image having a first field of view (FOV) captured with a first focal depth and a second input image having a second FOV captured with a second focal depth. The input images in the sequence are preprocessed so as to align the images. The aligned images are processed in a neural network, which generates an output image having an extended depth of field encompassing at least the first and second focal depths.

Abstract: Synthetic DNA molecules encoding the HPV58 L1 protein are provided. Specifically, the present invention provides polynucleotides encoding HPV58 L1 protein, wherein said polynucleotides are codon-optimized for high level expression in a yeast cell. The synthetic molecules may be used to produce HPV58 virus-like particles (VLPs), and to produce vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the HPV58 VLPs. The vaccines of the present invention provide effective imnunoprophylaxis against papillomavirus infection through neutralizing antibody and cell-mediated immunity and are also useful for treatment of existing HPV infections.

Abstract: Synthetic DNA molecules encoding the HPV45 L1 protein are provided. Specifically, the present invention provides polynucleotides encoding HPV45 L1 protein, wherein said polynucleotides have been codon-optimized for high level expression in a yeast cell. The synthetic molecules may be used to produce HPV45 virus-like particles (VLPs), and to produce vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the HPV45 VLPs. The vaccines of the present invention provide effective immunoprophylaxis against papillomavirus infection through neutralizing antibody and cell-mediated immunity.

Abstract: The present invention features hybrid polypeptides providing ORF0657n and ORFO190 epitopes, nucleic acid encoding for the different polypeptides, and a method for evaluating the ability of an immunogen to produce a protective immune response against Staphylococcus infection. ORF0657n and ORF0190 are both S. aureus proteins.

Abstract: Synthetic DNA molecules encoding the HPV31 L1 protein are provided. Specifically, the present invention provides polynucleotides encoding HPV31 L1 protein, wherein said polynucleotides are free from internal transcription termination signals that are recognized by yeast. Also provided are synthetic polynucleotides encoding HPV31 L1 wherein the polynucleotides have been codon-optimized for high level expression in a yeast cell. The synthetic molecules may be used to produce HPV31 virus-like particles (VLPs), and to produce vaccines and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the HPV31 VLPs. The vaccines of the present invention provide effective immunoprophylaxis against papillomavirus infection through neutralizing antibody and cell-mediated immunity.

Abstract: The present invention features polypeptides comprising an amino acid sequence structurally related to SEQ ID NO: 1, uses of such polypeptides, and expression systems for producing such polypeptides. SEQ ID NO: 1 is a truncated derivative of a full length <i>S. aureus</i> polypeptide. The full-length polypeptide is referred to herein as full-length “ORF0657n”. Polypeptides containing the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 were found to produce a protective immune response against <i>S. aureus</i>.

Abstract: The present invention relates a fluorescent multiplex PCR assay for detecting the presence of an HPV subtype in a sample using multiple fluorophores to simultaneously detect a plurality of HPV genes of the same HPV subtype. The present invention also relates to primer pairs and probes specific to HPV subtypes for use in the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: Cell-mediated immune response to a papillomavirus infection can be induced by vaccination with DNA encoding papillomavirus E genes. E genes can both prevent the occurrence of papillomavirus disease, and treat disease states. Canine papillomavirus (COPV) E genes which are codon-optimized to enhance expression in host cells are also given.

Abstract: Synthetic DNA molecules encoding papillomavirus proteins are provided. The codons of the synthetic molecules are codons preferred by the projected host cell. The synthetic molecules may be used as a polynucleotide vaccine which provides effective immunoprophylaxis against papillomavirus infection through stimulation of neutralizing antibody and cell-mediated immunity.

Abstract: The invention is a series of synthetic virus-like particles comprising a heterologous conformational epitope useful in the characterization of human papillomavirus infection, and useful to vaccinate individual for protection against HPV 6 and HPV 11 infections, and assays employing the synthetic virus-like particles.