Abstract: Methods and compositions that down regulate the activity of orexins to treat panic disorder and panic-like responses associated with hypercapnic conditions are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions and methods for selectively reducing the expression of a gene product from a desired target gene in a cell, as well as for treating diseases caused by the expression of the gene. More particularly, the invention is directed to compositions that contain double stranded RNA (“dsRNA”), and methods for preparing them, that are capable of reducing the expression of target genes in eukaryotic cells. The dsRNA has a first oligonucleotide sequence that is between 25 and about 30 nucleotides in length and a second oligonucleotide sequence that anneals to the first sequence under biological conditions. In addition, a region of one of the sequences of the dsRNA having a sequence length of at least 19 nucleotides is sufficiently complementary to a nucleotide sequence of the RNA produced from the target gene to trigger the destruction of the target RNA by the RNAi machinery.

Abstract: This invention relates to a 2?-modified RNA agent comprising at least one RNA strand containing a 2?-O substituent having an alkyne functional group attaching to the O atom at the 2?-position on one or more ribose rings, wherein the 2?-O substituent is located at one or more of positions 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, and 16, from 5?-end of the RNA strand. This invention also relates to a 2?-modified RNA agent comprising at least one RNA strand containing a 2?-O substituent having a triazole functional group attaching to the O atom at the 2?-position on one or more ribose rings, wherein the 2?-O substituent is located at one or more of positions 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, and 16, from 5?-end of the RNA strand.

Abstract: An antisense molecule capable of binding to a selected target site to induce exon skipping in the dystrophin gene, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 to 202.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shuttle vector that can be used for Corynebacterium and E. coli, containing: a repressor selected from a group consisting of a lacI repressor and a tetR repressor; a promoter selected from a group consisting of a trc promoter, a tetA promoter and a LacUV5 promoter; a replication origin pBL1 derived from Corynebacterium glutamicum; and a replication origin ColE1 of E. coli. A host cell transformed with the shuttle vector can effectively produce industrially useful substances. Also, the shuttle vector may be used to easily insert various combinations of target genes and, as a result, a variety of vectors can be prepared effectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides regulatory polynucleotide molecules isolated from plant proline rich protein genes and linked to a viral enhancer molecule. The invention further discloses compositions, polynucleotide constructs, transformed host cells, transgenic plants and seeds containing the regulatory polynucleotide sequences, and methods for preparing and using the same.

Abstract: A Zea mays regulatory region is shown, which provides improved seed preferred, and particularly pericarp preferred expression in plants. Methods of use are also shown in preferentially expressing a heterologous protein to the pericarp tissue of a plant. The sequence is particularly useful in expression of heterologous proteins to the pericarp of monocotyledonous plants, particularly cereals, and maize.

Abstract: Methods and materials for modulating biomass levels in plants are disclosed. For example, nucleic acids encoding biomass-modulating polypeptides are disclosed as well as methods for using such nucleic acids to transform plant cells. Also disclosed are plants having increased biomass levels and plant products produced from plants having increased biomass levels.

Abstract: A sugar cane plant cell comprising a recombinant nucleic acid molecule is provided, the recombinant nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of interest, a promoter and the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, wherein the promoter is downstream of and in operative association with the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 and upstream of and in operative association with the nucleotide sequence of interest, and the nucleotide sequence of interest is expressed at a level at least about 6 times greater than the level of expression of said nucleotide sequence of interest in a control. Additionally, a method of increasing the expression of a nucleotide sequence of interest in a sugar cane plant cell using the recombinant nucleic acid molecule of the invention is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to nucleic acids encoding a feruloyl-CoA:monolignol transferase and the feruloyl-CoA:monolignol transferase enzyme that enables incorporation of monolignol ferulates, for example, including p-coumaryl ferulate, coniferyl ferulate, and sinapyl ferulate, into the lignin of plants.

Abstract: Transgenic plants, and a method for making the same, wherein genes encoding the enzyme luciferase and its corresponding substrate luciferin are incorporated into a native plant genome. Once transformed into plant cells, these genes may be regulated such that under certain endogenous or exogenous conditions, their expression in the mature plant results in bioluminescence. Different luciferin/luciferase complexes and/or mechanisms of regulation may be utilized for these transgenic plants, depending on a variety of factors such as plant species and the circumstances under which a biolmuniescent reaction is desired. Phototransformation may be utilized to vary the wavelength of light emitted from the mature plant.

