Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for assessing bactericidal antibodies in a biological sample by use of human fresh whole blood from a non-immune human as a reaction medium for the assay.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for diagnosing the ischemic state in a subject suffering from acute coronary syndrome who does not fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for a myocardial infarction. The present disclosure also relates to a method for identifying a subject being susceptible to cardiac intervention, wherein the subject suffers from acute coronary syndrome but does not fulfill the diagnostic criteria for a myocardial infarction. The methods of the present disclosure are based on the determination of fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT-1) and, optionally, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in a sample of said subject. The present disclosure also relates to kits and/or devices for carrying out the methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the field of tools for ensuring manufacture of polypeptides and quality control. Specifically, it relates to a method for determining the amount of processed (active) neurotoxin polypeptides in a solution comprising processed neurotoxin polypeptides and partially processed or unprocessed neurotoxin polypeptides. The present invention further relates to a device for determining the amount of neurotoxin polypeptides and a kit adapted to carry out the method of the present invention.

Abstract: In the present invention, we described the use of anti-DNA antibody for the detection of prions and diagnosis of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSE) diseases in animals and humans.

Abstract: A method for differentiation of osteoarthritis from rheumatoid arthritis and non-disease conditions in a sample, comprising measuring in the sample the concentration of human cartilage intermediate layer protein 2 (CILP-2) in body fluids and more specifically, measuring in the sample the concentration of the N-terminal part of CILP-2 (2C1) or fragments thereof.

Abstract: The invention describes improved methods and compositions for producing a recombinant protein, e.g., an antibody, in mammalian cell culture. In addition, the invention provides improved cell culture media, including improved production media, feed solutions, and combination feeds, which may be used to improve protein productivity in mammalian cell culture.

Abstract: A method and a kit for detecting folate are disclosed. The method includes the following steps: (a) mixing a sample and an extraction buffer to form a mixture, heating and then cooling the mixture, and separating a supernatant from the mixture by centrifugation; (b) adding a recombinant ?-glutamyl hydrolase (GGH) and a folate conversion enzyme to the supernatant to drive catalysis; (c) stopping the catalysis; and (d) analyzing the supernatant by high performance liquid chromatography.

Abstract: A method for quantitatively evaluating chromatin structural changes using pixel imaging of the nucleus is provided. Pixel imaging of the nucleus can include capturing one or more images of a nucleus of one or more nucleic acid stain treated cells. The stain intensity can be measured by quantitating the intensity. The mean and/or standard deviation of stain intensity per pixel can be used to determine chromatin condensation levels or chromatin structural change.

Abstract: The object is to provide a transformant which can produce a heterologous protein having a structurally controlled O-linked sugar chain having an O-Man-Gal disaccharide structure, a method for producing the transformant by using Schizosaccharomyces pombe as the host, and provide a host for producing the transformant and a method for producing an O-glycosylated heterologous protein. An Schizosaccharomyces pombe host having no omh1 gene or an inactivated omh1 gene in its chromosomes for producing an O-glycosylated heterologous protein having an O-linked sugar chain having an O-Man-Gal disaccharide structure by expression of the heterologous protein by a genetic engineering technique and subsequent glycosylation of the expressed heterologous protein. A transformant from the host, a method for producing the transformant and a method for producing an O-glycosylated heterologous protein by using the transformant.

Abstract: This invention relates to the integration of an ammonia production process with a fermentation process to produce products such as alcohols and/or acids in addition to ammonia. In a specific embodiment, a natural gas stream comprising methane is passed to a reforming zone to produce a substrate comprising CO and H2. The substrate is next passed to a bioreactor containing a culture of one or more microorganisms and fermenting the culture to produce one or more fermentation products comprising alcohols and/or acids and an exhaust stream comprising CO2, and H2. The exhaust stream can then be passed to a separation zone to remove at least a portion of the CO2 and produce a purified exhaust stream comprising H2 which is then passed to an ammonia production zone and is used to produce ammonia.

Abstract: The present invention describes the plant-based production of a therapeutic antibody against West Nile Virus.

