Abstract: A whisky bottle has a volume of liquid whisky and contains at least one piece of wood made primarily of oak that may otherwise be used to continue aging whiskey and other spirits post barreling inside of the bottle, where the at least one piece of wood has a total surface area thereof that is selected based upon the volume of liquid.

Abstract: A method of reducing the ethanol content of a beverage which includes ethanol and volatile component is disclosed. The method may include separating the beverage into first and second streams with the first stream including ethanol and the volatile components and the second stream including ethanol but none or little of the volatile components. The method may also include contacting the second stream with a strip solution to produce a treated second stream to reduce the ethanol concentration. The method may also include mixing the treated second stream with the first stream whereby the ethanol content of the beverage is reduced but the volatile components remain substantially unchanged.

Abstract: A photosynthetic microorganism culture apparatus includes: a fermenter in which a culture solution including a photosynthetic microorganism is stored; a light incidence region through which light enters the culture solution being formed in the fermenter; one or a plurality of light sources that emit collimated light; a reflection mechanism that reflects the collimated light emitted from the light source in a predetermined direction as reflected collimated light; and a controller that causes the reflected collimated light reflected by the reflection mechanism to travel periodically in a previously-fixed direction to irradiate the light incidence region with the reflected collimated light.

Abstract: A disposable polymer container for manipulation of small specimens adapted to optimize heat transfer between an external heating element and specimens herein contained. In particular, this invention relates to the field of containers for Assisted Reproductive Technology hereunder In-vitro fertilization (IVF).

Abstract: A microfluidic device for more accurately modeling the in vitro environment in which cancer occurs is disclosed. The device comprises a surface defining one or more microfluidic channels that may further comprise one or more endothelial cells, a first three dimensional scaffold comprising one or more cancer cells that is spatially separated from the one or more microfluidic channels, and a second three dimensional scaffold comprising one or more stromal cells, at least a portion of which is interposed between the one or more microfluidic channels and the first three dimensional scaffold. The second three dimensional scaffold is in fluid communication with both the first three dimensional scaffold and the one or more microfluidic channels. The device can be used to assay anti-cancer agents, or as a system for modeling the growth, behavior, or metastasis and tumor formation of cancer cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic device for culturing spheroids of human or animal body cells. The device can generate ample numbers (e.g., 5000) of uniform-sized spheroids, and the spheroids can be harvested for conventional biochemistry analysis (e.g. flow cytometry). In addition, the device can be used for observing the cultured samples using selective plane illumination microscopy (SPIM). In at least one embodiment, the microfluidic device incorporates a main body; a fluid channel extending inside the main body and having two inlets and an outlet open to the outside; and a plurality of chambers for culturing cell spheroids which are formed at the underneath of the fluid channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant cyanobacterium with enhanced halotolerance and compositions thereof, methods of producing the recombinant cyanobacterium, and methods of using the same for biofuel production. The invention also relates to transformed F. diplosiphon strains with enhanced salt tolerance.

Abstract: The present invention has publicized a bacteria culture medium. In common bacteria culture medium, one kind or several kinds of ?-lactam antibiotics and/or the salts thereof were premixed. The ?-lactam antibiotics and/or the salts thereof premixed in the bacteria culture medium is slightly soluble in water at 25° C. and the solubility is less than 10 mg/ml. The concentrations of the ?-lactam antibiotics premixed in the culture medium are greater than the solubility of the used ?-lactam antibiotics at 25° C., but are less than 100 mg/ml. The bacteria culture medium can be used to selectively culture bacteria with ?-lactam antibiotic resistance and can be stored for a long time.

Abstract: Compositions of purified biologically active Wnt proteins are provided. Wnt proteins are found to be hydrophobic and post-translationally modified by addition of a lipid moiety at a conserved cysteine residue. Methods for isolation of Wnt utilize detergents that maintain the solubility of the modified protein.

