Abstract: Disclosed are DNA polymerases having increased reverse transcriptase efficiency relative to a corresponding, unmodified polymerase. The polymerases are useful in a variety of disclosed primer extension methods. Also disclosed are related compositions, including recombinant nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells, which are useful, e.g., for production of the DNA polymerases.

Abstract: Isolated peptides comprising sequences derived from the protein integrase of HIV-1, as well as their analogs, mixtures, conjugates with permeability enhancing moieties, and pharmaceutical compositions are disclosed. The peptides and compositions are capable of selectively killing HIV-1 infected cells and are used in treatment of HIV infection and AIDS.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN)-related compositions and methods of using said TALENs for correcting mutant genes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of treating diseases states such as lysosomal storage diseases and/or neurodegenerative diseases. Also disclosed are one or more compositions that may be useful for one or more of the disclosed methods, including compositions that may comprise acid ?-glucosidase (GCase) protein comprising one or more mutations, peptides of acid ?-glucosidase, and DNA vectors and cell lines related to acid ?-glucosidase peptides or proteins.

Abstract: The invention relates to a host cell comprising at least four different heterologous polynucleotides chosen from the group of polynucleotides encoding cellulases, hemicellulases and pectinases, wherein the host cell is capable of producing the at least four different enzymes chosen from the group of cellulases, hemicellulases and pectinases, wherein the host cell is a filamentous fungus and is capable of secretion of the at least four different enzymes. This host cell can suitably be used for the production of an enzyme composition that can be used in a process for the saccharification of cellulosic material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for removing endotoxin from proteins. Also disclosed are products made by using the method. The method may be used, for example, to produce endotoxin-free lactoferrin. Bovine milk-derived lactoferrin may be produced in commercial quantities by the method, and endotoxin-free bovine lactoferrin may be used for a variety of therapeutic uses, including improving wound healing.

Abstract: The present invention claims a novel process for the production and purification of microbial collagenase (Microbial Collagenase EC 3.4.24.3) produced by the non-pathogenic aerobic bacterium Vibrio alginolyticus chemovar. iophagus (NCIMB Number: 1 1038, synonym LMG 3418, hereinafter called Vibrio alginolyticus), which said process provides high production levels of collagenase with a stable, reproducible, cheap fermentation process. The collagenase produced from Vibrio alginolyticus according to the process described herein also presents a specific activity superior to that of other microbial collagenases, is stable in aqueous solution, and can be frozen without significant damage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a therapeutic agent for epithelial and endothelial injury, and in particular, for epithelial and endothelial microinjury, and the like. The therapeutic agent according to the present invention comprises, for example, a peptide of the following (a), (b), etc., a derivative thereof, or their salt: (a) a peptide comprising the amino acid sequence shown in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 10, 4, 12 and 6; or (b) a peptide comprising the amino acid sequence shown in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 16, 18, 20 and 22.

Abstract: Provided is an improved nitrile hydratase with improved catalytic activity. Also provided are DNA for coding the improved nitrile hydratase, a recombinant vector that contains the DNA, a transformant that contains the recombinant vector, nitrile hydratase acquired from a culture of the transformant, and a method for producing the nitrile hydratase. Also provided is a method for producing an amide compound that uses the culture or a processed product of the culture. The improved nitrile hydratase contains an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 50 (GX1X2X3X4DX5X6R) in a beta subunit, and is characterized in that X4 is an amino acid selected from a group comprising cysteine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, histidine, isoleucine, lysine, methionine, asparagine, proline, glutamine, serine and threonine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for preparing enzyme-immobilized beads used for preparation of tagatose, and a method for preparing enzyme-immobilized beads using the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus for preparing enzyme-immobilized beads, comprising a nozzle with an inside diameter of 0.1-1 mm having a cylindrical lower end and comprising a cut-type liquid outlet (cut perpendicularly to the vertical axis of the nozzle) formed at the lower end, and a method for preparing enzyme-immobilized beads using the same.

