Abstract: A device and method for lysing biological species present in a fluid includes implementing a rough surface against which the objects to be lysed are crushed by a shearing motion. A device for mechanically lysing biological species has a first and second wall mounted movable relative to each other, between an initial position in which the walls are separated from each other, and a lysing position in which the first wall presses against the second wall. The first and second walls also are mounted shearingly movable relative to each other in the lysing position. At least one of the first or second walls has a rough bearing surface against the other wall and has a mean surface roughness parameter Ra of between 0.2 ?m and 10 ?m, and preferably between 0.2 ?m and 3 ?m.

Abstract: Disclosed are biodegradable insulation materials comprising a structural scaffold; and at least one temperature resilient fungus. Also disclosed are methods of making and using biodegradable insulation materials comprising a structural scaffold; and at least one temperature resilient fungus. For example, disclosed are methods of insulating an infrastructure comprising administering the disclosed biodegradable insulation materials to an infrastructure.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present application discloses a cell culture medium for culturing cell lines suitable for producing a therapeutic protein, comprising an amino acid selected from a group consisting of L-arginine, L-asparagine, L-proline, L leucine and L hydroxyproline and a mixture thereof; a vitamin selected from a group consisting of ascorbic acid Mg2+ salt, biotin, pyridoxine HCL, folic acid, riboflavin and D-calcium pantothenate, and a mixture thereof; an element selected from a group consisting of ammonium meta vanadate, sodium meta vanadate, germanium dioxide, barium acetate, aluminum chloride, rubidium chloride, cadmium chloride, ammonium molybedate, stannous chloride, cobalt chloride, chromium sulfate, silver nitrate, sodium metasilicate, zinc sulfate, manganese sulfate H2O, manganous chloride, ferric nitrate 9H2O, ferrous sulfate 7H2O, ferric ammonium citrate, magnesium chloride anhydrous, and magnesium sulfate anhydrous, and a mixture thereof; a nucleoside selected from a group consisting of u

Abstract: Means which enables preparation of a thick cell aggregate by a simple process without an operation of detaching and stacking of cells is disclosed. The method for preparing a three-dimensional cell aggregate by the present invention comprises: a cell encasing step of placing a cell suspension in a cell container; and a pressure application step of applying pressure to cells in the container. The cell encasing step and the pressure application step may be carried out a plurality of times. By the present invention, a thick, robust cell aggregate can be obtained by a simple operation of applying pressure to a cell suspension or a medium containing cells. Since the method does not require an operation of stacking a plurality of cell sheets, the cells are hardly damaged, and the conditions of the cells can be favorably maintained, so that the cells can be advantageously used as a tissue piece for transplantation.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing suspensions of biological cells and microcarriers are disclosed. The biological cells are separated from the microcarriers by introducing the suspension into a spinning membrane separator whereby the biological cells pass through the membrane and the microcarriers do not pass through the membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cell modification device, comprising a centrifugation chamber with at least one cell modifying surface with a normal vector having an angle of 135?45° to the rotational axis of the centrifugation chamber, wherein the centrifugation chamber comprises at least one input/output port and the cells to be modified are immobilized at the cell modifying surfaces by the rotation of the centrifugation chamber at 2 to 2000 g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the generation of anterior definitive endoderm (ADE) cells from embryonic stem cells and the differentiation of such cells to, for example, pancreatic or liver cells. The invention also relates to cell lines, cell culture methods, cell markers and the like and their potential uses in a variety of applications.

Abstract: A method for inducing reprogramming of a cell of a first type which is not a non-hepatocyte (non-hepatocyte cell), into a cell with functional hepatic drug metabolizing and transporting capabilities, is disclosed. The non-hepatocyte is induced to express or overexpress hepatic fate conversion and maturation factors, cultured in somatic cell culture medium, hepatocyte cell culture medium and hepatocyte maturation medium for a sufficient period of time to convert the non-hepatocyte cell into a cell with hepatocyte-like properties. The iHeps induced according to the methods disclosed herein are functional induced hepatocytes (iHeps) in that they express I and II drug-metabolizing enzymes and phase III drug transporters and show superior drug metabolizing activity compared to iHeps obtained by prior art methods. The iHeps thus provide a cell resource for pharmaceutical applications.