Abstract: The invention is directed to isolated polynucleotide and polypeptides of the PsAFB2 and PsAFB6 genes from Pisum sativum; nucleic acid constructs, vectors and host cells incorporating the polynucleotide sequences; and methods of producing and using same. Also provided are transformed cells, and transgenic seeds and plants with enhanced abiotic stress tolerance.

Abstract: Methods and materials useful for modulating the sensitivity of cells to an inhibitor of acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) are disclosed. For example, nucleic acid molecules encoding AHAS large subunits are disclosed as well as methods for using such nucleic acid molecules to transform microbial cells and plant cells, and to confer modulated sensitivity to AHAS-inhibiting compounds onto such cells. Further provided are materials and methods useful for modulating growth, development, activity, and characteristics of host cells and organisms.

Abstract: Methods and means are provided for reducing the phenotypic expression of a nucleic acid of interest in eucaryotic cells, particularly in plant cells, by introducing chimeric genes encoding sense and antisense RNA molecules directed towards the target nucleic acid, which are capable of forming a double stranded RNA region by base-pairing between the regions with sense and antisense nucleotide sequence or by introducing the RNA molecules themselves. Preferably, the RNA molecules comprises simultaneously both sense and antisense nucleotide sequence.

Abstract: The invention provides corn event MON 87411, and plants, plant cells, seeds, plant parts, and commodity products comprising event MON 87411. The invention also provides polynucleotides specific for event MON 87411 and plants, plant cells, seeds, plant parts, and commodity products comprising polynucleotides specific for event MON 87411. The invention also provides methods related to event MON 87411.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for producing transgenic plants having increased resistance to biotic and/or abiotic stress and comprising an exogenous nucleotide sequence encoding a cysteine protease inhibitor.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for conferring pesticidal activity to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for a toxin polypeptide are provided. The coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants and bacteria. Compositions also comprise transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated toxin nucleic acid molecules are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed, and antibodies specifically binding to those amino acid sequences. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:4-7, or the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1, 2, or 3, as well as variants and fragments thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyribonucleotide including a hammerhead trans-ribozyme directed against a plant mitochondrial RNA and a structure in the form of tRNA that can be aminoacylated by valine, and to the use thereof in plants in particular for inducing cytoplasmic male sterility.

Abstract: The present invention provides mutant adeno-associated virus (AAV) that exhibit altered capsid properties, e.g., reduced binding to neutralizing antibodies in serum and/or altered heparin binding and/or altered infectivity of particular cell types. The present invention further provides libraries of mutant AAV comprising one or more mutations in a capsid gene. The present invention further provides methods of generating the mutant AAV and mutant AAV libraries, and compositions comprising the mutant AAV. The present invention further provides recombinant AAV (rAAV) virions that comprise a mutant capsid protein. The present invention further provides nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences that encode mutant capsid proteins, and host cells comprising the nucleic acids. The present invention further provides methods of delivering a gene product to an individual, the methods generally involving administering an effective amount of a subject rAAV virion to an individual in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides new stable packaging cell lines and producer cell lines as well as methods to obtain them, and a new method to produce lentiviral vectors using such cell lines. New methods and packaging cell lines of the invention are generated using a baculo-AAV hybrid system for stable expression of structural and regulatory lentiviral proteins, such system comprising a baculoviral backbone containing an integration cassette flanked by AAV ITR, in combination with a plasmid encoding rep protein. This system allows to obtain a stable integration of the structural and regulatory HIV-1 proteins gag/pol and rev. The system allows to obtain a first intermediate including only the structural and regulatory HIV proteins gag/pol and rev, to be used as starting point to obtain stable packaging cell lines as well as producer cell lines.

