Abstract: A mutant subtilase cytotoxin B subunit protein is provided which can bind glycans having ?2-3-linked N-glycolylneuraminic acid and glycans having ?2-6-linked N-glycolylneuraminic acid. The mutant SubB protein has deletions of one or more of the amino acid sequence TTSTE and has a previously undescribed ability to bind glycans having ?2-6-linked N-glycolylneuraminic acid, while not losing the ability to bind glycans having ?2-3-linked N-glycolylneuraminic acid.

Abstract: A mutant subtilase cytotoxin B subunit protein is provided which can bind glycans having ?2-3-linked N-glycolylneuraminic acid and glycans having ?2-6-linked N-glycolylneuraminic acid. The mutant SubB protein has deletions of one or more of the amino acid sequence TTSTE and has a previously undescribed ability to bind glycans having ?2-6-linked N-glycolylneuraminic acid, while not losing the ability to bind glycans having ?2-3-linked N-glycolylneuraminic acid.

Abstract: A forward charging system for a firearm is described. In one example, the forward charging system includes a forward charging handle coupled to a forward charging handle actuator tube. The forward charging handle actuator tube is configured to contact a bolt carrier group and exert a force to disengage a locking mechanism of the bolt carrier group and charge the firearm. The forward charging handle actuator tube is mounted on a gas tube configured to permit passage of gas caused by firing of a cartridge by the firearm, and the forward charging handle slides along the gas tube to contact the bolt carrier group.

Abstract: A mutant subtilase cytotoxin B subunit protein is provided which can bind glycans having ?2-3-linked N-glycolylneuraminic acid and glycans having ?2-6-linked N-glycolylneuraminic acid. The mutant SubB protein has deletions of one or more of the amino acid sequence TTSTE and has a previously undescribed ability to bind glycans having ?2-6-linked N-glycolylneuraminic acid, while not losing the ability to bind glycans having ?2-3-linked N-glycolylneuraminic acid.

Abstract: The Universal Identity Validation System and Method (UIVSM) is a novel system and method for validating identity of membership on behalf of third-party entities. The UIVSM will validate identity for in-person and cyber-based interactions. Embodiments of this invention relate to the collection of enough biometric attribute information from an individual during enrollment at a supervised biometric scanning site to provide for the capability to revalidate this individual's identity during future biometric scans at supervised biometric scanning sites with an extremely high degree of accuracy. A plurality of method-operator controlled supervised biometric scanning sites will be deployed across the region for which UIVSM services are offered, as individuals must be physically present at a method-operator supervised biometric scanning site for a supervised biometric scan. Gathered biometric attribute information from enrolled persons will be stored in an information store, so individuals may not re-enroll.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer-implemented method of processing an image of a user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of mutant glycoproteins from pathogenic bacteria lacking one or more phosphorylcholine and/or glycosylation post-translational modifications as immunogens. These post-translational modifications act as masking structures that elicit an immune response which does not confer protection on an infected individual. The removal or modification of these masking structures alters the protein such that it elicits a stronger immune response to the protein and/or the bacterial pathogen. Particular examples are pilin proteins and nitrite reductase glycoproteins of Neisseria bacteria.

Abstract: In an environment wherein a front end system receives a service request, and a back end system responds to the request, a user of a target endpoint must be authenticated. A ticket ID is assigned to the service request, and responsive to an initiating action of the user, a virtual token is generated that has a specified relationship with the ticket ID. The virtual token is delivered to the user, and the user is prompted to present the token to a validating component associated with one of the front end or back end systems, wherein the validating component is configured to verify the token validity. If the token is found to be valid, the user is authenticated to access the specified target endpoint.

Abstract: In an environment wherein a front end system receives a service request, and a back end system responds to the request, a user of a target endpoint must be authenticated. A ticket ID is assigned to the service request, and responsive to an initiating action of the user, a virtual token is generated that has a specified relationship with the ticket ID. The virtual token is delivered to the user, and the user is prompted to present the token to a validating component associated with one of the front end or back end systems, wherein the validating component is configured to verify the token validity. If the token is found to be valid, the user is authenticated to access the specified target endpoint.

