Abstract: There is provided a method for producing free polyubiquitin chains linked through a single desired lysine residue, comprising the steps of: (a) selecting an E3 ubiquitin ligase enzyme which is homologous to mammalian HECT E3 ligases and possesses the desired lysine residue specificity; (b) incubating the E3 enzyme with an E1 ubiquitin activating enzyme, an E2 ubiquitin conjugating enzyme and monomeric ubiquitin; and (c) if undesired linkages are present, removing the undesired linkages by exposure to a DUB enzyme having the appropriate specificity.

Abstract: Provided is a peptide containing a variable region and improved in production efficiency. The peptide contains a variable region to which an antigen-binding site is to be formed and has an amino acid sequence expressing a specific adsorption function to a solid phase at a site closer to the C-terminal than a heavy-chain variable region or at a site closer to the C-terminal than a light-chain variable region.

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 aim is to increase the protein product yield in microbial fermentation. This is achieved by a method which introduces into a microorganism not only a first expression construct which encodes the protein, but also a second expression construct which encodes an auxiliary protease which differs from the protein, is proteolytically active and which comprises an amino acid sequence which is at least 50% identical to the amino acid sequence indicated in SEQ ID NO. 1.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, combinations, methods, sequences and kits for use of novel fluorescent proteins derived from the genus Branchiostoma. Specifically, polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences encoding fluorescent proteins isolated from Branchiostoma floridae, including harmonized sequences, which permit enhanced expression of the encoded polypeptides in mammalian cells in vivo are provided.

Abstract: Described herein are fatty acid carbohydrate-hydroxyl-hybrid compounds and derivatives thereof, and methods of treating or preventing disease and disease symptoms using the compounds and compositions thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for rapid screening of suitable translational fusion partners (TFPs) capable of inducing expression or secretory production of non-producible proteins, which are difficult to produce in conventional recombinant production methods, from a variety of genetic sources, and protein secretion-inducing TFPs obtained using the method.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally provides non-naturally-occurring polynucleotide sequences that facilitate high-level expression of one or more gene products (e.g., polypeptides, RNA) of interest in Neisseria meningitidis. Methods of use of such sequences, e.g., use in vaccine production, are also provided.

Abstract: The current invention reports a method for the purification of a not-glycosylated, heterologous polypeptide, which has been recombinantly produced in a prokaryotic cell, wherein the method comprises three chromatography steps of which the first chromatography step selected from i) hydrophobic charge induction chromatography, or ii) hydrophobic interaction chromatography, or iii) affinity chromatography, or iv) ion exchange chromatography, the second chromatography step is selected from i) anion exchange chromatography, or ii) cation exchange chromatography, or iii) hydroxylapatite chromatography, or iv) hydrophobic interaction chromatography, and the a third chromatography step is selected from i) hydrophobic charge induction chromatography, or ii) anion exchange chromatography, or iii) cation exchange chromatography, or iv) hydrophobic interaction chromatography, whereby the first chromatography step is an affinity chromatography in case of polypeptides capable of interacting with metal ligands, the second c

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies against human collagen II, polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding human collagen II antibodies or fragments thereof, and methods of making and using the foregoing.

Abstract: The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of using the variants.

Abstract: The invention encompasses phage ?mru including phage induction, phage particles, and the phage genome. Also encompassed are phage polypeptides, as well as polynucleotides which encode these polypeptides, expression vectors comprising these polynucleotides, and host cells comprising these vectors. The invention further encompasses compositions and methods for detecting, targeting, permeabilising, and inhibiting microbial cells, especially methanogen cells, using the disclosed phage, polypeptides, polynucleotides, expression vectors, or host cells.

Abstract: A novel technique for improving secretory production of a heterologous protein by coryneform bacteria is described, and thereby a method for secretory production of a heterologous protein is provided. A coryneform bacterium is cultured so that it secretes a heterologous protein, the bacterium having a genetic construct which includes a promoter sequence that functions in the coryneform bacterium, a nucleic acid sequence coding for a signal peptide that functions in the coryneform bacterium, which is ligated downstream from the promoter sequence, and a nucleic acid sequence coding for a fusion protein having an amino acid sequence that includes Gln-Glu-Thr and the heterologous protein, which is ligated downstream from the nucleic acid sequence coding for the signal peptide.

