Abstract: The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms comprising a 1,4-butanediol (BDO) pathway comprising at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a BDO pathway enzyme expressed in a sufficient amount to produce BDO. The invention additionally provides methods of using such microbial organisms to produce BDO.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-naturally occurring microbial organism having an acetyl-CoA pathway and the capability of utilizing syngas or syngas and methanol. In one embodiment, the invention provides a non-naturally occurring microorganism, comprising one or more exogenous proteins conferring to the microorganism a pathway to convert CO, CO2 and/or H2 to acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA), methyl tetrahydrofolate (methyl-THF) or other desired products, wherein the microorganism lacks the ability to convert CO or CO2 and H2 to acetyl-CoA or methyl-THF in the absence of the one or more exogenous proteins. For example, the microbial organism can contain at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an enzyme or protein in an acetyl-CoA pathway. The microbial organism is capable of utilizing synthesis gases comprising CO, CO2 and/or H2, alone or in combination with methanol, to produce acetyl-CoA.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the isomerisation of glucose by reduction to sorbitol and subsequent oxidation to fructose, in which the redox cofactors NAD+/NADH and NADP+/NADPH are regenerated in a one-pot-reaction, wherein one of the two redox cofactors is obtained in the reduced form thereof and the other redox cofactor in the oxidised form thereof as a result of at least two additional enzymatically catalysed redox reactions (product forming reactions) taking place in the same reaction batch, wherein a) in the regeneration reaction, which transfers the reduced cofactor back to its originally oxidised form, oxygen or a compound of the general formula R1C(O)COOH is reduced, and b) in the regeneration reaction, which transfers the oxidised cofactor back to its originally reduced form, a compound of the general formula R2CH(OH)R3 is oxidised, wherein R1, R2 and R3 have different meanings in the compounds, characterised in that a mixture of glucose and fructose is used as a starting material.

Abstract: A methodology for polymer grafting by a polysaccharide synthase allows the creation of a variety of glycosaminoglycan oligosaccharides that may have a natural, chimeric, hybrid, and/or unnatural sugar structure and/or a targeted size (i.e., substantially monodisperse in size).

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an in vitro method in which the frequency of the targeted nucleotide sequence containing the DNA fragment of interest is increased stepwise, by several rounds of 1) dilution of a sample containing the DNA fragment of interest into several replicates (separation), 2) randomly amplifying DNA in the replicates (concentration), 3) detecting the DNA fragment of interest in at least one of the diluted and amplified replicates (selection) and repeating steps 1) through 3) until the DNA fragment of interest can be sequenced by standard sequencing techniques.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of evaluating CHO cells.

Abstract: A sample testing apparatus includes a sample tray defining a planar surface and a plurality of wells recessed relative to the planar surface, and a lid member configured to be sealed about the planar surface of the sample tray. The lid member includes an adhesive layer configured to be sealed to the planar surface of the sample tray, a breathable film layer disposed about the adhesive layer, and a backing layer disposed about the breathable film layer. Methods of using the sample testing apparatus for testing a sample and kits to facilitate such testing are also provided.

Abstract: A device for the microbiological detection and analysis of a controlled interface where known and controlled exposure of a sample of interest interacts with one of series of porous reactive zones in a manner that allows discernable activity to be detected. A favorable environment within the device allows agents emanating from the sample of interest to react with specific agents emanating from the porous reaction zone in a manner that is repeatable and precise.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for determining the antibiotic-resistance status of microorganisms. The invention further provides methods for determining the antibiotic-resistance status of microorganisms in situ within a single system.

Abstract: A sampling assembly configured to be coupled to a sample source is provided. The sampling assembly is configured to facilitate aseptic sampling at one or more instances in time. The sampling assembly includes a first conduit having a first port and a second port, where the first port is configured to be coupled to the sample source, and where the second port is configured to be hermetically sealed. The sampling assembly further includes a plurality of sub-conduits having corresponding sub-ports, where each of the plurality of sub-conduits is operatively coupled to the first conduit at respective connection points, and where each of the sub-ports is in fluidic communication with the first conduit. Moreover, the sampling assembly includes a plurality of sampling kits, where each sampling kit of the plurality of sampling kits is operatively connected to a respective sub-port of a corresponding sub-conduit.

