Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides and recombinant DNA constructs useful for conferring drought tolerance, compositions (such as plants or seeds) comprising these recombinant DNA constructs, and methods utilizing these recombinant DNA constructs. The recombinant DNA construct comprises a polynucleotide operably linked to a promoter that is functional in a plant, wherein said polynucleotide encodes a DTP21 polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Brassica oleracea plants resistant to clubroot. The invention further relates to parts of these plants, to seeds and to other propagation material, and to the progeny of these plants.

Abstract: The disclosure provides plant vaccine compositions and methods for inducing immunity to Beet Curly Top Virus (BCTV) and related curtoviruses in a susceptible plant.

Abstract: The subject invention relates in part to stacking Cry1Be toxins along with Cry1Fa toxins to prevent insects from developing resistance towards either toxin by itself. As discussed in more detail herein, the subject pair of proteins is a particularly advantageous combination, as no other pair of proteins is known to provide high levels of control and non-cross-resistant activity against both Spodoptera frugiperda (FAW) and Ostrinia nubilalis (ECB) insects. This dual, non-cross-resistant activity is also advantageous because it can reduce the number of proteins/genes needed to target these insects with multiple, non-cross-resistant proteins. This can reduce or eliminate the need for refuge acreage. Accordingly, the subject invention also relates generally to using four genes to provide three proteins for non-cross-resistant control of a first insect, and three proteins for non-cross-resistant control of a second insect. In preferred embodiments, the targeted insects are FAW and ECB.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of generating an induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell comprising the step of introducing into a target cell one or two coding sequences each giving rise upon transcription to a factor that contributes to the reprogramming of said target cell into an induced pluripotent stem cell and selected from Oct3/4 or a factor belonging to the Myc, Klf and Sox families of factors, wherein the target cell endogenously expresses at least the factors that are not encoded by the coding sequences to be introduced and selected from Oct3/4 or factors belonging to the Myc, Klf and Sox families of factors, and wherein the cell resulting from the introduction of the one or two coding sequences expresses the combination of factor Oct3/4 and at least one factor of each family of factors selected from the group of Myc, Klf and Sox.

Abstract: This invention provides methods to prepare and use immunostimulatory cells for enhancing an immune response. The invention provides a method for preparing mature dendritic cells (DCs), comprising the sequential steps of: (a) signaling isolated immature dendritic cells (iDCs) with a first signal comprising an interferon gamma receptor (IFN-?R) agonist and/or a tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor (TNF-?R) agonist to produce signaled dendritic cells; and (b) signaling said signaled dendritic cells with a second transient signal comprising an effective amount of a CD40 agonist to produce CCR7+ mature dendritic cells. Also provided by this invention are enriched populations of dendritic cells prepared by the methods of the invention. Such dendritic cells have enhanced immunostimulatory properties and increased IL-12 secretion and/or decreased IL-10 secretion. CD40 signaling can be initiated by one or more of polypeptide translated from an exogenous polynucleotide encoding CD40L (e.g.

Abstract: A method, device and system for producing preselected products, (either finished products or preselected intermediary products) from biobased precursors or CO2 and/or bicarbonate. The principal features of the present invention include a method wherein a binary culture is incubated with a biobased precursor in a closed system to transform at least a portion of the biobased precursor to a preselected product. The present invention provides a method of cultivation that does not need sparging of a closed bioreactor to remove or add a gaseous byproduct or nutrient from a liquid medium. This improvement leads to significant savings in energy consumption and allows for the design of photobioreactors of any desired shape. The present invention also allows for the use of a variety of types of waste materials to be used as the organic starting material.

Abstract: A process for producing a cross-linked crystallized protein complex, which comprises: a first step of concentrating a crude protein derived from an animal or plant; a second step of encapsulating the protein in a gel, to thereby allow the protein to undergo air oxidation, and then extracting a protein complex from the gel; a third step of allowing the extracted protein complex to undergo crystallization and precipitation; and a fourth step of cross-linking the precipitated protein complex. Alternatively, by use of a fifth step of drying (FD) the obtained crosslinked crystallized protein complex, to thereby form a powder. As a result, there is provided an enzyme which is stable at room temperature storage, and has an activity in catalyzing an asymmetric oxidation reaction. That is, there is provided a useful material which enables an efficient enzyme-mimetic reaction under a mild condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for increasing production of methyl ketones in a genetically modified host cell that overproduces ?-ketoacyl-CoAs through a re-engineered ?-oxidation pathway and overexpresses FadM.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant yeast comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a heterologous enzyme that catalyses the conversion of malic acid to fumaric acid. The invention further relates to a process for the production of a dicarboxylic acid wherein the yeast according to the present invention is used.