Abstract: Mutant photosynthetic microorganisms having reduced chlorophyll and increased photosynthetic efficiency are provided. The mutants have a locked in high light-acclimated phenotype, in which many of the photosynthetic parameters characteristic of high light acclimated wild type cells are found in the LIHLA mutants when acclimated to low light, such as reduced chlorophyll, reduced NPQ, higher qP, higher Ek, higher Pmax per unit chlorophyll with little to no reduction in Pmax per cell, and higher rates of electron transport through photosystem II over a wide range of light intensities. Provided herein are constructs for attenuating or disrupting genes are provided for generating mutants having the LIHLA phenotype. Also provided are methods of culturing LIHLA mutants for the production of biomass or other products.

Abstract: Disclosed are mutant DNA polymerases having increased 3?-mismatch discrimination relative to a corresponding, unmodified polymerase. The mutant polymerases are useful in a variety of disclosed primer extension methods. Also disclosed are related compositions, including recombinant nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells, which are useful, e.g., for production of the mutant DNA polymerases.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detoxifying a lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysate, including: preparing a hydrolysate by pretreating a lignocellulosic biomass by hydrolysis; and decreasing or removing toxicity by adding a surfactant to the hydrolysate. The detoxifying method according to the present disclosure may effectively remove toxicity of compounds derived from lignin that inhibit the growth of and fermentation by microorganisms during the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass. Further, production efficiency can be improved since loss of sugar can be avoided during the detoxification and additional cost can be minimized.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for increasing the production of one or more cellulases from a fungal host cell. The disclosure is based, on the surprising discovery that mis-expression of the transcriptional regulator clr-2 in a filamentous fungal cell was able to induce expression of cellulase genes under non-inducing or starvation conditions, resulting in increased secretion of cellulases from the cell. Advantageously, mis-expression of the transcription factor clr-2 in a filamentous fungal cell cultured in the absence of cellulose or cellobiose results in increased secretion of cellulases.

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

Abstract: A method for the production of an arabinoxylan-enriched preparation from a pentosan fraction derived from a wheat flour comprising the following sequential steps: mixing the pentosan fraction with water to obtain a pentosan slurry; centrifuging the slurry to obtain liquid and solid phases; and drying the liquid phase to provide the arabinoxylan-enriched preparation. Also provided are methods for the production of: a starch- and protein-enriched intermediate from wheat flour; a glucose-enriched preparation from wheat flour; and a starch- and protein-enriched material from wheat flour. Furthermore, there is provided a use of an arabinoxylan-enriched preparation in one or more of: food, immune stimulants, prebiotics, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals and food supplements. There is also an apparatus for the production of an arabinoxylan-enriched preparation from a pentosan fraction of wheat flour.

Abstract: Provided is an improved nitrile hydratase with improved catalytic activity. Also provided are DNA for coding the improved nitrile hydratase, a recombinant vector that contains the DNA, a transformant that contains the recombinant vector, nitrile hydratase acquired from a culture of the transformant, and a method for producing the nitrile hydratase. Also provided is a method for producing an amide compound that uses the culture or a processed product of the culture. The improved nitrile hydratase contains an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 50 (GX1X2X3X4DX5X6R) in a beta subunit, and is characterized in that X4 is an amino acid selected from a group comprising cysteine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, histidine, isoleucine, lysine, methionine, asparagine, proline, glutamine, serine and threonine.

Abstract: Recombinant microbial cells are disclosed herein that comprise (i) a down-regulation of an endogenous polynucleotide sequence encoding Sou2 sorbitol utilization protein, and (ii) a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) biosynthetic pathway. The down-regulation of the polynucleotide sequence encoding Sou2 sorbitol utilization protein can increase the lipid content of the microbial cells and/or decrease the total amount of sugar alcohols produced by the microbial cells. Also disclosed are methods of using the recombinant microbial cells to produce oil containing omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids such as EPA.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating food waste and extracting bio oil includes: a fermentation dryer which ferments and decomposes food waste for 24 hours to reduce moisture contained in the food waste to 40 to 50%, a crusher which crushes the food waste into small particles, a distillation tank which heats the crushed food waste at low pressure and temperature so that oil is gasified by means of low temperature thermal decomposition to form oil gas, a distillation tower in which the oil gas is cooled to be liquefied and separated into moisture (carbon liquid fertilizer) and oil, a vacuum storage tank which collects the separated oil, and a centrifugal separator which rectifies the oil. The apparatus extracts a carbon liquid fertilizer, bio oils, and activated carbon while treating organic substances such as food waste and residual product compost.

