Abstract: The present invention relates methods and compositions for producing an organic substance from fermenting microorganism using simultaneous saccharification and fermentation. One aspect of the invention provides producing alcohol by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation by combining a cellulosic substrate, and whole fermentation broth, and an ethanologenic microorganism under conditions conducive both to hydrolysis of cellulose to glucose and to conversion of glucose to alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating organic materials to produce methane gas, comprising the steps of: a) subjecting an organic feedstock comprising organic materials to a liquefaction process at subcritical conditions in at least one reaction stage, to obtain a mixture containing low molecular weight materials and optionally lignins; b) subjecting the obtained mixture containing low molecular weight materials and optionally lignins, to a methane fermentation process; wherein said organic feedstock comprises liquid water and/or is combined with liquid water before and/or during said liquefaction, and the subcritical conditions for said at least one or more reaction stage(s) in a) is a temperature of 280-374° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for reducing or eliminating the expression of a target gene in a filamentous fungal strain, comprising: (a) inserting into the genome of the filamentous fungal strain a double-stranded transcribable nucleic acid construct comprising a first nucleotide sequence comprising a promoter operably linked to a homologous coding region of the target gene and a second nucleotide sequence comprising the homologous coding region, or a portion thereof, of the target gene, wherein the first and second nucleotide sequences are complementary to each other and the second nucleotide sequence is in reverse orientation relative to the first nucleotide sequence; and (b) inducing production of an interfering RNA encoded by the double-stranded transcribable nucleic acid construct by cultivating the filamentous fungal strain under conditions conducive for production of the interfering RNA; wherein the interfering RNA interacts with RNA transcripts of the target gene to reduce or eliminate exp

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to conjugates of the capsular polysaccharide of Vibrio cholerae O139, or a structurally and/or immunologically related oligo- or poly-saccharide, and a carrier. These conjugates are useful as pharmaceutical compositions and/or vaccines to induce serum antibodies which have bactericidal (vibriocidal) activity against V. cholerae, in particular V. cholerae O139, and are useful to prevent, treat and/or reduce the severity of disease caused by V. cholerae infection, such as cholera. The present disclosure also relates to diagnostic tests for V. cholerae infection, and/or cholera caused by V. cholerae infection, using one or more of the oligo- or poly-saccharide-carrier conjugates or antibodies described above.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods relating to variant maltohexaose-forming alpha-amylases. The variant alpha-amylases are useful, for example, for starch liquefaction and saccharification, for cleaning starchy stains in laundry, dishwashing, and other applications, for textile processing (e.g., desizing), in animal feed for improving digestibility, and for baking and brewing.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a novel glucose dehydrogenase, a method for producing the glucose dehydrogenase, and applications of the glucose dehydrogenase. An isolated flavin-binding glucose dehydrogenase comprising a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence with 80% or more identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, and having glucose dehydrogenase activity is provided.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, thrombosis, and for decreasing or prevention of accumulation of cholesterol in a subject by modifying LCAT polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymerase HBV mutant polypeptides comprising a mutated polymerase domain which is functionally disrupted for polymerase activity and fusion proteins comprising such polymerase mutant polypeptide. The present invention also relates to a nucleic acid molecule and an expression vector for expressing said polymerase mutant polypeptide as well as a composition which can be used for eliciting an immune response to HBV with the goal of providing a protective or therapeutic effect against HBV infection.

Abstract: Subtilase variants having an improved wash performance on egg stains. These subtilases are useful exhibiting excellent or improved wash performance on egg stains when used in e.g. cleaning or detergent compositions, such as laundry detergent compositions and dish wash compositions, including automatic dish wash compositions.

Abstract: The present application discloses a novel biological material transfer apparatus and methods of using the same. The apparatus is made up of double walled barrel shaped tip chamber to house either the single tip or multiple tips of fixed size and a unique ball head to transfer the biological material from one location to another location in an aseptic method. The tip has a fixed shape and size and a ball head which makes the process of picking and transferring of biological material easy, safe and convenient to use with large scale samples. The apparatus is further equipped with an ultra violet light which sterilize the tips just before their use making the entire process of transferring of biological material highly aseptic.