Abstract: A method for producing picornaviral capsid protein complexes (e.g., picornavirus like particles) in E. coli using a small-ubiquitin-related fusion protein expression system and an E. coli strain used in practicing this method. Also disclosed is use of the picornaviral capsid protein complexes like thus prepared for eliciting immune responses.

Abstract: A method of producing corn starch by enzymatic process involving: soaking the corn; crushing the corn, separating and washing embryo; fine grinding; washing and drying fiber; separating and drying protein; washing, dewatering and drying the starch. An enzyme preparation is added before the step of washing, dewatering and drying the starch; the enzyme preparation is cellulose, or xylanase, or combination of the cellulose and the xylanase; and addition of the enzyme preparation is from 0.001% to 0.08% by weight of the corn. Based on the technology of traditional wet process, the method of the present invention comprises a step of adding enzyme preparation in the process of separating the corn, which improves the effect and the efficiency of mechanical separation, and further improves the purity and yield of the substance separated while also reducing the energy consumption.

Abstract: Methods for production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms, including the heterotrophic marine dinoflagellate Crypthecodinium, using low levels of chloride ion are disclosed. Specifically, methods of increasing production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine microorganisms while growing in low chloride media by manipulating sodium ion and potassium ion levels. The invention also relates to methods of production of highly unsaturated fatty acids by marine organisms at low pH levels, and includes methods for generation of low pH tolerant strains.

Abstract: A method for the construction of a moderately thermophilic Bacillus strain capable of utilizing sucrose as a carbon source includes the transformation of a parent moderately thermophilic Bacillus strain not capable of utilizing sucrose as a carbon source with a polynucleotide comprising a DNA sequence that encodes a polypeptide having sucrose-specific phosphotransferase activity and having i) an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 or ii) an amino acid sequence with an identity of at least 70% to the sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 and/or comprising a DNA sequence that encodes a polypeptide having sucrose-6-phosphate hydrolase activity and having iii) an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 or iv) an amino acid sequence with an identity of at least 70% to the sequence of SEQ ID NO:2.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing carboxylic acids having 1-3 carbon atoms, characterized in that 2,3-butanediol and/or acetoin are reacted to form carboxylic acids having 1-3 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Provided herein are host cells comprising carbonic anhydrase activity, wherein the cells are capable of producing C4-dicarboxylic acid. Also provided are methods of producing C4-dicarboxylic acid comprising (a) cultivating the host cells having carbonic anhydrase activity in a medium under suitable conditions to produce C4-dicarboxylic acid; and (b) recovering the C4-dicarboxylic acid.

Abstract: A non-naturally occurring microbial organism has cyclohexanone pathways that include at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a cyclohexanone pathway enzyme. A pathway includes a 2-ketocyclohexane-1-carboxyl-CoA hydrolase (acting on C—C bond), a 2-ketocyclohexane-1-carboxylate decarboxylase and an enzyme selected from a 2-ketocyclohexane-1-carboxyl-CoA hydrolase (acting on thioester), a 2-ketocyclohexane-1-carboxyl-CoA transferase, and a 2-ketocyclohexane-1-carboxyl-CoA synthetase.

Abstract: The invention provides oxygen-resistant iron-hydrogenases ([Fe]-hydrogenases) for use in the production of H2. Methods used in the design and engineering of the oxygen-resistant [Fe]-hydrogenases are disclosed, as are the methods of transforming and culturing appropriate host cells with the oxygen-resistant [Fe]-hydrogenases. Finally, the invention provides methods for utilizing the transformed, oxygen insensitive, host cells in the bulk production of H2 in a light catalyzed reaction having water as the reactant.