Abstract: A recombinant microorganism comprising a lactic acid (LA) transporter, wherein the expression of the LA transporter in the recombinant microorganism is increased relative to a parent microorganism, and a method of producing lactic acid using same.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of aromatic molecules in prokaryotic and eukaryotic hosts such as E. coli, yeasts, filamentous fungi, algae, microalgae, other plant cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in the production of butanol and butyrate by microbial fermentation, particularly to production of alcohols by microbial fermentation of a substrate comprising CO and the addition of an inorganic sulfur additive. It more particularly relates to the provision of an inorganic organic sulfur source to a fermentation system such that one or more micro-organisms convert a substrate comprising CO to butanol. In one aspect the invention uses a sulfur additive comprising inorganic sulfur compounds having a +2 to a +4 sulfur oxidation state that produces sulfur oxoanions and hydrosulfur oxoanions in an aqueous fermentation medium.

Abstract: Processes and methods of recovering desired products from fermentation stillage are presented, including processes and methods of recovering lipids and aqueous materials.

Abstract: High-yielding method for chemical hydrolysis of lignocellulose into monosaccharides. The process of the invention can additionally be applied to cellulose, xylan and related biomass polysaccharides, such as galactan, mannan, or arabinan. The method is employed for hydrolysis of a biomass polysaccharide substrate. The process is carried out in an ionic liquid in which cellulose is soluble in the presence of catalytic acid at a temperature sufficiently high to initiate hydrolysis. Water is added to the reaction mixture after initiation of hydrolysis at a rate controlled to avoid precipitation yet avoid undesired sugar dehydration products such as HMF. Hydrolysis product is useful as feedstock for fermentations including fermentation processes for ethanol, butanol and other fuels.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for the purification of contaminated air containing CO2, converting it into O2 by means of the use of microorganisms. Said methods and systems comprise the initial steps of capturing the air proceeding from a source of contaminated air containing CO2, such as an industrial plant, and subsequent physical catalysis of said contaminated air, passing it across plates which partially fix the CO2 in the form of calcium and/or magnesium carbonates. Subsequent to these steps the air is passed through fermenter tanks containing a culture comprising a biofamily of microorganisms and an organic inhibitor permitting maximum absorption of CO2 and emission of O2. By means of the methods and systems described the conversion of CO2 into O2 is achieved having an efficiency very superior to those of the prior art.

Abstract: Processes, systems, and methods for producing combustible gas from wet biomass are provided. In one aspect, for example, a process for generating a combustible gas from a wet biomass in a closed system is provided. Such a process may include growing a wet biomass in a growth chamber, moving at least a portion of the wet biomass to a reactor, heating the portion of the wet biomass under high pressure in the reactor to gasify the wet biomass into a total gas component, separating the gasified component into a liquid component, a non-combustible gas component, and a combustible gas component, and introducing the liquid component and non-combustible gas component containing carbon dioxide into the growth chamber to stimulate new wet biomass growth.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for producing non-oxide semiconductor nanoparticles, the method comprising: (a) subjecting a combination of reaction components to conditions conducive to microbially-mediated formation of non-oxide semiconductor nanoparticles, wherein said combination of reaction components comprises i) anaerobic microbes, ii) a culture medium suitable for sustaining said anaerobic microbes, iii) a metal component comprising at least one type of metal ion, iv) a non-metal component comprising at least one non-metal selected from the group consisting of S, Se, Te, and As, and v) one or more electron donors that provide donatable electrons to said anaerobic microbes during consumption of the electron donor by said anaerobic microbes; and (b) isolating said non-oxide semiconductor nanoparticles, which contain at least one of said metal ions and at least one of said non-metals.