Abstract: New semiconductor nanoparticles and manufacturing technologies, including novel methods, systems, and compositions, are provided herein. Robust, reproducible production of large amounts of semiconductor nanoparticles, such as quantum dots, from bacterial cultures during continuous growth is provided, without a need for extensive post growth processing or modification. The result is a novel semiconductor of nanoparticle dimensions and quality that is suitable for commercial applications in lighting, display, imaging, diagnostics, photovoltaics and hydrogen generation, for example. In one embodiment, bacterial-based synthesis methods for producing nanocrystal semiconductor quantum dots are provided by aqueous, environmentally friendly media and methods.

Abstract: Methods and composition related to the engineering of a novel protein with methionine-?-lyase enzyme activity are described. For example, in certain aspects there may be disclosed a modified cystathionine-?-lyase (CGL) comprising one or more amino acid substitutions and capable of degrading methionine. Furthermore, certain aspects of the invention provide compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer with methionine depletion using the disclosed proteins or nucleic acids.

Abstract: Composition for the removal of biofilms present on a substrate, characterized in that it comprises at least one detergent component comprising a sequestrant and also a wetting agent and a dispersant and at least one enzymatic component containing at least one protease, at least one laccase and at least one polysaccharidase, method of implementation thereof and uses thereof.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a slide for analyzing target analytes of a suspension. The slide can be used to collect and hold the target analyte for imaging or further processing. The slide comprises a well section, including wells into which the target analyte can be stored. The wells may be removable and sized to fit into a second apparatus, such as a PCR thermocycler, for additional processing. Alternatively, the wells may hold processing vessels, such as PCR tubes, the processing vessels being used for downstream processing and/or analysis.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a cap for obtaining a target analyte from a suspension. The cap introduces a magnetic field or a magnetic gradient to the tube to draw the target analyte bound to a particle to the cap. In one aspect, a cap includes a magnetic insert and a receiving piece. The magnetic insert includes a stopper and a magnet extending from the stopper; and, the receiving piece, which is configured to hold the magnetic insert, includes a receiving stopper and a sheath. The sheath may include imaging slides on opposite sides of the sheath. In another aspect, the cap may include a stopper and an embedded magnet. The cap may include an analysis piece on a bottom end of the stopper. In yet another aspect, the cap may include a fluid compartment and a filter at a bottom end of the stopper.

Abstract: An algaculture system includes a pump/tank assembly and mixer that continuously mixes and lifts a quantity of algae, nutrients, water and carbon dioxide. A solar collector that includes a plurality of interconnected tubes communicates with an outlet of the assembly. A plurality of 180 degree fittings interconnects the vertically-oriented tubes together such that the solar connector has an undulating tubular configuration. At least one cooling tube is positioned within at least one interconnected tube of the solar collector. A plurality of axial vortex flow generators is at an intake portion of each of the interconnected tubes. A nutrient replenisher and pH adjuster communicate with the pump/tank assembly. The pump/tank assembly receives the second type of algae. A continuous harvester, in fluid communication with the pump/tank assembly and the solar collector, separates a first type of algae from a second type of algae and directs the first type for further processing.

Abstract: A micro-incubator manifold for improved microfluidic configurations and systems and methods of manufacture and operation for a manifold and automated microfluidic systems.

Abstract: Provided are methods for activating an antigen-presenting cell and eliciting an immune response by inducing pattern recognition receptor activity, and CD40 activity. Also provided are methods for activating an antigen-presenting cell and eliciting an immune response by inducing CD40 activity without prostaglandin E2. Also provided are methods for activating an antigen-presenting cell and eliciting an immune response by inducing an inducible chimeric molecule comprising a region of a pattern recognition receptor or an adaptor thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of enhancing the efficacy and specificity of RNAi using single or double blunt-ended siRNA. The invention also provides single and double-blunt ended siRNA compositions, vectors, and transgenes containing the same for mediating silencing of a target gene. Therapeutic methods are also featured.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to small interfering RNA molecules (siRNA) targeted against nucleic acid sequence that encodes huntingtin or ataxin-1, and methods of using these siRNA molecules.