Abstract: The present specification discloses clonal cell lines susceptible to BoNT/A intoxication, methods of producing such clonal cell lines, and methods of detecting Botulinum toxin serotype A activity using such clonal cell lines.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing a synthetic retina, comprising: i) providing a three dimensional stem cell culture throughout the differentiation time course, ii) differentiating the three dimensional stem cell culture for a first time period in a first neural cell culture medium comprising: a) L-glutamine; b) B27 supplement; and c) an IGF-1 receptor agonist, iii) subsequently differentiating the three dimensional stem cell culture for a second time period in a second neural cell culture medium comprising: a) L-glutamine; b) B27 supplement; c) N2 supplement; and d) an IGF-1 receptor agonist, wherein said synthetic retina contains laminated retinal tissue comprising.

Abstract: The present invention describes transgenic animals with human(ized) immunoglobulin loci and transgenes encoding human(ized) Ig? and/or Ig? sequences. Of particular interest are animals with transgenic heavy and light chain immunoglobulin loci capable of producing a diversified human(ized) antibody repertoire that have their endogenous production of Ig and/or endogenous Ig? and/or Ig? sequences suppressed. Simultaneous expression of human(ized) immunoglobulin and human(ized) Ig? and/or Ig? results in normal B-cell development, affinity maturation and efficient expression of human(ized) antibodies.

Abstract: The invention provides improved T cell compositions and methods for manufacturing T cells. More particularly, the invention provides methods of T cell manufacturing that result in adoptive T cell immunotherapies with improved survival, expansion, and persistence in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention provides for novel methods for regulating and detecting the cytosine methylation status of DNA. The invention is based upon identification of a novel and surprising catalytic activity for the family of TET proteins, namely TET1, TET2, TET3, and CXXC4. The novel activity is related to the enzymes being capable of converting the cytosine nucleotide 5-methylcytosine into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine by hydroxylation.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, methods for producing platelets including the steps of providing a silk membrane about 2 ?m and 100 ?m thick, inclusive, contacting the silk membrane with a porogen to form a porous silk membrane comprising at least one silk wall defining a lumen, associating the porous silk membrane with stromal derived factor-1? and at least one functionalizing agent, forming a three dimensional silk matrix comprising interconnected pores wherein the pores have a diameter of between about 5 and 500 ?m, inclusive, wherein the silk matrix is formed around at least a portion of the porous silk membrane, introducing a plurality of megakaryocytes to the silk matrix such that the megakaryocytes are located at least partially within the porous silk matrix, and stimulating the plurality of megakaryocytes to produce platelets. Also provided are various new compositions and methods of making those compositions.

Abstract: A method for producing a population of cells, enriched for non-adherent endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), the method comprising culturing an EPC containing population of cells in the presence of interleukin-3 (IL-3), such that a population of cells enriched for non-adherent EPCs is produced.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods of use in reprogramming somatic cells. Compositions and methods of the invention are of use, e.g., for generating or modulating (e.g., enhancing) generation of induced pluripotent stem cells by reprogramming somatic cells. The reprogrammed somatic cells are useful for a number of purposes, including treating or preventing a medical condition in an individual. The invention further provides methods for identifying an agent that reprograms somatic cells to a pluripotent state and/or enhances the speed and/or efficiency of reprogramming. Certain of the compositions and methods relate to modulating the Wnt pathway.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for de-differentiating somatic cells into stem-like cells without generating embryos or fetuses. More specifically, the present invention provides methods for effecting the de-differentiation of somatic cells to cells having stem cell characteristics, in particular pluripotency, by introducing RNA encoding factors inducing the de-differentiation of somatic cells into the somatic cells and culturing the somatic cells allowing the cells to de-differentiate.

