Abstract: The technology described herein generally relates to microfluidic cartridges configured to amplify and detect polynucleotides extracted from multiple biological samples in parallel. The technology includes a microfluidic substrate, comprising: a plurality of sample lanes, wherein each of the plurality of sample lanes comprises a microfluidic network having, in fluid communication with one another: an inlet; a first valve and a second valve; a first channel leading from the inlet, via the first valve, to a reaction chamber; and a second channel leading from the reaction chamber, via the second valve, to a vent.

Abstract: Methods and systems for polymerase chain reactions (PCR) that are capable of detecting amplified DNA during or after the PCR process. The methods and systems may utilize DSC or DTA analysis techniques.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of detecting pathogenic Legionella pneumophila strains by hybridizing genomic DNA of a sample suspected to contain Legionella to two or five specific sequence markers, as identified by MARKER NO. 1 through MARKER NO. 5 or homologues thereof. The invention further relates to a kit of parts comprising an array and reference materials for performing a method of the invention.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of neurology. Specifically, the invention relates to the discovery and characterization of molecular components that play a role in neuronal demyelination or remyelination. In addition, the invention relates to the generation of an animal model that exhibits hypomyelination. The compositions and methods embodied in the present invention are particularly useful for drug screening and/or treatment of demyelination disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to thrombospondin fragments found in plasma, their use or use of portions thereof in diagnostic methods, as method calibrators, method indicators, and as immunogens, and as analytes for methods with substantial clinical utility; and their detection in plasma or other bodily fluids for purpose of diagnostic methods, especially for cancer.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing a pelvic pain disorder that include analyzing samples for increased levels and/or nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin, which indicates presence of the pelvic pain disorder, particularly interstitial cystitis. Therapeutic treatment of a pelvic pain disorder, particularly interstitial cystitis, includes the administration to a patient of an effective amount of an inhibitor of beta-catenin activity. This can be carried out by direct administration of the therapeutic agent or via gene therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing neuroendocrine cancers via detecting the presence of N-methyl D-asparate-associated (NMDA) glutamate receptors type 1 and/or type 2. Methods for preventing and treating neuroendocrine cancers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of detecting or monitoring a malignant plasma cell disease comprising detecting in a sample the ratio between the relative amounts of immunoglobulins having: (i) a heavy chain class bound to ? light chains; and (ii) immunoglobulins having the same heavy chain class but bound to ? light chains. More particularly, in one embodiment the method comprises the steps of measuring the relative amounts of the respective immunoglobulins by using: (i) at least one antibody, or a fragment thereof, specific for the heavy chain class; (ii) an antibody, or a fragment thereof, specific for ? light chains; and (iii) an antibody, or a fragment thereof, specific for ? light chains.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods relating to the evaluation of BAFF in a biological sample from a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in a human subject or the risk of a human subject to develop COPD comprising the steps of: —providing a sample from a human subject, —determining the amount of caspase-cleaved cytokeratin-18 (ccCK-18), histones, heat shock protein 27 (HSP27), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and/or heat shock protein 90 alpha (HSP90 alpha) in said sample, —diagnosing COPD when the amount of ccCK-18, histones, HSP27, HSP70 and/or HSP90 alpha is increased compared to the amount of ccCK-18, histones, HSP27, HSP70 and/or HSP90 alpha in healthy human subjects, or—diagnosing the risk to develop COPD when the amount of ccCK-18, histones and/or HSP70 is reduced compared to the amount of ccCK-18, histones and/or HSP70 in healthy human subjects.

Abstract: A procedure for the identification of a functional disorder of the pancreas by the use of parts of all iso-enzymes of the pancreas elastase and of synthetic amino-acid sequences as antigens for obtaining specific antibodies, as well as their use in immuno-chemical test procedures.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods of measuring cleaved von Willebrand factor (VWF) fragments. More specifically, the invention relates to methods of measuring the ability of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13 (ADAMTS13) to cleave VWF in vivo. The invention also relates to methods of using various animal models which demonstrate ADAMTS13 activity similar to that of a human. The invention further relates to methods of measuring the cleavage products of rVWF in mammals, particularly in humans and in human plasma.

Abstract: A reaction medium for detecting and/or identifying Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria, comprising a predetermined combination of two antibiotics, a first antibiotic which belongs to the cephalosporin family and a second antibiotic, said first and second antibiotics each being at a sub-inhibitory concentration.

Abstract: A pre-treatment method for analyzing a specified portion in a specimen composed of a biological tissue includes the steps of preparing a specimen to be analyzed, determining a specified portion in the specimen; and applying an analysis inhibitor to a portion except the specified portion of the specimen using a droplet spray method.

