Abstract: The present invention relates to agonist antibodies that specifically bind to Notch 3 and activate signaling. The present invention includes antibodies binding to an epitope comprising the first Lin12 domain. The present invention also includes uses of these antibodies to treat or prevent Notch 3 related diseases or disorders.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the detection and quantification of total ras p21 in body fluids, particularly serial changes of total ras p21 levels in a subject's body fluids. Further, the invention is directed to detecting and quantitating total ras p21 in conjunction with one or more other proteins, such as, oncoproteins, angiogenic factors, tumor markers, inhibitors, growth factor receptors, metastasis proteins, and tumor suppressors. The disclosed methods are diagnostic/prognostic for preneoplastic/neoplastic diseases, and useful to select therapies for patients with preneoplastic/neoplastic diseases. The disclosed methods are further useful to monitor the status of a patient's preneoplastic/neoplastic disease, and/or to monitor how a patient is responding to an anticancer therapy.

Abstract: A device for performing a biochemical analysis, especially in outer space, more particularly an immunoassay, in which analysis at least one analyte in a sample is determined selectively, having at least one reaction container which has at least one work volume which is intended for taking in a liquid volume and for performing at least one substep of an analysis reaction, and having at least one interface which is intended for connecting at least one work volume to a further media container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cytokeratin 8/18 complex-specific autoantibody or a fragment comprising an antigen-binding site (paratope) thereof, the use thereof in the diagnosis of breast cancer, a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence of an epitope specifically binding to the autoantibody, a composition for diagnosing breast cancer comprising an agent capable of measuring an expression level of the autoantibody or the fragment comprising an antigen-binding site thereof, a hybridoma cell line producing the autoantibody, and a kit for diagnosing breast cancer comprising the composition of the present invention. Further, the present invention relates to a method for diagnosing breast cancer, comprising the step of detecting the cytokeratin 8/18 complex-specific autoantibody or the fragment comprising the antigen-binding site thereof using the composition of the present invention, and a method for screening a therapeutic agent for breast cancer using the autoantibody.

Abstract: An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to be physically removed from one apparatus to another. The reaction conditions for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds and methods for assaying redox state of metabolically active cells and methods for assaying enzyme activity and/or metabolite level by coupling to redox defining co-factor NAD(P)/NAD(P)H measurement.

Abstract: A test strip to assist in determining the concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample comprises a base, at least one tab and a break line. The base includes a capillary channel and a test element. The capillary channel is in fluid communication with the test element. The test element is adapted to receive the fluid sample. The at least one tab is removably attached to the base. The capillary channel extends from the base into a portion of the tab. The break line intersects the capillary channel in which an inlet to the capillary channel is exposed along the break line when the tab is separated from the base.

Abstract: A point-of-care, screening kit for use by a heath care worker to create custom test strips for screening the bodily fluids of an individual for various, medical conditions includes: (a) a plurality of reagents (12), (b) a substrate (18) configured to: i) receive one of the reagents and react with it so as to cause it to acquire a first characteristic color, and, ii) upon the addition of the individual's bodily fluid to the substrate, acquire, as a result of the formulation of each of the reagents, a second, dichotomous characteristic color when the individual has a specific one of the various, medical conditions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides aromatic-cationic peptide compositions and methods of using the same. The methods comprise use of the peptides in electron transport and electrical conductance.

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 methods for determining the amount of thyroglobulin in a sample using various purification steps followed by mass spectrometry. The methods generally involve purifying thyroglobulin in a test sample, digesting thyroglobulin to form peptide T129, purifying peptide T129, ionizing peptide T129, detecting the amount of peptide T129 ion generated, and relating the amount of peptide T129 ion to the amount of thyroglobulin originally present in the sample.

Abstract: Concentrations of endogenous steroids in ovarian follicular fluid are used to develop steroid profiles which provide means for the diagnosis and prognosis of endocrine-related conditions and for identifying and developing appropriate treatments for related conditions, including the identification and development of suitable protocols for in vitro fertilization (IVF), treatment and predictive strategies for successful IVF outcomes and selected uses of oocytes for IVF or embryonic stem cell procedures.

Abstract: Use of a metabolic network model for analyzing metabolic characteristics of microorganisms for producing a metabolic product, such as 3HP enabling estimation of productivity and cell growth speed of microorganisms, optimizing new metabolic pathway, and providing transformed microorganisms that may produce a specific metabolic product with high efficiency.

