Abstract: We describe the rational structure-based design of monomeric and dimeric forms of a nanobody-enhanced GFP (termed vsfGFP) that demonstrates ˜1.3-fold higher brightness than sfGFP in a monomeric form and ˜2.5-fold higher brightness in a dimeric form. These new vsfGFP variants demonstrate high stability and brightness in both bacterial and eukaryotic cells and are thus ideal for in vivo imaging applications. The combination of higher brightness, facile folding, stable expression, and tunable dimerization makes them ideal partners in essentially all in vitro applications already described for fluorescent proteins, including antibody fusion-based molecular probes, for which the higher brightness and tunable dimerization provide distinct advantages. Furthermore, the vsfGFP variants retain folding properties of sfGFP that enable bright fluorescence in oxidizing environments such as the bacterial periplasm.

Abstract: Described herein are DNA primer sequences designed for the determination of gene or transcript information from Anuran species, and which may be used in studies for developmental and/or toxicity testing and for environmental toxicology or ecological assessment. Also described herein is a rapid, sensitive, high-throughput assay useful for supporting potential risk assessment across vertebrate clades, and that is also useful for evaluation of complex contaminant mixtures.

Abstract: Methods and materials for genetically engineering methylotrophic yeast are provided.

Abstract: Expression-enhancing nucleotide sequences for expression in eukaryotic systems are provided that allow for enhanced and stable expression of recombinant proteins in eukaryotic cells. Enhanced expression and stability regions (EESYRs) are provided for expression of a gene of interest in a eukaryotic cell. Chromosomal loci, sequences, and vectors are provided for enhanced and stable expression of genes in eukaryotic cells.

Abstract: A method for producing a fibroin-like protein is described. A fibroin-like protein is produced by culturing Escherichia coli having a gene encoding the fibroin-like protein in a medium, inducing expression of the gene encoding the fibroin-like protein, and collecting the fibroin-like protein, wherein the accumulation of an organic acid at the time of inducing the expression is reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for identifying gene(s)/genetic element(s) associated with mating impairment in strains of Trichoderma reesei QM6a or strains derived thereof comprising the steps of a) providing a first strain being a Trichoderma reesei QM6a strain having a MAT1-2 locus or a strain derived thereof, b) sexually crossing said strain with a second strain being a mating competent strain of a Trichoderma reesei (Hypocrea jecorina) strain having a complementary locus, i.e.

Abstract: Provided here are new methods to identify specific families of mammalian odorant receptors for odorants or aroma, particularly indole and skatole malodors and their use in assays that may be used to discover compounds that modulate (blocking, enhancing, masking or mimicking compounds) their activity. Orphan mouse odorant receptors are identified from olfactory sensory neurons that respond to target compounds. The resulting receptors as well as their human counterparts can be screened in assays against test compounds to confirm their identity as odorant or aroma receptors, particularly malodor receptors and subsequently discover for example modulators that inhibit the perception of the malodor in humans.

Abstract: This disclosure provides for compositions and methods for the use of nucleic acid-targeting nucleic acids and complexes thereof.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for simultaneously expressing amyloid precursor protein and TonB protein. For example, the biological devices and methods described herein increase the production of these two proteins while also reducing the cost, making these proteins more widely accessible for medical research purposes, including for the development of diagnostic tests for Alzheimer's disease. The amyloid precursor protein and TonB protein produced by the devices and methods described herein, as well as the devices themselves, can be used in experiments designed to model the interactions between metals and ?-amyloid that are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: A sparger includes a body bounding a compartment. A tubular port or tube is coupled with the body. The tubular port or tub bounds a passage that communicates with the compartment of the body. At least a portion of the body includes of a first sparging sheet. The first sparging sheet includes a flexible sheet of a gas permeable material such that a gas passing into the compartment of the body through the passage can exit the compartment by permeating through the first sparging sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inducible and a high expression nucleic acid promoter isolated from Clostridium thermocellum. These promoters are useful for directing expression of a protein or polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule operably associated with the nucleic acid promoters. The present invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs including the C. thermocellum promoters, and expression vectors and hosts containing such nucleic acid constructs. The present invention also relates to protein isolated from Clostridium thermocellum, including a repressor protein. The present invention also provides methods of using the isolated promoters and proteins from Clostridium thermocellum, including methods for directing inducible in vitro and in vivo expression of a protein or polypeptide in a host, and methods of producing ethanol from a cellulosic biomass.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for obtaining specific and stable integration of nucleic acids into eukaryotic cells. The invention makes use of site-specific recombination systems that use prokaryotic recombinase polypeptides, such as the ?C31 integrase, that can mediate recombination between the recombination sites, but not between hybrid recombination sites that are formed upon the recombination. Thus, the recombination is irreversible in the absence of additional factors. Eukaryotic cells that contain the recombinase polypeptides, or genes that encode the recombinases, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides having transcriptional activation activity and to the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences. The invention further relates to host cells useful for the production of polypeptides in which the production or function of the transcriptional activator has been altered, as well as to methods for producing the polypeptides.

Abstract: Screening methods for identifying substances that provide therapeutic value for various diseases associated with protein misfolding are provided. Genetic and chemical screening methods are provided using a yeast system. The methods of the invention provide a rapid and cost-effective method to screen for compounds that prevent protein misfolding and/or protein fibril formation and/or protein aggregation which includes numerous neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease as well as non-neuronal diseases such as type 2 diabetes.

Abstract: Gene complementation is used to restore cholesterol independence in NS lineage murine myeloma cells, such as NS0 and NS 1, yielding a selectable system for recombinant production of polynucleotides and polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of identifying inducible genetic regulatory sequences that can control the transcription of specific gene transcripts. Methods of using inducible genetic regulatory sequences are also discussed. In particular, the genetic regulatory sequences of the present invention can modulate the transcription of a nucleic acid transcript in vivo.

Abstract: A system and method are described for electroporating a sample that utilizes one or more sets of electrodes that are spaced apart in order to hold a surface tension constrained sample between the electrodes. The first electrode is connected to the lower body of the system while the second electrode is connected to the upper body. Both electrodes are connected to a pulse generator. Each electrode has a sample contact surface such that the first electrode and the second electrode may be positioned to hold a surface tension constrained sample between the two sample contact surfaces and the sample may receive a selected electric pulse.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method for seeding cells on to a support. In particular, the method relates to a method for seeding cells onto a porous hydrophobic support. The method utilizes centrifugal forces to uniformly guide cell seeding into the support with no loss in viability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated promoter sequences, particularly a promoter isolated from Aspergillus niger designated herein as A4-L or A4 and DNA constructs and vectors including the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for transfection of cells using at least one protein capable of forming nucleoprotein filaments, wherein the protein is initially modified with at least one functional component which influences one or more steps of the transfection, the nucleic acid to be transfected is then loaded with the modified protein, whereby the nucleic acid and the protein form a filament-like complex, and this complex is finally added to the cells to be transfected. The invention further relates to a transfection agent consisting of nucleoprotein filaments (NPF), with at least one nucleoprotein filament-forming protein being modified with at least one functional component for the transfection. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of the transfection agent according to the invention for producing a drug for gene therapeutic treatment of humans and animals.