Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid and amino acid sequences for acetolactate synthase, acetolactate synthase regulatory regions, ?-tubulin promoter, a promoter from a Thraustochytriales polyketide synthase (PKS) system, and fatty acid desaturase promoter, each from a Thraustochytriales microorganism. Also disclosed are recombinant vectors useful for transformation of Thraustochytriales microorganisms, as well as a method of transformation of Thraustochytriales microorganisms. The recombinant nucleic acid molecules of the present invention can be used for the expression of foreign nucleic acids in a Thraustochytriales microorganism as well as for the deletion, mutation, or inactivation of genes in Thraustochytriales microorganisms.

Abstract: An expression vector for expressing a target polypeptide in a prokaryotic cell is provided. The vector comprises a promoter operably linked to a polynucleotide encoding the target polypeptide operably linked to a eukaryotic secretion leader sequence, the eukaryotic secretion leader sequence encoding a signal peptide sequence selected from the group consisting of: a) MLKRSSWLATLGLLTVASVSTIVYA; b) MKKATFITCLLAVLLVSNPIWNA; c) MKVSAAALAVILIATALCAPASA; d) MKVSTAFLCLLLTVSAFSAQVLA; and e) MKCLLLALGLALACAAQA. Processes for expressing polypeptides and prokaryotic microorganisms comprising such vectors are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and kits for repair of degraded DNA which may then be used as a template for efficient amplification by a number of different amplification reactions. The method relies upon a series of enzymatic activities provided by DNA repair enzymes.

Abstract: A method for producing a single stranded DNA (ssDNA) molecule of a defined length and sequence is disclosed. This method enables the preparation of, inter alia, probes of greater length than can be chemically synthesized. The method starts with a double stranded molecule, such as genomic, double stranded DNA (dsDNA) from any organism. A fragment of the starting molecule (dsDNA) is amplified by specific primers engineered to introduce cleavage sites on either side of the desired sequence. Cleavage steps on the amplified, engineered fragment are combined with a phosphate removal step, thereby creating a construct that can be digested with an exonuclease without damage to the desired ssDNA. Probes, which hybridize with large gaps between the ends of the probes, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the amplification of nucleic acid molecules. Methods for amplifying target polynucleotides, including mRNA, using oligonucleotides, DNA and RNA polymerases are provided. The invention further provides compositions and kits for practicing the methods, as well as methods which use the amplification products.

Abstract: An isolated microorganism is provided which is Cupriavidus basilensis strain HMF14 Deposit number DSM 22875, and its use in a process for the in-situ detoxification of lignocelluloses hydrolysate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel D-amino acid oxidase isolated and purified from Candida intermedia, a gene encoding the D-amino acid oxidase, a recombinant plasmid containing the gene, and a transformant into which the D-amino acid oxidase gene has been introduced, as well as a production method of D-amino acid oxidase including culturing the transformant. Moreover, the present invention relates to a production method of L-amino acids, 2-oxo acids or cyclic imines, which include reacting racemic amino acids with the D-amino acid oxidase, more preferably, a production method of L-amino acids, which includes reacting racemic amino acid with the D-amino acid oxidase, amino acid dehydrogenase and an enzyme having a coenzyme-regenerating activity. According to the present invention, L-amino acids, 2-oxo acids or cyclic imines can be produced with good efficiency in an industrial scale.

Abstract: This invention provides methods whereby taxol, baccatin III, and other taxol-like compounds, or taxanes, can be produced in very high yield from all known Taxus species, e.g., brevifolia, canadensis, cuspidata, baccata, globosa, floridana, wallichiana, media and chinensis. Particular modifications of culture conditions (i.e., media composition and operating modes) have been discovered to enhance the yield of various taxanes from cell culture of all species of Taxus. Particularly preferred enhancement agents include silver ion or complex, jasmonic acid (especially the methyl ester), auxin-related growth regulators, and inhibitors of the phenylpropanoid pathway, such as 3,4-methylenedioxy-6-nitrocinnamic acid. These enhancement agents may be used alone or in combination with one another or other yield-enhancing conditions. While the yield of taxanes from plant cell culture of T.

Abstract: The invention relates to cells that recombinantly express tesB and produce one or more hydroxyacids such as 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV) and/or 4-hydroxyvalerate (4HV).