Abstract: Provided is a method including providing a population of cells including a target type of differentiated cells having a pre-identified cytoskeletal profile and at least one cell selected from undifferentiated cells, differentiating cells and differentiated cells being different from the target type of differentiated cells; and incubating the population of cells with a cytotoxic agent, in an amount and for a time period effective to form a modified population of cells including predominantly or consisting essentially of the target type of differentiated cells. The pre-identified cytoskeletal profile can include the presence of class III ?-tubulin on neuronal cells and the population of cells includes neural cells and neuronal cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices composed of a three-dimensional biocompatible matrix having hematopoietic stem or other progenitor cells embedded in the matrix, and a perfusable microvessel forming a lumen disposed within the matrix. The devices are useful for production of blood and cells and particles and for in vitro assays. The present disclosure also provides methods for generating blood cells.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing biological fluids are disclosed. The systems and methods use a reusable hardware unit and a disposable fluid processing circuit that mounts onto the reusable hardware unit. The system and method, under the direction of a pre-programmed controller allow for automatically, opening one or more flow paths to effect addition of one or both parts of an additive solution to a biological fluid component.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to develop a technique in which NK cells having a high cytotoxic activity can be prepared with high purity from hematopoietic precursor cells without using a serum or feeder cells of an animal. A method for expanding NK cells includes the steps of expanding hematopoietic precursor cells under a single culturing condition using a medium supplemented with IL-15, SCF, IL-7 and Flt3L, and differentially inducing the cells obtained in the expanding step into NK cells under a culturing condition using a medium supplemented with IL-2. A pharmaceutical composition contains the NK cells prepared by the method for expanding NK cells of the present invention. The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention is used for treating an infectious disease and/or a cancer.

Abstract: This invention relates to an enriched population of isolated and expanded human cord blood stem cells and a method of producing an enriched population of isolated and expanded human cord blood stem cells. The expanded human cord blood stem cells are CD34+, CD90+, CD1 84+, CD1 17+, CD49f+, ALDH+, CD45RA? and express pluripotency genes SOX2, OCT4, NANOG, and ZIC3. In one embodiment, the stem cells in the enriched population of the present invention are positive for aldehyde dehydrogenase activity (ALDH+). In addition, in one embodiment the expanded stem cells are nearly depleted of T cells and B cells and contain a limited number of monocytes (CD14). Also disclosed is a method of treating a subject for a hematological disorder using the stem cells of the present invention and a method of determining the effects of a compound on hematopoietic stem cells.

Abstract: Ex vivo and in vivo methods of expansion of renewable stem cells, expanded populations of renewable stem cells and their uses.

Abstract: Novel MSC stem-cell culture and therapy methods and culture medium compositions for the purpose of inducing, activating, or priming discrete uniform cell phenotypes to selectively promote or suppress inflammation and immunity, yielding polarized, primed, activated, or induced cells used in cell-based therapy.

Abstract: Disclosed are renal tissues and arrays thereof that include a layer of renal interstitial tissue, the renal interstitial tissue comprising renal fibroblasts and endothelial cells; and a layer of renal epithelial tissue, the renal epithelial tissue comprising renal tubular epithelial cells, the renal epithelial tissue in contact with the layer of renal interstitial tissue to form a three-dimensional, engineered, biological renal tissue. Also disclosed are methods of fabricating and using the same.

Abstract: Adeno-associated virus rh.8 sequences, vectors containing same, and methods of use are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nucleic acid polymerase capable of producing a non-DNA nucleotide polymer from a DNA nucleotide template, said polymerase comprising amino acid sequence having at least 36% identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, wherein said amino acid sequence is mutated relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 at one or more residues of the thumb region, said residues selected from: amino acids 651 to 679 (patch 10A); wherein said amino acid sequence is mutated relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 at residue E664. In one embodiment said polymerase comprises the mutations Y409G and E664K. In one embodiment said polymerase comprises amino acid sequence corresponding to SEQ ID NO:12.

Abstract: Provided herein are substantially non-luminescent peptide/polypeptide tags that are inserted internally within a protein of interest or between N-terminal and C-terminal peptides/polypeptides. Interaction of the internally-inserted tag with a complement polypeptide/peptide that is also substantially non-luminescent results in the formation a bioluminescent reporter complex).

