Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, a system and method for automated generating of a cutting curve on a surface is provided. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a computer-implemented method for automated generating of a cutting curve on a gingival surface to facilitate cutting of an aligner material comprises the defining of initial gingival curves along the line around a tooth (LAT) on a patient's jaw, including within an interproximal area between teeth. The initial gingival curves are replaced with a modified, dynamic cutting curve comprising an offset adjustment configured to minimize weakening of a region of the aligner material within the interproximal area. This process for generating a modified, dynamic cutting curve within an interproximal area can be suitably applied or continued for each of other the teeth and interproximal areas between those teeth to define a complete dynamic cutting curve.

Abstract: Methods for producing a protein extract from cells, such as cells containing viral proteins, are provided. In general terms, the methods involve: increasing the pH of the cells to a pH of at least about pH 10.0 to produce an intermediate composition, and then, in the presence of a non-ionic detergent, neutralizing the pH of the intermediate composition to produce the protein extract. Kits and compositions for practicing the subject methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present application describes methods for detecting influenza A and/or influenza B and/or distinguishing between pathogenic and seasonal influenza A subtypes. Many of these preferred formats employ pan-specific antibodies (i.e., that react with all or at least multiple strains within an influenza type) to detect presence of influenza A and/or influenza B and PDZ domains in combination with panspecific antibodies to influenza A to distinguish pathogenic and seasonal influenza A subtypes.

Abstract: The invention provides method and compositions for determining the presence and amount of an influenza virus in a sample including high risk strains of Influenza A. Also provided are methods for determining whether a subject is infected with a influenza virus, as well as, the type and strain of the influenza virus. The methods involve contacting a sample from the subject with a PDZ polypeptides (PDZ) and/or PDZ ligands (PL) and determining whether binding interactions occur between PDZ and PL. Assays for identifying anti-viral agents are also provided, as well as, methods for using the compositions to alter PDZ binding to PL in influenza infected cells.

Abstract: The invention provides reagents and methods for detecting pathogen infections in human samples. This detection utilizes specific proteins to detect the presence of pathogen proteins or abnormal expression of human proteins resulting from pathogen infections. Specific methods, compositions and kits are disclosed herein for the detection of oncogenic Human papillomavirus E6 proteins in clinical samples.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for treating pathogen infections, particularly human papillomavirus infections. Specifically, the invention provides a method of screening that involves determining an effect of a candidate agent on binding of an E6 protein from an oncogenic strain of HPV to a polypeptide containing the amino acid sequence of a particular PDZ domain from the cellular protein MAGI-1. The invention provides methods to treat diseases associated with expression of pathogen proteins by modulating their interactions with MAGI-1, and a number of isolated peptides useful in such methods. Also provided are kits for performing the subject methods.

Abstract: The invention provides an assay for determining whether a test agent is a COX modulator. In general terms, the assay includes: determining whether a test agent modulates binding of a PDZ-containing polypeptide to a COX PL-containing polypeptide. The PDZ-containing polypeptide may contain the PDZ domain of PDZ domain of MAGI1, TIP-1, MAST2, PSD95, or SHANK. The assays may be done in a cell-free environment or in a cellular environment, particularly using a neuronal cell. The invention finds use in a variety of therapeutic applications, including for identifying agents for use in treating cancer, pain, inflammation and neuronal conditions caused by acute insult, e.g., stroke.

Abstract: The invention provides method and compositions for determining the presence and amount of a virus such as HIV-1, HIV-2, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, RSV, Rotavirus A, and M. tuberculosis in a sample. Also provided are methods for determining whether a subject is infected with HIV, as well as, the type. The methods involve contacting a sample from the subject with a PDZ polypeptide (PDZ) or other PL binding factor and/or PDZ ligands (PL) and determining whether binding interactions occur between PDZ or other binding factor and PL. Assays for identifying anti-viral and anti-bacterial agents are also provided, as well as, methods for using the compositions to alter PDZ binding to PL in viral or bacterial infected cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell surface molecules, designated cadherin-like asymmetry proteins (“CLASPs”). In particular, it relates to CLASP-2 polynucleotides, polypeptides, fusion proteins, and antibodies. The invention also relates to methods of modulating an immune response by interfering with CLASP function.

