Abstract: An oligonucleotide that inhibits the binding of a serine/arginine-rich protein 30c (SRp30c) to a pre-mRNA of a glucocorticoid receptor gene in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an aptamer comprising or consisting of the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID No. 1, SEQ ID No. 2, SEQ ID No. 3 and/or a nucleic acid sequence being at least 80% identical to one of SEQ ID No. 1, 2 and 3 for use in therapy and/or diagnosis of autoimmune diseases, wherein the autoimmune disease is cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), idiopathic cardiomyopathy, Chagas' cardiomyopathy, Chagas' megacolon, Chagas' megaesophagus, Chagas' neuropathy, benign prostatic hyperplasia, scleroderma, psoriasis, Raynaud syndrome, pre-eclamsia, kidney allograft rejection, myocarditis, glaucoma, hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, malignant hypertension, and/or Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: Nuclease-resistant RNA aptamers are provided which are capable of neutralizing PDGFR? and are therefore useful in the diagnosis and/or therapy of PDGFR?-associated and hyperproliferative-associated diseases, such as cancer and primary tumor metastasis. RNA aptamers provided herein include a modified synthetic RNA sequence wherein at least one pyrimidine residue is modified to 2?-fluoropyrimidine. Pharmaceutical compositions and diagnostic kits comprising RNA aptamers are also provided.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a stabilized recombinant expression plasmid vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding an antitoxin gene which expresses a polypeptide that neutralizes a polypeptide toxic to a host cell, the toxic polypeptide being expressed by a toxin gene in the host cell, and a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide expression product, and the stabilized recombinant expression plasmid vector is derived from a Hafnia alvei autonomously replicable backbone plasmid. Other aspects of the present disclosure relate to a transformant transformed with the stabilized recombinant expression plasmid vector disclosed herein, a method of producing biobased cadaverine using the transformant disclosed herein, and biobased cadaverine prepared by the method disclosed herein. Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a polyamide formed using biobased cadaverine disclosed herein, and a composition thereof.

Abstract: Compositions comprised of a population of transformed bacteria formulated for topical application to a subject are described. The population of transformed bacteria are created from a non-pathogenic bacteria and transformed to express a compound of interest for a therapeutic or a cosmetic purpose. In one embodiment, the composition is for protection of the skin from ultraviolet rays.

Abstract: Plants having enhanced yield-related traits and a method for making the same The present invention relates generally to the field of molecular biology and concerns a method for enhancing various yield-related traits by modulating expression in a plant of a nucleic acid encoding an Ornithine Decarboxylase (ODC) polypeptide. The present invention also concerns plants having modulated expression of a nucleic acid encoding an ODC polypeptide, which plants have enhanced yield-related traits relative to corresponding wild type plants or other control plants. The invention also provides constructs useful in the methods of the invention. In another embodiment, the present invention relates generally to the field of molecular biology and concerns a method for increasing various plant yield-related traits, by increasing expression in a plant of a nucleic acid sequence encoding a benzothiadiazole-induced homeodomain ?_(BIHD1) polypeptide.

Abstract: This invention relates to the identification and characterization of poplar PFT genes and their role in the induction of early flowering and repression of short-day induced growth cessation in perennial plant species. This has important applications for forestry, for example in tree breeding programs.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of Cucumis sativus, in particular to a new variety of Cucumis sativus designated NUN 5545 CUP plants, seeds and cucumber fruits thereof.

Abstract: DIG-13 insecticidal toxins, polynucleotides encoding such toxins, use of such toxins to control pests, and transgenic plants that produce such toxins are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a gene of the Argonaute family, a transcript of said gene or the ORF of said gene in order to produce plants that are completely or partially apomictic. The invention can be used to control apomixis in cultivated species having sexual reproduction.

Abstract: The invention relates to newly identified selectable marker systems, cells for use in a selectable marker system, and methods for using the selectable marker systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hybrid promoter, in which a whole or a part of a CMV enhancer, a whole or a part of a ?-actin promoter, a whole or a part of a CMV promoter, and a whole or a part of a ?-actin intron are operably linked to each other, a recombinant vector comprising the same, a transformant transformed with the recombinant vector, a pharmaceutical composition comprising the recombinant vector or the transformant, and a method for preparing a target protein using the recombinant vector or the transformant. The hybrid promoter of the present invention is able to induce high expression of a target protein in a eukaryotic cell. Therefore, the hybrid promoter of the present invention can be effectively used for the development of an antibody or the production of a DNA vaccine.

