Abstract: The present invention aims to provide an industrial method practically suitable for producing optically active ?-substituted prolines from an acyclic ketone compound by a small number of steps under mild conditions. The present invention relates to a production method of an optically active ?-substituted proline (4) and/or an optically active ?-substituted prolinamide (5), including (a) reacting an acyclic ketone compound (1) with at least one selected from ammonia, an ammonium salt, primary amine and a salt of primary amine, and a cyanating agent to give a cyclic nitrogen-containing compound (2), (b) hydrating the cyclic nitrogen-containing compound (2) to give an ?-substituted prolinamide (3), and (c) resolving the ?-substituted prolinamide (3) by one or more of (d) enzymatical hydrolysis, (e) resolution by diastereomeric salt formation, and (f) separation by column chromatography.

Abstract: There is herein described a nanovesicle comprising a bilayer of porphyrin-phospholipid conjugates. Each porphyrin-phospholipid conjugate comprises one porphyrin, porphyrin derivative or porphyrin analog covalently attached to a lipid side chain at one of the sn-1 or the sn-2 positions of one phospholipid. Further, the nanovesicle has a defined regioisomeric ratio of sn-1:sn-2 porphyrin-phospholipid conjugates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bacterial strains, capable of utilizing glycerol as a carbon source for the fermentative production of succinic acid, wherein said strains are genetically modified so that they comprise a deregulation of their endogenous pyruvate-formate-lyase enzyme activity, as well as to methods of producing organic acids, in particular succinic acid, by making use of such microorganism. The present invention also relates to the downstream processing of the produced organic acids by cation exchange chromatography.

Abstract: The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms containing a fatty alcohol, fatty aldehyde or fatty acid pathway, wherein the microbial organisms selectively produce a fatty alcohol, fatty aldehyde or fatty acid of a specified length. Also provided are non-naturally occurring microbial organisms having a fatty alcohol, fatty aldehyde or fatty acid pathway, wherein the microbial organisms further include an acetyl-CoA pathway. In some aspects, the microbial organisms of the invention have select gene disruptions or enzyme attenuations that increase production of fatty alcohols, fatty aldehydes or fatty acids. The invention additionally provides methods of using the above microbial organisms to produce a fatty alcohol, a fatty aldehyde or a fatty acid.

Abstract: This invention is a system for the production of biomass from photosynthesizing microorganisms that includes a photobioreactor comprising a transparent panel made from two transparent sheets with a separation between them, with top and bottom openings and with transparent, parallel subdivisions that form a panel of vertically arranged, transparent cells, where each transparent cell has a top opening and a bottom opening; a lower recirculation chamber in fluid contact with the bottom openings of the transparent panel; an upper recirculation chamber in fluid contact with the top openings of the transparent panel; a gas distribution tube externally arranged along the edge of said transparent panel; where said gas distribution tube comprises gas injectors arranged in fluid contact with the interior of a plurality of transparent cells; and a supporting structure that supports the transparent panel, the lower recirculation chamber, the upper recirculation chamber and the air distribution tube.

Abstract: Methods for forming ammonium salts of C4 diacids in a fermentation process with removal of divalent metal carbonate salts are disclosed. The pH of fermentation broths for production of C4 diacids is controlled by adding alkaline oxygen containing calcium or magnesium compounds, which forms divalent metal salts of the diacids. The divalent metal salts of the diacids are substituted with ammonium by introduction of ammonium salts at elevated temperature and pressure forming soluble ammonium salts thereof. C02 or bicarbonate is simultaneously added to the fermentation media at the elevated temperature and pressure. Reducing the temperature and pressure forms insoluble divalent metal carbonate salts that are separated from the solubilized ammonium diacid salts. The recovered carbonate salts can be recycled as pH control materials in subsequent fermentations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for recapturing heat from a solar-assisted volatile fermentation product production process comprising harvesting a volatile fermentation product from a solar-assisted fermentation product production apparatus and utilizing a heat recovery apparatus for recapturing the heat produced during the solar-assisted fermentation product production process. The volatile fermentation product can be produced in an autotrophic organism or by a fermenting organism fermenting fermentable sugars from one or more sugar crops, starch-containing and lignocellulose-containing materials.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method for processing a beer stream for the recovery of oil. The method include a step of extracting oil from a beer stream into an organic phase comprising an organic solvent to provide in the organic phase at least a portion of the oil. In general, a beer stream refers to a composition containing alcohol, water, oil, and particulates, and can be a result of a fermentation process. When the beer stream is a beer stream from a fermentation process, it can be referred to as a fermentation broth even if it is no longer being subjected to fermentation. The beer stream can contain other components commonly found in a stream coming off a fermentation process such as, for example, glycerol and acetic acid. A method for producing ethanol, and an ethanol production facility are provided.

