Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting an analyte of interest using paper spray mass spectrometry includes a spray material; a sample on the spray material including an enzyme of interest; a solvent to hydrate the sample, promote enzymatic activity, and extract analytes of interest from the sample; a substrate specific to the enzyme of interest, wherein any of the spray material and the solvent includes the substrate; a voltage source to apply a voltage to the spray material to create charged droplets of a mixture containing the sample; and a mass spectrometer to perform spectrometry on the droplets to perform any of: identify the analytes of interest in the sample; and measure a level of inhibition in any enzymes contained in the sample.

Abstract: Methods for seeding live cells onto spatially defined regions of a substrate including multiple features (e.g., microwells or other microenvironments) utilize a stencil embodied in a hole-defining sacrificial film. A sacrificial film devoid of holes may be applied over features of a substrate, and a hole generating mechanism (e.g., hot needle or laser) aligned with features may be used to define holes in the film. Alternatively, holes may be predefined in a sacrificial film to form a stencil, and the stencil may be assembled to the substrate with the holes registered with features thereof. Thereafter, cells are seeded through holes in the film. Seeded cells are subject to incubation, further processing, and/or performance of one or more assays, and the hole-defining sacrificial film (stencil) may be removed.

Abstract: The present specification discloses pest control compositions, articles of manufacture, containers or kits comprising such compositions, and methods and uses to control a population of invertebrate pests from a mammal, location, plant, structure treated of such pest control compositions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a three-dimensional culture system comprising a biocompatible polymer and a combination of factors in an amount effective to induce differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursors and/or oligodendrocytes from pluripotent stem cells. The present disclosure provides methods of generating oligodendrocyte precursors and/or oligodendrocytes using a three-dimensional culture system of the present disclosure. The present disclosure provides methods to treat neurological diseases and demyelinating diseases.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to isolated microorganisms—including novel strains of the microorganisms-microbial consortia, and agricultural compositions comprising the same. Furthermore, the disclosure teaches methods of utilizing the described microorganisms, microbial consortia, and agricultural compositions comprising the same, in methods for imparting beneficial properties to target plant species. In particular aspects, the disclosure provides methods of increasing desirable plant traits in agronomically important crop species.

Abstract: A method of making an electron beam irradiated osteoinductive implant is provided. The method comprises exposing an osteoinductive implant containing demineralized bone matrix (DBM) fibers to electron beam radiation at a dose of from about 10 kilograys to 100 kilograys for a period of time. The electron beam irradiation reduces microorganisms in the osteoinductive implant, and the electron beam irradiated osteoinductive implant retains osteoinductive properties. Methods of implantation and an irradiated osteoinductive implant are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of microbial enhanced oil recovery by changing microbial motility, including: subjecting a viable Glycocaulis strain and the alkane-degrading Dietzia strain to contact culture to enable the alkane-degrading Dietzia strain to have motility. This application also provides a method for microbial enhanced oil recovery, including: subjecting a viable Glycocaulis strain and the alkane-degrading Dietzia strain to contact culture to enable the alkane-degrading Dietzia strain to have motility; and injecting the contact culture mixture of the viable Glycocaulis strain and the alkane-degrading Dietzia strain to an oil well to perform microbial enhanced oil recovery.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions relating to molecular targets identified as being capable of increasing or decreasing thermogenic potential in cells, including preadipocytes. Included in the invention are methods and compositions relating to inhibiting or suppressing the activity of an uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) negative regulator, such as cardiac actin 1 (ACTC1), somatostatin receptor 1 (SSTR1), FAT atypical cadherin 1 (FAT1), and protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type B (PTPRB). Also included in the invention are methods and compositions relating to activating a UCP1 positive regulator, such as phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-triphosphate-dependent Rac exchange factor 1 (PREX1), cortactin binding protein 2 (CTTNBP2), doublesex and mab-3-related transcription factor-like family A1 (DMRTA1), and endothelin receptor type B (ENDRB). The invention also provides methods and compositions relating to enrichment of cells having thermogenic potential based on cell surface markers, e.g.

