Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reducing odor generated by the activity of a lipase comprising a step of adding to said lipase a peptide capable of binding to the lipase.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a detergent comprising a deoxyribonuclease (DNase). The present invention further relates to methods and uses of the detergent comprising a deoxyribonuclease (DNase) for laundering.

Abstract: Ambient moisture-activatable surface treatment powders containing persalt, positively charged phase transfer agent and alkaline pH buffering may be activatable without the addition of liquid. Some ambient moisture-activatable surface treatment powders are substantially free of bleach activators and/or chlorine. Methods of use of ambient moisture activatable powders include applying them to the surfaces to be treated.

Abstract: A composition and method for removing copper-containing post-etch and/or post-ash residue from patterned micro-electronic devices is described. The removal composition includes water, a fluoride ion source, an alkanolamine, sulfuric acid, and an organic acid. The compositions effectively remove the copper and cobalt-containing post-etch residue from the microelectronic device without damaging exposed low-k dielectric and metal interconnect materials.

Abstract: An improved package is described wherein the package includes a wrap portion formed in whole or in part of a material at least partially soluble in water. The package comprises soap nuts and a complement material.

Abstract: A malting system including at least one vessel coupled to a first fluid flow generator, and coupled to a second fluid flow generator, where the first fluid flow generator and second fluid flow generator generate discrete fluid flows to the vessels to both germinate and dry an amount of material contained in the vessel, where the malting system can further include a plurality of vessels coupled to a plurality of first fluid flow generators, and coupled to a second fluid flow generator, where the plurality of first fluid flow generators operate to discretely generate a fluid flow to a corresponding one of the plurality of vessels.

Abstract: A beer composition including a hydration additive is described. The hydration additive includes a coconut extract and a salt additive. The beer composition may provide a hydrating effect or a feeling of hydration upon consumption. The coconut extract may be in the form of a frozen coconut concentrate that can be diluted with water to form a coconut solution. The coconut solution may be added during the brewing process together with the salt additive in a mixture or may be added separately or sequentially. Typically, the salt additive is in the form of sodium chloride and may contain other optional salts.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a multi-stage method and apparatus for purifying extracellular vesicles using an aqueous two-phase system, in which extracellular vesicles mixed and contaminated with proteins can be isolated and purified in a large amount at high purity within a short time through a multi-stage purification process using an aqueous two-phase system, thereby removing 95% or more of proteins and obtaining high-purity extracellular vesicles, resulting in very high processing efficiency compared to conventional techniques. In particular, the method of the disclosure does not require an expensive device or material such as an ultracentrifuge or an antibody, and can be performed at low cost and is thus economical and highly competitive. Furthermore, the extracellular vesicles thus isolated and purified can be employed in analysis methods such as RT-PCR or western blot, and can be utilized for research fields and disease diagnosis using the same.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for determining the optical density and/or change in optical density of a reaction mixture in an agitated vessel or container. The apparatus may include at least one electromagnetic emitter configured to pass radiation through the reaction mixture to at least one receptor, whereby the receptor receives the transmitted or scattered light, while the reaction mixture is subjected to shaking. The emitters may have an interchangeable association with the vessel or container and/or the receptors may have an interchangeable association with the vessel or container. Further, a processor may be provided to receive the transmitted or scattered light data and filter to eliminate or reduce the effect of the frequency at which the reaction mixture is shaken. The processor analyzes the filtered data to provide the optical density and/or change in optical density of the reaction mixture.

