Abstract: Method of bioconversion of coal to methane, carbon dioxide, and other valuable gaseous and liquid products in a multi-step process that may include particle size reduction, separation of non-coal materials, addition of chemicals, and multi-stage anaerobic fermentation are disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the growth and expansion of mammalian cells in culture are provided. In particular, methods for the growth and expansion of postpartum-derived cells in vitro are provided using surfaces such as microcarrier beads.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for detecting, analyzing, and identifying biomolecules used to identifying patient with dengue-like symptom who are at risk of DHF. The inventive method comprises detecting in a sample from a subject dengue infected patient one or more biomarkers selected from the group consisting of IL-10, fibrinogen, C4A, immunoglobulin, tropomyosin, and three isoforms of albumin, and which are used in a predictive MARS model to detect patients with risk of developing DHF.

Abstract: This invention relates to cell-independent processes which mimic cellular bioremodelling and produce organized biomaterials which have mechanical properties and viable cell densities suitable for use as functional tissue implants. The biomaterials are produced by providing a gel comprising a matrix of scaffold fibers of and an interstitial fluid; and plastically compacting the gel to produce the biomaterial. The biomaterials may comprise 3D structures such as layering, alignment and meso-scale zonal heterogeneities of cells and matrix which mimic native tissue structure. Biomaterials with biomimetic structure as described herein may be useful in a range of therapeutic applications.

Abstract: A three-dimensional cell culture system is provided comprising one or more cell types of interest incorporated in a natural or synthetic hydrogel. An apparatus for high-throughput drug screening is also provided comprising a plurality of three-dimensional cell culture systems and a dispenser for placing at least one three-dimensional cell culture system into a pre-determined well of a multiwell plate. A method for high-throughput drug screening is also provided that comprises providing a test agent, providing a three-dimensional cell culture system, determining a first cellular response of the cell of interest before culturing in the presence of the agent, culturing the cell of interest in the cell culture system in the presence of the agent, determining a second cellular response of the cell of interest after culturing in the presence of the agent, and comparing the first and second cellular responses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing cell samples for histological examination and, more particularly, a method for preparing a cell sample as a standard, or control, for use in the fields of cytology and histology.

Abstract: A process for the large-scale chemoenzymatic production of (6S)-5-methyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolic acid, also known as (6S)-5-methylTHFA, the process comprising the steps of: (1) reducing folic acid (FA) so as to yield dihydrofolic acid (DHFA); (2) stereoselectively reducing DHFA with dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) in the presence of NADP/NADPH, glucose and GluDH so as to yield (6S)-THFA; (3) converting (6S)-THFA to (6S)-5-methlTHFA; and (4) isolating (6S)-5-methylTHFA.

Abstract: This invention provides devices and methods that enable co-incubation of microorganisms. Also provided are methods of making such devices for co-incubation of microorganisms, and various applications of such devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing sweet juice from lignocellulosic substrate, wherein enzymatic hydrolysis is carried out by performing cellulase supplementation with supported ?-glucosidases used in a reactor separate from the lignocellulose enzymatic hydrolysis reactor.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for culturing cells so that the cells are induced to differentiate into cells that express a hepatic stellate phenotype and cells that express a hepatic sinusoidal endothelial phenotype. The invention is also directed to cells produced by the methods of the invention. The cells are useful, among other things, for treatment of liver deficiency, liver metabolism studies, and liver toxicity studies.

