Abstract: This disclosure describes modular miRNA regulator molecules and methods of using modular miRNA regulator molecules. Generally, the modular miRNA regulator molecules include a recognition module and an inhibition module. Generally, the recognition module includes a polynucleotide in which at least a portion of the polynucleotide recognizes at least a portion of a preselected pre-miRNA. Generally, the inhibition module includes a moiety that inhibits nuclease processing of the preselected pre-RNA to a mature RNA.

Abstract: Materials and methods for treating cancer (e.g., by reducing metastasis) are provided herein. For example, materials and methods for treating cancer by targeting WSB1 and/or pVHL are provided.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide: a composition for effectively inducing apoptosis and/or proliferation inhibition in cells; and a method in which the composition is used. The present invention relates to: an agent for inducing apoptosis, which contains a GST-?-inhibiting drug and a RB1CC1-inhibiting drug as active ingredients; a pharmaceutical composition which contains the agent; a method for treating a disease associated with an abnormality in apoptosis, in which the agent is used; and others.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, compositions and transgenic mice useful in treating and developing treatments for VCP-associated neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for detecting the presence or absence of a microorganism in a sample comprising contacting the sample with an aptamer capable of binding to a cell-surface protein of the microorganism to form a complex, contacting the mixture with a second aptamer capable of binding to the first cell-surface protein or a second cell-surface protein of the microorganism; and performing an assay to detect the second aptamer, wherein detecting the second aptamer indicates that the microorganism is present in the sample, and wherein not detecting the second aptamer indicates that the microorganism is absent from the sample.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a nucleic acid molecule capable of binding to SDF-1, preferably capable of inhibiting SDF-1, whereby the nucleic acid molecule is for use in a method for the treatment and/or prevention of a disease or disorder, for use in a method for the treatment of a subject suffering from a disease or disorder or being at risk of developing a disease or disorder as an adjunct therapy, or for use as a medicament for the treatment and/or prevention of a disease or disorder, whereby the disease or disorder is cancer.

Abstract: Engineered polypeptides useful in synthesizing acyl amino acids are provided. Also provided are methods of making acyl amino acids using engineered polypeptides. In certain embodiments, an acyl amino acid produced using compositions and/or methods of the present invention comprises cocoyl glutamate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recombinant Bacillus subtilis for producing acetylglucosamine and construction method thereof. The recombinant Bacillus subtilis is obtained by deletion of glmS ribozyme of Bacillus subtilis for regulating expression of glucosamine synthase, and insertion of a terminator and a constitutive promoter. The method comprises constructing a deleting cassette of a glmS ribozyme encoding gene, which includes an upstream homologous fragment, a resistance gene, a terminator sequence, a constitutive promoter sequence and a downstream homologous fragment in sequence; and transforming the deleting cassette into Bacillus subtilis, to obtain the recombinant Bacillus subtilis. In the invention, glucosamine synthase gene (glmS) ribozyme is deleted by homologous recombination, and in host cells, GlcN6P feedback inhibition of expression of glucosamine synthase gene glmS is blocked, and the accumulation of acetylglucosamine is improved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a recombinant yeast cell, in particular a transgenic yeast cell, functionally expressing one or more recombinant, in particular heterologous, nucleic acid sequences encoding ribulose-1,5-biphosphate carboxylase oxygenase (Rubisco) and phosphoribulokinase (PRK). The invention further relates to the use of carbon dioxide as an electron acceptor in a recombinant chemotrophic micro-organism, in particular a eukaryotic micro-organism.

Abstract: A system for controlling gene expression in yeast comprises a repressible gene expression plasmid that has a regulator binding sequence for camR and a target gene sequence. The system also includes a transcription enhancer expression plasmid; wherein said transcriptional activator protein binds to the regulator binding sequence in the absence of a transcriptional inhibitor. The system is used in a method for controlling expression of the target gene through the use of camphor. The target gene is expressed in the absence of camphor but unexpressed if camphor is added to a solution of cells containing the plasmids.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are viral vectors based on modifications of the Citrus Tristeza virus useful for transfecting citrus trees for beneficial purposes. Included in the disclosure are viral vectors including one or more gene cassettes that encode heterologous polypeptides. The gene cassettes are positioned at desirable locations on the viral genome so as to enable expression while preserving functionality of the virus. Also disclosed are methods of transfecting plants and plants transfected with viral vector embodiments.

