Abstract: The present invention relates to medicine and is used to evaluate conditions and to detect connective tissue pathology (and/or organ) by clonal analysis. The present invention relates to aesthetic medicine and is used for correction of aging skin changes. The method includes: cultivation of substrate-dependent cell colonies of analyzed tissue and/or organ, at conditions which provide formation of discrete colonies applicable for visualization, statistically reliable analysis of derived colonies, determination of at least one parameter which characterizes regenerative potential of population of substrate dependent cells, determination of at least one parameter which characterizes proliferative potential of population of substrate dependent cells, and processing of obtained results which allows to evaluate regenerative ability of patient's tissue and/or organ.

Abstract: Certain isolated motile cells spontaneously migrate unidirectionally through a mechanically confined space, such as a microcapillary channel, in the absence of an external gradient (e.g., a chemical gradient). Assays and methods for detecting motile cells, and identifying chemical agents that inhibit cell migration, can include detecting the movement of motile cancer cells through a microcapillary channel.

Abstract: The invention discloses new substituted anthraquinone dyes that may be useful as cellular stains. In some aspect of the invention, the nuclear stains are useful for staining the nuclei of dead or fixed cells. Another aspect of the invention relates to substituted anthraquinone dyes comprising an enzyme substrate moiety that is transformable or cleavable by an enzyme such that the transformation or cleavage of the substrate moiety causes a detectable change in the functionality or spectral properties of the dye.

Abstract: The degree of polymerisation (DP) is an important parameter for analysis of saccharide antigens, particularly in glycoconjugates. The invention provides methods that can be used to measure DP for capsular saccharides, particularly for meningococcal saccharides e.g. from serogroups W135 and Y. A preferred method is based on reduction of terminal sialic acid residues on saccharides, with DP then being calculated by comparing the molar ratio of total sialic acid to reduced sialic acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to Mutant cellobiohydrolase, being a mutant of SEQ ID NO:1, having a substitution at position N247(I,F,H,W) of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the mutant cellobiohydrolase has at least 50% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 1, and wherein the mutant cellobiohydrolase has CBHI activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to modified proteins of the superfamily of “ubiquitin-like proteins”, proteins that have a ubiquitin-like fold and fragments or fusion proteins thereof. As a result of said modification, the proteins have a binding affinity with respect to a predetermined binding partner that did not exist previously. The invention also relates to a method for the production and utilization of said proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increasing the expression of a protein in cells, preferably in eukaryotic cells, by reducing the number of RNase L cleavage sites in the coding and/or non-coding region of the nucleic acid sequence of said protein. Furthermore, it relates to nucleic acid sequences exhibiting a reduced number of RNase L cleavage sites as well as to the proteins translated from such sequences.

Abstract: The present invention relates to treatment of mucus hypersecretion, to compositions therefore and manufacture of those compositions. The present invention relates particularly, though not exclusively, to the treatment of chronic bronchitis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and other clinical conditions involving COPD.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chimeric peptides having a caveolin-1 binding domain of an HIV-1 gp41 (CBD1) peptide or a variant of said CBD1, fused to a T helper epitope. In one aspect, the T epitope is from a peptide selected from the group consisting of a tetanus toxin, an HIV-1 Gag p24 and an HIV-1 Env-gp120. Compositions containing these chimeric peptides and pharmaceutical and immunogenic compositions as well as vaccines comprising these chimeric peptides also are part of the present invention. Methods to induce neutralizing antibodies against HIV-1 activity and uses of the chimeric peptides to treat or to prevent HIV-1 infection are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for detecting the presence or absence of at least one of Clostridium botulinum toxin gene A, B, E, and F in a biological sample by means of PCR amplification using toxin specific primers and labeled probes in connection with real time or delayed detection. Also provided are specific primer and probe sequences, a diagnostic method and a kit comprising primers and probes for detection of toxin genes A, B, E, or F in a biological sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to the biotechnological production of isomaltulose and isomaltulose-containing compositions and improved means, therefore particularly microbial cells.

