Abstract: A kit for detecting or measuring glycosyltransferase activity including a first reagent comprising a phosphatase and a second reagent comprising a free phosphate detector, and method of detecting and measuring glycosyltransferase activity. A sugar donor, an acceptor substrate, a glycosyltransferase enzyme and a phosphatase are combined and the amount of free phosphate present in the product is measured and used to calculate the activity of the glycosyltransferase enzyme.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a fluorescent substrate for detecting the enzymatic activity of a nitrile-related enzyme. The present invention provides a compound represented by formula (I) and a fluorescent substrate for detecting the enzymatic activity of a nitrile-related enzyme, which comprises the compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for specific and direct detection of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli bacteria in a sample using a selective and differential isolation medium for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli bacteria comprising at least one chromogenic agent and tellurite.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biomarker and a method for determining an oxidative stress level in a biological sample, which employs co-factor-dependent oxidative stress parameters, as well as a kit adapted for carrying out such a method. In one aspect the co-factor is tetrahydrobiopterin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disease diagnosis method, a marker screening method, and a marker using a time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS), and more particularly, to a large intestine cancer diagnosis method, a large intestine cancer marker screening method, and a large intestine cancer marker using a time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). Specifically, the present invention provides a method diagnosing a disease using a pattern of secondary ion mass (m/z) peaks of biological samples measured using a time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) as a marker, a marker screening method being a reference judging an existence or non-existence of a disease, and a marker configured of specific secondary ion mass peaks.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods of detecting chaperone-mediated autophagy. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of measuring chaperone-mediated autophagy in living cells and in purified lysosomes. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of detecting, diagnosing, monitoring, and/or treating lysosomal diseases in a subject.

Abstract: An automatic device for inoculating a sample on a substrate with a dilution mechanism formed by a head that holds a stylus in cooperation with a first dilution tank and a second dilution tank to dilute an original sample in at least one sub-sample and for inoculating the sub-sample on a substrate.

Abstract: A fine particle measuring apparatus is provided. The fine particle measuring apparatus includes a detection unit configured to detect light emitted from a fine particle and a processing unit having a memory device storing instructions which when executed by the processing unit, cause the processing unit to calculate a corrected intensity value of the detected light and generate spectrum data based on the corrected intensity value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing Saccharomyces strains that are capable of growth on xylose as a sole carbon source at a desired growth rate, (such as at least one generation per 48 hours), strains made by such methods, and Saccharomyces strains that grow at a growth rate of at least one generation per 48 hours using xylose as a sole carbon source for growth made by non-recombinant methods.

Abstract: Improved host cells and culture methods involving overexpression of MAN1C1 activity to improve protein production are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of modifying a specific lysine residue in a polypeptide comprising at least two lysine residues, said method comprising (a) providing a polypeptide comprising a target lysine residue protected by a first protecting group, and at least one further lysine residue; (b) treating the polypeptide to protect said further lysine residue(s), wherein the protecting group for said further lysine residues is different to the protecting group for the target lysine residue; (c) selectively deprotecting the target lysine residue; and (d) modifying the deprotected lysine residue of (c).

Abstract: The invention provides a chimeric E2 enzyme comprising a Ubc domain fused to a heterologous ubiquitin binding domain (UBD). The chimeric enzymes of the invention may be useful in producing elevated levels of free polyubiquitin.

Abstract: The present invention embraces a recombinant prokaryotic host cell containing nucleic acids encoding an eukaryotic UDP-GaINAc:UDP-GaINAc polypeptide transferase and expressing an UDP-GIcNAc C-4 epimerase and methods for using the same to produce an O-glycosylated protein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cell culture medium formulation that supports the in vitro cultivation, particularly in suspension, of mammalian cells, particularly epithelial cells and fibroblast cells, and methods for cultivating mammalian cells in suspension in vitro using these media. The media comprise a basal medium and a polyanionic or polyanionic compound, preferably a polysulfonated or polysulfated compound, and more preferably dextran sulfate. The present invention also provides chemically defined, protein-free eukaryotic cell culture media comprising an iron chelate and zinc, which is capable of supporting the growth (and particularly the high-density growth of mammalian cells) in suspension culture, increasing the level of expression of recombinant protein in cultured cells, and/or increasing virus production in cultured cells.

Abstract: The invention provides FGFR fusion proteins, methods of making them, and methods of using them to treat proliferative disorders, including cancers and disorders of angiogenesis. The FGFR fusion molecules can be made in CHO cells and may comprise deletion mutations in the extracellular domains of the FGFRs which improve their stability. These fusion proteins inhibit the growth and viability of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The combination of the relatively high affinity of these receptors for their ligand FGFs and the demonstrated ability of these decoy receptors to inhibit tumor growth is an indication of the clinical value of the compositions and methods provided herein.

