Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of hydroxyapatite chromatography and multimodal chromatography, for punfication of diphtheria toxin, or a mutant form thereof, from a mixture, for example, a host cell fermentation mixture containing impurities such as host cell proteins and DNA. This invention further relates to the integration of such a method into a multi-step procedure with other fractionation methods for purification of diphtheria toxin suitable for in vitro and in vivo applications.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acids and polypeptides for nucleic acid polymerases from a thermophilic organism, Thermus brockianus. The invention also provides methods for using these nucleic acids and polypeptides.

Abstract: A regulated deployment of a toxin gene for developmental programmed cell death in bacteria is described. M. xanthus is demonstrated to have a solitary mazF gene that lacks a cotranscribed antitoxin gene. Deletion of mazF results in elimination of the obligatory cell death during development causing dramatic reduction in spore formation. Surprisingly, MrpC functions as a MazF antitoxin and a mazF transcription activator. Transcription of mrpC and mazF is negatively regulated via MrpC phosphorylation by a Ser/Thr kinase cascade. Various methods of exploiting this novel pathway are described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having organophosphorous hydrolase activity and isolated 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 relates to a modified and optimized Factor VIII or Factor IX nucleic acid for inclusion in a chimeric virus vector. Use of such vector can be used for treatment of hemophilia.

Abstract: An enhanced disintegrin-like domain, and metalloprotease, with an isolated human thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13 (ADAMTS-13) that includes substitutions at one or more positions in the isolated human ADAMTS-13.

Abstract: Bacteriophage strains and their use in the production of preparations for use in the treatment of bacterial infections, particularly by strains of drug-resistant bacteria of the genus Stenotrophomonas, particularly those belonging to the species Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

Abstract: A gas exhaust filter device for a bioreactor with reduced blockage by condensed liquid is disclosed, which comprises a housing with a filter medium, a gas inlet and a gas outlet and also further comprises a plurality of ribs extending from at least one inner wall of the housing in a region between the gas inlet and the filter medium.

Abstract: Enriched steady state microbial consortiums for microbial enhanced oil recovery and in situ bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated sites, under anaerobic denitrifying conditions, are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nucleic acid sequence encoding an Aspergillus mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid transporter that can be used in the production of itaconic acid in micro-organisms. Preferably said transporter protein is the protein encoded by the nucleic acid which is located on a chromosome segment of A. terreus that also harbours other genes involved in the itaconic acid biosynthesis and the lovastatin biosynthesis. Also, vectors, hosts and transformed micro-organisms are part of the invention.

Abstract: Described are compositions and methods relating to the removal of oily stains from fabrics and other surfaces using a lipase in combination with a selected surfactant to mediate the release of fatty acids generated by the lipase. The compositions and methods have application in, e.g., laundry cleaning and dishwashing.

Abstract: An improvement for boosting the cleaning capacity of one or more enzymes includes providing one or more secondary paraffin-sulfonates to a cleaning composition. The method is particularly effective for textiles at low washing temperatures.

Abstract: This invention relates to fabric and home care products comprising one or more cold water proteases and processes for making and using such products. Such compositions provide improved cleaning and freshness. Such cold water proteases may be derived from parent enzymes, including BPN? subtilisin and subtilisin derived from Bacillus lentus, by substitution, insertion and/or deletion of one or more of the parent enzymes' amino acids.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a coating, a textile finish, a wax, elastomer, a filler, an adhesive, or a sealant, as well as polymeric materials such as a plastic, a laminate, a composite, that includes an enzyme that degrades cell wall or cell membrane components (e.g., a lysozyme, lytic transglycosylase) alone or in combination with other enzymes such as a lipolytic enzyme, a sulfuric ester hydrolase, an organophosphorus compound degradation enzyme, or an antimicrobial peptide. Also disclosed herein are methods of retarding or preventing microbial growth on or in a coating, paint, textile finish, wax, elastomer, adhesive, sealant, filler, or a polymeric material, where such a surface material includes an enzyme that degrades cell wall or cell membrane components (e.g., a lysozyme, lytic transglycosylase).

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for enhancing enzyme activity, half-life and/or thermostability. Also provided herein are compositions and methods including the enhanced enzymes. Also provided herein are methods and compositions related to improved pectinolytic enzymes, such as pectate lyase, which exhibit enhanced activity, thermostability and/or longer half-life.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for detection of biological substances in nasal specimen.