Abstract: A method for assessing prognosis in an individual suffering from liver failure, which method comprises detecting endotoxin in the individual, for example by determining the neutrophil function in the individual. The method can be used to determine whether there is an increased risk of infection in the individual, an increased risk of organ failure in the individual, an increased risk of mortality in the individual and/or an increased risk that the individual will not respond positively to treatment with an immunosuppressive agent, a steroid or an antibiotic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the cloning, identification and characterization of the unique and entire genomic sequences encoding new porcine DC-SIGN and LSECtin proteins, including the novel nucleotide sequences of the full-length cDNA and genes of both pDC-SIGN gene and pLSECtin. Also provided are the nucleic acid molecules encoding newly discovered porcine ICAM-3 isoforms from porcine monocyte-derived dendritic cells and the use thereof. Specifically, the invention is drawn to an isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding one or more of porcine DC-SIGN, porcine ICAM-3, porcine LSECtin, a complement of the nucleotide sequence or a functional, defined portion of the nucleotide sequence or a protein fusion product linked to a protein that may be of porcine or human origin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a protein of interest comprising: (a) cultivating a mutant cell under conditions conducive for production of the protein wherein the mutant has a reduced or no expression of an endogenous polypeptide shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 compared to a parent host cell grown under the same conditions; and optionally (b) recovering the protein of interest.

Abstract: An evolvable production strain of B. subtilis exhibiting continuous or high level expression during protein evolution is described. An evolved Bacillus subtilis pstS promoter facilitates screening and production of secreted proteins.

Abstract: Improved process for the isolation of laidlomycin from a fermentation broth includes increasing the pH of the fermentation broth and centrifuging the pH adjusted fermentation broth, resulting in an aqueous layer and a wet solid layer containing laidlomycin. After the aqueous layer is removed, the wet solid layer containing laidlomycin is dried. The process provides an efficient and high yielding method.

Abstract: Biomass feedstocks (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) are processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce a product or intermediate, e.g., energy, a food, a fuel, or a material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electromagnetic treatment of living tissues and cells comprising: configuring at least one waveform according to a mathematical model having at least one waveform parameter, said at least one waveform to be coupled to a angiogenesis and neovascularization target pathway structure; choosing a value of said at least one waveform parameter so that said at least waveform is configured to be detectable in said angiogenesis and neovascularization target pathway structure above background activity in said target pathway structure; generating an electromagnetic signal from said configured at least one waveform; and coupling said electromagnetic signal to said angiogenesis and neovascularization target pathway structure using a coupling device.

Abstract: A method for producing an immobilized enzyme which includes the steps of immobilizing an enzyme used for hydrolyzing fats and oils on a immobilization carrier by adsorption, bringing the immobilized enzyme into contact with an organic solvent in which fat-soluble fatty acids or the derivatives thereof have been dissolved, and adjusting the moisture content of the immobilized enzyme from 1 to 20% by weight based on the weight of the carrier.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for production of a bio-derived scaffold for use in regenerative medicine, which has a bio-compatibility and biodegradability and can self-organize and grow without causing calcification. The method comprises the steps of partially fixing a biological soft tissue with glutaraldehyde by cross-linking and incubating the partially fixed tissue together with an elastase.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides engineered ketoreductase enzymes having improved properties as compared to a naturally occurring wild-type ketoreductase enzyme including the capability of reducing 5-((4S)-2-oxo-4-phenyl(1,3-oxazolidin-3-yl))-1-(4-fluorophenyl)pentane-1,5-dione to (4S)-3-[(5S)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-hydroxypentanoyl]-4-phenyl-1,3-oxazolidin-2-one. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, host cells capable of expressing the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, and methods of using the engineered ketoreductase enzymes to synthesize the intermediate (4S)-3-[(5S)-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-hydroxypentanoyl]-4-phenyl-1,3-oxazolidin-2-one in a process for making Ezetimibe.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides engineered ketoreductase enzymes having improved properties as compared to a naturally occurring wild-type ketoreductase enzyme. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, host cells capable of expressing the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, and methods of using the engineered ketoreductase enzymes to synthesize a variety of chiral compounds.

Abstract: Compositions, devices, systems and methods for reducing and/or preventing photodamage of one or more reactants in illuminated analytical reactions by one or more of incorporating photodamage mitigating agents within the reaction mixture and/or interrogating different observation regions of the reaction mixture for a period that is less than a photodamage threshold period.