Abstract: The present invention provides Hahella chejuensis-derived recombinant cellulase and a use thereof. The recombinant cellulase according to the present invention has a high stability at a high temperature and an optimized activity at a neutral pH, and therefore has a high availability in a process. Also, since the cellulase according to the present invention has an exoglucanase activity as well as an endoglucanase activity, a monosaccharide can be produced during decomposition of cellulose and an additional treatment required in a fermentation process is not needed, and therefore a cost may be reduced. Such an enzyme activity is advantageous to a fermentation or thermal treatment condition for producing a biofuel, and therefore industrial profits may be achieved.

Abstract: Multi-drug resistant bacteria are a persistent problem in modern health care, food safety and animal health. There is a need for new antimicrobials to replace over-used conventional antibiotics. Here we describe engineered triple-acting staphylolytic peptidoglycan hydrolases wherein three unique antimicrobial activities from two parental proteins are combined into a single fusion protein, effectively reducing the incidence of resistant strain development. The fusion protein reduced colonization by S. aureus in a rat nasal colonization model, surpassing the efficacy of either parental protein. Modification of the triple-acting lytic construct with a protein transduction domain significantly enhanced both biofilm eradication and the ability to kill intracellular Staphylococcus aureus as demonstrated in cultured cells, and mouse models of staphylococcal mastitis and osteomyelitis. Bacterial cell wall degrading enzyme antimicrobials can be engineered to enhance their value as potent therapeutics.

Abstract: Rapid, animal protein free, chromatographic processes and systems for obtaining high potency, high yield botulinum neurotoxin for research, therapeutic and cosmetic use.

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: A method of growing cells on a droplet actuator is provided. The method may include providing a droplet actuator including a cell culture droplet including a cell culture medium and one or more cells; and maintaining the droplet at a temperature suitable for causing the cells to grow in the cell culture medium on the droplet actuator. Related methods, droplet actuators, and systems are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sorbent material for separation and purification of biopolymers, particularly nucleic acids, having a solid support substantially modified with a copolymer coating comprising aromatic monomers and crosslinking compounds and unsaturated esters or ethers preferably attached to the support via a vinylchlorsilane. The use of these materials for separation of nucleic acids, particularly a one-step isolation of DNA from lysates of different biological sources, is an object of the invention as well as a chromatographic column or cartridge at least partially filled with the sorbent material of the invention, a membrane-like device comprising the sorbent material of the invention, and a kit comprising the sorbent material of the invention in bulk or packed in chromatographic devices as well as other devices necessary for performing sample preparations.

Abstract: A system for collecting and shipping a sample of nucleic acid, the system comprising a receptacle, a removable cap for the receptacle having a breather port and sample connection port, and a filter column removably attached to the inside of the receptacle cap in fluid communication with the sample connection port and containing a substrate for collecting the nucleic acid. A sample collection container interlocks to the sample collection port. A shipping container, closeable by a lid, is configured to detach the filter column from the receptacle cap and contain the column for shipping. Methods for collecting samples using the system preferably include a dehydrating wash step, such as with ethanol, and placement of a dessicant in the shipping container, so that nucleic acid samples can be transported under ambient, non-climate-controlled conditions, with stability for at least up to 4 weeks, ideal for collecting samples from undeveloped regions.

Abstract: A novel method for displaying proteins and peptides is disclosed in which individual proteins or peptides remain associated with the DNA encoding them. Proteins or peptides can be generated by in vitro translation of DNA templates, either free in solution or arrayed on a solid support, such that the proteins or peptides remain immobilized on their DNA templates. In particular, high throughput sequencing can be combined with high throughput functional characterization of encoded proteins and peptides, wherein the identity of each protein or peptide is determined by DNA sequencing, and functional studies are carried out directly on each protein or peptide while immobilized on the DNA template encoding it. The methods of the invention should find numerous applications, for example, in high throughput genetic or pharmacological screening, epitope mapping, and protein engineering and directed evolution.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions, methods and devices for the in situ synthesis of nucleic acids. In an exemplary embodiment, a support-bound oligonucleotide is elongated by addition of one or more nucleotides by hybridization of a partially double-stranded oligonucleotide, ligation and removal of unwanted nucleotides.