Abstract: A cis- or trans-stilbenoid of the general formula (1) in which each of R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 is hydrogen or hydroxy, or a glycosylated or oligomeric form thereof, such as resveratrol or pinosylvin is produced by cultivating a microorganism such as a genetically engineered yeast to produce said stilbenoid in a culture medium in solid form, and is separated by filtration or settling.

Abstract: Methods and systems for collecting, purifying, and/or extracting ethanol produced during anaerobic metabolism by aquatic plants is provided. The system includes a cell containing water and an aquatic plant, an ethanol extraction assembly in fluid communication with the cell for removing ethanol from the water. Ethanol is released by the aquatic plant by initiating an anaerobic process in the plant such as by regulating the photosynthesis inducing light that reaches the aquatic plant.

Abstract: Methods and systems for collecting, purifying, and/or extracting ethanol produced during anaerobic metabolism by aquatic plants is provided. The system includes a cell containing water and an aquatic plant, an ethanol extraction assembly in fluid communication with the cell for removing ethanol from the water. Ethanol is released by the aquatic plant by initiating an anaerobic process in the plant such as by regulating the photosynthesis inducing light that reaches the aquatic plant.

Abstract: Recombinant genetic constructs and strains of H. polymorpha having significantly increased ethanol productivity with a simultaneous decreased production of xylitol during high-temperature xylose fermentation are disclosed. The constructs include a H. polymorpha XYL1 gene encoding xylose reductase mutated to decrease affinity of the enzyme toward NADPH. The modified version of XYL1 gene under control of a strong constitutive HpGAP promoter was overexpressed in a ?xyll background. A recombinant H. polymorpha strain overexpressing the mutated enzyme together with native xylitol dehydrogenase and xylulokinase in the ?xyll background was also constructed. Xylose consumption, ethanol and xylitol production by the constructed strain were evaluated during high-temperature xylose fermentation (48° C.). A significant increase in ethanol productivity (up to 7.4 times) was shown in the recombinant strain as compared with the wild type strain.

Abstract: A system for the photo-inhibition of microbial nitrification of potable water may include overhead, floating or submerged lamps (fluorescent, incandescent, LED, etc. . . . ) with spectral emission between 315-430 nm, headspace and submerged light meters for measuring the intensity above and below the water surface, a water mixing device to manage full water column dose, and a controller for operating associated lamp and mixer operations. The applied irradiance may typically be equal to or exceed 0.01 W/m2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diagnosis and screening of cancer by measuring the expression of des-R prothrombin activation peptide fragment F2 (des-R F2) in serum, more precisely, des-R-prothrombin activation peptide fragment F2 which is the protein marker down-regulated specifically in liver cancer, breast cancer, and stomach cancer, and a method for diagnosis and screening of liver cancer, breast cancer, and stomach cancer by quantifying the protein marker. The protein marker of the present invention can be effectively used for diagnosis and screening of liver cancer, breast cancer and stomach cancer by comparing the expression of the said protein marker in a normal subject with that of a liver cancer, breast cancer, or stomach cancer patients.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a hydroxylated form of a compound having an adamantane skeleton, which is useful as an intermediate for functional resins and pharmaceutical products, with high yield and at low cost. Specifically, a hydroxylated form of a compound having an adamantane skeleton can be obtained by using cytochrome P450. More specifically, an N-(5-hydroxy-2-adamantyl)-benzamide derivative can be produced by hydroxylating an N-(2-adamantyl)-benzamide derivative.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are chimeric polymerases and methods of making and using same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated polynucleotide of the complete chromosome of Bacillus licheniformis. The present invention also relates to isolated genes of the chromosome of Bacillus licheniformis which encode biologically active substances and to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the genes as well as methods for producing biologically active substances encoded by the genes and to methods of using the isolated genes of the complete chromosome of Bacillus licheniformis.

Abstract: Described are compositions and methods relating to cellulase/hemicellulase enzyme blends for improving the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulosic and hemicellulosic materials, as commonly found in biomass

Abstract: A method for making a surfactant-based monolithic column is provided. The method comprises providing a mixture comprising at least one surfactant monomer, at least one crosslinker, at least one initiator, and at least one porogen and polymerizing the mixture to form the surfactant-based monolithic column. The present disclosure also provides a surfactant-based monolithic column, a method for separating molecules, and a process for preparing a surfactant monomer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel ?-glucosidase nucleic acid sequence, designated bgl4, and the corresponding BGL4 amino acid sequence. The invention also provides expression vectors and host cells comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding BGL4, recombinant BGL4 proteins and methods for producing the same.