Abstract: This invention provides for an improved generation of novel nucleic acid modifying enzymes. The improvement is the fusion of a sequence-non-specific nucleic-acid-binding domain to the enzyme in a manner that enhances the ability of the enzyme to bind and catalytically modify the nucleic acid.

Abstract: Disclosed are isolated polypeptides of Alicyclobacillus sp. having acid endoglucanase or acid cellulase activity.

Abstract: Reactive and modified M13 bacteriophages, and methods of making and using the same, are generally provided. The reactive M13 bacteriophage can include a alkyne functional group covalently attached to the M13 bacteriophage. The modified M13 bacteriophage can include a substituent covalently attached to the M13 bacteriophage via a 1,2,3-triazole linkage. Dual-modified M13 bacteriophages are also generally provided, and can include a cancer-targeting substituent covalently attached to the M13 bacteriophage and a fluorescent group covalently attached to the M13 bacteriophage. The modified M13 bacteriophages can not only be employed as a fluorescent probe for cancer imaging, but also can be used as biomaterials for cell alignment and scaffolding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for purification of Vaccinia viruses (VV) and/or Vaccinia virus (VV) particles, which can lead to highly pure and stable virus preparations of predominantly biologically active viruses. The invention encompasses purifying a virus preparation in a sterilized way with high efficiency and desirable yield in terms of purity, biological activity and stability, aspects advantageous for industrial production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and pharmaceutical compositions comprising poxviruses and more particularly extracellular enveloped viruses. The present invention also relates to a process for producing poxviruses and poxviruses obtained thereof. Moreover, the present invention also relates to the use of said poxvirus and said composition for the preparation of a medicament.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and pharmaceutical compositions comprising poxviruses and more particularly extracellular enveloped viruses. The present invention also relates to a process for producing poxviruses and poxviruses obtained thereof. Moreover, the present invention also relates to the use of said poxvirus and said composition for the preparation of a medicament.

Abstract: Provided is an isolated Lactobacillus plantarum CMU995, which was deposited at the Food Industry Research and Development Institute in Taiwan with the accession number BCRC 910472 and in the German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures (DSMZ) under accession number DSM 23780. Also provided are a composition comprising Lactobacillus plantarum CMU995 and a method for inhibiting pathogens, protecting the gastrointestinal tract, and/or protecting the urinary tract in a mammal comprising administrating an effective amount of Lactobacillus plantarum CMU995 to the mammal.

Abstract: The present inventors have surprisingly discovered that phytic acid tenaciously precipitates with soluble metals in food or fuel ethanol-processing fluid, producing insoluble organometallic salt deposit or scale on the processing equipment that must be removed in order to facilitate further ethanol processing. The present invention relates to converting phytic acid salts or phytates to inorganic phosphates to improve metal solubility and reduce deposition within processing equipment.

Abstract: Provided are improved processes and apparatuses for solid phase oligonucleotide synthesis, the improvements comprising carrying out detritylation of the nascent oligonucleotide using a composition of an organic solvent, a protic solvent and a selected concentration, or selected concentration range, of water. In some embodiments, an oligonucleotide synthesis apparatus includes means for adding water to a detritylation reagent. In some embodiments, an apparatus can include a water detector for analyzing the water concentration of a detritylation reagent to be reacted with a nascent oligonucleotide. An apparatus can comprise a feedback loop to control the concentration of water at the point of the detritylation reaction and/or to control the detritylation reaction time. The apparatuses and methods reduce batch-to-batch variations in the manufacture of oligonucleotides immobilized on the surface of various substrates.

Abstract: Method for packaging cells in culture in a low-pressure environment, and corresponding device. The invention relates to a method for packaging live cells in culture for the purpose of transporting them, wherein said cells are in a culture medium contained in at least one container, characterized in that said method comprises: a phase of filling said container(s) according to a given degree of filling; a step of closure of said container(s) comprising: bagging said container(s) in a flexible sachet; and reducing the pressure inside said sachet; sealing said sachet, with the pressure reduction being maintained, wherein said closure step is carried out under temperature conditions correlated with said degree of filling with a view to avoiding the boiling of said culture medium during said pressure reduction.

