Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a high-acidity vinegar with improved efficiency compared with conventional methods and a high-acidity vinegar obtained by such method. The method of the present invention is characterized in that acetic acid fermentation is conducted with a culture solution which contains a compound having a thiol group or an S-substituted derivative thereof or a compound having a disulfide bond as an additive wherein a total nitrogen content of the culture solution is 0.023 w/v % or less. According to the method of the present invention, a high-acidity vinegar, which has a total nitrogen content of 0.015 w/v % or less and an acidity of 10 to 25 w/v % and contains a compound having a thiol group or an S-substituted derivative thereof or a compound having a disulfide bond at a concentration of 17 ?M or more in terms of sulfur atoms contained in the thiol group or disulfide bond can be obtained.

Abstract: Photobioreactors according to embodiments of the present invention deliver nutrient gas intermittently to the photobioreactor media. In some embodiments, one or more gases are delivered according to a duty cycle or timing pattern. According to some embodiments, algae is grown in a photobioreactor using intermittent introduction of carbon dioxide. In other embodiments, carbon dioxide is supplied to algae grown in a photobioreactor in whole or in part from a head space above the media of the photobioreactor.

Abstract: A pneumatic bioreactor includes a vessel containing a fluid to be mixed and at least one mixing device driven by gas pressure. A first embodiment includes a floating impeller that rises and falls in the fluid as gas bubbles carry it upward to the surface where the gas is then vented, permitting the impeller to sink in the fluid. The floating impeller may be tethered to a second impeller with a flexible member and pulley. The mixing speed is controlled with electromagnets in the vessel acting upon magnetic material in the impeller or its guides. In another embodiment, floating pistons mix the fluid, pushing it through a mixing plate with one or more apertures. In a third embodiment, the mixing device is a rotating drum with bubble-catching blades and rotating mixing plates with apertures. The top of the vessel for these mixers may include a closed top and sterile filters.

Abstract: There is provided an isolated E. coli strain deposited at the International Depositary Authority of Canada (IDAC) on Jun. 20, 2013 and attributed accession number 200613-01. There is also provided methods of using this strain for preventing edema disease or diarrhea caused by an F18 pathogenic E. coli infection in an animal.

Abstract: A method of culturing adherent cells is provided, wherein the method comprises providing a carrier for growing the cells, comprising one or more surfaces; and one or more relief features/indentations are present on one or more of the surfaces, wherein the carrier has a length at least about 0.2 mm, a width at least about 0.2 mm, and a height in a range from about 0.012 mm to 0.5 mm; and wherein each of the relief features/indentations has a height above the surfaces in a range from about 2 to 200 ?m, and width in a range from about 20 to 200 ?m; seeding the cells on the carriers; and growing the cells on the carrier.

Abstract: A method of making a carrier for growing cells, including providing a polymer film; embossing a patterned surface one or more sides of the polymer film with an embossing roller; generating a pattern of structured indentations on the polymer film; and discretizing the patterned polymer film into a plurality of portions. The embossing pattern generates relief features on the carrier surface. An alternative method of making a carrier is also provided, including extruding a polymer film; embossing a patterned surface on the polymer film with a roller; generating a pattern of structured indentations on the polymer film; imparting a surface treatment to the film; and discretizing the treated polymer film into a plurality of portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of stem cell biology, in particular the linage specific differentiation of pluripotent or multipotent stem cells, which can include, but is not limited to, human embryonic stem cells (hESC), human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC), somatic stem cells, cancer stem cells, or any other cell capable of lineage specific differentiation. Specifically described are methods to direct the lineage specific differentiation of hESC and/or hiPSC to nociceptors (i.e. nociceptor cells) using novel culture conditions. The nociceptors made using the methods of the present invention are further contemplated for various uses including, but limited to, use in in vitro drug discovery assays, pain research, and as a therapeutic to reverse disease of, or damage to, the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Further, compositions and methods are provided for producing melanocytes from human pluripotent stem cells for use in disease modeling.