Abstract: The present application focuses on systems and methods that utilize one or more carbon dioxide (CO2) sorbent substrates and a swing cycle, e.g., a moisture swing cycle, to increase the partial pressure of the CO2 in a gaseous feedstock, which is delivered through a membrane to a bioreactor, such as a membrane carbonation photobioreactor. Such systems and processes offer an effective means for concentrating and capturing CO2 obtained from air and delivering the concentrated CO2 to a photobioreactor through a membrane.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for three dimensional printing artificial skin. The method comprises the following steps of: printing a dermis layer by a hydrogel combined with an autologous dermal cell and; printing an epidermis layer on the dermis layer by a hydrogel combined with an autologous kerationocytes cell; implanting a plurality of progenitor cells for sweat glands and hair follicles through the epidermis layer into the dermis layer to form an artificial skin. Because all used materials are from the autologous skin, and the 3D printing technology is used to implant the progenitor cells for sweat glands and hair follicles to form the artificial skin which has sweat glands and hair follicles, the present invention can get an artificial skin with a complete skin structure.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for controlled generation and/or culture and/or maturation of three-dimensional cells and/or tissue constructs that includes a culture chamber may include: a confinement apparatus configured to define at least one compartment configured to contain a cellular matrix and at least one compartment configured to contain a culture medium, the confinement apparatus being hydrophobic and pervious to the culture medium; and/or at least one counter element. The confinement apparatus and at least one counter element may be reciprocally mobile between resting and compression positions of the cellular matrix. A method for controlled generation and/or culture and/or maturation of three-dimensional cells and/or tissue constructs at a microscale may include: controlled compression of a cellular matrix for a predetermined period of time. The cellular matrix may be delimited by a confinement apparatus that is pervious to a culture medium.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for culturing microorganisms are described, including culturing in mixotrophic culture conditions. A bioreactor array with multiple culture vessels with independently controllable inputs is used to culture similar cultures of microorganisms in which at least one parameter differs from other culture vessels in the bioreactor array.

Abstract: Inside a case (1) of a culture medium exchange unit, a well plate (3) with wells (4) is disposed, and cells and a culture medium are placed into each of the wells (4) of the well plate (3) and cell culture is performed, and after a predetermined period of time, the culture medium inside each well (4) is exchanged. The well plate (3), a supply liquid contact part (8) of a supply pump (6), a supply tube (9), supply nozzles (10), discharge nozzles (17), discharge tubes (15), and discharge liquid contact parts (14) are disposed so as to be removable from the case (1) and replaceable.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for removing media from a culture vessel that decreases disruption of the interface between the cellular material and media within the vessel such that aspiration and removal of cells or cell clusters along with the media is minimized. In addition, the media fluid turbulence is decreased so as to minimize the activation or disruption of cells and cell clusters.

Abstract: According to various aspects and embodiments, a system and method for aerobic fermentation of an aqueous sugar solution is provided. The system includes a vessel, at least one air diffuser in fluid communication with an interior of the vessel, and at least one blower that is configured to deliver air to the at least one air diffuser.

Abstract: An incubator system includes an incubator having a housing defining a chamber, an input port in the housing of the incubator; and a module having an output port configured to releasable mate with the input port of the housing. The module is configured to perform a function. An incubator system is also provided that includes an incubator having a housing defining a chamber, a peripheral device in the chamber configured to manipulate samples, and a master controller configured to control the incubator and the peripheral device. The peripheral device is at least one of powered wirelessly and communicated with wirelessly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for monitoring a cell culture comprising a) one or more infrared sensors positioned adjacent to a cell culture, the one or more infrared sensors capable of recording an infrared heat signal from the cell culture; b) a power source in electrical communication with the one or more infrared sensors; c) a data storage and computation device configured to receive and analyze the infrared heat signal from the one or more infrared sensors; and d) a transmitter device in electrical communication with the storage and computation device; wherein the apparatus monitors the pattern of heat production in the cell culture. The present invention is also directed to methods for monitoring and analyzing the metabolic activity of cells using the above apparatus.

Abstract: A device (10), for receiving fluid, having a block (12) which comprises: a chamber (14) comprising a top and a bottom; and a chamber outlet (20) at the bottom of the chamber (14). The block (12) further comprises a magnetic stirrer (30) suspended in the chamber (14), wherein the magnetic stirrer (30) terminates above the bottom of the chamber (14), and is rotatably supported inside the chamber (14). The block (12) further comprises a microchannel (26) fluidly connected to the chamber (14) via the chamber outlet (20). The microchannel (26) may be fluidly connected to a downstream reservoir (24), and an upstream reservoir (22). The device (10) is suited for mixing a bead/cell suspension and an oil-based fluid in the microchannel (26) such that they form an emulsion which comprises a plurality of droplets, wherein at least one of the droplets encapsulates a bead/cell.