Abstract: In an environment wherein a front end system receives a service request, and a back end system responds to the request, a user of a target endpoint must be authenticated. A ticket ID is assigned to the service request, and responsive to an initiating action of the user, a virtual token is generated that has a specified relationship with the ticket ID. The virtual token is delivered to the user, and the user is prompted to present the token to a validating component associated with one of the front end or back end systems, wherein the validating component is configured to verify the token validity. If the token is found to be valid, the user is authenticated to access the specified target endpoint.

Abstract: In an environment wherein a front end system receives a service request, and a back end system responds to the request, a user of a target endpoint must be authenticated. A ticket ID is assigned to the service request, and responsive to an initiating action of the user, a virtual token is generated that has a specified relationship with the ticket ID. The virtual token is delivered to the user, and the user is prompted to present the token to a validating component associated with one of the front end or back end systems, wherein the validating component is configured to verify the token validity. If the token is found to be valid, the user is authenticated to access the specified target endpoint.

Abstract: Neisseria meningitidis PorA constructs are provided which have one or more disrupted variable regions created by insertion of entire conserved regions or conserved region amino acids. The highly immunogenic variable regions of PorA are responsible for eliciting strain-specific immune responses that are not broadly protective, so disruption of the variable regions directs the immune response against conserved region epitopes to effectively immunize against a broader spectrum of N. meningitidis strains. Also provided are encoding nucleic acids, genetic constructs, host cells expressing the PorA constructs and compositions, kits and methods for detection and treatment of Neisseria meningitidis infections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vaccine for the treatment of disease caused by Neisseria, the vaccine including one or more immunogenic components for Neisseria serogroups, as well as antibodies to the immunogenic components and methods of preventing and treating Neisseria infections. The immunogens are based on elements of the inner core lipopolysaccharide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vaccine for the treatment of disease caused by Neisseria, the vaccine including one or more immunogenic components for Neisseria serogroups, as well as antibodies to the immunogenic components and methods of preventing and treating Neisseria infections. The immunogens are based on elements of the inner core lipopolysaccharide.

Abstract: Neisseria meningitidis PorA constructs are provided which have one or more disrupted variable regions created by insertion of entire conserved regions or conserved region amino acids. The highly immunogenic variable regions of PorA are responsible for eliciting strain-specific immune responses that are not broadly protective, so disruption of the variable regions directs the immune response against conserved region epitopes to effectively immunize against a broader spectrum of N. meningitidis strains. Also provided are encoding nucleic acids, genetic constructs, host cells expressing the PorA constructs and compositions, kits and methods for detection and treatment of Neisseria meningitidis infections.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel surface polypeptide from Neisseria meningitidis as well as nucleic acid and nucleic acid sequence homologues encoding this protein. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the polypeptide and nucleic acids of the invention are also disclosed as well as methods useful in the treatment, prevention and diagnosis of N. meningitidis infection.

Abstract: Novel proteins that constitute modified forms of a Neisseria meningitidis surface antigen and encoding nucleic acids are provided. The modified surface proteins are characterized by having deletions of non-conserved amino acids, and thereby being capable of eliciting cross-protective immune responses against Neisseria meningitidis. The invention extends to the use of the modified surface antigens in diagnostics, in therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines and in the design and/or screening of medicaments. The modified surface antigens are particularly useful in vaccines which effectively immunize against a broader spectrum of N. meningitidis strains than would be expected from a corresponding wild-type surface antigen.

Abstract: Novel proteins that constitute modified forms of a Neisseria meningitidis surface antigen and encoding nucleic acids are provided. The modified surface proteins are characterized by having deletions of non-conserved amino acids, and thereby being capable of eliciting cross-protective immune responses against Neisseria meningitidis. The invention extends to the use of the modified surface antigens in diagnostics, in therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines and in the design and/or screening of medicaments. The modified surface antigens are particularly useful in vaccines which effectively immunize against a broader spectrum of N. meningitidis strains than would be expected from a corresponding wild-type surface antigen.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel surface polypeptide from Neisseria meningitidis as well as nucleic acid and nucleic acid sequence homologues encoding this protein. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the polypeptide and nucleic acids of the invention are also disclosed as well as methods useful in the treatment, prevention and diagnosis of N. meningitidis infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vaccine for the treatment of disease caused by Neisseria, the vaccine including one or more immunogenic components for Neisseria serogroups, as well as antibodies to the immunogenic components and methods of preventing and treating Neisseria infections. The immunogens are based on elements of the inner core lipopolysaccharide.