Abstract: The invention relates to engineered CRISPR/Cas9 systems for genomic modification in mammalian cells. The present specification describes the design and testing of a polynucleotide encoding the Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes) Cas9 protein, where the nucleotide sequence has been optimized for expression in mammalian cells. The specification also describes all-in-one systems for RNA-guided genome engineering in mammalian cells, including human cells.

Abstract: A fermentation process includes contacting a carbohydrate source with a microorganism in an aqueous fermentation broth to form a fermentation product which is a salt or a product with a boiling point above the boiling point of water. The fermentation process is carried out at a pressure which is below atmospheric pressure and at least at the value where the reaction medium is at its boiling point at the fermentation temperature. Water is evaporated and removed from the reactor during the fermentation in an amount which is at least 20% of the volume of liquid present in the reactor at the start of the fermentation. A fermentation process at reduced pressure while removing a substantial amount of water removes a surplus of water in the system, ensures removal of reaction heat, and may lead to improved fermentation quality.

Abstract: A method for operating a fermentation plant with at least one digester (1) that is supplied with a substrate (1a). The substrate (1a) is percolated using a percolate (2a) from a percolate container (2) and biogas that is generated via the percolation process in the digester (1) or/and in the percolate container (2) is drawn off. The drawn off biogas is treated in a biogas treatment device (3) and the CO2-containing exhaust gas that is generated during the treatment is introduced into the digester (1) using a purge line (4), for forcing out and drawing off the biogas that was generated in the digester (1). Alternatively CO2-containing biogas that was generated in an additional digester (1) in a different fermentation process can be introduced into the digester (1) using a purge line (4) for forcing out and drawing off the biogas that was generated in the digester (1).

Abstract: In alternative embodiments, the invention provides polypeptides having a lignocellulolytic (lignocellulosic) activity, e.g., a ligninolytic and cellulolytic activity, including, e.g., a glycosyl hydrolase, a cellulase, an endoglucanase, a cellobiohydrolase (cbhl) (e.g., an exo-cellobiohydrolase, e.g., having an “exo” activity that can processively release cellobiose units ?-1,4 glucose-glucose disaccharide), a beta-glucosidase, a xylanase, a mannanse, a xylosidase (e.g., a (?-xylosidase) and/or an arabinofuranosidase activity, polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In one embodiment, the invention provides thermostable and thermotolerant forms of polypeptides of the invention. The polypeptides and nucleic acids of the invention are used in a variety of pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial contexts; for example, as enzymes for the bioconversion of a biomass, e.g.

Abstract: This invention is intended to produce isobutanol with excellent productivity via a fermentation process. A reaction in which NADP-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase generates NADPH from NADP is used as a source of NADPH for the reaction of converting 2-acetolactate into 2,3-dihydroxy-isovalerate in the isobutanol biosynthesis pathway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of methacrylic acid or methacrylic esters, comprising the process steps of IA) preparation of 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid by a process comprising the process step of bringing a cell which has been genetically modified in comparison with its wild type in such a way that it is capable of forming more 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid, or polyhydroxyalkanoates based on 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid in comparison with its wild type, into contact with a nutrient medium comprising, as carbon source, carbohydrates, glycerol, carbon dioxide, methanol, L-valine or L-glutamate under conditions under which 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid or polyhydroxyalkanoates based on 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid are formed from the carbon source, if appropriate, isolation of the 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid from the nutrient medium and also, if appropriate, neutralization of the 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid, IB) dehydration of the 3-hydroxyisobutyric acid with formation of methacrylic acid and also, where

Abstract: The present invention thus provides a method for producing L-lactic acid, which comprises the step of culturing a lactic acid bacterium that can produce L-lactic acid in a medium containing any one selected from the group consisting of cellobiose, cellooligosaccharides, xylose, arabinose, and glucose derived from cellulose and/or hemicellulose as a substrate to obtain L-lactic acid. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Enterococcus mundtii NITE BP-965 can be used.

Abstract: Process for heterogeneously catalyzed preparation of carboxylic acid derivatives using a reactor system comprising at least one reservoir vessel V, feed lines, at least one pump and a reaction vessel R, characterized in that a permanent gas flow through the reaction vessel R is applied through a gas feed line, and in which a reaction chamber in which the heterogeneous catalyst is not introduced in tightly packed form is delimited by at least two filters such that both the mass flow and the gas flow are passed through the reaction chamber.