Abstract: A method for removing material from a vesicular object by securing the object, penetrating the object with a pipette, such pipette having a sealed distal tip and an aperture, advancing said pipette into the object in such a manner as to place the aperture directly adjacent to the material to be removed from the object, applying vacuum inside the pipette thereby drawing the material to be removed from the object into the pipette, and removing the pipette from the object in such a manner as to cut or otherwise separate the material in the pipette from the object thereby leaving the material removed from the object in the pipette while leaving the object undamaged.

Abstract: The present invention provides cell populations that are enriched for mesendoderm and mesoderm, and cell populations that are enriched for endoderm. The cell populations of the invention are useful for generating cells for cell replacement therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of inducing differentiation of stem cells. In particular, the invention relates to methods of inducing differentiation of embryonic stem cells into muscle cells or vascular endothelial cells. The invention also includes cells, cell lines, testing models and culture systems used in the methods of the present invention and differentiated cells produced therefrom. The present invention also provides methods of using the differentiated cells of the present invention for therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: A heat-resistant NDV live vaccine vector system includes a transcription plasmid, three helper plasmids, and host cells. The transcription plasmid is constructed by through cloning complete genomic cDNA of a heat-resistant NDV vaccine strain to a pBR322 vector. The three helper plasmids are constructed by cloning sequences coding nucleoprotein (NP), phosphoprotein, large polymerase protein of a heat-resistant NDV vaccine strain respectively to pcDNA3.1 vectors. A recombinant NDV artificially obtained by cotransfacting host cells with the transcription plasmid and the three helper plasmids shows heat-resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to regulation of cold sensation and pain. More particularly, the present invention is directed to nucleic acids encoding a member of the transient regulatory protein family, CMR1, which is involved in modulation of the perception of cold sensations and pain. The invention further relates to methods for identifying and using agents that modulate cold responses and pain responses stimulated by cold via modulation of CMR1 and CMR1-related signal transduction.

Abstract: Methods for generating human endothelial cells from human pluripotent stem cells under defined conditions in the absence of VEGF are described. Wnt/?-catenin signaling is activated in human pluripotent stem cells for a defined period, e.g., by inhibition of Gsk3, and then cultured without further exogenous activation of Wnt/?-catenin signaling to obtain a cell population containing human endothelial cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is the three-dimensional (3-D) structure of the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and methods by which the structure may be used to develop compounds that bind to, and/or modulate the GLP-1R. The technology described herein may be applied to the development of compounds that target the GLP-1R, or may be used to develop target compound that may bind to, and/or modulate the activity of the GLP-1R.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions for linking DNA binding modules to allow for specific and selective binding to module subsites separated by 1 or more base pairs. Also described are methods of making and using compositions comprising these linkers.

Abstract: This invention provides disc stem cells, processes for obtaining and culturing disc stem cells, and methods for repairing damaged or diseased disc tissue comprising the use of the disc stem cells of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method that allows the preparation of a cell concentrate in a short time without loss of cells and great damage on cells by simple operations. The present invention provides a method for producing a cell concentrate using an inside-out filtration system for processing a cell suspension, the system including: a cell suspension inlet port; a filtrate outlet port; a cell suspension outlet port; and a hollow fiber separation membrane interposed between the cell suspension inlet port and the cell suspension outlet port, wherein the hollow fiber separation membrane is provided with inner pores with an average pore size of 0.1 ?m to 10 ?m, and the quotient of the division of an initial filtrate flow rate by a linear velocity of the cell suspension flowing through the hollow fibers is 2.5 or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of inhibitors of leukotriene B4 receptor BLT2 for treating asthma. More particularly, the present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for treating asthma comprising BLT2 inhibitors and a method for treating asthma using BLT2 inhibitors.