Abstract: Articles and methods for forming nanostructures having unique and/or predetermined shapes are provided. The methods and articles may involve the use of nucleic acid containers as structural molds. For instance, a pre-designed nucleic acid container including a cavity may be used to control the shape-specific growth of nanoparticles. Growth of the nanoparticles within the cavities may be confined by the specific shape of the nucleic acid container. In some embodiments, the resulting nucleic acid-nanoparticle structures can be used to control the orientation and numbers of surface ligands on the surface of nanoparticles. The addressability of the surface ligands can be used to form higher ordered assemblies of the structures.

Abstract: Described herein are molecules, constructs and methods for the production and secretion of polypeptides of interest by host cells, preferably bacterial host cells, and more particularly gram positive bacteria. In particular, the present invention is related to a polynucleic acid encoding a fusion protein and to uses thereof for the secretion of heterologous or homologous polypeptides of interest by a bacterial host cell, preferably Clostridium bacteria. The present invention further relates to methods and constructs for the production and secretion of heterologous or homologous polypeptides of interest proteins by host cells using such polynucleic acids and fusion proteins.

Abstract: A glucose dehydrogenase, which is an enzyme that has high substrate specificity, can be produced at a low cost, is not affected by oxygen dissolved in a measurement sample and, in particular, has superior thermal stability is obtained by culturing a microorganism belonging to the genus Burkholderia. A glucose sensor utilizing the glucose dehydrogenase protein is described.

Abstract: Isolated nucleic acids encoding polypeptides that exhibit butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzyme activity are disclosed, along with molecular criteria for preparing such nucleic acids, including codon optimization. Methods of preparing modified and/or truncated BChE molecules having selected properties, especially selective formation of monomers, are also described. Vectors and cells containing and/or expressing the nucleic acids are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a strain of bacteriophage specific to a selected strain of bacteria was found as well as bacteriophage strains obtained in this way. Moreover, application of bacteriophages in manufacturing of the preparation for preventing and fighting infections of farm animals, especially poultry, with pathogenic strains of bacteria sensitive to these phages was described.

Abstract: The invention relates to culture conditions and methods that allow reproducible production of high titers of filamentous bacteriophage. Culture media comprising high titers of filamentous bacteriophage, as we methods of producing high titers of filamentous phage on a large scale are encompassed.

Abstract: A live bacterium, having a DNA construct stabilized against transduction of other bacteria, having a promoter sequence and encoding a fusion peptide, comprising a bacterial secretion peptide portion and a non-bacterial immunogenic polypeptide portion, having a nucleotide sequence coding for the non-bacterial immunogenic polypeptide portion which has at least one codon optimized for bacterial expression. The bacterium has a secretion mechanism which interacts with at least the bacterial secretion peptide portion to cause a secretion of the fusion peptide from the bacterium, and a genetic virulence attenuating mutation. The bacterium is adapted to act as an animal vaccine, to transiently infect a tissue of the animal, and cause an immunity response to the non-bacterial immunogenic polypeptide portion in the animal to a non-bacterial organism associated with the non-bacterial immunogenic polypeptide portion.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a dried intimate mixture comprising a bacteria spore and a germinative compound, and methods for preparing the intimate mixture. In another aspect, this invention is directed to a composition comprising such an intimate mixture. The invention also relates to methods for increasing the germination, growth, metabolism, and/or enzyme activity of a bacteria spore comprising preparing an intimate mixture of a bacteria spore and a germinative compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing the viscosity of a microorganism-containing suspension or concentrate and a method for obtaining a microorganism concentrate, wherein a monosaccharide and/or disaccharide and/or sugar alcohol is added to said microorganism-containing suspension or concentrate.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for extracting lipids and/or producing biofuel from algae in marine and freshwater environments, wherein algae and bivalves are co-cultured in a system of enclosures comprising water that comprises recycled nutrients that are essential for algal growth. The system also include enclosures for culturing fishes which are used to harvest the algae.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for mixing cells and exogenous material for delivery of the exogenous material into cells using electroporation in a manner that preserves cell viability and integrity of the exogenous material. The exogenous material can be polynucleotides, peptides, proteins or other pharmaceutical molecules. It further provides a chamber that can be used to electroporate the contents of the chamber after mixing. In accordance with the invention, cell suspensions that may be contaminated with degrading enzymes are stored separately from water-based liquids that contain the exogenous material. Contact of the two water-based liquids (cell suspension and exogenous material) first occurs within the chamber. The chamber of the present invention has two or more inlet ports to allow separate entrance of water-based liquids. Two other ports are vent and exit ports.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for measuring a glucose level of a user having: a card-like member; a processor within the card-like member; at least one glucose sensor comprising a reagent, the glucose sensor generating a signal indicative of a measured glucose level upon application of a blood sample to the glucose sensor, wherein the glucose sensor is fixed to the card-like member and operably coupled to the processor; and at least one cover alterable between a first position in which the glucose sensor is covered and a second position in which the glucose sensor is exposed for use.