Abstract: The invention relates to ecosustainable and biocompatible, low cost, ambient friendly electronic and optoelectronic devices, such as transistors and light-emitting transistors, made with silk fibroin or blended with other biopolymers, methods for fabrication and methods of using the silk-based electronics and optoelectronics. The silk-based electronics and optoelectronics can be implanted in vivo and in vitro for biomedical applications, such as for drug discovery or drug screening assays and devices. The silk-based devices may be used in the food industry and embedded in packaging for tracking and sensing, for security purposes or exploited as disposable not harmful for the environment efficient general electronic and optoelectronic devices.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, and systems for diagnosis, prognosis, evaluation of status, and/or determination of treatment for pathological conditions.

Abstract: A method of sinuglating embryos is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of embryos (40) within a system (20) and sensing (34) at least one of the plurality of embryos in a fluid. The method also includes dispensing (26) at least one of the plurality of embryos on a surface (28).

Abstract: System and method includes a body having a central microchannel separated by one or more porous membranes. The membranes are configured to divide the central microchannel into a two or more parallel central microchannels, wherein one or more first fluids are applied through the first central microchannel and one or more second fluids are applied through the second or more central microchannels. The surfaces of each porous membrane can be coated with cell adhesive molecules to support the attachment of cells and promote their organization into tissues on the upper and lower surface of the membrane. The pores may be large enough to only permit exchange of gases and small chemicals, or to permit migration and transchannel passage of large proteins and whole living cells. Fluid pressure, flow and channel geometry also may be varied to apply a desired mechanical force to one or both tissue layers.

Abstract: System and method includes a body having a central microchannel separated by one or more porous membranes. The membranes are configured to divide the central microchannel into a two or more parallel central microchannels, wherein one or more first fluids are applied through the first central microchannel and one or more second fluids are applied through the second or more central microchannels. The surfaces of each porous membrane can be coated with cell adhesive molecules to support the attachment of cells and promote their organization into tissues on the upper and lower surface of the membrane. The pores may be large enough to only permit exchange of gases and small chemicals, or to permit migration and transchannel passage of large proteins and whole living cells. Fluid pressure, flow and channel geometry also may be varied to apply a desired mechanical force to one or both tissue layers.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for determining transmembrane potential, monitoring changes in transmembrane potential, and/or drug screening are provided. In one aspect, compounds of the invention have a structure according to the formula: E-M-A, wherein A is a fluorophore, selected from xanthenes, eoumarins, cyanines, bimanes, and difluoroboradizaindacenes, charged at physiological pH; M is a molecular wire; and E is a hydrophobic moiety, wherein A and E are capable of being involved in a photo-induced, intramolecular electron transfer that quenches the fluorescence of A in response to a voltage condition. When in use, compounds of the invention are membrane-impermeant and oriented within the cell membrane such that the charged moiety localizes at the outer leaflet of the lipid bilayer and the hydrophobic moiety and molecular wire associate with the hydrophobic portion of the lipid bilayer.

Abstract: A sample preparation apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a first receiving part, a second receiving part, a filter part, a third receiving part, a flow path, a first moving means and a second moving means. The first receiving part is configured to accept a pipette and to receive a sample discharged from a pipette. The second receiving part is disposed at a position removed from the first receiving part in the plane of view. The filter part is configured to retain the cells to be analyzed within the second receiving part. The third receiving part is disposed opposite the second receiving part through the filter part The flow path is configured to connect the first receiving part and the second receiving part The first moving means is for moving a sample that has been received at the first receiving part to the filter part through the flow path and the second receiving part, and moving the components other than the cells to be analyzed to the third receiving part through the filter part.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pre-coated substrate, such as a slide, that is useful for immobilizing a sample. The invention is further provides methods of preparing such pre-coated substrates and methods of analyzing biological samples immobilized on such pre-coated substrate. The substrate is coated with a polycationic polymeric coating material specifically selected such that that coated substrate exhibits increased stability and prolonged shelf-life. Preferred polymeric coating materials include allylic or vinylic polymers having cationic groups thereon and having no more than a small percentage of peptidic monomeric linkages, particularly polydiallyldimethylammonium (PDDA).

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a delta-5 desaturase-defective gene and uses of the gene and/or the mutant in algal transformation.

Abstract: A method of predictive identification and separation of high-performing cells from a mixed population of cells includes distributing cells belonging to the mixed population to a plurality of open chambers; identifying open chambers containing desired cells and open chambers containing undesired cells; selectively sealing at least one open chamber containing undesired cells; and recovering the desired cells from the open chambers. Cells can be predictively assigned as desired or undesired based on an automated image analysis algorithm.