Abstract: Described is a chimerical adenovirus-parvovirus vector characterized in that it comprises the entire parvovirus genome inserted into a adenovirus genome, wherein: (a) the adenovirus genome is characterized by deletion of E1 and E3, and (b) the biological activity of the parvoviral protein NS, preferably NS1, is reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides TC-83 VEE-derived replicons, alphaviral replicon particles and immunogenic compositions containing TC-83 alphaviral replicon particles which direct the expression of at least one antigen when introduced into a suitable host cell. The TC-83 VEE-derived ARPs described herein are improved in that they are subject to a lower vector-specific immune response than prior art ARPs.

Abstract: The invention provides for a novel type of biofuel; a method for cleaving anchors from photosynthetic organisms; and a method for producing biofuels using photosynthetic organisms, the method comprising identifying photosynthesis co-factors and their anchors in the organisms; modifying the organisms to increase production of the anchors; accumulating biomass of the organisms in growth media; and harvesting the anchors.

Abstract: Provided is a method for efficiently producing ethanol by ethanol fermentation from xylose using a saccharified biomass, which contains various fermentation inhibitors. A method for producing ethanol from biomass of the present invention includes the step of culturing a xylose-utilizing yeast transformed so as to overexpress a gene for an acetic acid-responsive transcription factor in combination with a saccharified biomass.

Abstract: Provided herein are glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPD) enzymes with increased KM for NADH and GPD enzymes with substantially the same affinity for NADH and NADPH and/or are feedback inhibited by glycerol-3-phosphate. Also provided herein are recombinant microorganisms comprising a heterologous gene encoding GPD and a deletion or disruption in an endogenous gene encoding GPD. Also provided are recombinant microorganisms comprising a heterologous gene encoding GPD and a butanol biosynthetic pathway. Further provided are methods of producing butanol comprising providing the recombinant microorganisms described herein and contacting the recombinant microorganism with at least one fermentable carbon substrate under conditions wherein butanol is produced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mutant microorganisms having a high ability to produce fermentation products, and methods for producing fermentation products using the same, and more particularly, to mutant microorganisms having a high ability to produce fermentation products such as lactic acid, succinic acid and ethanol, which has a deletion of genes selected from the genome of enteric bacteria and involved in respiration, electron transport, redox reactions and the like, and methods of producing fermentation products in high yield by culturing the mutant microorganisms under anaerobic conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cost effective biotechnological process for production of bio-fuels from isolated and characterized microalgae. The algal strains used in the present invention having higher biomass, higher lipid productivity, higher pH and temperature tolerance are selected from the group consisting of Chlorella vulgaris iOC-1, Chlorella vulgaris iOC-2, Chlorella kessleri, Botrococcus bruni, Dunaliella salina and Nannochloris oculat or a combination thereof having 95-100% similarity with 18s ribosomal nucleic acids nucleotide sequences (rDNA) given for Seq. ID I, Seq. ID 2, Seq. ID 3, Seq. ID 4, Seq. ID 5 and Seq. ID 6. The present process of bio-fuel production comprises the steps of producing lipid from green algae in bioreactors by various novel steps and extracting oil from dried algal cells and ultimately producing biodiesel by transesterification of the said extracted oil.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a metabolic transistor in bacteria where a competitive pathway is introduced to compete with a product pathway for available carbon so as to control the carbon flux in the bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes for preparing an intermediate for a diazepane compound which is an antagonist of orexin receptors, and which is useful in the treatment or prevention of neurological and psychiatric disorders and diseases in which orexin receptors are involved.

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

Abstract: Termites have specialized digestive systems that overcome the lignin barrier in wood to release fermentable simple sugars. Using the termite Reticulitermes flavipes and its gut symbionts, high-throughput titanium pyrosequencing and proteomics approaches experimentally compared the effects of lignin-containing diets on host-symbiont digestome composition. Proteomic investigations and functional digestive studies with recombinant lignocellulases conducted in parallel provided strong evidence of congruence at the transcription and translational levels and provide enzymatic strategies for overcoming recalcitrant lignin barriers in biofuel feedstocks.

