Abstract: The present invention provides for novel methods for regulating and detecting the cytosine methylation status of DNA. The invention is based upon identification of a novel and surprising catalytic activity for the family of TET proteins, namely TET1, TET2, TET3, and CXXC4. The novel activity is related to the enzymes being capable of converting the cytosine nucleotide 5-methylcytosine into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine by hydroxylation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an in-vitro method for analyzing a cell composition comprising human floorplate mesDA progenitor cells, the method comprising a) contacting the cells of said cell composition or the cells of a sample thereof with antigen binding molecules specific for the antigens FOXA2, OTX2, PAX6, and NKX6.1, thereby labeling the cells of said cell composition or of said sample, b) determining the percentage of said cells that are labelled with said antigen binding molecules for each of said antigens, and wherein the cells of said cell composition qualify as human floorplate mesDA progenitor cells if the protein expression profile of said cells is: 80-100% of said cells are positive for FOXA2, 80-100% of said cells are positive for OTX2, less than 10% of said cells are positive for PAX6, and less than 10% of said cells are positive for NKX6.1. A kit comprising said antigen binding molecules for use in said method is also provided.

Abstract: An optical bio-sensing device includes a transparent substrate covering a top of a space accommodating therein a sample containing a target bio-material; a signal converter fixed to the transparent substrate, and including the upconversion nanoparticles for receiving incident light and emitting converted light of a wavelength shorter than a wavelength of the incident light; a signal reflector including retroreflection particles bindable to the signal converter via the target bio-material, wherein the retroreflection particles retroreflect the converted light; a light source for irradiating the incident light to the signal converter; and a light receiver for receiving light retroreflected from the signal reflector.

Abstract: A system and method for the production of microbial consortiums and by-product material is provided. A physical containment system comprising phase spaces arranged in a discrete order to favor specific biological reactions is also provided. Phase profiles and phase data sets include the pre-determined physical and biological parameters for the phase space transitions. Movement of material from one phase to the next is hydraulically balanced enabling working fluid to continuously move in a fixed direction and rate of flow. Continuous monitoring of phase profiles and phase data sets provide feedback to the system enabling alteration of the conditions in the system to control reactions therein.

Abstract: Described herein are engineered organelles comprising multi-component proteins from different species incorporated into a membrane structure with interior and exterior aspects. In one embodiment the artificial organelle incorporates one or more protein complexes that absorb optical energy and catalyze electron transfer in biochemical reactions that can be used to reduce NAD+ to NADH or analogues thereof.

Abstract: The present application discloses a cell culture media for growth, maintenance and induction of reversion to a less mature state of a cell comprising a MUC1* activating ligand.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, and a method for preparing the devices, for measuring glucose concentration in a liquid sample. The devices are typically in the form of test strips. The test strips are printed with a reagent varnish comprising glucose oxidase, peroxidase, chromogen, and neutralizer. The chromogen in the reagent varnish changes color when the reagent varnish is exposed to glucose.

Abstract: The specification describes an improved serum-free animal cell culture medium, which can used for the production of a protein of interest. Ornithine, or a combination of ornithine and putrescine can be added to serum-free media or chemically defined media to improve viable cell density, to reduce cell doubling time, and to increase the production of a protein of interest.

Abstract: This present disclosure relates to novel detergent compositions comprising bacterial mannanase enzymes. The detergent compositions comprising bacterial mannanases are useful in laundry and cleaning applications wherein degradation or modification of mannan is desired. The present disclosure also relates to the use of said detergent compositions in laundry and cleaning applications as well as a method for degrading mannan.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide an antimicrobial and antiviral agent which comprises a naturally occurring component as an active ingredient and is effective against microbes including various classes of fungi and viruses. In one aspect of the present invention, provided is an antimicrobial and antiviral agent comprising Lactobacillus derived from Artemisia indica var. maximowiczii.