Abstract: A microfluidic cartridge, configured to facilitate processing and detection of nucleic acids, comprising: a top layer comprising a set of cartridge-aligning indentations, a set of sample port-reagent port pairs, a shared fluid port, a vent region, a heating region, and a set of Detection chambers; an intermediate substrate, coupled to the top layer comprising a waste chamber; an elastomeric layer, partially situated on the intermediate substrate; and a set of fluidic pathways, each formed by at least a portion of the top layer and a portion of the elastomeric layer, wherein each fluidic pathway is fluidically coupled to a sample port-reagent port pair, the shared fluid port, and a Detection chamber, comprises a turnabout portion passing through the heating region, and is configured to be occluded upon deformation of the elastomeric layer, to transfer a waste fluid to the waste chamber, and to pass through the vent region.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for retrieval of nucleotide sequence. The process includes mixing iron chloride tetrahydrate with iron (III) chloride hexahydrate in solution; adding ammonium hydroxide to the mixture and stirring to form maghemite nanoparticles; stirring the maghemite nanoparticles in a solution with an inorganic acid, a surfactant and a monomer precursor of a conducting polymer; initiating polymerization of the monomer by adding the inorganic acid and an oxidizing agent to the stirred solution and further stirring to yield Polyaniline/maghemite nanocomposites; adding the nanocomposites to an first aqueous solution of the nucleotide sequence and stirring so as to electrostatically interact the nanocomposites with the nucleotide sequence; and weakening the electrostatic interaction between the nanocomposite and the nucleotide sequence to recover the nanocomposite independently of the nucleotide sequence.

Abstract: A syringe device having a plunger beneath which is disposed a rupturable capsule containing a nucleic acid wash buffer and a rupturing mechanism for rupturing the capsule, wherein the capsule, syringe, plunger, and rupturing mechanism are so configured as to first apply pneumatic pressure to force a nucleic acid solution through a membrane and to thereafter rupture the capsule and force a first volume of the wash buffer through the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method based on the use of restriction enzyme digestion and ligation via cleavage sites, thereby to prepare two or more standardized expression cassettes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule containing a sequence of tricyclo nucleosides joined by internucleoside phosphorothioate linkage. The invention also relates to synthetic antisense oligonucleotides and to methods employing the same.

Abstract: Treatment of fibrosis and fibrotic diseases, disorders, and conditions, and associated methods, compositions, formulations and articles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of quantifying miR-185 as a potential biomarker in lipid disorder or cardiovascular diseases in human. The present invention also provides a method of modulating miR-185 in regulating LDL and cholesterol metabolism in cells. The present invention has therapeutic potential in the treatment of cholesterol/LDL related cardiovascular diseases in humans.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel double-stranded short interfering (siRNA) analogs comprising locked nucleic acid (LNA) monomers. Such compounds induces sequence-specific post-transcriptional gene silencing in many organisms by a process known as RNA interference (RNAi). The compounds disclosed herein has improved properties compared to non-modified siRNAs and may, accordingly, be useful as therapeutic agents, e.g., in the treatment of various cancer forms. More particularly, the present invention is directed to siRNA analogs comprising a sense strand and an antisense strand, wherein each strand comprises 12-35 nucleotides and wherein the siRNA analogs comprise at least one locked nucleic acid (LNA) monomer.

Abstract: The present invention provides oligomeric compounds and uses thereof. In certain embodiments, such oligomeric compounds are useful as antisense compounds. Certain such antisense compounds are useful as RNase H antisense compounds or as RNAi compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and kits useful for providing neuroprotection to neurons in the inner ear and to methods of treating inner ear diseases and disorders, including tinnitus and Mnire's disease.