Abstract: Methods of producing an unsaturated free fatty acid comprising at least 18 carbon atoms are provided. In some embodiments, the methods comprise culturing an engineered microorganism in a culture medium, wherein the engineered microorganism comprises at least one recombinant enzyme selected from acyl-lipid desaturase delta-9 (EC:1.14.19.1), acyl-lipid desaturase delta-12 (EC:1.14.19.6), acyl-lipid desaturase delta-15 (EC:1.14.19.-), and thioesterase (EC:3.1.2.14). Engineered microorganisms comprising at least one of those recombinant enzymes are also provided. The methods and organisms can be used to produce at least one free fatty acid selected from oleic acid, linoleic acid and ?-linolenic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides genetically modified strains of microorganisms that display enhanced tolerance to stress and/or inhibitors such as sodium acetate and vanillin. The enhanced tolerance can be achieved by increasing the expression of a protein of the Sm-like superfamily such as a bacterial Hfq protein and a fungal Sm or Lsm protein. Further, the present invention provides methods of producing alcohol from biomass materials by using the genetically modified microorganisms of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetic modifications in eukaryotic host cells that have been transformed to express a xylose isomerase that confers on the host cell the ability to isomerize xylose to xylulose. These genetic modifications are aimed at improving the efficiency of xylose metabolism and include. e.g., reduction of nonspecific aldose reductase activity, increased xylulose kinase activity and increased flux of the pentose phosphate pathway. The modified host cells of the invention are suitable for the production of a wide variety of fermentation products, including ethanol, in fermentation processes in which a source of xylose or a source of xylose and glucose are used as carbon source.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a process for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to ethanol utilizing a dicarboxylic acid such as maleic acid as an enzyme mimic to hydrolyze the hemicellulose and cellulose of the biomass. Controlling the condition of the maleic acid hydrolysis can selectively hydrolyze the hemicellulose giving as a result a liquid portion rich in xylose and a solid portion rich in glucan. The glucan can be further hydrolyzed to produce a glucose containing material. The sugar materials can be fermented to produce ethanol which is recovered. The dicarboxylic acid is then recovered from the residue left after the ethanol is removed from the fermentation material, and the recovered dicarboxylic acid is recycled to the beginning of the process to treat additional lignocellulosic biomass.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses: [1] a DNA encoding the protein of any one of (i) a protein comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:1; (ii) a protein comprising a sequence with one to ten amino acid deletions, substitutions, or additions in the sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, and having fructosyl peptide oxidase activity; (iii) a protein comprising a sequence having 99% or higher homology to the sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, and having fructosyl peptide oxidase activity; and (iv) a protein having fructosyl peptide oxidase activity, which is encoded by an expression plasmid harbored by the strain deposited under Accession No. FERM BP-11026; [2] a DNA comprising the of SEQ ID NO: 2; and [3] a DNA that hybridizes under stringent conditions with a DNA comprising a sequence complementary to SEQ ID NO: 2, where the DNA encodes a protein having fructosyl peptide oxidase activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel lysophospholipid acyltransferases. The object of the present invention is attained by the nucleotide sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 6 and the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2 and 7 of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for immobilizing living microorganisms includes a step (1) of disposing a solution containing microorganisms as an electrolyte on the surface of a substrate at least one portion of which is an electrode, and applying a constant potential to the electrode to cause at least a portion of the microorganisms to attach to the surface of the substrate. The constant potential in step (1) is greater than ?0.5 V but not greater than ?0.2 V (vs Ag/AgCl) or greater than +0.2 V but not greater than +0.4 V (vs Ag/AgCl). The electrolyte in step (1) does not contain a source of nutrition for the microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel strains of Saccharomyces that can be produced on a carbonaceous substrate which makes it possible to completely and/or partially replace the use of sugar, and to the use thereof for the production of yeast, in particular on the industrial scale. The invention also relates to a method for producing yeast of the Saccharomyces genus on a carbonaceous substrate which makes it possible to completely or partially replace the use of sugar.

Abstract: The present invention relates to strains of Helicobacter pylori useful for the delivery of biologically active agents. In particular, the present invention provides an isolated strain of H. pylori having: (a) low pathogenicity; (b) ability to naturally transform; and (c) ability to colonise mouse stomach mucosa without host adaptation.

Abstract: A strain of Francisella species wherein a gene which encodes for part of the glutamate metabolic pathway has been inactivated, and which is able to produce a protective immune response in an animal, for use as live prophylactic or therapeutic vaccine against infection by said Francisella species. Particularly effective strains include those where the capB gene is deleted. Other embodiments of the invention describe strains which compromise a further genetic mutation wherein a gene which encodes for another component of the cell is also inactivated. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising said strains, together with methods which utilize such strains are also described and claimed.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes novel bacterial strains which express a pyruvate decarboxylase gene and at least one alcohol dehydrogenase gene from a bacteria of the genus Zymomonas and also express a hemoglobin gene from a bacteria of the genus Vitreoscilla. The present disclosure further describes methods for producing fermentation products with a microorganism which expresses a pyruvate decarboxylase gene and at least one alcohol dehydrogenase gene from a bacteria of the genus Zymomonas and also express a hemoglobin gene from a bacteria of the genus Vitreoscilla. Further the present disclosure describes methods for increasing production of a fermentation product comprising genetically engineering a microorganism which expresses a xylose isomerase gene to also express a hemoglobin gene from a bacteria of the genus Vitreoscilla.