Abstract: A method of preparing a crosslinked, collagen-based medical scaffold is provided, comprising: (a) immersing a sample of fibrous and/or non-fibrous collagen in a buffered acidic, aqueous solution comprising an alcohol; (b) contacting the collagen in solution with a catalytic component comprising 1-ethyl-3-[3-dimethylaminopropyl]carbodiimide hydrochloride for a time at least sufficient to effect reaction between amino and carboxyl groups present on the collagen and to yield crosslinked collagen that is resistant to pronase degradation; and (c) drying the crosslinked collagen to yield a porous, crosslinked collagen article wherein the porous, crosslinked collagen article demonstrates a pore size of 10-500 microns. Also provided are bioactive collagen medical scaffolds for wound care dressings, hernia repair prosthetics, and surgical incision closure members, prepared using the method above.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for a genetic disease are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an expression vector for animal cells, comprising: (a) CSP-B (Cytotoxic Serine Protease-B) 5?-SAR (Scaffold or Matrix Attachment Region); (b) a promoter operable in animal cells; and (c) a polyadenylation sequence, and to a method for producing recombinant proteins using same. The vector of the present invention includes CSP-B 5?-SAR, and thus has the effect of overcoming the inhibition of gene expression according to the position of a foreign gene introduced into an animal cell, and significantly improving the expression rate of a target protein. The vector of the present invention effectively expresses recombinant proteins for drugs or antibodies in animal cells. The vector of the present invention and the method for producing recombinant proteins using same may be very usefully applied to the industrial mass production of drugs.

Abstract: Provided herein are IL-18 receptor antigen binding proteins and polynucleotides encoding the same. Expression vectors and host cells comprising the same for production of the antigen binding proteins are also provided. In addition, provided are compositions and methods for diagnosing and treating diseases mediated by IL-18 receptor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple and rapid method for preparing purified transposase complexes that are highly suited for fragmenting DNA. The method includes forming transposase complexes with oligonucleotide adapters in cell lysate, then purifying the complexes from the other substance in the cell lysate. Purification is accomplished using a specific binding pair, in which one member of the pair is bound to an oligonucleotide adapter of the complex and the other member of the pair is bound to a solid substrate. The bound complexes can be immediately used in DNA fragmentation reactions to produce solid substrate-bound DNA fragments, which can be used for any number of purposes, including as templates for amplification and sequencing.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the pretreatment of lignocellulosic material. The present invention further provides for pretreated lignocellulosic material that can be used to produce useful products, such as fermentable sugars.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the pretreatment of lignocellulosic material. The present invention further provides for pretreated lignocellulosic material that can be used to produce useful products, such as fermentable sugars.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having endoglucanase activity and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the pretreatment of lignocellulosic material. The present invention further provides for pretreated lignocellulosic material that can be used to produce products, such as fermentable sugars.

Abstract: There is provided a recombinant bacterium comprising at least one overexpressed acyl-ACP thioesterase gene, and wherein at least one gene from the tricarboxylic acid cycle or glycolysis or both is inactivated. There is also provided a method for producing fatty acids, said method comprising culturing bacteria comprising at least one overexpressed acyl-ACP thioesterase gene in a growth medium in a container having walls; allowing said bacteria to secrete fatty acids; and collecting said fatty acids. Acid supplementation is also shown to increase productivity.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a microbial culture medium and a cultural method. The culture medium comprises a combination of strong acid-weak alkali salts and strong alkali-weak acid salts so that pH value thereof can be regulated and controlled in a stable and suitable range by itself, thus decreasing or eliminating an operable regulation on pH value via an external device in fermentation process and a risk of contaminations resulted from it in fermentation process as well, accordingly greatly improving the controllability and stability of the fermentation process. Meanwhile the ammonium salts acting as strong acid-weak alkali salts can be used as a nitrogen source to replace yeast cream to realize a decreased amount of nitrogen resource of high price, therefor sharply reducing the cost of the culture medium.

Abstract: The present disclosure identifies methods and compositions for modifying photoautotrophic organisms as hosts, such that the organisms efficiently convert carbon dioxide and light into hydrocarbons, e.g., n-alkanes and n-alkenes, wherein the n-alkanes are secreted into the culture medium via recombinantly expressed transporter proteins. In particular, the use of such organisms for the commercial production of n-alkanes and related molecules is contemplated.

Abstract: Flat panel biofilm photobioreactor systems with a photosynthetic, autofermentative microorganism that forms a biofilm and methods for using the same to make metabolic intermediate compound(s) through photosynthesis and to convert metabolic intermediate compound(s) into chemical product(s) such as a biofuel or a feedstock through autofermentation.

Abstract: Recombinant microorganisms that co express enzymatic glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase are generated to produce organic acids.

Abstract: Crude bio-based organic acid-producing feedstock is used to produce a bio-based organic acid. Related systems and methods are also described such as an integrated method including a step of producing a crude polyol product and then processing the crude polyol product to produce a bio-based organic acid.