Abstract: A method for producing fermented edible plants alone or a mixture of edible plants and edible animals including the steps of: producing crushed edible plants or edible animal/plants; culturing a liquid mixture of grains, saccharides, filamentous fungi, and yeast for 24 to 36 hours to produce a mixed microbial broth; inoculating the edible plants or edible animal/plants with the mixed microbial broth, and firstly fermenting the edible plants or edible animal/plants for 3 to 8 days to produce first fermented edible plants or edible animal/plants; and inoculating the first fermented edible plants or edible animal/plants with bacteria, and secondly fermenting the first fermented edible plants or edible animal/plants for 6 to 12 days to produce second fermented edible plants or edible animal/plants. Further, adding the fermented edible plants or edible animal/plants produced by the above-described method into foods can provide storage stability, increase bioavailability, and improve flavor.

Abstract: An analyte sensor for the continuous or semi-continuous monitoring of physiological parameters and a method for making the analyte sensor are disclosed. In one aspect, the analyte sensor includes an electrode, a sensing layer in contact with a surface of the electrode, and a protective membrane. The sensing layer is a crosslinked, hydrophilic copolymer including poly(alkylene oxide) and poly(vinyl pyridine), and an analyte sensing component is immobilized within the crosslinked, hydrophilic copolymer. The protective membrane is a crosslinked, hydrophilic copolymer including alkylene oxide, vinyl pyridine and styrene units. The method involves the formation of a sensing layer on a surface of an electrode, followed by the formation of a protective membrane on a surface of the sensing layer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to enzyme immobilization compositions comprising: one or more enzymes, a humectant, an acrylic-based monomer, a water-soluble organic photo-initiator and a water-soluble acrylic-based cross-linker in a substantially homogeneous aqueous mixture. The invention is also directed to methods for forming sensors comprising such compositions and to apparati for forming arrays of immobilized layers on an array of sensors by dispensing such compositions onto a substrate.

Abstract: A biological material such as platelets is sealed inside a container with a dead space to accommodate a metabolic gas. The concentration of the gas in the dead space is monitored while the container remains sealed. In some embodiments, the container is permeable to the gas. In other embodiments, the biological material is the only growth medium in the container. The disposal of the biological material is in accordance with the monitored gas concentration. Preferably, the gas concentration is measured spectroscopically. A container for a biological material includes a main body that retains the biological material but that is permeable to a gas and a reservoir in fluid communication with the main body that is transparent to an optical wavelength that is absorbed by the gas.

Abstract: Provided herein are assays and in vitro methods to determine susceptibility to a drug effective against a pathogenic bacteria, for example, a pathogenic Mycobacteria, that has a beta-lactamase activity. An excitation wavelength is delivered to a biological sample obtained from a subject having an infection from the pathogenic bacteria in the presence of a beta-lactamase substrate. The intensity of a signal, such as a fluorescent, luminescent or colorimetric signal, at an emission wavelength of a product of the beta-lactamase on the subject is correlated to drug susceptibility. Also provided is an assay system for monitoring drug susceptibility of a pathogenic bacteria comprising color-producing substrates for a beta-lactamase of the pathogenic bacteria, an assay device for visibly detecting a product of the beta-lactamase on the substrate thereof and a reader configured to quantify the visibly detected product.

Abstract: The invention relates to the discovery and characterization of mannan binding lectin-associated serine protease-2 (MASP-2), a new serine protease that acts in the MBLectin complement fixation pathway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods to identify molecules that binds in the neomycin binding pocket of a bacterial ribosome using structures of an intact bacterial ribosome that reveal how the ribosome binds tRNA in two functionally distinct states, determined by x-ray crystallography. One state positions tRNA in the peptidyl-tRNA binding site. The second, a fully rotated state, is stabilized by ribosome recycling factor (RRF) and binds tRNA in a highly bent conformation in a hybrid peptidyl/exit (P/E) site. Additionally, the invention relates to various assays, including single-molecule assay for ribosome recycling, and methods to identify compounds that interfere with ribosomal function by detecting newly identified intermediate FRET states using known and novel FRET pairs on the ribosome. The invention also provides vectors and compositions with an N-terminally tagged S13 protein.

