Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of immunotherapy and immunodiagnosis of autoimmune conditions. More particularly, the present invention provides peptides of the A-chain of proinsulin or insulin, which are recognized by or are specific for proinsulin- or insulin-sensitized T-cells. The present invention further contemplates the use of the these agents in therapeutic and diagnostic applications for Type 1 diabetes.

Abstract: A method of wavelength tuning a composite material. The method includes the steps of: producing an ordered array of first constituents having a first refractive index embedded within a cross-linked metallopolymer network having a second refractive index different than the first refractive index, the ordered array of first constituents having a lattice spacing giving rise to Bragg diffraction when the composite material is illuminated; and switching the electronic configuration of the cross-linked metallopolymer network so that the cross-linked polymer network changes dimensions and modulates the lattice spacing of the ordered array of first constituents, which shifts the Bragg diffraction wavelength to a pre-selected wavelength.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a widely wavelength tunable polychrome colloidal photonic crystal device whose optical Bragg diffraction stop bands and higher energy bands wavelength, width and intensity can be tuned in a continuous and fine, rapid and reversible, reproducible and predictable fashion and over a broad spectral range by a controlled expansion or contraction of the colloidal photonic lattice dimension, effected by a predetermined change in the electronic configuration of the composite material. In its preferred embodiment, the material is a composite in the form of a film or a patterned film or shape of any dimension or array of shapes of any dimension comprised of an organized array of microspheres in a matrix of a cross-linked metallopolymer network with a continuously variable redox state of charge and fluid content.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a widely wavelength tunable polychrome colloidal photonic crystal device whose optical Bragg diffraction stop bands and higher energy bands wavelength, width and intensity can be tuned in a continuous and fine, rapid and reversible, reproducible and predictable fashion and over a broad spectral range by a controlled expansion or contraction of the colloidal photonic lattice dimension, effected by a predetermined change in the electronic configuration of the composite material. In its preferred embodiment, the material is a composite in the form of a film or a patterned film or shape of any dimension or array of shapes of any dimension comprised of an organized array of microspheres in a matrix of a cross-linked metallopolymer network with a continuously variable redox state of charge and fluid content.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a widely wavelength tunable polychrome colloidal photonic crystal device whose optical Bragg diffraction stop bands and higher energy bands wavelength, width and intensity can be tuned in a continuous and fine, rapid and reversible, reproducible and predictable fashion and over a broad spectral range by a controlled expansion or contraction of the colloidal photonic lattice dimension, effected by a predetermined change in the electronic configuration of the composite material. In its preferred embodiment, the material is a composite in the form of a film or a patterned film or shape of any dimension or array of shapes of any dimension comprised of an organized array of microspheres in a matrix of a cross-linked metallopolymer network with a continuously variable redox state of charge and fluid content.

Abstract: A pressure sensor comprising a stable polymer having a backbone containing nitrogen and one or more of sulfur or phosphorous, and including a phosphorescent dye agent.

Abstract: Linear backbone phosphorus-boron polymers of the general formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4, are the same or different and selected from H, optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl and phenyl; and n is at least 2, and particularly high molecular weight polymers of absolute weight average molecular weight of at least 10,000. The polymers are of use as fire retardants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and materials for reducing or limiting charge accumulation and the resulting arc discharges in components used in space vehicles such as satellites prone to charge buildup due to exposure to a charge flux. The material is found in the poly(metallocene) family. In each member of this family, a metal atom is an integral part of the polymer chain, the whole structure being held together (and the interactions provided) by chemical bonds rather than by the proximity of the components in a heterogeneous mechanical mixture. In a homogeneous dielectric, the needed conductivity may be radiation-induced or it may be achieved as the result of doping. The components may be coated with, or alternatively fabricated from, a material including the poly(metallocene) as a constituent.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of polyphosphazenes is provided that includes the cationic solution polymerization reaction of a phosphoranimine, using a main group or transition metal halide, or other appropriate halide salt, including a linear phosphazene salt of any chain length, or a preformed non-phosphazene polymer containing a main or transition metal chloride, as an initiator. In a preferred embodiment, triarmed-star polyphosphazenes having the formula N{RN(H)R'.sub.2 P--(N.dbd.PR'.sub.2).sub.n }.sub.3 are prepared via this method. Also, a methods for synthesis of the monomer Cl.sub.3 P.dbd.NSiMe.sub.3 and cyclic trimer N.sub.3 P.sub.3 X.sub.6 from the reactants N(SiR.sub.3).sub.3 and PX.sub.5 are also described.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of polyphosphazenes is provided that includes the cationic solution polymerization reaction of a phosphoranimine, using a main group or transition metal halide, or other appropriate halide salt, including a linear phosphazene salt of any chain length, or a preformed nonphosphazene polymer containing a main or transition metal chloride, as an initiator.

Abstract: The new thionyl phosphazene polymers, which contain recurring structural units corresponding to the following formula ##STR1## are prepared by ring-opening polymerization of cyclothionyl chlorophosphazene corresponding to the following formula ##STR2## at temperatures of 100.degree. to 300.degree. C. in the presence of an inert organic solvent and reaction of the polymer thus obtained, which corresponds to the following formula ##STR3## with salts corresponding to the following formulaM(R.sup.1 -R.sup.5)in the presence of an inert organic solvent at temperatures of 20.degree. to 200.degree. C.The new thionyl phosphazene polymers may be used for the production of thermoplastics, elastomers or thermosets.

Abstract: The synthesis of the first examples of a new class of inorganic macromolecules, the polythiophosphazenes, is reported. When heated at 90.degree. C., the cyclothiophosphazene N.sub.3 P.sub.2 SCl.sub.5 undergoes ring-opening polymerization to yield the high polymeric polythiophosphazene [N.sub.3 P.sub.2 SCl.sub.5 ].sub.n. The latter functions as a reactive macromolecular intermediate and undergoes halogen replacement with sodium phenoxide and sodium o-phenylphenoxide to afford the polymers [N.sub.3 P.sub.2 S(OPh).sub.5 ].sub.n and [N.sub.3 P.sub.2 S(OC.sub.6 H.sub.4 Ph--o).sub.3.25 Cl.sub.1.75 ].sub.n, respectively.

Abstract: The synthesis of a new class of macromolecules, the polycarbophosphazenes, is reported. When heated at 120.degree. C., the cyclocarbophosphazene N.sub.3 P.sub.2 CCl.sub.5 undergoes ring-opening polymerization to afford the high polymeric polycarbophosphazene [N.sub.3 P.sub.2 CCl.sub.5 ].sub.n. The latter functions as a reactive macromolecular intermediate and undergoes halogen replacement with sodium phenoxide or aniline to afford the hydrolytically stable derivatives [N.sub.3 P.sub.2 C(OPh).sub.5 ].sub.n and [N.sub.3 P.sub.2 C(NHPh).sub.5 ].sub.n.