Abstract: Provided is a method for efficiently culturing pluripotent stem cells with higher safety. The present invention relates to a method for culturing pluripotent stem cells, the method comprising culturing an isolated pluripotent stem cells in a pseudo-microgravity environment to proliferate the pluripotent stem cells while maintaining the pluripotent stem cells in an undifferentiated state, thereby forming and growing spheroids of the pluripotent stem cells; and a method for inducing differentiation of pluripotent stem cells by using the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel bacteriophages specific to Klebsiella pneumoniae strains, and compositions comprising the same. Particularly, polypeptides and their coding nucleic acid molecule of the novel bacteriophages are provided. The invention also relates to applications of the novel bacteriophages and the polypeptides in the detection/treatment/prevention of infection caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae strains. Development of immunogen and vaccine on the basis of the polypeptides are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to ketoreductases and the use thereof. The ketoreductases of the invention are particularly useful for enzymatically catalyzing the reduction of ketones to chiral secondary alcohols.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for catalyzing the formation of carbon-silicon bonds using heme proteins. In certain aspects, the present invention provides heme proteins, including variants and fragments thereof, that are capable of carrying out in vitro and in vivo carbene insertion reactions for the formation of carbon-silicon bonds. In other aspects, the present invention provides methods for producing an organosilicon product, the method comprising providing a silicon-containing reagent, a carbene precursor, and a heme protein; and combining the components under conditions sufficient to produce an organosilicon product. Host cells expressing the heme proteins are also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a compound of formula I (I), wherein R1 is hydrogen, fluoro or chloro; which process comprises a) reacting a compound of formula II (II), wherein R1 is hydrogen, fluoro or chloro; with a nitration agent to the compound of formula (III), wherein R1 is hydrogen, fluoro or chloro; and b) reacting the compound of formula III with chlorine gas at temperature from 180° C. to 250° C. to the compound of formula I.

Abstract: Variants of phosphotriesterase have been created that exhibit enhanced hydrolysis of V-type and G-type nerve agents over wild-type phosphotriesterase. V- and G-type nerve agents have an SP and RP enantiomer. The SP enantiomers are more toxic. V-type nerve agents are among the most toxic substances known. Variants of phosphotriesterase can prefer to hydrolyze one enantiomer of VX over the other enantiomer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions for linking DNA binding domains and cleavage domains (or cleavage half-domains) to form non-naturally occurring nucleases with alternative configurations. Also described are methods of making and using compositions comprising these linkers.

Abstract: The saccharification reaction mixture can saccharify at least one of cellulose and hemicellulose and contains, in a dispersion state, at least one of cellulose and hemicellulose, a saccharification enzyme, and colloidal silica. The ratio of the amount of the saccharification enzyme not immobilized on colloidal silica to the entire amount of the saccharification enzyme is 25% to 100%.

Abstract: The present compositions and methods relate to a beta-mannanase from Paenibacillus macerans, polynucleotides encoding the beta-mannanase, and methods of make and/or use thereof. Formulations containing the beta-mannanase are suitable for use in hydrolyzing lignocellulosic biomass substrates, especially those comprising a measurable level of galactoglucomannan (GGM) and/or glucomannan (GM).

Abstract: Recombinant collagenases with a stable specific activity and enzyme agents for cell and tissue dissociation such a recombinant are provided. The recombinant collagenase is derived from Grimontia hollisae-derived collagenase is characterized by having, from the N terminus to the C terminus, a collagenase catalytic domain, a linker region sequence, and a prepeptidase C terminal domain, which Grimontia hollisae-derived recombinant collagenase does not comprise at least the prepeptidase C terminal domain. The obtained recombinant collagenase has a high and stable specific activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to enzyme inhibitors. More specifically, the present invention relates to ligand-directed covalent modification of proteins; method of designing same; pharmaceutical formulation of same; and method of use.

Abstract: Compositions comprising unprocessed cell pellets of a cellulosome-producing microorganism grown on cellulosic biomass are provided. Further provided are methods for producing the compositions and uses thereof in hydrolysis of cellulosic substrates. In particular, the compositions advantageously contain extracellular beta-glucosidase, either expressed on the cells themselves or extrinsically added to the cell pellets.

