Abstract: The present disclosure provides novel polypeptides with 3-buten-2-ol dehydratase activity, polypeptides with catalytic activity in the conversion of 3-methyl-3-buten-2-ol to isoprene, and crystal structure data for one of such polypeptides. Methods of making and using the polypeptides and their related crystal structure data are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for stabilizing a cholesterol oxidase, a method for preserving a cholesterol oxidase, and a stabilized composition of cholesterol oxidase. A method for stabilizing a cholesterol oxidase and a method for preserving a cholesterol oxidase which comprises allowing the cholesterol oxidase to coexist with an ?-keto acid in an aqueous medium, and, a stabilized composition of cholesterol oxidase which comprises the cholesterol oxidase being allowed to coexist with an ?-keto acid in an aqueous medium. The method for stabilizing a cholesterol oxidase, the method for preserving a cholesterol oxidase, and a stabilized composition of cholesterol oxidase according to the present invention are useful for clinical diagnosis such as metabolic syndrome.

Abstract: The present invention relates to matrix materials suitable for use in purifying and/or isolating nucleic acids from a biological sample, which matrix comprises a surface comprising at least one element selected from the group consisting of Germanium, Tin and/or Lead, or at least one salt thereof, and methods related therewith.

Abstract: Presented are methods and compositions for using immobilized transposase and a transposon end for generating an immobilized library of 5?-tagged double-stranded target DNA on a surface. The methods are useful for generating 5?- and 3?-tagged DNA fragments for use in a variety of processes, including massively parallel DNA sequencing.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of characterizing a mechanism of action of an agent (e.g., a chemotherapeutic agent, a genotoxic agent). The method comprises contacting a plurality of populations of cells with an agent to be assessed, wherein each population of cells have one gene of interest targeted by a small hairpin RNA (shRNA) and wherein said gene of interest regulates cell death and a plurality of genes that regulate cell death are targeted in the plurality of populations of cells. A responsiveness of each population of cells to the agent is determined, thereby obtaining an shRNA signature of the agent, so as to identify one or more genes that mediate a response to the agent, thereby characterizing the mechanism of action of the agent. The invention is also directed an article of manufacture for characterizing a mechanism of action of a chemotherapeutic or genotoxic agent.

Abstract: This relates to a method of preparing induced pluripotent stem cells, comprising a nuclear reprogramming step with a nuclear reprogramming factor in the presence of miRNA, wherein said miRNA has a property of providing a higher nuclear reprogramming efficiency in the presence of said miRNA than in the absence thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial nucleic acid molecule comprising at least one 5?UTR element which is derived from a TOP gene, at least one open reading frame, and preferably at least one histone stem-loop. Optionally the artificial nucleic acid molecule may further comprise, e.g. a poly(A)sequence, a poyladenylation signal, and/or a 3?UTR. The invention further relates to the use of such an artificial nucleic acid molecule in gene therapy and/or genetic vaccination.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are antisense compounds and methods for decreasing Tau mRNA and protein expression. Such methods, compounds, and compositions are useful to treat, prevent, or ameliorate Tau-associated diseases, disorders, and conditions.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, compounds, and compositions for reducing expression of huntingtin mRNA and protein in an animal. Such methods, compounds, and compositions are useful to treat, prevent, delay, or ameliorate Huntington's disease, or a symptom thereof.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for making and using a RNAi capable of reducing expression of two or more genes, comprising: a first RNAi molecule that reduces the expression of a first target gene; a second RNAi molecule that reduces the expression of the first or a second target gene; and optionally a third RNAi molecule that reduces the expression of the first, the second, or a third target gene, wherein the RNAi molecules reduce the expression level of, e.g., mutated KRAS, SRC-3, EGFR, PIK3, NCOA3, or ERalpha1, and can be, e.g., miRNAs, shRNAs, or bifunctional shRNAs.