Abstract: The invention features methods producing isoprene and a co-product, such as ethanol, 1,3-propanediol, or hydrogen from cultured cells. The invention also provides compositions that include these cultured cells. The invention provides compositions comprising isoprene and ethanol, isoprene and 1,3-propanediol, and isoprene and hydrogen. Additionally, the invention provides methods of co-producing isoprene and ethanol, isoprene and 1,3-propanediol, and isoprene and hydrogen by culturing cells under conditions suitable for co-production of isoprene and ethanol, isoprene and 1,3-propanediol, and isoprene and hydrogen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of increasing the activity of a GH61 polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity, comprising: adding a divalent copper cation to a composition comprising the GH61 polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity, wherein the presence of the divalent copper cation and the GH61 polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity increases degradation or conversion of a cellulosic material by an enzyme composition compared to the GH61 polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity without the divalent copper cation. The present invention also relates to compositions, methods for degrading or converting a cellulosic material, and methods for producing a fermentation product.

Abstract: This disclosure describes providing techniques to treat large-size solids obtained from a slurry or a mash in dextrin production process as can be used in an alcohol production process. This disclosure describes a process for separating a large-particles stream from a liquid stream containing small particles of a process stream using a first mechanical separation device. The process further includes adding water to the large-particles stream to create a lower-solids stream in a cook tank. In an embodiment, the process may grind the large particles from the large-particles stream. In another embodiment, the process may adjust conditions (temperature, pH, processing aids addition) of the lower-solids stream in the cook tank and incubating for a predetermined amount of time. The process further includes separating components from the lower-solids stream by using a second mechanical separation device.

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: Uniform, functional polymer patches can be attached to a fraction of the surface area of living individual cells. These surface-modified cells remain viable after attachment of the functional patch. The patch does not completely occlude the cellular surface from the surrounding environment. Functional payloads carried by the patch may include, for example, drugs or other small molecules, peptides, proteins, thermally responsive polymers, and nanoparticles, or any other material that can be incorporated in a polymer patch of subcellular dimensions. The patch can include one or more polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs).

Abstract: A process for converting biomass hydrolysate into biofuel, the process comprising the steps of: obtaining a biomass hydrolysate solution comprising monosaccharides; immobilizing Pachysolen tannophilus; contacting the solution with the immobilized Pachysolen tannophilus; and recovering a fermented biofuel.

Abstract: Compositions, articles, apparatus, methods and systems are provided for the growth of algae immobilized on a support in a gaseous environment supplying access to sources of carbon dioxide and light, and for subsequent harvesting and biomass processing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing modified stable polypeptides introducing at least one non-natural amino acid into the hydrophobic region of the polypeptide. The thermal and chemical stability of such polypeptides is improved compared to those properties of its corresponding wild type proteins. The invention further provides purified leucine zipper and coiled-coil proteins in which the leucine residues have been replaced with 5,5,5-trifluoroleucines, and the modified proteins so produced demonstrate increased thermal and chemical stability compared to their corresponding wild-type natural proteins.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing single enzyme nanoparticles through silica encapsulation according to the present disclosure does not include a surface functionalization process and a polymerization process during the synthesis, and reaction conditions are mild. Thus, the method is appropriate for a large scale production.

Abstract: Polydisperse and charged polysaccharides are fractionated into low polydispersity fractions (preferably having pd<1.1), each containing species within a narrow range of molecular weights. An aqueous solution of the polydisperse polysaccharides is contacted with an ion exchange resin in a column and the polysaccharides are subjected to selective elution by aqueous elution buffer. The selective elution consists of at least 3 sequential elution buffers having different and constant ionic strength and/or pH and in which the subsequent buffers have ionic strength and/or pH than those of the preceding step. The new preparations are particularly suitable for the production of PSA-derivatised therapeutic agents intended for use in humans and animals.

