Abstract: It is disclosed herein that cultured primary placental human trophoblast (PHT) cells are highly resistant to infection by a number of disparate viruses, and confer this resistance to non-placental recipient cells by exosome-mediated delivery of microRNAs (miRs). PHT cells express high levels of unique, primate-specific miRNAs, expressed from the chromosome 19 miRNA cluster (C19MC). It is further disclosed herein that C19MC miRNAs are packaged within PHT-derived exosomes and attenuate viral replication in recipient cells by inducing autophagy. Thus, provided herein are methods of inhibiting, treating or preventing microbial infections by administering one or more miRs of the C19MC. Also provided are methods of inducing autophagy in a cell by contacting the cell with one or more miRs of the C19MC.

Abstract: The present invention provides siRNAs for inhibiting the expression of plk1 gene, and the method for inhibiting the expression of plk1 gene in mammalian cells. The siRNAs of the present invention have the double-stranded structure, and said double-stranded structure is composed of the first single strand and the second single strand that are fully complementary, wherein the sequence of said first single strand is the same as the target sequence within the sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1, and the sequence of said second single strand is complementary to the target sequence within the sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1. The siRNAs of the present invention can sequence specifically mediate the inhibition of plk1 gene expression, and have a good serum stability. By the introduction of the siRNAs of the present invention into the tumor cells, the expression of plk1 gene can be effectively inhibited, and the growth of tumor cells is inhibited and the apoptosis of tumor cells is promoted.

Abstract: Aptamers and improved aptamers are provided with enhanced efficacy for binding to target molecules in vivo or for treating cancer or other diseases. Such improvements in aptamers are provided that enhance in vivo efficacy such as binding to the target molecule or enhancing anti-cancer activity. Such improvements also include stability to serum nucleases, reduced binding to a soluble form of the target molecule, increased avidity, affinity or specificity to the target molecule on a cell surface, increased lifetime in circulation, or any combination of the foregoing. Improvements are provided by truncation, multimerization, including at least one non-natural nucleic acid, adding a 3? or 5? polyethylene glycol, or any combination thereof. Aptamers for treatment of autoimmune diseases are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of identifying oligonucleotides capable of modulating the immune system in a mammalian subject, comprising analysis of which tertiary structural type said oligonucleotide adopts, in phosphate-buffered saline solution. Further, the invention provides oligonucleotides identifiable by the methods of the invention and to their use in methods of treating diseases, such as inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.

Abstract: Provided herein are nucleic acid constructs that contain a synthetic control element that includes a cis-regulator of translation, and an adapter translation-coupled regulator of transcription. Further provided herein are nucleic acid constructs that contain nucleic acid sequences under the control of the synthetic control elements. Also provided are compositions and methods related to the nucleic acid constructs.

Abstract: The present invention uses co-expression of protease inhibitors and protease sensitive therapeutic agents including phage and phagemids delivering peptides, therapeutic antibodies, DNA and RNA-based therapeutics that results in treating inflammation of a variety of disorders including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and inflammatory bowel disease. The invention also provides bacteria that inhibit the growth of intestinal parasites such as worms, and deliver siRNA or miRNA that have specific anti-parasitic effects that results in the reduction or elimination of the parasite.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and compositions for modulating the quality of an immune response to a target antigen in a mammal, which response results from the expression of a polynucleotide that encodes at least a portion of the target antigen, wherein the quality is modulated by replacing at least one codon of the polynucleotide with a synonymous codon that has a higher or lower preference of usage by the mammal to confer the immune response than the codon it replaces.

Abstract: Described are compositions and methods relating to variant filamentous fungi having altered growth characteristics. Such variants are well-suited for growth in submerged cultures, e.g., for the large-scale production of enzymes and other proteins for commercial applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of producing a polypeptide, comprising: (a) cultivating a mutant of a parent Fusarium venenatum strain in a medium for the production of the polypeptide, wherein the mutant strain comprises a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide and one or more (several) genes selected from the group consisting of pyrG, amyA, and alpA, wherein the one or more (several) genes are modified rendering the mutant strain deficient in the production of one or more (several) enzymes selected from the group consisting of orotidine-5?-monophosphate decarboxylase, alpha-amylase, and alkaline protease, respectively, compared to the parent Fusarium venenatum strain when cultivated under identical conditions; and (b) recovering the polypeptide from the cultivation medium. The present invention also relates to enzyme-deficient mutants of Fusarium venenatum strains and methods for producing such mutants.