Abstract: Disclosed is providing a novel VEGF-binding aptamer whose affinity to VEGF is higher than those of known VEGF-binding aptamers. By an in silico maturation method starting from a known VEGF-binding aptamer, 4 kinds of aptamers whose affinities to VEGF are higher than that of the known VEGF-binding aptamer were prepared. By linking two molecules of an obtained aptamer to each other via a linker, an aptamer having an even higher affinity to VEGF was obtained. The polynucleotide of the present invention contains the base sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs:1 to 4, and binds to vascular endothelial growth factor.

Abstract: A recombinant nucleic acid comprising an aptamer that binds CD4 and an RNAi sequence that silences the expression of ROR?2 is described herein. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the recombinant nucleic acid, particularly topical compositions are also described. Methods of treating inflammatory disease using the pharmaceutical composition are also described.

Abstract: A mutant, non-naturally occurring or transgenic plant cell comprising: (i) a polynucleotide comprising, consisting or consisting essentially of a sequence encoding a neoxanthin synthase and having at least 60% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID No. 6; (ii) a polypeptide encoded by the polynucleotide set forth in (i); (iii) a polypeptide having at least 66% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:2 or at least 60% sequence identity to SEQ ID No. 7; or (iv) a construct, vector or expression vector comprising the isolated polynucleotide set forth in (i), and wherein the expression or activity of the neoxanthin synthase is modulated as compared to a control or wild type plant.

Abstract: Disclosed are polynucleotides encoding polypeptides that comprise the biosynthetic pathway for lignin in the jute plant. The present invention relates generally to the field of plant lignin biosynthesis genes, polypeptides encoded by such genes, and the use of such polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences for controlling plant lignin production. Also disclosed are methods for using the polynucleotides and polypeptides to influence the quality and amount of fiber produced by jute.

Abstract: The invention provides specific transgenic soybean plants, plant material and seeds, characterized in that these products harbor a stack of specific transformation events at specific locations in the soybean genome. Tools are also provided which allow rapid and unequivocal identification of these events in biological samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plant from the Capsicum family suitable for use as rootstock, capable of being obtained from the initial crossing of a Capsicum plant, preferably a C. annuum plant, with a Capsicum baccatum plant used as female parent, optionally followed by one or more additional crossing(s) with a Capsicum baccatum plant. Another subject of the present invention is a grafted plant constituted of a rootstock according to the invention and a graft. A further subject of the present invention is a seed, a cell or a part of a rootstock plant according to the invention. A final subject of the present invention is the use of a plant according to the invention as rootstock and a process for obtaining a grafted plant.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed compositions related to Eilat virus and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides reagents and methods for biomaterial production from cyanobacteria.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a recombinant microorganism engineered to express an enzyme which catalyzes the conversion of a primary amine and an acyl thioester to a fatty amide. The disclosure further encompasses a method of producing a fatty amide by culturing the recombinant microorganism in the presence of a carbon source.

Abstract: Nucleic acid sequences encoding chimeric polypeptides that exhibit enhanced cellulase activities are disclosed herein. These nucleic acids may be expressed in hosts such as fungi, which in turn may be cultured to produce chimeric polypeptides. Also disclosed are chimeric polypeptides and their use in the degradation of cellulosic materials.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for processing biomass materials that are disposed in one or more structures or carriers, e.g., a bag, a shell, a net, a membrane, a mesh or any combination of these. Containing the material in this manner allows it to be readily added or removed at any point and in any sequence during processing.

Abstract: Methods of processing paper feedstocks are provided, as well as intermediates and products made using such methods. Certain types of paper feedstocks, in particular highly pigmented papers, and/or highly loaded papers such as paper that has been color printed, e.g., magazines, and high basis weight coated papers, e.g., magazine stock, are utilized to produce useful intermediates and products, such as energy, fuels, foods or materials.

Abstract: A method for the production of nucleic acid encoding a target protein. The method comprises (a) providing an array of RNA or DNA molecules including one or more encoding the target protein; (b) generating a target protein from the array to form RNA-protein or DNA-protein complexes in which the RNA or DNA molecule is non-covalently or covalently bound to the complex; (c) separating the complexes into compartments wherein most or all of the compartments contain no more than one complex; (d) subjecting the complexes to reaction conditions which allow target protein activity; and (e) selecting nucleic acid encoding the target protein on the basis of the activity associated therewith, wherein when the complex is a DNA-protein complex in which the DNA is non-covalently bound, step b) is performed in the absence of separate compartments for each complex.