Abstract: Process for the production of lipids from biomass comprising polysaccharides. The biomass is subjected to acid hydrolysis to obtain a solid phase and an aqueous phase. The solid phase is subjected to acid or to enzymatic hydrolysis obtaining a further solid phase and a further aqueous phase. The aqueous phases obtained from both hydrolysis steps are subjected to fermentation with an oleaginous yeast. The obtained fermentation broth comprises oleaginous cellular biomass which is subjected to microfiltration for the isolation of lipids. Said lipids can be used in the production of biodiesel or green diesel.

Abstract: The present invention provides microbial strains, in particular yeast strains, that produce at least 0.1 mg per g biomass dry weight of a sphingoid base. The present invention further provides a method to obtain sphingoid base-producing microbial strains comprising incubating a population of microbial cells in the presence of a suitable concentration of a toxin, selecting cells that are resistant against said toxin, and isolating cells out of the toxin-resistant cell population that produce at least 0.1 mg per g biomass dry weight of the sphingoid base of Formula I. Optionally, the method further comprises subjecting a population of toxin-resistant microbial cells that produce at least 0.1 mg per g biomass dry weight of the sphingoid base of Formula I to DNA-mediated transformation with a polynucleotide encoding an enzyme of the sphingolipid metabolic pathway. The present invention further provides a polypeptide having dihydroceramide desaturase activity obtainable form Pichia ciferrii.

Abstract: A method for producing L-cysteine and the like is provided by developing a novel technique for improving bacterial L-cysteine-producing ability. The method includes the steps of culturing a bacterium belonging to the genus Escherichia which has L-cysteine-producing ability, and in which expression of a gene involved in sulfite reduction is enhanced, in a medium containing thiosulfate, and collecting L-cysteine, a related substance thereof, or a mixture thereof which accumulate in the medium.

Abstract: The process for the treatment of ligno-cellulosic biomass comprises the steps of: A) Soaking a ligno-cellulosic biomass feedstock in vapor or liquid water or mixture thereof in the temperature range of 100 to 210° C. for 1 minute to 24 hours to create a soaked biomass containing a dry content and a first liquid; B) Separating at least a portion of the first liquid from the soaked biomass to create a first liquid stream and a first solid stream; wherein the first solid stream comprises the soaked biomass; and C) Steam exploding the first solid stream to create a steam exploded stream comprising solids and a second liquid.

Abstract: A method for generating human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) or precursors thereof, compounds obtainable by the method, and uses and compositions involving such compounds. The method comprising the steps of a) providing at least one donor selected from the group of compounds of any of formulae 5 to 10, b) providing at least one acceptor from a group of lactose, LNT, LNnT and derivatives thereof, c) providing at least one enzyme comprising a transglycosidase activity and/or a glycosynthase activity, d) preparing a mixture of the at least one donor, at least one acceptor and at least one enzyme provided in steps a), b) and c); and e) incubating the mixture prepared according to step d).

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for homologous end cloning using a 5?-exonuclease. One aspect provides a method of generating a recombinant DNA molecule comprising 5? exonuclease digestion of DNA molecules, exonuclease inactivation, annealing of 3? overhangs to form a annealed complex. Also provided is a method a method of generating a recombinant DNA molecule comprising 5? exonuclease digestion of DNA molecules, exonuclease inactivation, annealing of 3? overhangs to form a annealed complex, and extension of 3? ends to fill gaps corresponding to exonuclease removal to form a substantially non-gapped annealed complex. Also provided is a one reaction method in which no further additions need be made to the reaction mixture and the reaction mixture is only manipulated thereafter as to incubation time and incubation temperature. Complexes formed according to methods described herein can be transformed into a host cell without further in vitro processing.

Abstract: This disclosure provided methods of cloning a phage genome. Also provided are methods of making a recombinant phage genome. In some embodiments the phage genome is engineered to comprise a heterologous nucleic acid sequence, for example a sequence comprising an open reading frame. In some embodiments the phage genome is cloned in a yeast artificial chromosome. Recombinant phage genomes and recombinant phage are also provided. In some embodiments the methods are high throughput methods such as methods of making a plurality of recombinant phage genomes or recombinant phage. Collections of recombinant phage genomes and recombinant phage are also provided.

Abstract: Isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius are provided. Further provided are methods for glycosylating and/or post-translationally modifying proteins using isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius.