Abstract: An analysis device includes: a separation cavity 18 for separating a test liquid into a solution component and a solid component by using a centrifugal force; a higher specific gravity component quantitative cavity 23 for holding a portion of the separated solid component which has been transferred; a sample solution overflow cavity 22 arranged between the higher specific gravity component quantitative cavity 23 and the separation cavity 18 and connected to a connecting channel 21 for transporting the sample liquid from the separation cavity 18; and a capillary cavity 19 formed in the separation cavity 18 for temporarily holding a separated solution component (blood plasma) in the separation cavity 18. A blood plasma component 57a remaining in the separation cavity 18 is trapped by the capillary cavity 19.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for rapid detection of a target nucleic acid amplification product while preventing cross-contamination between target nucleic acid amplification products and avoiding false positives, comprising the steps of: a) leaving the reaction tube unopened after the amplification reaction is finished, so as to prevent the target nucleic acid amplification product from leaking out and resulting in contamination; b) placing the unopened reaction tube inside an enclosed unit, making the target nucleic acid amplification product be transferred to a test strip from the reaction tube in a physically enclosed environment; c) performing detection in a visual read-out manner, and determining the result; d) discarding the enclosed unit in a safety place as a whole without opening it after the detection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for growing algae for sequestering carbon dioxide and then harvesting the algae includes a container for a suspension of algae in a liquid and a bioreactor having a translucent channel in fluid communication with the container to absorb CO2 and grow the algae. A monitor determines the growth of the algae in the channel. A separator separates the grown algae from the suspension and an extractor extracts biomaterials from the grown algae.

Abstract: A system for producing a hydrocarbon-producing photosynthetic organism. The system comprises a substantially closed conduit system enclosing a fluid, a fluid-moving mechanism adapted to move the fluid through at least a portion of the conduit system, and a harvester adapted to remove at least a portion of the hydrocarbon-producing photosynthetic organisms from the fluid. The fluid contains a population of a hydrocarbon-producing photosynthetic organism and the conduit system configured to permit at least a portion of the population to receive light suitable for photosynthesis.

Abstract: Gas permeable devices and methods are disclosed for cell culture, including cell culture devices and methods that contain medium at heights, and certain gas permeable surface area to medium volume ratios. These devices and methods allow improvements in cell culture efficiency and scale up efficiency.

Abstract: A cell processing apparatus 29 of the present invention includes a storage container 57 that can contain liquid L including a biological sample; a filter 60 that prevents a first cell C1 in the biological sample from passing therethrough and that allows a second cell C2 having a smaller diameter than that of the first cell C1 to pass therethrough; and a filtration cylinder 58 for separating, in the storage container 57 and via the filter 60, the liquid L into a first liquid L1 mainly including the first cell C1 and a second liquid L2 mainly including the second cell C2. A measurement target cell discriminated by the filter from the other cells can be easily collected.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tool for reducing the time and labor required for obtaining a protein by recombinant expression of a gene in a host. A vector characterized by having two restriction recognition sequences different in nucleotide sequence both of which are recognized by a first restriction enzyme, one of the restriction recognition sequences comprising a part of a restriction recognition sequence recognized by a second restriction enzyme that is different from the first restriction enzyme, and the other one of the restriction recognition sequences not comprising the part of the restriction recognition sequence recognized by the second restriction enzyme. A method of producing a protein and/or a protein domain, using the above-described vector.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the development and use of Closterovirus-based vectors for the delivery of nucleotides to plants. Specifically, the present disclosure provides viral vectors based on Grapevine leafroll-associated virus-2 for the delivery and expression of genes in plants, particularly grape plants. Methods of making and using these vectors, as well as the plants transformed by these vectors, are also contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions for expression of polypeptides or delivery of interfering RNAs in various cell types.

Abstract: Disclosed are cells, compositions, and methods for treating liver diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the treatment of PML by infusion of activated and expanded autologous lymphocytes.

Abstract: This invention provides a crystalline recombinant interferon (rSIFN-co (SEQ ID NO: 1)) having (i) the same amino acid sequence as that of human consensus interferon, and (ii) altered three-dimensional structure as compared to IFN-?2b. The interferon of the present invention exhibits enhanced biological activities. The present invention also provides a structure model of said interferon useful for drug screening and/or drug design and the mimetic of said interferon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of a therapeutical composition, in particular, the present invention relates to a method for treating dendritic cells with a combination of at least one interferon gamma receptor agonist and at least one toll like receptor 2 and/or TLR 6 agonist and using these pretreated dendritic cells for the preparation of a therapeutical composition. Moreover, the present invention relates to a therapeutical composition containing dendritic cells and the use thereof for the treatment of various diseases and disorders.

Abstract: Methods for differentiating human pluripotent stem cells into islet-like cells are provided. In certain embodiments, the methods utilize sequential culturing of the human pluripotent stem cells with certain factors to produce islet-like cells. In certain embodiments, the population of cells produced by the methods is further enriched for islet-like cells.