Abstract: The present invention provides matriptase inhibitors and compositions for treating and preventing orthomyxovirus infections such as flu infections. The present invention also provides novel compounds, compositions, methods of use, uses and kits thereof for inhibiting matriptase. Such compounds are useful for treating and preventing orthomyxovirus infections, such as flu infections, and for inhibiting tumor growth, progression and/or metastasis.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, isolated nucleic acids, expression methods, host cells, expression vectors, and DNA constructs for producing proteins, and proteins produced using the expression methods are described. More particularly, nucleic acids isolated from Pichia pastoris wherein the nucleic acids have promoter activity are described. The invention also relates to expression methods, host cells, expression vectors, and DNA constructs, for using the Pichia pastoris promoters to produce proteins, and to the proteins produced using the expression methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for regulating expression of heterologous nucleotide sequences in a plant. Compositions include a novel nucleotide sequence for a promoter for the gene encoding Sorghum bicolor TIP2-3. A method for expressing a heterologous nucleotide sequence in a plant using the promoter sequences disclosed herein is provided. The method comprises transforming a plant or plant cell with a nucleotide sequence operably linked to one of the promoters of the present invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of agriculture, more specifically to the use of molecular biology techniques to alter fiber-producing plants, particularly cotton plants, and/or accelerate breeding of such fiber-producing plants. Methods and means are provided to alter fiber qualities, such as increasing fiber strength. Methods are also provided to identify molecular markers associated with fiber strength in a population of cotton varieties and related progenitor plants.

Abstract: Crop growth management system comprising a process of providing a plant with improved abiotic stress tolerance, comprising providing aerial parts of said plant with a suspension containing cells of an Agrobacterium strain comprising a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid construct containing a nucleotide sequence of interest, said nucleotide sequence of interest providing said plant with increased abiotic stress tolerance upon expression in said plant.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to wheat plants having increased resistance to an imidazolinone herbicide. More particularly, the present invention includes wheat plants containing one or more IMI nucleic acids such as a Teal IMI cultivar. The nucleic acids are preferably located on or derived from different genomes. The present invention also includes seeds produced by these wheat plants and methods of controlling weeds in the vicinity of these wheat plants.

Abstract: Methods for conveying pathogen resistance into non-resistant soybean germplasm are provided. In some embodiments, the methods include introgressing pathogen resistance into a non-resistant soybean using one or more nucleic acid markers for marker-assisted breeding among soybean lines to be used in a soybean breeding program, wherein the markers are linked to and/or associated with pathogen resistance. Also provided are single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with resistance to pathogens; soybean plants, seeds, and tissue cultures produced by any of the disclosed methods; seed produced by the disclosed soybean plants; and compositions including amplification primer pairs capable of initiating DNA polymerization by a DNA polymerase on soybean nucleic acid templates to generate soybean marker amplicons.

Abstract: Expression-enhancing nucleotide sequences for expression in eukaryotic systems are provided that allow for enhanced and stable expression of recombinant proteins in eukaryotic cells. Enhanced expression and stability regions (EESYRs) are provided for expression of a gene of interest in a eukaryotic cell. Chromosomal loci, sequences, and vectors are provided for enhanced and stable expression of genes in eukaryotic cells.

Abstract: A high-volume gene therapy vector manufacturing process, entailing using a recombinant baculovirus to transform a producer cell, which producer cell in turn produces a recombinant gene therapy vector which is able to transform host cells even when they are not dividing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to viral vectors that are capable of delivering a heterologous gene to the retina and in particular delivering RLBP1 to RPE and Müller cells of the retina. The invention also relates nucleic acids useful for producing viral vectors, compositions comprising the viral vectors and uses of the compositions and viral vectors. The invention also relates to methods of delivering and/or expressing a heterologous gene to the retina, improving the rate of dark adaption in a subject and treating RLBP1-associated retinal dystrophy.

