Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant yeast comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a heterologous enzyme that catalyses the conversion of malic acid to fumaric acid. The invention further relates to a process for the production of a dicarboxylic acid wherein the yeast according to the present invention is used.

Abstract: The present application discloses genetically modified yeast cells comprising an active 3-HP fermentation pathway, and the use of these cells to produce 3-HP.

Abstract: Variations of this invention reduce or avoid lignin precipitation during acidic hydrolysis of biomass hydrolysates (such as hemicellulose-containing liquid extracts). Net acid usage and byproduct salt formation are significantly reduced. In some embodiments, hemicellulosic oligomers are hydrolyzed, in the presence of sulfur dioxide, to produce fermentable hemicellulosic sugars; the process comprising recovering and recycling at least a portion of the sulfur dioxide, wherein at least a portion of the sulfur dioxide reacts with the lignin to produce hydrophilic sulfonated lignin that has less tendency to precipitate or stick.

Abstract: A process for the production of alcohols and/or solvents starting from cellulosic or lignocellulosic biomass comprising at least: a) Thermochemical pretreatment of a cellulosic or lignocellulosic substrate; b) Optionally, washing pretreated substrate and setting the pH; c) Enzymatic hydrolysis of pretreated, optionally washed, substrate, using cellulolytic and/or hemicellulolytic enzymes producing a hydrolyzate and a water-insoluble residue; d) Ethylic fermentation of hexoses in hydrolyzate obtained from c) into ethanol by alcohologenic microorganism and production of ethyl wine; e) One extraction stage comprising e1) Separation and purification of ethanol and/or solvents obtained from d), and e2) Separation of a solid cake containing insoluble residue and production of vinasses; f) Butylic fermentation of pentoses contained in vinasses obtained in e2) by a solventogenic microorganism and production of butyl wine; at least a portion of butyl wine is recycled upstream from at least one enzymatic hydrolys

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is 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 ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation. Hydrocarbon-containing materials are also used as feedstocks.

Abstract: A system and process for producing ethanol and biogas. An incoming feedstock and water is directed to a preparation unit that frees sugar from the feedstock. The feedstock is directed to a fermenter that ferments the sugar to produce a beer that includes ethanol and feedstock. The beer is directed to a distillation unit which separates the ethanol from the feedstock and produces ethanol and whole stillage. The stillage derived is direct to an anaerobic membrane bioreactor unit. The stillage is subjected to anaerobic digestion in the anaerobic digester and this produces mixed liquor that includes suspended solids. Mixed liquor including the suspended solids is directed to the membrane separation unit which filters the suspended solids and produces a concentrated reject (retentate) stream and a backset permeate stream. The backset permeate stream is then mixed with the incoming feedstock.

Abstract: Described is a method for generating conjugated dienes through a biological process. More specifically, the application describes a method for producing conjugated dienes (for example butadiene, isoprene or dimethylbutadiene) from light alkenols via enzymatic dehydration, in particular by making use of an alkenol dehydratase.

Abstract: A bioreactor system for growing commercial volumes of algae or other biomass in an enclosed, biosecure reactor vessel, the system having internal artificial growth light production as well as exterior solar energy capturing devices or the like designed to facilitate enhanced sunlight exposure for photosynthesis organism production. Magnetic and electromagnetic field generation systems and/or millimeter wave generating devices are integrated with the bioreactor system and its operation to substantially enhance growth rate and overall productivity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices for the magnetophoretic separation of target biological materials including a separation chamber that has a plurality of channels, and one or more wires carrying a current, the wires generating a magnetic force that deflects magnetically-labeled target biological materials into a buffer stream. In addition, methods of separating target biological materials from non-target biological materials in a sample are disclosed. Finally, methods for constructing a magnetophoretic separation device are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for storage of biomolecules. The biomolecules are stored via absorption to a substrate. Absorbed biomolecules can be eluted or recovered from the substrate at a future time, and optionally be subjected to a subsequent analysis or application. Biomolecules absorbed to a substrate for storage may also optionally be preserved, i.e., the absorbed biomolecule is resistant to or resists degradation.