Abstract: Described is a method for the production of 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid by enzyme-catalyzed covalent bond formation between the carbon atom of the oxo group of acetone and the methyl group of a compound which provides an activated acetyl group. Also described are recombinant organisms which produce 3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyric acid, and related compositions and methods.

Abstract: The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms having a toluene, benzene, p-toluate, terephthalate, (2-hydroxy-3-methyl-4-oxobutoxy)phosphonate, (2-hydroxy-4-oxobutoxy)phosphonate, benzoate, styrene, 2,4-pentadienoate, 3-butene-1ol or 1,3-butadiene pathway. The invention additionally provides methods of using such organisms to produce toluene, benzene, p-toluate, terephthalate, (2-hydroxy-3-methyl-4-oxobutoxy)phosphonate, (2-hydroxy-4-oxobutoxy)phosphonate, benzoate, styrene, 2,4-pentadienoate, 3-butene-1ol or 1,3-butadiene.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing omega-7 fatty acids from feedstock that includes syngas using Rhodococcus microorganisms. The syngas feedstock includes at least one of CO or a mixture of CO2 and H2, and the methods include introducing syngas into a bioreactor, where chemoautotrophic Rhodococcus microorganisms convert the gaseous feedstock into omega-7 fatty acids, such as palmitoleic acid and vaccenic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel isolated gene (polynucleotide) which encodes a protein having a biofilm formation inhibitory activity derived from Coryneform bacteria, a L-lysine-producing strain in which the polynucleotide is inactivated, and a method for producing L-lysine using the same.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing, on an industrial scale, capsular polysaccharide of Haemophilus influenzae type b (PRP) intended for vaccine purposes, according to which a strain of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is cultured in a culture medium, the culture supernatant is harvested and treated in order to extract the capsular polysaccharide therefrom, said culture medium comprising at least: —one source of carbon, —protoporphyrin, —salts, —amino acids, —NAD or NADH, —vitamins, —means for regulating the pH, characterised in that said culture medium is chemically defined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having xylanase activity, catalytic domains, carbohydrate binding modules and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, catalytic domains or carbohydrate binding modules. 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, catalytic domains or carbohydrate binding modules.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions and methods useful for the amplification of nucleic acid molecules by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Specifically, the invention provides compositions and methods for the amplification of nucleic acid molecules in a simplified one- or two-step RT-PCR procedure using combinations of reverse transcriptase and thermostable DNA polymerase enzymes in conjunction with sulfur-containing molecules or acetate-containing molecules (or combinations of such sulfur-containing molecules and acetate-containing molecules), and optionally bovine serum albumin. The invention thus facilitates the rapid and efficient amplification of nucleic acid molecules and the detection and quantitation of RNA molecules. The invention also is useful in the rapid production and amplification of cDNAs which may be used for a variety of industrial, medical and forensic purposes.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for production of gangliosides, e.g., GM1, from cells in culture using, for example, bone marrow cells and neuroblastoma cells. Methods include the treatment of cells with neural induction media and chloroquine, or chloroquine alone in the case of, e.g., human bone marrow cells, neuraminidase or glucosamine, to induce the production of gangliosides, e.g., GM1, in the cells. Also provided are methods of long-term, high density culturing of cells without passaging to produce gangliosides, e.g., GM1. Methods of quantifying gangliosides, e.g., GM1 in cell culture are also provided.

Abstract: Novel strains of microalgae belonging to the Scenedesmus genus enable the production of lipids, in particular lutein, in mixotrophic mode, as well as a method for selecting and culturing the strains using a variable and/or discontinuous supply of light, in particular in the form of flashes.

Abstract: Porous sol-gel material essentially consisting of units of one or more first polyalkoxysilanes chosen from the following compounds: (chloromethyl)triethoxysilane; 1,3-dimethyltetramethoxydisiloxane; ethyltrimethoxysilane; triethoxy(ethyl)silane; triethoxymethylsilane; triethoxy(vinyl)silane; trimethoxymethylsilane; trimethoxy(vinyl)silane; tetraethoxysilane or tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) and of units of one or more second polyalkoxysilanes chosen from the following compounds: (N-(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)ethylenediamine; 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, in a first polyalkoxysilane/second polyalkoxysilane molar ratio of 1/0.01 to 1/1, optionally comprising a probe molecule, method of preparation and applications in the trapping of monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and other pollutants or in their detection.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for quantifying an amount of enzyme molecules. Systems and methods of the invention are provided for measuring an amount of target by forming a plurality of fluid partitions, a subset of which include the target, performing an enzyme-catalyzed reaction in the subset, and detecting the number of partitions in the subset. The amount of target can be determined based on the detected number.

