Abstract: Nucleotide sequences encoding RTL polypeptides are provided herein, along with plants and cells having increased levels of RTL gene expression, increased levels of RTL transcription factor activity, or both. Plants with increased levels of at least one RTL gene expression that exhibit reduced ethylene sensitivity, increased yield, increased abiotic stress tolerance, or any combination of these, are provided. Methods for increasing yield, and abiotic stress tolerance in plants, by modulating RTL gene expression or activity, are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of plant improvement, in particular of the improvement of yield for plants, by using a transgene containing the BETL9 promoter driving expression of the MRP1 protein.

Abstract: The present invention discloses gene targets, constructs and methods for the genetic control of plant disease caused by nematodes of the genus Meloidogyne (root knot nematodes). The present invention relates to achieving a plant protective effect through the identification of target coding sequences and the use of recombinant DNA technologies for post-transcriptionally repressing or inhibiting expression of the target coding sequences in the cells of plant-parasitic nematodes. The disclosed gene targets show significant conservation at the nucleotide level between orthologs from different Meloidogyne species, facilitating genus-wide targeting by RNA interference.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided which employ a silencing element that, when ingested by a plant insect pest, such as a Coleopteran plant pest or a Diabrotica plant pest, decrease the expression of a target sequence in the pest. Disclosed are various target polynucleotides set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1-33 disclosed herein, (but not including the forward and reverse primers.) or variants and fragments thereof, or complements thereof, wherein a decrease in expression of one or more of the sequences in the target pest controls the pest (i.e., has insecticidal activity). Plants, plant parts, bacteria and other host cells comprising the silencing elements or an active variant or fragment thereof of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: A process for obtaining gold magnetic nanoparticles or of other metallic elements by fermenting a culture medium in the presence of producer microorganisms such as Brevibacterium halotolerans, Bacillus mojavensis, Bacillus subtilis subsp. Inaquosorum, Bacillus subtilis subsp. Spizizenii, Bacillus tequilensis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subsp. Amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus siamenensis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subsp. Plantarum, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus subtilis subsp. Inaquosorum, Bacillus atrophaeus, or Bacillus vallismortis, inter alia. The process of the invention can be used to effectively control the size and shape of the nanostructure to be obtained, with production levels above those found at laboratory level.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for reducing the phenol concentration in a commercial enzyme solution and/or feedstock.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a sugar and/or fermentation product from lignocellulosic material.

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: The invention pertains to a method for preparing cells that can be used as biocatalysts by inducing in them a growth-decoupled state, in which interferase inhibits the expression of genes except the ones that code for the pathway enzymes of interest. mRNAs that code for interferase-resistant products are overexpressed in the background of a metabolically-frozen cell. Enzymes that compete for a substrate or product of the pathway of interest may be altered such that the enzyme is sensitive to a site-specific protease, which protease is inducible in the host cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for catalyzing the conversion of an olefin to any compound containing one or more cyclopropane functional groups using heme enzymes. In certain aspects, the present invention provides a method for producing a cyclopropanation product comprising providing an olefinic substrate, a diazo reagent, and a heme enzyme; and admixing the components in a reaction for a time sufficient to produce a cyclopropanation product. In other aspects, the present invention provides heme enzymes including variants and fragments thereof that are capable of carrying out in vivo and in vitro olefin cyclopropanation reactions. Expression vectors and host cells expressing the heme enzymes are also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to means and methods for producing an amide compound from a nitrile compound with less acrylic acid as by-product using a Nitrile hydratase (NHase) and Amidase producing microorganism as biocatalyst. Also provided is an aqueous amide compound obtained by the methods of the invention as well as a composition comprising acrylamide or polyacrylamide as well as a dried microorganism exhibiting a NHase/Amidase activity ratio of at least 400 when being brought into contact with a nitrile compound to convert said nitrile compound into an amide compound.

Abstract: Provided are a microorganism having an ability to produce O-succinylhomoserine or succinic acid, and a method of producing O-succinylhomoserine or succinic acid by using the same.