Abstract: This invention is intended to allow accumulation of large quantities of soluble sugars in tissue other than plant seeds. A plant is modified so as to suppress a gene encoding a subunit exhibiting the highest sequence similarity with the subunit encoded by the AGPL1 gene of rice among subunits constituting.

Abstract: In the tgd1-1 mutant that displays substantially enhanced TAG synthesis and turnover, disruption of SUGAR-DEPENDENT1 (SDP1) TAG lipase or PEROXISOMAL TRANSPORTER1 (PXA1) severely decreases FA turnover, leading to an increase in leaf TAG content up to 9% of dry weight and total leaf lipid by three-fold. The membrane lipid content and composition of tgd1-1 sdp1-4 and tgd1-1 pxa1-2 double mutants are altered and they are compromised in growth and development and fertility.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acids, and variants and fragments thereof, obtained from strains of Bacillus thuringiensis encoding polypeptides having pesticidal activity against insect pests including, but not limited to, insect pests belonging to the orders Coleoptera and Lepidoptera. Particular embodiments of the invention provide isolated nucleic acids encoding pesticidal proteins, pesticidal compositions, polynucleotide constructs, and transformed microorganisms and plants comprising a nucleic acid of the embodiments. These compositions find use in methods for controlling pests, especially plant pests.

Abstract: A recombinant vector comprises simian adenovirus 43, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49 or 50 sequences and a heterologous gene under the control of regulatory sequences. A cell line which expresses simian adenovirus 43, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49 or 50 gene(s) is also disclosed. Methods of using the vectors and cell lines are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides modified HSV vectors that exhibit enhanced entry of cells, either through direct infection and/or lateral spread. In one aspect, HSV vectors of the present invention can directly infect cells through interaction with cell proteins other than typical mediators of HSV infection. In another aspect, the invention provides an HSV vector, which exhibits lateral spread in cells typically resistant to HSV lateral spread, such as cells lacking gD receptors. The invention further provides DNA encoding mutant forms of the HSV gB and gH glycoproteins, stocks of the inventive virus, and methods for effecting viral targeting and efficient entry of cells. The invention also pertains to the use of the inventive vectors for treating cancers.

Abstract: A method for controlling a fermentation process includes injecting a mash into a fermenter and injecting an enzymatic additive into the fermenter on a continuous basis. The enzymatic additive is injected on a continuous basis during at least two time periods: during a batch fill and after the batch fill. The method may be used to control the fermentation processes of one or more fermenters operating in parallel.

Abstract: The invention relates to the development of microorganisms capable of producing fermentation products via an engineered pathway in the microorganisms. The invention also relates to microorganisms with improved cell viability and methods to improve cell viability and cell productivity of a microorganism.

Abstract: A lactate dehydrogenase mutant, a polynucleotide encoding the mutant, a recombinant yeast cell including the polynucleotide, and a method of preparing the mutant and a method of producing lactate by using the same.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of manufacturing renewable chemicals through the manufacture of novel triglyceride oils followed by chemical modification of the oils. Methods such as transesterification, hydrogenation, hydrocracking, deoxygenation, isomerization, interesterification, hydroxylation, hydrolysis and saponification are disclosed. Novel oils containing fatty acid chain lengths of C8, C10, C12 or C14 are also disclosed and are useful as feedstocks in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A method for producing fatty acid alkyl esters, wherein a solution comprising triglyceride and alcohol is contacted with a first lipolytic enzyme having a relatively higher activity on free fatty acids than on triglyceride and a second lipolytic enzyme having a relatively higher activity on triglyceride than on free fatty acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide having a resistant to feedback inhibition by methionine and an activity of homoserine O-succinyltransferase, a O-succinyl homoserine-producing microorganism expressing the polypeptide, and a method for producing O-succinyl homoserine using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified polynucleotide encoding aspartate kinase (EC:2.7.2.4; hereinafter, referred to as LysC), transketolase (EC:2.2.1.1; hereinafter, referred to as Tkt) or pyruvate carboxylase (EC:6.4.1.1; hereinafter, referred to as Pyc), in which the initiation codon is substituted with ATG, a vector including the same, a microorganism transformed with the vector, and a method for producing L-lysine using the same.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a production of liquefied lignocellulosic substrate by enzymatic reaction. 10% to 40% by weight dry matter of pre-treated lignocellulosic substrate is contacted, with water and enzymes at 0.1 to 60 mg of enzymes per gram of cellulose for a period of 1 to 24 hours. Over time, at least the value of one of the rheological characteristics of the reaction medium is measured. If a reduction of the value is detected over time, the following step a) is carried out: a) the feeding flow rate of pre-treated lignocellulosic substrate is increased, with or without modification of the flow rate of enzymes and/or water; If an increase of the value is detected over time, a step b) is carried out: b) the feeding flow rate of water and/or enzymes is increased, with or without modification of the flow rate of pre-treated lignocellulosic substrate.

