Abstract: Problem The purpose of the present invention is to provide: a chiral nucleic acid adjuvant having immunity-inducing activity and an immunity-inducing activator. Solution The present invention relates to an adjuvant which comprises oligonucleotides which comprise two to four sequences each represented by 5?-X1CpG X2-3? and has a length of 14 to 32 nucleotides, wherein a nucleic acid at 3? end side of at least two CpG motifs is connected by phosphorothioate linkage, wherein each nucleic acids at 3? end and 5? end of the oligonucleotide is S type nucleic acids connected by phosphorothioate linkage, and wherein the oligonucleotide comprises at least one nucleic acid without phosphorothioate modification. The present invention relates to an immunity-inducible activator comprising the adjuvant.

Abstract: Described herein, inter alia, are STAT-binding nucleic acids-including compositions and methods of using the same.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for making and using a bifunctional shRNAs capable of reducing an expression of a K-ras gene, e.g., a mutated K-ras gene, wherein at least one target site sequence of the bifunctional RNA molecule is located within the K-ras gene and wherein the bifunctional RNA molecule is capable of activating a cleavage-dependent and a cleavage-independent RNA-induced silencing complex for reducing the expression level of K-ras.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oligonucleotide which is capable of activating RIG-I and inducing an anti-viral, in particular, an IFN, response in cells expressing RIG-I. The present invention further provides an oligonucleotide which is capable of activating RIG-I and which has target gene-silencing activity. The oligonucleotide of the present invention has a double-stranded section of at least 19, preferably at least 21 bp, at least one 5? triphosphate, and at least one blunt end which bears a 5? triphosphate. The present invention further provides the use said oligonucleotide for inducing an anti-viral, in particular, an IFN, response in vitro and in vivo. The present invention additionally provides the use of said oligonucleotide for preventing and/or treating diseases or conditions such as infections, tumors/cancers, and immune disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to the diagnostic and therapeutic uses of a miRNA molecule, an equivalent or a source thereof in a disease and condition associated with neo-angiogenesis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising same, methods of use thereof and kits for the down-regulation of RhoA gene. The compounds, compositions, methods and kits are useful in the treatment of subjects suffering from diseases or conditions and or symptoms associated with diseases or conditions in which RhoA expression has adverse consequences and for conferring neuroprotection.

Abstract: Compositions, kits and methods for treating cancer in a subject in need thereof are disclosed involving one or more genes the suppression of which renders the cancer chemosensitive and/or radiosensitive.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are double stranded nucleic acid molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising same useful in the treatment of, inter alia, acute and chronic inflammation, neuropathic pain, primary graft dysfunction (PGD) after lung transplantation in a subject in need thereof. The compounds are preferably chemically synthesized and modified dsRNA compounds, which down regulate or inhibit expression of Toll like receptor 4.

Abstract: The present application relates at least in part to methods for the administration of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to the spinal cord of a human or animal patient and also to a method of treatment for spinal cord injury and other diseases and disorders of the CNS. In particular, the application discloses methods to deliver an siRNA compound locally, directly and without the need for transduction vehicles and formulations in effective doses to the injured spinal cord to promote recovery of CNS function and or attenuation of allodynia.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a modified microorganism having an enhanced biomass synthesis capacity. The present disclosure also relates to a method for manufacturing a modified microorganism having an enhanced biomass synthesis capacity. The enhanced biomass synthesis capacity is due to the overexpression of the gene capable of inducing DNA repair mechanism. The gene responsible for the DNA repair is overexpressed when DNA damage is most and DNA repair mechanism is required.

Abstract: A microorganism including a foreign gene encoding a protein having a hydroxylase activity that reduces the concentration of CHnF4-n (n is an integer of 0 to 3) in a sample, as well as a composition including the microorganism or lysate thereof, and a method of reducing the concentration of CHnF4-n in a sample using the microorganism or lysate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for producing recombinant proteins utilizing mutant E. coli strains containing expression vectors carrying nucleic acids encoding the proteins, and secretory signal sequences to direct the secretion of the proteins to the culture medium. Host cells transformed with the expression vectors are also provided.