Abstract: Variant sucrose transporter polypeptides that enable faster sucrose utilization in bacteria are described. Additionally, variant or recombinant bacteria comprising these variant sucrose transporter polypeptides, and methods of utilizing the bacteria to produce products such as glycerol and glycerol-derived products are provided.

Abstract: A method for biologically producing methanol is disclosed. In some embodiments, the method includes the following: providing a biomass including ammonia oxidizing bacteria having ammonia monooxygenase enzymes and hydroxylamine oxidoreductase enzymes; feeding ammonia to the ammonia oxidizing bacteria; feeding a non-substrate-organic compound including methane to the ammonia oxidizing bacteria; feeding oxygen and reducing equivalents (in the form of hydroxylamine) to the ammonia oxidizing bacteria; oxidizing the ammonia using the ammonia monooxygenase enzymes in the ammonia oxidizing bacteria to generate hydroxylamine and oxidizing the hydroxylamine using the hydroxylamine oxidoreductase enzymes to form nitrite; and partially oxidizing the methane in the compound using the ammonia monooxygenase enzymes in the ammonia oxidizing bacteria to generate methanol.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods useful for producing fatty alcohol compositions from recombinant host cells. The disclosure further provides variant fatty acyl-CoA reductase (FAR) enzymes, polynucleotides encoding the variant FAR enzymes, and vectors and host cells comprising the same.

Abstract: Polypeptides having ketol-acid reductoisomerase activity are provided. Also disclosed are recombinant host cells comprising isobutanol biosynthetic pathways employing such polypeptides. Methods for producing isobutanol employing host cells comprising the polypeptides having ketol-acid reductoisomerase activity are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes for the production of fermentation products such as alcohols including ethanol and butanol, and the development of microorganisms capable of producing fermentation products via an engineered pathway in the microorganisms.

Abstract: Described herein are bioprinters comprising: one or more printer heads, wherein a printer head comprises a means for receiving and holding at least one cartridge, and wherein said cartridge comprises contents selected from one or more of: bio-ink, and support material; a UV light module for optionally exposing the contents of at least one cartridge to UV light; a means for calibrating the position of at least one cartridge; and a means for dispensing the contents of at least one cartridge. Also described herein are methods of using and bioprinting cartridges for such bioprinters.

Abstract: The invention comprises two key components: dielectrophoresis (DEP) and reversible binding surfaces. DEP has become an important tool for trapping dielectric particles. Moreover, DEP can manipulate cell movement as dictated by the intrinsic dielectric constant of the cell without modification. DEP therefore provides a mechanism by which to force targets in a flow channel to a reversible binding surface. By building selectivity into the binding surface, the capacity to choose which targets can be held after the dielectric field is turned off, providing a separation strategy that does not suffer from fouling issues, as large foulants can freely pass over the surface through the flow channel.

Abstract: In a process for producing organic substrate particles bonded to switchable ferromagnetic nanoparticles with a mean particle diameter in the range from 10 to 1000 nm, the ferromagnetic nanoparticles used are those nanoparticles which are nonferromagnetic at first, but become ferromagnetic when the temperature is lowered, these at first nonferromagnetic nanoparticles in dispersed form are bonded to the organic substance particles, and then the nanoparticles bonded to the substrate particles are made ferromagnetic as a result of the temperature being lowered.

Abstract: Mitigation of photo-induced damage in excitation illuminated reactions and analyses utilizing such reactions results in an enhanced performance for the reactions and the analyses. There is provided a novel class of triplet-state quenchers for mitigating photo-induced damage which are both simple in structure and effective at preventing and/or reducing photo-induced damage to reaction components of excitation illuminated reaction mixtures. Also provided are methods of using the compounds of the invention, devices and kits incorporating the compounds of the invention.

Abstract: Isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius are provided. Further provided are methods for modulating or altering recombination inside or outside of a cell using isolated and/or purified polypeptides and/or nucleic acid sequences from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, methods and kits for the removal of proteins from complex reaction mixtures useful in majority workflows of molecular biology research experiments. More specifically, such compositions, methods and kits are useful in such processes as purification of nucleic acids from biological samples or after their treatment with specific enzymes, when residual enzyme activity in reaction mixture is not compatible with downstream applications.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of removing nucleic acid contamination from reverse transcription reactions and hot-start PCR, wherein said hot-start PCR is a barrier hot-start PCR set up and/or involves a hot-start DNA polymerase, which methods comprise use of a DNase that is substantially irreversibly inactivated by heating at a temperature of about 50° C. for 5 minutes, and that is substantially specific for double stranded DNA. The invention further provides a DNase that is substantially irreversibly inactivated by heating at a temperature of about 50° C. for 5 minutes, and that is substantially specific for double stranded DNA, nucleic acids encoding said DNase and kits or compositions comprising said DNase or said nucleic acid.