Abstract: Disclosed are a highly safe treatment method for hyperlipidemia and a therapeutic agent for hyperlipidemia. Specifically, the invention provides a novel method for screening an agent for treating hyperlipidemia, more specifically, a method for screening a substance that can inhibit the production or function of gangliosides, particularly GM3, or inhibit the activity or expression of GM3 synthase to reduce a blood lipid level. A pharmaceutical composition, which can specifically inhibit the production of gangliosides, particularly GM3, thereby effective for hyperlipidemia treatment, and others are also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing H2S comprising: a) continuously providing an electron donor at a variable rate to a biosolution comprising sulphur-reducing bacteria; b) reacting elemental sulphur with HS? to from soluble polysulphide; c) providing said polysulphide to a bioreactor having the biosolution, thereby producing H2S gas in the bioreactor; and d) continuously removing H2S gas from the bioreactor, wherein an average rate of providing polysulphide to sulphur-reducing bacteria is equal to an average rate of polysulphide consumption by the sulphur-reducing bacteria.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods of making a megakaryocyte-erythroid progenitor cell (MEP), comprising differentiating a stem cell into a MEP in culture in the presence of an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist. In some embodiments the stem cell is a pluripotent stem cell. In some embodiments the MEP co-expresses CD41 and CD235. In some embodiments the number of MEPs produced in the culture increases exponentially. Methods of making a red blood cell (RBC) by culturing a MEP in the presence of an AhR agonist are also provided. Methods of making a megakaryocyte and/or a platelet, comprising culturing a MEP in the presence of an AhR modulator are also provided. In some embodiments the AhR modulator is an AhR antagonist. This disclosure also provides compositions comprising at least 1 million MEPs per ml and compositions in which at least 50% of the cells are MEPs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the estrogen receptor status of patients suffering from breast cancer. The present invention also aims to provide methods and devices for predicting the response of patients diagnosed with breast cancer to specific medicaments. More specifically, the present invention provides methods which measure kinase activity by studying phosphorylation levels and profiles in samples obtained from patients diagnosed with breast cancer.

Abstract: A cell culture polysaccharide microcarrier includes (1) a cross-linked polysaccharide microcarrier base having a neutral or negative charge at pH 7, and (ii) a polypeptide conjugated to the base. The polypeptide may contain a cell adhesive sequence, such as RGD. Cells cultured with such microcarriers exhibit peptide-specific binding to the microcarriers.

Abstract: A reference solution is provided, which comprises, in a liquid phase, at least one of a first compound and a second compound which are mutually convertible into each other, and at least one catalyst, which catalyzes the conversion between the first compound and the second compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the arrangement of one or more cells in a medium or on a substrate through the use of boundary conditions, which are changes in local environment compared to the medium or substrate alone or cause an alteration of cell response upon interaction of a cell with the boundary condition.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices and methods for determining and/or isolating cells. One aspect is generally directed to methods and devices for detecting, identifying, counting, and/or potentially sorting cells of interest in blood or other biological sample. In some embodiments, blood samples (or other biological fluids) may be treated with signaling entities, such as pH-sensitive entities, that change color or otherwise produce a signal in suitable internal environments. For example, certain cells, such as cancer or fetal cells, may have differences in intracellular pH compared to other cells, which can be detected using pH-sensitive entities. In certain embodiments, the cells may be sorted based on such signaling entities; for example, illumination of cells in a suitable machine for sorting cells (e.g., using fluorescent light) may allow determination of the cells, which may also be recovered or isolated for further manipulation in some cases.

Abstract: An assay method and device can perform at least one (e.g., at least two) assays on a single aliquot of a sample liquid. The device can mix a sample liquid with assay reagents including magnetically susceptible particles. The device is configured to create a sample liquid-air interface with the sample liquid. The magnetically susceptible particles can be located (via an applied magnetic field) at the liquid-air interface when a second liquid contacts the interface to form a liquid-liquid interface. The magnetic particles travel across the liquid:liquid interface to the second liquid. The magnetically susceptible particles are configured to transport an analyte across the interface into the second liquid. An assay for the analyte is performed in the second liquid. An assay for another analyte can also be performed in the sample liquid.

Abstract: Polymer surfaces coated with organometallic layers, wherein the organometallic layers and polymer surfaces have functional groups that react to bond the organometallic layer to the polymer surface with organometallic functional groups remaining unreacted for the subsequent covalent attachment of organic overlayers. Coating methods and coated articles are also disclosed.