Abstract: An aqueous enzyme based sensor comprising one or more enzymes and at least one indicator compound capable of indicating a reaction of at least one of the enzymes with at least one target analyte, wherein the enzyme and the indicator are capable of being delivered, preferably by being sprayed, to a surface having the target analyte without sampling the surface. An aqueous enzyme based sensor is provided that is capable of detecting an enzyme specific substrate as the analyte. This aqueous enzyme based sensor further comprises of one or more enzyme specific substrates in which the sensor detects enzyme inhibition. The aqueous enzyme based sensor optionally comprises one or more of a light scattering additive(s), an adhesive polymer(s), a protein stabilizer(s), a protein stabilizing sugar(s), a surfactant(s), and a solvent(s), and combinations thereof. A dispensing system and a method of detecting a target chemical on a surface without sampling the surface is provided.

Abstract: Methods for performing dry chemistry, lateral flow-reconstituted chromatographic enzyme-driven assays are described. A combination of components necessary to elicit a specific enzyme reaction are predeposited as substrate in dry form together with ingredients necessary to produce a desired color upon occurrence of the desired reaction. The strip is equipped with a sample pad placed ahead of the substrate deposit in the flowstream, to which liquid sample is applied. The sample flows from the sample pad into the substrate zone where it immediately reconstitutes the dried ingredients while also intimately mixing with them and reacting with them at the fluid front. The fluid front moves rapidly into the final “read zone” wherein the color developed is read against predetermined color standards for the desired reaction. The assay in the format of the invention is faster and easier to perform than analogous wet chemistry assays.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to the detection of RNA in a sample of cells. More particularly, methods concern the localized detection of RNA in situ. The method relies on the conversion of RNA to complementary DNA prior to the targeting of the cDNA with a padlock probe(s). The hybridization of the padlock probe(s) relies on the nucleotide sequence of the cDNA which is derived from the corresponding nucleotide sequence of the target RNA. Rolling circle amplification of the subsequently circularized padlock probe produces a rolling circle product which may be detected. Advantageously, this allows the RNA to be detected in situ. In additional methods, rolling circle amplification products are sequenced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of multiple different light emitting molecules that emit different and detectable emission signals to provide systems and methods to detect different target products in a single assay sample, wherein the different light emitting molecules are positioned an optimal distance from metallic particles thereby enhancing emissions. Preferably, the systems and methods further comprise use of either microwave or sonic energy to increase binding reactions, timing of such reactions within the assay sample and reduce background non-specific biological absorption.

Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, and compositions, for performing amplification assays with an amplification reporter including a first oligomer and a second oligomer capable of base-pairing with one another below a melting temperature of the reporter. The reporter may have a detectable photoluminescence that is affected, such as reduced, by base-pairing of the first and second oligomers with one another. A target, such as a nucleic acid target sequence, may be amplified in at least one volume, such as a plurality of partitions, above the melting temperature, and photoluminescence of the reporter may be detected from the at least one volume below the melting temperature. A property of the target, such as a concentration of the target, may be determined based on the photoluminescence detected.

Abstract: A method for active hybridization in microarrays includes pumping an already prepared sample through a denaturing unit with a microarray and then through a reaction region which is spatially separate from the denaturing unit. The denatured reactive sample components are hybridized in the reaction region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuring the optical state on the inside of a reaction vessel. The apparatus includes: linking portions that optically connect with the interior of the reaction vessel that is linkable with reaction vessels, a connecting end arranging body having an arranging surface that arranges and supports along a predetermined path, connecting ends to which is provided back ends of the light guide portions, the front ends thereof being provided to the linking portions, the connecting ends being provided to the linking portions; a measurement device having measuring ends that are successively optically connectable with the connecting ends, and in which light based on the optical state is receivable by optical connections between the connecting ends and the measuring ends; and a light guide switching mechanism that successively optically connects the connecting ends and the measuring ends.

Abstract: A self-contained, fully automated, biological assay-performing apparatus includes a housing; a dispensing platform including a controllably-movable reagent dispensing system, disposed in the housing; a reagent supply component disposed in the housing; a pneumatic manifold removably disposed in the housing in a space shared by the dispensing platform, removably coupled to a fluidic transport layer and a plurality of reservoirs, wherein the fluidic transport layer, the reservoirs, and a test sample to be introduced therein are disposed in the housing in the space separate from the dispensing platform; a pneumatic supply system removably coupled to the pneumatic manifold in the housing in a space separate from the dispensing platform; and a control system coupled to at least one of the dispensing platform and the pneumatic supply system, disposed in the housing.

