Abstract: Bone cages are disclosed including devices for biocompatible implantation. The structures of bone are useful for providing living cells and tissues as well as biologically active molecules to subjects.

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 members that produce on a large scale a coenzyme-linked glucose dehydrogenase which has excellent substrate-recognizing ability toward glucose while providing low action on maltose. The present invention relates to a polynucleotide encoding a soluble coenzyme-linked glucose dehydrogenase that catalyzes the oxidation of glucose in the presence of an electron acceptor and has an activity toward maltose of 5% or lower; a polypeptide encoded by the nucleotide sequence of the polynucleotide; a recombinant vector carrying the polynucleotide; a transformed cell produced using the recombinant vector; a method for producing a polypeptide comprising culturing the transformed cell and collecting from the cultivated products a polypeptide that links to FAD to exert the glucose dehydration activity; a method for determination of glucose using the polypeptide; a reagent composition for determination of glucose; and a biosensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to, for example, an ?-substituted ?-amino acid ester derivative asymmetric hydrolase including an enzyme of the following (a) or (b): (a) an enzyme comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 at least from position 1 to position 362, wherein the tyrosine at position 277 of SEQ ID NO:1 is substituted with alanine, tryptophan, isoleucine, or histidine, and having the ability to hydrolyze a substrate; or (b) an enzyme comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 at least from position 1 to position 362, wherein the tyrosine at position 277 of SEQ ID NO:1 is substituted with an amino acid other than tyrosine, and having the ability to hydrolyze a substrate.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for enzymes with altered properties that involve a systematic approach to mutagenesis and a screening assay that permits selection of the desired proteins. Embodiments of the method are particularly suited for modifying specific properties of restriction endonucleases such as star activity. The compositions includes restriction endonucleases with reduced star activity as defined by an overall fidelity index improvement factor.

Abstract: The invention provides attenuated Flavivirus vaccines, such as vaccines against Japanese encephalitis virus and West Nile virus, as well as methods of making and using these vaccines.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing phosphate from an organic material, the method including the steps of (a) fermenting an organic material in a medium in the presence of at least one microorganism, wherein the fermenting is under conditions, and for a sufficient period of time, to produce a fermentation product; (b) treating the solids of the fermentation product with acid, in a medium, e.g., aqueous medium, to solubilize phosphates from the fermentation product; wherein the organic material, and thus the solids of the fermentation product, includes bone suitable for extraction of phosphates.

Abstract: Glycerol or other reduced carbon sources may be used as a feedstock for the microbial production of chemical products under certain microaerobic conditions. For example, such production may occur under microaerobic or microrespiratory conditions in which electron acceptors are consumed in the reaction as quickly as they are added. In such reactions, the reaction product is at least as reduced as carbon source. Further, during such a reaction, at least some of the carbon source is used to generate cell mass. In addition, microorganisms with modified genomes are provided for carrying out the methods herein.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-naturally occurring microbial organism having an acetyl-CoA pathway and the capability of utilizing syngas or syngas and methanol. In one embodiment, the invention provides a non-naturally occurring microorganism, comprising one or more exogenous proteins conferring to the microorganism a pathway to convert CO, CO2 and/or H2 to acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA), methyl tetrahydrofolate (methyl-THF) or other desired products, wherein the microorganism lacks the ability to convert CO or CO2 and H2 to acetyl-CoA or methyl-THF in the absence of the one or more exogenous proteins. For example, the microbial organism can contain at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an enzyme or protein in an acetyl-CoA pathway. The microbial organism is capable of utilizing synthesis gases comprising CO, CO2 and/or H2, alone or in combination with methanol, to produce acetyl-CoA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a L-arabinose utilizing yeast strain for the production of ethanol, whereby a yeast strain is modified by introducing and expressing araA gene (L-arabinose isomerase), araB gene (L-ribulokinase D121-N) and araD gene (L-ribulose-5-P 4-epimerase) and carrying additional mutations in its genome or overexpressing a TAL1 (transaldolase) gene, enabling it to consume L-arabinose, to use it as the only carbon source, and to produce ethanol, as well as a method for producing ethanol using such a modified strain.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems for producing engineered oleaginous yeast or fungi that express carotenoids.