Abstract: Methods are provided herein for assembling at least two nucleic acids using a sequence specific nuclease agent (e.g., a gRNA-Cas complex) to create end sequences having complementarity and subsequently assembling the overlapping complementary sequences. The nuclease agent (e.g., a gRNA-Cas complex) can create double strand breaks in dsDNA in order to create overlapping end sequences or can create nicks on each strand to produce complementary overhanging end sequences. Assembly using the method described herein can assemble any nucleic acids having overlapping sequences or can use a joiner oligo to assemble sequences without complementary ends.

Abstract: Disclosed are yeast cells expressing TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) and methods of screening yeast cells to identify compounds that prevent or suppress TDP-43-induced toxicity, compounds that inhibit the formation or maintenance of cytoplasmic inclusions of TDP-43, genetic suppressors or enhancers of TDP-43-induced toxicity, and genetic suppressors or enhancers of the formation or maintenance of cytoplasmic inclusions of TDP-43. Compounds identified by such screens can be used to treat or prevent TDP-43 proteinopathies such as frontotemporal lobar degeneration or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and reagents useful in modulating gene expression in a variety of applications, including use in therapeutic, diagnostic, target validation, and genomic discovery applications. Specifically, the invention relates to synthetic chemically modified small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules capable of mediating RNA interference (RNAi) against target nucleic acid sequences. The small nucleic acid molecules are useful in the treatment of any disease or condition that responds to modulation of gene expression or activity in a cell, tissue, or organism.

Abstract: The invention relates to transgenic plants with improved growth and nitrogen use efficiency expressing nitrate transporter gene, methods of making such plants and methods for improving growth and nitrogen use efficiency.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods of engineering plants to modulate galactan content. Specifically, the disclosure provides methods for engineering a plant to increase the galactan content in a plant tissue by inducing expression of beta-1,4-galactan synthase (GALS), modulated by a heterologous promoter. Further disclosed are the methods of modulating expression level of GALS under the regulation of a transcription factor, as well as overexpression of UDP-galactose epimerse in the same plant tissue. Tissue specific promoters and transcription factors can be used in the methods are also provided.

Abstract: Modified PYR/PYL receptors activated by orthogonal ligands are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides plants comprising transgenic event MON 88302 that exhibit tolerance to glyphosate herbicide. The invention also provides seeds, plant parts, cells, commodity products, and methods related to the event. The invention also provides DNA molecules that are unique to the event and were created by the insertion of transgenic DNA into the genome of a Brassica napus plant.

Abstract: A breeding stack of soybean event 9582.814.19.1 and soybean event pDAB4468.04.16.1 resulted in the novel soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1::pDAB4468.04.16.1. Soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1::pDAB4468.04.16.1 comprises genes encoding AAD-12, Cry1F, Cry1Ac (synpro), and PAT, affording insect resistance and herbicide tolerance to soybean crops containing the event, and enabling methods for crop protection and protection of stored products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vector for expressing an NC protein of HIV and a method for producing an NC protein using the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a vector for expressing an NC protein of HIV, in which an intron sequence and an mRNA stability element in the downstream of NC gene are sequentially linked, and a method for producing an NC protein using the same. The vector for expressing an NC protein of HIV of the present invention, in which an intron sequence and an mRNA stability element in the downstream of NC gene are sequentially linked, can express a wild type NC protein in animal cells, and has an effect of improving the expression efficiency, as compared to a known art.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method of promoting polyploidization of megakaryocytes and thereby producing highly polyploidized megakaryocytes, a method of efficiently producing platelets from polyploidized megakaryocytes, and the like. The present invention provides a method of producing polyploidized megakaryocytes comprising a step of forcing expression of an apoptosis suppressor gene in megakaryocytes before polyploidization and culturing the resulting cells.

Abstract: Provided is a multicistronic retroviral vector genome having a first nucleic acid sequence upstream of at least one internal regulatory element, such that the level of genomic RNA available for packaging in the absence of rev, or a functional equivalent thereof, is increased.

