Abstract: The present invention relates to oligomeric compounds and conjugates thereof that target Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) PCSK9 mRNA in a cell, leading to reduced expression of PCSK9. Reduction of PCSK9 expression is beneficial for a range of medical disorders, such as hypercholesterolemia and related disorders.

Abstract: Efficient sequence specific gene silencing is possible through the use of siRNA technology. Be selecting particular siRNAs by rational design, one can maximize the generation of an effective gene silencing reagent, as well as methods for silencing genes. Methods compositions, and kits generated through rational design of siRNAs are disclosed, including those directed to the nucleotide sequences for HAO1.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided to determine if a cancer is resistant to treatment with anti-mitotic agents, including treatment with T-DM1. The methods relate to determining if the ABCC3 gene is amplified and/or overexpressed in the cancer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a recombinant Mycobacterium cell for use as a vaccine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of one or more cas genes for modulating resistance in a cell against a target nucleic acid or a transcription product thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are constructs for genome editing or genetic engineering in fungi or protists, methods of using the constructs and media for use in selecting cells. The construct include a polynucleotide encoding a thymidine kinase operably connected to a promoter, suitably a constitutive promoter; a polynucleotide encoding an endonuclease operably connected to an inducible promoter; and a recognition site for the endonuclease. The constructs may also include selectable markers for use in selecting recombinations.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the expression of one or more coding sequences are provided which use an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) from Triticum mosaic virus (TriMV) to facilitate translation and expression of a polypeptide from an mRNA strand.

Abstract: Plant metabolism and alkaloid levels can be regulated by transcription factors that regulate the nicotinic alkaloid biosynthetic pathway. In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a transcription factor that negatively regulates alkaloid biosynthesis, such as nicotine biosynthesis.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for increasing methionine content in plants are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing a plant includes growing a plant from plant cells in which a promoter and a coding sequence under the control of the promoter have been artificially introduced; and selecting the plant in which an amount of phloem tissue is increased 2.0 times or more in comparison with a wild type plant of the same species. The promoter is a promoter for a gene encoding a protein having at least 60% identity with the amino acid sequence of tracheary element differentiation inhibitory factor (TDIF) receptor (TDR) of Arabidopsis thaliana. The coding sequence encodes either (i) a protein having three common sequences composed of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 3 in this order starting from the N-terminal side, or (ii) a protein having 95% or more identity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:5.

Abstract: Methods and materials for modulating low-nitrogen tolerance levels in plants are disclosed. For example, nucleic acids encoding low nitrogen tolerance-modulating polypeptides are disclosed as well as methods for using such nucleic acids to transform plant cells. Also disclosed are plants having increased low-nitrogen tolerance levels and plant products produced from plants having increased low-nitrogen tolerance levels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drought tolerance associated protein, DT1, a nucleic acid molecule encoding the DT1 protein and application thereof.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for controlling pests are provided. The methods involve transforming organisms with a nucleic acid sequence encoding an insecticidal protein. In particular, the nucleic acid sequences are useful for preparing plants and microorganisms that possess insecticidal activity. Thus, transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, plant tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions are isolated insecticidal proteins and nucleic acids. The sequences find use in the construction of expression vectors for subsequent transformation into organisms of interest, as probes for the isolation of other homologous (or partially homologous) genes. The insecticidal proteins find use in controlling or killing lepidopteran, coleopteran, dipteran, fungal, hemipteran, and nematode pest populations and for producing compositions with insecticidal activity.

Abstract: The invention includes compositions and methods for the selective expression of a target gene in a subset of cells. In certain embodiments, the present invention includes a construct comprising a first nucleic acid sequence comprising an episomal maintenance element and a second nucleic acid sequence comprising a target gene wherein the expression of the episomal maintenance element is regulated by a constitutive promoter and the expression of the target gene is regulated by a non-constitutive promoter. The construct is able to maintain episomal state, no matter whether the target gene is expressed in the cell.

Abstract: The present teachings disclose nucleic acid cassettes for expressing in an insect cell a plurality of polypeptides encoded by a gene comprising overlapping open reading frames (ORFs). A cassette comprises, in 5? to 3? order, a) a first insect cell-operable promoter, b) a 5? portion of a gene comprising a first ORF of the gene, c) an intron comprising a second insect cell-operable promoter, and d) a 3? portion of the gene comprising at least one additional ORF. Vectors and insect cells comprising the cassettes are also disclosed, as well as methods for production of recombinant adeno-associated virus in insect cells using the cassettes.