Abstract: Provided are methods for determining the amount of thyroglobulin in a sample using various purification steps followed by mass spectrometry. The methods generally involve purifying thyroglobulin in a test sample, digesting thyroglobulin to form peptide T129, purifying peptide T129, ionizing peptide T129, detecting the amount of peptide T129 ion generated, and relating the amount of peptide T129 ion to the amount of thyroglobulin originally present in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention describes that OTUB1 cleavage of K48 poly-ubiquitin is stimulated by a select subset of E2 enzymes, and that this stimulation is regulated by the ubiquitin-charged state of the E2 and free ubiquitin. Structural and biochemical studies of OTUB1 and UBCH5B show that the E2 stimulates binding of the polyubiquitin substrate by contacting the OTUB1 N-terminal ubiquitin-binding helix. Methods for identifying E2 enzymes which stimulate or inhibit cleavage of K48 polyubiquitin, as well as novel target compounds which modulate this interaction are provided.

Abstract: A method is described for the measurement of thrombin activity in the presence of fibrinogen, or for the measurement of the functionality of fibrinogen in the presence of thrombin.

Abstract: Described herein are nanopore biosensors based on a modified cytolysin protein. The nanopore biosensors accommodate macromolecules including proteins and nucleic acids, and may additionally comprise ligands with selective binding properties.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for genetic analysis in individuals that reveals both the genetic sequences and chromosomal copy number of targeted and specific genomic loci in a single assay. The present invention further provides methods for the sensitive and specific detection of target gene sequences and gene expression profiles.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods and compositions that use visible dyes for the identification of reagents and solutions that are used to perform PCR assays.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are drawn to processes for moving a region of interest in a polynucleotide from a first position to a second position with regard to a domain within the polynucleotide, also referred to as a “reflex method”. In certain embodiments, the reflex method results in moving a region of interest into functional proximity to specific domain elements present in the polynucleotide (e.g., primer sites and/or MID). Compositions, kits and systems that find use in carrying out the reflex processes described herein are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of depleting one or more target nucleic acid sequences using the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR associated (Cas) proteins (CRISPR/Cas) system are disclosed. Kits and methods of producing a library comprising select mRNA sequences using the CRISPR/Cas system are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of detecting and amplifying short RNAs are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for obtaining a bifunctional complex comprising a display molecule part and a coding part, wherein a nascent bifuntional complex comprising a chemical reaction site and a priming site for enzymatic addition of a tag is reacted at the chemical reaction site with one or more reactants, and provided with respective tag(s) identifying the reactant(s) at the priming site is using one or more enzymes.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for generation and amplification of a single-stranded DNA circle in a single reaction vessel from a linear DNA without any intervening purification steps. The single-stranded DNA circle is generated via a template-independent single-stranded DNA ligation. Whole-genome amplification of linear chromosomal DNA in a single tube using ligation-assisted DNA amplification is also provided.

Abstract: There is disclosed a kit for detecting a single strand target nucleotide sequence comprising: at least one first nucleic acid probe from 10 to 14 bases, to the 5? end of which at least one fluorophore is bound; at least one second nucleic acid probe from 35 to 50 bases, comprising, from the 5? to the 3? end: a first segment having a nucleotide sequence complementary to the first nucleic acid probe, at least one quencher, and a second segment having a nucleotide sequence complementary to at least part of the target nucleotide sequence, wherein the following relation is met: |?G hybr.target3?probe2|>|?G hybr.probe1?probe2|.

Abstract: By establishing a simple method for extracting a nucleic acid from a human specimen, and using the LAMP method, which is an isothermal gene amplification method showing superior quickness and convenience, with a concept of measurement different from the conventional ones, there is established a test method including steps up to detection with a measurement apparatus.

Abstract: A method including (a) providing an amplification reagent including an array of sites, and a solution having different target nucleic acids; and (b) reacting the amplification reagent to produce amplification sites each having a clonal population of amplicons from a target nucleic acid from the solution. The reacting can include simultaneously transporting the nucleic acids to the sites at an average transport rate, and amplifying the nucleic acids that transport to the sites at an average amplification rate, wherein the average amplification rate exceeds the average transport rate. The reacting can include producing a first amplicon from a nucleic acid that transports to each of the sites, and producing subsequent amplicons from the nucleic acid or from the first amplicon, wherein the average rate at which the subsequent amplicons are generated exceeds the average rate at which the first amplicon is generated.