Abstract: The invention relates to engineered CRISPR/Cas9 systems for genomic modification and regulation of gene expression in mammalian cells. The specification describes the design and validation of polynucleotides encoding the Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes) Cas9 gene and protein and variants of that protein, where the nucleotide sequence has been optimized for expression in mammalian cells, and also modified by fused sequences that enhance various aspects of the CRISPR/Cas system. The specification also describes systems for RNA-guided genome engineering and gene regulation in mammalian cells, including human cells.

Abstract: A method is provided to transform biomass. Non-food biomass is preprocessed. Then, fermentation is processed to generate ethanol. Ethanol is dehydrated through a catalyst to generate ethylene. After the dehydration, oligomerization is processed with a catalyst to transform ethylene into olefins having 6˜20 carbon atoms (C6˜C20). The olefins are hydrotreated into alkanes. Thus, C6˜C20 hydrocarbons having long carbon chains are formed. The hydrocarbons having 6˜10 carbon atoms can be used as gasoline; those having 8˜16 carbon atoms, jet fuel; and those having 16˜20 carbon atoms, diesel. On generating ethanol, byproducts of lignin may be generated. The byproducts can be processed through depolymerization/deoxygenation to generate aromatic hydrocarbons or can be gasified to generate methanol or dimethyl ether. By further processing dehydration, aromatic hydrocarbons are generated to be mixed into gasoline, jet fuel or diesel. Or, the lignin byproducts are gasified to generate syngas.

Abstract: At least one isolated microorganism and a fermentation method to convert hydrogen gas, carbon dioxide gas, and/or carbon monoxide gas to a lower alkyl alcohol and/or carboxylic acid and to produce at least 2% by volume of the lower alkyl alcohol or carboxylic acid in an aqueous-based medium.

Abstract: This document describes biochemical pathways for producing one or more of pimelic acid, 7-aminoheptanoic acid, 7-hydroxyheptanoic acid, heptamethylenediamine and 1,7-heptanediol by forming one or two terminal functional groups, comprised of carboxyl, amine or hydroxyl groups, in a C7 aliphatic backbone substrate produced from succinate semialdehyde or pyruvate. These pathways, metabolic engineering and cultivation strategies described herein rely on the aldol condensation of succinate semialdehyde and pyruvate.

Abstract: This invention provides microbial organisms, particularly yeasts such as Yarrowia lipolytica, that have one or more disrupted genes. The gene disruption(s) may yield improved production of fatty acyl-CoA derivatives.

Abstract: The technology relates in part to biological methods for producing a fatty dicarboxylic acid and engineered microorganisms capable of such production.

Abstract: This document describes biochemical pathways for producing 7-hydroxyheptanoate methyl ester and heptanoic acid heptyl ester using one or more of a fatty acid O-methyltransferase, an alcohol O-acetyltransferase, and a monooxygenase, as well as recombinant hosts expressing one or more of such exogenous enzymes. 7-hydroxyheptanoate methyl esters and heptanoic acid heptyl esters can be enzymatically converted to pimelic acid, 7-aminoheptanoate, 7-hydroxyheptanoate, heptamethylenediamine, or 1,7-heptanediol.

Abstract: A novel process is provided for the efficient preparation of an asymmetric compound of structural formula I: employing dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR). The DKR process involves an enzymatic enantioselective amination reaction catalyzed by transaminases. The process can be used to manufacture key intermediates in the preparation of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors which may be useful for the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Provided are a blood component measurement device and the like capable of further suppressing the errors in measuring blood components. A first current value that is generated by oxidation-reduction when a first voltage is applied to a first electrode pair 21, 22 composing a biosensor 1 is measured, a second current value that is generated when a second voltage is applied to a second electrode pair 23, 24 composing the biosensor 1 is measured, and then the first current and the second current are converted to give a blood component amount. Within a predetermined period after the introduction of blood into the biosensor 1, the first current is measured multiple times and the second current is measured once. A CPU 72 converts a plurality of first current values and the second current value to obtain a plurality of blood component amounts and calculates the blood component amount for the blood introduced into the biosensor 1 from said plurality of blood component amounts.