Abstract: The present invention may be included in the field of biotechnology and it covers the improved production of recombinant proteins in insect cells or insect larvae as biofactories by a novel expression cassette. This expression cassette comprises nucleic acid sequences such as promoters, homologous regions (hr) as enhancers, and sequences encoding transcriptional regulators, for example, the baculovirus Ac-ie-01 cDNA, or any combination thereof, which are able to increase the quality and production efficiency of the recombinant proteins. Moreover, the present invention is also directed to the vectors themselves comprising the above mentioned nucleic acid sequences of the invention, cells or insects infected, transformed or transfected with those sequences or vectors, and methods for producing the recombinant proteins by using the aforesaid sequences, vectors, cells or insects.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel recombinant virus vector derived from the attenuated vaccinia virus strain KVAC103. The recombinant virus vector is obtained by inserting an exogenous gene into the KVAC103 and may be used as a safe vaccine delivery vehicle in mammals. Particularly, recombinant viruses obtained by rescuing some of the genes deleted from the parent virus have an enhanced ability to proliferate in cells being cultured, and thus are easily produced. In addition, the recombinant viruses express an increased level of an exogenous antigen, and thus has enhanced immunogenic efficacy. Such recombinant virus vectors may be used in vaccines for preventing diseases, therapeutic vaccines, and molecular biological studies.

Abstract: The present teachings disclose nucleic acid cassettes for expressing in an insect cell a plurality of polypeptides encoded by a gene comprising overlapping open reading frames (ORFs). A cassette comprises, in 5? to 3? order, a) a first insect cell-operable promoter, b) a 5? portion of a gene comprising a first ORF of the gene, c) an intron comprising a second insect cell-operable promoter, and d) a 3? portion of the gene comprising at least one additional ORF. Vectors and insect cells comprising the cassettes are also disclosed, as well as methods for production of recombinant adeno-associated virus in insect cells using the cassettes.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to compositions and methods for the genetic modification of cells. In particular, the disclosure relates to CRISPR reagents and the use of such reagents.

Abstract: A method for obtaining natural extracts, oleoresins, colorants flavors and aromas from aromatic plant substances, alfalfa, flowers with pigments, and vegetables, which includes washing the plant substances and vegetables, rinsing with water, milling and sifting the resulting product yielding a pulp phase and a cellulose phase. The pulp phase is transferred to fermentation tanks and a first centrifugation of the fermented pulp phase is then performed yielding two phases: phase (A) containing water, mineral salts and other water-soluble substances, with natural extracts, oleoresins, colorants, aromas and flavors and phase (B) in the form of a paste in which the moisture has been reduced to 50%, performing a second centrifugation of the mentioned phase (A), which causes the separation of natural extracts, oleoresins, colorants, aromas and flavors from the water and other water-soluble substances.

Abstract: Waste or organic material is compressed at a pressure sufficient to burst cells, for example 50 bar or more, and separated into a dry fraction and a wet fraction. The wet fraction is treated in an anaerobic digester to produce biogas after removing grit. The wet fraction is diluted, preferably with sludge, before it is degritted. Optionally, floatables are removed from the fraction before it is added to the digester.

Abstract: Described is a method for generating isoprenol through a biological process. More specifically, described is a method for producing isoprenol from mevalonate.

Abstract: The process for the dry fractionation of lignocellulosic biomass of at least 50% by weight of lignins, cellulose and hemicelluloses. The biomass is fragmented to obtain an ultrafine powder. The process includes at least one step of separating a fraction enriched with cellulose and a fraction enriched with lignin, hemicelluloses and minerals by electrostatic sorting of the ultrafine particles. Preferably, the fraction separation step includes a step of triboelectrostatic charging of ultrafine particles and at least one step of deviating a path in the electric field of the charged particles to sort the particles.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the disclosure provides methods for producing polymers from alkenone-producing algae, such as algae species of the Isochrysis family.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for the preparation of 2-keto carboxylic acid having the general formula R1—CO—COOH, wherein R1 is a branched alkyl group having 3 to 7 carbon atoms, or a salt thereof, comprising a fermentation step wherein a microorganism is grown in a culture medium in order to provide a culture broth containing 2-keto carboxylic acid or a salt thereof.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for a hybrid biological and chemical process utilizing chemotrophic microorganisms that converts syngas and/or gaseous CO2 and/or a mixture of CO2 gas and H2 gas into one or more desaturated hydrocarbons, unsaturated fatty acids, hydroxy acids, or diacids.

