Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a modified MC1R peptide ligand comprising a peptide that is a melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) ligand and a functionality or linker, such as a click functionality, for conjugation to a surface or agent. The modified MC1R peptide ligand can be coupled, e.g., via a click reaction with a complementary click functionality attached, to a moiety to form an MC1R-targeted agent. Drugs, contrast agents, polymers, particles, micelles, surfaces of larger structures, or other moieties can be targeted to the MC1R. The subject invention also pertains to a MC1R peptide ligand-micelle complex comprising a peptide that is a melanocortin 1 receptor ligand connected via a click reaction product to a micelle. The micelle is stable in vivo and can target melanoma tumor cells by association of the peptide ligand with the MC1R or the tumor and selectively provide a detectable and/or therapeutic agent (such as an imageable contrast agent and/or anti-cancer agent) selectively to the tumor cell.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a composition comprising all or a portion of a beta-tricalcium phosphate (?-TCP) bound to all or a portion of a ?-TCP binding peptide and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A fusion protein has a first antigen element, a second antigen element, and optionally a tag sequence and/or a signal peptide sequence. The first antigen element includes a polypeptide derived from the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Psts-1 protein. The second antigen element includes a polypeptide derived from a protein encoded by a HPV gene. The fusion protein can induce humoral immunity and cellular immunity to a high-risk HPV cancer protein and has anti-cancer activity in vivo.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions, cells, kits, and methods for inducing an immune response in a subject. The compositions can be used as vaccines or vaccine adjuvants against cancer (e.g., melanoma, glioma, prostate, breast) and infectious diseases (e.g., therapeutic and preventative vaccination for viruses), and can be used in cell-based therapies for preventing and treating disorders such as cancer and infection. The compositions, cells, kits and methods involve one or more nucleic acids that encode one or more LMPI fusion proteins (chimeric proteins), and in a typical embodiment, synergistic activation of immune responses by a combination of two or more LMPI fusion proteins.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a fusion protein comprising at least a first and a second peptide, wherein —the second peptide comprises a targeting region and a first and a second interaction region, —the second peptide is located on the surface of the fusion protein; —the second peptide comprises at least two interaction pairs, wherein an interaction pair is formed by an amino acid of the first interaction region and an amino acid of the second interaction region, —the interaction between the amino acids of an interaction pair is covalent or non-covalent; and —at least one interaction pair is a covalent interaction pair in which the amino acids are covalently bound, and to virus like particles (VLP) comprising the fusion protein for use as drug delivery system. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the fusion protein, suitable expression vectors, host cells, production methods for the fusion protein and the VLP comprising the fusion protein.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a class of engineered polypeptides having a binding affinity for albumin. It also relates to new methods and uses that exploit binding by these and other compounds to albumin in different contexts, some of which have significance for treatment or diagnosis of disease in mammals including humans.

Abstract: A film of the present invention contains a polypeptide derived from spider silk proteins. The decomposition temperature of the film is 240 to 260° C. The film absorbs ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 200 to 300 nm and has a light transmittance of 85% or more at a wavelength of 400 to 780 nm. The film is transparent and colorless in a visible light region. A method for producing a film of the present invention includes: dissolving a polypeptide derived from spider silk proteins in a dimethyl sulfoxide solvent to prepare a dope; and cast-molding the dope on a surface of a base. Thus, the present invention provides a spider silk protein film that can be formed easily and has favorable stretchability, and a method for producing the same.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for controlling gene expression are disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides hNGAL muteins that bind a pyoverdine family member or pyochelin and can be used in various application including pharmaceutical applications, for example, to inhibit or reduce growth of P. aeruginosa. The present disclosure also concerns methods of making one or more pyoverdine- or pyochelin-binding muteins described herein as well as compositions comprising one or more of such muteins. The present disclosure further relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding such muteins and to methods for generation of such muteins and nucleic acid molecules. In addition, the application discloses therapeutic and/or diagnostic uses of these muteins as well as compositions comprising one or more of such muteins.

Abstract: Disclosed are a composition and system for separating and detecting an alpha-fetoprotein variant, comprising a separation reagent and a detection reagent; a system for separating and detecting an alpha-fetoprotein variant and a use thereof; and a kit for separating and detecting the alpha-fetoprotein variant. By means of the composition and system for separating and detecting the alpha-fetoprotein variant, and the use thereof, primary liver cancer can be indicated early on, the sensitivity is high, and the method is rapid, simple and automated.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel kinocidin peptides comprising a C-terminal portion of a kinocidin, wherein the C-terminal portion encompasses an ?-helical secondary structure and further displays antimicrobial activity. The kinocidin peptides of the invention are derived from and correspond to a C-terminal portion of a kinocidin that includes a ?KO core and that can be a CXC, CC, or C class chemokine. Structural, physicochemical and functional properties of this novel class of antimicrobial peptides and amino acid sequences of particular kinocidin peptides are also disclosed. The invention also provides related antimicrobial methods.

