Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of VISTA agonists alone or in association with other immune inhibitors, preferably another inhibitor of humoral immunity such as an iNOS/NO promoter or nitric oxide or a PD-1 or PD-L1 agonist or a CD40 antagonist for the treatment or prevention of conditions wherein the suppression of humoral immunity is therapeutically beneficial. The present invention is further directed to the use of VISTA antagonists alone or in association with other immune agonists, preferably another enhancer of humoral immunity such as iNOS/NO inhibitor or a PD-1 or PD-L1 antagonist or anti-CTLA-4 antibody or a CD40 agonist for the treatment or prevention of conditions wherein the enhancement of humoral immunity is therapeutically beneficial. Also, the invention relates to the use of VISTA antagonists alone or in association with another immune agonist, e.g., an iNOS/NO inhibitor or a CD40 agonist to promote the efficacy of therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines, e.g.

Abstract: Methods for alleviating the suppression of humoral immunity by myeloid-dependent suppressor cells (MDSCs) are provided which include the administration of a VISTA antagonist and an iNOS/NO inhibitor in a subject in need thereof, e.g., subjects with cancer or infectious disease wherein VISTA is aberrantly expressed. This combination has been discovered to elicit a synergistic or additive effect on alleviating suppression of humoral immunity by VISTA which is elicited by MDSCs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of VISTA agonists alone or in association with other immune inhibitors, preferably another inhibitor of humoral immunity such as an iNOS/NO promoter or nitric oxide or a PD-1 or PD-L1 agonist or a CD40 antagonist for the treatment or prevention of conditions wherein the suppression of humoral immunity is therapeutically beneficial. The present invention is further directed to the use of VISTA antagonists alone or in association with other immune agonists, preferably another enhancer of humoral immunity such as iNOS/NO inhibitor or a PD-1 or PD-L1 antagonist or anti-CTLA-4 antibody or a CD40 agonist for the treatment or prevention of conditions wherein the enhancement of humoral immunity is therapeutically beneficial. Also, the invention relates to the use of VISTA antagonists alone or in association with another immune agonist, e.g., an iNOS/NO inhibitor or a CD40 agonist to promote the efficacy of therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines, e.g.

Abstract: The present invention is a composition for enhancing the immunogenicity of viral vaccine. The composition encompasses a viral vaccine in combination with at least one toll-like receptor and, in particular embodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody. The compositions of the instant invention find application in the prevention or treatment of a viral infection.

Abstract: A multi-purpose utility tool for hockey equipment includes a handle and a plurality of devices pivotally attached to the tool by a plurality of pivot pins. Each device has a storage position within the handle. The tool comprises the following devices: a combination flat screw driving blade and bottle opener; a lace pulling tool; a lanyard mount; a scissor; a pliers; a screwing tool; a pick; and, tweezers.

Abstract: The present invention is a composition for enhancing the immunogenicity of viral vaccine. The composition encompasses a viral vaccine in combination with at least one toll-like receptor and, in particular embodiments, an anti-CD40 antibody. The compositions of the instant invention find application in the prevention or treatment of a viral infection.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight, easily operated log splitter having a conventional manually operated hydraulic jack mounted on a base in an adjustable-length frame having four legs extending between the base and a plate supporting a splitting wedge at the opposite end of the frame.

Abstract: A turkey loading apparatus and method for loading turkeys includes a support structure adapted to the position at a gathering location. A conveyer conveys the turkeys to a dumping end. A loading box is operatively connected to the support structure. The loading box is moveable between a first and second position. A loading box has an exit, wherein when the exit is opened the turkeys are unloaded into the coop.

Abstract: A controlled voltage yttrium iron garnet (YIG) resonator incorporates a clipping diode in order to maintain a constant output voltage. The clipping diode is connected either across an input or an output loop associated with the resonator. The resonator, as a result of its high Q characteristic, is insensitive to changes in capacitance of the clipping diode.

Abstract: A heater for heavy construction equipment is provided by three basic components: a hood mounted over the outer end of the normal vehicle radiator for receiving the cooling air blown through the radiator and directing it in the reverse direction towards the operator; a distribution hood having manually controlled and indexible distribution flaps on its discharge and a manually controlled and indexed shutoff valve on its intake for receiving heated air and distributing it to the operator's head, body and feet, selectively, with one of the flaps being transparent so as to permit viewing through it of the instrument panel; and a flexible conduit extending between the hood outlet and the distribution housing inlet, and overlying the vehicle engine.