Abstract: This document relates to compositions and methods for modulating an immune response. For example, compositions of immunostimulatory CpG oligonucleotides derived from retroviral genomes are provided.

Abstract: This document relates to compositions and methods for modulating an immune response. For example, compositions of immunostimulatory CpG oligonucleotides derived from retroviral genomes are provided.

Abstract: This document relates to compositions and methods for modulating an immune response. For example, compositions of immunostimulatory CpG oligonucleotides derived from retroviral genomes are provided.

Abstract: This document relates to compositions and methods for modulating an immune response. For example, compositions of immunostimulatory CpG oligonucleotides derived from retroviral genomes are provided.

Abstract: This document relates to compositions and methods for modulating an immune response. For example, compositions of immunostimulatory CpG oligonucleotides derived from retroviral genomes are provided.

Abstract: This document relates to compositions and methods for modulating an immune response. For example, compositions of immunostimulatory CpG oligonucleotides derived from retroviral genomes are provided.

Abstract: An efficient system for desalinization of water is described wherein multiple stages of deionization result in drinking water quality and provision is made for recycling wastewater through the system.

Abstract: The cDNA that encodes a glycoprotein receptor from the tobacco hornworm which binds a Bacillus thuringiensis toxin has been obtained and sequenced. The availability of this cDNA permits the retrieval of DNAs encoding homologous receptors in other insects and organisms as well as the design of assays for the cytotoxicity and binding affinity of potential pesticides and the development of methods to manipulate natural and/or introduced homologous receptors and, thus, to destroy target cells, tissues and/or organisms.

Abstract: A web-based computational system and method for high-throughput gene mining and target identification and validation based on conserved functional blocks automates the generation of conserved regions of high sequence similarity using algorithms and optimizes probe design for fragment amplification from homologous genomes.

Abstract: A new Bt Cry toxin, Cry1M is able to exert insecticidal effects on insects and/or nematodes in general, and in addition, on insects that have acquired resistance to alternative Cry proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for targeting gene sequences having one or more phenotypic characteristics using a computer. One or more phenotypic characteristics are selected. A gene sequence is then selected that is known to have the selected phenotypic characteristics. In addition, one or more databases containing cataloged gene sequences are selected. The selected gene sequence is compared to the cataloged gene sequences, and any cataloged gene sequences that contain a portion of the selected gene sequence are extracted. The selected gene sequence is aligned to each portion of the extracted gene sequence and the extracted gene sequences are prioritized based on the alignment of the selected gene sequence. At least one of the prioritized gene sequences is selected based on one or more phenotypic criteria. Finally, one or more degenerate primers are designed to target the selected-prioritized gene sequences.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and apparatus for targeting gene sequences having one or more phenotypic characteristics using a computer. One or more phenotypic characteristics are selected. A gene sequence is then selected that is known to have the selected phenotypic characteristics. In addition, one or more databases containing cataloged gene sequences are selected. The selected gene sequence is compared to the cataloged gene sequences, and any cataloged gene sequences that contain a portion of the selected gene sequence are extracted. The selected gene sequence is aligned to each portion of the extracted gene sequence and the extracted gene sequences are prioritized based on the alignment of the selected gene sequence. At least one of the prioritized gene sequences is selected based on one or more phenotypic criteria. Finally, one or more degenerate primers are designed to target the selected-prioritized gene sequences.

Abstract: A composition and method for killing fire ants is disclosed that includes the purified and activated Cry toxin from a novel strain of Bacillus thuringiensis, wherein the water soluble, partially purified, activated toxin is provided along with an attractant to kill the imported fire ant using a biodegradable, environmentally sound glycoprotein without a need for toxic chemicals.

Abstract: A novel microorganism producing a nontoxic, non-antigenic exopolysaccharide is taught. The exopolysaccharide has neutral sugars migrating at the same rate as mannose, fucose, fructose and galactose, acidic sugars migrating at the same rate as fucose and amine sugars migrating at the same rate as glucose and fucose, and wherein the ratio of galactose:fucose:glucose:mannose is about 1:2:3:6. The microbe and the exopolysaccharide have uses as a biofilm in geologic applications and have several consumer uses as food and drug polymers and use as a plasma extender.

Abstract: A novel microorganism producing a nontoxic, non-antigenic exopolysaccharide is taught. The exopolysaccharide has neutral sugars migrating at the same rate as mannose, fucose, fructose and galactose, acidic sugars migrating at the same rate as fucose and amine sugars migrating at the same rate as glucose and fucose, and wherein the ratio of galactose:fucose:glucose:mannose is about 1:2:3:6. The microbe and the exopolysaccharide have uses as a biofilm in geologic applications and have several consumer uses as food and drug polymers and use as a plasma extender.

Abstract: A cDNA encoding a 200 kD receptor, BT-R2, from the pink boll worm, Pectinophora gossypiella, that binds specifically to a Bacillus thuringiensis toxin has been cloned, sequenced and characterized. The minimum toxin binding fragment has been identified. The BT-R2 cDNA permits the analysis of receptors in pink boll worm and other insects that affect crop growth and development, as well as, design assays for the cytotoxicity and binding affinity of potential pesticides. The clone and other methods described herein, permit the manipulation of natural and/or introduced homologous receptors and, thus, to specifically destroy organisms, tissues and/or cells of the target host.

Abstract: A nucleic acid derived from Bacillus thuringiensis contains a nucleotide sequence that encodes a polypeptide demonstrated to be toxic to fire ants.

Abstract: A broad spectrum Bacillus strain is provided which displays activity against at least two orders of insects. Novel proteins active against corn rootworm and nematodes and methods of isolation are additionally provided. Also provided is a purified crystal protein complex isolated from a Bacillus strain that demonstrates insecticidal properties. In addition, the nucleotide and amino acid sequence of the Cry1I gene isolated from this strain is provided.

Abstract: A broad spectrum Bacillus thuringiensis strain, BtC-18, is provided which displays pesticidal activity against nematodes and against insects from the orders Lepidoptera, Diptera and Coleoptera.

Abstract: A broad spectrum Bacillus strain is provided which displays activity against at least two orders of insects. Novel proteins active against corn rootworm and nematodes and methods of isolation are additionally provided. Also provided is a purified crystal protein complex isolated from a Bacillus strain that demonstrates insecticidal properties. In addition, the nucleotide and amino acid sequence of the Cry1I gene isolated from this strain is provided.