Abstract: Disclosed are cysteine variants of interleukin-11 (IL-11) and methods of making and using such proteins in therapeutic applications.

Abstract: A synergistic adjuvant is provided comprising synergistically effective amounts of at least one type 1 interferon and at least one CD40 agonist, wherein these moieties may be in the same or separate compositions. In addition, fusion proteins and DNA conjugates which contain a type 1 interferon/CD40 agonist/antigen combination are provided. The use of these compositions, protein and DNA conjugates as immune adjuvants for treatment of various chronic diseases such as HIV infection and for enhancing the efficacy of vaccines (prophylactic and therapeutic) is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a T cell receptor (TCR) having antigenic specificity for an HLA-A2-restricted epitope of human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 E6, E629-38. Related polypeptides and proteins, as well as related nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors, host cells, and populations of cells are also provided. Antibodies, or an antigen binding portion thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions relating to the TCRs of the invention are also provided. Also disclosed are methods of detecting the presence of a condition in a mammal and methods of treating or preventing a condition in a mammal, wherein the condition is cancer, HPV 16 infection, or HPV-positive premalignancy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variants of a parent albumin, the variants having altered plasma half-life compared with the parent albumin. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of using the variants.

Abstract: Novel collagen mimics are disclosed with a tripeptide unit having the formula (Xaa-Yaa-Gly)n,where one of the positions Xaa or Yaa is a bulky, non-electron withdrawing proline derivative. By substituting a proline derivative at either the Xaa or Yaa position in the native collagen helix, the stability of the helix is increased due solely to steric effects relative to prior known collagen-related triple helices. Methods are also disclosed for making the novel collagen mimics.

Abstract: The invention relates to antibodies, and antigen binding fragments thereof, that neutralize infection of both group A and group B RSV. The invention also relates to antigenic sites to which the antibodies and antigen binding fragments bind, as well as to nucleic acids that encode and immortalized B cells and cultured plasma cells that produce such antibodies and antibody fragments. In addition, the invention relates to the use of the antibodies, antibody fragments, and polypeptides recognized by the antibodies of the invention in screening methods as well as in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of RSV infection and group A and group B RSV co-infection.

Abstract: The invention features methods for preventing or treating CGRP associated disorders such as vasomotor symptoms, including headaches (e.g., migraine, cluster headache, and tension headache) and hot flushes, by administering an anti-CGRP antagonist antibody. Antagonist antibody G1 and antibodies derived from G1 directed to CGRP are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides anti-Tau antibodies and methods of using the same.

Abstract: Stabilized antibodies directed to Angiopoeitin-2 and uses of such antibodies are described. Nucleic acid and amino acid sequences, hybridomas or other cell lines for expressing such antibodies are also provided.

Abstract: Bispecific tetravalent antibodies against IL-17 and TNFa, useful in therapy, e.g. the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases and/or to reduce pathological inflammatory conditions.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing B-CLL in a subject in need thereof is provided. The method comprising determining in a biological sample of the subject a level of CD84 isoform C (SEQ ID NO: 30), wherein an increase in the level of the CD84 isoform C (SEQ ID NO: 30) beyond a predetermined threshold with respect to a level of the CD84 in a biological sample from a healthy individual is indicative of the B-CLL.

Abstract: The present invention relates to HLA-E as a tumor escape mechanism in head and neck cancer. The invention relates to methods for the treatment of head and neck cancer, notably HLA-E expressing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, using antibodies that specifically bind and inhibit human NKG2A.

Abstract: Anti-TIGIT antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof that inhibit TIGIT-mediated signalling are provided, together with combinations comprising said antibodies or antigen binding fragments thereof and methods for their use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing multivalent Fab fragments. In particular, the invention relates to a method for the generation of trimeric Fab fragments by co-expression of a gene construct comprising a heavy chain portion of a Fab fragment and an in-frame fused collagen-like peptide, and a gene construct consisting of a light chain portion of an IgG in mammalian cells. Uses of molecules generated using the method of the invention are also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to pyrrolobenzodiazepines (PBDs), in particular pyrrolobenzodiazepine dimers having a C2-C3 double bond and an aryl group at the C2 position in each monomer unit, and their inclusion in targeted conjugates. The differing substituent groups may offer advantages in the preparation and use of the compounds, particularly in their biological properties and the synthesis of conjugates, and the biological properties of these conjugates.