Abstract: The present inventions describes a method that, starting from pluripotent cells, leads to the obtainment, in a reproducible and efficient manner, of endodermal cells precursor. These cells reveal useful also for application in the regenerative therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of growing and maintaining pluripotent cells on an insoluble substrate that presents a peptide that binds to glycosaminoglycans, such as heparin. Specifically, methods of growing and maintaining pluripotent cells on substrates having a chemically defined surface presenting at least one peptide having basic amino acid residues separated by one or two hydrophobic amino acid residues.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided a cell culturing substrate including: a cell culture surface having a film attached thereto, wherein the film includes one or more plasma polymerized monomers; and a coating on the film-coated surface, the coating deposited from a coating solution comprising one or more extracellular matrix proteins and an aqueous solvent, where the total extracellular matrix protein concentration in the coating solution is about 1 ng/mL to about 1 mg/mL.

Abstract: Methods are generally disclosed for attaching a cell binding motif to a carboxy end of a coat protein of a Tobacco Mosaic Virus particle to form a modified-TMV particle; and attaching a cell to the cell binding motif of the modified-TMV particle.

Abstract: One aspect of the disclosure is directed to a method for activation/enhancement of cell growth of a plant. The method includes providing a nano-sized material contained agent, and treating the plant with the nano-sized material contained agent to allow sufficient interaction of cells of the plant with the nano-sized material so as to activate/enhance the cell growth of the plant.

Abstract: A microfluidic system for causing perturbations in a cell membrane, the system including a microfluidic channel defining a lumen and being configured such that a cell suspended in a buffer can pass therethrough, wherein the microfluidic channel includes a cell-deforming constriction, wherein a diameter of the constriction is a function of the diameter of the cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising, or consisting of, the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 or a nucleic acid sequence of at least 200 bp having at least 70% identity to said sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, wherein said isolated nucleic acid molecule specifically leads to the expression in rod cells of a gene when operatively linked to a nucleic acid sequence coding for said gene.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is the finding that Zscan4 is an early embryonic factor that facilitates cellular reprogramming. In particular, Zscan4 can replace the oncogenic reprogramming factor c-Myc to produce induced pluripotent stem cells when co-expressed with Klf4, Oct4 and Sox2. In addition, several Zscan4-dependent genes were identified that promote iPSC formation when co-expressed with known reprogramming factors. Thus, the present disclosure provides an ex vivo method of producing an iPS cell by reprogramming of a somatic cell. The method includes contacting the somatic cell with a Zscan4, or a Zscan4-dependent gene, and at least one reprogramming factor. Also provided are iPS cells produced by the disclosed method and non-human animals generated from such iPS cells.

Abstract: A method of cultivating cells in a bag is disclosed, which comprises the steps of: a) providing a sterile flexible bag comprising a filter material which is attached to a wall of the culture bag, wherein the filter material delimits a chamber inside the bag and wherein the chamber is fluidically connected to a first port in a wall of the bag, b) providing agitation means for the bag, c) introducing cell culture medium, microcarriers and cells to the bag, d) cultivating cells in the bag with agitation provided by the agitation means, allowing formation of a suspension of microcarriers with immobilized cells and supplying at least one gas via a second port (not shown) in a wall of the bag, e) removing cell debris and/or free cells together with liquid from said suspension of microcarriers through the filter material and the first port.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of a novel piggyBac transposase enzymes created by modifying the transposase of Trichoplusia ni. The piggyBac transposases of the present invention are functionally active or hyperactive for excision and have decreased integration activity compared to wild type Trichoplusia ni piggyBac transposase enzyme. These transposases are ideal for use in methods of transforming cells and organisms. In particular embodiments, the present invention provides methods of transient integration and expression of transgenes.

Abstract: The present invention includes a sensing device and method detecting the presence of a chemical analyte, comprising: a surface; a continuous or discontinuous terbium(III)-triphenylphosphine oxide coordination polymer layer deposited on the surface, wherein the polymer layer is porous; and a luminescence detector, wherein one or more analytes that interact with the polymer layer luminesce at distinct wavelengths unique to each analyte.