Abstract: As disclosed herein, optimal native genomic loci from maize plants have been identified that represent best sites for targeted insertion of exogenous sequences.

Abstract: Methods and materials for modulating (e.g., increasing or decreasing) flavonoid levels in cacao plants are disclosed. For example, nucleic acids encoding flavonoid-modulating polypeptides are disclosed as well as methods for using such nucleic acids to transform plant cells. Also provided are methods for accelerating breeding of Theobroma cacao plants of the porcelana variety with modulated levels of proanthocyanidin, its precursors and it polymers, useful in various medical and skin care products. Also provided are plants having modulated flavonoid levels and plant products produced from plants having modulated flavonoid levels.

Abstract: The invention relates to plant transcription factor polypeptides, polynucleotides that encode them, homologs from a variety of plant species, and methods of using the polynucleotides and polypeptides to produce transgenic plants having advantageous properties compared to a reference or control plant, including increased plant size, seed size, increased leaf size, lignification, water deprivation tolerance, cold tolerance, or altered flowering time. Sequence information related to these polynucleotides and polypeptides can also be used in bioinformatic search methods and is also disclosed.

Abstract: Transgenic seed for crops with improved traits are provided by trait-improving recombinant DNA in the nucleus of cells of the seed where plants grown from such transgenic seed exhibit one or more improved traits as compared to a control plant. Of particular interest are transgenic plants that have increased yield. The present invention also provides recombinant DNA molecules for expression of a protein, and recombinant DNA molecules for suppression of a protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to powdery mildew resistance providing genes of the Cucumis family, and especially Cucumis melo, wherein said resistance is provided by impairment of the present genes. Further, the present invention relates plants comprising the present impaired resistance conferring genes and seeds, embryos or other propagation material thereof. Especially, the present invention relates to powdery mildew resistance conferring genes, wherein the amino acid sequence encoded by said resistance conferring gene is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID No. 2, SEQ ID No. 4, SEQ ID No. 6, SEQ ID. No. 8, SEQ ID No. 10, SEQ ID No. 12 and SEQ ID No. 14, and amino acid sequences with more than 70% identity, preferably more than 80% identity, more preferably more than 90% identity, and most preferably more than 95% identity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-mediated gene silencing in insect species. More particularly, the present invention relates to genetic constructs designed for the expression of dsRNA corresponding to novel target genes in the insect pest Lymantria dispar, commonly known as the gypsy moth. The present invention also provides methodologies for introducing dsRNA into target insects to induce RNA interference. These constructs are particularly useful in RNAi-mediated control of the gypsy moth.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for conferring pesticidal activity to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for a Bacillus thuringiensis toxin polypeptide are provided. The coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants and bacteria. Compositions also comprise transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated toxin nucleic acid molecules are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed, and antibodies specifically binding to those amino acid sequences. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:5-26, or the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1-4, as well as variants and fragments thereof.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector which comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an antibody or antigen binding fragment that binds to nicotine or a nicotine analog. The invention also is directed to a composition comprising the AAV vector and methods of using the AAV vector to induce an immune response against nicotine in a mammal.

Abstract: A method of producing alcohol from cellulose-containing biomass includes steps (1) to (8): step (1): pretreating a cellulose-containing biomass; step (2): saccharifying the pretreated cellulose-containing biomass obtained in step (1) with a saccharification enzyme; step (3): removing a saccharification residual solid from a saccharification treated product obtained in step (2); step (4): culturing an alcohol fermentation microorganism with an aqueous sugar solution obtained in step (3) as a fermentation raw material; step (5): removing the alcohol fermentation microorganism from a culture liquid containing the alcohol fermentation microorganism obtained in step (4); step (6): distilling the alcohol fermentation liquid obtained in step (5) to recover alcohol; step (7): passing and filtering a distillation residual liquid obtained in step (6) through a reverse osmosis membrane; and step (8): performing treatment of discharging a retentate obtained in step (7).