Abstract: A method for producing a protein of interest on a manufacturing scale is based on integration, by homologous recombination, of the DNA encoding the protein of interest into a bacterial cell genome at a pre-selected site. The manufacturing scale production of recombinant proteins is in the fed-batch mode, semi-continuous or in a chemostat.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to analyze or identify a cell. The method comprises: providing a cell, stimulating the cell with a stimulant thereby modifying a cell membrane impedance of the cell, monitoring the cell membrane impedance of the cell and identifying the cell based on the monitored cell membrane impedance. A corresponding device is also provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions, e.g., cell-based and multiplexed platforms, to screen for small molecule drugs that inhibit enzymes such as proteases, e.g., viral proteases, e.g., HIV proteases; and methods for making and using these compositions. The invention provides compositions and methods for identifying compositions, e.g., drug molecules, that can inhibit proteases, e.g., viral proteases such as HIV proteases. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides cell-based platforms or assays to screen for compositions, e.g., small molecules or drugs, that inhibit or modify the activity of enzymes such as calcium-dependent protein convertases involved in HIV envelope protein processing, including cleavage of the HIV gp160 envelope precursor, resulting in gp120 and gp41 envelope products. In one embodiment, the invention provides a cell-based or multiplexed platform for monitoring the activity of enzymes, e.g., proteases such as viral proteases.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for activating a nucleic acid for a polymerase reaction with the steps: (a) Heating a nucleic acid to a temperature of 55° C. to 80° C., (b) cooling the nucleic acid to a temperature at which a polymerase shows no substantial decrease in activity, and (c) starting the polymerase reaction by the addition of a heat-labile polymerase to the nucleic acid.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions for isolating populations of nucleic acids from biological, forensic, and environmental samples. Also disclosed are methods for using these compositions as one-step formulations for killing pathogens, inactivating nucleases, and releasing polynucleotides from other cellular components within the sample, and stabilizing the nucleic acids prior to further processing or assay. The disclosed compositions safely facilitate rapid sample collection, and provide extended storage and transport of the samples at ambient or elevated temperature without contamination of the sample or degradation of the nucleic acids contained therein. This process particularly facilitates the collection of specimens from remote locations, and under conditions previously considered hostile for preserving the integrity of nucleic acids released from lysed biological samples without the need of refrigeration or freezing prior to molecular analysis.

Abstract: Methods of cleaving double-stranded DNA that can be recognized and cleaved by a rationally-designed, I-CreI-derived meganuclease are provided. Also provided are recombinant nucleic acids, cells, and organisms containing such recombinant nucleic acids, as well as cells and organisms produced using such meganucleases. Also provided are methods of conducting a custom-designed, I-CreI-derived meganuclease business.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to efficient sensors for detecting the presence and concentration of one or more particular target molecules in solutions, air or other gasses, or otherwise present in an environment or sample. Various embodiments of the present invention provide relatively large binding constants or, equivalently, relatively small dissociation constants for binding of target biopolymers or other target molecules with complementary probes bound to, or associated with, a sensor substrate. In addition, various embodiments of the present invention increase the area of the surface of the sensor affected by binding of a target biopolymer or other target molecules to the sensor which, in turn, produces a stronger signal and greater signal-to-noise ratio for a given number or concentration of bound target biopolymers or other target molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the detection of a target nucleic acid sequence by a PTO Cleavage and Extension-Dependent Signaling Oligonucleotide Cleavage assay (PCE-SC assay). The present invention is carried out in such a manner that the extended strand is produced on the CTO having arbitrary sequences as templates depending on the presence of target nucleic acid sequences and in turn the SO as probes is hybridized with the extended strand to give signal. The present invention employs a series of reactions including PTO hybridization and cleavage, CTO hybridization and extension, and SO hybridization and cleavage, which is responsible for the highly enhanced specificity of the present invention.