Abstract: A laboratory module for storing and providing access to a plurality of samples, the laboratory module comprising a plurality of bays comprising a plurality of guiding rails and a plurality of rack tray bays for accommodating a plurality of rack trays, and a transport chamber for transporting at least one sample rack to a storage location and for delivering at least one sample rack at predetermined times to a processing system. The transport chamber is adapted to align with any one of the plurality of guiding rails, comprised in the bays and in the rack trays, for placing and moving on the guiding rails the at least one sample rack, and a sensor for sensing the presence and location of a sample rack on any one of the guiding rails, and a barcode scanner that identifies the sample rack and a storage device for storing data.

Abstract: A diagnostic analyzer includes a track, a light-blocking member, a motor, and an optical testing device. The track moves a reaction vessel held by the track. The light-blocking member is disposed adjacent to the track. The light-blocking member moves from a first position apart from the track to a second position closer to the track. When the light-blocking member is disposed in the first position a sample contained within the reaction vessel held by the track is exposed to light. When the light-blocking member is disposed in the second position the sample contained within the reaction vessel held by the track is blocked from exposure to the light. The motor moves the light-blocking member between the first and the second positions. The optical testing device is disposed adjacent to the track for optically testing the sample contained within the reaction vessel held by the track when the at least one light-blocking member is disposed in the second position.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and means for performing pool and other water and liquid testing. Some embodiments of the methods and means of the invention also incorporate additional functionality including, but not limited to communication, sensing, display and data processing elements. Various embodiments of the methods and means of the invention may be performed by and/or implemented in hardware, in software, by one or more entities, and/or by some combination of hardware, software and/or one or more entities.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining a concentration of at least one component of gas present in a gas line or in a gas container, wherein gas is led off from the gas line or the gas container at a measurement location and is supplied to at least one gas flame; the ion flow is measured between a gas flame to which gas is supplied and an electrode arrangement; the temperature of a gas flame is measured to which gas is supplied; and the concentration of the at least one component of the gas present in the gas line or in the gas container is determined from the measurement ion flow and the measured temperature or from values related thereto. The invention furthermore relates to gas concentration sensors for carrying out the method in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a gas at a heatable element for a lambda probe includes reading a value of a heating power available to the heatable element for maintaining a predetermined temperature of the heatable element, and determining a gas composition of the gas at the heatable element using the value of the heating power.

Abstract: A system and method for the detection of one or more analytes in a collected sample employs capillary action in a sample card containing a sample substrate, at least one test capsule and an absorbent pad. The absorbent pad absorbs the contents of the test capsule and delivers the same to the sample substrate, with the contents of the test capsule chemically reacting with at least one detection reagent to establish an optical indicator for the analyte(s). The sample card can be automatically tested within a reader device, which records and processes an optical signal produced by the chemical reaction and outputs a test result. The collected sample can then be further analyzed using a second device. Additionally, an adhesive component can be provided so that a sample can be collected thereon. Furthermore, the at least one detection reagent can include a surfactant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device, more particularly for a tubular bag packaging machine 1, to determine the concentration of at least one gas within a package 2 to be sealed, wherein it is possible to introduce a protective gas via a gas lance 3 into the package 2 to be sealed. The measuring device comprises an indicator 4, a light conductor 5, and an evaluation unit 6, wherein the indicator 4 is comprised of a fluorescent material, preferably a polymer material and arranged at the end of the light conductor 5 and within the package 2 to be sealed, wherein the evaluation unit 6 takes-up and evaluates an optical signal from the indicator 4 via the light conductor 5 to determine the concentration of the at least one gas.

Abstract: A detecting method using an IMS apparatus with a preconcentrator outside its inlet aperture. Analyte vapor is adsorbed during a first phase when substantially no gas is admitted to the reaction region. The preconcentrator is then energized to desorb the analyte molecules and create a volume of desorbed molecules outside the IMS housing. Next, a pressure pulser is energized momentarily to drop pressure in the housing and draw in a small sip of the analyte molecules from the desorbed volume through the aperture. This is repeated until the concentration of analyte molecules in the desorbed volume is too low for accurate analysis, following which the apparatus enters another adsorption phase.