Abstract: The leading cause of graft failure is the subsequent development of intimal hyperplasia, which represents a response to injury that is thought to involve smooth muscle proliferation, migration, phenotypic modulation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. Surgical techniques typically employed for vein harvest—stretching the vein, placing the vein in low pH, solutions, and the use of toxic surgical skin markers—are shown here to cause injury. The invention therefore provides for non-toxic surgical markers than also protect against stretch-induced loss of functional viability, along with other additives. Devices and compositions for reducing physical stress or protecting from the effects flowing therefrom, also are provided.

Abstract: A magnetic platform is provided and includes a patterned array of discrete magnetic elements positioned on a substrate, a plurality of first electromagnets for creating a first magnetic field substantially in the plane of the substrate, an electromagnetic coil for creating a second magnetic field substantially perpendicular to the plane of the substrate, and a control device for controlling the application of the magnetic fields. Processes for manipulating, transporting, separating and sorting micro- or nano-scale particles and biomolecules are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for inoculating and streaking a solid growth culture medium in a plate, the streaking using a streaking applicator having a line of resiliently and flexibly supported spaced apart contact surfaces, the apparatus including: (a) an inoculating and streaking station including: a plate work position having a notional action line fixed in two dimensions (x,y) in a predetermined position; and a plate rotation device for rotating a positioned plate to cause streaking; (b) a sensor capable of locating the surface of the medium in a positioned plate to thereby determine for that plate, prior to inoculation and streaking of that plate, the third dimension (z) of the action line; (c) an inoculating device capable of dispensing inoculum, along the action line, on the surface of the medium in the positioned plate; and (d) a streaking device capable of moving the streaking applicator such that its line of spaced apart contact surfaces contacts, along the action line, the surface of the medium in the positioned

Abstract: A micro channel for recovering nucleic acid from a biological sample treated with a chaotropic ion, include an integrated portion composed of silica micro beads having a pore size of from 6 to 29 nm is formed in the channel.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a test apparatus for testing a DNA substrate on which a plurality of DNA fragments for testing are arranged, wherein absolute precision is not required. The above-described problem was solved by providing a substrate on which a plurality of biomolecule spots containing a group of biomolecules (e.g., DNA, etc.) of a specific type are formed, where the pattern or position of the DNA spot is changed depending on specific data so that information of the specific data is recorded on the substrate.

Abstract: A thermal treatment apparatus includes a fluidic device including at least one channel, a first temperature-changing unit that changes the temperature of a fluid in part of the channel, and a second temperature-changing unit that changes the temperature of the fluid in another part of the channel. The temperature changes by the first and second temperature-changing units cause at least any one of the expansion and contraction of the fluid in the respective parts of the channel, and the at least any one of the expansion and contraction of the fluid due to the first temperature-changing unit is offset by the at least any one of the expansion and contraction of the fluid due to the second temperature-changing unit.

Abstract: A sterilization indicator including an electronically conductive material positioned on a substrate; a biological indicator positioned on part or all of the electronically conductive material, and electronic circuitry for determining whether the membrane potential of the biological indicator changes during incubation following exposure sterilization conditions.

Abstract: Described herein are iDNA vectors and vaccines and methods for using the same. The iDNA generates live attenuated vaccines in eukaryotic cells in vitro or in vivo for pathogenic RNA viruses, particularly yellow fever virus and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. When iDNA is injected into the vaccine recipient, RNA of live attenuated virus is generated by in vivo transcription in the recipient's tissues. This initiates production of progeny attenuated viruses in the tissues of the vaccine recipient, as well as elicitation of an effective immune response protecting against wild-type, non-attenuated virus.

Abstract: The present invention provides an insect expression system that may be used to provide biological control of pest insects and control transmission of infectious diseases transmitted to the human population by insects.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods of directly reseeding harvested adherent cells grown in a hollow fiber bioreactor. Also disclosed is a novel harvest media for use in directly reseeding adherent cells into a hollow fiber bioreactor.