Abstract: Provided are a system and methods for selectively inducing expansion of a population of T cells in the absence of exogenous growth factors, such as lymphokines, and accessory cells for research purposes. The cell based expansion system and methods permit the long-term growth of CTLs, preferably human CTLs. In addition, T cell proliferation can be induced without the need for antigen, thus providing an expanded T cell population that is polyclonal with respect to antigen reactivity. Further provided are methods for using the system and methods to screen and identify antigens related to specific diseases or conditions, tumors, autoimmune disorders, or an infectious disease or pathogen, and to identify target molecule for research purposes, or for developing a vaccine based thereon.

Abstract: A unitary apparatus for isolating cells from adipose tissue including a lipid separation processor with a dispersing head equipped with a plurality of ports and a digestion chamber for dissociation of the constituent cells disposed in adipose tissue. The lipid separating apparatus is useful for the separation of lipids and adipocytes from a mixed cell population. A cell seeding chamber may be attached to the cell isolation apparatus. The components of the apparatus may be packaged in modular kit form.

Abstract: Methods for generating high-yield, high-purity cardiomyocyte progenitors or cardiomyocytes from pluripotent cells are described. Wnt/?-catenin signaling is first activated in pluripotent cells, e.g., by inhibition of Gsk-3 to obtain a first population of cells. Wnt/?-catenin signaling is then inhibited in the first cell population to induce cardiogenesis under fully defined, growth factor free culture conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel stem cell compositions having significant therapeutic and practical advantages, as well as methods of preparing and using such compositions for the treatment and prevention of injury and disease in patients. The invention may be applied to stem cell populations isolated from a wide variety of animals, including humans, and tissues. In particular applications, the invention is used to prepare a stem cell composition from a collagen-based tissue, such as adipose tissue, isolated from a patient, and the stem cell composition is subsequently provided to a site of actual or potential injury in the patient. The invention further includes related kits comprising the stem cell compositions, which are remarkably stable and retain viability and efficacy during storage and shipment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to vectors for the immortalisation of cells independent of their type. It further relates to a cell or a cell line produced with the method or the vectors of the invention. The invention also relates to the use of this cell or cell line in in vitro applications and in the treatment of disease.

Abstract: The present invention involves the identification of Bright/ARID3a as involved in the regulation of pluripotency in cells, and the targeting of that function for the regulation of pluripotency. Thus, methods of de-differentiating cells into pluripotent cells are provided, as well as methods for re-differentiating such cells in a controlled fashion.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for cell dedifferentiation, transformation and eukaryotic cell reprogramming. Also descried are cells, cell lines, and tissues that can be transplanted in a patient after steps of in vitro dedifferentiation and in vitro reprogramming. In particular embodiments the cells are Stem-Like Cells (SLCs), including Neural Stem-Like Cells (NSLCs). Also described are methods for generating these cells from human somatic cells and other types of cells. Also provided are compositions and methods of using of the cells so generated in human therapy and in other areas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means and method useful for measurement of a total branched-chain amino acid concentration. Specifically, the present invention provides a modified enzyme in which at least one amino acid residue is mutated so as to improve a property of a leucine dehydrogenase which is associated with the measurement of the total branched-chain amino acids, such as, for example, substrate specificities of leucine dehydrogenase for total branched-chain amino acids, activity of leucine dehydrogenase for any branched-chain amino acids, and thermal stability of leucine dehydrogenase; and a method of analyzing the total branched-chain amino acids, comprising measuring the total branched-chain amino acids contained in a test sample using the modified enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having peroxygenase activity, 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. A polynucleotide encoding a peroxygenase was isolated from Thielavia terrestris.

Abstract: This invention provides for an improved generation of novel nucleic acid modifying enzymes. The improvement is the fusion of a sequence-non-specific nucleic-acid-binding domain to the enzyme in a manner that enhances the ability of the enzyme to bind and catalytically modify the nucleic acid.