Abstract: This invention provides vectors and methods for the stable introduction of exogenous nucleic acid sequences into the genome of a bird and for expressing said exogenous sequences to alter the phenotype of the bird or to produce desired proteins. In particular, transgenic chickens are produced which express exogenous sequences in their oviducts. Eggs which contain exogenous proteins are also produced.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel fatty acid desaturases genes used for synthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially delta-9 desaturases (FADS9-I). The present invention also provides nucleic acid sequence coding the above-described desaturases, expression vector of the above-described desaturases and recombinant microorganism expressing above-described desaturases.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, and kits for fragmentation and labeling of nucleic acids. More particularly, the invention relates to methods for fragmentation of nucleic acids to produce fragments with 3? end hydroxyl groups within a desired size range. In methods of the invention, nucleic acids are fragmented at abasic sites to produce fragments with blocked 3? ends. The 3? ends are unblocked to produce polynucleotide fragments with hydroxyl groups at their 3? ends. Methods, kits, and compositions for carrying out fragmentation of a polynucleotide template in a single reaction mixture to yield fragments with 3?-hydroxl ends within the desired size range are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of sugar hydrolysates from cellulosic material. The method may be used, for example for producing fermentable sugars for the production of bioethanol from lignocellulosic material. Cellulolytic enzymes and their production by recombinant technology are described, as well as uses of the enzymes and enzyme preparations.

Abstract: The invention relates to recombinant oncolytic viruses that target tumor stem cells and various uses of these recombinant viruses. In particular, an oncolytic virus comprising a recombinant binding domain specific for a tumor stem cell marker is disclosed. Furthermore, the use of such oncolytic viruses for the treatment of cancer is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provide isolated peptides, protides and conjugates having novel peptide sequences which are able to induce antimicrobial, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative or programmed cell death activity. The invention also provides a method of inducing programmed cell death in a cell by contacting the cell with an isolated peptide, protide or conjugate described herein. In some aspects, the method can be used in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of a disease, such as an infection, cancer, autoimmune disease, or inflammatory disease.

Abstract: A specific method is provided of improving immunomodulatory properties of Lactobacillus strains using growth media with a specific primary carbon source, including a method of increasing the anti-inflammatory effect of non-pathogenic anti-inflammatory bacterial strains, by the use of specific growth conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cells and methods for renewably producing isobutyrate. In some cases, the cells can include a heterologous DNA that encodes at least one enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of isobutyraldehyde to isobutyrate. In other cases, the cells can include a genetically modified enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of isobutyraldehyde to isobutyrate to a degree greater than the wild-type version of the enzyme. In other cases, the cells can include one or more enzyme that catalyze the conversion of 2-ketovaline to isobutyrate. Generally, methods include growing the cells in a medium that includes a carbon source that the cells are able to convert to isobutyrate.

Abstract: A stereospecific enzyme in C. autoethanogenum permits the conversion of racemic propanediol to acetone and/or propionaldehyde. Entantiomeric starting materials lead to different products. If desired, the products may be reduced to form alcohols. The reaction can be performed in various host cells, so that various materials may be used as carbon and/or energy sources.

Abstract: The present invention provides expression vectors useful for high-throughput screening of gene libraries. In a specific embodiment, an expression vector comprising (a) the Rop gene operatively linked to the trp promoter-operator; (b) a purification tag sequence and a protease cleavage site downstream of the Rop gene; and (d) a multiple cloning site downstream of the protease cleavage site, wherein the insertion of a heterologous gene of interest into the multiple cloning site and subsequent expression thereof in a host cell produces a high yield of a fusion protein comprising the Rop protein and the protein encoded by the heterologous gene of interest without the need of chemical inducers, temperature shifts, or growth medium alterations to initiate protein synthesis, and wherein the fusion protein controls plasmid replication at temperatures below about 30° C. but exhibits runaway plasmid replication when cultured at about 37° C.

Abstract: A system and method for managing an ethanologen for use in biorefinery is disclosed. The method for propagating ethanologen for use in the production of a fermentation product from biomass comprises the steps of providing a medium for propagation of ethanologen; supplying a first cell mass of ethanologen to the medium; supplying xylose to the medium as a carbon source for the ethanologen; and maintaining the medium comprising the first cell mass of ethanologen at a pH of between about 5.0 and 6.0 and at a temperature of between about 26 and about 37 degrees Celsius so that the first cell mass of ethanologen is propagated into a second cell mass of ethanologen. The second cell mass of ethanologen is larger than the first cell mass of ethanologen.

