Construction of Recombinant Baculoviruses Carrying the Gene Encoding the Major Capsid Protein, VP1, From Calicivirus Strains (Including Norovirus Strains Toronto, Hawaii, Desert Shield, Snow Mountain, and MD145-12)

The noroviruses (known as "Norwalk-like viruses") are associated with an estimated 23,000,000 cases of acute gastroenteritis in the United States each year. Norovirus illness often occurs in outbreaks, affecting large numbers of individuals, illustrated recently by well-publicized reports of gastroenteritis outbreaks on several recreational cruise ships and in settings such as hospitals and schools. Norovirus disease is clearly important in terms of medical costs and missed workdays, and accumulating data support its emerging recognition as important agents of diarrhea-related morbidity.

MADCO-Accelerated Multidimensional Diffusion MRI

Although multidimensional diffusion/relaxation NMR experiments are widely used in materials sciences and engineering applications, preclinical and clinical MRI applications of these techniques were not feasible. Moreover, higher-field MRI scanners posed another obstacle to translation of this NMR method. Their specific absorption rate (SAR) limits the use of multi-echo or CPMG pulse trains, so that the large amounts of data required by these methods cannot be collected in vivo due to exceedingly long scan times.

Tamperless Tensor Elastography Imaging

Summary:

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) seeks research co-development partners and/or licensees for the development of tamper-less tensor elastography imaging in assessing disease (e.g., cancer), normal and abnormal developmental processes, degeneration and trauma in the brain and other soft tissues, and other applications.

Codon-optimization of HIV-1 Viral Infectivity Factor (VIF) Gene

Expression of the HIV-1 Vif protein in the absence of other viral factors such a Tat and Rev is extremely inefficient due to the presence of inhibitory sequences on its mRNA. This invention uses codon optimization to remove such inhibitory sequences without altering the amino acid sequence of the protein. The modified vif gene in the resulting pcDNA -hVIF vector is expressed under the control of the CMV promoter. In this, the protein functions as wild type and is more amendable to high-level expression in mammalian cells.

48-Position Custom Deep Well Plate For In Vitro Equilibrium Dialysis at a 1:1 Sample to Buffer Volume Ratio

CDC scientists have developed a new design for a multi-well dialysis microplate for equilibrium dialysis. The unique design accommodates a 1:1 buffer to sample ratio and provides additional room at the base of the well to enable optimal cartridge immersion and analyte diffusion. The microplate is readily adaptable into existing automated analytical systems and meets the criteria of American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The microplate is designed for measuring blood or other biological fluid samples over a wide range of sample volumes and may be used in a high throughput manner.

Soluble Tissue Factor, a Novel Target, and Antibodies, for Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment of Thrombosis and Related Conditions

Summary:

Scientists at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have discovered a novel therapeutic, diagnostic and prognostic target for thrombosis: Soluble Tissue Factor (sTF). NCI has generated first-in-class antibodies and platform selectively neutralizing pathological coagulation while preserving normal hemostasis.

Method of Detecting Circulating Cell-Free HPV 6 and 11 DNA in Patients Afflicted With Diseases Caused by Chronic HPV 6 or 11 Infection and Use Thereof

Summary:

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNLCR) seek research co-development partners and/or licensees for commercial development of a novel liquid biopsy diagnostic for non-invasive detection of cell-free HPV 6 and 11 DNA for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP).

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) for Non-Destructive Assessment of Epithelial Integrity

This technology includes a novel apparatus and method that utilizes Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) to assess the integrity of epithelial cell membranes non-destructively. By applying frequency-modulated voltage signals and facilitating fluid exchange on both sides of the epithelial tissue, this technology allows researchers to characterize membrane-specific responses with unprecedented accuracy.