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: Nucleotide triphosphate probes containing a molecular and/or atomic tag on a ? and/or ? phosphate group and/or a base moiety having a detectable property are disclosed, and kits and method for using the tagged nucleotides in sequencing reactions and various assay. Also, phosphate and polyphosphate molecular fidelity altering agents are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel JP170 like subtilases from wild-type bacteria, hybrids thereof and to methods of construction and production of these proteases. Further, the present invention relates to use of the claimed subtilases in detergents, such as a laundry or an automatic dishwashing detergent.

Abstract: The specification discloses Clostridial toxins or Clostridial toxin chimeras comprising an inactivation cleavage site, polynucleotide molecules encoding such toxins or chimeras, compositions comprising such toxins or chimeras, and method of producing such toxins or chimeras.

Abstract: The present specification discloses modified Clostridial toxins, compositions comprising an integrated protease cleavage site-binding domain, polynucleotide molecules encoding such modified Clostridial toxins and compositions comprising di-chain forms of such modified Clostridial toxins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceuticals and modified beta-lactamases. Specifically, the invention relates to novel recombinant beta-lactamases and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the beta-lactamases. Also, the present invention relates to methods for modifying a beta-lactamase, producing the beta-lactamase and treating or preventing beta-lactam antibiotic induced adverse effects. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the beta-lactamase for use as a medicament and to the use of the beta-lactamase in the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing beta-lactam antibiotics induced adverse effects. Still further, the invention relates to a polynucleotide and a host cell comprising the polynucleotide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for improving efficiency of a organic food production plant, the process comprising preparing a feedstock of a raw harvested organic food base product; processing the prepared food base product, including heating; extracting the organic food material from the food base product, and leaving a residual waste product; feeding the a waste product into a continuous process for converting carbonaceous material in the waste product into a liquid hydrocarbon product and extracting a liquid hydrocarbon product. The process is related to palm oil production from fresh fruit bunches.

Abstract: A process for preparing L-amino acids employing coryneform bacteria in which the AmtR regulator has been attenuated is provided. Recombinant bacteria, polynucleotides and vectors corresponding to or having the attenuated AmtR regulator are disclosed.

Abstract: A novel transformation system in the field of filamentous fungal hosts for expressing and secreting heterologous proteins or polypeptides is described. The invention also covers a process for producing large amounts of polypeptide or protein in an economical manner. The system comprises a transformed or transfected fungal strain of the genus Chrysosporium, more particularly of Chrysosporium lucknowense and mutants or derivatives thereof. It also covers transformants containing Chrysosporium coding sequences, as well expression-regulating sequences of Chrysosporium genes. Also provided are novel fungal enzymes and their encoding sequences and expression-regulating sequences.

Abstract: A leach process (70) comprising the following steps: i) Passing a metal containing waste material (72) from a mineral processing operation (96) to a biological leach step (74) in which a proportion of the metal is extracted into a pregnant leach solution (76); and ii) Passing the pregnant leach solution (76) from step i) to downstream metal recovery.

Abstract: Methods and devices for biological sample preparation and analysis are disclosed. A device may have a linear or circular arrangement of containers, with a connecting structure such as a bar or disk. Fluidics channels between containers allow the performance of different techniques for sample preparation, such as lysing, washing and elution. Different functional elements, such as grinders or mixers, may be attached to the containers.

Abstract: A diagnostic device as a first electrode formed by a noble metal that is not attackable by acid, and a second electrode that is formed of silver. The first and second electrodes are at least partially immersed in a nutrient solution contained in a container, into which a tissue sample can be introduced. An electrical voltage is applied between the first and second electrodes, and a change in an electrical variable between the electrodes is measured when ammonia is present. The diagnostic device allows fast screening of tissue samples for Helicobacter pylori.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for sample management for use in conjunction with sequencing devices that sequence biological samples, e.g., DNA and RNA. A sequencing device or a network of sequencing devices may be scheduled according to the characteristics of the samples in queue and the capabilities and availability of sequencing devices. Biological samples may be automatically queued and loaded via a sample distribution system. A sample distribution system may be used to reduce operator intervention.

