Abstract: The immunogenicity of the influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) molecule may be increased by substitutions of amino acids in the HA sequence. The substitution of specific HA residues, such as asparagine at position 223 of H5 HA, increase the sensitivity of the hemagglutinin inhibition (HI) assay by altering receptor specificity and/or antibody-antigen binding. HA molecules containing such substitutions will be useful in the development of diagnostic reference viruses and improved influenza vaccines.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for percutaneously steering a surgical needle. Needle steering is accomplished by taking advantage of a deflection force imparted on the bevel tip of the needle by the tissue medium as the needle is pushed through the tissue. By controlling the translation speed and rotation angle of the bevel, a flexible needle may be steered substantially without deflecting or distorting the tissue. The control inputs (translation speed and rotation angle) are computed based on a “bicycle” non-holonomic kinematic model that is a function of mechanical properties of the tissue medium. The system may be used with image-based feedback, which may provide for feedback-based refinement of the model as the needle propagates through the tissue.

Abstract: Specifying content using data-driven systems is described, including creating a definition, the definition having a type and a property, instantiating the property, deriving a property value for the property using a linkage, and synchronously pushing an update to the property value over the linkage. Also described are building an object and a backing class, the object having a definition and a property for the definition, relating the backing class to the object based on the definition, and identifying a relationship between the object and another object, the object and the another object being related based on the backing class.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery that a high titer reassortant influenza virus is produced in mammalian cell culture by replacing the NS gene of the A/PuertoRico/3/24 master strain with the NS gene of the A/England/1/53 strain. The invention provides influenza viruses and vaccines generated in mammalian cells as well as methods for producing such. The invention further provides an influenza virus master strain and kits for generating reassortant influenza viruses in mammalian cell culture and methods of making and using the master strain.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adapting software applications for download and execution on a variety of different mobile devices which employ different Application Execution Environments. An Application Download Protocol for transferring applications to mobile devices is also provided. Mobile devices can be matched with compatible applications according to functionality required by the applications and functionality provided by the mobile devices. Applications submitted by developers can be automatically matched to application categories, thus facilitating user selection of applications. Data used by applications running on mobile devices can be remotely managed by application developers, allowing developers to remotely control the type and presentation of data on mobile devices without the need for data management servlets to be provided by the developers.

Abstract: An optimized HTML (HyperText Markup Language) viewer formats documents and other information into a convenient, newspaper-like, multi-column format. The viewer can display one or many documents simultaneously, wherein a new document can be appended to the end of a currently displayed document. A multiple-column document can be scrolled by whole columns, images in documents are scaled as necessary, and tables are intelligently broken across multiple columns at row boundaries.

Abstract: The present invention describes a reliably protective avian vaccine that contains a DNA transcription unit comprising a nucleic acid that encodes a viral protein. This effective and reliable avian vaccine significantly improves upon that which heretofore has been disclosed. The present invention demonstrates that the reliable efficacy found for DNA influenza vaccines, formerly observed in experimental inbred mice, can now be obtained for outbred avian species as well. Methods of use and specific DNA constructs are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for treating a substrate, e.g., lignocellulosic pulp or cellulosic pulps, with a mixed peracid solution comprising percarboxylic acid and Caro's acid which results in a higher conversion rate of the active oxygen in the hydrogen peroxide in order to provide an inexpensive and effective delignification and/or bleaching solution and the process for making the mixed peracid solution.

Abstract: A frame body has a base portion for supporting a specimen and an integrally extending arm portion above the base portion for guiding a penetrating probe. Force is applied to the probe to urge it against the specimen. A portion of the frame body is in the form of a leg extending horizontally in spaced relationship to the base portion of the frame to terminate adjacent to the specimen. Reaction of the frame to applied forces causes relative movement between the base portion and the horizontally extending leg indicative of "springing" of the frame. A first electrical circuit provides a first signal proportional to the load applied to the penetrating probe. A second electrical circuit provides a second signal responsive to relative movement of the penetrating probe and supporting arm and a third electrical circuit provides a third signal responsive to relative movement between the base portion of the frame and the extending leg.