Abstract: Described herein is a chemostat-like continuous cell culture system that combines certain advantages of perfusion open systems and chemostat open systems to improve the culturing of mammalian cells, e.g., genetically modified cells, particularly in serum-free or chemically-defined media. The continuous culture system described herein involves culturing mammalian cells in a continuous cell culture system, which comprises a cell retention device, wherein the cell culture system has a dilution rate (D) of less than about 2 d?1, and a cell density of less than about 2×107 cell/mL.

Abstract: Novel enzyme variants including protease variants derived from the DNA sequences of naturally-occurring or recombinant non-human proteases are disclosed. The variant proteases, in general, are obtained by in vitro modification of a precursor DNA sequence encoding the naturally-occurring or recombinant protease to generate the substitution of a plurality of amino acid residues in the amino acid sequence of a precursor protease. Such variant proteases have properties which are different from those of the precursor protease, such as altered wash performance. The substituted amino acid residue correspond to positions 27, 45, 170, 181, 251 and 271 of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subtilisin. Additional variants comprising at least one additional substitution at a position selected from 1, 14, 49, 61, 87, 100, 102, 118, 128, 204 and 258 of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subtilisin are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides culture mediums that are useful for the expression of ADAMTS proteins, such as ADAMTS13. Methods for the expression and purification of ADAMTS proteins are also provided. In some embodiments, the mediums and methods of the invention are useful for the expression of ADAMTS proteins having high specific activities. Also provided are ADAMTS, e.g., ADAMTS13, protein compositions with high specific activities, which are expressed and purified according to the methods provided herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a methods and compositions for treating a surface, suspension or solution contaminated with a PrPSc prion protein or a surrogate thereof. The methods and compositions employ a combination of one or more enzymes effective to cleave a prion protein to fragments having a non-infective molecular weight, and one or more agents selected to favour conformational unfolding of the PrPSc prion protein while not denaturing the one or more enzymes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to pre-concentrator compositions, devices, systems, and/or methods for concentrating small quantities of chemical or biological compounds, e.g., CBRNE compounds. A pre-concentrator of the disclosure may be operable to releasably bind and concentrate CBRNE compounds. In some embodiments, a pre-concentrator may comprise a 3-D structure of electrospun nanofibers, that comprise at least one polymer, one conducting agent and at least one chemical-specific functional group and/or biological-specific moiety configured to selectively bind to a CBRNE compound. Bound compounds may be released and detected. Pre-concentrator devices and systems operable to bind, concentrate, and/or detect one or more CBRNE compounds are described. Devices and systems of the disclosure may be configured to concentrate and detect multiple compounds.

Abstract: The present invention described and shown in the specification and drawings provides novel recombinant DT-based immunotoxins, and, more specifically anti-T cell immunotoxin fusion proteins. Also provided are immunotoxins that can be expressed in bacterial, yeast, or mammalian cells. The invention also provides means for expression of the immunotoxin fusion protein. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for freezing biopsy material. The apparatus includes a container that includes an inner wall and an outer wall defining a space therebeween for receiving a material adapted to withstand a temperature below ?20° F. The apparatus further includes a cooling insulating medium that is disposed between the inner wall and the outer wall, a biopsy holding section that is disposed in the cavity and that is configured for holding the biopsy material, and a brine solution that is disposed in the cavity such that the biopsy material held in the biopsy holding section is completed submerged in the brine solution.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor comprising an oxygen sensing compound and configured to substantially mitigate leaching of the oxygen sensing compound from the oxygen sensor to an outer surface thereof is provided. The oxygen sensor may comprise one or more layers. A first portion of the oxygen sensor is configured to be permeable to gas and comprises an oxygen sensing material. A second portion is disposed with or on the first portion and is configured to be permeable to gas and substantially impermeable to the oxygen sensing material.

Abstract: Methods and systems for collecting, purifying, and/or extracting ethanol produced during anaerobic metabolism by aquatic plants is provided. The system includes a cell containing water and an aquatic plant, an ethanol extraction assembly in fluid communication with the cell for removing ethanol from the water. Ethanol is released by the aquatic plant by initiating an anaerobic process in the plant such as by regulating the photosynthesis inducing light that reaches the aquatic plant.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymer substrates which are provided with fluorescence features and in which photochemical fluorescence features, i.e. fluorescent structures, are produced by UV irradiation. Thus, fluorophores can be produced in polymer substrates with a low inherent fluorescence by means of suitable UV radiation, which fluorophores display a marked and detectable emission upon being excited with light of a suitable wavelength. If such an irradiation is implemented in a structured manner, emission patterns can be produced in this way in polymer substrates, which emission patterns can be applied for example as recovery grids in fluorescence microscopy. A further application field relates to product authentication which is made possible by the polymer substrates according to the invention provided with fluorescence features.

