Abstract: Gulf War Syndrome is an ill-defined disease affecting thousands of individuals. A correlation is believed to exist between Gulf War Syndrome and the presence of antisqualene antibodies in affected individuals. The invention discloses a method and a kit useful for identifying the presence or absence of antisqualene antibodies. A diagnosis of Gulf War Syndrome is suggested for individuals having detectable levels of antisqualene antibodies.

Abstract: A wireless communication system with one or more remote transceivers for transmitting a wireless data signal at an actual frequency that is different than the expected frequency and a base transceiver that can automatically adjust to receive the actual frequency. Each remote transceiver is adapted to initiate a wireless data signal at a selected time that is unique to that remote transceiver. The expected frequency is sequentially pre-determined in a pseudo-random sequence with each remote transceiver having a unique sequence. The base transceiver can respond to the remote transceiver at the actual frequency. Both the remote transceiver and the base transceiver can convert the wireless signals in a single step to baseband.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of detecting antipolymer antibodies, and a method for detecting silicone related disease, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Abstract: A wireless communication system with one or more remote transceivers for transmitting a wireless data signal at an actual frequency that is different than the expected frequency and a base transceiver that can automatically adjust to receive the actual frequency. Each remote transceiver is adapted to initiate a wireless data signal at a selected time that is unique to that remote transceiver. The expected frequency is sequentially pre-determined in a pseudo-random sequence with each remote transceiver having a unique sequence. The base transceiver can respond to the remote transceiver at the actual frequency. Both the remote transceiver and the base transceiver can convert the wireless signals in a single step to baseband.

Abstract: A process to aid in the diagnosis of silicone related disease in which a correlation between silicone related disease and the presence of antibodies that bind to partially polymerized acrylamide is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a novel retroviral particle associated with idiopathic CD4+ T-lymphocytopenia (ICL). New methods of diagnosis and treatment of ICL, novel cell lines comprising the new retrovirus, assay systems that may be used in the development of antiretroviral pharmaceuticals, model systems for the study of ICL and other immune diseases including acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and a diagnostic kit are provided by the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of inhibiting HIV-mediated cell killing which comprises inhibiting the interaction between the CS3 region and viral gp41 and its receptor on the surface of lymphocytes. The invention provides for methods which employ peptides, peptide derivatives, or antibodies to inhibit the CS3/CS3 receptor interaction. In addition, the invention also relates to the CS3 receptor.The present invention is based in part on the discovery that a CS3 specific cellular receptor is widely distributed on human lymphocytes and forms a 108 kd complex with CS3-HSA peptide conjugate. It was further discovered that CS3 peptide effectively blocks HIV mediated cell infection and killing. Therefore, the present invention provides for methods of treatment and prophylaxis of HIV infection as well as a means for better understanding the physiology of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a novel retroviral particle associated with autoimmune disease. New methods of diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune disease, novel cell lines comprising the new retrovirus, assay systems that may be used in the development of antiretroviral pharmaceuticals, and model systems for the study of autoimmune diseases and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are provided by the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to purified preparations of a novel retrovirus, to methods of diagnosis and treatment of Sjogren's syndrome, novel cell lines, and model systems for the study of autoimmune diseases and AIDS. It is based, in part, on the discovery of a novel retrovirus which is antigenically similar to human immunodeficiency virus but which appears to comprise a functionally distinct reverse transcriptase.According to the present invention, Sjogren's syndrome as well as other autoimmune diseases, may be diagnosed, and their clinical course may be monitored, by demonstrating the presence of anti-retroviral antibodies and/or measuring the levels of such antibodies. Alternatively, Sjogren's syndrome or other autoimmune diseases may be diagnosed or monitored by directly or indirectly demonstrating vital particles in the cells of a patient.

Abstract: Diagnostic assays wherein sera from a patient suspected of having an ill defined autoimmune rheumatic disease is reacted with antigens specific to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) core proteins (gag protein products p24 or p17) and envelope proteins env (protein products gp41 and gp160). Immunoreactivity is determined by the formation of an antibody-antigen complex as observed in a Western immunoblot assay. The degree of cross reactivity to the 4 individual proteins is determined, and with this information, a specific and more accurate diagnosis of the disease is made. Once a more accurate diagnosis is determined, the clinician may then proceed with prescribing a therapeutic regimen better suited for the specific patient.

Abstract: A price display system for a store includes spread spectrum radio broadcasting of UPC and price data from a transmitter in the store to a large number of receivers. Each receiver is connected to one or more LCD displays attached to the store shelves, and each receiver provides the relevant information to each of the connected displays. The displays and receivers are battery powered.

Abstract: A process for making chip carriers using an anodized aluminum substrate iudes punching registration holes and center holes in the aluminum substrate, anodizing the aluminum and laminating copper foil to the substrate. Photo resist, etching and plating steps follow.