Abstract: A vector production system is provided. The system comprises recombinant cells designed to encode at least a first recombinase under the control of an inducible promoter and the cells include an expression vector encoding a nucleic acid of interest within the regulatory elements of the expression vector which are flanked on either side by a target sequence for at least the first recombinase. The vector production system provides an efficient one-step process for producing linear or circular covalently closed vectors that incorporate a nucleic acid sequence of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to materials and methods for the production of ethanol. More particularly, the present invention provides genetically modified strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae having enhanced tolerance for ionic liquid (IL) toxicity. Also provided are methods of using such genetically engineered yeast strains for improved IL-mediated hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass for industrial-scale production of various fuels, chemical feedstocks, and synthetic polymers.

Abstract: Methods of gene stacking are described herein. The methods can be used to repeatedly add genes into a chosen locus in a precise manner, which ensures co-segregation of all introduced genes and contributes to the stabilization of gene expression. In addition, methods of removing any additional foreign DNA elements such as selectable markers are provided. Seed stocks or cell lines comprising a gene stacking site, vectors containing an insert flanked by target sites for a site-specific DNA recombinase for use in the methods and kits for carrying out the methods are also provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention refers to the transfection of cells using a conjugate comprising at least one saccharide residue at least one nucleosidic component selected from nucleic acids, nucleosides and nucleotides. This conjugate is suitable for the transfection of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells such as plant cells or mammalian cells including human cells with high efficacy. Thus, a new delivery vehicle for therapeutic molecules including antisense molecules, sRNA molecules, miRNA molecules, antagomirs or precursors of such molecules, as well as the therapeutic nucleosides or nucleotides, is provided. Further, a convenient strategy for developing new lines of plants that exhibit particular traits is provided.

Abstract: A new platform method to purify plant-based monoclonal antibodies is provided. Such a method includes an antibody purification platform that involves a standardized procedure for the production of a wide array of different antibodies within a simplified context. The versatility of the overall purification process accords a one-size-fits-all approach for myriad antibody products and includes plant tissue harvesting, extraction and clarification, filtrate generation, a succession of column chromatography procedures, and buffer exposure to provide the desired monoclonal antibodies in proper filtered and purified form for further incorporation and/or use within medicaments and other formulations. Thus, the purified monoclonal antibodies produced thereby such a method are also encompassed within this invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the isolated polynucleotide encoding homeobox-leucine zipper protein HAT22 (HD-ZIP protein 22) from the plants Corchorus olitorius and Corchorus capsularis and corresponding polypeptide derived thereof. The present invention also relates to the plants having modulated expression of a nucleic acid encoding a homeobox-leucine zipper HAT22 polypeptide or a homologue thereof, which has the ability to modify, preferably to increase/enhance, the fiber length, plant height, and/or plant biomass. More specifically, the invention relates to polypeptides having homeobox-leucine zipper protein HAT22 activity, polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The present invention further provides vectors, expression constructs and host cells comprising and/or consisting of the nucleotide sequences of the homeobox-leucine zipper protein HAT22 (HD-ZIP protein 22).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a genetic construct comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding cytokinin biosynthetic isopentenyl-transferase enzyme (IPT) operable linked to a promoter allowing expression of said nucleic acid sequence in cambial cells. The invention relates also a method for producing a transgenic plant capable of increased biomass production and/or increased stem volume growth compared to wild type plant and a method for improving the production of biomass and/or increased stem volume growth in trees, as well as to a tree that over expresses an endogenous or exogenous nucleic acid sequence encoding IPT in cambial cells and a wood product obtainable from the transgenic tree.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of transgenic and non-transgenic plants with novel phenotypes. Provided are Solanum lycopersicum Auxin Response Factor 9 (SlARF9) proteins and nucleic acid sequences encoding these, which are useful in conferring novel phenotypes to plants, especially increased fruit size.

Abstract: Polynucleotides and polypeptides incorporated into expression vectors are introduced into plants and were ectopically expressed. These polypeptides may confer at least one regulatory activity and increased yield, increased light use efficiency, increased photosynthetic capacity, increased photosynthetic rate, increased photosynthetic resource use efficiency, greater vigor, and/or greater biomass as compared to a control plant.