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provided herein include genetically engineering microorganisms, such as yeast or bacteria, to produce cannabinoids by inserting genes that produce the appropriate enzymes for the metabolic production of a desired compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to various new yeast strains of the type Yarrowia lipolytica as well as relevant methods for the biocatalytic preparation of ?-hydroxy fatty acids or dicarboxylic acids with the aid of these strains, whereby the formation of ?-hydroxy fatty acids or dicarboxylic acids is advantageously increased.

Abstract: Whole corn kernels or particles thereof are enzymatically disassembled. The method can produce a solid starch fraction, a solid pericarp fraction, and a liquid fraction. A high purity starch solids product can be provided suitable for use as a feedstock in other chemical processes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing yeast beta-D-glucan using a solubilization technology based on molecular assembly, comprising the following steps: (1) micro-fluidizing an enzymatic hydrolysate of yeast cell walls at 70 to 200 MPa, and then centrifuging to obtain a precipitate; (2) resuspending the precipitate obtained in step (1) with a ionic liquid, then dispersing to obtain a solution; wherein the ionic liquid is 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate or 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride; (3) centrifuging the solution obtained in step (2), and then adding ethanol, centrifuging and collecting a precipitate; (4) resuspending the precipitate obtained in step (3) with water, then centrifuging and collecting a supernatant. Preferably, the method further comprises (5): spray drying the supernatant obtained in step (4) to obtain a yeast beta-D-glucan powder.

Abstract: A process for extracting carbohydrates from biomass and creating bioalcohol from the extracted carbohydrates. Subjecting the biomass to acid or alkali hydrolysis in a first hydrodynamic cavitation process. Filtering the first cavitated biomass to separate a first filtrate containing extracted carbohydrates. Fermenting the first filtrate to create a bioalcohol and separating the bioalcohol by distillation or similar process. Subjecting the biomass to enzymatic hydrolysis in a second hydrodynamic cavitation process. Filtering the second cavitated biomass to separate a second filtrate containing extracted carbohydrates. Fermenting the second filtrate to create a bioalcohol and separating the bioalcohol by distillation or similar process. The first and second filtrates may be combined and fermented in a single step.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for performing a biochemical or chemical reaction for an isolated, spatially separated amplification of sample fragments during a simultaneous immobilization and spatial arrangement of the sample fragments and reaction products, the amplification products, on one or more suitable solid phases for subsequent derivatizations.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling acoustic treatment of a sample to mediate a tagmentation process used on double stranded DNA.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to methods and apparatus for the production and purification of cell products, such as immunoglobulins. One aspect of the invention is an integrated cell culture and purification apparatus for the growth and maintenance of cells and the harvest and purification of cell products, such as immunoglobulins. Thus, the apparatus integrates a cell culture function with a purification function. Other aspects of the invention pertain to an automated method for producing immunogenic compositions such as vaccines.

Abstract: Provided is a method for imaging a blood sample and a kit and system for executing the method. The method includes introducing a cell suspension including red blood cells onto a base surface of a carrier having a vertical height (H) being greater than or equal to a vertical depth (h) of the cell suspension when on the base carrier, the cell suspension including a cell concentration (C) being determined by a defined function; allowing the cells in the cell suspension to settle on the base surface of the carrier to form a monolayer of cells thereon; and acquiring at least one microscope image of at least a portion of the monolayer of cells; wherein the at least one microscope image is obtained by a microscope set to Depth Of Field that is not more than 20% of the vertical height of the cell suspension settled on the base surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for distinguishing between and enumerating strains of lactic acid bacteria or Bifidobacteria present in a food product. This method implements various agar culture media and/or selective culture conditions, combined with various chromogenic substrates.