Abstract: Inhibitors that disrupt binding between a PDZ protein and cognate ligands such as N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors that are involved in various neurological disorders are provided. Pharmaceutical compositions containing such inhibitors and their use in treating neurological diseases such as stroke and ischemia are also disclosed. Screening methods to identify additional inhibitors of specific protein ligand interactions with PDZ proteins are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides reagents and methods for inhibiting or enhancing interactions between proteins in cells, particularly interactions between a PDZ protein and a PL protein. Reagents and methods that are provided are useful for treatment of a variety of diseases and conditions in a variety of cell types.

Abstract: The invention provides reagents and methods for detecting pathogen infections in human samples. This detection utilizes specific proteins to detect the presence of pathogen proteins or abnormal expression of human proteins resulting from pathogen infections. Specific methods, compositions and kits are disclosed herein for the detection of oncogenic Human papillomavirus E6 proteins in clinical samples.

Abstract: The invention provides reagents and methods for inhibiting or enhancing interactions between proteins in hematopoietic cells and other cells involved in the mediation of an immune response. Reagents and methods provided are useful for treatment of a variety of diseases and conditions mediated by immune system cells.

Abstract: The invention provides reagents and methods for inhibiting or enhancing interactions between proteins in hematopoietic cells and other cells involved in the mediation of an immune response. Reagents and methods provided are useful for treatment of a variety of diseases and conditions mediated by immune system cells.

Abstract: The subject invention provides antibodies, including polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies, that bind to E6 proteins from at least three oncogenic strains of HPV. In general, the antibodies bind to amino acids motifs that are conserved between the E6 proteins of different HPV strains, particularly HPV strains 16 and 18. The subject antibodies may be used to detect HPV E6 protein in a sample, and, accordingly, the antibodies find use in a variety of diagnostic applications, including methods of diagnosing cancer. Kits for performing the subject methods and containing the subject antibodies are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides reagents and methods for inhibiting or enhancing interactions between proteins in hematopoietic cells and other cells involved in the mediation of an immune response. Reagents and methods provided are useful for treatment of a variety of diseases and conditions mediated by immune system cells.

Abstract: The invention provides reagents and methods for inhibiting or enhancing interactions between proteins in cells, particularly interactions between PDZ proteins and a PL protein. Methods and compositions provided herein are useful for treatment of a variety of diseases and conditions mediated signal transduction.

Abstract: An electronic surface mount package provides a one piece construction package (with an open bottom) with one or more terminal pins molded into the package. Each of the pins have a notched post upon which a wire is wound which is from a toroid transformer carried within the package. Each of the posts are notched so their respective wires are separate from one another so as to prevent arcing. The case is opened at the bottom which prevents harm from expansion or cracking.

Abstract: An electronic surface mount package provides a one piece construction package (with an open bottom) with one or more terminal pins molded into the package. Each of the pins have a notched post upon which a wire is wound which is from a toroid transformer carried within the package. Each of the posts are notched so their respective wires are separate from one another so as to prevent arcing. The case is opened at the bottom which prevents harm from expansion or cracking.

Abstract: The electronic surface mount package according to the present invention includes a one piece construction package having end walls, a side wall and an open bottom; a plurality of toroid transformers carried within the package by a soft silicone material wherein the toroid transformers each have wires wrapped thereon; a plurality of terminal pins molded within and extending from the bottom of the package wherein each of the pins extend through a bottom portion of the side wall and have a notched post upon which the wires from said transformers are wrapped and soldered thereon, respectively; and wherein the end walls have a first height H1 to form a standoff or safe guard between the foot seating plane of the package and the terminal pins; and wherein the outer portion of the side wall extends between the end walls such that the side wall has a second height H2 which is less than said first height H1.