Abstract: Provided herein is a plant belonging to the Solanaceae family wherein said plant includes a genetic trait providing Phytophthora resistance and wherein said resistance trait is encoded by a combination of at least two genes having a reduced expression, or transcription, of said genes or a reduced activity of proteins encoded by said genes as compared to said plant belonging to Solanaceae family being susceptible to Phytophthora.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for stably achieving high expression of a foreign gene in mammalian cells using a novel DNA element. More specifically disclosed is a DNA element which enhances the activation of transcription by changing the chromatin structure around a gene locus into which a foreign gene expression unit has been introduced.

Abstract: Disclosed are next-generation multi-mutated capsid protein-modified rAAV expression vectors, as well as infectious virions, compositions, and pharmaceutical formulations that include them. Also disclosed are methods of preparing and using these high transduction efficiency vector constructs in a variety of therapeutic applications including, inter alia, as delivery agents for the treatment or amelioration of one or more diseases or abnormal conditions in an affected mammal using in vivo and/or ex situ viral vector-based gene therapy protocols. Also disclosed are large-scale production methods for the multi-mutated, capsid-modified rAAV expression vectors, viral particles, and infectious virions, as well as use of the disclosed compositions in the manufacture of medicaments for use in a variety of in vitro and/or in vivo therapeutic methodologies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid sequence comprising a binding site operably linked to a nucleotide of interest, wherein the binding site is capable of interacting with an RNA-binding protein such that translation of the nucleotide of interest is repressed in a viral vector production cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule comprising or consisting of a nucleic acid sequence encoding the vesicular stomatitis virus envelope glycoprotein (VSV-G) linked to a (poly)peptide comprising or consisting of a cell membrane-binding domain, said nucleic acid sequence comprising in 5? to 3? direction (a) a first sequence segment encoding an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) signal sequence; (b) a second sequence segment encoding said (poly)peptide comprising or consisting of a cell membrane-binding domain; (c) a third sequence segment encoding a linker; and (d) a fourth sequence segment encoding said VSV-G. Further, the invention relates to a vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, a host cell comprising said vector or nucleic acid molecule, the polypeptide encoded by said nucleic acid molecule and a method of producing the polypeptide encoded by said nucleic acid molecule.

Abstract: The present teachings disclose nucleic acid cassettes for expressing in an insect cell a plurality of polypeptides encoded by a gene comprising overlapping open reading frames (ORFs). A cassette comprises, in 5? to 3? order, a) a first insect cell-operable promoter, b) a 5? portion of a gene comprising a first ORF of the gene, c) an intron comprising a second insect cell-operable promoter, and d) a 3? portion of the gene comprising at least one additional ORF. Vectors and insect cells comprising the cassettes are also disclosed, as well as methods for production of recombinant adeno-associated virus in insect cells using the cassettes.

Abstract: RNA guided Cas9 gene drives and method for their use are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are nuclease-based systems for genome editing and methods of using the system for genome editing. Also, disclosed are approaches to enhance Cas9-mediated gene editing efficiency in primary human cells with minimal toxicity when using adeno-associated virus vectors (AAV) to express the guide RNAs necessary for CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing in the presence of helper proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates in part to nucleic acids encoding proteins, nucleic acids containing non-canonical nucleotides, therapeutics comprising nucleic acids, methods, kits, and devices for inducing cells to express proteins, methods, kits, and devices for transfecting, gene editing, and reprogramming cells, and cells, organisms, and therapeutics produced using these methods, kits, and devices. Methods for inducing cells to express proteins and for reprogramming and gene-editing cells using RNA are disclosed. Methods for producing cells from patient samples, cells produced using these methods, and therapeutics comprising cells produced using these methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing hydrogen from organic material. Organic material and hydrogen-producing microorganisms are provided in a completely mixed bioreactor for breaking down the organic material into H2, CO2, fatty acids, and alcohols. H2, CO2, and a first liquid effluent are recovered from the completely mixed bioreactor. The first liquid effluent includes hydrogen-producing microorganisms, fatty acids, and alcohols. The first liquid effluent is provided into a gravity settler for separating the first liquid effluent into a concentrated biomass (including hydrogen-producing microorganisms) and a second liquid effluent (including at least a portion of the fatty acids and the alcohols). The concentrated biomass is provided into the completely mixed bioreactor. An input voltage is applied to at least one of the completely mixed bioreactor and the gravity settler for facilitating an electrohydrogenesis process therein.