Abstract: Methods of treating an age-related disorder in a subject are provided. Aspects of the methods include administering to the subject a nucleic acid vector including a coding sequence for telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and/or telomerase RNA (TR). Gene therapy methods are also provided. Aspects of the invention further include compositions, e.g., nucleic acid vectors and kits, etc., that find use in methods of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to cells and a method for producing acetone.

Abstract: The invention relates to haloalkane dehalogenases and to polynucleotides encoding the haloalkane dehalogenases. In addition methods of designing new dehalogenases and method of use thereof are also provided. The dehalogenases have increased activity and stability at increased pH and temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides phosphatidic acid phosphatase cDNAs and recombinant vectors comprising nucleic acids encoding proteins having phosphatidic acid phosphatase activity wherein 100 amino acids at the N-terminal region and DXDX(T/V) catalytic site motif are conserved in the protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of increasing the activity of a polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity, comprising: adding a soluble activating divalent metal cation to a composition comprising the polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity, wherein the presence of the soluble activating divalent metal cation and the polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity increases degradation or conversion of a cellulose-containing material by a cellulolytic enzyme composition compared to the polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity without the soluble activating divalent metal cation. The present invention also relates to compositions, methods for degrading or converting a cellulose-containing material, and methods for producing a fermentation product.

Abstract: Isolated polypeptides comprising or consisting essentially of specific structural motifs (e.g., three ?-sheets and two ?-helices) are provided, wherein the polypeptides exhibit at least one cell signaling and/or other non-canonical activity of biological relevance. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides, binding agents that bind such polypeptides, analogs, variants and fragments of such polypeptides, etc., as well as compositions and methods of identifying and using any of the foregoing.

Abstract: A variety of methods, devices and compositions are implemented for light-activated molecules. One such method is implemented for generating secondary messengers in a cell. A nucleotide sequence for expressing a chimeric light responsive membrane protein (e.g., rhodopsin) is modified with one or more heterologous receptor subunits {e.g., an adrenergic receptor (alpha1, Beta2)}. The light responsive membrane protein is expressed in a cell for producing a secondary messenger in response to light.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mutagenesis method wherein a nucleic acid molecule is mutagenized with at least one mutagenesis primer in a primer extension reaction and subsequently amplified by rolling circle amplification (RCA). The method involves the step of rendering the template strand unfavorable for RCA. The method involves steps leading to selective amplification of only the mutated strand by a strand-displacing DNA polymerase. Multiple copies of the mutated plasmids are generated during multiple-primed RCA and the resulting DNA is transformed for use. The method is suitable for mutating both single-stranded and double-stranded DNA. The present invention also provides a kit for use in the mutagenesis method.

Abstract: Antigen-specific immunoglobulin V-regions are identified from a library of nucleic acids amplified using polymerase chain reaction using leader sequence-specific forward primers. The use of leader sequence primers allows all V-region sequences to be amplified (including those with extensive 5? end mutations) without loss of the original 5? V gene segment sequence. These libraries can be screened for antigen-specific V-regions using eukaryotic cells engineered to express the amplified V-region-encoding nucleic acids or using bacterial phage display techniques. In the latter, a second V-region library is made using a larger than conventional set of 5? V-region primers. The sequence errors introduced into the amplification products by this method are corrected using sequence information obtained in the products amplified by the V-region primers to screen the library created using the leader sequence primers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a DNA sequence for a nucleic acid library having a plurality of elements. The synthesized DNA sequence comprises at least three sections. The first section and the third section in each element have defined sequences (D1, D2) that are identical in each element of the nucleic acid library. In a middle second section, at least two adjoining variable codon triplets are arranged.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and composition for generating a non-naturally occurring intron and its components capable of being processed into small hairpin RNA (shRNA) and/or microRNA (miRNA) molecules by skin cells and thus inducing specific gene silencing effects on skin pigment-related genes and/or aging-causing genes in the cells. The gene silencing effects so obtained are not only useful for lightening and whitening skin colors but also useful for suppressing unwanted aging gene activities in skins.