Abstract: In various embodiments this invention provides novel methods for discriminating two or more different target nucleic acids. In certain embodiments the methods comprise providing data amplification reactions comprising reagents to amplify two or more different target nucleic acids where the data comprise signals comprising an amplitude measurement representing the degree of amplification of each target nucleic acid in the amplification reaction and the time point in the amplification reaction at which the amplitude is measured; determining an efficiency related transform of the data, determining an efficiency related value for each target nucleic acid that is the maximum magnitude of the efficiency related transform; and outputting the efficiency related values in the amplification reaction for each target nucleic acid, where the relative amplitudes of the efficiency related values for each target nucleic acid is an indicator of the presence of each of said nucleic acids in said sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring bacteria includes a sampling device for processing fluorescently stained bacteria, a detector for detecting size information from the bacteria in the sample, and a detector for detecting fluorescence information expressing intensity of fluorescent light emitted by the bacteria. The apparatus further includes a processor and memory that includes programs for creating a scattergram representing a distribution of the bacteria based on the size information and the fluorescence information detected, analyzing the distribution of the bacteria in the scattergram, and determining whether the bacteria in the sample is bacillus or coccus based on a result of the analysis.

Abstract: A system for hemodynamic simulation comprises a vessel having properties of a blood vessel, a reservoir containing a quantity of fluid, tubing connecting the vessel and reservoir, and at least one pump for circulating the fluid within the system. Fluid can be tissue culture medium or blood analog fluid, and the vessel may include mammalian cells attached to its inside. A drive system, comprising two reciprocating drive shafts that are coupled by a cam, enables the uncoupling of pulsatile flow and pulsatile pressure to provide independent control over wall shear stress and circumferential strain. The shaft drives two pumps that are 180 degrees out-of-phase and are connected upstream and downstream of the vessel, and effect this uncoupling.

Abstract: Methods and devices for biological sample preparation and analysis are disclosed. A device may have a linear or circular arrangement of containers, with a connecting structure such as a bar or disk. Fluidics channels between containers allow the performance of different techniques for sample preparation, such as lysing, washing and elution. Different functional elements, such as grinders or mixers, may be attached to the containers.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel mutations or mutational profiles of HIV-1 protease cleavage sites (CS) in the Gag region correlated with a phenotype causing alterations in sensitivity to anti-HIV drugs. The present invention also relates to the use of genotypic characterization of a target population of HIV and the subsequent association, i.e., correlation, of this information to phenotypic interpretation in order to correlate virus mutational profiles with drug resistance. The invention further relates to methods of utilizing the mutational profiles of the invention in databases, drug development, i.e., drug design, and drug modification, therapy and treatment design and clinical management.

Abstract: A bioreactor chamber assembly comprising a plurality of components interconnected together via interengaging formations to provide a bioreactor chamber that is assembled rapidly and having reliable intercomponent seals. A variety of different biological samples may be cultured within the chamber in vitro. By configuring the chamber with both liquid and a gas inlets and outlets, a controlled gas-liquid interface is created within the chamber to simulate certain in vivo cell and tissue environments.

Abstract: A bioreactor chamber assembly comprising a cap and a base capable of being coupled together axially to define an internal chamber. The cap and base comprise interengaging formations that are coupled together by a twist-lock rotation of the base and cap to provide a fluid tight seal between the base and cap via respective sealing surfaces.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is a method of creating a fully-human blood-brain barrier (BBB) model, comprising the steps of (a) obtaining a mixture of neural cells and brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs), wherein the neural cells and BMECs that comprise the mixture were produced from the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs); (b) purifying BMECs from the mixture of neural cells and BMECs of step (a); and (c) co-culturing the purified BMECs with a cell type selected from the group consisting of pericytes, astrocytes and differentiated neural progenitor cells (NPCs), wherein a blood brain barrier model is created.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the improved production of recombinant parvoviral virions in insect cells. In particular, the invention relates to an improved process for the production of recombinant parvoviral virions in insect cells, wherein the full/empty parvoviral virion ratio is increased. The invention also relates to the production of parvoviral vectors that may be used in gene therapy and to improvements in expression of the viral Rep proteins that increase the productivity of parvoviral vectors.

Abstract: Strategies to control the level of dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations and/or pH in small volume reactor chambers, and associated articles, systems, and methods, are generally provided. In certain embodiments, the reactor chambers can be configured to contain at least one biological cell.

Abstract: A major object of the present invention is to provide a method for inducing cell differentiation into corneal epithelial stem cells and/or corneal epithelial cells, for the easy production of a corneal epithelial cell sheet having superior safety in view of the possibility of vascularization and the like occurring. A method for inducing differentiation of a pluripotent stem cell into a corneal epithelial stem cell and/or a corneal epithelial cell, the method comprising the step of culturing a pluripotent stem cell in the presence of a stromal cell or an amnion-derived factor.