Abstract: The composition comprises, by mass, about: 52% Lactose, 15.2% B12-fortified Brewer's Yeast, 12% Sodium Proponate, 0.8% Sodium carbonate, 0.12% Nitrate Nitrogen, 2.1% Ammoniacal Nitrogen, 3.78% Urea Nitrogen, 1% Available Phosphoric Acid, 0.4% Soluble Potash (K2O), 2% Sulphur (S), 0.0064% Iron, 0.0066% Manganese, 0.0036% Zinc, 0.00068% Copper, 0.003% Boron and about 0.0068% Molybdenum.

Abstract: A pneumatic bioreactor includes a vessel containing a fluid to be mixed and at least one mixing device driven by gas pressure. A first embodiment includes a floating impeller that rises and falls in the fluid as gas bubbles carry it upward to the surface where the gas is then vented, permitting the impeller to sink in the fluid. The floating impeller may be tethered to a second impeller with a flexible member and pulley. The mixing speed is controlled with electromagnets in the vessel acting upon magnetic material in the impeller or its guides. In another embodiment, floating pistons mix the fluid, pushing it through a mixing plate with one or more apertures. In a third embodiment, the mixing device is a rotating drum with bubble-catching blades and rotating mixing plates with apertures. The top of the vessel for these mixers may include a closed top and sterile filters.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of cultivating oil-bearing microbes using cellulosic material. Also provided are microorganisms that manufacture non-alcohol-based fuels and fuel feedstocks through a process of converting cellulosic materials into oils. Also provided are compositions comprising depolymerized cellulosic materials and oil-bearing microbes. Some methods of microbial fermentation are provided that comprise combining depolymerized cellulosic materials with other non-cellulosic feedstocks to enhance the economics of renewable fuel manufacturing. Particular advantages of the processes provided herein include production of oils rather than alcohols through cellulosic processes. Additional advantages include methods for manufacturing high nutrition oils from non-edible feedstocks such as wood chips, switchgrass, and bagasse.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the isolation and characterization of a protein responsible for the reduction of uranium (VI) to uranium (IV). The present invention extends to the use of the isolated protein in the reduction of uranium (VI) to uranium (IV) and further extends to a process for the bioremediation, or at least partial remediation, of a site contaminated with a source of U (VI). According to a first aspect thereof, the present invention provides an isolated polypeptide derived from Thermus scotoductus strain SA-01 that is responsible for the reduction of uranium (VI), in a source of uranium (VI), to uranium (IV), wherein the polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No: 1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for isolating particles from a biological fluid, including: obtaining a sample of biological fluid from a source (e.g. a patient) in which the sample contains particles of multiple sample particle types; tagging particles in the sample with tagging agents, including mixing the sample with a solution of magnetic tagging agents that selectively bind to particles of at least one of the sample particle types, thereby forming a group of tagged particles in the sample; passing the sample through a magnetic conduit having a magnetic field that interacts with at least some of the tagged particles; sorting the particles of the sample into multiple groups based on the interaction between the tagged particles and the magnetic field; and optionally returning selected portions of the processed fluid back to its source with or without the addition of appropriate therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A device for biochemical processing and analysis of a measured sample volume of a sample is described. The device is characterized in that it consists of a sealed vessel (1) and that it comprises at least one thin pierceable membrane (2) through which a capillary tube (3) containing said measured sample volume of a sample can pass into said sealed vessel (1). Said sealed vessel (1) further contains at least one biochemically reactive substance (4) and a liquid (6). A method, wherein the device according to the invention is used for analysis, is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the optimization of cleavage of RNA species by RNase H. In some embodiments, the invention provides oligonucleotides that possess two or more regions of differing conformation, and at least one transitional nucleobase positioned between the regions that is capable of modulating transfer of the helical conformation characteristic of the region bound to the 3?hydroxy thereof, to the region bound to the 5? hydroxyl thereof.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions comprising decellularized bone marrow extracellular matrix and uses thereof. Methods for repairing or regenerating defective, diseased, damaged or ischemic tissues or organs in a subject, preferably a human, using the decellularized bone marrow extracellular matrix of the invention are also provided. The invention is further directed to a medical device, preferably a stent or an artificial heart, and biocompatible materials, preferably a tissue regeneration scaffold, comprising decellularized bone marrow extracellular matrix for implantation into a subject.