Abstract: Compositions that include polymerases with features for improving entry of nucleotide analogues into active site regions and for coordinating with the nucleotide analogues in the active site region are provided. Methods of making the polymerases and of using the polymerases in sequencing and DNA replication and amplification as well as kinetic models of polymerase activity and computer-implemented methods of using the models are also provided.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for performing intermittent detection during analytical reactions are provided. Such methods facilitate collection of reaction data from disparate reaction times. Further, such methods are useful for reducing photo-induced damage of one or more reactants in an illuminated analytical reaction at a given reaction time. In preferred embodiments, the reaction mixture is subjected to at least one illuminated and non-illuminated period and allowed to proceed such that the time in which the reaction mixture is illuminated is less than a photo-induced damage threshold period.

Abstract: A multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay that targets nine tetranucleotide short tandem repeat (STR) markers in the mouse genome. Unique profiles were obtained from seventy-two mouse samples that were used to determine the allele distribution for each STR marker. Correlations between allele fragment length and repeat number were determined with DNA Sanger sequencing. Genotypes for L929 and NIH3T3 cell lines were shown to be stable with increasing passage numbers as there were no significant differences in fragment length with samples of low passage when compared to high passage samples. In order to detect cell line contaminants, primers for two human STR markers were incorporated into the multiplex assay to facilitate detection of human and African green monkey DNA. This multiplex assay is the first of its kind to provide a unique STR profile for each individual mouse sample and can be used to authenticate mouse cell lines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit for conducting a method of measuring binding interactions using multiple sets of microparticles, wherein said set has the same identifiable characteristic and wherein one of more sets comprise subsets of microparticles and said subset presents at least one unique probe that acts as a binding partner for a target molecule in a biological sample. In particular, the invention provides for a kit for conducting a method of DNA-based tissue-typing antigens in donor tissue or recipient tissue using these multiple sets of microparticles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, in particular an in vitro method for identifying IL-17 expressing T cells in a blood and/or tissue sample derived from a mammal, comprising analysing the methylation status of at least one CpG position in the gene IL-17A, wherein a demethylation of said at least one CpG position in said sample when compared to an analogous position in a non IL-17 blood cell is indicative for a IL-17 positive CD4 positive T cell. The analyses according to the invention can identify IL-17 positive T cells and distinguish them from all other cells in complex samples, such as, for example, other blood cells. The present invention furthermore provides an improved method for quantifying IL-17 positive T cells in complex samples based on a comparison of the IL-17A methylation with a methylation of at least one marker selected from the group of CD3, FOXP3, and/or GAPDH.

Abstract: The present invention recognizes that diagnosis and prognosis of many conditions can depend on the enrichment of rare cells, especially tumor cells, from a complex fluid sample such as a blood sample. In particular, the present invention is directed to methods and compositions for detecting a non-hematopoietic cell, e.g., a non-hematopoietic tumor cell, in a blood sample via, inter alia, removing red blood cells (RBCs) from a blood sample using a non-centrifugation procedure, removing white blood cells (WBCs) from said blood sample to enrich a non-hematopoietic cell, if any, from said blood sample; and assessing the presence, absence and/or amount of said enriched non-hematopoietic cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to perioperative bleeding and, in particular, to methods of identifying individuals at risk of perioperative bleeding. The present invention relates, in general, to perioperative renal dysfunction and, in particular, to methods of identifying individuals at risk of perioperative renal dysfunction. The present invention relates, in general, to perioperative stroke and, in particular, to methods of identifying individuals at risk of perioperative stroke.

Abstract: Described are methods for early diagnosis and progression monitoring of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's Disease (AD) by quantifying neurite and/or synapse miRNAs in bodily fluids.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule containing a repeat region of an isolated spinocerebellar ataxia type 8 (SCA8) coding sequence, the coding sequence located within the long arm of chromosome 13, and the complement of the nucleic acid molecule. Diagnostic methods based on identification of this repeat region are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use (i) of a level of expression of a long RBM39 protein isoform, termed RBM39L, and (ii) of a level of expression of a short RBM39 protein isoform, termed RBM39C, as a marker for the efficacy of an active agent capable of preventing and/or treating HIV infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method for detecting or monitoring a liver disease in a subject that has no indication of any liver pathologies, by measuring the amount of concentration of albumin mRNA in an acellular blood sample from the subject, and then comparing the amount or concentration of albumin mRNA with a standard control.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of detecting a wild-type or mutant B-RAF gene in a body fluid sample from a subject. Also disclosed are methods of using B-RAF as a biomarker for detecting cancer, predicting the outcome of cancer, and monitoring the treatment of cancer or the status of cancer. Furthermore, the invention discloses methods and compositions for detecting a mutant gene with a peptide nucleic acid clamp capable of hybridizing to a wild-type gene and a locked nucleic acid probe capable of hybridizing to a mutant of the gene.