Abstract: An assembly includes an adjustable dip tube that can selectively withdraw an isolated component at various heights within a vessel. The adjustable nature of the dip tube can improve the cell recovery rate as compared to conventional cell recovery assemblies. Additionally, the assembly can take advantage of the adjustable nature of the dip tube while maintaining an aseptic interior cavity of the assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for making and using methanotrophic proline auxotrophs.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a commensal gut production platform for ex vivo production of human gut commensal microbiota. Another embodiment provides devices, systems and methods for ex vivo culturing of gut microflora in a system that mimics the human gut environment. The culturing of the commensal microbiota in the disclosed systems produces gut microbiota having defined characteristics and properties that can be exploited to treat various conditions in a subject.

Abstract: Among the various aspects of the present disclosure is the provision of a device with multiple microenvironments and methods of use and manufacture thereof. An aspect of the present disclosure provides for a device for evaluating cell invasion. Another aspect provided by the present disclosure includes a method of making a device for evaluating cell invasion. Another aspect to the present disclosure provides for a method of testing a drug in vitro. Another aspect of the present disclosure provides for a method of identifying targets.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to consumable products incorporating a matrix of cultured tobacco cells. Any tobacco variety may be utilized for establishing in vitro tobacco cultures, including native tobacco varieties and genetically modified tobacco varieties derived from any tobacco variety. Various embodiments are directed to methods for producing tobacco products incorporating cellular material and/or extracts derived from tobacco cells cultured in vitro.

Abstract: An extracellular matrix-modified decellularized nerve scaffold and use thereof are provided. The extracellular matrix-modified decellularized nerve scaffold is prepared from a natural porcine optic nerve. The scaffold has a plurality of longitudinal channels and a plurality of transversal foramina intercommunicated with the longitudinal channels, which have relatively uniform diameters and relatively even distributions in the scaffold. The extracellular matrix-modified decellularized optic nerve scaffold of the present invention changes the poor microenvironment of existing decellularized material that lacks cell growth factors and nutrients, supports seeded cells to form neural networks in vitro or in vivo, and enables the connection of ascending nerve fibers or descending nerve fibers of the injured spinal cord to their target cells after transplantation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of inducing and differentiating human skin-derived precursors into corneal endothelial-like cells. The present invention utilizes human skin-derived precursors to induce corneal endothelial-like cells that are theoretically close to normal human corneal endothelial cells successfully by co-culturing with B4G12 corneal endothelial cells. Furthermore, the obtained corneal endothelial-like cells are applied to a corneal endothelial decompensation animal model, and corneal endothelium of the animal is successfully repaired, which has an important clinical application prospect.

Abstract: A method of generating a population of cells useful for treating a brain disorder in a subject is disclosed. The method comprises contacting mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with at least one exogenous miRNA having a nucleic acid sequence at least 90% identical to a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 15-19 and 27-35, thereby generating a population of cells and/or generating neurotrophic factors that may provide important signals to damaged tissues or locally residing stem cells. MSCs differentiated by miRs may also secrete miRs and deliver them to adjacent cells and therefore provide important signals to neighboring endogenous normal or malignant cells.

Abstract: A medium which comprises a fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and a sulfated compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof at a concentration which promotes the growth of a stem cell in the presence of FGF, is useful for culturing stem cells.

Abstract: A method for growing polarized endometrial cells, said method comprising: (a) disposing endometrial cells on a scaffold, said scaffold comprising a silica-based glass composition, characterized by multi-modal porosity, said scaffold being to define a top side and a bottom side; (b) providing nutrients to said top and bottom sides of said scaffold and an environment to grow polarized endometrial cells on said scaffold.