Abstract: The invention provides engineered biomaterials derived from plant products. The engineered biomaterials are useful for biomedical applications. The engineered biomaterials are able to support the growth of animal cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Drosophila in vitro system which was used to demonstrate that dsRNA is processed to RNA segments 21-23 nucleotides (nt) in length. Furthermore, when these 21-23 nt fragments are purified and added back to Drosophila extracts, they mediate RNA interference in the absence of long dsRNA. Thus, these 21-23 nt fragments are the sequence-specific mediators of RNA degradation. A molecular signal, which may be their specific length, must be present in these 21-23 nt fragments to recruit cellular factors involved in RNAi. This present invention encompasses these 21-23 nt fragments and their use for specifically inactivating gene function. The use of these fragments (or chemically synthesized oligonucleotides of the same or similar nature) enables the targeting of specific mRNAs for degradation in mammalian cells, where the use of long dsRNAs to elicit RNAi is usually not practical, presumably because of the deleterious effects of the interferon response.

Abstract: Viable progenitor cells are extracted from frozen umbilical cord tissue. In embodiments, the umbilical cord tissue is a blood vessel bearing perivascular Wharton's jelly, and the extracted progenitor cells are HUCPVCs.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to receptors and to platelet aggregation and, in particular, to a method of inhibiting platelet aggregation using an aptamer that binds to and inhibits the activity of a receptor, such as glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (gpIIb/IIIa), and to aptamers suitable for use in such a method. The invention also relates to antidotes to antiplatelet agents and to methods of using such antidotes to reverse aptamer-induced platelet inhibition. The invention further relates to von Willebrand Factor (VWF) inhibitors, and antidotes therefore, and to methods of using same.

Abstract: A method of generating a hyper iNOS expressing cell includes administering to a myeloid derived cell an amount of a PPAR? agonist and an IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway antagonist effective to substantially inhibit STAT3 activation in the cell and administering an inflammatory insult to the cell to stimulate hyper iNOS expression from the cell.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to supports and scaffolds for cell and tissue engineering. The supports disclosed herein are composed of a thermally responsive material, containing pillars, that is coated with an acrylic polymer, thereby imparting an amphipathic matrix foundation. When exposed to a change in temperature, the coated support reacts by facilitating or repelling hydromolecular interactions. Further disclosed herein are methods for making hydrogels that can support tissue growth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for preventing or treating cancer, which contains, as an active ingredient, a Taxus cambium- or procambium-derived cell line; a lysate thereof; an extract thereof; or a culture medium thereof. The cell line, the lysate, the extract, and the culture medium has minimized side effects compared to the conventional therapeutic drugs, is safe to the human body, is involved directly in the growth of cancer to induce cancer cell death, and shows anticancer activity of inhibiting angiogenesis occurring in carcinogenesis. Accordingly, the cell line, the lysate, the extract and the culture medium is useful for the prevention, treatment and alleviation of cancer.

Abstract: A method of amplifying gene expression in a moss plant cell or moss tissue, DNA constructs therefor, moss plant cells and uses thereof for the production of protein.

Abstract: The invention provides a reagent for diluting a blood sample, comprising water, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether having a hydroxyl value of 52 to 60, and an osmo-regulator for regulating the osmotic pressure of the reagent in the range of 150 to 400 mOsm/kg, as well as a method for measuring the mean corpuscular volume of a blood sample.

Abstract: A chemical indicator having a particulate inorganic substrate, and at least one reactive dye or ink coated on and/or impregnated within the particulate inorganic substrate. Coating and/or impregnating at least one reactive dye or ink on or within a particulate inorganic substrate improves the storage stability and/or thermal stability of the at least one reactive dye or ink, which typically includes relatively unstable compounds. This allows the present indicators to be incorporated into thermoplastic polymer materials and processed conventionally while maintaining the efficacy and stability of the new indicators. The indicators provide simple, reliable, and cost effective detection means for detecting analytes such as ammonia, carbon dioxide, and oxygen, and may find use in applications such as food packaging and medical applications.

Abstract: A method is provided for collecting a concentration of particles from a sample fluid containing the particles. The method includes the steps of providing a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device includes an input channel, an output channel and a collection region. The input channel has an input end and an output end. The output channel has an input end and an output end. The collection region interconnects the output end of the input channel and the input end of the output channel. The sample fluid flows through the input channel and the output channel at a first velocity and through the collection region at a second velocity less than the first velocity such that the particles collect in therein.