Abstract: A apparatus for detecting cells or particles in a fluid container includes a dispenser configured to dispense at least one cell or at least one particle into a defined sub-volume of a fluid with which the fluid container is at least partially filled, and a detection apparatus configured to, in a time-coordinated manner with dispensing the at least one cell or the at least one particle by the dispenser, perform a detection in the defined sub-volume and/or in one or several sub-volumes underneath the defined sub-volume in order to sense the at least one cell or the at least one particle when entering the fluid or immediately after entering the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a newly isolated bacterium belonging to the genus Microbacterium, a composition for producing psicose comprising the strain, and a method for producing psicose using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of transforming a cell by use of an acoustic transducer. In particular embodiments, the radiofrequency signal to the transducer can be tuned to provide optimal membrane disruption of the cell; and an agent, such as a nucleic acid, can then be delivered to the cell.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods of making functional cortical organoids from somatic cells and stem cells and methods of using the functional organoids.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, methods for producing platelets including the steps of providing a silk membrane about 2 ?m and 100 ?m thick, inclusive, contacting the silk membrane with a porogen to form a porous silk membrane comprising at least one silk wall defining a lumen, associating the porous silk membrane with stromal derived factor-1? and at least one functionalizing agent, forming a three dimensional silk matrix comprising interconnected pores wherein the pores have a diameter of between about 5 and 500 ?m, inclusive, wherein the silk matrix is formed around at least a portion of the porous silk membrane, introducing a plurality of megakaryocytes to the silk matrix such that the megakaryocytes are located at least partially within the porous silk matrix, and stimulating the plurality of megakaryocytes to produce platelets. Also provided are various new compositions and methods of making those compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for irradiating a population of mammalian cells comprising at least one target mammalian cell with electron beams and/or X-rays, characterized in that: (i) a composition comprising a population of mammalian cells is irradiated in vitro with electron beams and/or X-rays, the population of mammalian cells containing at least one target mammalian cell and the dose rate being within the range from 5 Gy/sec to 107 Gy/sec, and (ii) optionally viable target mammalian cells are isolated or enriched from the population of mammalian cells, and to agents obtainable thereby and to uses thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a method of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) comprising using an FAD-GDH. The FAD-GDH is capable of retaining initial activity over a certain period of time. Also provided is a method for screening for an FAD-GDH suitable for use in CGM as well as a CGM device comprising an FAD-GDH.

Abstract: Waste gas mixtures produced and used in industry may contain harmful sulphurous compounds. The present disclosure provides a method for treatment of gas mixtures contaminated with harmful sulphurous compounds by using microorganisms capable of degrading said harmful sulphurous compounds which involves controlling nitrate levels in the medium in which microbiological conversion of harmful sulphurous compounds takes place at high levels.

Abstract: An automated specimen preparation system for preparing a specimen from a sample in a sample container is provided. The automated specimen preparation system comprises a specimen transfer device configured for holding a specimen collector thereon and for being positioned within the sample container. The specimen transfer device comprises a central bore having an open distal end and a closed proximal end, a pressure monitoring port fluidly coupled to the central bore at the proximal end of the central bore, and a fluid waste evacuation port fluidly coupled to the proximal end of the central bore. The pressure monitoring port comprises a reduced diameter portion coupled directly to the central bore. The automated specimen preparation system further comprises a vacuum source fluidly coupled to the fluid waste evacuation port, and a pressure monitoring device fluidly coupled to the pressure monitoring port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel violaxanthin-overproducing strain of Chlorella vulgaris and a method of producing violaxanthin therefrom. The inventors have developed a strain that produces violaxanthin at a significantly higher level than a wild-type strain by inducing a random chemical mutation in a Chlorella vulgaris strain to, and then as a result of analysis, confirmed that the strain produces violaxanthin up to 0.41% based on dry weight, which reaches the highest level that is possible to be produced in microalgae. Furthermore, as a method of effectively extracting a carotenoid pigment containing violaxanthin from the strain was established, since the strain and the developed pigment extraction method according to the present invention allow effective production and separation of violaxanthin, the strain is expected to increase commercial applications such as cosmetics, health functional foods and feed.