Abstract: RNA interference is provided for inhibition of phosphodiesterase type 4 mRNA expression for treating patients with a cAMP-related ocular disorder. Phosphodiesterase type 4 mRNA targets include mRNA for 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D phosphodiesterase isoforms.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition comprising an antisense oligonucleotide that down-regulates intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) for use in treating inflammation, pain and/or discharge in a rectal stump.

Abstract: This invention relates composition and methods for making and using chemically modified oligonucleotides agents for inhibiting gene expression.

Abstract: The present invention includes nucleic acid hybrid molecules capable of entering cells comprising at least one vivo-morpholino oligonucleotide (vivo-MO) comprising a guanidine-rich head conjugated to the 5? end, and at least one standard oligonucleotide comprising a gene-specific sequence and a standard oligonucleotide pairing sequence, wherein the standard oligonucleotide is bound to the vivo-morpholino oligonucleotide through base pairing to form a hybrid and wherein the vivo-morpholino oligonucleotide pairing sequence is complementary to the standard oligonucleotide pairing sequence.

Abstract: Provided are novel methods and compositions for the modulation of thermogenesis. Such methods are particularly advantageous in that they allow for the reduction of body fat in a subject without the subject having to adjust their caloric intake through dieting, modify their physical activity or undergo bariatric surgery. Accordingly, the methods of the invention are particularly useful for treating or preventing obesity. Also provided are methods of screening for novel agents that modulate the activity of thermogenic regulators.

Abstract: Provided are antisense molecules capable of binding to a selected target site in the human dystrophin gene to induce exon skipping, and methods of use thereof to treat muscular dystrophy.

Abstract: A method of protecting a cell includes inhibiting an inflammasome, MyD88, IL-18, VDAC1, VDAC2, caspase-8, and/or NF?B of the cell. Administering an inhibitor of MyD88, IL-18, VDAC1, VDAC2, caspase-8, and/or NF?B can protect the cell from Alu-RNA-induced degeneration. Protecting a cell, such as an retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), can be therapeutically useful in the context of age-related macular degeneration and geographic atrophy.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a single modality cancer immunotherapy regimen that includes a therapeutic composition is provided. Such a therapeutic composition may include a Salmonella strain comprising a plasmid that expresses an shRNA molecule that suppresses the expression of an immunosuppressive target and suppresses tumor growth. In some aspects, the Salmonella strain is an attenuated Salmonella typhimurium strain. In other aspects, the immunosuppressive target is STAT3, IDO1, IDO2, Arginase 1, iNOS, CTLA-4, TGF-?, IL-10, pGE2 or VEGF. In one embodiment, the immunosuppressive target is IDO1 or Arg1 and the shRNA molecule is any one of SEQ ID NO:5-14.

Abstract: The invention provides novel immune regulatory oligonucleotides (IRO) as antagonist of TLRs and methods of use thereof. These IROs have unique sequences that inhibit or suppress TLR-mediated signaling in response to a TLR ligand or TLR agonist. The methods may have use in the prevention and treatment of cancer, an autoimmune disorder, airway inflammation, inflammatory disorders, infectious disease, skin disorders, allergy, asthma or a disease caused by a pathogen.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for introducing a biological material, a method of introducing a biological material, and a magnetic support for introducing a biological material with the object of providing an apparatus for introducing a biological material, a method of introducing a biological material, and a magnetic support for introducing a biological material whereby a biological material can be efficiently introduced into a host. The invention comprises: one or more packing units in which a mixture solution containing a large number of magnetic supports carrying a biological material to be introduced into a host such as cells upon using, together with a large number of the hosts in a liquid is pooled; and an introduction treatment unit in which a magnetic force affecting the inside of the packing unit is controlled so as to move the magnetic supports relatively with respect to the host so that the biological material can be introduced into the host.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for engineering bacteria to produce fucosylated oligosaccharides, and the use thereof in the prevention or treatment of infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mutants of lactic acid bacteria which are resistant towards the antibiotic D-cycloserine and/or functionally equivalent antibiotics and which were found to give an increased texture when grown in milk while maintaining the other growth properties of the parent strain. The present invention, furthermore, relates to compositions comprising such mutants, and to dairy products fermented with the lactic acid bacteria resistant towards D-cycloserine and/or functionally equivalent antibiotics.

