Abstract: The present disclosure relates to miRNA expression constructs, such as for expression of multiple miRNAs and use thereof to knockdown target gene expression. In some aspects, the expression constructs include a promoter element, a spacer sequence and a miRNA coding sequence. In some aspects, constructs provide enhanced immune cell function.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to miRNA expression constructs, such as for expression of multiple miRNAs and use thereof to knockdown target gene expression. In some aspects, the expression constructs include a promoter element, a spacer sequence and a miRNA coding sequence. In some aspects, constructs provide enhanced immune cell function.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for a suicide gene approach comprising an expression vector comprising a cell cycle-dependent promoter driving the expression of a suicide gene. Also provided herein are methods to render proliferative cells sensitive to a prodrug after transplantation but avoids expression of the suicide gene in post-mitotic cells, such as neurons.

Abstract: Electrode assemblies useful, inter alia, for mounting thin rods in Siemens reactors for manufacture of polysilicon, have a base segment which receives a holder segment, and an insert, interfacial surface(s) of which have depressions and/or elevations which reduce contact surface area, allowing the holder, base segment, insert, and optional intermediate segments to be constructed of materials having different thermal conductivities.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for producing a clonal population of cells involving: a) obtaining a population of pluripotent or multipotent cells that have been expanded in vitro and maintained in an undifferentiated or essentially undifferentiated state; b) expanding individualized cells of the population into clonal populations of cells; and c) selecting one or more clonal population of cells determined to have the ability to differentiate into a population that is at least about 50% homogeneous for either neural cell types, hepatocytes, or cardiomyocytes. Also disclosed are clonal populations of cells produced by the methods of the present invention, and methods of treating disease in subjects involving administration of clonal cells of the present invention to a subject. Methods of screening test compounds that involve contacting a test compound with a clonal population of cells produced by the methods of the present invention are also set forth.

Abstract: The yield and quality of polysilicon rods produced in the Siemens process are increased by preventing pieces of silicon too large to be removed by flushing with gas from entering reaction gas inlets and offgas outlets by means of protective elements installed in the inlets and/or outlets.

Abstract: Improved sealing of Siemens reactor electrodes which results in improved reactor campaign times, is accomplished by use of an electrically insulating ring in combination with two seals, a first seal located in a groove in the insulating ring or in a groove in the reactor base plate adjacent the insulating ring, and a second seal not contained in a groove.

Abstract: Deposition on a sightglass in a reactor for CVD deposition of silicon is reduced by conducting a first purge gas stream substantially parallel to the reactor end surface of the sightglass, and conducting a second purge gas stream within the sightglass tube at an angle from the sightglass surface toward the interior of the reactor.

Abstract: Reflective silver coatings on the inside surfaces of a Siemens reactor for polycrystalline silicon production are improved by a cold forming after-treatment of the silver coating.

Abstract: Siemens CVD reactors are sealed in a manner which facilitates long production campaigns without refurbishing the seals, by the use of at least two seals, and an electrically insulating member having a thermal conductivity of from 1 to 200 W/mK, a sustained use temperature of at least 400° C., and a resistivity of more than 1-109 ?cm.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of identifying a modulator of an NADPH oxidase, whereby said modulator is suitable as a lead compound and/or as a medicament for the treatment and/or prevention of hearing loss and/or phantom hearing, the method comprising the steps of (a) contacting a test compound with a protein, wherein said protein (i) comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 1, 3 or 5, or (ii) is encoded by a nucleic acid comprising or consisting of the sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, 6, 23 or 24, or (iii) is a fragment of the protein according to (i) or (ii) and exhibits NADPH oxidase activity, or (iv) has a sequence at least 75% identical with the protein according to (i) or (ii) or with the fragment according to (iii) and exhibits NADPH oxidase activity, and optionally with one or more NADPH oxidase subunits, under conditions allowing binding of said test compound to said protein or, if present, said subunit(s); (b) optionally determining whether said test com

Abstract: Recombinant nucleic acid molecules are provided that form hair pin structures and can be used to down-regulate gene expression. For example, a nucleic acid molecule can comprise a flanking and lower stem loop sequence from a mir-16 gene; an antisense target sequence; a mir-30 loop sequence; a complement of the anti-sense target sequence; and a lower stem loop complementary to the mir-16 sequence. Methods for down regulating gene expression in a cell using such recombinant nucleic acid molecules are also provided.

Abstract: The deposition of polycrystalline silicon onto heated filament rods in a Siemens process is improved by supplying reaction gas at least partially through nozzles in the vertical wall of the deposition reactor, at an angle of 0° to 45° to the reactor wall, towards the base plate of the reactor.

Abstract: Deposition on a sightglass in a reactor for CVD deposition of silicon is reduced by conducting a first purge gas stream substantially parallel to the reactor end surface of the sightglass, and conducting a second purge gas stream within the sightglass tube at an angle from the sightglass surface toward the interior of the reactor.

Abstract: Electrode support seals in a Siemens reactor for the deposition of polycrystalline silicon are protected against thermal stress and degradation, and shorting by falling fragments is prevented by shielding having a high resistivity and also a high thermal conductivity.

Abstract: Methods for selecting transgenic cells comprising two or more drug resistance genes with a combination of cytotoxic drugs (e.g., trimetrexate (TMTX) and hydroxyurea (HU)). Such selection can be completed in vitro or in vivo. Transgenic cells and vectors comprising combinations of resistance genes are also provided. Transgenic cells of the embodiments can be used as cell based therapeutics, such as for treatment of HIV infection.

Abstract: A carbon electrode has a conical or pyramidal tip, wherein the tip is surrounded on its side by a raised edge.

Abstract: Recombinant nucleic acid molecules are provided that form hair pin structures and can be used to down-regulate gene expression. For example, a nucleic acid molecule can comprise a flanking and lower stem loop sequence from a mir-16 gene; an antisense target sequence; a mir-30 loop sequence; a complement of the anti-sense target sequence; and a lower stem loop complementary to the mir-16 sequence. Methods for down regulating gene expression in a cell using such recombinant nucleic acid molecules are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a polycrystalline silicon rod having a total diameter of at least 150 mm, including a core A having a porosity of 0 to less than 0.01 around a thin rod, and at least two subsequent regions B and C which differ in porosity by a factor of 1.7 to 23, the outer region C being less porous than region B.

Abstract: A method of differentiation stem cells cells by contacting stem cells with a dopaminergic differentiation agent is provided in certain aspects. For example, the agent may comprise substituted benzoxazole. These methods and compositions may be used in toxicological screens, e.g., to evaluate the neurotoxicity of a test compound or treatment of neurological disorders.