Abstract: Methods for preparing strand-specific sequencing libraries of oligonucleotides using an RNA polymerase promoter to re-transcribe antisense cDNA which has been reverse transcribed from mRNA are provided. The transcription step linearly amplifies sRNA prior to production of double-stranded cDNA to be sequenced and may be sufficient to eliminate the conventional PCR amplification step prior to sequencing. The methods incorporate anchor sequences, amplification sequences and other sequences required for a particular sequencing system or reaction by hybridization and extension of primers, and transcription of RNA, rather than ligation, thus reducing the number of steps and the time required for sample preparation for sequencing of RNA. Use of primer hybridization and transcription reactions in the methods also results in a library that exhibits reduced 3? sequence bias.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to compositions and methods for disrupting cells (e.g., disrupting cellular and nuclear membranes). In particular, the invention provides modified solid surfaces (e.g., bead surfaces) and their use in disruption of cellular membranes (e.g., during cellular lysis procedures (e.g., for recovery of nucleic acid (e.g., DNA or RNA) from mechanical cell lysis)). Compositions and methods of the invention find use in a wide range of applications including molecular biology and medical science.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to droplet based digital PCR and methods for analyzing a target nucleic acid using the same. In certain embodiments, methods of the invention involve forming sample droplets containing, on average, a single target nucleic acid, amplifying the target in the droplets, excluding droplets containing amplicon from the target and amplicon from a variant of the target, and analyzing target amplicons.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for the use of micro sphere arrays to detect and quantify a number of nucleic acid reactions. The invention finds use in genotyping, i.e. the determination of the sequence of nucleic acids, particularly alterations such as nucleotide substitutions (mismatches) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Similarly, the invention finds use in the detection and quantification of a nucleic acid target using a variety of amplification techniques, including both signal amplification and target amplification. The methods and compositions of the invention can be used in nucleic acid sequencing reactions as well. All applications can include the use of adapter sequences to allow for universal arrays.

Abstract: Methods for the rapid detection of the presence or absence of a SNP in a target nucleic acid in a sample are described. The methods can include performing an amplifying step, a hybridizing step utilizing a double stranded probe with two overlapping SNP specific hydrolysis probe sequences where one of the probe sequences can include a hairpin structure toward the 3? end, and a detecting step. Furthermore, the double stranded SNP specific hydrolysis probes along with kits are provided that are designed for the detection of a SNP in a target nucleic acid.

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

Abstract: The invention provides a novel class of cyanine dyes that are functionalized with sulfonic acid groups and a linker moiety that facilitates their conjugation to other species and substituent groups which increase the water-solubility, and optimize the optical properties of the dyes. Also provided are conjugates of the dyes, methods of using the dyes and their conjugates and kits including the dyes and their conjugates.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods and compositions for amplification and sequencing of DNA templates, comprising at least two of: 2?-deoxyinosine-5? triphosphate, 5-propynyl-2?-deoxycytidine-5?-triphosphate, and 8-oxo-2?-deoxyguanosine-5?-triphosphate. Incorporation of these promoting nucleotides into amplification and sequencing reactions improves the amplification and sequencing of difficult-to-sequence DNA regions such as a GC rich regions or GT rich regions; repetitive sequences, including dinucleotide, trinucleotide, direct, inverted, Alu, poly A or poly T repeats; and hairpin or other secondary structures.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for sequencing nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present methods are exemplified by a process in which maternal blood containing fetal DNA is diluted to a nominal value of approximately 0.5 genome equivalent of DNA per reaction sample. Digital PCR is then be used to detect aneuploidy, such as the trisomy that causes Down Syndrome. Since aneuploidies do not present a mutational change in sequence, and are merely a change in the number of chromosomes, it has not been possible to detect them in a fetus without resorting to invasive techniques such as amniocentesis or chorionic villi sampling. Digital amplification allows the detection of aneuploidy using massively parallel amplification and detection methods, examining, e.g., 10,000 genome equivalents.

Abstract: In vitro method and kit for prognosis or prediction of the response of rheumatoid patients to treatment with TNF-? factor blocking agents, which comprises determining, in a blood sample from said patients, the expression level of at least one of the eight genes selected from the group: HLA-DRB3, EAT2, GNLY, CAMP, SLC2A3, IL2RB, MXD4 and TLR5 or combinations thereof and comparing said expression level to the expression values obtained from responsive and non-responsive patients who showed responsiveness to the treatment and those who showed non-responsiveness thereto.

Abstract: A method for predicting a subject's risk factors for CYP3A4-related disorders includes detecting the allelic status of a SNP in a nucleic acid sample of the subject.