Abstract: A method for determining the amount of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), in which—if required—the erythrocytes in a sample are haemolysed, the haemoglobin that is then released—if required—is contacted with a proteolytic agent and the glycated haemoglobin degradation products obtained in this way or otherwise are quantified is disclosed. In order to provide such a process and reagents employable therein that has/have the property of sufficient stability of the chemical compounds that are essential to the reaction, for the stabilization of the haemoglobin which is unfolded at a very low pH in the range from 1 to 3, at least one suitable stabilizer is present in the haemolysis solution.

Abstract: In a method for measuring luminescence of a biological sample utilizing two different luminescence reagents, the sample is agitated to improve mixing with the second luminescence reagent, allowing for a shorter delay time between injection of the second reagent and measurement of the resulting luminescence activity. The improved mixing may also allow for a shorter measurement time, thereby improving throughput when assaying a large number of samples.

Abstract: The invention relates to diagnosis, detection, screening, identifying and predicting methods. In various embodiments, methods of the invention include diagnosis, detection, or screening for a hyperproliferative disorder (e.g., a tumor, cancer or neoplasia) in the subject; identifying a subject that will or is likely to respond to a therapy for a hyperproliferative disorder (e.g., a tumor, cancer or neoplasia); and predicting therapeutic efficacy of a hyperproliferative disorder (e.g., a tumor, cancer or neoplasia) treatment in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods of target enrichment or selection of nucleic acids using hybridization, which can be used in, e.g., next-generation sequencing.

Abstract: A system and method for processing and detecting nucleic acids from a set of biological samples, comprising: a molecular diagnostic module configured to receive nucleic acids bound to magnetic beads, isolate nucleic acids, and analyze nucleic acids, comprising a cartridge receiving module, a heating/cooling subsystem and a magnet configured to facilitate isolation of nucleic acids, a valve actuation subsystem including an actuation substrate, and a set of pins interacting with the actuation substrate, and a spring plate configured to bias at least one pin in a configurations, the valve actuation subsystem configured to control fluid flow through a microfluidic cartridge for processing nucleic acids, and an optical subsystem for analysis of nucleic acids; and a fluid handling system configured to deliver samples and reagents to components of the system to facilitate molecular diagnostic protocols.

Abstract: SNP specific hydrolysis probe including a hairpin structure toward the 3? end, along with kits are provided that are designed for the detection of a SNP in a target nucleic acid.

Abstract: A system for preparing and analyzing a sample of biological material, including a test cartridge having a first housing defining a flow-through chamber, a second housing defining a central space within which the first housing is at least partially located. The first housing is rotatable relative to the second housing, and the second housing defines a plurality of circumferentially spaced chambers, one of the chambers having an inlet for receiving a sample, at least one of the chambers containing a liquid reagent, and at least one of the chambers comprising an analysis module, the chambers of the second housing each having an opening into the central space. The first housing has one or more openings into the central space so that openings can be selectively aligned with one of the openings into the chambers of the second housing by relative rotation of the first housing and second housings.

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

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to detecting and identifying nucleic acids and particularly, but not exclusively, to compositions, methods, kits, and systems for detecting, identifying, and quantifying target nucleic acids with high confidence at single-molecule resolution.

Abstract: Provided are the following: a method, for improving reactivity of an acid synthesis reaction, comprising a step for adding an ?-amino acid to a reaction solution; a composition, for a nucleic acid synthesis reaction, comprising DNA polymerase, reaction buffer, at least one primer, at least one deoxyribonucleoside triphosphate, and an ?-amino acid; and a reaction buffer, for a nucleic acid synthesis reaction, comprising an ?-amino acid.

Abstract: In some embodiments, methods for ligating nucleic acid ends comprise: conducting a nucleic acid ligation reaction in the presence of at least one agent that generates a ligatable terminal 5? phosphate group by removing an adenylate group from a terminal 5? phosphate of a nucleic acid. In some embodiments, an aprataxin enzyme can catalyze removal of an adenylate group from a terminal 5? phosphate of a nucleic acid. In some embodiments, methods for ligating nucleic acid ends comprise: conducting a nucleic acid ligation reaction in the presence of an aprataxin enzyme under conditions suitable for ligating nucleic acid ends.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for single cell analysis of relative telomere length using multiplex pre-PCR followed by a qPCR (SCT-pqPCR).