Abstract: A method of high throughput growth and quantitative analysis of microorganisms is provided that includes providing a microtiter plate growth and gas delivery system having well plates disposed for growth of the microorganisms, and providing a spectroscopic screening system disposed to analyze lipid inclusions of the microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention embraces methods for identifying compounds that modulate the activity of telomerase. Compounds of the invention are identified by designing or screening for a compound which binds to at least one amino acid residue of the TRBD, “thumb,” “finger,” and/or “palm” domain; or FP-pocket, PT-pocket or Th-pocket of telomerase and testing the compound for its ability to modulate the activity of telomerase. Compounds selected for interacting with the T-pocket or Fingers-Palm pocket of telomerase are also provided.

Abstract: A screening tool for anti-inflammatory drug discovery and for the detection of the risk or presence of inflammatory conditions, comprising the sequence of the FPR2/ALX gene promoter, is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of multiplex amplification. In particular, the invention relates to methods for assaying a sample for one or more nucleic acid targets in a single reaction based on the distinct melting temperatures or melting profiles of primers and/or probes. The invention also provides probes and kits for use in such methods.

Abstract: A composition comprising an oligonucleotide having the structure 5?-Y1-L1-X-L2-Y2-3?. Y1 comprises a sequence of one or more DNA or RNA nucleotides, including a first nucleotide N1 having a 3? phosphate covalently linked to L1. Y2 comprises a sequence of one or more DNA or RNA nucleotides, including a second nucleotide N2 having a 5? phosphate covalently linked to L2. L1 and L2 each independently are a direct bond or a C1-C7 alkyl, alkynyl, alkenyl, heteroalkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, substituted aryl, cycloalkyl, alkylaryl, or alkoxyl group. X is R1 is a hydrogen or a C1-C8 alkyl. M is a label or ligand comprising a fused polycyclic aromatic moiety.

Abstract: This invention provides novel compositions and processes for analyte detection, quantification and amplification. Nucleic acid arrays and libraries of analytes are usefully incorporated into such compositions and processes. Universal detection elements, signaling entities and the like are employed to detect and if necessary or desirable, to quantify analytes. Amplification of target analytes are also provided by the compositions and processes of this invention.

Abstract: This invention provides novel compositions and processes for analyte detection, quantification and amplification. Nucleic acid arrays and libraries of analytes are usefully incorporated into such compositions and processes. Universal detection elements, signaling entities and the like are employed to detect and if necessary or desirable, to quantify analytes. Amplification of target analytes are also provided by the compositions and processes of this invention.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip includes microfluidic channels, elements for thermally and optically isolating the microfluidic channels, and elements for enhancing the detection of optical signal emitted from the microfluidic channels. The thermal and optical isolation elements may comprise barrier channels interposed between adjacently-arranged pairs of microfluidic channels for preventing thermal and optical cross-talk between the adjacent microfluidic channels. The isolation element may alternatively comprise reflective film embedded in the microfluidic chip between the adjacent microfluidic channels. The signal enhancement elements comprise structures disposed adjacent to the microfluidic channels that reflect light passing through or emitted from the microfluidic channel in a direction toward a detector. The structures may comprise channels or a faceted surface that redirects the light by total internal reflection or reflective film material embedded in the microfluidic chip.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging one or more selected fluorescence indications from a microfluidic device. The apparatus includes an imaging path coupled to least one chamber in at least one microfluidic device. The imaging path provides for transmission of one or more fluorescent emission signals derived from one or more samples in the at least one chamber of the at least one microfluidic device. The chamber has a chamber size, the chamber size being characterized by an actual spatial dimension normal to the imaging path. The apparatus also includes an optical lens system coupled to the imaging path. The optical lens system is adapted to transmit the one or more fluorescent signals associated with the chamber.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed that exploit the unprecedented modification of double-stranded DNA virus DNA-packaging motor protein connector polypeptides to render them capable of stable incorporation into lipid membranes as a self-assembled homodocamer that forms an aperture through which conductance can occur when an electrical potential is applied across the membrane. The aperture permits use of the modified protein as a biosensor, for dsDNA sequencing, SNP detection and highly sensitive affinity capture and fingerprinting of analytes, and also finds use in electropotential-driven solute translocation, such as for liposomal loading to form therapeutic nanoparticles (e.g., gene delivery) and bioreactors, and for other uses. The aperture can further be used in optical detection of dsDNA or other acceptor labeled analytes in a fluorophore donor labeled single pore channel.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for polynucleotide sequencing where detection and correction of base calling errors can be achieved without reliance on a reference sequence. In certain embodiments, redundant information can be introduced during measurement so as to allow such detection of errors. Such redundant information and measurements can be facilitated by encoding of nucleotide sequence being measured. Various examples of such encoding, redundancy introduction, and decoding are provided.

