Abstract: Assays for detection of bactericidal anti-Neisserial antibodies using a factor H polypeptide having a human amino acid sequence that mediates binding to Neisserial factor H binding protein (fHBp) are provided, as well as non-human animal models of Neisserial infection.

Abstract: Transmembrane receptors in the signaling pathways of bacterial chemotaxis systems influence cell motility by forming noncovalent complexes with the cytoplasmic signaling proteins to regulate their activity. The requirements for receptor-mediated activation of CheA, the principal kinase of the Escherichia coli chemotaxis signaling pathway, can be demonstrated using self-assembled clusters of a receptor fragment (CF) derived from the cytoplasmic domain of the aspartate receptor, Tar. Histidine-tagged Tar CF can be assembled on the surface of unilamellar vesicles via a lipid containing the Nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid moiety as a headgroup. The stability of such a complex can be controlled by the properties of the template including the size and composition, which can be used, for example, to vary the 2-dimensional concentration of receptor fragments. Surface-assembled CF is also found to serve as a substrate for receptor methylation, which is catalyzed by the receptor transferase.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polymeric composite comprising a first organic polymer that forms a first organic polymer phase; and a low molecular weight compound that exists in the form of a second crystalline phase; wherein the second crystalline phase is dispersed within the first organic polymer phase. Disclosed herein too is a polymeric composite comprising a first organic polymer that forms a first organic polymer phase; and a second phase that comprises a crystalline organic polymer, wherein the crystalline organic polymer has a different molecular structure from the first organic polymer; wherein the second phase is not covalently bonded to the first organic polymer phase and wherein the second phase has an average particle size of about 1 to about 20 micrometers.

Abstract: Nanopatterned substrates can be prepared by a method that includes forming a block copolymer film on a substrate, annealing the block copolymer film, surface reconstructing the annealed block copolymer film, coating an etch-resistant layer on the surface reconstructed block copolymer film, etching the resist-coated block copolymer film to create an etched article comprising a nanopatterned substrate, and separating the etch-resistant layer and the block copolymer film from the nanopatterned substrate. The method is applicable to a wide variety of substrate materials, avoids any requirement for complicated procedures to produce long-range order in the block copolymer film, and avoids any requirement for metal functionalization of the block copolymer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a transgenic plant transformed with an isolated nucleic acid comprising a plant arsenite-inducible RNA-associated protein coding sequence operatively linked to a plant-expressible transcription regulatory sequence, wherein the plant arsenite-inducible RNA-associated protein (AIRAP) coding sequence encodes a polypeptide that is at least 95% identical to a polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, or SEQ ID NO:14, wherein the plant arsenite-inducible RNA-associated protein coding sequence encodes a polypeptide that confers resistance to an environmental stress, wherein greater than or equal to about 25% of transgenic plants are resistant to an environmental stress, and wherein the environmental stress inhibits the growth of wild type plants.

Abstract: A process is provided of introducing an RNA into a living cell to inhibit gene expression of a target gene in that cell. The process may be practiced ex vivo or in vivo. The RNA has a region with double-stranded structure. Inhibition is sequence-specific in that the nucleotide sequences of the duplex region of the RNA and of a portion of the target gene are identical. The present invention is distinguished from prior art interference in gene expression by antisense or triple-strand methods.

Abstract: Highly-ordered block copolymer films are prepared by a method that includes forming a polymeric replica of a topographically patterned crystalline surface, forming a block copolymer film on the topographically patterned surface of the polymeric replica, and annealing the block copolymer film. The resulting structures can be used in a variety of different applications, including the fabrication of high density data storage media. The ability to use flexible polymers to form the polymeric replica facilitates industrial-scale processes utilizing the highly-ordered block copolymer films.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polymeric composition comprising a polymeric composition comprising a first crosslinked network; and a second crosslinked network; wherein the first crosslinked network is crosslinked at a first stress and/or a first strain and the second crosslinked network is crosslinked at a second stress and/or a second strain; where the first stress and/or the first strain is different from the second stress and/or the second strain either in magnitude or direction. Disclosed herein is a method comprising subjecting a polymeric mass to a first stress and/or a first strain level; crosslinking the polymeric mass to form a first crosslinked network; subjecting the polymeric mass to a second stress and/or a second strain level; and crosslinking the polymeric mass to form a second crosslinked network; where the first stress and/or the first strain level is different from the second stress and/or the second strain level.

Abstract: A nanopatterned surface is prepared by forming a block copolymer film on a miscut crystalline substrate, annealing the block copolymer film, then reconstructing the surface of the annealed block copolymer film. The method creates a well-ordered array of voids in the block copolymer film that is maintained over a large area. The nanopatterned block copolymer films can be used in a variety of different applications, including the fabrication of high density data storage media.

Abstract: A method of forming a patterned functional layer on a substrate using a poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) lift-off layer is described. The method can be used with substrates that would not tolerate the organic solvents required for processing of known poly(methyl methacrylate) lift-off layers. When used in combination with known nanoimprint lithography and step-and-flash imprint lithography techniques, the method can be used to generate patterned functional structures with dimensions as small as five nanometers.