Abstract: Protein enriched micro-vesicles and methods of making and using the same are provided. Aspects of the methods include maintaining a cell having a membrane-associated protein comprising a first dimerization domain and a target protein having a second dimerization domain under conditions sufficient to produce a micro-vesicle from the cell, wherein the micro-vesicle includes the target protein. Also provided are cells, reagents and kits that find use in making the micro-vesicles, as well as methods of using the micro-vesicles, e.g., in research and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: A process for controlling concentration of CO in a bioreactor provides a direct and real time measurement of dissolved CO in a fermentation medium. The process for controlling concentrations of CO in a bioreactor includes contacting an aliquot of fermentation medium with at least one CO binding ligand and at least one microbial inactivator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for specific and direct detection of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli bacteria in a sample using a selective and differential isolation medium for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli bacteria comprising at least one chromogenic agent and tellurite.

Abstract: Highly efficient and rapid filtration-based concentration devices, systems and methods are disclosed with sample fluidic lines and a filter packaged in a disposable tip which concentrate biological particles that are suspended in liquid from a dilute feed suspension. A sample concentrate or retentate suspension is retained while eliminating the separated fluid in a separate flow stream. The concentrate is then dispensed from the disposable tip in a set volume of elution fluid. Suspended biological particles include such materials as proteins/toxins, viruses, DNA, and/or bacteria in the size range of approximately 0.001 micron to 20 microns diameter. Concentration of these particles is advantageous for detection of target particles in a dilute suspension, because concentrating them into a small volume makes them easier to detect. All conduits by which the disposable tip attaches to the instrument are combined into a single connection point on the upper end of the tip.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of diagnosing depressive disorders in a subject by comparing a CDP-diacylglycerol synthase 1 enzyme activity or expression level to enzyme activity or expression level of CDP-diacylglycerol synthase 1 in a control subject. Also herein are methods of predicting therapeutic efficacy of an antidepressant drug in a subject with depressive disorders by monitoring enzyme activity or expression level of CDP-diacylglycerol synthase 1 in the subject. Further provided herein are methods of identifying a compound effective to treat or alleviate the symptoms of depression by monitoring enzyme activity or expression level of CDP-diacylglycerol synthase 1 in a tissue. Further provided are kits for diagnosing depressive disorders.

Abstract: An article for detecting Salmonella microorganisms is provided. The article comprises a highly selective nutrient medium and a plurality of indicator systems. A method of using the article to detect Salmonella microorganisms is also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns novel glycosidase substrates of formula (I): where R0, R1, R2, R3, and R4 are such as defined in claim 1; and a method for detecting the presence of a catalytically active glycosidase using one of these substrates.

Abstract: A screening method for identifying an agent as effective for providing an anti-aging skin benefit is provided. The screening method includes culturing first and second human skin samples from about 3 days to about 19 days, wherein the first and second human skin samples are derived from a human skin surgical waste tissue. The first human skin sample is contacted with at least one test agent. The second human skin sample is contacted with a positive control. Transcriptional profiles are generated from the first and second human skin samples, and the at least one test agent is identified as effective for providing an anti-aging skin benefit when the transcriptional profiles of at least two genes show a similar directional change in comparison to one or more untreated control tissue samples.