Abstract: The present invention includes the discovery of cell-surface vimentin as a novel biomarker to detect and isolate mesenchymal and epithelial-mesenchymal transformed circulating tumor cells from blood of cancer patients. In addition, an antibody specific for the detection of cell-surface vimentin on circulating tumor cells and the use the antibody to detect, enumerate, and isolate CTC are provided.

Abstract: Smooth muscle cells (SMC) from subjects carrying at least one 9p21 risk factor, can be resistant to efferocytosis, leading to the retention of such cells in the necrotic core of atherosclerotic plaque. In the methods of the invention, an agent that increases efferocytosis of cellular components of coronary plaque, including efferocytosis of apoptotic smooth muscle cells, is administered to the subject in a dose and for a period of time effective to stabilize, prevent or reduce atherosclerotic plaque in the individual.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating cancer in a human. The invention relates to targeting the stromal cell population in a tumor microenvironment. For example, in one embodiment, the invention provides a composition that is targeted to fibroblast activation protein (FAP). The invention includes a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) which comprises an anti-FAP domain, a transmembrane domain, and a CD3zeta signaling domain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of reducing, delaying, preventing and/or inhibiting the progression of a Cryptococcus infection into the central nervous system (CNS) of a subject by inhibiting the activity of a M36 fungalysin metalloprotease (e.g., MPR1) secreted by the Cryptococcus. The invention further provides methods of increasing, promoting and/or enhancing delivery of a therapeutic agent across the blood-brain-barrier, comprising systemically administering the therapeutic agent in conjunction with a M36 fungalysin metalloprotease (e.g., MPR1), or an enzymatically active fragment thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating eye diseases or conditions characterized by vascular instability, vascular leakage and neovacularization such as diabetic macular edema, age-related macular edema, choroidal neovascularization, diabetic retinopathy, trauma, ocular ischemia, retinal angiomatous proliferation, macular telangiectasia and uveitis.

Abstract: The present invention provides an antibody having an activity to specifically bind to human membrane-anchored form ADAM28 at an epitope in a region of the 524th-659th amino acids in the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2. In addition, the present invention provides a drug delivery vehicle for delivering a drug to a cell or tissue that expresses human membrane-anchored form ADAM28, which contains the antibody.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing microfibrillated cellulose, where a suspension comprising cellulose derivative in a liquid phase which comprises an organic solvent is provided. The suspension of cellulose derivative is mechanically treated and microfibrillated cellulose is obtained. At least a part of the liquid phase from the microfibrillated cellulose is separated and microfibrillated cellulose with a dry solids content of >30 weight-% is obtained.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a supported olefin polymerization catalyst system comprising catalyst compound, silica support and alumoxane activator, where part of the alumoxane is present on the support and part of the alumoxane is not associated with the support, wherein the silica comprises silica particles having an average surface area of greater than about 400 m2/g, an average pore diameter of less than about 70 Angstroms, and wherein alumoxane is present on the support in an amount of less than 7 mmol Al/g silica and at least 1 wt % of alumoxane particles not associated with the support are present in the catalyst system, based upon the weight of the catalyst system.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, the present invention provides a method for forming allyl telechelic polyisobutylene polymers having well defined molecular weights and molecular weight distributions using living cationic polymerization under ideal temperature control using a mixture of polar and nonpolar refluxing solvents. The methods according to various embodiments of the present invention provide temperature control that approaches the ideal, i.e., the heat of polymerization is instantaneously absorbed by the medium and the temperature of the system remains unchanged. The heat generated during the exothermic polymerization of isobutylene is released as an increase in the rate of reflux, rather than the temperature, since the temperature is set by the boiling point of the system and does not change.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer composition, to a layer element, preferably to at least one layer element of a photovoltaic module, comprising the polymer composition and to an article which is preferably said at least one layer of a layer element, preferably of a layer element of a photovoltaic module.

Abstract: This invention relates to a catalyst system comprising a half sandwich chromocene compound featuring a tethered P-donor, with an activator and optional supportation on silica which produces ethylene homopolymer or copolymer.

Abstract: Polymerization catalyst compositions are provided as are methods of their preparation. The compositions comprise fatty amines and find advantageous use in olefin polymerization processes. The catalyst composition comprises at least one supported polymerization catalyst wherein the catalyst composition is modified with at least one fatty amine wherein the fatty amine is substantially free of particulate inorganic material.

Abstract: Methods for producing polyolefin polymers may use a predictive melt index regression to estimate the melt index of the polyolefin during production based on the composition of the gas phase and, optionally, the concentration of catalyst in the reactor or reactor operating conditions. Such predictive melt index regression may include multiple terms to account for concentration of ICA in the reactor, optionally concentration of hydrogen in the reactor, optionally concentration of comonomer in the reactor, optionally the catalyst composition, and optionally reactor operating conditions. One or more terms may independently be represented by a smoothing function that incorporates a time constant.