Abstract: A method for providing a dried reagent in a microfluidic system is provided, the method comprising the following steps: providing a microfluidic system having a microfluidic structure, introducing a flowable carrier medium containing a reagent in the microfluidic structure, and drying the reagent in the microfluidic structure by lyophilization.

Abstract: A method of producing a conformational specific binding partner of a GPCR, the method comprising: a) providing a mutant GPCR of a parent GPCR, wherein the mutant GPCR has increased stability in a particular conformation relative to the parent GPCR; b) providing a test compound; c) determining whether the test compound binds to the mutant GPCR when residing in a particular conformation; and d) isolating a test compound that binds to the mutant GPCR when residing in the particular conformation. Methods of producing GPCRs with increased stability relative to a parent GPCR are also disclosed.

Abstract: Materials and methods for studying and modulating the interaction of carbohydrate-containing moieties with other species are described, in particular, small particles, e.g. clusters of metal or semiconductor atoms, which can be employed as a substrate for immobilising a plurality of ligands comprising carbohydrate groups. These “nanoparticles” can then be used to study carbohydrate mediated interactions, e.g. with other carbohydrates or proteins, and as therapeutics and diagnostic reagents.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a first via with an electrically conductive material, for example, copper, that is formed over and coupled to a conductive landing pad of an MRAM array. A sputter step is performed to lower the surface of the first via below that of a surrounding dielectric material. This recess is repeated in subsequent processing steps, providing alignment marks for the formation of a magnetic tunnel junction. The magnetic tunnel junction may be offset from the first via, and a second via being formed above the magnetic tunnel junction and to a conductive layer.

Abstract: A wafer-level optical deflector assembly is formed on a front surface side of a wafer. Then, the front surface side of the wafer is etched by using elements of the wafer-level optical deflector assembly, to form a front-side dicing street. Then, a transparent substrate with an inside cavity is adhered to the front surface side of the wafer. Then, a second etching mask is formed on a back surface side of the wafer. Then, the back surface side of the wafer is etched to create a back-side dicing street. Then, an adhesive sheet with a ring-shaped rim is adhered to the back surface side of the wafer. Then, the transparent substrate is removed. Finally, the ring-shaped rim is expanded to widen the front-side dicing street and the back-side dicing street to pick up optical deflectors one by one from the wafer.

Abstract: A transparent conductive electrode stack containing a work function adjusted zinc oxide is provided. Specifically, the transparent conductive electrode stack includes a layer of zinc oxide and a layer of a work function modifying material. The presence of the work function modifying material in the transparent conductive electrode stack shifts the work function of the layer of zinc oxide to a higher value for better hole injection into the OLED device as compared to a transparent conductive electrode that includes only a layer of zinc oxide and no work function modifying material.

Abstract: An objective is to increase the reliability of a light emitting device structured by combining TFTs and organic light emitting elements. A TFT (1201) and an organic light emitting element (1202) are formed on the same substrate (1203) as structuring elements of a light emitting device (1200). A first insulating film (1205) which functions as a blocking layer is formed on the substrate (1203) side of the TFT (1201), and a second insulating film (1206) is formed on the opposite upper layer side as a protective film. In addition, a third insulating film (1207) which functions as a barrier film is formed on the lower layer side of the organic light emitting element (1202). The third insulating film (1207) is formed by an inorganic insulating film such as a silicon nitride film, a silicon oxynitride film, an aluminum nitride film, an aluminum oxide film, or an aluminum oxynitride film.

Abstract: A method for producing a plurality of radiation-emitting components includes A) providing a carrier layer having a plurality of mounting regions separated from one another by separating regions; B) applying an interlayer to the separating regions; C) applying a respective radiation-emitting device to each of the plurality of mounting regions; D) applying a continuous potting layer to the radiation-emitting device and the separating regions; E) severing the potting layer and partially severing the interlayer in the separating regions of the carrier layer in a first separating step; and F) partially severing the interlayer and severing the carrier layer in a second separating step, wherein the interlayer is completely severed by the first and the second separating step.

Abstract: A method for making light emitting diode includes the following steps. A substrate is provided. A first semiconductor layer is grown on a surface of the substrate. A patterned mask layer is located on a surface of the first semiconductor layer, and the patterned mask layer includes a number of bar-shaped protruding structures, a slot is defined between each two adjacent protruding structures to expose a portion of the first semiconductor layer. The exposed first semiconductor layer is etched to form a protruding pair. A number of three-dimensional nano-structures are formed. An active layer and a second semiconductor layers are grown on the number of three-dimensional nano-structures in that order. The substrate is removed and a surface of the first semiconductor layer is exposed. A first electrode is applied to cover the exposed surface. A second electrode is electrically connected with the second semiconductor layer.