Abstract: A urolithin-containing aqueous solution containing urolithin and collagen, a dried solid composition thereof, methods for producing these, and a stabilization method for urolithin.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for identifying methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a bacterial sample comprising the steps: classifying bacteria in the sample as Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and determining the presence or absence of the phenol soluble modulin peptide or a variant thereof wherein the presence of the PSM-mec peptide or variant thereof indicates methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The variant is preferably the formylated version of the PSM-mec peptide having a mass to charge ratio of 2415 in a singly protonated state.

Abstract: A skin care composition is disclosed comprising at least one exopolysaccharide (EPS) originating from a microbial mat, the EPS being in a concentration of about 0.001% w/w to about 1.5% w/w of the composition. Uses and methods of use thereof. In specific embodiments, the EPSs are derived from microorganisms isolated from microbial mats found in French Polynesia. The composition is useful in reducing signs of skin aging and environmental damage by altering skin cell metabolism and improving hydration.

Abstract: Single dye fluorescent staining and the combination of differences in both intensity and spectral emission permit determination of the minimum concentration of an antibiotic needed to inactivate bacteria (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC)), thereby providing a means for rapid Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (AST). This allows for a quick and easy means for clinicians to determine a suitable treatment regimen for patients suffering from bacterial infections and those that eventually lead to sepsis.

Abstract: Single dye fluorescent staining and the combination of differences in both intensity and spectral emission permit determination of the minimum concentration of an antibiotic needed to inactivate bacteria (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC)), thereby providing a means for rapid Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (AST). This allows for a quick and easy means for clinicians to determine a suitable treatment regimen for patients suffering from bacterial infections and those that eventually lead to sepsis.

Abstract: The invention relates to HMOs and compositions comprising thereof for reducing the risk of, preventing, or treating CVD and/or CDV associated pathological conditions or diseases in humans, particularly in overweight and obese humans.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides thermoreversible polymers, hydrogel compositions comprising the thermoreversible polymers, as well as methods of making and using the thermoreversible polymers.

Abstract: Guanidine-functionalized particles and methods of making and using such particles are provided, such as guanidine-functionalized metal silicate particles. A nonwoven article is also provided including a porous fibrous nonwoven matrix and guanidine-functionalized metal silicate particles enmeshed within the porous fibrous nonwoven matrix. The nonwoven article may be used, for instance, for removing microorganisms from an aqueous sample by contacting a fluid sample with the nonwoven article such that at least a portion of the microorganisms are removed from the fluid sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mass-spectrometric method to determine microbial resistances to antibiotics, in which the microbes are cultured in a medium comprising an antibiotic, and a mass spectrum of the microbes is acquired after they have been cultured. The method is characterized by the fact that any microbial growth taking place during the culture is mass-spectrometrically determined with the aid of a reference substance, which is added in a dosed amount and is co-measured in the mass spectrum, wherein a growth in microbes indicates the resistance to the antibiotic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the remediation of contaminated solids and liquids. In particular, embodiments of the present invention relate to the bioremediation of solids and liquids by a composition comprising a biocatalyst or mixture of biocatalysts. The present invention also relates to methods for producing the bioremediation compositions and methods for applying the bioremediation compositions to contaminated sites, including treatment, storage, and disposal facilities, as well as various contaminated water sources, such as aquifers and reservoirs.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the invention provides a method for converting of a flue gas desulfurization (FGD) waste product to a gypsum-enriched product by fostering growth of sulfur oxidizing bacteria (SOB) in the FGD waste product. Also provided are isolated sulfur oxidizing bacteria cultures as well as kits comprising an isolated sulfur oxidizing bacteria culture and written instructions for fostering the growth of the isolated sulfur oxidizing bacteria culture in FGD waste product to product a gypsum-enriched product.

Abstract: Ear corn is picked from corn fields by ear corn harvesters and transported to a central shelling station associated with an ethanol manufacturing facility. Shelled corn from the central shelling station is processed into ethanol at the ethanol manufacturing facility, and corn cobs from the central shelling station are burned to provide process heat for the ethanol manufacturing process. Energy is conserved and costs are reduced during the picking and shelling of the ear corn and by the burning of cobs for process heat.