Abstract: Methods, devices, apparatus, and systems are provided for image analysis. Methods of image analysis may include observation, measurement, and analysis of images of biological and other samples; devices, apparatus, and systems provided herein are useful for observation, measurement, and analysis of images of such samples. The methods, devices, apparatus, and systems disclosed herein provide advantages over other methods, devices, apparatus, and systems.

Abstract: There is provided a genetic test system provided with a dispensing means for dispensing a sample and a reagent to a reaction vessel and a vessel conveyance means for conveying the reaction vessel. The system further includes a plurality of nucleic acid amplification detection units, each including a temperature control means for accommodating a plurality of reaction vessels and performing temperature control for each accommodated position of the reaction vessel, a temperature monitoring means for monitoring a value of temperature to be controlled of the reaction vessel, and a light emission measurement means for measuring light emission of reaction liquid in the reaction vessel. At least one of the nucleic acid amplification detection units individually has a vessel conveyance means different from the above-mentioned vessel conveyance means.

Abstract: A fluid sensor comprises a formed plastic body and a reagent. The body has a top face with an integral first surface. The body also has a bottom face opposed to the first surface and a sidewall that extends from the periphery of the top face. The first surface is adapted to accept a fluid sample. The reagent is disposed on the integral first surface and causes a color change detectable on the bottom face when the reagent reacts with an analyte in the fluid sample.

Abstract: The invention provides systems, modules, bioreactor and methods for the automated culture, proliferation, differentiation, production and maintenance of tissue engineered products. In one aspect is an automated tissue engineering system comprising a housing, at least one bioreactor supported by the housing, the bioreactor facilitating physiological cellular functions and/or the generation of one or more tissue constructs from cell and/or tissue sources. A fluid containment system is supported by the housing and is in fluid communication with the bioreactor. One or more sensors are associated with one or more of the housing, bioreactor or fluid containment system for monitoring parameters related to the physiological cellular functions and/or generation of tissue constructs; and a microprocessor linked to one or more of the sensors. The systems, methods and products of the invention find use in various clinical and laboratory settings.

Abstract: New high density microfluidic devices and methods provide precise metering of fluid volumes and efficient mixing of the metered volumes. A first solution is introduced into a segment of a flow channel in fluidic communication with a reaction chamber. A second solution is flowed through the segment so that the first solution is displaced into the reaction chamber, and a volume of the second solution enters the chamber. The chamber can then be isolated and reactions within the chamber can be initiated and/or detected. High throughput methods of genetic analysis can be carried out with greater accuracy than previously available.

Abstract: A bioreactor container comprising has an at least locally flexible wall and at least one container opening. The wall of the bioreactor container has a fluid-tight inner sheet, and an at least locally fluid-permeable or structured outer sheet. A method for testing the integrity of the bioreactor container also is provided.

Abstract: A method for producing a biogas is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a polyculture of aquatic plants to a growth system; continuously providing water, carbon dioxide, air and nutrients to the polyculture contained within the growth system; growing the polyculture for a time sufficient to produce an aquatic plant-based biomass; withdrawing a portion of the aquatic plant-based biomass contained within the growth system; and treating the withdrawn aquatic plant-based biomass to produce a biogas.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a monoclonal antibody to fibroblast growth factor receptor 2, a pharmaceutical composition comprising same, and methods of treatment comprising administering such a pharmaceutical composition to a patient.

Abstract: A device and method are disclosed to enable fluid manipulations without disturbing or removing particles or cells. By engineering assay compartment geometries to take advantage of fluid mechanical effects, the flow velocity may be diminished around particles or cells. This technology may be used to process particles or cells of various kinds that are suspended in liquids or gels, and is suitable for use in high throughput screening.

Abstract: A large scale cell harvesting method for a pack-bed culture device by providing cell growing space that is loosely packed with a plurality of porous matrixes and/or matrix means. When a cell detaching step at least comprising shaking or spinning the culture chamber is performed, the unoccupied space is large enough for the porous matrixes collide to each other or to the culture chamber to generate momentum whereby the cells detach from the porous matrixes to harvest the cells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cell cultures comprising PDX1-positive endoderm cells and methods of producing the same. Also disclosed herein are cell populations comprising substantially purified PDX1-positive endoderm cells as well as methods for enriching, isolating and purifying PDX1-positive endoderm cells from other cell types. Methods of identifying differentiation factors capable of promoting the differentiation of endoderm cells, such as PDX1-positive foregut endoderm cells and PDX1-negative definitive endoderm cells, are also disclosed.