Abstract: Novel Y-STR multiplex analysis designs, primer design, allelic ladders, methods of use and kits are disclosed, including the use of primer sets designed to provide amplicons for at least 11 Y-STR loci having a base pair size of less than about 220 bp, as well as the use of primer sets designed to provide amplicons for at least 22 Y-STR loci including at least 5 rapidly mutating loci.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for sequencing a biopolymer. The biopolymer is traversed from a first medium to a second medium. The biopolymer includes bases. As the biopolymer traverses from the first medium to the second medium, different forces are measured corresponding to each of the bases. The bases are distinguished from one another according to the different measured forces which are measured for each of the bases.

Abstract: Provided are solid-state nanopore platforms for fast, electronic, label-free and high-resolution analysis of biomolecules.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the interfacing of microchips to various types of modules are disclosed. The technology disclosed can be used as sample preparation and analysis systems for various applications, such as DNA sequencing and genotyping, proteomics, pathogen detection, diagnostics and biodefense.

Abstract: Objective of the present invention is to provide a method for keeping of directional information in double-stranded DNA. We suggest to convert polynucleotide into a hybrid double-stranded DNA. One particular strand of this hybrid double-stranded DNA should be synthesised using at least one modified nucleotide. Thus, this particular strand would contain modified nucleotides along the whole length. Density of directional markers would not depend on the length of polynucleotides. Any internal fragments of the hybrid double-stranded DNA would have directional information. When it is necessary the modified strand may be easily degraded or separated from the other strand. It was found that such hybrid double-stranded DNA may be easily generated in a number of molecular biology tasks and may be used for molecular cloning, library preparation and strand separation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the determination of a peptide receptor and use of it to provide a therapeutic C-peptide sensitizer. Specifically to determine a receptor for any peptide provided that the receptor is a G protein coupled receptor (GPCR).

Abstract: Non-invasive fetal diagnostic methods are provided. In particular, provided are methods of obtaining a fetal cell-enriched sample from a maternal sample and methods of assessing a maternal sample for a fetal nucleotide sequence or expression of a fetal gene.

Abstract: The present invention provides markers of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and use of those markers and reagents that bind thereto to detect EPC cells or diagnose, prognose, treat or prevent EPC-associated conditions.

Abstract: MicroRNAs are shown to be up- and/or down-regulated in inflammation and immune cells using a mouse model of asthma and regulatory T cells as source of RNA, respectively. Modulating the expression of these microRNAs can be effective in redirecting inflammation and immunity and hence, can be beneficial as biomarkers or as therapeutic agents against diverse human immunologic and inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with prenatal screening and in particular non-invasive prenatal screening, as well as primers, primer sets and kits. In one instance, the invention provides a method of prenatal screening comprising: (a) amplifying a region encompassing the site of a mutation site responsible for the disorder, the amplification being performed on a DNA sample obtained from a pregnant female which comprises both maternal and fetal DNA; (b) sequencing a plurality of products from the amplification and determining whether or not the mutant allele is represented at a different frequency to that expected from the genotype of the pregnant female alone.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and materials for diagnosing a subject's predisposition for pulmonary infection in a CF subject by detecting a pulmonary infection genetic marker. Pulmonary infection markers have been identified in the IL-1 gene cluster and may be useful in predicting CF disease progression and assessing a CF subject's response to therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel genetic markers associated with scoliosis, risk of developing scoliosis and risk of scoliosis curve progression, and methods and materials for determining whether a human subject has scoliosis, is at risk of developing scoliosis or is at risk of scoliosis curve progression.

Abstract: A method of treating a subject who has been diagnosed with cancer is described. The method includes characterizing the radiation-susceptibility of the subject by detecting a mutation in an NRF2 pathway protein in suitable sample obtained from the subject and treating the subject with radiation therapy if the subject is characterized as being radiation-susceptible, or treating the subject with radiation therapy and a radiosensitizing agent if the subject is characterized as being radioresistant. A method of determining if a subject has a history of tobacco smoking is also described that includes analyzing an NRF2 pathway protein to determine if a mutation is present in suitable sample obtained from the subject and characterizing the subject as having a history of tobacco smoking if a genetic fingerprint consistent with tobacco exposure is identified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the identification of genetic polymorphisms that may be associated with a risk for QT prolongation after treatment with iloperidone and related methods of administering iloperidone to patients with such polymorphisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for diagnosing diseases based on the determination of specific miRNAs that have altered expression levels in disease states compared to healthy controls.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of epigenetics and in particular epigenetic profiles associated with a pathological condition. The present specification teaches screening of individuals and populations for epigenetic profiles associated with a pathological condition. The epigenetic profiles can be from an intron, an intron/exon boundary or a splicing region. Epigenetic profiles are disclosed from the following sites in the FMR locus: FREE3, intron 2 of FMR1, the genomic FREE2 region as a whole or specific FREE2 fragments including FREE2 (D) or FREE2 (E). Kits and diagnostic assays are also taught herein as are computer programs to monitor changes in epigenetic patterns and profiles. Further enabled herein is a method for screening for agents which can reduce or mask the adverse effects of epigenetic modification and the use of these agents in therapy and prophylaxis.

