Abstract: The invention provides novel compositions and methods for the analysis of gene expression (e.g., expression profiling) using microarray-based technology. In some embodiments of the invention, the novel methods use gene-specific as well as universal amplification primers during sample preparation, and the methods permit the simultaneous analysis of multiple samples on the same microarray. Furthermore, some embodiments of the invention incorporate barcode sequences into the amplified products, thereby permitting the use of generic arrays and generic labeled probes.

Abstract: The invention relates to orthogonal pairs of tRNAs and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases that can incorporate the coumarin unnatural amino acid L-(7-hydroxycoumarin-4-yl) ethylglycine into proteins produced in eubacterial host cells such as E. coli. The invention provides, for example but not limited to, novel orthogonal synthetases, methods for identifying and making the novel synthetases, methods for producing proteins containing the unnatural amino acid L-(7-hydroxycoumarin-4-yl)ethylglycine and related translation systems.

Abstract: Methods of detecting two or more nucleic acids in a multiplex branched-chain DNA assay are provided. Different nucleic acids are captured through cooperative hybridization events on different, identifiable subsets of particles or at different selected positions on a spatially addressable solid support. Compositions, kits, and systems related to the methods are also described.

Abstract: A method is provided for screening for agents that affect protein degradation rates, the method comprising: taking a library of cells, the cells expressing a fusion protein comprising a reporter protein and a protein encoded by a sequence from a cDNA library derived from a sample of cells, the sequence from the cDNA library varying within the cell library; contacting the library of cells with a plurality of agents which may affect protein degradation rates; for each agent, selecting cells in the library which express short-lived proteins based on whether the cells have different reporter signal intensities than other cells in the library, the difference being indicative of the selected cells expressing shorter lived fusion proteins than the fusion proteins expressed by the other cells in the library; and characterizing the fusion proteins expressed by the selected cells for each agent.

Abstract: Methods for forming or patterning nanostructure arrays are provided. The methods involve formation of arrays on coatings comprising nanostructure association groups, formation of arrays in spin-on-dielectrics, solvent annealing after nanostructure deposition, patterning using resist, and/or use of devices that facilitate array formation. Related devices for forming nanostructure arrays are also provided, as are devices including nanostructure arrays (e.g., memory devices).

Abstract: The enzymes of the ACC synthase family are used in producing ethylene. Nucleotide and polypeptide sequences of ACC synthases are provided along with knockout plant cells having inhibition in expression and/or activity in an ACC synthase and knockout plants displaying a staygreen phenotype, a male sterility phenotype, or an inhibition in ethylene production. Methods for modulating staygreen potential in plants, methods for modulating sterility in plants, and methods for inhibiting ethylene production in plants are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for synthesizing combinatorial materials libraries using pyrolysis techniques. In certain embodiments, the methods involve varying the precursors and/or reactant gases in an operating pyrolysis unit to continuously vary the resulting nanoparticle composition and collecting different nanoparticles at different locations on a substrate using a spatially addressable particle collector.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of use of various antibody-immunostimulant fusion proteins as adjuvants of antigenic protein vaccinations to elicit humoral and/or cellular immune responses in vaccinated subjects. Compositions which include these fusion proteins and innate and/or exogenous antigenic proteins are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for generating components of protein biosynthetic machinery including orthogonal tRNAs, orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, and orthogonal pairs of tRNAs/synthetases. Methods for identifying orthogonal pairs are also provided. These components can be used to incorporate unnatural amino acids into proteins in vivo.

Abstract: Methods of detecting nucleic acids, including methods of detecting two or more nucleic acids in multiplex branched-chain DNA assays, are provided. Nucleic acids captured on a solid support are detected, for example, through cooperative hybridization events that result in specific association of a label with the nucleic acids. Compositions, kits, and systems related to the methods are also described.

Abstract: This invention provides hand operated portable devices for grasping and manipulation of objects as well as methods of their use. Embodiments of the devices of the invention comprise two opposing angled jaw members that are operated by a user-controlled trigger through a linkage lever as well as comprise a locking mechanism allowing locking of the jaw members.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of transforming pineapple cells and plants with carotenoid biosynthetic polypeptide expression regulators that control the accumulation of carotenoids in the transformed cells, and in certain embodiments, the coloration of those cells. The invention also provides for the regeneration of pineapple plants from the transformed cells. In addition, the invention provides pineapple cells and plants that include introduced carotenoid biosynthetic polypeptide expression regulators.

Abstract: Matrixes doped with semiconductor nanocrystals are provided. In certain embodiments, the semiconductor nanocrystals have a size and composition such that they absorb or emit light at particular wavelengths. The nanocrystals can comprise ligands that allow for mixing with various matrix materials, including polymers, such that a minimal portion of light is scattered by the matrixes. The matrixes of the present invention can also be utilized in refractive index matching applications. In other embodiments, semiconductor nanocrystals are embedded within matrixes to form a nanocrystal density gradient, thereby creating an effective refractive index gradient. The matrixes of the present invention can also be used as filters and antireflective coatings on optical devices and as down-converting layers. Processes for producing matrixes comprising semiconductor nanocrystals are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for in vivo incorporation of unnatural amino acids. Also provided are compositions including proteins with unnatural amino acids.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for producing translational components that expand the number of genetically encoded amino acids in eukaryotic cells. The components include orthogonal tRNAs, orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, orthogonal pairs of tRNAs/synthetases and unnatural amino acids. Proteins and methods of producing proteins with unnatural amino acids in eukaryotic cells are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel osteoprotegerin variant proteins (OVPs) that demonstrate reduced binding affinity for their ligand TRAIL when compared to wild-type osteoprotegerin. Nucleic acids which encode these OVPs are also provided. Recombinant vectors and host cells expressing these OVPs are also encompassed as are methods of producing recombinant OVPs. The present invention also relates to compositions comprising these OVPs, and to methods of treating bone diseases characterised by increased bone turnover and/or loss. The OVPs of the invention are useful for preventing bone resorption and may be used to treat any condition resulting in abnormal bone turnover or bone loss such as osteoporosis, hypercalcemia, Paget's disease of bone, multiple myeloma, bone cancer and bone loss due to rheumatoid arthritis or osteomyelitis, and the like.

Abstract: Acid/sour taste receptors are provided. CSF pH sensing receptors are provided. Methods and systems for screening for tastants and receptor modulators are provided. Knock out and transgenic animals, antibodies to the receptors, methods of detecting polymorphisms, and methods of correcting taste defects are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides novel devices and methods for manipulation of moisture/fluid levels in and/or upon objects and is used to, e.g., safely dry wet books and documents with minimal deleterious side effects or to add humidity to such books/documents or other objects or areas.

Abstract: Ligand compositions for use in preparing discrete coated nanostructures are provided, as well as the coated nanostructures themselves and devices incorporating same. Methods for post-deposition shell formation on a nanostructure and for reversibly modifying nanostructures are also provided. The ligands and coated nanostructures of the present invention are particularly useful for close packed nanostructure compositions, which can have improved quantum confinement and/or reduced cross-talk between nanostructures.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of producing components of protein biosynthetic machinery that include orthogonal lysyl-tRNAs, orthogonal lysyl-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, and orthogonal pairs of lysyl-tRNAs/synthetases, which incorporate homoglutamines into proteins are provided in response to a four base codon. Methods for identifying these orthogonal pairs are also provided along with methods of producing proteins with homoglutamines using these orthogonal pairs.