Abstract: Articles and methods for the active transport of molecules into, within, and/or from a matrix are generally described. In some embodiments, an electric field may be used to alter the position of the molecule with respect to the matrix. The electric field may be used to move the molecule to a new location within the matrix, remove the molecule from the matrix, or infuse the molecule into the matrix. For instance, the electric field may be used to move a molecule having a binding partner within the matrix into or away from the vicinity of the binding partner. In some embodiments, the position of the molecule may be altered by exposing the molecule to an electrodynamic field. In some such embodiments, the molecule exposed to the dynamic electric field may have enhanced mobility and minimal adverse matrix interactions relative to conventional molecular transport methods, and in some cases, a molecule exposed to an electrostatic field.

Abstract: Lipid conjugates for enhanced delivery of cargo to the lymph nodes are disclosed. The lipid conjugates typically include three domains: a lipophilic domain that binds to albumin, a polar block domain, and a cargo such as a molecular adjuvant or immunostimulatory compound (such as an oligonucleotide) or antigenic peptide. Depending on the cargo, the length and compositions of the polar block can be tailored to push the equilibrium toward albumin binding, stable micelle formation, or cell insertion. The conjugates can be administered to a subject, for example, a subject with cancer or an infection, to induce or enhance a robust immune response in the subject.

Abstract: In a method for imprinting a layer of material, a nanotemplate is impressed into a material layer, and the nanotemplate is maintained impressed in the material layer until a geometric trench corresponding to geometry of the nanotemplate is formed in the layer, and the nanotemplate is then removed from the material layer. A nanotemplate geometric trench is repeatedly formed in the material layer by nanotemplate impressions in the layer, until a final desired imprint pattern is produced in the layer. Each nanotemplate geometric trench is characterized by an extent that is a fraction of an extent of the final desired imprint pattern. The material layer is maintained in a condition for accepting nanotemplate impressions continuously throughout the nanotemplate impression repetition.

Abstract: Described herein are inventive compositions and methods relating to polymer conjugates and, in particular, to polymer conjugates having pendant side groups comprising ring moieties. In one aspect, embodiments are generally related to compositions that mimic naturally-occurring polyphenol compounds. The compositions comprise, in some embodiments, a polymer backbone having a plurality of hydroxyaromatic pendant side groups or derivatives thereof. For example, in some cases, a pendant side group may be a phenol or a substituted derivative thereof. In some cases, the pendant side group may be an oxidized hydroxyaromatic group, such as a quinone. In some embodiments, self-assembled structures comprising one or more of the polymer conjugates are provided. For example, the polymer conjugates may be combined with a complexing agent to form a particle. In some cases, a polymer conjugate may form a hydrogel.

Abstract: Temperature-sensing compositions can include an inorganic material, such as a semiconductor nanocrystal. The nanocrystal can be a dependable and accurate indicator of temperature. The intensity of emission of the nanocrystal varies with temperature and can be highly sensitive to surface temperature. The nanocrystals can be processed with a binder to form a matrix, which can be varied by altering the chemical nature of the surface of the nanocrystal. A nanocrystal with a compatibilizing outer layer can be incorporated into a coating formulation and retain its temperature sensitive emissive properties.

Abstract: An antenna selection method is used in a wireless location system that determines the geographic location of a mobile wireless transmitter. The wireless location system includes signal collection systems connected to multiple antennas at a plurality of cell sites and a location processor for processing digital data provided by the signal collection systems. The antenna selection method comprises evaluating segments of data collected from a plurality of antennas at a signal collection system, selecting a subset of the segments of data, and using only the selected segments of data in location processing.

Abstract: A method for converting compactin to pravastatin is described. Compactin is provided and contacted with an agent derived from Actinomadura under conditions in which the agent converts compactin to pravastatin. Also described are an Actinomadura strain, an Actinomadura cell free extract, an Actinomadura hydroxylase, and a method for lowering cholesterol levels in mammals.

Abstract: Described is a method and cell culture system for altering the proliferation, differentiation, or function of anchorage dependent cells which includes associating the cells with a surface formed of an electrically conducting polymer and applying an effective amount of a voltage to change the oxidation state of the polymer without damaging the cells.