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 invention is directed to nucleic acid molecules containing a loop sequence designed to circumvent exportin-5 mediated export, and methods using these novel molecules.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparing cell populations with anti-tumor immune response activity, which includes co-culturing tumor and mononuclear cell in a three-dimensional cell culture device, separating and amplifying the cell populations with anti-tumor immune response activity from the cultures. The present invention, at the same time, discloses the cell populations with anti-tumor immune response activity obtained by the method and the kit comprising the cell populations.

Abstract: We disclose a particle comprising a matrix coated thereon and having a positive charge, the particle being of a size to allow aggregation of primate or human stem cells attached thereto. The particle may comprise a substantially elongate, cylindrical or rod shaped particle having a longest dimension of between 50 ?m and 400 ?m, such as about 200 ?m. It may have a cross sectional dimension of between 20 ?m and 30 ?m. The particle may comprise a substantially compact or spherical shaped particle having a size of between about 20 ?m and about 120 ?m, for example about 65 ?m. We also disclose a method of propagating primate or human stem cells, the method comprising: providing first and second primate or human stem cells attached to first and second respective particles, allowing the first primate or human stem cell to contact the second primate or human stem cell to form an aggregate of cells and culturing the aggregate to propagate the primate or human stem cells for at least one passage.

Abstract: The present invention discloses novel dendritic cell maturation-inducing cytokine cocktails, and methods for inducting type-1 polarized dendritic cells in serum-free conditions which enhance the desirable properties of DC1s generated in serum-supplemented cultures. The invention further discloses methods and systems using IFN? and other ligands of the IFN? receptor, in combination with IFN? (or other type I interferons), poly I:C, and other IFN? (and IFN?) inducers to enhance the IL-12-producing properties of dendritic cells. More specifically, the present invention discloses type-1 polarized dendritic cells that have a unique combination of a fully-mature status and an elevated, instead of “exhausted”, ability to produce IL-12p70. allows for the generation of fully-mature DC1s in serum-free AIM-V medium.

Abstract: A method of sustaining cells is provided. The method can include providing a non-perfluorocarbon cell storage medium, providing a pre-oxygenated liquid perfluorocarbon in contact with the storage medium, and placing the cells in contact with the storage medium but not in contact with the perfluorocarbon. Additionally, the method can result in increased corneal cell viability compared to corneal cells placed in a non-perfluorocarbon cell storage medium without being in contact with a pre-oxygenated liquid perfluorocarbon.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for treating chronic inflammatory disease in a subject and associated pharmaceutical compositions, medical devices and systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates compounds for stabilizing cells and methods of their use.

Abstract: Methods and compositions relating to the production of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) are disclosed. For example, induced pluripotent stem cells may be generated from peripheral blood cells, such as human blood progenitor cells, using episomal reprogramming and feeder-free or xeno-free conditions. In certain embodiments, the invention provides novel methods for improving overall reprogramming efficiency with low number of blood progenitor cells.

Abstract: A method of classifying plant embryos according to their quality based on a general form of Lorenz-Bayes classifier is disclosed. First, image or spectral data of plant embryos of known quality are acquired, and the data are divided into two classes according to the embryos' known quality. Second, metrics are calculated from the acquired image or spectral data in each class. Third, multi-dimensional histograms of multiple metrics are prepared for both classes. Fourth, the difference or some other measure of comparison between the two multi-dimensional histograms is obtained. Fifth, image or spectral data of a plant embryo of unknown quality are obtained and metrics are calculated therefrom. Sixth, the embryo of unknown quality is assigned to a class based on its calculated metrics and the result of the comparison as calculated in the fourth step above.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of somatic embryo production, particularly to methods for the regeneration of Jatropha through somatic embryogenesis. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and media compositions for regeneration of plants of Jatropha curcas. The method is well suited for Jatropha curcas transformation and for producing clonal planting stock useful for large scale Jatropha curcas plantation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of somatic embryo production, particularly to methods for somatic embyrogenesis of Jatropha from ovules. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and media compositions for somatic embryogenesis of Jatropha curcas from ovules of unopened flower buds. The method is well suited for Jatropha curcas transformation, for producing clonal planting stock useful for large scale Jatropha curcas plantation and for producing haploids, double haploids, diploids and disease-free plantlets.