Abstract: A precise measurement of the immunological receptor diversity present in a sample is obtained by sequence analysis. Samples of interest are generally complex, comprising more than 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 1010, 1011, 1012 or more different sequences for a receptor of interest. Immunological receptors of interest include immunoglobulins, T cell antigen receptors, and major histocompatibility receptors. The specific composition of immunological receptor sequence variations in the sample can be recorded and output. The composition is useful for predictive, diagnostic and therapeutic methods relating to the immune capabilities and history of an individual. Such predictions and diagnoses are used to guide clinical decisions.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for identifying one or more of a plurality of sequences differing by one or more single base changes, insertions, deletions, or translocations in a plurality of target nucleotide sequences. The method includes a ligation phase, a capture phase, and a detection phase. The ligation phase utilizes a ligation detection reaction between one oligonucleotide probe, which has a target sequence-specific portion and an addressable array-specific portion, and a second oligonucleotide probe, having a target sequence-specific portion and a detectable label. After the ligation phase, the capture phase is carried out by hybridizing the ligated oligonucleotide probes to a solid support with an array of immobilized capture oligonucleotides at least some of which are complementary to the addressable array-specific portion. Following completion of the capture phase, a detection phase is carried out to detect the labels of ligated oligonucleotide probes hybridized to the solid support.

Abstract: The present application relates to the treatment and diagnosis of mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, major depression disorder and schizophrenia. The invention provides novel diagnostic markers and assays, as well as research tools for the development and discovery of agents and compounds which are useful for treating patients who suffer from mental illness.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel mutations identified in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene that can be used for a more accurate diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF) and CF related disorders. Methods for testing a sample obtained from a subject to determine the presence of one or more mutations in the CFTR gene are provided wherein the presence of one or more mutations indicates that the subject has CF or a CF related disorder, or is a carrier of a CFTR mutation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of genes differentially expressed in benign thyroid lesions and malignant thyroid lesions for the diagnosis and staging of thyroid cancer.

Abstract: An assay system is useful for predicting recurrence and/or non-recurrence of colorectal cancer in a patient. The assay system is adapted to analyze a patient sample for quantitative expression of a prognostic genetic profile correlated with colorectal cancer recurrence. The profile includes the expression of the nucleic acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

Abstract: A decentralized load shedding device turns off a load in response to determining that an electric grid is approaching its maximum operating point. By turning off the load, demand on the electric grid is minimized thereby reducing the likelihood of blackouts. The device may be coupled to the load or may be incorporated into the load in one embodiment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detecting mutation(s) in nucleotide sequence, which comprises performing a nucleic acid amplification reaction by using an oligonucleotide or a salt thereof as a primer and a nucleic acid in a sample as a template and detecting a reaction product, wherein the oligonucleotide is so modified at the nucleotide at the second position from the 3?-terminus as to inhibit the nucleic acid synthesis. Also disclosed is a kit for the method. According to the present invention, since it is possible to completely eliminate any false positive result in the determination and correspond to various mutation patterns by a single run of PCR1 reaction, it becomes possible to design a drug-resistance determination system, which can detect possible plural genetic mutations by a single run of multiplex PCR.

Abstract: This invention comprises a multiplex-capable oligonucleotide which is capable of hybridizing to at least one of the C. difficile tcdB, tcdC, or cdtB genes, wherein, wherein said primer consists of a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 1 through 9, or a sequence that exhibits no more than one substitution of a base to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 1 through 9 and method for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) determining of the presence of a toxigenic strain of C. difficile in a biological sample utilizing said probes.

Abstract: Methods for detecting the presence or absence of the swine H1N1 influenza A virus, seasonal H1 influenza A virus and/or seasonal H3 influenza A virus nucleic acids in biological samples are disclosed. Compositions that are target-specific nucleic acid sequences and kits comprising target-specific nucleic acid oligomers for amplifying in vitro the swine H1N1 influenza A virus, seasonal H1 influenza A virus and/or seasonal H3 influenza A virus nucleic acid and detecting amplified nucleic acid sequences are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the amplification of at least a first and a second target nucleic acid that may be present in at least one fluid sample using an internal control nucleic acid for qualitative and/or quantitative purposes.