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: An object to be solved by the present invention is to provide, for example, a method for producing a Kluyveromyces marxianus transformant by a method for conveniently and efficiently connecting the ends of DNA fragments without using specific restriction enzymes or their recognition sequences, and a method for producing a useful substance using the transformant.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleotide molecules useful for expressing transgenes in plants, including novel chimeric promoters made by fusing the rice actin 1 promoter and selected CaMV 35S promoter enhancer domains. The present invention also provides expression constructs containing the polynucleotide molecules useful for expressing transgenes in plants. The present invention also provides transgenic plants and seeds containing the polynucleotide molecules useful for expressing transgenes in plants.

Abstract: Provided are constructs and methods for expressing multiple genes in plant cells and/or plant tissues. The constructs provided comprise at least one bi-directional promoter linked to multiple gene expression cassettes, wherein the bi-directional promoter comprises a functional promoter nucleotide sequence from Sugar Cane Bacilliform Virus promoter. In some embodiments, the constructs and methods provided employs a bi-directional promoter based on a minimal core promoter element from a Zea mays Ubiquitin-1 gene, or a functional equivalent thereof, and nucleotide sequence elements from a Sugar Cane Bacilliform Virus promoter. In some embodiments, the constructs and methods provided allow expression of genes between three and twenty.

Abstract: This invention relates to isolated nucleic acid fragments encoding polypeptides involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing. The invention also relates to construction of a recombinant DNA construct encoding all or a portion of the polypeptide involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the recombinant DNA construct results in production of altered levels in a transformed host cell of the polypeptide involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to means and methods for modifying the expression of a component in the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway to modify the production of carotenoid towards accumulation of at least one of phytoene, phytofluene, zeta carotene or combinations thereof. The present invention further relates to genetically altered organisms having elevated content of these carotenoids. The present invention further relates to genetically altered organisms having elevated content of these carotenoids, particularly in chromoplast-containing cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of producing a desired phenotype in a plant by manipulation of gene expression within the plant. The method relates to means which inhibit the level of PK220 gene expression or activity, wherein a desired phenotype such as increased water use efficiency relative to a wild type control plant. The invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences and constructs useful such methods and methods of generating and isolating plants having decreased PK220 expression or activity.

Abstract: The invention provides modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA), a replication-deficient strain of vaccinia virus, expressing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) env, gag, and pol genes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the production of viral vectors. In particular, the present invention provides methods and compositions for faster, higher titer and higher purity production of viral vectors (e.g. adenoviral vectors). In some embodiments, the present invention provides gutted and helper viruses with identical or similar termini. In other embodiments, the present invention provides terminal protein linked adenoviral DNA. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides template extended adenoviral DNA.

Abstract: Microbial type rhodopsins, such as the light-gated cation-selective membrane channel, channel-rhodopsin-2 (Chop2/ChR2) or the ion pump halorhodopsin (HaloR) are expressed in retinal ganglion cells upon transduction using recombinant AAV vectors. Selective targeting of these transgenes for expression in discrete subcellular regions or sites is achieved by including a sorting motif in the vector that can target either the central area or surround (off-center) area of these cells. Nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding such rhodopsins and sorting motifs and their use in methods of differential expression of the transgene are disclosed. These compositions and methods provide significant improvements for restoring visual perception and various aspects of vision, particular in patients with retinal disease.