Abstract: Method for harvesting microalgae in a culture medium, includes passing the medium through a set of consecutive concentrators; each including a passive filtering unit separating the inner space of the concentrator into an upper and lower volume; the upper volume having an inlet (16) and an outlet (18) arranged at a lower position with respect to the inlet for extracting a more concentrated culture medium from the upper volume; the lower volume having an outlet (32) for extracting a liquid from the lower volume; the inlet (16) of a downstream concentrator being connected to the outlet (18) of the upper volume of the upstream concentrator; and harvesting a concentrated culture medium at the outlet (18) of the upper volume of a concentrator. Preferably, the inlet of the upper volume of an upstream concentrator is located at a greater height than the inlet of the upper volume of the downstream concentrator.

Abstract: A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) device for a reverse transcriptase reaction (RT) and a convectively-driven polymerase chain reaction (cPCR) in the same device is provided. The PCR device comprises an upper temperature-controlling unit, a middle temperature-controlling unit and a lower temperature-controlling unit. The middle temperature-controlling unit is used for controlling a temperature of a reaction mixture contained in a reaction container to have a temperature for the reverse transcriptase reaction. The middle temperature-controlling unit is disposed between the upper temperature-controlling unit and the lower temperature-controlling unit. The upper temperature-controlling unit and the lower temperature-controlling unit are used for simultaneously controlling the reaction mixture contained in the reaction container to have a temperature gradient and a convection condition for the convectively-driven polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods including a combination of thermal generating device technologies to achieve more efficiency and accuracy in PCR temperature cycling of nucleic samples undergoing amplification.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple and highly reliable cell collection system with high throughput and improved in cell collection efficiency. In the present invention, one or more pores are formed in a cell collection plate. One surface of the plate can be directly introduced in e.g., a petri dish, so as to be in contact with a solution containing cells. In this case, means for obtaining an optical image of collected cells from its rear surface is provided to improve reliability and convenience during a cell collection process. Alternatively, the vicinities of the pores in the cell collection plate are only hydrophilized and the other region is made water repellent to improve the efficiency of cell collection.

Abstract: A plasmid is provided comprising the following functional units: a prokaryotic origin of replication, a marker sequence, two specific recombinase recognition sequences and a multiple cloning site, whereby it comprises a gene coding for a sequence specific recombinase, whereby the units are arranged on the plasmid in such a way that the plasmid is divided into a miniplasmid and a minicircle upon expression of the sequence specific recombinase, said miniplasmid comprising the prokaryotic origin of replication, the marker sequence and the gene for the sequence specific recombinase and said minicircle comprising the multiple cloning site.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are materials and methods such as the use of none steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to increase the number of CD34+ cell in human patients. The level of ECFC measured in volunteers before and after treatment with meloxicam. Only 4/7 volunteers had detectable levels of ECFC in a 40 mL sample of peripheral of blood (PB) before treatment, while 7/7 had detectable levels of ECFC in a similar sample collected post-meloxicam treatment. Administering a course of treatment with NSAID also increased the number of endothelial colony forming cells (ECFC) in the volunteers PB and it reduced culture time to first ECFC detection. These data demonstrate that NSAID administration mobilizes both hematopoietic and endothelial progenitors to PB. This provides a safe and effective strategy that can be added to existing mobilization regimens and is especially useful when combined with a course of treatment that includes the use of G-CSF.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies against human Angiopoietin 2 (anti-ANG-2 antibodies), methods for their production, pharmaceutical compositions containing said antibodies, and uses thereof.

Abstract: A methodology of producing and utilizing antibodies that recognize peptides associated with a tumorigenic or disease state, wherein the peptides are displayed in the context of HLA molecules, is disclosed. These antibodies may be utilized in therapeutic methods of mediating cell lysis.