Abstract: An apparatus with a transducer having a first output signal and arranged to receive an electrical input. The transducer switches the first output signal between an ON and OFF state. The apparatus has a chemical sensing surface coupled to the transducer arranged to receive a chemical input. A signal generator oscillates one or more of said inputs to vary the switching point of the transducer. The oscillating input may be the chemical input and/or the electrical input. The output signal may be a pulse whose period ON or OFF is determined by the oscillating input modulated by the chemical input.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions for evaluating nucleic acids, standardized mixture for assessing amounts of at least one target nucleic acid in a sample, and kits comprising the same.

Abstract: Methods are provided for isolating CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, methods for purifying a subset of IL-13 expressing CD8 T cells are provided, such methods comprising the steps of marking the CD8+ T cells by labeling CD8, or selectively removing non-CD8 cells, and then purifying a subset of IL-13 expressing CD8+ T cells by marking a human biomarker such as C10orf128. Related antibodies and antiserums are also described, such antibodies related to a cell surface domain peptide for biomarker C10orf128, and human homologs of related mouse “activated” CD8IL-13 cell surface biomarkers Tm4sf19 and 1830127L07Rik.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed herein for identifying a subject with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Methods are also disclosed for determining if an agent is effective for the treatment or prevention of IBS. Methods of treating a subject with IBS, such as a subject identified using the disclosed methods, are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a novel method for the early detection and/or discrimination of cancer and anti-cancer agents for the prevention or early treatment of cancer. In particular, the method relates to the determination of levels of circulating miRNAs in breast cancer patients, both primary and metastatic. Furthermore, kits, devices, pharmaceutical compositions as well as methods related thereto are described.

Abstract: The subject invention discloses a method for determining the prognosis and probable clinical course of a subject diagnosed with B-CLL. Specifically, the invention involves comparing CD38 expression in a biological sample from the subject containing B-CLL cells to a baseline level of CD38 expression, wherein an elevated level of CD38 expression in relation to the baseline level of CD38 expression may indicate poor prognosis or aggressive course of disease in the subject. Also disclosed is a method for determining whether the Ig V genes of the B-CLL cells of a B-CLL patient are mutated, comprising comparing CD38 expression in a biological sample from the subject containing B-CLL cells to a baseline level of CD38 expression, wherein a lower level of CD38 expression in relation to the baseline level indicates IG V gene mutation.

Abstract: Described herein are glucose and insulin sensors. The sensors are composed of host cells with DNA specifically designed to produce fluorescence when the cells come into contact with glucose and/or insulin in the sample. Once the fluorescence has been quantified, it can be correlated with the amount of glucose and/or insulin present in the sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for in vitro testing of specimens, such as biomaterials or implants, wherein the method comprises at least immersing at least a part of the test specimen into a liquid media, controlling the liquid media, controlling surrounding environment, providing a predetermined non-destructive force to the specimen, and measuring reactions of the specimen or constituents of the liquid media. Further it relates to an apparatus for in vitro testing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to previously undescribed viruses that are associated with significant expansion of the virome, immunodeficiency, and enteropathy during lentiviral infection. The invention also provides methods to detect acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or AIDS progression in a subject, methods to diagnose immunodeficiency or enteropathy in a subject, and methods to identify a therapeutic agent to treat the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to molecular approaches to the production of nucleic acid sequences, which comprises the genome of infectious hepatitis C virus. In particular, the invention provides nucleic acid sequences which comprise the genomes of infectious hepatitis C viruses of either genotype 3a (strain S52) or genotype 4a (strain ED43). The invention therefore relates to the use of the nucleic acid sequences and polypeptides encoded by all or part of the sequences in the development of vaccines and diagnostic assays for HCV and in the development of screening assays for the identification of antiviral agents for HCV. The invention therefore also relates to the use of viral particles derived from laboratory animals infected with S52 and ED43 viruses.

Abstract: A system and method for a chromium recovery process for recovering chromium from byproducts resulting from a tannery process. A system and process for solubilizing chromium contained in the oil byproduct into the remaining water content within the oil and extracting the water from the oil with the chromium sufficiently solubilized in the water such that the chromium content in the oil is sufficiently reduced below hazardous levels.

