Abstract: The invention provides a polynucleotide encoding an envelope protein comprising gp120 of human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) having a mutation at amino acid residues 197-199 whereby a single N-linked glycan is removed. In a typical embodiment, the mutation replaces the asparagine (N) at residue 197 with another amino acid, such as glutamine (Q), creating an N197Q mutation. Because the N197 glycan is highly conserved among HIV-1 subtypes, this approach is applicable across HIV-1 isolates. The invention provides polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, vectors, and recombinant viruses containing the polynucleotides, antigen-presenting cells (APCs) presenting the polypeptides, immune cells directed against HIV, and pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: An imaging system for controlling powder aiming in a molten puddle. In the imaging system of the present invention, an image processor extracts a first image of the molten puddle and a second image of a powder envelope from a composite image of the weld area. The first and second processed images provide feedback for process control.

Abstract: A metal article of manufacture including a tubular body portion and free-formed metal features on the tubular body portion. The free-formed metal features are formed of a layerwise deposition of a molten metal material in a predefined pattern to form the desired free-formed feature or construction.