Abstract: A multilayered cell culture apparatus for the culturing of cells is disclosed. The cell culture apparatus is defined as an integral structure having a plurality of cell culture chambers in combination with tracheal space(s). The body of the apparatus has imparted therein gas permeable membranes in combination with tracheal spaces that will allow the free flow of gases between the cell culture chambers and the external environment. The flask body also includes an aperture that will allow access to the cell growth chambers by means of a needle or cannula. The size of the apparatus, and location of an optional neck and cap section, allows for its manipulation by standard automated assay equipment, further making the apparatus ideal for high throughput applications.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to the field of protein production, and in particular to compositions and processes for controlling and limiting the heterogeneity of proteins expressed in host cells.

Abstract: Elucidating the function of proteins in mammalian cells is particularly challenging due to the inherent complexity of these systems. Methods to study protein function in living cells ideally perturb the activity of only the protein of interest but otherwise maintain the natural state of the host cell or organism. Ligand-dependent inteins offer single-protein specificity and other desirable features as an approach to control protein function in cells post-translationally. Some aspects of this invention provide second-generation ligand-dependent inteins that splice to substantially higher yields and with faster kinetics in the presence of the cell-permeable small molecule 4-HT, especially at 37° C., while exhibiting comparable or improved low levels of background splicing in the absence of 4-HT, as compared to the parental inteins. These improvements were observed in four protein contexts tested in mammalian cells at 37° C., as well as in yeast cells assayed at 30° C. or 37° C.

Abstract: A system for detecting an adulterant in a sample of milk. One or more drops of milk are added to a first location of a system and the presence or absence of the adulterant is detected in a second location of the system using a material treated with a detection reagent.

Abstract: Determining weight concentration of clay in a sample of a porous material, a water-soluble salt of a metal is selected that enters in a selective ion exchange reaction with clay, with the general formula R+M?, where a metal R+ is selected from the group {Ba2+; Sr2+; Tl+; Rb+ . . . }, M? is selected from the group {Cln; NOn; OHn; CH3COO, SO4; . . . } in accordance with the table of solubility of inorganic substances in water. Clay is marked by means of mixing the clay with a water solution of the selected salt of the metal, residues of the salt of the metal that have not interacted with the clay are removed. X-ray fluorescent spectrometry of the marked clay and of the sample is conducted and content of the metal in the marked clay and natural content of the metal in the sample are determined. A water solution of the marked clay is pumped through the sample, the sample is dried and X-ray fluorescent spectrometry of the entire sample or of its individual segments is conducted.

Abstract: Provided is a method and device for identifying glycated protein in a sample using a matrix including a boronic acid moiety that binds glycated proteins.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for platelet multi-function analysis using measurement of electrical characteristics, and a stirring microchip are provided. The apparatus for platelet multi-function analysis includes a stirring microchip that has a sample storage chamber formed therein to hold a blood sample, and in which an inner part of the sample storage chamber is coated with reagents composed of collagen and epinephrine, or collagen and ADP. The apparatus for platelet multi-function analysis further includes a microstirrer installed inside the stirring microchip to stir the blood sample and the reagents in the stirring microchip and a stirring induction unit configured to facilitate stirring of the microstirrer. Therefore, the platelet aggregation and multi-function analysis can be performed using a trace of blood, and the platelet aggregation and multi-function analysis can also be performed using the whole blood taken from the veins through a vacuum tube containing an anticoagulant.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional chromatographic method for the separation of N-glycans. The method comprises providing a glycan preparation that includes at least one negatively charged N-glycan. The glycan preparation is then separated by anion-exchange chromatography and at least one secondary chromatographic technique.

Abstract: A method for measuring the concentration of advanced-oxidation active species includes a step of measuring the absorption characteristics of a wavelength region including the wavelength of 195 to 205 nm of a sample and a step of determining the concentration of the advanced-oxidation active species from the aforementioned measured absorption characteristics on the basis of the absorption coefficient of the advanced-oxidation active species in the wavelength region including the wavelength of 195 to 205 nm. The method and the apparatus can measure the concentration of the advanced-oxidation active species directly in line without the need for adding an additive.

