Abstract: An improved method of deoptimization of nucleic acids, particularly nucleic acids associated with genes and/or open reading frames (ORFs) of a variety of pathogens including viruses, retroviruses, bacteria, fungi, and the like. Nucleic acids may be related to genes and/or ORFs from infectious viruses or other diseases and be associated with the elicitation of a protective response when inserted, using recombinant techniques, into a vector and used in a vaccine composition. The nucleic acid sequence of one or more ORFs may be optimized or deoptimized for use in an improved recombinant vaccine to elicit an immune response against an infectious agent when administered to a subject using a variety of dosing and timing regimens.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to compositions and methods for characterizing nucleic acids using a nanopore. The disclosure is based, in part, on methods for increasing follow-on sequencing of nucleic acid strands. In some embodiments, the methods comprise increasing the concentration of a tethering agent. In some embodiments, the methods comprise use of adaptors having a rigid (or stiffened) leader section. Compositions and systems including, e.g., adaptors for attachment to double-stranded poly nucleotides and/or tethering agents, which can be used in the methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of characterizing an analyte using a detector such as a nanopore and an enzyme are provided. One aspect features methods for characterizing a double-stranded polynucleotide using a detector, e.g., without using a hairpin connecting a template and a complement of the double-stranded polynucleotide. Another aspect features methods for characterizing an analyte using a tag-modified nanopore with increased sensitivity and/or higher throughput. Compositions and systems including, e.g., adaptors for attachment to double-stranded polynucleotides and tag-modified nanopores, which can be used in the methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of characterizing an analyte using a nanopore. One aspect features methods for characterizing a double-stranded polynucleotide using a nanopore, e.g., without using a hairpin connecting a template and a complement of the double-stranded polynucleotide. Another aspect features methods for characterizing an analyte using a tag-modified nanopore with increased sensitivity and/or higher throughput. Compositions and systems including, e.g., adaptors for attachment to double-stranded polynucleotides and tag-modified nanopores, which can be used in the methods are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of concentrating a tethering complex in a region of an amphiphilic layer, such as a lipid membrane. Also provided herein are methods of assembling a tethering complex; methods of concentrating an analyte in the region of a detector; amphiphilic layers; and arrays and devices for use in the disclosed methods.

Abstract: Methods of characterizing an analyte using a nanopore. One aspect features methods for characterizing a double-stranded polynucleotide using a nanopore, e.g., without using a hairpin connecting a template and a complement of the double-stranded polynucleotide. Another aspect features methods for characterizing an analyte using a tag-modified nanopore with increased sensitivity and/or higher throughput. Compositions and systems including, e.g., adaptors for attachment to double-stranded polynucleotides and tag-modified nanopores, which can be used in the methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of characterizing an analyte using a detector such as a nanopore and an enzyme are provided. One aspect features methods for characterizing a double-stranded polynucleotide using a detector, e.g., without using a hairpin connecting a template and a complement of the double-stranded polynucleotide. Another aspect features methods for characterizing an analyte using a tag-modified nanopore with increased sensitivity and/or higher throughput. Compositions and systems including, e.g., adaptors for attachment to double-stranded polynucleotides and tag-modified nanopores, which can be used in the methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of characterizing an analyte using a nanopore. One aspect features methods for characterizing a double-stranded polynucleotide using a nanopore, e.g., without using a hairpin connecting a template and a complement of the double-stranded polynucleotide. Another aspect features methods for characterizing an analyte using a tag-modified nanopore with increased sensitivity and/or higher throughput. Compositions and systems including, e.g., adaptors for attachment to double-stranded polynucleotides and tag-modified nanopores, which can be used in the methods are also provided.

Abstract: A disc filter sector having an improved attachment system includes a sector base and a sector neck. The sector base includes stiffening members that extend through the sector base and include an attachment end, such as a threaded fastener or region, at the neck mating end of the sector base. The sector neck includes a hold down member proximate the base mating end of the sector neck. To attach the sector base to the sector neck, a mating attachment member, such as a bolt extends through the hold down member of the sector neck and engages with the attachment end of the stiffening members. In one embodiment, the stiffening members, attachment end, and mating attachment members are disposed outside of the flow regions in the sector base and sector neck.

Abstract: A selective chemical species detector including a conductive polymer based sensing element having a detectable characteristic, for example, the polymer resistivity, permanently altered on exposure to a first chemical species and not permanently altered on exposure to a second chemical species. The detector then determines a permanent change in the detected characteristic and indicates the presence of a chemical species on detection of a such a permanent characteristic change. Also disclosed is a method of fabricating such a sensing element to achieve the desired selectivity.

Abstract: A selective chemical species detector including a conductive polymer based sensing element having a detectable characteristic, for example, the polymer resistivity, permanently altered on exposure to a first chemical species and not permanently altered on exposure to a second chemical species. The detector then determines a permanent change in the detected characteristic and indicates the presence of a chemical species on detection of a such a permanent characteristic change. Also disclosed is a method of fabricating such a sensing element to achieve the desired selectivity.