Abstract: An electroporation device with a volume of varying cross sectional area that as a fast assay device for determining the optimal conditions for plasma membrane electroporation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved methods for bead beating and a bead beating system useful therefor. The bead beating system comprises a sample tube, beads, and a dry blocking agent, and methods for using the bead beating system to extract nucleic acids from cells containing the nucleic acids.

Abstract: A method of detection and identification of one or more microorganism/s in a biological sample comprising the following steps: (a) extracting DNA from the microorganism/s; and (b) amplifying the extracted DNA and indicating the level of extracted DNA in a quantitative PCR; wherein the quantitative PCR is performed using the primer pair of SEQ ID NO.1 and 2 together with the probe of SEQ ID NO. 7, and/or the primer pair of SEQ ID NO. 3 and 4 together with the probe of SEQ ID NO.8.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for generating a library of synthetic polynucleotides. The present invention also provides methods for generating proteins encoded by the library of synthetic polynucleotides. In addition, provided herein are methods for determining the soluble expression of said proteins. This invention is based, in part, on the discovery of a method for selecting optimal oligonucleotides in combination with performing a phosphorylation reaction, ligation reaction and PCR amplification in a single reaction vessel to produce synthetic polynucleotides in a multiplex manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the detection of a specific sequence of RNA in a cell or tissue sample. The invention also relates to methods to enzymatically manipulate the RNA in a crude cell lysate in a number of applications.

Abstract: The present invention describes oligonucleotides that bind to microRNA target sites in target RNAs, such as mRNAs. The oligonucleotides of the invention may mediate RNase H degradation of the target RNA, mediate RNAi of the target RNA or prevent microRNA regulation of the target RNA. The oligonucleotides of the invention are useful e.g. as research tools for studying microRNA:mRNA interactions and for therapeutic development. The present invention also describes methods of identifying microRNA target sites, methods of validating microRNA target sites, methods of identifying oligonucleotides of the invention and methods of modulating the activity of a target RNA using the oligonucleotides of the invention.

Abstract: Morpholino oligonucleotides can be produced efficiently in a high yield by a liquid-phase synthesis method, which includes subjecting a reaction mixture of a condensation reaction to an extraction operation and separating the morpholino oligonucleotide as a resultant product to the organic layer side.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to a composition and method of using recombinant microRNAs (miRNA) and their hairpin-like precursors (pre-miRNA) as therapeutic drugs for treating Alzheimer's diseases (AD). More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of man-made miRNA miR-302 precursors (pre-miR-302) for AD therapy in humans. These pre-miR-302 molecules can be mass produced in prokaryotes as a form of DNA expression-competent DNA vectors and/or hairpin-like RNAs. As prokaryotic cells do not transcribe or process hairpin-like RNAs, the present invention also teaches a method for expressing pre-miRNAs in prokaryotes, i.e. pro-miRNA, using a novel hairpin-like RNA transcription mechanism newly found in prokaryotes.

Abstract: Methods of inhibiting lymphangiogenesis and/or angiogenesis in a subject are provided. In one aspect, for example, a method of inhibiting angiogenesis in a subject can include binding an antisense morpholino to an mRNA splicing site of VEGFR1 selected from exon13_intron13 junction, intron13_exon14 junction, or a combination thereof. In another aspect, the morpholino includes a member selected from VEGFR1_MOe13, VEGFR1_MOi13, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel medical means to facilitate glutathione (GSH) synthesis in the brain. These means are miR-96-5p inhibitor increasing GSH expression in the brain and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the miR-96-5p inhibitor and having a preventive and/or therapeutic performance to a disease caused by decrease of GSH amount or depression of GSH activity.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for preventing, treating or ameliorating one or more symptoms of a malignant tumor in a mammal in need thereof, by administering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising RNAi molecules, where the RNAi molecules can be active in reducing expression of Hsp47.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the delivery of oligomers for treating patients with a 5? mutation in their DMD gene other than a DMD exon 2 duplication. The invention provides methods and materials for activating an internal ribosome entry site in exon 5 of the DMD gene resulting in translation of a functional truncated isoform of dystrophin. The methods and materials can be used for the treatment of muscular dystrophies arising from 5? mutations in the DMD gene such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy or Becker Muscular Dystrophy.