Abstract: A heating mechanism for use in DNA applications such as DNA amplification, extraction and sterilization is provided. Nanoparticles having photo-thermal properties are put in contact with a reaction mixture and irradiated with an activation light beam to activate these photo-thermal properties, thereby releasing heat. Nanoparticles of several types may be used. Use of the same nanoparticles or of different one to monitor the reaction using a different light beam is also presented.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are conjugates comprising a biomolecule linked to a label that have biological activity and are useful in a wide variety of biological applications. For example, provided herein are polymerase-nanoparticle conjugates including a polymerase linked to a nanoparticle, wherein the conjugate has polymerase activity. Such conjugates can exhibit reduced aggregation and improved stochiometries wherein the average biomolecule:nanoparticle ratio approaches or equals 1:1. Also disclosed herein are improved methods for preparing such conjugates, and methods and systems for using such conjugates in biological applications such as nucleotide incorporation, primer extension and single molecule sequencing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are modified polymerase compositions exhibiting altered polymerase activity, which can be useful in a variety of biological applications. Also disclosed herein are methods of making and using such compositions. In some embodiments, the compositions exhibit altered properties that can enhance their utility in a variety of biological applications. Such altered properties, can include, for example, altered nucleotide binding affinities, altered nucleotide incorporation kinetics, altered photostability and/or altered nanoparticle tolerance, as well as a range of other properties as disclosed herein.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for nucleotide incorporation reactions. The systems comprise polymerases having altered nucleotide incorporation kinetics and are linked to an energy transfer donor moiety, and nucleotide molecules linked with at least one energy transfer acceptor moiety. The donor and acceptor moieties undergo energy transfer when the polymerase and nucleotide are proximal to each other during nucleotide binding and/or nucleotide incorporation. As the donor and acceptor moieties undergo energy transfer, they generate an energy transfer signal which can be associated with nucleotide binding or incorporation. Detecting a time sequence of the generated signals, or the change in the signals, can be used to determine the order of the incorporated nucleotides, and can therefore be used to deduce the sequence of the target molecule.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for high efficiency electronic sequencing of nucleic acids and molecular detection. In an example embodiment of the instant disclosure, the NanoNeedle may be utilized to detect a change in impedance resulting from the modulation of the counter ion concentration or Debye length associated with a biomolecule of interest, such as DNA or protein, for an application of interest, such as DNA sequencing, DNA hybridization, or protein detection.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for determining at least a portion of fetal genome are provided. DNA fragments from a maternal sample (maternal and fetal DNA) can be analyzed to identify alleles at certain loci. The amounts of DNA fragments of the respective alleles at these loci can be analyzed together to determine relative amounts of the haplotypes for these loci and determine which haplotypes have been inherited from the parental genomes. Loci where the parents are a specific combination of homozygous and heterozygous can be analyzed to determine regions of the fetal genome. Reference haplotypes common in the population can be used along with the analysis of the DNA fragments of the maternal sample to determine the maternal and paternal genomes. Determination of mutations, a fractional fetal DNA concentration in a maternal sample, and a proportion of coverage of a sequencing of the maternal sample can also be provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are: a nucleotide sequence and an amino acid sequence for CDR3 region of T-cell receptor (TCR) gene of WT1-specific cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) for WT1 protein; a method for the detection or treatment of cancer using the nucleotide sequence or the amino acid sequence; and a chip, a primer set, a kit, an apparatus and the like for use in the detection of cancer, each of which comprises the nucleotide sequence or the amino acid sequence.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for treating various degenerative diseases (e.g., AMD) with a factor D inhibitor (e.g., anti-factor D antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof). Also provided are methods of selecting or identifying patients for treatment with a factor D inhibitor. Methods include the use of prognostic and/or predictive biomarkers.