Abstract: A method for continuously producing a fatty acid ester of the present invention comprises (a) mixing and agitating an oil and fat starting material and a lower alcohol, and supplying a mixture to one of the catalyst reaction tubes filled with a lipase; (b) producing a fatty acid ester and glycerin in the catalyst reaction tube; (c) introducing an outflowing liquid from the catalyst reaction tube into a glycerin separation tank, thereby collecting the glycerin; (d) adding a lower alcohol to a separated liquid obtained by separating the glycerin from the outflowing liquid, mixing and agitating an obtained material, and supplying a mixture to a following catalyst reaction tube; (e) repeating the steps (b) to (d) until supply to a last catalyst reaction tube is performed; and (f) collecting a fatty acid ester from the separated liquid obtained from the last catalyst reaction tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and methods for producing tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) in different ratios. The apparatus comprises: (i) a bioreactor comprising (a) an automated supply system configured to deliver a first automated supply of cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), a cannabinoid acid synthase, and a reaction mixture; and (b) a second automated system to cease the reaction; (ii) a controller configured to modify a property of the reaction mixture to produce the desired products; and (iii) an extractor configured to recover the tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) or cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and cannabichromenic acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of amino-cyclopamines by the enzymatic transamination of a corresponding keto-cyclopamines in the presence of a cofactor and an amino donor.

Abstract: Provided are methods for degrading or converting a cellulosic material, comprising: treating the cellulosic material with an enzyme composition in the presence of a polypeptide having catalase activity; and enzyme composition used for degrading or converting a cellulosic material comprising one or more (e.g., several) enzymes having cellulolytic and/or hemicellulolytic activity and a polypeptide having catalase activity.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a bacterial cellulose which is highly dispersible in a liquid, shows excellent molding properties and high miscibility with other materials when applied to materials, and, therefore, has a high applicability as a practical material, and a bacterium which produces the bacterial cellulose. [Solution] A bacterial cellulose, water that contains said bacterial cellulose at a final concentration of 0.1±0.006 (w/w) showing a light transmittance at a wavelength of 500 nm of 35% or greater, and a bacterium producing the bacterial cellulose. According to the present invention, the bacterial cellulose that is uniformly dispersible in a liquid such as water can be obtained. The bacterial cellulose shows excellent molding properties and high miscibility with other materials and, therefore, can contribute to the improvement in the qualities of a final product or production efficiency thereof or to the reduction of production cost.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing tagatose from residue after extracting coffee, comprising: obtaining a hydrolysate by hydrolyzing residue after extracting coffee into acid; obtaining a hydrolysate refined by decolorization and ion-refining the obtained hydrolysate; and obtaining tagatose by isomerizing the refined hydrolysate to an arabinose isomerase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to purified and isolated DNA sequences having protein production increasing activity and more specifically to the use of matrix attachment regions (MARs) for increasing protein production activity in a eukaryotic cell. Also disclosed is a method for the identification of said active regions, in particular MAR nucleotide sequences, and the use of these characterized active MAR sequences in a new multiple transfection method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for forming an electrode, an electrochemical sensor comprising the same, and a method for determining an analyte using the electrochemical sensor.

Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to a device for monitoring and controlling live cells and associated methods. In an example, the device can include a plurality of elongated nanostructures affixed to a substrate. The elongated nanostructures can each have an attachment end and a free end opposite the attachment end. The free end includes a metal and the attachment end is affixed to the substrate. The device can further include a functionalization layer that is coated on the free end of at least a portion of the plurality of elongated nanostructures. The functionalization layer can be formulated to retain live cells, and the device can be configured to be used in conjunction with a detector, such as a Raman spectrometer, in order to monitor growth of live cells.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments concern an array for use in identifying or identifying and quantifying analytes in a sample using a macrocyclic sensor comprising a macrocyclic compound and a detectable moiety. The disclosed array may be used to discriminate among various analytes based on different features, such as post-translational modifications, isomeric post-translational modifications, and the peptide sequence around post-translational modifications. Also disclosed is a method for identifying analytes comprising a post-translational modification, as well as an enzymatic assay using the disclosed macrocyclic sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a colorimetric method for detecting bacterial or fungal pathogens by detecting peptidoglycan or (1-3)-?-D-glucan in a sample.

Abstract: A system for determining usability of an analytical test strip includes a sample chamber to receive a fluid sample, a reagent in the sample chamber having a moisture-varying impedance, and two detection electrodes contacting the reagent. A test meter applies an AC waveform across the reagent via the detection electrodes while measuring an impedance of the reagent. A processor automatically determines whether the measured impedance of the reagent meets a dryness criterion. The meter includes a housing, a strip port connector, an impedance measurement circuit and the processor. A method for determining usability of a strip inserted in a hand held meter includes applying an AC waveform across a reagent of the strip and measuring a first electrical signal, and determining whether the strip meets the dryness criterion based on the first electrical signal. The test strip and ways of determining an analyte are also described.