Abstract: Herein is reported a method for reducing the aggregation of an immunoglobulin in solution comprising the steps of i) comparing the amino acid sequence of the fourth framework region of the heavy chain of an antibody with a reference or germline sequence and determining whether one or more threonine residues and/or serine residues have been replaced by a different amino acid residue, and ii) modifying the amino acid sequence of the immunoglobulin by reverting the exchanged threonine residues and/or serine residues back to threonine or serine of the reference or germline sequence and thereby reducing the aggregation of an immunoglobulin in solution.

Abstract: A method of producing a desired non-spidroin protein or polypeptide is comprising the steps of expressing in a suitable host a fusion protein, obtaining a mixture containing the fusion protein, and optionally isolating the fusion protein. The fusion protein is comprising at least one solubility-enhancing moiety which is derived from the N-terminal (NT) fragment of a spider silk protein. It is further comprising at least one moiety which is a desired non-spidroin protein or polypeptide. Each solubility-enhancing moiety is linked directly or indirectly to the desired protein or polypeptide moiety.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-naturally occurring microbial organism having a methacrylic acid, methacrylate ester, 3-hydroxyisobutyrate and/or 2-hydroxyisobutyrate pathway. The microbial organism contains at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an enzyme in a methacrylic acid pathway. The invention additionally provides a method for producing methacrylic acid, methacrylate ester, 3-hydroxyisobutyrate and/or 2-hydroxyisobutyrate. The method can include culturing methacrylic acid, methacrylate ester, 3-hydroxyisobutyrate and/or 2-hydroxyisobutyrate producing microbial organism, where the microbial organism expresses at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a methacrylic acid pathway enzyme in a sufficient amount to produce methacrylic acid, methacrylate ester, 3-hydroxyisobutyrate and/or 2-hydroxyisobutyrate, under conditions and for a sufficient period of time to produce methacrylic acid, methacrylate ester, 3-hydroxyisobutyrate and/or 2-hydroxyisobutyrate.

Abstract: A microfluidic apparatus having an additional chamber containing material configured to prevent cross contamination between reaction chambers contained therein, and a control method thereof are provided. The microfluidic apparatus includes a sample chamber configured to accommodate a sample, a plurality of reaction chambers each configured to accommodate a reagent, a distribution channel configured to distribute the sample into the plurality of reaction chambers, a mixture prevention chamber connected to the distribution channel and containing a mixture prevention material configured to prevent the reagents accommodated in the plurality of reaction chambers from being mixed with each other, and a valve disposed within the distribution channel and configured to open and close the distribution channel.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing cDNA characterized by preparing a reaction solution that does not allow an endodeoxyribonuclease to show its activity, without thermal deactivation of the endodeoxyribonuclease or removal of the endodeoxyribonuclease, and carrying out a reverse transcription reaction, wherein the reaction solution contains a treated sample and a reverse transcriptase, the treated sample being formed by treating a sample comprising RNA and DNA with the endodeoxyribonuclease to degrade DNA in the sample. The method and the kit for synthesizing cDNA of the present invention are widely useful in genetic engineering fields.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the production of one or more lipid products from a gaseous substrate using a two stage fermentation process are provided. The method comprises providing a gaseous substrate comprising CO2 and H2 to a primary bioreactor containing a culture or one or more microorganisms, and fermenting the substrate to produce an acid such as acetate. The acid, e.g. acetate from the primary bioreactor is then provided to a secondary bioreactor, where it is used as a substrate for fermentation to lipids by one or more yeasts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new process for obtaining fatty acid alkyl esters from fatty acid containing lipids, i.e. mono-, di- and triglycerides and phospholipids, in a membrane contactor.

Abstract: A modified microorganism for high efficient production of lactic acid, an expression vector for constructing the modified microorganism, and a method of producing a lactic acid using the same are disclosed. The modified microorganism may produce lactic acid at a high level under acid conditions.

Abstract: Systems and methods for employing chemoautotrophic micro-organisms to capture carbon from industrial waste are provided. An exemplary system comprises an industrial source, such as a cement plant, and a bioreactor including the micro-organisms. The bioreactor is fed the waste stream from the source, which provides carbon to the micro-organisms, and is also fed hydrogen, from which the micro-organisms derive their energy. Additional or alternative carbon can be provided from a gasifier fed an organic feedstock. The carbon provided to the micro-organisms is converted into chemical products which can be recovered from the bioreactor. Hydrogen can be produced by electrolysis using electricity generated by a renewable energy source.

Abstract: Carbon-containing materials, such as biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) or coal are processed to produce useful products, such as fuels, carboxylic acids and equivalents thereof (e.g., esters and salts). For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce ethanol, butanol or organic acids (e.g., acetic or lactic acid), salts of organic acids or mixtures thereof. If desired, organic acids can be converted into alcohols, such as by first converting the acid, salt or mixtures of the acid and its salt to an ester, and then hydrogenating the formed ester. Acetogens or homoacetogens which are capable of utilizing a syngas from a thermochemical conversion of coal or biomass can be utilized to produce the desired product.