Abstract: Provided herein are nucleic acid amphiphiles and nanostructures such as nanotubes twisted nanotapes and helical nanotapes that comprise the amphiphiles as well as methods to deliver therapeutic agents with the nanostructures.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for the treatment of metabolic disorders. Also provided herein are methods and compositions for the reduction of blood glucose level, the reduction of gluceoneogenesis, the improvement of insulin resistance and the reduction of plasma cholesterol level. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise inhibiting the activity of miR-103. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise inhibiting the activity of miR-107. In certain embodiments, the activity of both miR-103 and miR-107 is inhibited. In certain embodiments, such methods comprise administering a compound comprising an oligonucleotide targeted to a microRNA.

Abstract: Aptamers that bind to and antagonize PD-1 and uses thereof in promoting T cell proliferation, treating cancer or infectious diseases such as HIV infection.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a peptide nucleic acid for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and use thereof. The peptide nucleic acid of the present invention is selected from any one or more from the peptide nucleic acids having a) a nucleic acid sequence of Sequence 1 as shown in the Sequencing List; b) a nucleic acid sequence of Sequence 2 as shown in the Sequencing List; c) a nucleic acid sequence of Sequence 3 as shown in the Sequencing List; and d) a nucleic acid sequence of Sequence 3 as shown in the Sequencing List. The peptide nucleic acid of the present invention has no toxic side effect and no resistance, is able to specifically directly inhibit the replication of PRRSV, has a good anti-viral effect, and suffers no food safety problems including drug residue and others.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for the inhibition of miR-122 activity. The compositions have certain nucleoside modifications that yield potent inhibitors of miR-122 activity. The compounds may comprise conjugates to facilitate delivery to the liver. The compositions may be administered to subjects infected with hepatitis C virus, as a treatment for hepatitis C virus and related conditions.

Abstract: Embodiment herein provide specially designed synthetic BCL11A-targeting microRNAs for RNA polymerase II expression, and methods o use to treat hemoglobinopathies such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia by increasing the expression levels of fetal hemoglobin levels. In particular illustrative embodiment, the present invention provides, in part, improved compositions and methods for achieving gene therapy in hematopoietic cells and hematopoietic precursor cells, including erythrocytes, erythroid progenitors, and embryonic stem cells. The invention further provides improved gene therapy methods for treating hematopoietic-related disorders.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a composition for diagnosis of liver metastasis of colorectal cancer and the use thereof, and more particularly to a composition for diagnosis of liver metastasis of colorectal cancer, which comprises either a substance for measuring the mRNA level of CCL7 (Chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 7) gene or a substance for measuring the level of a protein which is encoded by the gene. According to the present disclosure, whether liver metastasis of colorectal cancer occurred can be diagnosed by measuring the mRNA expression level of the CCL7 gene or the expression level of the CCL7 protein, and the use of the composition comprising an inhibitor of CCL7 gene allows the treatment of colorectal cancer or the liver metastasis of colorectal cancer.

Abstract: In certain aspects, provided herein are RNA complexes (e.g., asymmetric RNA complexes, such as asiRNAs or cell penetrating asiRNAs) that inhibit ANGPT2 and/or PDGFB expression and are therefore useful for treating angiogenesis-associated diseases, such as cancer, AMD, and DME.

Abstract: Various methods and compositions relating to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) are provided. In one aspect, a method of increasing expression of the soluble form of VEGFR2 (sVEGFR2) in a subject can include binding an antisense morpholino to an exon13-intron13 splicing site of VEGFR2 mRNA such that the VEGFR2 mRNA is spliced into a sVEGFR2 isoform.