Abstract: Methods and devices for preparing a biological sample for analysis are described. The biological sample from an organism has at least macromolecule having a primary structure that naturally degrades after the sample is removed from the organism. The method includes causing the biological sample to adopt a shape to permit rapid and uniform heating. The shaped sample is then rapidly and uniformly heated, thereby altering a secondary structure of the macromolecule while preserving its primary structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variant endoglucanases and particularly endoglucanases having improved properties over wild-type endoglucanase.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds, including compounds having the structure of Formula (A), (B), (C), and (D), as described in further detail herein, that form covalent bonds with Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk). Also described are irreversible inhibitors of Btk. Methods for the preparation of the compounds are disclosed. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions that include the compounds. Methods of using the Btk inhibitors are disclosed, alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents, for the treatment of autoimmune diseases or conditions, heteroimmune diseases or conditions, cancer, including lymphoma, and inflammatory diseases or conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions suitable for use in the conversion of xylose to xylitol and xylulose, including nucleic acid constructs, recombinant fungal host cells, and related materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having phytase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The polypeptides are related to a phytase derived from Hafnia alvei, the amino acid sequence of which is shown in the appended sequence listing as SEQ ID NO: 10. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides, in particular within animal feed.

Abstract: Two RNases (ranpirnase and the second embodiment disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,728,805) are tested against human papillomavirus infections. QRT-PCR assays indicate that the RNases have anti-viral activity against type 11 HPV.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel ?-glucosidase nucleic acid sequence, designated bgl6, and the corresponding BGL6 amino acid sequence. The invention also provides expression vectors and host cells comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding BGL6, recombinant BGL6 proteins and methods for producing the same.

Abstract: We disclose a food additive comprising a PS4 variant polypeptide, in which the PS4 variant polypeptide is derivable from a parent polypeptide having non-maltogenic exoamylase activity, in which the PS4 variant polypeptide comprises substitutions at the following positions: G121D, 134, 141, 157, 223, 307 and 334 with reference to the position numbering of a Pseudomonas saccharophilia exoamylase sequence shown as SEQ ID NO: 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arginine deiminase mutant with partial lysine-deficient and preparation and application thereof. The arginine deiminase mutant of the present invention has enzymatic activity of degrading arginine into citruline; compared with the arginine deiminase with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, the amino acid sequence comprises one or more of K9N, T, K59Q, K66R, A, K93E, A, Q, K111R, A, K119Q, L, M, K121Q, I, K122E, L, K126E, S, R, K178I, E, D, K196I, R, K209G, T, D, K243E, V, R, K249D, Q, K263N, Q, K279Y, T, K293R, H, E, K325V, I, K380T, R, E, and K406E, D, S substitutions. Compared with PEG modified natural derived arginine deiminase, the PEG modified arginine deiminase mutant of the present invention retain better bioactivity; and because the quantity of lysine in arginine deiminase is reduced, the PEG modified products are more uniform and can be applied to clinical treatment of hepatoma, melanoma and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed are the simian T-cell lymphotropic virus type 3 subtype D (STLV-3 subtype D), isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding STLV-3 subtype D polypeptides, such as STLV-3 subtype D envelope, protease, polymerase, tax, rex, and capsid polypeptides, isolated polypeptides encoded by such nucleic acids. Methods are also disclosed for detecting STLV-3 subtype D, for example by detecting a STLV-3 subtype D nucleic acid or polypeptide in the sample. Accordingly, probes, primers, and antibodies for use in detecting STLV-3 subtype D nucleic acids or polypeptides are disclosed. Therapeutic compositions which included isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a STLV-3 subtype D polypeptides or isolated polypeptides encoded by such nucleic acid molecules are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mushroom culture of Agaricus bisporus produced by hybridization of a first strain and a second strain of Agaricus bisporus, wherein at least one of said first and second strains of Agaricus is a hybrid mushroom culture of Agaricus bisporus designated strain J9277. Diverse additional strains can be developed from J9277 by various means including somatic and tissue culture selection, basidiospore selection, and hybridization to other strains of Agaricus bisporus, and the resulting derivative strains can be screened for desirable commercial characteristics. One resultant class of the mushroom Agaricus bisporus (J. Lange) Imbach is the hybrid strain J10165. It exhibits an attractive appearance that includes a smooth, bright white cap, and is biologically incompatible with strains of the ‘U1’ lineage group. A method for improving facility hygiene and reducing disease incidence at any commercial Agaricus bisporus mushroom production facility is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a yeast strain and a method for making the same. The method has the step of replacing the regulation region upstream of the hsp104 gene in the genome of the yeast, so as to accelerate and prolong the expression span of hsp104 gene and enhance the capability of the yeast to ferment and produce ethanol in a high-temperature environment. The yeast is capable of fermenting glucose at a temperature higher than 42° C. to produce ethanol, or biomass ethanol, wherein the ethanol production ratio based on fermentation of glucose is higher than 97%. Being able to synchronize the degradation/hydrolysis stage and fermentation stage of biomass ethanol producing process, the yeast in accordance with the present invention is able to lower the production cost of biomass ethanol and further raise the productivity with its high ethanol production ratio.

