Abstract: Methods and compositions for enhancing an immune response to a selected antigen are described. The methods are useful for the treatment and prevention of microbial infections, such as infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. The methods and compositions include host defense peptides, polyphosphazenes and immunostimulatory sequences to enhance the immune response to a coadministered antigen.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides comprising a CLDN5 mini-promoter are provided. The mini-promoter may be operably linked to an expressible sequence, e.g. reporter genes, genes encoding a polypeptide of interest, regulatory RNA sequences such as miRNA, siRNA, anti-sense RNA, etc., and the like. In some embodiments a cell comprising a stable integrant of an expression vector is provided, which may be integrated in the genome of the cell. The mini-promoter may also be provided in a vector, for example in combination with an expressible sequence. The polynucleotides find use in a method of expressing a sequence of interest, e.g. for identifying or labeling cells, monitoring or tracking the expression of cells, etc.

Abstract: Compounds having a structure of Formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, tautomer or stereoisomer thereof, wherein R, R1, R2, R3, R4, M1, M2, X, L1, L2, J1, J2, a1, a2, b1 and b2 are as defined herein, and wherein at least one of M2 or L2 is a moiety comprising an aziridine, acrylamide or sulfonate functional group, are provided. Uses of such compounds for treatment of various indications, including prostate cancer as well as methods of treatment involving such compounds are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods of use thereof for cancer therapy sensitization. Such compositions comprise functional fragments of the nucleotide and/or polypeptide sequences of a Secreted Protein Acidic and Rich in Cysteine (SPARC). The compositions can be used in combination with existing chemotherapeutic agents for treatment of cancers.

Abstract: Cells expressingHsp27 exhibit reduced levels of p27kip1. Accordingly, a method for treatment of cancer using hsp27 inhibition that includes a preliminary test to ascertain the status of the p27kip1 in the target cells. In this test, a sample of cancerous tissue from the patient from the patient (including a human patient) and evaluated to determine an expression of level of functional p27kip1. In the case where the expression level of p27kip1 is below a threshold level, a therapeutic composition comprising as an active agent a composition effective to inhibit the expression or activity of hsp27 in administered to the patient.

Abstract: The invention provides in part dialkoxybenzene compounds for controlling infestation by a Trichoplusia ni, and methods thereof. The compounds include a compound of Formula I: where R1 may be methyl, ethyl, propyl, n-butyl, isopentyl (3-methylbutyl) or allyl; R2 may be at positions 2, 3 or 4 and may be H, methyl, ethyl, propyl, n-butyl, isopentyl (3-methylbutyl) or allyl; and R3 may be optionally present at positions 2, 3 and 4, and is allyl; except that when R2 is at position 2, R3 if present is at position 3, and when R2 is at position 3, R3 if present is at to positions 2 or 4, and when R2 is at position 4, R3 if present is at position 2, and when R2 is at position 4 and R3, if present, has reacted with an OH group at position 1 in a Markovnikov sense, then R3 becomes R4, a dihydrofuran.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods for perfusing a cell with perfusion fluid are provided herein, wherein the gravitational forces acting on the cell to keep the cell at or near a retainer or a retaining position exceed the hydrodynamic forces acting on the cell to move it toward an outlet. Also provided, are methods for assaying cell products within the microfluidic device.

Abstract: Bispecific antisense oligonucleotides which consist essentially of a sequence of bases that is complementary to portions of both the gene encoding human IGFBP-2 and the gene encoding human IGFBP-5 are useful in as antisense therapeutics in the treatment of endocrine-regulated cancers.

Abstract: A mesoporous metal oxide materials with a chiral organization; and a method for producing it, in the method a polymerizable metal oxide precursor is condensed inside the pores of chiral nematic mesoporous silica by the so-called “hard templating” method. As a specific example, mesoporous titanium dioxide is formed inside of a chiral nematic silica film templated by nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC). After removing the silica template such as by dissolving the silica in concentrated aqueous base, the resulting product is a mesoporous titania with a high surface area. These mesoporous metal oxide materials with high surface area and chiral nematic structures that lead to photonic properties may be useful for photonic applications as well as enantioselective catalysis, photocatalysis, photovoltaics, UV filters, batteries, and sensors.

Abstract: In various aspects, the invention provides methods and compositions for modulating NMDA receptor subtype activity, to enhance NR2A-containing NMDA receptor activity relative to NR2B-containing NMDA receptor activity, so as to effect a neuroprotective reduction in excitotoxic NMDA receptor activity