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: Disclosed herein are cell cultures comprising PDX1-positive endoderm cells and methods of producing the same. Also disclosed herein are cell populations comprising substantially purified PDX1-positive endoderm cells as well as methods for enriching, isolating and purifying PDX1-positive endoderm cells from other cell types. Methods of identifying differentiation factors capable of promoting the differentiation of endoderm cells, such as PDX1-positive foregut endoderm cells and PDX1-negative definitive endoderm cells, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cell cultures comprising expanded definitive endoderm cells as well as methods for expanding definitive endoderm cells in culture.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). In certain embodiments, compounds are provided that increase full-length survival of motor neuron (SMN) protein production by an SMN2 gene.

Abstract: Described here are devices and methods for the delivery of molecules, including biologically active molecules, into tissues. The devices and methods are generally particle based, and devised to deploy the molecules into a target tissue in a controlled manner to minimize tissue damage. The devices and methods may further be devised to tailor molecule delivery parameters to a variety of tissue types. Kits including various device components are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides a blocking ligand specific for CTLA-4 and a vascular targeting ligand/IL-2 complex, for sequential use in inhibiting the growth of tumour cell

Abstract: The present invention relates to the induction of differentiation in human embryonic stem (hES) cells to cardiomyocytes and factors such as prostaglandin I2 (PGI2), Fgf 9, Bmp6, Bmp4, Scf, Igf2, and insulin that influence the process of differentiation to cardiomyocytes. Media that is appropriate for the induction of differentiation of cardiomyocytes from hES cells is also provided wherein the media contains these factors. Genes that are upregulated in the process of cardiomyocyte differentiation are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for readily propagating somatic pancreatic precursor cells. The methods comprise isolating cells from intact pancreatic samples and enhancing guanine nucleotide (GNP) biosynthesis in cultures comprising these cells, thereby expanding guanine nucleotide pools. This in turn conditionally suppresses asymmetric cell kinetics in the cells, thereby generating pancreatic precursor cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell culture support comprising a substrate and a thermoresponsive polymeric blend layer, wherein the polymeric blend layer comprises at least one thermoresponsive polymer and at least one network forming adhesion promoter. The present invention further relates a method of making a cell culture complex comprising: providing a substrate; blending at least one thermoresponsive polymer and at least one network forming adhesion promoter to provide a polymeric blend; applying a thin film of said polymeric blend to the substrate to provide a polymeric blend layer on the substrate; curing the polymeric blend layer on the substrate to provide a cell culture support; and depositing cells onto said cell culture support, wherein the cells may optionally further comprise medium, to provide a cell culture complex.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increasing the efficiency of inducing pluripotent stem cells by utilizing genes Jhdm1a that modify histone. By utilizing Jhdm1a, and a stem cell inducing factor, the present invention increases the efficiency of inducing pluripotent stem cells and increases the quality of induced pluripotent stem cells. The stem cell inducing factor is a combination of Oct4 and Klf4, or a combination of Sox2, Oct4, and Klf4, or a combination of Oct4 and Sox2, and Oct4 alone. The method further comprises exposing the cells to vitamin C, which further increases the efficiency of inducing pluripotent stem cells as compared with the case where no vitamin C is used. By using less stem cell reducing factors, the method of the present invention reduces the potential carcinogenicity, obtains a high inducing efficiency, and provides high-quality induced pluripotent stem cells capable of germ-line transmission.

Abstract: The methods and compositions described herein are based, in part, on the discovery of a stem cell state in human cells that resembles the morphology observed in murine-derived stem cells. Induction of such a state in human stem cells permits an increase in the efficiency of homologous recombination. Thus, the methods and compositions described herein relate to cells and methods for increasing the efficiency of homologous recombination in human stem cells.

Abstract: Methods and kits for lentiviral production are provided. By separating certain components of the vector including but not limited to promoter, reporter and selection marker preference components from the genetic content of interest, one can create libraries that allow for the efficient generation of custom selected lentiviral vectors.

Abstract: The invention relates to biotechnology and provides novel compositions and methods for sequence-specific or sequence-directed transcription activator-like effector recombinases. The invention also provides novel plant transformation vectors and expression cassettes, which include novel combinations of chimeric recombinases with plant expression and transformation elements. Methods for gene-targeting, DNA sequence removal, and molecular breeding are also provided.