Abstract: An impeller for stirring a melt pool includes: an impeller body extending in the length direction; a blowing nozzle which is provided in such a way as to pass through one part at the bottom end of the impeller body; and a blade provided on the upper part of the impeller body. As a result, when the impeller is used, a stirring flow produced due to the blade and a stirring flow due to substances blown into the melt-pool via the blowing nozzle correspond to each other, and the two flows are combined such that the overall stirring force is improved. Consequently, it is possible to improve the efficiency of stirring by the impeller as compared with hitherto, and, as a result, refining efficiency in the refining step is improved as the rate of reaction between the melt-pool and additives is increased.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas purging element at a metallurgical vessel as well as a corresponding gas supply pipe.

Abstract: A method of decarburizing a molten alloy may generally comprise injecting a first gas comprising at least one of argon, carbon dioxide, and oxygen through a first fluid-conducting portion of a tuyere into the molten alloy below the surface of the molten alloy, and injecting a second gas comprising at least one of argon and carbon dioxide through a second fluid-conducting portion of the tuyere into the molten alloy below the surface of the molten alloy. The tuyere may comprise an inner portion concentrically aligned within an outer portion to define an annulus therebetween. The first gas may be injected through the inner portion, and the second gas may be injected through the annulus.

Abstract: An apparatus includes rails for supporting sides of a circumferential peripheral edge of a carrier. A movable ram engages a rearward portion of the carrier. A movable restrainer restrains movement of the ram. A wheel engages a forward portion of the carrier. A controller is operable to control the movable restrainer to restrain movement of the ram with the carrier and at least one metal object disposed adjacent an induction heating device, the wheel to rotate the carrier and the metal object, the induction heating device to induction heat the rotating metal object, and the movable restrainer to disengage the ram so that the wheel pivots away to allow passage of the carrier and the heated metal object into a quench bath. A plurality of metal objects may be arranged in a circular array in the carrier about a diameter generally equal to the diameter of an induction coil.

Abstract: A steel plate with a low yield ratio and high toughness. The steel plate comprises components of, by weight: C (0.05-0.08%), Si (0.15-0.30%), Mn (1.55-1.85%), P (less than or equal to 0.015%), S (less than or equal to 0.005%), Al (0.015-0.04%), Nb (0.015-0.025%), Ti (0.01-0.02%), Cr (0.20-0.40%), Mo (0.18-0.30%), N (less than or equal to 0.006%), O (less than or equal to 0.004%), Ca (0.0015-0.0050%), and Ni (less than or equal to 0.40%), a ratio of Ca to S being greater than or equal to 1.5, and the residual being Fe and inevitable impurities.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of agglomerating iron oxide-containing residual substances, in particular scale and mill scale, wherein the residual materials and the paper sludge are dried and comminuted and agglomerates are produced by means of hot briquetting from the mixture comprising the residual substances and the paper sludge. In this way, mill scale briquettes of high strength and density can be produced which in steelmaking processes can then be charged into an electric arc furnace for the purpose of recycling the iron contained in the residual substances.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing a ferric nitrate (Fe(NO3)3) reagent, capable of serving as a solvent and copper species oxidizing agent in the ore curing, heap leaching, and/or run of mine (ROM) leaching of a copper ore hydrometallurgical process located at a brown field or green field, from an aqueous copper raffinate solution from the copper ore hydrometallurgical process of copper ore containing iron (II) (Fe2+), and the reagent prepared pursuant to this process.

Abstract: A method includes providing a first and a second joining partner each having a first main surface, wherein at least a portion of the first main surfaces of the first and joining partners each comprise a metal layer. The method further includes applying a plurality of solder preforms to the metal layer of the first main surface of at least one of the first and second joining partners, positioning the first and second joining partners so that the solder preforms contact the metal layers of the first main surfaces of the first and second joining partners, and melting the plurality of solder preforms under pressure to form a single continuous thin layer area interconnect comprising a diffusion solder bond which bonds together the metal layers of the of the first main surfaces of the first and second joining partners.