Abstract: Particular aspects provide efficient allelic exchange methods to generate directed mutations within genes of slow-growing stains of mycobacteria (e.g., Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map), Map 10 or GFP-expressing Map K-10) using a phage-delivery system, and demonstrate high efficiency allelic exchange. Additional exemplary aspects provide non-naturally occurring slow-growing strains of mycobacteria (e.g., Map, M. bovis, M. tuberculosis) having at least one gene deletion (e.g., pknG, relA, lsr2, panC, panD, proC, trpD, sapM (MAP3432), lysA_1, leuD, and leuC, and deletion mutants at the orthologous loci of two known virulence genes in pathogenic mycobacteria (relA and pknG) and one gene related to colony morphology and biofilm formation in fast growing mycobacteria (lsr2) were made. Further aspects provide novel vaccines comprising such deletion mutants, or portions thereof, and methods for making said vaccines. Yet further aspects provide methods for protecting a mammal from virulent Map, M.

Abstract: A movable boring assembly and a boring tool positioner for drilling a plurality of holes in a well casing and jetting a well production zone through the plurality of holes. All of the holes can be drilled in the casing at different angular positions, as well as different levels within the casing. The drilling tool can then be removed and a perforation jet can be reliably and accurately reoriented into the drilled holes to perforate a production zone in multiple directions and at multiple levels.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide efficient allelic exchange methods to generate directed mutations within genes of slow-growing stains of mycobacteria (e.g., Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map), Map 10 or GFP-expressing Map K-10) using a phage-delivery system, and demonstrate high efficiency allelic exchange. Additional exemplary aspects provide non-naturally occurring slow-growing strains of mycobacteria (e.g., Map, M. bovis, M. tuberculosis) having at least one gene deletion (e.g., pknG, relA, lsr2, panC, panD, proC, trpD, sapM (MAP3432), lysA_1, leuD, and leuC, and deletion mutants at the orthologous loci of two known virulence genes in pathogenic mycobacteria (relA and pknG) and one gene related to colony morphology and biofilm formation in fast growing mycobacteria (lsr2) were made. Further aspects provide novel vaccines comprising such deletion mutants, or portions thereof, and methods for making said vaccines. Yet further aspects provide methods for protecting a mammal from virulent Map, M.

Abstract: Disclosed is a movable boring assembly and a boring tool positioner for drilling a plurality of holes in a well casing and jetting a well production zone through the plurality of holes. All of the holes can be drilled in the casing at different angular positions, as well as different levels within the casing. The drilling tool can then be removed and a perforation jet can be reliably and accurately reoriented into the drilled holes to perforate a production zone in multiple directions and at multiple levels.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns the use of the conserved Anaplasma marginale major surface protein 5 gene and gene product and monoclonal antibody ANAF16C1 for the identification of animals persistently infected with Anaplasma species.

Abstract: An ISDN modem is preprogrammed to operate by any one of multiple ISDN protocols, and is provided with a setup program wherein, with the modem connected to an ISDN switch, the multiple protocols are automatically tested one-at-a-time until one is found by which a successful connection to the switch may be made, or until all fail. In the event a successful connection is made, that protocol in use at the time of the successful connection is selected for continued use. In the event that all preprogrammed protocols fail, a user is offered an input mechanism whereby an alternative protocol selection may be entered for trial.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns the use of monoclonal antibody ANAF16C1 and Anaplasma species major surface protein-5 in the competitive inhibition format for the serological identification of animals infected with Anaplasma species.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biosensor for detecting the presence of an analyte in solution. The biosensor is composed of:a) an ion channel receptor immobilized in a suspended lipid film which is in contact with an ion-containing solution on each side thereof;b) a ligand, conjugated to the receptor, which has particular affinity for the analyte in solution, and, which, upon binding to the analyte in solution, causes an inhibition in ion flow through the channel; andc) means to detect the inhibition of ion flow through the channel in response to the binding of conjugated ligand and analyte.

Abstract: A purified antigenic surface protein of Anaplasma marginale has been identified, and is capable of inducing immune responses in ruminants which neutralizes virulent Anaplasma marginale. The antigenic surface protein has a molecular weight of about 105,000 daltons, and can be purified by an immunoaffinity chromatography process. The antigen has further utility in diagnostic tests for anaplasmosis. It can be synthesized by polypeptide procedures or by genetic engineering. DNA and amino acid sequences have been developed for the antigen according to this invention. The antigen is useful as a vaccine component for protecting mammals against infection by Anaplasma marginale and may be useful for rickettsial organisms other than Anaplasma marginale.

Abstract: Antigenic surface proteins from the intraerythrocytic merozoite stage of Babesia bigemina have been isolated using cell fusions and monoclonal antibodies produced thereby. The gene encoding a 58 kD surface protein has been identified and the DNA sequence determined and compared with sequences of other known merozoite proteins. Immunization of mammals, such as bovines, with purified isolates induces an immunological response that is effective to reduce pathological effects of babesiosis induced by Babesia bigemina. Diagnostic kits using monoclonal antibodies and antigenic surface proteins of Babesia bigemina are also disclosed.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns the identification of novel merozoite surface proteins of Babesia bovis. Also disclosed are monoclonal antibodies to these proteins as well as genes which encode for the proteins.The invention further concerns the use of the novel proteins, recombinant DNA clones, and monoclonal antibodies in the detection, treatment, and prophylaxis of babesiosis.