Abstract: Methods for treating a bioprosthetic tissue are described herein. The methods comprise contacting the bioprosthetic tissue with at least one nucleophile and/or at least one electrophile in the presence of a catalytic system comprising at least one or a combination of a fluoride-based salt, a cesium-based salt, a potassium-based salt, a rubidium-based salt, or a carbonate-based salt. The methods may be used to alter functional groups on biological tissue which represent actual and potential calcium binding sites and also processes for cross-linking bioprosthetic tissue. Both processes may be used in conjunction with known fixative techniques, such as glutaraldehyde fixation, or may be used to replace known fixative techniques.

Abstract: The invention is intended to further improve the operability, economic efficiency and safety in the preparation of antigen-specific CTLs. The invention provides a preparation kit used for a method for preparing antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes, the method comprising: a first step for inducing antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes, wherein the components of the first step include a culture medium contained in an injection vessel, a hermetically scaled culture vessel, and the like; a second step for preparing an activated T cell for antigen presentation, wherein the components of the second step include a culture medium contained in an injection vessel, a hermetically sealed culture vessel, and the like.; and a third step for proliferating antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes, wherein the components of the third step include a culture medium contained in an injection vessel, a hermetically sealed separation vessel, a hermetically sealed culture vessel, and the like.

Abstract: Provided are a modified laminin having a cell-growth regulatory molecule bound to at least one site selected from the ? chain N-terminus, the ? chain C-terminus, the ? chain N-terminus and the ? chain N-terminus of laminin or a heterotrimeric laminin fragment, a method for culturing cells in the presence of the modified laminin, a method for establishing iPS cells in the presence of the modified laminin, and a culture substrate coated with the modified laminin. Human stem cells cultured in a xeno-free environment with the use of the modified laminin of the present invention can be provided as highly safe human stem cells applicable to regenerative medicine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for promoting differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into cardiac muscle cells, and a method for inducing differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into cardiac muscle cells and a method for preparing cardiac muscle cells

Abstract: For easily seeding cells in its scaffold, a porous cell scaffold is produced by steps of filling a guiding solution with kinematic viscosity being 50 to 450% of that of a culture medium, in a whole continuous small hole structure having hole diameters of 5 to 3200 ?m and an average hole diameter of 50 to 1500 ?m, of a sheet-shaped or block-shaped scaffold having a thickness of 2 mm or more, supplying thereafter a culture medium with cells being suspended to an upper side of the scaffold, sucking the guiding solution from a lower side of the scaffold by low suction force, and entering thereby the culture medium with cells being suspended into the whole small hole structure, where a water absorber such as a filter paper is preferably used for sucking the guiding solution by low suction force.

Abstract: A perfusion device and method is provided. In one embodiment, the device includes a container having a first internal chamber configured to hold the material; a port for introducing the liquid into the chamber; a vent for releasing gas and liquid from the chamber; and a means for sealing the vent to allow a vacuum to be drawn on the first chamber The material may be biomaterial, such as a bone graft material in any form. In one embodiment, the container is a syringe that defines the internal material chamber and includes an end cap and a plunger. The vent may be formed by a venting passageway in plunger and/or cap in some embodiments. In one embodiment, the vacuum may be created by a medical syringe coupled to the container, and which in some embodiments may also be used to deliver the liquid into the container. The liquid may be bone marrow aspirate in some embodiments.

Abstract: The present invention features compositions and methods for introducing, into cells, nucleic acids whose expression results in chromosomal silencing. The nucleic acids are targeted to specific chromosomal regions where they subsequently reduce the expression of deleterious genes, or cause the death of deleterious cells. Where the nucleic acid sequence is a silencing sequence, it may encode an Xist RNA or other non-coding, silencing RNA. Accordingly, the present invention features, inter alia, nucleic acid constructs that include a transgene (e.g., a silencing sequence encoding an Xist RNA or other non-coding RNA that silences a segment of a chromosome); first and second sequences that direct insertion of the silencing sequence into a targeted chromosome; and, optionally, a selectable marker.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for inactivating CCR-5 genes, using zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) comprising a zinc finger protein and a cleavage domain or cleavage half-domain. Polynucleotides encoding ZFNs, vectors comprising polynucleotides encoding ZFNs, such as adenovirus (Ad) vectors, and cells comprising polynucleotides encoding ZFNs and/or cells comprising ZFNs are also provided.