Abstract: A kit and method for detection of a target in a sample. An assay mixture provided in the kit and used in the method includes a first probe with a first antibody recognizing a first epitope of the target and conjugated to an RNA oligonucleotide; a second probe with a second antibody recognizing a second epitope of the target and conjugated to a DNA oligonucleotide; a reverse primer with a first region complimentary to the RNA oligonucleotide and a second region complimentary to the DNA oligonucleotide; and a reverse transcriptase that creates a DNA transcription product from the RNA oligonucleotide using the reverse primer only if the RNA oligonucleotide and the DNA oligonucleotide are in close proximity. If the target is present in the sample, the reverse primer binds the RNA oligonucleotide and the DNA oligonucleotide to bring the RNA oligonucleotide and the DNA oligonucleotide in close proximity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and products for localized or spatial detection and/or analysis of RNA in a tissue sample or a portion thereof, comprising: (a) providing an object substrate on which at least one species of capture probe, comprising a capture domain, is directly or indirectly immobilized such that the probes are oriented to have a free 3? end to enable said probe to function as a reverse transcriptase (RT) primer; (b) contacting said substrate with a tissue sample and allowing RNA of the tissue sample to hybridize to the capture probes; (c) generating cDNA molecules from the captured RNA molecules using said capture probes as RT primers; (d) labelling the cDNA molecules generated in step (c), wherein said labelling step may be contemporaneous with, or subsequent to, said generating step; (e) detecting a signal from the labelled cDNA molecules; and optionally (f) imaging the tissue sample, wherein the tissue sample is imaged before or after step (c).

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for random amplification of nucleic acid sequences of interest using random-G-deficient primers. Also disclosed are methods of randomly amplifying a target nucleic acid sequence using random G-deficient primers alone or in combination with random, partially random, or specific primers.

Abstract: There is provided a genetic test system provided with a dispensing means for dispensing a sample and a reagent to a reaction vessel and a vessel conveyance means for conveying the reaction vessel. The system further includes a plurality of nucleic acid amplification detection units, each including a temperature control means for accommodating a plurality of reaction vessels and performing temperature control for each accommodated position of the reaction vessel, a temperature monitoring means for monitoring a value of temperature to be controlled of the reaction vessel, and a light emission measurement means for measuring light emission of reaction liquid in the reaction vessel. At least one of the nucleic acid amplification detection units individually has a vessel conveyance means different from the above-mentioned vessel conveyance means.

Abstract: A method is provided herein, the method includes: applying a sample comprising target nucleic acids to a sample application zone of a substrate; applying an aqueous buffer to the sample application zone of the substrate to washes away one or more inhibitors present on the sample application zone; and applying an isothermal nucleic acid amplification reaction mixture to the sample application zone to amplify the target nucleic acid to form a nucleic acid amplification product. The target nucleic acid having a first molecular weight is substantially immobilized at the sample application zone and wherein the amplification product having a second molecular weight.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, systems, and apparatuses for collecting and/or amplifying nucleic acids. In general, provided methods, systems, and apparatuses involve contacting a sample including a nucleic acid with a nucleic acid amplification reagent without purification of nucleic acids from the sample.

Abstract: An analysis apparatus for performing biochemical analysis of a sample using nanopores comprises: a sensor device that supports plural nanopores, reservoirs holding material for performing the analysis; a fluidics system; and plural containers for receiving respective samples, all arranged in a cartridge that is removably attachable to an electronics unit arranged to generate drive signals to perform signal processing circuit to generate output data representing the results of the analysis. The fluidics system supplies samples selectively from the containers to the sensor device using a rotary valve.

Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting, identifying, and sequencing, compounds, complexes, and molecules are described. Electronic detection is combined with optical excitation to determine the presence or identity of an analyte of interest. Embodiments of the invention additionally provide devices and methods that allow highly parallel nucleic acid sequence determination.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems, devices and methods for identifying biopolymers, such as strands of DNA, as they pass through a constriction such as a carbon nanotube nanopore. More particularly, the invention is directed to such systems, devices and methods in which a newly translocated portion of the biopolymer forms a temporary electrical circuit between the nanotube nanopore and a second electrode, which may also be a nanotube. Further, the invention is directed to such systems, devices and methods in which the constriction is provided with a functionalized unit which, together with a newly translocated portion of the biopolymer, forms a temporary electrical circuit that can be used to characterize that portion of the biopolymer.