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: In one aspect, the present invention provides a method for preparing a sugar composition. The method includes: forming a mixture including polysaccharide biomass and an ionic liquid solution, wherein the ionic liquid solution contains water and an ionic liquid, and wherein the ionic liquid contains a dicarboxylic acid anion and a cation. The pH of the mixture is greater than or equal to about 10, and the molar ratio of the dicarboxylic acid anion to the cation is at least about 1:2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to enzyme compositions comprising a polypeptide having cellobiohydrolase II activity, a polypeptide having xylanase activity, and one or more cellulolytic proteins and their use in the degradation or conversion of cellulosic material.

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: Testosteronan, a heparosan analog having the structure [-4-D-GlcUA-?1,4-D-GlcNAc-?1-]n, is produced by testosteronan synthase, a single protein that is a dual-action catalyst that utilizes UDP-GlcUA and UDP-GlcNAc to synthesize a polysaccharide having the structure [-4-D-GlcUA-?1,4-D-GlcNAc-?1-]n.

Abstract: A biosynthetic method of making carboxyl CoA from long-chain carboxylic acid including expressing an ACS in a cellular system, feeding a long chain carboxylic acid to the cellular system, growing the cellular system in a medium, and producing carboxyl CoA.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method for generating a population of amplified concatamer products is described that comprises amplifying a template nucleic acid molecule using a first nucleic acid primer immobilized on a bead substrate and a second nucleic acid primer in solution to generate a population of substantially identical copies of the template nucleic acid molecule immobilized on the bead substrate; and amplifying the population of substantially identical copies of the template nucleic acid molecule using a concatamer primer that comprises a first region complementary to an end region of the population of substantially identical copies of the template nucleic acid molecule and a second region to generate a population of immobilized concatamer products of the substantially identical copies of the template nucleic acid molecule.

Abstract: Methods for recombinant and enzymatic production of mogroside compounds and compositions containing mogroside compounds are provided by this invention.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to creatinine biosensors and the uses thereof. More specifically, this disclosure describes potentiometric creatinine sensors which utilizes one or both of a type of enzyme capable of directly producing ammonium ions (NH4+) as a consequence of coming into contact with a liquid sample and an internal fill solution with a low free ammonium ion concentration.

Abstract: An easy to use test device for the testing of liquids comprising a primary chamber to receive an initial liquid sample and a multiplicity of secondary regions arranged to each receive an aliquot of the initial liquid sample from the primary chamber, wherein the test device is movable in use between two positions, a first position and a second position. The device is especially suitable for carrying out on-site microbial assays with a minimal requirement for user expertise and additional apparatus. The invention also provides related methods and apparatus.

Abstract: A method of detecting a Salmonella microorganism is provided. The method includes the use of a selective growth medium, a first indicator system that is converted to a first detectable product by a Salmonella microorganism, and a second indicator system that is converted to a second detectable product by ?-galactosidase enzyme activity. The method further comprises inoculating the growth medium and incubating the inoculated growth medium at a temperature higher than 40 degrees C.

Abstract: Methods and devices for monitoring the viability of a biofilm comprising Pseudomonas Aeruginosa bacteria are provided by detecting pyocyanin. The invention relates to electrochemical methods and devices that offer a simple and inexpensive alternative for immediate identification of bacterial infection due to the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In some embodiments, an inexpensive, disposable electrochemical sensor can be used to rapidly screen for the presence of P. aeruginosa in clinical wound effluent samples.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for determining the bioavailability of a metal ion in a composition comprising a source of the metal ion, wherein the metal ion has antimicrobial activity, and wherein the method comprises: a) incubating a sample of the composition with bacterial cells, and b) determining the viability of the bacterial cells after incubation. The method is useful for determining the effect of agents on the bioavailability of metal ions in a composition.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an oral biofilm model including a substrate including a first surface, a second surface, and a plurality of specimens fixedly attached to the first surface, wherein an oral biofilm is capable of forming on the specimen. The surface roughness of at least one of the specimens of the plurality is less than or greater than a surface roughness of at least a second specimen of the plurality. The oral biofilm model also includes a body having sides and a bottom defining a vessel. The body is adapted to receive the substrate and the plurality of specimens and is further adapted to receive a fluid. Methods of forming oral biofilms and methods for identifying an agent for reducing or inhibiting biofilm formation are also provided.