Abstract: The present invention relates in part to methods for producing tissue-specific cells from patient samples, and to tissue-specific cells produced using these methods. Methods for reprogramming cells using RNA are disclosed. Therapeutics comprising cells produced using these methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention describes applications and methods (1) to use bacteriophage Cf and its variants to prevent and treat the citrus canker pathogen, Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri; (2) to engineer recombinant Cf phages that the infectivity is controllable without being harmful to the rest of environment; (3) to engineer and produce recombinant Cf phages with longer storage shelf life; (4) to use Cf phage as a vector for the introduction and insertion of foreign genetic material into Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri. genome; (5) to use and engineer Xp12 and Xf bacteriophages to inhibit Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, the causal agent of the rice blight disease.

Abstract: The use of targeting knottin polypeptides provides a means of selectively infecting target cells presenting species bound by the knottins. The targeted viruses may be used as cytotoxic agents, for example, as oncolytic viral therapeutics. Alternatively, the knottin-targeted viruses may be used to transform target cells in a gene therapy or immunotherapy context. An effective retargeted measles virus directed to integrins is demonstrated.

Abstract: Provided are a dehalogenase variant, a polynucleotide encoding the dehalogenase variant, a recombinant microorganism including a genetic modification that increases dehalogenase activity, a composition including the recombinant microorganism, and a method of reducing a concentration of fluorinated methane using the recombinant microorganism.

Abstract: A novel method for processing soluble plant leaf proteins is described. While leaf proteins are considered potentially the most abundant source of protein in nature, the lack of efficient processing techniques for leaf proteins has limited their commercial use. The method described in this patent provides a means of extracting and purifying leaf proteins from plants which is suitable for leaf protein production on an industrial scale.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the disclosure relates generally to methods as well as related compositions, systems, kits and apparatus comprising linking proteins to target compounds and/or to locations of interest using tethers. For example, the tether can be used to link the protein to a target compound, for example, to link an enzyme to a substrate. Similarly, the tether can be used to link the protein at or near a desired location on a surface. In one group of embodiments, the tether includes a polynucleotide and the target compound or location on the surface includes another polynucleotide that is capable of hybridizing to the tether. In such embodiments, the tether can be used to link the protein to the target compound or location using nucleic acid hybridization.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel approach to facilitate assembly of DNA molecules. This approach utilizes RNA-guided endonucleases, capable of targeting any DNA sequence, which cleave DNA and generate DNA fragments characterized by single stranded overhangs. After annealing of complementary overhangs, DNA fragments are covalently connected, generating a single DNA molecule. In this way, the present invention combines the reliability of classic restriction-ligation techniques, removes all sequence constraints from the desired final DNA molecule, and expands the number of DNA pieces that can be assembled at once.

Abstract: Temporal variations in one or more characteristics measured from a cell-free DNA sample are used to estimate a gestational age of a fetus. Example characteristics include the methylation level measured from the cell-free DNA sample, size of DNA fragments measured from the cell-free DNA sample (e.g., proportion of fetal-derived DNA fragments longer than a specified size), and ending patterns of the DNA fragments align to a reference genome.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, compositions and systems for analyzing individual cells or cell populations through a partitioned analysis of contents of individual cells or cell populations, such as cancer cells and cells of the immune system. Individual cells or cell populations may be co-partitioned with processing reagents for accessing cellular contents, and for uniquely identifying the content of a given cell or cell population, and subsequently analyzing the content of the cell and characterizing it as having derived from an individual cell or cell population, including analysis and characterization of nucleic acid(s) from the cell through sequencing.

Abstract: A portable nucleic acid extraction kit includes a portable nucleic acid extraction apparatus, at least one lysis buffer, at least one binding buffer, at least one washing buffer, at least one elution buffer, and at least three kit sample tubes. The portable nucleic acid extraction apparatus includes a handle, a rod, a tip, and may include a nucleic acid binding medium. The method of using the portable nucleic acid extraction apparatus includes, treating a biological sample having a nucleic acid, binding the nucleic acid in the treated biological sample to the tip of the portable nucleic acid extraction apparatus, incubating the tip of the portable nucleic acid extraction apparatus bound with the nucleic acid, washing the tip of the portable nucleic acid apparatus bound with the nucleic acid, eluting the bound nucleic acid, and analyzing the eluted nucleic acid.