Abstract: There is provided a portable device for detecting pathogens in a sample, the detection being based on an assay involving one or more reagents and heat. The device comprises a flexible substrate having a plurality of spaced apart reservoirs along its length, each reservoir adapted for receiving reagents and the sample, the substrate being secured to a pair of spaced apart reels and movable there between by rolling. Also, the device comprises heating means which can be secured to one of the two reels.

Abstract: To provide a microfluidic device which does not apply a meandering reaction channel and thus can be reduced in size, the microfluidic device comprising a reaction channel is characterized in that a plurality of thermal cycle regions which respectively comprise at least two thermal regions with different temperatures are repeatedly provided and the reaction channel passes through the plurality of thermal cycle regions.

Abstract: An instrument and a method for the automated thermal treatment of liquid samples are disclosed. An inter-distance between a temperature-controlled receptacle for loading with a plurality of vessels for containing the samples and end portions of optical fibers can be varied, wherein the receptacle is configured to form a thermal communication with the loaded vessels and wherein the optical fibers have first and second end portions. The first end portion and the second end portion of each optical fiber is fixed with respect to each other for transmitting light, wherein the variation of the inter-distance allows the vessels to be loaded to or unloaded from the receptacle and to enable detection of light from the samples contained in the one or more receptacle-loaded vessels.

Abstract: A method of component assembly on a substrate, and an assembly of a bound component on a substrate. The method comprises the steps of forming a free-standing component having an optical characteristic; providing a pattern of a first binding species on the substrate or the free standing component; and forming a bound component on the substrate through a binding interaction via the first binding species; wherein the bound component exhibits substantially the same optical characteristic compared to the free-standing component.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and a system for diagnosing lymphoma in cats. The system allows a care giver to measure the enzymatic activity of thymidine kinase in a blood sample. The invention teaches that when the enzymatic activity of thymidine kinase in the blood stream of a cat is above 15.5 Units per liter, the cat has a high probability of having lymphoma. The invention allows for initial diagnosis, follow up after treatment for lymphoma and/or monitoring for example in breeds that prone to have lymphoma.

Abstract: Devices for magnetic 3d culture are described including magnetic lids/bases for single Petri plates, adjustable height cap for same, as well similar devices for multi-magnet culture plates. A pen-like device for sterilely lifting and moving cells is also described, and this magnetic pipettor can also exist in multi-well magnetic pipettor formats.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for concentrating and isolating Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) from body fluids. One embodiment of the present invention includes a micro-fabricated or nano-fabricated device having channels configured for separating and excluding. Embodiments in accordance with the present invention utilize features that reduce the hydrodynamic pressure experienced by the cells during the separation, isolation and concentration processes, and therefore reduce the likelihood of cell lysis or other damage to the cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides trans-complementation systems for expressing gene products in plants. In general, the invention provides systems including a carrier vector and a producer vector, both based on plant viruses. The producer vector is defective for at least one function needed for successful systemic infection of a plant, e.g., replication, cell-to-cell movement, or long distance movement. The carrier vector supplies the missing function in trans. Certain producer vectors lack a functional coat protein coding sequence, in which case the corresponding producer vector supplies coat protein in trans. The invention also provides novel plant viral vectors and methods of use, e.g., to produce polypeptides or active RNAs in plants.