Abstract: Provided is a hydrogen peroxide sensitive metal nanoparticle including: a metal nanoparticle including a biocompatible metal and a hydrogen peroxide reactive ion which is bonded to a surface of the metal nanoparticle and is oxidized by hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A detection method for a substance and a system thereof are provided. The detection method for a substance contained in a sample includes providing a reagent in reaction with the substance to form a chelate; and pressurizing the substance to accumulate the chelate.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to optical devices that can collect and detect signal emissions effectively while allowing the excitation light path and the sample flow path to coexist non-obstructively in a compact format. More specifically, this invention relates to a compact device having a multilayer coating on the structure surface and a wave guiding structure. In the device, using the surface plasmon coupling effect, the majority of the optical emission from the emitter on top of the multilayer coating is distributed toward the wave guiding structure. The wave guiding structure then further directs on signal to the detector with a high efficiency.

Abstract: A pressure reactor for treating a sample fluid includes an oven, a sample line partly arranged in the oven, and a pressure line arranged in surrounding relation to the sample line and partly arranged in the oven. The sample line has an outlet opening into the pressure line. A contamination blocking apparatus is disposed in the pressure line for forming a contamination barrier which has at least one section arranged between the outlet opening and the oven and which delimits a contamination-free region in the pressure line. The outlet opening of the sample line is arranged in the contamination-free region of the pressure line.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, kits, and compositions for the highly sensitive detection of molecules. The methods, kits, and compositions are useful in determining concentrations of molecules in samples to levels of 1 femtomolar, 1 attomolar, or lower. The methods, kits, and compositions also allow the determination of concentration over a wide range, e.g., 7-log range, without need for sample dilution.

Abstract: Peptide sequences that specifically bind infectious prion protein for the generation of antibodies and therapeutic agents are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing the presence of hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) or predicting the risk of developing HSP in a human subject, comprising detecting the presence or absence of a defect in a gene encoding a polypeptide comprising the sequence of FIG. 9 (SEQ ID NO: 19), in a nucleic acid sample of the subject, whereby the detection of the defect is indicative that the subject has or is at risk of developing HSP.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a nucleic acid detection method which takes advantage of the high specificity of hybridization techniques, reduces the time length and the number of steps required for detection of PCR products, and allows for easy and highly accurate detection by visual observation without the need of special equipment; and a nucleic acid detection device or kit. The invention provides a method for detecting a target nucleic acid in a sample, which includes performing amplification of the target nucleic acid sequence to synthesize an amplification product having a partially double-stranded structure where a single-stranded region is added to each end of the target sequence, and hybridizing a nucleic acid sequence bound to a development medium and a nucleic acid sequence labeled with a labeling compound with the single-stranded regions of the amplification product to form a sandwich hybridization complex; and a detection device thereof.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a latex particle for a measurement reagent with which highly sensitive measurement can be performed even in measuring a measurement sample containing a test substance in a dilute concentration. The preset invention relates to a latex particle for a measurement reagent including a copolymer obtained by copolymerizing a monomer mixture containing the following polymerizable monomers (a) to (c): (a) a polymerizable monomer having a phenyl group; (b) a polymerizable monomer having a phenyl group and a sulfonate; and (c) a polymerizable monomer having a naphthyl group, in an aqueous medium containing 7.5 to 25% by weight of C1-4 alcohol without using a surfactant.

Abstract: An excellent protein stabilizer is provided, which has the following effects: (1) low probability with contamination of pathogens, (2) the effect of stabilization on photoproteins, and (3) minimization of loss of activity under lyophilizing conditions. A peptide from fish is used as the active ingredient for the protein stabilizer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of modifying a decomposed integrated circuit (IC) layout. The method includes providing a decomposed IC layout, the decomposed IC layout including a set of colors; determining a density of each color in the decomposed IC layout, wherein each color includes a plurality of features formed by a related exposure; separating the decomposed IC layout into a set of tiles; determining a first color with a minimum density in one tile of the set of tiles and a second color with a maximum density in tile, the first color including a first set of first features and the second color including a first set of second features; and replacing the first set of second features on the tile with a second set of first features, and the first set of first features on the tile with a second set of second features.

Abstract: A semiconductor apparatus includes: a through-silicon via (TSV) formed in a silicon substrate; a first insulating layer formed to surround side and bottom portions of the TSV such that the TSV is isolated from the silicon substrate; a first conductive layer interposed between the first insulating layer and the silicon substrate and formed outside the TSV to surround the TSV.