Abstract: Some embodiments described herein relate to modified nucleotide and nucleoside molecules with novel 3?-hydroxy protecting groups. Also provided herein are methods to prepare such modified nucleotide and nucleoside molecules and sequencing by synthesis processes using such modified nucleotide and nucleoside molecules.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for quantitative determination of CK-19 mRNA positive cells in a biological sample. The method can be used, for instance, with peripheral blood to detect cancer in a patient. In one embodiment, the method can be used to detect the cancer before initiation of adjuvant treatment, thereby providing information about therapeutic efficacy. Practice of the invention method is sensitive, reliable, and easy to perform.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for analyzing large nucleic acids including chromosomes and chromosomal fragments. In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of nucleic acid analysis comprising the steps of (a) obtaining a sample of nucleic acid comprising at least one chromosome or fragment greater than about 1000 base pairs in length and containing a target region; (b) creating an emulsion in which each drop of the emulsion contains an average of between about 0-2, 0-1.75, 0-1.5, 0-1.0, 0-0.75, 0-0.5, or fewer chromosomes or fragments of step (a), (c) performing emulsion PCR, (d) quantifying the number of emulsion droplets containing amplified nucleic acid from the target region; (e) calculating the ratio of droplets containing amplified nucleic acid from the target region to total droplets; and (f) comparing the ratio of step (e) to a reference ratio representing a known genotype.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of assessing a favorable or, on the contrary, an unfavorable prognosis of a cancer in the subject, which method comprises detecting the presence of a mutated Natural Cytotoxicity-triggering Receptor 3 (NCR3) nucleic acid, an abnormal relative amount of at least one particular Natural Killer p30 (NKp30) RNA transcript isoform, and/or an abnormal Natural Killer p30 (NKp30) expression or activity of at least one particular NKp30 protein isoform in a sample from the subject, the presence of mutated NCR3 nucleic acid, abnormal relative amount of at least one particular NKp30 RNA transcript isoform, or abnormal expression or activity of at least one particular NKp30 protein isoform being indicative of the prognosis of cancer in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of detecting cancer using biomarkers.

Abstract: The present invention is based on BCR-ABL1 splice variants which result from insertion and/or truncation of the bcr-abl1 transcript and the finding that these variants provide resistance to kinase domain inhibitors such as imatinib, nilotinib and dasatinib.

Abstract: A breast cancer diagnostic composition and kit, and methods of diagnosing breast cancer or acquiring information for breast cancer diagnosis by using the composition or kit are provided. The composition or kit includes a polynucleotide that is the same as or complementary to at least one microRNA (miRNA) selected from the group consisting of hsa-miR-126, hsa-miR-23a, hsa-miR-24, hsa-miR-19b, hsa-miR-103, hsa-miR-142-3p, hsa-miR-144, hsa-miR-15a, hsa-miR-185, hsa-miR-93, and hsa-miR-30c in a vesicle, or a fragment of the microRNA.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of prostate cancer, well as for treatment selection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and kit for detecting carbapenemase resistance genes causing carbapenem resistance in bacteria. The invention provides oligonucleotide primers, which can be used in the detection. The method can be used to detect OXA-48, SME, GIM-1, VIM 1-22, SPM, GES 1-10, KPC 1-7, IMI 1-3/NMC-A, IMP 1-24 within a single reaction and OXA-23 group, OXA-24 group, OXA-51 group with ISabal promoter, OXA-55, OXA-58, OXA-60, OXA-62, CMY 1, -10, -11 SFC-1, NDM-1, and SIM-1 within another single reaction.

Abstract: In alternative embodiments, the invention provides computational algorithms, computer programs, software and other methods, systems and products of manufacture (e.g., computers, devices or apparatus) for identifying members of microbial communities, their abundance and distribution from amplicon sequence data, and comparing microbial communities and consortia. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides computer-implemented methods comprising a subset of, substantially all, or all of the steps as set forth in the flow chart of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 or FIG. 4. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides methods for identification of consortia, optionally followed by construction of artificial microbial consortia from pure strains or enrichment cultures. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides compositions, fluids, bioreactors, muds, reservoirs or products of manufacture comprising a synthetic microbial consortium made by the method of the invention.

Abstract: Provided are compositions, kits, and methods for the identification of Listeria. In certain aspects and embodiments, the compositions, kits, and methods may provide improvements in relation to specificity, sensitivity, and speed of detection.