Abstract: Lung cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the world. While numerous predictive genetic models of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have been proposed, but many current models fail to accurately predict patient survival when verified by other multiple datasets. Here, we successfully eliminated institutional variations and merged twelve datasets from different institutions to generate a training cohort of 1073 and a testing cohort of 659. From the training cohort, we identified 129 deferentially expressed probes or 95 genes (Table1-2) associated with Lung Cancer. Here we showed that using seven genes from Table1-2 and combined these genes values with the clinical parameters of age and cancer stage to design the Lung Cancer Prognostic Index (LCPI). Using the LCPI, we were able to differentiate patient populations into low, intermediate, and high risk groups and predict patient survival probabilities for all stages and all cell types of NSCLC at 10 and 15 years.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and reagents for identifying personalized tumor biomarkers for a patient that has a solid tumor and methods of using such biomarkers to monitor patient responses to therapeutic treatments.

Abstract: Methods for predicting a disease free time interval (DFI) for a cancer patient under consideration for initial or further chemotherapy treatment are disclosed. The methods include obtaining a biological sample from a patient and detecting a copy number of chromosome region A1 and/or C2. The mean copy number per cell is correlated with a DFI for the subject. The chemotherapy can include doxorubicin and/or L-asparaginase treatment. Also provided are kits for predicting DFI in a subject with cancer and computer readable storage media for performing the presently disclosed methods.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses compositions and methods for detecting cancer metastasis.

Abstract: We examined IQGAP1 copy gain and its relationship with clinicopathologic outcomes of thyroid cancer and investigated its role in cell invasion and molecules involved in the process. We found IQGAP1 copy number (CN) gain?3 in 1 of 30 (3%) of benign thyroid tumor, 24 of 74 (32%) follicular variant papillary thyroid cancer (FVPTC), 44 of 107 (41%) follicular thyroid cancer (FTC), 8 of 16 (50%) tall cell papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), and 27 of 41 (66%) anaplastic thyroid cancer, in increasing order of invasiveness of these tumors. A similar tumor distribution trend of CN?4 was also seen. IQGAP1 copy gain was positively correlated with IQGAP1 protein expression. It was significantly associated with extrathyroidal and vascular invasion of FVPTC and FTC and, remarkably, a 50%-60% rate of multifocality and recurrence of BRAF mutation-positive PTC (P=0.01 and 0.02, respectively). The siRNA knockdown of IQGAP1 dramatically inhibited thyroid cancer cell invasion and colony formation.

Abstract: The present invention provides agents with tumor-inhibiting activity, and which are selective for cells expressing or abnormally expressing a tumor-associated antigen. Said tumor-associated antigen has a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of: (a) a nucleotide sequence selected from the specific sequences set forth herein, or a 6-50 contiguous nucleotide residue portion thereof; (b) a nucleotide sequence of a nucleic acid which hybridizes with a nucleic acid having the nucleotide sequence of (a) under stringent conditions; (c) a nucleotide sequence which is degenerate with respect to the nucleotide sequence of (a) or (b); and (d) a nucleotide sequence which is complementary to the nucleotide sequence of (a), (b) or (c). Pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising the agents are also provided, as well as methods treating, diagnosing or monitoring a disease characterized by expression or abnormal expression of the tumor-associated antigen.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel haplotype tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in specific regions outside the HFE gene that serve as a reliable biomarker for a decreased risk for childhood lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in a child. There is provided herein methods and reagents for assessing the haplotype tagging SNPs selected from the group consisting of rs807212, rs198853, rs9467664, rs2213284, rs2230655 and rs12346. The method useful in applying these SNPs in predicting a decreased risk of childhood lymphobastic leukemia (ALL) is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel and non-obvious improvements to dried blood spot testing for HIV-1 viral load useful for diagnosis and monitoring treatment progression.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microorganism that produces and/or secretes an organic chemical compound, wherein the microorganism has an increased expression, compared to the respective starting strain, of a polypeptide LpdA with the activity of a transhydrogenase; and a process for producing an organic chemical compound using the microorganism according to the invention.

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