Abstract: A biological indicator is provided for measuring the effectiveness of a sterilization procedure. The biological indicator comprises a carrier having a microorganism and at least one of a humectant, anti-agglomerating agent or surfactant disposed thereon, the carrier having a solidity of greater than 5%. Various embodiments of a device, kits and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The claimed invention relates to an enhanced mobile health detection and monitoring system utilizing non-invasive saliva screening of real-time health metrics coupled with remote deep analysis of body characteristics. Health information is derived from a combination of local chemical markers which are optically collected, locally reported and broadcast over a ‘cloud based’ internet data distribution system. The disclosed system, method and related device derives personal health and wellness information by combining saliva with disposable wellness indicators which are subsequently analyzed for pharmaceutical indicators as well as DNA, RNA and protein biomarkers to provide comprehensive wellness information.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices and methods for the capture or isolation of a biomarker from a biological sample. In several embodiments, the device comprises a loading region, a filter material, and a receiving region. In particular, in several embodiments, biological fluid is passed from the loading region through the filter material and into the receiving region, thereby resulting in capture or isolation of a biomarker.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for the optical detection of a plurality of labeled substrates in an assay. The various aspects of the optical detection systems enable the simultaneous detection of the plurality of labeled substrates. These systems are particularly useful in the detection of nucleic acids during an amplifications reaction.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of generating catalytic nucleic acid probes useful for detecting microorganisms such as bacterial pathogens. In one embodiment, the catalytic nucleic acid probes are fluorogenic DNAzymes. The disclosure also relates to catalytic nucleic acid probes and methods of using the probes for detecting microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel primers and sloppy molecular beacon and molecular beacon probes for amplifying segments from different genes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis for identifying the presence of M.tb DNA and/or resistance to anti-tuberculosis drugs.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for identifying sites and regions within a gene or genome that are amenable to analysis of methylation. The methods disclosed herein allow the efficient identification on a genome-wide scale of target restriction sites and fragments that provide targets for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing bacterial vaginosis in a woman, which involves determining an amount of each of more than one BV-associated bacterium in a vaginal sample obtained from the female and assessing a BV status of the female based on the amount of each of the more than one BV-associated bacterium in the sample