Abstract: The present invention provides a corn plant designated MON88017 and DNA compositions contained therein. Also provided are assays for detecting the presence of the corn plant MON88017 based on a DNA sequence and the use of this DNA sequence as a molecular marker in a DNA detection method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Lactuca sativa seed designated 41-115 RZ, which may exhibit a combination of traits including resistance against downy mildew (Bremia lactucae Regel) races Bl:1 to Bl:30 and Ca-I to Ca-VIII, currant lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri) biotype Nr:0, and corky root rot (Sphingomonas suberifaciens), as well as very thick, weakly blistering, mature non-flabellate leaves having a shallowly dentate leaf margin, and broad base leaves. The present invention also relates to a Lactuca sativa plant produced by growing the 41-115 RZ seed. The invention further relates to methods for producing the lettuce cultivar, represented by lettuce variety 41-115 RZ.

Abstract: Provided is a method for identifying human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in a sample. The invention involves use of a plurality of fluorescently labeled oligonucleotide probes and flow cytometry to detect the presence or absence of HIV in macrophages that are obtained from a mucosal surface. The invention is particularly useful for detecting HIV infection prior to seroconversion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating and selecting a colony of microorganisms on a culture dish and identifying microorganisms in said selected colony using MALDI. The method comprises the automated steps of locating and selecting a colony of microorganisms on a culture dish; obtaining a sample of said selected colony of microorganisms; depositing at least some of said sample of said selected colony of microorganisms on a target plate; and transferring said target plate with said sample in an apparatus for performing MALDI for identification of said sample of said selected colony of microorganisms. A sample of a colony of microorganisms is automatically deposited on a depositing spot such that the sample covers at most approximately half of said one of the depositing spots of the target plate.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for processing cellulosic and lignocellulosic materials into useful intermediates and products, such as energy and fuels. For example, conveying systems and methods, such as highly efficient vibratory conveyors, are described for the processing of the cellulosic and lignocellulosic materials.

Abstract: A blast furnace includes: a blast furnace body; raw material charging means for charging raw material into the blast furnace body; hot air blowing means for blowing hot air into the blast furnace body; a drying apparatus etc. for evaporating moisture in low-grade coal; a dry distillation apparatus etc. for carbonizing dried coal; a cooling apparatus etc. for cooling carbonized coal; a pulverization apparatus etc. for pulverizing the carbonized coal cooled by the cooling apparatus; a storage tank for storing powdered coal; a nitrogen gas supply source, a conveyor line and a cyclone separator etc. for conveying the powdered coal pulverized by the pulverization apparatus to the inside of the storage tank by generating a gas flow with the nitrogen gas; and an injection lance etc. for feeding the powdered coal inside the storage tank to hot air that is blown into the blast furnace body.

Abstract: A method for producing spheroidal graphite cast iron having a specific final composition includes: subjecting a molten iron to a spheroidization treatment using a spheroidizing agent of an Fe—Si—Mg—Ca-based alloy containing no rare earth element; conducting an inoculation treatment using a first Fe—Si-based inoculant; and conducting a pouring inoculation treatment with a given amount of a second Fe—Si-based inoculant containing 45-75% of Si, 1-3% of Ca, and 15 ppm or less of Ba.

Abstract: An embodiment includes a method, comprising: applying an overlay material to a portion of a rotatable shaft; directing a pulse of laser energy to contact the overlay material to produce a shock wave; and re-positioning one or more of the portion of the rotatable shaft and the pulse of laser energy to contact the overlay material at different positions to create a laser peened surface on the portion of the rotatable shaft; the pulse of laser energy comprising a pulse sufficient to create the laser peened surface having residual compressive stress to a depth exceeding about 3 mm. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: There are provided processes for treating red mud. For example, the processes can comprise leaching red mud with HCl so as to obtain a leachate comprising ions of a first metal (for example aluminum) and a solid, and separating said solid from said leachate. Several other metals can be extracted from the leachate (Fe, Ni, Co, Mg, rare earth elements, rare metals, etc.). Various other components can be extracted from solid such as TiO2, SiO2 etc.