Abstract: Use of a biological photoreceptor as light-controlled ion channel for the alteration of the ion conductivity of a membrane by means of light. The photoreceptor used comprises an apoprotein and a light-sensitive polyene covalently bound to the apoprotein, said polyene interacting with the apoprotein and functioning as a light-sensitive gate.

Abstract: Humanized monoclonal antibodies which bind to IFNAR-1, and related antibody-based compositions and molecules, are disclosed. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the humanized antibodies and therapeutic and diagnostic methods for using the humanized antibodies.

Abstract: Cellular targets for anti-retroviral drug development are disclosed. The cellular targets comprise ATR kinase and its relevant substrates, based on the identification of the ATR kinase as required for the final step of retroviral DNA integration. Assays for identifying modulators of retroviral integration via the ATR kinase pathway are disclosed, as well as modulators identified by such assays. Pharmaceutical preparations and methods of their use in treating retroviral infection are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for generating enucleated erythroid cells using pluripotent stem cells are provided. The methods permit the production of large numbers of cells. The cells obtained by the methods disclosed may be used for a variety of research, clinical, and therapeutic applications. Methods for generating megakaryocyte and platelets are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides siRNA delivery methods use in vivo or in vitro. The delivery methods include conjugation with delivery peptides and mixing with dendrimers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for: collecting adipose tissue in a syringe; subjecting the collected adipose tissue to heat, vibration, and or centrifugation whilst remaining within the syringe; and filtering the adipose tissue during centrifugation such that the regenerative cells are permitted to pass into a reservoir of a collection sleeve.

Abstract: A microfluidic cell culture apparatus includes a cell retention chamber and a perfusion channel. The cell retention chamber has a structured surface. The structured surface includes a major surface from which a plurality of projections extends into the chamber. The plurality of projections are arranged to suspend cells cultured in the chamber above the major surface. The first perfusion channel is configured to provide laminar flow of a fluid through the channel and forms a plurality of openings in communication with the cell retention chamber. The openings are configured to prevent cells from the retention chamber from entering the perfusion channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for detecting and quantifying metabolites in a biological sample by measuring the concentration of a test metabolite in the sample and comparing that concentration against the concentration of the reference metabolite; enabling accurate metabolite concentration measurements to determine aberrant drug usage patterns. Also disclosed is an analytical testing device and related computer-assisted products for detecting and quantifying metabolites in a biological sample efficiently and accurately.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for detecting the presence of both ozone and carbonyl-containing compounds in air samples. Method and device for detecting the presence of ozone and carbonyl-containing compounds in an air sample, the method comprising: (a) contacting an air sample with an ozone-reactive adsorbent wherein if ozone is present in the air sample, the ozone reacts with the ozone-reactive adsorbent to form an aldehyde product; (b) contacting the air sample from Step (a) further with a carbonyl-reactive adsorbent wherein if a carbonyl-containing compound is present in the air sample, the carbonyl-containing compound reacts with the carbonyl-reactive adsorbent to form a first hydrazone product; (c) eluting with a solvent from the carbonyl-reactive adsorbent into the ozone-reactive adsorbent, wherein any aldehyde product of step (a) forms a second hydrazone product; and (d) analyzing eluate from Step (c) for presence of hydrazone products formed in Step (b) and Step (c).

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for isotope ratio analysis, the process having the following steps: performing a liquid chromatography process and thus providing an eluate which comprises at least one liquid carrier fluid and at least one analytes, collecting a portion of interest from the eluate, processing the eluate portion to form at least one gaseous conversion products of the analytes, and supplying the gaseous conversion products, especially with gaseous carrier fluid, to an isotope analyzer and determining the isotrope ratios.

Abstract: Various methods for altering surface characteristics of a microsphere are provided. One method includes coupling an enolic acid to the microsphere to modify the surface characteristics of the microsphere. The surface characteristics may include charge density and/or pKa. A reagent can be coupled to the microsphere via the enolic acid. The reagent may include a biomolecule. The modified surface characteristics may increase a stability of the reagent when the reagent is coupled to the microsphere. The modified surface characteristics may also improve performance of an assay carried out with the microsphere. Another embodiment relates to a microsphere that includes an enolic acid coupled to a polymer core of the microsphere such that the enolic acid modifies surface characteristics of the microsphere. A reagent can be coupled to the microsphere via the enolic acid.