Abstract: A chemical processing cell includes an upstream membrane and a downstream membrane. The upstream membrane generates a first reaction product. The downstream membrane converts the first reaction product to a second reaction product.

Abstract: Materials and methods are described to produce xylitol from a mixture of hemicellulosic sugars by several routes. Examples include either as a direct co-product of a biorefinery or ethanol facility, or as a stand-alone product produced from an agricultural or forestry biomass feedstock including using, e.g. ethanol waste streams.

Abstract: A system for treating biomass for the production of ethanol is disclosed. A biorefinery for producing a fermentation product from biomass is disclosed. The biorefinery comprises a system for preparing the biomass into prepared biomass and a system for pre-treating the biomass into pre-treated biomass. The biorefinery comprises a separator, a first treatment system, a second treatment system, and a fermentation system. A method for producing a fermentation product from biomass is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a self sustaining and combined dual biomethanation process to produce biogas and manure. The said biomethanation process comprises two or more different biogas reactors using mixed and/or multiple solid biomass as feed. The leachates generated from the solid digester are utilitzed by recirculating the leachates produced, thereby ensuring optimum biogas generation.

Abstract: Bioactive coatings that are stabilized against inactivation by weathering are provided including a base associated with a chemically modified enzyme, and, optionally a first polyoxyethylene present in the base and independent of the enzyme. The coatings are optionally overlayered onto a substrate to form an active coating facilitating the removal of organic stains or organic material from food, insects, or the environment.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for increasing microbial catalase production. 1-10 g/L sodium hexametaphosphate was added to the culture medium between 30-40 hours of fermentation to inhibit proteinase activity and increase the production of catalase. This simple modification of fermentation procedure can result in up to 45% increase of the production of catalase.

Abstract: The present invention has objects to provide a glucan useful as water-soluble dietary fiber, its preparation and uses. The present invention solves the above objects by providing a branched ?-glucan, which is constructed by glucose molecules and characterized by methylation analysis as follows: (1) Ratio of 2,3,6-trimethyl-1,4,5-triacetyl-glucitol to 2,3,4-trimethyl-1,5,6-triacetyl-glucitol is in the range of 1:0.6 to 1:4; (2) Total content of 2,3,6-trimethyl-1,4,5-triacetyl-glucitol and 2,3,4-trimethyl-1,5,6-triacetyl-glucitol is 60% or higher in the partially methylated glucitol acetates; (3) Content of 2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3,5-triacetyl-glucitol is 0.5% or higher but less than 10% in the partially methylated glucitol acetates; and (4) Content of 2,4-dimethyl-1,3,5,6-tetraacetyl-glucitol is 0.5% or higher in the partially methylated glucitol acetates; a novel ?-glucosyltransferase which forms the branched ?-glucan, processes for producing them, and their uses.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the utilization of bacterial cell-free extracts in the synthesis of high yields of membrane-associated polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates a host cell comprising an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid molecule encoding a protein requiring gamma-carboxylation and associated expression control sequences and a nucleic acid molecule encoding a vitamin K epoxido reductase and associated expression control sequences and a nucleic acid molecule encoding a ?-glutamyl carboxylase and associated control sequences. The invention further relates to a method of producing a protein requiring gamma-carboxylation in high yields.

Abstract: A method of co-expressing a portion of the VSV G protein gene or a truncated “stem” portion with GP64 and a retrovirus increases the titer of retroviral vectors. A truncated VSV G protein, preferably comprised of a small segment from the C-terminal portion of the ectodomain plus the transmembrane (TM) and cytoplasmic tail (CTD) domains of VSV G, co-expressed with retroviral vectors, enhances the production titers of the retroviral vectors. A preferred embodiment uses a VSV G construct that includes an N-terminal c-Myc epitope plus 42 amino acids from the C-terminal portion of the ectodomain, 20 amino acids from the predicted TM domain, and 29 amino acids from the predicted CTD of the VSV G protein.