Abstract: A fluid sample extraction device is disclosed comprising a housing defining an internal fluid passage having a distal open end and a proximal open end and a porous medium within the fluid passage, between the distal open end and proximal open end. The porous medium, which may be glass, is configured to allow fluid flow in the fluid passage to flow around the porous medium, toward the proximal open end of the housing, when fluid is drawn from the distal open end toward the proximal open end, and to allow fluid in the fluid passage to flow toward the distal open end of the housing, through the porous medium when the fluid is forced toward the distal open end. The porous medium is also configured to capture nucleic acids in the porous medium from the fluid when fluid is forced through the porous medium. Devices and kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: Improved compositions and methods for treating muscular dystrophy by administering antisense molecules capable of binding to a selected target site in the human dystrophin gene to induce exon skipping are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods for the study, diagnosis, and treatment of traits, diseases and conditions that respond to the modulation of gene expression and/or activity, and/or modulate a gene expression pathway. Specifically, the invention relates to double-stranded nucleic acid molecules including small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA) molecules that are capable of mediating or that mediate RNA interference (RNAi) against target gene expression.

Abstract: The invention relates to the treatment and prevention of cancers, including blood-based cancers and breast cancers, by administering agents that inhibit the activity of microRNAs, including miR-22. Inhibitors can include oligonucleotides that are at least partially complementary to these miRNAs. In some embodiments, these inhibitors are chemically modified oligonucleotides, including locked nucleic acids (LNAs).

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to gene expression and, in particular, to a method of inhibiting the expression of a target gene and to constructs suitable for use in such a method.

Abstract: A bivalent siRNA chimera platform capable of efficiently delivering and silencing two or more genes in vivo or in vitro is provided. Methods of using the bivalent siRNA chimeras for selectively targeting cells to down-regulate the expression of multiple genes are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides UNA oligomers for regulating the expression of a target gene. The UNA oligomers contain UNA monomer linkers, and may contain one or more nucleotides modified with a 2?-O-methyl group, one or more nucleotides modified with a 2?-deoxy-2?-fluoro group, and one or more phosphorothioate or chiral phosphorothioate intermonomer linkages. UNA oligomers can be used as active agents for preventing or treating disease.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and compounds comprising modified oligonucleotides for modulating TMPRSS6 and modulating an iron accumulation disease, disorder and/or condition in an individual in need thereof. Iron accumulation diseases in an individual such as polycythemia, hemochromatosis or ?-thalassemia can be treated, ameliorated, delayed or prevented with the administration of antisense compounds targeted to TMPRSS6.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for producing heterologous protein including: (a) providing a host cell comprising a 2 ?m-family plasmid, the plasmid comprising a gene encoding a protein comprising the sequence of a chaperone protein and a gene encoding a heterologous protein; (b) culturing the host cell in a culture medium under conditions that allow the expression of the gene encoding the chaperone protein and the gene encoding a heterologous protein; (c) purifying the thus expressed heterologous protein from the cultured host cell or the culture medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant DNA constructs, vectors and molecules useful for attenuating and/or refining the expression of a florigenic FT gene or transgene using targeting sequences of small RNA molecules. Transgenic plants, plant cells and tissues, and plant parts comprising the recombinant constructs, vectors, and molecules are also provided. Transgenic plants comprising a florigenic FT transgene may produce more bolls, siliques, fruits, nuts, or pods per node on the transgenic plant via suppression, relative to a control or wild type plant. Methods are further provided for introducing the recombinant DNA constructs, vectors, and molecules into a plant, and planting transgenic plants in the field including at higher densities. Transgenic plants of the present invention may provide greater yield potential than wild type or control plants.

Abstract: Recombinant DNA constructs, for use in plants and plant cells, have site-specific recombination sites that allow assessing phenotypes and modes of action by over expression or suppression of endogenous genes. In an aspect, a single DNA construct can be switched between over expression and suppression by the action of a recombinase such as the Cre recombinase on constructs having lox recombination sites. Other useful recombination systems include the Flp/frt system, the R/Rs system, the Dre/rox system, and the GIN/gix system.