Abstract: By this invention, for the first time, a method for high-efficiency genetic transformation of the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium pasteurianum is provided. Clostridium pasteurianum is a bacterium of substantial industrial importance, due to its selectivity and high productivity of the biofuel and biochemical n-butanol, and its ability to grow on a wide variety of inexpensive substrates. Notable among the substrates that it can utilize as a sole source of carbon and energy is glycerine, which is produced in increasing quantities globally as a by-product of biodiesel processing. The industrial exploitation of Clostridium pasteurianum has previously been impeded by the lack of genetic engineering tools for this bacterium. This invention provides such tools for the first time. Included in the invention is a means for protecting newly introduced DNA from degradation by a restriction enzyme within C. pasteurianum. Then, a detailed protocol is given, which enables high-efficiency transformation of C.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of modifying the level of expression or functional activity of factors such as enzymes or other catalytic proteins or structural proteins, alone or in concert, to modify the frequency of meiotic homologous recombination involving the exchange of genetic information between non-sister chromatids from homologous maternal and paternal chromosomes. The steps at which modulation may occur include: homologous chromosome pairing, double-strand break formation; resection; strand invasion; branch migration; and resolution. Methods of plant and animal breeding are also provided that utilize the modulation of meiotic homologous recombination.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer adapted to enhance sample/reagent dispensing accuracy, regardless of a difference in sample/reagent dispensing height of a dispensing probe. When the amount of sample in a sample container is small, tip height “h1” of a sample dispensing probe positioned immediately after it has aspirated the sample decreases below tip height “h?” of the sample dispensing probe positioned immediately before it discharges the sample. The sample in this state takes a concave shape at the tip of the sample dispensing probe positioned immediately before it discharges the sample. When the amount of sample in a sample container is large, tip height “h2” of the sample dispensing probe positioned immediately after it has aspirated the sample increases above the tip height “h?” and the sample takes a convex shape at the tip of the sample dispensing probe positioned immediately before it discharges the sample.

Abstract: Methods of screening human female subject for a risk of ovarian cancer are described. High levels of calcium in serum are shown to be significantly positively associated with the risk of ovarian cancer and can advantageously be used to triage women into risk categories for more intensive testing. Also included are preoperative methods of determining if an adnexal mass is likely to be malignant or benign.

Abstract: A method of identifying a patient in need of therapy to treat a malignant glioma comprising measuring a panel of polar metabolite levels in a biological sample taken from the patient and implementing a therapy to treat the malignant glioma in the patient.

Abstract: A test apparatus and method for measuring a concentration of a target by correcting for an impact of hemoglobin are provided. The target measurement method includes measuring an absorbance of hemoglobin in a sample, measuring an absorbance of a target in the sample, determining variation of the absorbance of the target according to the measured absorbance of the hemoglobin, and correcting the absorbance of the target by subtracting the determined variation of the absorbance of the target from the measured absorbance of the target.

Abstract: A method for combustion analysing a sample in a combustion analyzer (120,160,180) is provided, where the sample comprises a proportion of sulphur. The sample is supplied to the combustion analyzer and combusted to produce combustion products, comprising a yield of sulphur dioxide for detection. Nitrogen monoxide or a source of nitrogen monoxide is supplied to the combustion analyzer to improve the yield of sulphur dioxide in the combustion products. The yield improver may be supplied before and/or during the combusting step. A proportion of yield improver is preferably greater than the (expected) proportion of sulphur. Ozone may be supplied to the combustion products to convert at least a proportion of any nitrogen monoxide in the combustion products to nitrogen dioxide, before detection.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and systems for detecting explosives is disclosed and described. A sensor for detecting explosives can comprise a porous hydrophilic material modified with a series of ? conjugated molecules with the general structure: [EW]-[CS]-[PED] wherein EW is an electron withdrawing group, CS is a conjugated system, and where PED is a pre-electron donating group. The porous hydrophilic material is capable of detecting hydrogen peroxide by reacting the aryl boronate group (or other Pre-ED groups) with the hydrogen peroxide to provide a fluorescent change.

Abstract: Probes for monitoring electrostatic phenomena in challenging environments, such as fluidized bed reactors. These probes include a coated or uncoated static probe for measuring electric field and or particle charge state, an oscillatory electric field probe for measuring electric field, a chopped electric field probe for measuring electric field, and a radio-frequency antenna probe for detecting electrostatic discharges.

Abstract: A chemiresistive biosensor for detecting an analyte can include a high specific surface area substrate conformally coated with a conductive polymer, and a binding reagent immobilized on the conductive polymer, wherein the binding reagent has a specific affinity for the analyte. The conductive polymer can be deposited on a substrate by oCVD.