Abstract: Provided are a genetically engineered yeast cell having increased activity of SUL1, STR3, HXT7, ERR1, GRX8, MXR1, GRE1, MRK1, AAD10 or a combination thereof, compared to a parent cell, and also having acid tolerance, a method of preparing the same, and a method of producing lactate using the same.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of using transaminase polypeptides in the synthesis of chiral amines from prochiral ketones.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for enzyme mediated hydrolysis of biomass for production of soluble sugars, wherein the said process comprises of steady addition of small portions of biomass to enzyme solution, enabling rapid solubilization of biomass. The process used for enzymatic saccharification allows for increased biomass loading, enzyme recycle and mitigation of substrate and product inhibitory effect. The recycling of unhydrolysed biomass along with soluble enzyme ensures complete reuse of the said enzyme for effective repeated hydrolysis thereby increasing the overall productivity of enzyme used.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing yeast beta-D-glucan using a solubilization technology based on molecular assembly, comprising the following steps: (1) micro-fluidizing an enzymatic hydrolysate of yeast cell walls at 70 to 200 MPa, and then centrifuging to obtain a precipitate; (2) resuspending the precipitate obtained in step (1) with a ionic liquid, then dispersing to obtain a solution; wherein the ionic liquid is 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate or 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride; (3) centrifuging the solution obtained in step (2), and then adding ethanol, centrifuging and collecting a precipitate; (4) resuspending the precipitate obtained in step (3) with water, then centrifuging and collecting a supernatant. Preferably, the method further comprises (5): spray drying the supernatant obtained in step (4) to obtain a yeast beta-D-glucan powder.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to recombinant microorganisms engineered for enhanced production of a desired carbohydrate, as well as related biomass, and compositions which are useful, inter alia, as animal feed ingredients. The present disclosure also provides related methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manipulating the high mannose glycoform content of recombinant glycoproteins by regulating ornithine metabolism during cell culture.

Abstract: One aspect as reported herein is a method for in vivo C-terminal amidation of a polypeptide characterized in that both the polypeptide (to be amidated) and human peptidylglycine alpha-amidating monooxigenase (PAM) are recombinantly co-expressed in a mammalian cell.

Abstract: Systems and methods of monitoring microbial growth rates are provided. In particular, a sensing electrode having a working electrode and a counter electrode can be positioned in a microbial environment. An alternating current signal can be applied to the working electrode. The signal can then propagate through the microbial environment and can be measured at the counter electrode. The presence of microorganisms in the microbial environment can cause changes in the signal as it propagates through the microbial environment. Such changes in the signal can be used to determine one or more signal parameters associated with the microbial environment. The one or more signal parameters can be used to determine a microbial growth rate. Nutrient concentrations can then be adjusted in the microbial environment to facilitate an optimal growth rate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mass spectrometric method to determine microbial resistances to antibiotics. The decrease or modification of specific nutrient components by microbes, and thus the metabolism of the microbes, is determined mass spectrometrically in culture media containing antibiotics. Hence it is not the microbes which are introduced into the mass spectrometric analysis, but the culture medium. The special nutrient components which are subject to the mass spectrometric observation are indicators for the metabolism exhibited by the microbes in the culture in the presence of antibiotics, and are thus indicators for their susceptibility or resistance.

Abstract: Some aspects of this disclosure provide strategies, methods, and reagents for determining nuclease target site preferences and specificity of site-specific endonucleases. Some methods provided herein utilize a novel “one-cut” strategy for screening a library of concatemers comprising repeat units of candidate nuclease target sites and constant insert regions to identify library members that can been cut by a nuclease of interest via sequencing of an intact target site adjacent and identical to a cut target site. Some aspects of this disclosure provide strategies, methods, and reagents for selecting a site-specific endonuclease based on determining its target site preferences and specificity. Methods and reagents for determining target site preference and specificity are also provided.