Abstract: A device and a process for mixing a liquid sample in an automated analysis instrument comprises a support arm, a holder for a liquid container, a flexible intermediate element, arranged between the support arm and the holder for the liquid container, a shaking apparatus, and a coupling apparatus arranged on the holder for the liquid container, wherein the coupling apparatus can establish a detachable connection between the shaking apparatus and the holder for the liquid container.

Abstract: A microfluidic chips (1), microfluidic fluid reservoirs (2), microfluidic kits (1,2) comprising a microfluidic chip (1) and a microfluidic fluid reservoir (2), and to methods of operating such microfluidic kits (1,2). According to the invention, at least either the microfluidic chip (1) or the microfluidic fluid reservoir (2) includes a distensible diaphragm (4) or a distensible wall region, respectively, which is distensible into the fluid reservoir (2), with volume displacement taking place, in order to move a fluid (8) out of the fluid reservoir (2) through the fluid channel inlet (6) into a fluid channel (7) of the microfluidic chip (1).

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes: a lower plate having a first channel; a first upper plate fixedly stacked on the lower plate and having grooves on an upper portion thereof, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet formed at positions corresponding to both ends of the first channel; and a second upper plate movably inserted into the grooves of the first upper plate and including a second channel, a hole connected to a right end of the second channel, and a third channel connected to the right side of the hole.

Abstract: A method for determining the dissociation constant (Kd) by plotting resonance frequency shift as a function of time for various target analyte concentrations. From this graph, the fraction of saturation, i.e. equilibrium fraction of bound binding sites out of all available binding sites on the sensor surface may be estimated by taking the ratio of the equilibrium resonance frequency shift at a selected concentration to the equilibrium frequency shift of the sensor. The dissociation constant is the inverse slope of the line produced by graphing the fraction of saturation as a function of concentration. This method is particularly useful for the study of protein-protein and protein-mRNA interactions.

Abstract: A method for detecting an antigen, an apparatus for detecting an antigen using the same, and a microfluidic chip using the same are disclosed. The method for detecting an antigen, includes: binding a first antibody and nano-beads to generate antibody nano-beads; binding the generated antibody nano-beads and an antigen to generate antigen-antibody nano-beads; forming at least one of an electric field and a magnetic field on the generated antigen-antibody nano-beads to bind the generated antigen-antibody nano-beads and a second antibody; and detecting the antigen-antibody nano-beads bound to the second antibody. Thus, when nano-beads affected by an electromagnetic field exist within the electromagnetic field that temporally and spatially changes, the nano-beads move according to non-uniformity of the electromagnetic field. In particular, an active mixing can be performed by using the electromagnetic field which is spatially non-uniform and changes temporally, a reaction time can be reduced.

Abstract: A novel gene 109P1D4 and its encoded protein, and variants thereof, are described wherein 109P1D4 exhibits tissue specific expression in normal adult tissue, and is aberrantly expressed in the cancers listed in Table I. Consequently, 109P1D4 provides a diagnostic, prognostic, prophylactic and/or therapeutic target for cancer. The 109P1D4 gene or fragment thereof, or its encoded protein, or variants thereof, or a fragment thereof, can be used to elicit a humoral or cellular immune response; antibodies or T cells reactive with 109P1D4 can be used in active or passive immunization.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting the presence of biomolecules in a sample using biosensors that incorporate resonators which have functionalized surfaces for reacting with target biomolecules. In one embodiment, a device includes a piezoelectric resonator having a functionalized surface configured to react with target molecules, thereby changing the mass and/or charge of the resonator which consequently changes the frequency response of the resonator. The resonator's frequency response after exposure to a sample is compared to a reference, such as the frequency response before exposure to the sample, a stored baseline frequency response or a control resonator's frequency response.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a magnetoresistive element includes a tunnel barrier forming step. The tunnel barrier forming step comprises a metal layer forming step of forming a metal layer to have a first thickness, a plasma processing step of performing a plasma treatment which exposes the metal layer to a plasma of an inert gas to etch the metal layer to have a second thickness smaller than the first thickness, and an oxidation step of oxidizing the metal layer having undergone the plasma treatment to form a metal oxide which forms a tunnel barrier.