Abstract: A method includes providing a eukaryotic cell including mutant mtDNA in which there is at least one mutation in the mtDNA, allowing the cell to come into contact with an active oxygen species or a chemical species that generates such an active oxygen species in the cell (e.g., hydrogen peroxide) and thereby changing the percentage of mutant mtDNA (mitochondrial genomic DNA) in the cell as a result of the contact. Also featured are cells obtained by the above-described method.

Abstract: A method of obtaining a mixture of cells enriched in hepatic progenitors is developed which comprises methods yielding suspensions of a mixture of cell types, and selecting those cells that are classical MHC class I antigen(s) negative and ICAM-1 antigen positive. The weak or dull expression of nonclassical MHC class I antigen(s) can be used for further enrichment of hepatic progenitors. Furthermore, the progenitors can be selected to have a level of side scatter, a measure of granularity or cytoplasmic droplets, that is higher than that in non-parenchymal cells, such as hemopoietic cells, and lower than that in mature parenchymal cells, such as hepatocytes. Furthermore, the progeny of the isolated progenitors can express alpha-fetoprotein and/or albumin and/or CK19. The hepatic progenitors, so isolated, can grow clonally, that is an entire population of progeny can be derived from one cell. The clones of progenitors have a growth pattern in culture of piled-up aggregates or clusters.

Abstract: In an embodiment the instant invention discloses a modular composition comprising 1) an oligonucleotide; 2) one or more linkers, which may be the same or different, selected from Table 1, wherein the linkers are attached to the oligonucleotide at any 3? and/or 5? end; 3) one or more peptides, which may be the same or different, selected from SEQ ID NOs: 1-59, wherein the peptides are attached to the linkers; and optionally one or more lipids, solubilizing groups and/or targeting ligands attached to the oligonucleotide.

Abstract: Provided is a method of determining a DNA tag which is a base sequence to be introduced into a genomic DNA sequence of an organism and an introduction site of the DNA tag into the genomic DNA sequence.

Abstract: A method for in situ monitoring within a specified environment. The method includes locating a housing in a well, wherein a set of pumps and a plurality of test beds are inserted. Each of the set of pumps are controlled by signals from the control system to push water from each pump into one of the plurality of separate test beds where, after flowing through each of the test beds, effluent flows into an effluent storage device.

Abstract: A method and a system for use of treatment liquids in an apparatus for staining of tissue specimens on microscope slides, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of vessels (4) for receiving different liquids for treatment of the tissue specimens, a plurality of tanks (11) for treatment liquids, connecting lines (15) between the tanks and the vessels, a plurality of pumps (13) connected on the connecting lines, and a control unit for control of the apparatus and the liquid treatment by means of a data program, wherein the control unit is arranged for selective control of the relevant pumps (13), so that vessels (4) to be used in a staining process, are filled with liquid (14) at the start of the staining process, and so that the liquid-filled vessels (4) are emptied automatically when they are no longer to be used in the staining process.

Abstract: A method of analyzing particles in a fluid stream including focusing a generally elliptical beam spot to a width less than the size of the particles. As particles pass through the beam spot electromagnetic radiation from the particles which is then detected and converted into electrical signals indicative of characteristics of the particles. The electrical signals may be digitally sampled to provide digital information which may be analyzed to extract information and to classify the particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of predicting pregnancy outcome in a subject by determining the amount of an early pregnancy associated molecular isoform of hCG in a sample. The present invention further provides a method for determining the amount of early pregnancy associated molecular isoforms of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in a sample. The present invention also provides a diagnostic kit for determining the amount of early pregnancy associated hCG in a sample. The present invention additionally provides an antibody which specifically binds to an early pregnancy associated molecular isoform of human chorionic gonadotropin. Finally, the present invention provides methods for detecting trophoblast or non-trophoblast malignancy in a sample.