Abstract: An isolated mutated green fluorescent protein (gfp) gene for chromosomal insertion into a bacterium, wherein the gene is capable of being expressed in bacteria and produce sufficient fluorescence under illumination from a UV lamp in a bacterial colony to be seen by the naked eye. A gene cassette for inserting a gene into a chromosome.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to small interfering RNA molecules (siRNA) targeted against an allele of interest, and methods of using these siRNA molecules.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the present invention provides compositions and methods for modulating (promoting or inhibiting) growth of a tissue, such as bone, cartilage, muscle, fat, and/or neuron. The present invention also provides methods of screening compounds that modulate activity of an ActRII protein and/or an ActRII ligand. The compositions and methods provided herein are useful in treating diseases associated with abnormal activity of an ActRII protein and/or an ActRII ligand.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to nutritive medium, medium supplement, media subgroup and buffer formulations. Specifically, powdered nutritive medium, supplement, subgroup formulations, cell culture media comprising all of the necessary nutritive factors for in vitro cell cultivation, buffer formulations that produce particular ionic and pH conditions upon reconstitution with a solvent are provided. Particularly, methods of production of these media, supplement, subgroup, buffer formulations and kits, and methods for the cultivation of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells using these dry powdered nutritive media, supplement, subgroup and buffer formulations are provided. Methods of producing sterile, powdered media or supplement (e.g., powdered FBS, powdered transferrin, powdered insulin, powdered organ extracts, powdered growth factors), media subgroup and buffer formulations by gamma irradiation are provided.

Abstract: An auto-nucleating device includes a tube containing a crystalline cholesterol matrix. The ends of the tube are closed by a membrane impermeable to the cholesterol but permeable to liquids contained in a cryopreservation vessel. The auto-nucleating device provides a site for ice nucleation during freezing of the liquid within the vessel. The cryopreservation vessel can be a flexible vial having a closed port adapted to be pierced by a needle, and an opposite end that is initially open to receive the liquid. Another vessel includes an adaptor mounted to liquid container with a tubular branch closed by a needle septum and another tubular branch provided with a barbed fitting for engaging a flexible tube that terminates in a needle septum. Alternatively, the vessel includes an inlet and vent branch at the top of the container and an outlet septum at a bottom opening.

Abstract: Human umbilical cord lining stem cells that are capable of differentiating into cells of the mesodermal lineage and ectodermal lineage are described, as well as methods of isolating, expanding, culturing, and cryopreserving such cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a basal medium for spheroid formation of adipose-derived stem cells, comprising a substrate; and a chitosan film faulted on a surface of the substrate, wherein the chitosan film comprises chitosan with 60-90% degree of deacetylation, and the chitosan film has a surface roughness defined by a height difference, measured between a highest position and a lowest position thereof, of 1-25 nm. In addition, the present invention further provides a method for inducing the spheroid trans-differentiating into neural lineages by using the basal medium of the present invention.

Abstract: Process for inducing differentiation of mesenchymal stamina cells into neuroblasts and/or neurons that envisions the use of a differentiation solution consisting of retinoic acid and ethanol.

Abstract: An isolated mammalian internal mammary artery-derived cell is disclosed. Furthermore, methods of isolating the mammalian internal mammary artery-derived cell are disclosed. The cell is useful in tissue engineering technologies, specifically in vascular tissue engineering.

Abstract: A method for the culture of somatic plant embryos comprising contacting said embryos with a culture medium containing a plasmolytic or near plasmolytic concentration of a sugar alcohol or a combination of sugar alcohols; and culturing said embryos in said culture medium for a time period suitable for the desired level of maturation to be achieved. Inositol is a preferable sugar alcohol.

Abstract: Methods for making human ES cells and human differentiated cells and tissues for transplantation are described, whereby the cells and tissues are created following somatic cell nuclear transfer. The nuclear transfer donor is genetically modified prior to nuclear transfer such that cells of at least one developmental lineage are de-differentiated, i.e., unable to develop, thereby resolving the ethical dilemmas involved in reprogramming somatic cells back to the embryonic stage. The method concomitantly directs differentiation such that the desired cells and tissues may be more readily isolated.

Abstract: The invention provides a cationic lipid comprising: (i) one head group, comprising one or more amino acids, in which at least one amino acid has a side chain that comprises a cationic moiety or a cationic precursor; (ii) a linking moiety of formula (5): —(HNR5)2NC(O)R3C(O)—??(5), wherein: each R5 is independently an optionally substituted C1-4 alkylene moiety; and R3 is an optionally substituted alkylene or alkenylene moiety; and (iii) two lipophilic moieties, wherein the head group and each of the lipophilic moieties are connected to the linking moiety through amide linkages.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods of preparing non-segmented negative-stranded RNA viruses from cells utilizing electroporation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for using endogenous transcriptional control systems to regulate the expression of heterologous protein(s). In particular, targeted genome editing is used to integrate a sequence encoding the heterologous protein(s) in-frame with an endogenous coding sequence such that the expression of the heterologous and endogenous sequences is regulated by the endogenous control system.

Abstract: A method of producing an induced pluripotent stem cell includes introducing into a somatic cell one or more non-viral expression vectors. The vectors include one or more of an Oct family gene, a Klf family gene, a Sox family gene, a Myc family gene, a Lin family gene, and Nanog gene. The somatic cell is then cultured in a medium that supports pluripotent stem cells. At least a portion of the one or more introduced non-viral expression vectors is not substantially integrated in the chromosome.