Abstract: Chromogenic substrates for ?-D-glucuronidase activity comprising monoglucuronides of some 1,2-dihydroxyaromatic derivatives. When cleaved these form soluble colored conjugates with multivalent metal ions such as iron ions. The substrates may be used in conjunction with chromogenic substrates for other enzymes in microbial detection and identification especially involving liquid media. Microbes can be grown in the presence of the substrates and the compounds providing the metal ion. The substrates are particularly useful for detecting ?-D-glucuronidase-positive E. coli. Synthetic methods for making the compounds are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of quantifying the activity of a protein modifying enzyme in a sample, comprising: (i) grouping modified peptides from a first sample and modified peptides from a second sample into a single group according to one of the following parameters: (a) modified peptides having a modification site that is modified by the same protein modifying enzyme; or (b) modified peptides having a modification site that is part of the same modification motif; (ii) calculating enrichment of the modified peptides from the first sample compared to the modified peptides from the second sample in the group; and (iii) calculating the statistical significance of said enrichment; wherein a statistically significant enrichment is indicative of a protein modifying enzyme being activated in the first sample compared to the second sample. In some embodiments, the method further comprises identifying modified peptides in a first sample and a second sample using mass spectrometry (MS) prior to step (i).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for measuring neurotransmitters in the brain dialysate of mammals using enzymatic reactors specific to a certain neurotransmitter, which generate fluorescent derivatives when mixed. The mixture is introduced into an incubation chamber and passes through a temperature controlling system in order to set it to the optimum enzymatic reaction temperature, and the fluorescent derivative generated is passed through a flow fluorescence cell located inside the incubation chamber, where the liquid is impacted with a laser light source via an optical fiber. The fluorescence emitted is captured by a fluorescence detector that sends it to a processing system in order to obtain the corresponding values.

Abstract: A modified luciferase protein which is a sensor for molecules including cAMP is provided. The modified luciferase protein includes one or more heterologous amino acid sequences, at least one of which directly or indirectly interacts with cAMP.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits for determining the developmental potential of one or more embryos or pluripotent cells and/or the presence of chromosomal abnormalities in one or more embryos or pluripotent cells are provided. These methods, compositions and kits find use in identifying embryos and oocytes in vitro that are most useful in treating infertility in humans.

Abstract: Systems and methods for culturing and monitoring, ex vivo, pharmacologic and metabolic response in a biological sample, including receiving at a fluidic apparatus the biological sample retrieved from the patient, retaining the biological sample within a channel of the fluidic apparatus, providing for the culture of the biological sample within the channel of the fluidic apparatus, flowing a fluid past the biological sample, retrieving and analyzing the fluid to determine a pharmacologic and/or metabolic response of the sample.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions, including, without limitation, algorithms, computer readable media, computer programs, apparatus, and systems for determining the identity of nucleic acids in nucleotide sequences using, for example, data obtained from sequencing by synthesis methods. The methods of the invention include correcting one or more phenomena that are encountered during nucleotide sequencing, such as using sequencing by synthesis methods. These phenomena include, without limitation, sequence lead, sequence lag, spectral crosstalk, and noise resulting from variations in illumination and/or filter responses.

Abstract: Techniques, systems, devices and materials are disclosed for capturing, isolating and transporting target biomolecules and living organisms. In one aspect, a device includes a tube structured to include a large opening and a small opening that are on opposite ends of the tube, and a tube body connecting the openings and having a cross section spatially reducing in size from the large opening to the small opening, in which the tube includes a layered wall including an inner layer having a catalyst material that is reactive with a fuel fluid to produce bubbles exiting the tube from the large opening to propel the tube to move in the fuel fluid and an external layer formed of a material capable of being functionalized, and a molecular layer functionalized onto the external layer of the tube and structured to attach to a targeted molecule in the fuel fluid.

Abstract: A method allows the simultaneous isolation of bacterial and fungal DNA from blood. The method uses the enzymatic, mechanical and thermal lysis.

Abstract: Methods for the selective enrichment of nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and assay systems for use in spatially encoded biological assays, including assays to determine a spatial pattern of abundance, expression, and/or activity of one or more biological targets across multiple sites in a sample. In particular, the biological targets comprise proteins, and the methods and assay systems do not depend on imaging techniques for the spatial information of the targets. The present disclosure provides methods and assay systems capable of high levels of multiplexing where reagents are provided to a biological sample in order to address tag the sites to which reagents are delivered; instrumentation capable of controlled delivery of reagents; and a decoding scheme providing a readout that is digital in nature.

Abstract: Provided is a method for detection of HLA-A*31:01 allele. One or more single nucleotide polymorphisms which characterize HLA-A*31:01 are analyzed and the presence or absence of HLA-A*31:01 is determined based on the result of the analysis.