Abstract: An improved system for monitoring blood glucose, especially in remote regions, is provided. The system includes a substrate comprising a sample umbra and a control umbra and a printer capable of printing coatings on the substrate thereby forming a printed substrate. A first coating comprises glucose oxidase and the first coating is in the sample umbra but not in the control umbra. A second coating comprises peroxidase and the second coating is in the sample umbra and the control umbra. A third coating comprises and indicator and the third coating is in the sample umbra and the control umbra. A barrier encases at least a portion of the coated substrate except for a sample window. When blood is applied to the sample window plasma of the blood wicks into the substrate, exclusive of red blood cells, such that the plasma enters the sample umbra and the control umbra. A detector is provided which is capable of measuring a color change of the indicator in the sample umbra and the control umbra.

Abstract: In one non-limiting aspect, sterilizable reagent materials for diagnostic elements are provided. In other aspects, sterilized elements and techniques for producing the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a sterilized element includes a chemical detection reagent including at least one component that is sensitive to ionizing radiation. The sterilized element is also mediator-free and the at least one component sensitive to ionizing radiation is present in a functional form in a proportion of ?80% based on the total amount of the respective component in the diagnostic element before sterilization. In certain aspects, the at least one component sensitive to ionizing radiation includes one or both of an enzyme and a coenzyme. Other aspects include, but are not limited to, unique methods, techniques, products, systems and devices involving sterilizable reagent materials or sterilized elements.

Abstract: An article such as a biosensor having a nonfouling surface thereon is described. The article comprises: (a) a substrate having a surface portion; (b) a linking layer on the surface portion; (c) a polymer layer comprising brush molecules formed on the linking layer; and (d) optionally but preferably, a first member of a specific binding pair (e.g., a protein, peptide, antibody, nucleic acid, etc.) coupled to the brush molecules. The polymer layer is preferably formed by the process of surface-initiated polymerization (SIP) of monomeric units thereon. Preferably, each of the monomeric units comprises a monomer (for example, a vinyl monomer) core group having at least one protein-resistant head group coupled thereto, to thereby form the brush molecule on the surface portion. Methods of using the articles are also described.

Abstract: Provided herein is materials and method relating to nucleic acids extraction and purification from biological samples such as stool. In particular, binding protein(s) is used to facilitate the extraction and purification of nucleic acids from stool samples, more specifically, depleting and blocking inhibitors and impurities from stool samples and resulting in a highly concentrated and purified nucleic acids preparation.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods and compositions for RNA isolation. In particular embodiments the present invention concerns the use of methods and compositions for the isolation of full-length RNA from fixed tissue samples. The present invention provides methods for digesting and extracting RNA from a fixed tissue sample.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for detecting target nucleic acid. For example, methods and materials for detecting the presence or absence of target nucleic acid, methods and materials for detecting the amount of target nucleic acid present within a sample, kits for detecting the presence or absence of target nucleic acid, kits for detecting the amount of target nucleic acid present within a sample, and methods for making such kits are provided.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and kits for determination of the nucleic acid amplification status of nucleic acid samples, and analysis of other high copy nucleic acid products, are disclosed, as well as a matrix and method for storage of nucleic acid amplification products. In a preferred embodiment, the method provides for a determination of whether or not a nucleic acid amplification reaction has produced an anticipated product, or not, and provides, without the use of electricity, a visual readout detectable with the unaided human eye.

Abstract: A reaction liquid after a nucleic acid amplification reaction is made suitable for various processes. A step of measuring the amount of a target product and the amount of a byproduct after performing a nucleic acid amplification reaction, and a step of determining that a process for removing the byproduct is needed when the abundance ratio of the target product to the byproduct is lower than a prescribed value, and determining the dilution ratio of a reaction liquid after the nucleic acid amplification reaction when the abundance ratio is higher than the prescribed value are included.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, methods and compositions for encoding a substrate for detecting and quantifying target nucleic acids.