Abstract: A biological indicator for determining the effectiveness of a sterilization process is disclosed having a package and carrier integral therewith. The package includes a first sheet and a second sheet having a bottom portion, side portions and a top portion. The first and second sheets are joined together generally along a periphery of the first and second sheets by a peelable adhesive. A carrier having a plurality of spores thereon for determining the effectiveness of a sterilization process is attached to the package between the first and second sheets and at least a portion of the resealable adhesive. The package may be opened and subsequently partially or fully closed to enclose the carrier.

Abstract: A rapid one-pass liquid filtration system efficiently concentrates 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. 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. Additional concentration stages may be added in “cascade” fashion, in order to concentrate particles below the size cut of each preceding stage remaining in the separated fluid in a concentrated sample suspension. This process can also be used to create a “band-pass” concentration for concentration of a particular target size particle within a narrow range.

Abstract: The disclosure provides articles and methods useful for detecting a discrete source of DNase activity. DNase-producing microorganisms can be detected. The device can further include selective agents and/or indicators to differentiate groups or species microorganisms. Methods of use include detecting or enumerating DNase-producing microorganisms.

Abstract: An analysis technique can be performed to quantify the digestible protein content of a protein-containing sample outside the body of a living organism. Traditionally, protein digestibility is evaluated in vivo, for example using a rat subject to measure protein digestibility after being fed the protein-containing sample. In some examples, an in vitro technique involves enzymatically digesting the protein-containing sample to simulate digestion that would occur inside a mammalian body. The sample can then be optically analyzed to measure the amount of reactive amine present in the sample, which can provide an indication of the amount of amino acid released during digestion. In some examples, the measured reactive amine value is adjusted to account for the stronger and/or weaker optical response of certain amino acids due to their relative reactivity with an optical tagging agent. Thereafter, an in vivo protein digestibility value can be calculated based on adjusted amine concentration.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for monitoring the movement of analytes and/or cellular components across biological membranes (e.g., cell surface internalization). In particular, reporter constructs are provided, the transmembrane movement of which (e.g., by endocytosis) is monitored by methods described herein.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of derivatizing a double-stranded DNA comprising contacting double-stranded DNA with a CpG methyltransferase and an s-adenosylmethionine analog. This invention also provides methods of sequencing DNA to determine methylation patterns.

Abstract: Lyophilized biological reagents, such as enzymes (e.g., PCR reagents) and antibodies, are provided that include a wax component. Thus, in some aspects, a method is provided for storing a biological reagent comprising formulating the reagent into a lyophilized composition including a wax component. Methods for using such lyophilized reagents are likewise provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fast method for the detection and the quantification of a nucleic acid, DNA or RNA. Specifically, the invention provides a method for detecting and quantifying the presence of a specific nucleic acid molecule which is based on physical and electronic treatments. The method of the invention is particularly useful for applications as diverse as detection of chromosomal abnormal distributions or gene expression analysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for immobilizing target nucleic acids on a solid support utilizing combinatorial capture probe pairs. These pairs contain first and second capture oligonucleotides that each comprise a target binding region, a capture region and a stem region positioned between the target binding and capture regions. The target binding regions comprise nucleic acid sequences that allow them to hybridize to adjacent regions on the target nucleic acid. The stem regions have nucleic acid sequences that are complementary to each other and the capture regions each comprise a sequence that when positioned adjacent to one another produce a combined nucleic acid sequence that is complementary to a portion of an oligonucleotide bound to a solid support.

Abstract: The disclosure provides three-dimensional crosslinked polymer networks comprising one or more channels extending from the surface and/or near the surface of the network into the interior of the network, arrays comprising the networks, processes for making the networks, and uses of the networks and arrays.