Abstract: The present invention relates to detection of target nucleic acid sequences using different detection temperatures. The present invention employing different detection temperatures enables to detect a plurality of target nucleic acid sequences in conventional real-time manners even with a single type of label in a single reaction vessel. The conventional technologies detect a plurality of target nucleic acid sequences by a melting analysis after target amplification. Unlikely, the present invention does not require a melting analysis after target amplification, such that the time for analysis is greatly reduced.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed toward instrumentation/processes for generating multiple datapoints from a sample of multiple comingled labeled biopolymers. In one embodiment, it relates the description of optical approaches used to integrate the samples, the optical approaches used to alter the light path along the “Z” axis perpendicular to the “X” and “Y” axes of a plate containing multiple samples in multiple sample wells and thereby provide greater functionality and the integration of these approaches with purification methods. Alternatively, it provides methods of analyzing beads with multiple labeled nucleic acids attached.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and a method relating to amplifying and detecting nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to normalization of biological samples, particularly samples comprising nucleic acids to be sequenced. The normalization protocols described herein may be utilized across multiple samples to cap total stoichiometric input and minimize variations in transcript abundance on a per-sample basis in a multiplexed fashion to dramatically increase the accuracy, capacity and efficiency of nucleic acid sequencing.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, in one aspect, a method for preparing DNA molecule for sequencing. Generally, the method includes fragmenting the DNA molecule into double-stranded fragments; amplifying at least a portion of the double-stranded fragments; circularizing the fragments so that the first end of the fragment comprises a first loop connecting the strands and the second end of the fragment comprises a second loop connecting the strands; annealing a first sequencing primer to the first loop oriented to sequence at least a portion of one strand of the fragment; and annealing a second sequencing primer to the second loop oriented to sequence at least a portion of the other strand of the fragment. In another aspect, this disclosure describes a method for sequencing a DNA molecule.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for nucleic acid sequencing by synthesis in a plurality of wells using detectably labeled chain terminating nucleotides with photolabile blocking groups and pulses of photocleaving light. In certain embodiments, the systems and methods provides a plurality of deblock-scan cycles comprising an initial deblock time period followed by a scanning light period, wherein at least one of the following occurs in each deblock-scan cycle: 1) the deblock time period is shorter than the scan time period; 2) the deblock time period is only long enough to deblock the photolabile groups that are part of a primer in less than all of the plurality of wells; or 3) the deblock time period is between 25 and 150 mSec and the scan time is at least 200 mSec. Such shorter deblock time periods help prevent the addition of more than one nucleotide to the primer prior to scanning (e.g., accuracy is enhanced).

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits are described for resequencing, confirming or verifying Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) results with Sanger Sequencing. These methods are particularly useful for samples having very limited quantities such as formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE), Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM), fine needle biopsies or aspirates.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions, methods, systems, and devices for polynucleotide processing. Such polynucleotide processing may be useful for a variety of applications, including polynucleotide sequencing.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a method of predicting whether a wound will heal. The method includes: obtaining a first measurement of a first macrophage phenotype population within a first sample obtained from a wound; obtaining a second measurement of a second macrophage phenotype population from the wound, wherein the second measurement of the second macrophage phenotype population is either: a different macrophage phenotype obtained from the first sample or the same macrophage phenotype obtained from a second, later sample from the wound; comparing the first measurement to the second measurement; and predicting whether the wound will heal based on a result of the comparing step.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for diagnosis of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). The present disclosure provides methods for differential diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis from other ILDs. Compositions and kits useful in carrying out a subject method are also provided.

Abstract: The present inventions relates to methods and assays to predict the response of an individual to an analgesic treatment and to a method to improve medical treatment of a disorder, which is responsive to treatment with an analgesic.

Abstract: Methods of detecting or diagnosing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a human subject are disclosed. In addition, methods of monitoring the progression of PTSD in a human subject, methods of treating a patient with PTSD, kits for diagnosing PTSD in a human subject suspected of having PTSD, and methods of detecting a microRA (miRNA) or plurality of miRNAs in a biological sample from a human subject are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods of identifying modulators of central nervous system diseases and the use of the modulators in treatment and diagnosis. The methods utilize a novel high throughput screen that includes injection of a library of barcoded viral vectors expressing shRNA's, CRISPR/Cas systems or cDNA's into animal models of disease and detecting synthetic lethality.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosis and treatment of endornetriosis are described. Methods utilize the recognition that leukocyte miRNAs can be dramatically dysregulated subjects suffering from endometriosis. Accordingly, leukocyte miRNAs, as well as polynucleotides encoding the miRNAs, can be utilized in the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method, which comprises causing a determination to be made that a body fluid sample is from a patient with cancer. The determination can be made via analyzing the body fluid sample by sub-THz resonance spectroscopy with absorption determinations being made at a plurality of frequencies between 0.05 and 1.0 THz to show a presence of specific Micro-RNAs as cancer related molecules in the body fluid.

Abstract: Methods that rapidly, sensitively, and specifically detect mutations in IDH1/2 and the TERT promoter employ amplification of particular portions of the genes that experience frequent and exquisitely localized mutations. The ability to distinguish between sequences that differ only by one nucleotide and which may be present in very low ratios is essential for such an assay.