Abstract: Azidoaryl-substituted cyclooctene monomers and synthesized and used in the preparation of various copolymers. Among these copolymers are those prepared from ring-opening metathesis polymerization of cyclooctene, polyethylene glycol-substituted cyclooctene, and azidoaryl-substituted cyclooctene. These copolymers are useful in the formation of crosslinked films that reduce fouling of water purification membranes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of gene sequences and proteins involved in vaccinia virus dominant T cell epitopes. Three vaccinia virus CD8+ T cell epitopes restricted by the most common human M.C. class I allele, HLA-A0201, were identified. Each of these epitopes is highly conserved in vaccinia and variola viruses. In addition, the induction of the T cell responses following primary vaccination with two of these epitopes is demonstrated by the kinetics of epitope specific CD8+ T cells in 3 HLA-A0201 individuals. Two vaccinia virus CD8+ T cell epitopes restricted by another common human M.C. class I allele, HLA-B7, also were identified. Both epitopes are highly conserved in vaccinia and variola viruses. This information will be useful for the design and analysis of the immunogenicity of experimental vaccinia vaccines, and for basic studies of human T cell memory.

Abstract: The invention stems from the discovery that sFRP and fragments thereof can bind to members of the Wnt family of proteins and cause an increase in Wnt biological activity. Furthermore, fragments of sFRP that do not contain the CRD domain are shown to bind to Wnt proteins and modulate Wnt biological activity. Accordingly, the invention provides these sFRP fragments and variants of these fragments, as well as vectors and host cells containing nucleic acid sequences encoding the sFRP fragments and variants.

Abstract: A method for generating spontaneously aligned surface wrinkles utilizes control of local moduli-mismatch and osmotic pressure. The method includes modifying the surface of an elastomeric layer to form a superlayer that is stiffer and/or less absorbent than the elastomeric layer. The elastomeric layer is then swollen with a polymerizable monomer, which causes buckling of the superlayer. The monomer is then polymerized, dimensionally stabilizing the surface buckling. The buckled surfaces generated by the method are useful in a wide variety of end-use applications, including microlenses, microlens arrays, compound microlenses, diffraction gratings, photonic crystals, smart adhesives, mechanical strain sensors, microfluidic devices, and cell culture surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a transgenic plant transformed with an isolated nucleic acid comprising a plant arsenite-inducible RNA-associated protein coding sequence operatively linked to a plant-expressible transcription regulatory sequence, wherein the plant arsenite-inducible RNA-associated protein coding sequence encodes a polypeptide that is at least 75% identical to a polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, or SEQ ID NO:14, and wherein the plant arsenite-inducible RNA-associated protein coding sequence encodes a polypeptide that confers resistance to a metal, a metal ion, a metalloid, or a metalloid ion.

Abstract: Methods of modulating the immune response using pharmaceutical compositions containing crystalline adjuvants are described. In various embodiments the crystalline adjuvants are selected from the group consisting of monosodium urate (MSU), xanthine, basic calcium phosphate (BCP), calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD), hydroxyapatite, calcium oxalate, cholesterol, lipid liquid, other crystalline lipids, lithium heparin, talc, and starch.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing a poly(9,9-disubstituted-fluorene) includes reacting a 9,9-disubstituted-fluorene with an alkyl lithium in the presence of a catalytic amount of a nickel amine complex. The 9,9-disubstituted-fluorene includes solubility-enhancing substituents in the 9-position and leaving groups in the 2-position and the 7-position. The product poly(9,9-disubstituted-fluorene)s are fluorescent conjugated polymers that are useful as, for example, blue light-emitting materials.

Abstract: Azidoaryl-substituted cyclooctene monomers and synthesized and used in the preparation of various copolymers. Among these copolymers are those prepared from ring-opening metathesis polymerization of cyclooctene, polyethylene glycol-substituted cyclooctene, and azidoaryl-substituted cyclooctene. These copolymers are useful in the formation of crosslinked films that reduce fouling of water purification membranes.

Abstract: A method for generating spontaneously aligned surface wrinkles utilizes control of local moduli-mismatch and osmotic pressure. The method includes modifying the surface of an elastomeric layer to form a superlayer that is stiffer and/or less absorbent than the elastomeric layer. The elastomeric layer is then swollen with a polymerizable monomer, which causes buckling of the superlayer. The monomer is then polymerized, dimensionally stabilizing the surface buckling. The budded surfaces generated by the method are useful in a wide variety of end-use applications, including microlenses, microlens arrays, compound microlenses, diffraction gratings, photonic crystals, smart adhesives, mechanical strain sensors, microfluidic devices, and cell culture surfaces.

Abstract: A novel immunogenic HIV-1 Env, particularly gp120, DNA construct is disclosed in which either the V1/V2 loop and the V4 loop, or all three variable loops, including V3, are replaced with a V3 sequence each of which is from a different viral isolate. Preferably, each replacement V3 loop is a consensus sequence of V3 of a different clade. Such constructs are useful as immunogens as each presents three independent V3 epitopes, so that the immunized subject generates a more broadly reactive neutralizing antibody response than with conventional gp120 or V3 DNA or polypeptide immunogens. Also disclosed are methods of using the DNA construct to immunize a mammal, preferably a human, particularly in a priming regiment in which the DNA immunogen is followed by administration of a V3 fusion protein boosting immunogen.