Abstract: The present invention provides genetically engineered strains of Pichia capable of producing proteins with reduced glycosylation. In particular, the genetically engineered strains of the present invention are capable of expressing either or both of an ?-1,2-mannosidase and glucosidase II. The genetically engineered strains of the present invention can be further modified such that the OCH1 gene is disrupted. Methods of producing glycoproteins with reduced glycosylation using such genetically engineered stains of Pichia are also provided.

Abstract: A rhizopus oryzae strain, mutagenesis and screening methods thereof, and methods of producing fumaric acid by fermentation. The strain is named as Rhizopus oryzae ME-F13, and deposited in China Center for Type Culture Collection with depository number CCTCC M 2010351. The strain is obtained by physically mutagenizing the original strain ME-F12 through ion injection, culturing the processed bacteria on the solid selective plate containing 2-D-deoxylucose (2-DG) and picking up 2-DG-resistant single colony. The strain is capable of simultaneously saccharifying starchy material and fermenting it to produce fumaric acid. With an improved enzymatic activity, the strain can be directly used to ferment raw starchy materials without needing pre-saccharifying.

Abstract: The invention relates to microscopic structures and methods of making and using the structures. A method of forming a microscopic structure of a material includes obtaining a solution (310) containing the material, establishing a flowing stream of the solution (310) in a capillary (104), wherein the capillary (104) has an inner dimension that is smaller than about 300 micrometers, and maintaining the stream until a layer is built up along an inner wall of the capillary (104) from material deposited from the flowing stream, thereby forming a microscopic structure.

Abstract: Lysing may include agitating a specimen in a chamber along with a medium that includes a particulate lysing material that has an affinity for a biological material. Lysing material may include beads or other material which may be coated that facilitates binding. The medium may include a fluid with a high salt or low pH level. Binding of biological materials to solid surfaces may be induced by particular media. The biological material may be eluted by lowering a concentration of salt or increasing a pH level. Lysing materials with two or more different affinities may be employed. Lysing materials may include particles of different sizes. Heating may be used. Lysing may be performed in a flow through apparatus. Surfaces of solid materials may be modified to capture bacteria with high cell wall lipid content.

Abstract: This application involves detecting luminescence. Various methods and devices are described that reduce interference of ambient light, including UV radiation, on test results. Such methods and devices include using UV blocking material and covering test components prior to use.

Abstract: A polymerase chain reaction (“PCR”) apparatus includes a PCR chip holder which accommodates and supports a PCR chip, a housing which supports ends of the PCR chip holder, a temperature control element which moves perpendicularly with respect to the PCR chip holder in a space between the housing and the PCR chip holder in the housing, and an elastic unit which elastically biases the temperature control element toward the PCR chip holder, between the temperature control element and the housing. The temperature control element includes a top surface which is selectively contacted to a bottom surface of the PCR chip.

Abstract: A system for combinatorial processing is provided. The system includes a plurality of reactor cells. Each of the plurality of reactor cells includes a vertical recess extending along a length of the outer surface of the plurality of reactor cells. The vertical recess is operable to receive a vertical rail. The system also includes a plurality of horizontal rails extending between rows of the plurality of reactor cells. Each of the plurality of horizontal rails has a member slidably mounted thereon. The member is coupled to the vertical rail thereby enabling independent horizontal and vertical movement for each of the plurality of reactor cells.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for staining tissue samples, said apparatus including a reagent section or reagent containers; at least one staining section or tissue samples, a robotic head or robotic element that may move reagent to a predetermined tissue sample, said robotic element being moveable above the reagent and the staining sections, a control element that may manage a staining process, a 2-D optical sensor to detect two-dimensional image data of a relevant property and that can feed the captured image data to the control element. By providing the robotic element with a 2-D optical sensor, a common image processor may be provided having multiple functions. By using a 2-D optical image processing system, the control system of the apparatus may easily be adapted to read various types of data presentations, just as actual images for sections of the apparatus may be identified in order to assess the condition of the apparatus.