Abstract: A method of forming bilayers of amphipathic molecules uses droplets of aqueous solution in a hydrophobic medium such as oil. A layer of amphipathic molecules such as a lipid is formed around the surfaces of the droplets. This may be achieved by providing the lipid in the oil and leaving the droplets for a time sufficient to form the layer. The droplets are brought into contact with one another so that a bilayer of the amphipathic molecules is formed as an interface between the contacting droplets. The bilayers may be used for a wide range of studies. The technique has numerous advantages including providing a long lifetime for the bilayers, allowing study of small volumes and allowing the construction of chains and networks of droplets with bilayers in between to study complex systems.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for assessing heart failure in vitro including the steps of measuring in a sample the concentration of the marker SFRP-3, of optionally measuring in the sample the concentration of one or more other marker(s) of heart failure, and of assessing heart failure by comparing the concentration determined in for SFRP-3 and the concentration(s) determined for the optionally one or more other marker to the concentration of this marker or these markers as established in a reference population. Also disclosed are the use of SFRP-3 as a marker protein in the assessment of heart failure, a marker combination comprising SFRP-3 and a kit for measuring SFRP-3.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a nanochannel. The method comprises providing a microchannel and controlling collapse of the microchannel so that it collapses to form a nanochannel of desired dimensions. The method employs a collapsible, flexible material such as the elastomer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to form the nanochannel. A master is provided that is configured to have geometric conditions that promote a desired frequency of microchannel collapse. A collapsible material having a stiffness that also promotes a desired frequency of microchannel collapse is molded on the master. The molded collapsible material is removed from the master and bonded to a base, thereby forming the microchannel, which then collapses (or is collapsed) to form the nanochannel of desired dimensions. Nanofluidic and microfluidic devices comprising complex nanochannel structures and micro to nanochannel transitions are also provided.

Abstract: The method of the present disclosure determines whether a target DNA forms a G-quadruplex using a phenomenon in which thioflavin T generates a strong fluorescence when reacted with the G-quadruplex in the presence of potassium ions.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage material analyzer along with its analysis and activation methods, the hydrogen storage material analyzer including a H2 absorption-desorption cycling tester, a temperature-programmed desorption spectrometer, a specimen holder and a temperature-controlled furnace.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for combining the output obtained from redundant sensor elements in a sensor array.

Abstract: Disclosed are mechanically-actuated devices for transporting fluids within a microfluidic circuit and performing diagnostic operations on a sample. Also disclosed are related methods for performing sample analysis effected by the motion of an actuator proximate to a microfluidic system.

Abstract: A sample testing device for testing for the presence of a component of interest in a liquid sample includes: (a) a capillary pathway having an upstream end and a downstream end and incorporating a reagent system capable of causing agglutination with the component; (b) optionally, a control capillary pathway; (c) a sampling region to which the liquid sample is applied and from which the sample is able to enter the upstream ends of the test and control capillaries; (d) a power source; (e) detection arrangements electrically associated with the power source for detecting the presence of liquid at a downstream region of the capillaries; (f) a display operated by the power source for indicating the result of the test; and (g) a signal processor associated with the power source, detection arrangement and display for evaluating the result of the test and providing the result on the display.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the manipulation of colloidal particulates and biomolecules at the interface between an insulating electrode such as silicon oxide and an electrolyte solution. Light-controlled electrokinetic assembly of particles near surfaces relies on the combination of three functional elements: the AC electric field-induced assembly of planar aggregates; the patterning of the electrolyte/silicon oxide/silicon interface to exert spatial control over the assembly process; and the real-time control of the assembly process via external illumination. The present invention provides a set of fundamental operations enabling interactive control over the creation and placement of planar arrays of several types of particles and biomolecules and the manipulation of array shape and size. The present invention enables sample preparation and handling for diagnostic assays and biochemical analysis in an array format, and the functional integration of these operations.