Abstract: A method for fermenting carbohydrate-rich crops is provided. Sugar beet, sugar cane, sweet sorghum, tropical maize hybrids and fruits are rich in simple sugars; potato, sweet potato, cassava and yam are rich in starch; and Jerusalem artichoke is rich in inulin. This method uses vacuum infusion to infuse yeast into the intercellular space (apoplast) of the parenchyma tissue. The simple sugars diffuse into the apoplast, come into contact with the yeast and produce ethanol. Ethanol can be extracted from the crop by vacuum stripping or crushing or can be left inside the starchy crop to preserve it. In some variants, pectinase enzymes degrade the parenchyma cell walls to speed up diffusion of simple sugars to the yeast, speed up diffusion of amylase to starch granules or speed up diffusion of inulinase to insoluble inulin.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions comprising an alkene epoxidase and a selective epoxide hydrolase, such as a recombinant microorganism comprising a first heterologous nucleic acid encoding an alkene epoxidase and a second heterologous nucleic acid encoding a selective epoxide hydrolase. Exemplary alkene epoxidases include StyAB, while exemplary selective epoxide hydrolases include epoxide hydrolases from Sphingomonas, Solanum tuberosum, or Aspergillus. The invention also provides non-toxic methods of making enantiomerically pure vicinal diols or enantiomerically pure alpha-hydroxy carboxylic acids using these compositions and microorganisms.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of producing succinate by E. coli fermentation. Specifically, the invention provides an engineered recombinant E. coli for producing succinate, wherein said E. coli contains one or more of the following modifications: a) enhanced activity of the protein(s) encoded by the gene(s) involved in pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), b) enhanced activity of the protein encoded by sthA gene, and optionally c) mutant lpdA gene. The invention also relates to use of the engineered recombinant E. coli for producing succinate, and a method of using the engineered recombinant E. coli for producing succinate.

Abstract: The invention provides a surfactant and/or a cleaning composition comprising a microbially produced branched fatty alcohol or a derivative thereof. The invention also provides a household cleaning composition and a personal or pet care cleaning composition comprising a microbially produced branched fatty alcohol or a derivative thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for obtaining a mutant strain of oleaginous yeast which is useful as a template strain of yeast for obtaining other mutant strains of oleaginous yeast which are capable of producing an unusual fatty acid. The present invention also relates to the mutant strains of yeast obtained by said method.

Abstract: Methods and systems for sequestering carbon dioxide and, in particular, methods and systems for sequestering carbon dioxide by reacting carbon dioxide with an organic substrate, a carboxylase and a salt. Processes for producing 3-phosphoglycerate are also provided. In addition, uses for the 3-phosphoglycerate produced by the methods and systems are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of preconditioning pretreated lignocellulose-containing material in the presence of a combination of laccase and beta-glucosidase. The invention also relates to processes of producing sugars and fermentation products including a step of preconditioning pretreated lignocellulose-containing material in the presence of a combination of laccase and beta-glucosidase. The invention also relates to compositions suitable for preconditioning.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for replication of threose nucleic acids (TNAs) are described. The described methods include a method for transcribing a DNA template into a TNA, and a method for reverse transcribing a threose nucleic acid into a cDNA.

Abstract: Disclosed are steviol glycosides referred to as rebaudioside V and rebaudioside W. Also disclosed are methods for producing rebaudioside M (Reb M), rebausoside G (Reb G), rebaudioside KA (Reb KA), rebaudioside V (Reb V) and rebaudioside (Reb W).

Abstract: Disclosed are steviol glycosides referred to as rebaudioside V and rebaudioside W. Also disclosed are methods for producing rebaudioside M (Reb M), rebausoside G (Reb G), rebaudioside KA (Reb KA), rebaudioside V (Reb V) and rebaudioside (Reb W).

Abstract: Disclosed are steviol glycosides referred to as rebaudioside V and rebaudioside W. Also disclosed are methods for producing rebaudioside M (Reb M), rebaudioside G (Reb G), rebaudioside KA (Reb KA), rebaudioside V (Reb V) and rebaudioside (Reb W).