Abstract: A culture apparatus comprising: an inner box configured to form a culture chamber; an outer box configured to cover the inner box; a fan configured to circulate gas inside the culture chamber through an air passage provided in the inner box within the culture chamber; a first through hole configured to penetrate a wall configuring a part of the air passage in the inner box; a second through hole configured to penetrate the wall and disposed at a position at which a flow velocity of the gas circulated through the air passage by the fan is lower than a flow velocity of the gas around the first through hole; a connecting pipe configured to connect the first through hole and the second through hole outside of the inner box; and a sensor configured to detect a concentration of the gas flowing in the culture chamber.

Abstract: Antibody expression vectors and plasmids can incorporate various antibody gene portions for transcription of the antibody DNA and expression of the antibody in an appropriate host cell. The expression vectors and plasmids have restriction enzyme sites that facilitate ligation of antibody-encoding DNA into the vectors. The vectors incorporate enhancer and promoter sequences that can be varied to interact with transcription factors in the host cell and thereby control transcription of the antibody-encoding DNA. A kit can incorporate these vectors and plasmids.

Abstract: A modified CAG promoter which is capable of driving high levels of expression of sequences of interest inserted downstream therefrom is herein described.

Abstract: The present specification discloses clonal cell lines susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication, methods of producing such clonal cell lines, and methods of detecting Botulinum toxin serotype A activity using such clonal cell lines.

Abstract: The present specification discloses clonal cell lines susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication, methods of producing such clonal cell lines, and methods of detecting Botulinum toxin serotype A activity using such clonal cell lines.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods relating to growth of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) using non-simian cells. In a particular example, porcine alveolar macrophage cells are described as having a capability of supporting infectivity and reproduction by PRRSV. Cells and cell lines of the invention are disclosed in connection with applications relating to PRRS disease, including vaccine technologies.

Abstract: An anchoring/capturing system for selecting or analyzing a CHO cell according to a product secreted by the CHO cell is described. The anchoring/capturing system comprises a first antibody or a first antigen-binding fragment for anchoring to the extracellular surface of the CHO cell, and a second antibody or a second antigen-binding fragment for binding the secreted product. Uses and methods involving the anchoring/capturing system are provided.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to the use of 24-hydroxylated vitamin D compounds as therapeutics in mammalian bone fracture repair. In addition, the instant invention relates to novel 24-hydroxylated vitamin D compound receptors which can be employed in the development of compounds capable of facilitating fracture repair in animals. The instant invention also relates to nucleic acids encoding such receptors as well as vectors, host cells, transgenic animals comprising such nucleic acids and screening assays employing such receptors.

Abstract: An isolated human cell is disclosed comprising at least one mesenchymal stem cell phenotype and secreting brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), wherein a basal secretion of the BDNF is at least five times greater than a basal secretion of the BDNF in a mesenchymal stem cell. Methods of generating same and uses of same are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to collagen hydrogels. Particularly, the invention relates to hydrogels comprising a telopeptide collagen (“telo-collagen”) and an atelopeptide collagen (“atelo-collagen”); hydrogels comprising collagen and chitosan; methods of making the hydrogels; methods of reducing gelation of a hydrogel mixture at room temperature; methods of reducing compaction of cells; and methods of culturing cells on such hydrogels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of host cell transduction utilizing ecotropic retroviral vector particles. The retroviral vector particle may comprise an envelope of Friend murine leukaemia virus, in particular the envelope encoded by molecular clone PVC-211 and the host cell may be engineered to recombinantly express the Reel receptor. The retroviral vector particles and methods of the invention can be used to introduce expressible polynucleotide sequences of interest into host cells with high efficiency. This results in protein production methods with higher yield (mg/L) and a reduction in manufacturing costs that could be used in a range of applications including for example, the production of therapeutic proteins, vaccines and antibodies.