Abstract: The invention has an object of providing ethylene/?-olefin copolymers having high randomness and a small number of double bonds in the copolymers. The ethylene/?-olefin copolymers of the invention are obtained by copolymerizing ethylene and an ?-olefin having 3 to 20 carbon atoms in the presence of an olefin polymerization catalyst which includes a bridged metallocene compound (A) represented by the formula [I], and at least one compound (B) selected from organometallic compounds (B-1), organoaluminum oxy compounds (B-2) and compounds (B-3) capable of reacting with the bridged metallocene compound (A) to form an ion pair, and have a specific weight average molecular weight, a specific molecular weight distribution, a specific glass transition point and a specific value B.

Abstract: In some aspects, polymeric yarns and communications cables incorporating the same are provided herein. Additionally, in some aspects, methods of producing polymeric yarns and communications cables incorporating the same are provided.

Abstract: A non-reactive photosensitive resin composition storable at room temperature comprises a carboxylic acid-modified bisphenol epoxy (meth)acrylate, a photosensitive monomer, a photosensitive prepolymer, a photo-initiator, and a coloring agent. Each of the carboxylic acid-modified bisphenol epoxy (meth)acrylate, photosensitive monomer, and photosensitive prepolymer has a plurality of carbon-carbon double bonds, so that the carboxylic acid-modified bisphenol epoxy (meth)acrylate, photosensitive monomer and photosensitive prepolymer may be polymerized to form a dense cross-linking network structure when the photosensitive resin composition is exposed to ultraviolet radiation. A film and a printed circuit board using the photosensitive resin composition are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to controlled radical polymerization processes for making branched-functionalized block polyacrylate polymers and compositions formed therefrom. In particular, such reaction products are formed by ensuring that the reaction products are substantially flowable and non-gelling, indicating that substantially no polymerization has occurred. The branched-functionalized block polyacrylates may be further functionalized and/or polymerized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing at least one resin, which comprises mixing at least one polyisocyanate with at least one polyepoxide, the reaction taking place in the presence of a catalyst system based on at least one metal-free Lewis base having at least one nitrogen atom, and also to resins obtainable by a method of the invention, and to the use of a resin obtainable by a method of the invention, or of a resin of the invention, for producing seals, for producing components for rotor blades, boat hulls, or vehicle body parts, or for coatings.

Abstract: Syntactic polyurethane elastomers are made using a non-mercury catalyst. The elastomer is made from a reaction mixture containing a polymer polyol which has a liquid polyether polyol as a continuous phase and polymer particles dispersed in the liquid polyether polyol, a chain extender, a polyisocyanate and microspheres. The elastomer adheres well to itself, which makes it very useful as thermal insulation for pipelines and other structures that have a complex geometry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of polyurethanes where (a) polyisocyanate, (b) polymeric compounds having groups reactive toward isocyanates, (c) catalysts, (d) polymer P formed from ethylenically unsaturated monomers and having an average of more than 2 functional groups of the formula —O—NH2 and optionally (e) blowing agent, (f) chain extender and/or crosslinking agent, and (g) auxiliaries and/or additives are mixed to give a reaction mixture, and the reaction mixture is allowed to complete a reaction to give the polyurethane. The present invention further relates to polyurethanes produced by this process and to the use of these polyurethanes in the interior of means of transport.

Abstract: Provided are a polyisocyanate monomer composition for optical members, from which an optical members with which turbidity and clouding are difficult to occur during the production thereof, and which is excellent in transparency, can be obtained, and an optical member and production methods therefor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a thermoplastic copolymer from polycaprolactam and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), to thermoplastic copolymers thus obtained and to shaped articles formed from copolymers of this type.

Abstract: A coating or plastics formulation contains a reaction product of at least one alkoxysilane-containing isocyanurate of the formula (I) with at least one hydrophilizing agent of the formula BOH which has at least one OH group, wherein R1, R2 and R3 in each case independently of one another are a linear or branched and/or cyclic C1-C8 alkylene radical, R?, R? and R?? in each case independently of one another are a linear or branched and/or cyclic C1-C8 alkyl radical, and B is a hydrophilic radical.

Abstract: A method for preparing an amphoteric shape-memory polyurethane and an amphoteric shape-memory polyurethane prepared by the method, the method including: 1) polymerizing monomer A and monomer B to synthesize a polyurethane; and 2) contacting monomer D and the polyurethane to conduct a ring-opening reaction on a nitrogen group of the polyurethane, to yield an amphoteric shape-memory polyurethane. The monomer A is a N-alkyl dialkanolamine having a formula I. The monomer B is a polyisocyanate, and the monomer D is an alkyl sulfonate.