Abstract: According to the present invention, a transgenic plant, wherein expression of the BSS1 gene having activity to bind to a BIL1 protein to inhibit the transfer of the BIL1 protein into the nucleus so as to down-regulate brassinosteroid signaling is suppressed or promoted, and a method for regulating plant growth, wherein expression of the BSS1 gene in a plant body is suppressed or promoted, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of plant breeding. More specifically, the present invention includes a method of using haploid plants for genetic mapping of traits of interest such as disease resistance. Further, the invention includes a method for breeding corn plants containing quantitative trait loci (QTL) that are associated with resistance to Gray Leaf Spot, a fungal disease associated with Cercospora spp.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides recombinant herpesvirus of turkeys (HVT) vectors that contain and express antigens of avian pathogens, compositions comprising the recombinant HVT vectors and polyvalent vaccines comprising the recombinant HVT vectors. The present invention further provides methods of vaccination against a variety of avian pathogens and method of producing the recombinant HVT vectors.

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, automated multi-module cell editing instruments comprising one or more flow-through electroporation devices or modules are provided to automate genome editing in live cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for enhancing hydrogen production in an anaerobic fermentative hydrogen production process. The present invention also provides a production media, more specifically, a sugar production media for use in an anaerobic fermentative hydrogen production process to enhance hydrogen production. The present invention also provides a novel strain Clostridium sp., MTCC 25082 for use in an anaerobic fermentative hydrogen production process for enhancing hydrogen production.

Abstract: The present technology relates to methods of reducing the batch time in a fermentation process, wherein the fermentation medium is subjected before, during and/or after the fermentation process to an enzyme composition comprising at least a xylanase and a pectinase.

Abstract: A polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer composition is provided. The composition comprises a plurality of polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules. The polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules (i) comprise 3-hydroxybutyrate monomers and 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers, (ii) have a monomeric molar percentage of 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers of 23.5 to 75%, and (iii) have a biobased content of ?80%. Also provided is a method of making a polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer composition. The method comprises culturing an organism in the presence of one or more carbon raw materials under conditions under which (a) the one or more carbon raw materials are converted to 3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA and 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA and (b) the 3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA and the 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA are polymerized to form the polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer molecules, thereby forming the composition. The organism has been genetically engineered to comprise particular enzymatic activities, and to not comprise other particular enzymatic activities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microorganism, wherein the activity of a polypeptide capable of exporting O-phosphoserine (OPS) is enhanced, and a method of producing O-phosphoserine, cysteine, or a cysteine derivative using the microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of processing mixtures comprising ?-glucans and polysaccharides.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing methacrylyl-CoA that converts 3-hydroxyisobutyryl-CoA into methacrylyl-CoA using an enzyme having dehydratase activity as a method for producing methacrylyl-CoA using an enzyme catalyst. In this production method, conversion rate of 3-hydroxyisobutyryl-CoA into methacrylyl-CoA by the enzyme having dehydratase activity is 50% or higher. In this production method, furthermore, the enzyme having dehydratase activity derives from a microorganism belonging to the genus Pseudomonas or Rhodococcus.

Abstract: An improved method and related apparatus for detecting bacteria viability and drug effects using metabolic monitoring. A fluorescent material which is quenched by oxygen is co-localized with the target bacteria, and fluorescence signal is detected at the co-localized places. In some embodiments, the fluorescent material is a fluorescent nanoparticle mixed with the target bacteria in the sample, and co-localization is enhanced using centrifugation, electrophoresis, microflow path modified with antibodies, magnetic force, etc. In some other embodiments, the fluorescent material is a fluorescent film or 3-D matrix immobilized in the bacterial culture chamber, and bacteria in the sample is gathered into localized regions of the bacteria culture chamber where the fluorescent film or 3-D matrix is present by ways of centrifugation, electrophoresis or microflow path. Plasmonic nanoparticles with a metal core and plasmonic film with a metal film may be used as the fluorescent nanoparticles and fluorescent film.

Abstract: Provided is a antimicrobial susceptibility testing device, including: an ATP examination culture plate that includes a reaction vessel, a reagent holding parts for holding reagents to be supplied to the reaction vessel, and a culture solution holding part for holding a culture solution to be supplied to the reaction vessel, and has plural layers that can be joined and separated; a gas feeding path for feeding a gas into the ATP examination culture plate; a heater; an optical detection unit; and a determination unit for determining sensitivity of a bacterial strain contained in the culture solution to a drug based on a detection result of the optical detection unit, wherein when the plural layers of the ATP examination culture plate are joined, at least the culture solution holding part and the reaction vessel are in a sealed state while communicating with each other.

Abstract: A direct chemical lysis composition includes an assay compatible buffer composition and an assay compatible surfactant. When combined with a specimen storage composition, such compositions prevent undesired modifications to nucleic acid and proteins lysed from cells in the biological sample. Assays of samples from such compositions do not require expensive and time-consuming steps such as centrifugation and prolonged high temperature processing. The direct chemical lysis composition of the present invention permits direct nucleic acid extraction from the cells in the biological sample without the need to decant off the transport media or otherwise exchange the transport media with assay compatible buffers. There is no need to combine the sample with proteinase K or another enzyme to extract nucleic acids from the cells. A method for lysing cells to obtain target nucleic acid for assay and a kit for combining the direct chemical lysis composition with a sample are also contemplated.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, processes and apparatuses for non-invasive assessment of genetic variations.

Abstract: The present invention provides for novel methods for regulating and detecting the cytosine methylation status of DNA. The invention is based upon identification of a novel and surprising catalytic activity for the family of TET proteins, namely TET1, TET2, TET3, and CXXC4. The novel activity is related to the enzymes being capable of converting the cytosine nucleotide 5-methylcytosine into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine by hydroxylation.

Abstract: The present invention relates a kit for detecting a nucleic acid and a method of detecting a nucleic acid for enabling a multiplexed-detection and real-time detection of a target nucleic acid by using properties of a graphene oxide.

Abstract: Provided are: a probe reagent which is capable of stably yielding a fluorescence signal in FISH while inhibiting non-specific adsorption by the use of a nucleic acid molecule having a smaller number of bases than a BAC probe; and FISH using the probe reagent. The probe reagent is for in situ hybridization and comprises: phosphor-integrated nanoparticles containing phosphors integrated therein; and a nucleic acid molecule having a prescribed nucleic acid sequence, which phosphor-integrated nanoparticles and nucleic acid molecule are bound with each other.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acid hybridization probes having improved detectability that include a plurality of first segments consecutively complementary to a target nucleic acid sequence and, between neighboring first segments, a nucleic acid spacer segment which is not complementary to the target nucleic acid sequence and which may include labeled nucleic acid residues. Also provided by the invention are methods for making the probes, methods for using the probes, and compositions of matter that include the probes hybridized to target nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and uses where a combination of (i) an enzyme exhibiting 5??3? exonuclease activity and specifically degrading 5?-phosphorylated strands of double-stranded nucleic acids is used, and (ii) one or more primer pair(s), each primer being 5? phosphorylated, in a method comprising at least a first and a second amplification reaction of a first and a second template, respectively, for preventing contamination of the second amplification reaction with amplification products of the first amplification reaction, as well as novel methods and kits using the combination. Also, the present invention relates to kits comprising the enzyme and either 5?-phosphorylated primers or a polynucleotide kinase.

Abstract: A biological analysis system is provided. The system comprises an interchangeable assembly configured to accommodate any one of a plurality of sample holders, each respective sample holder configured to receive a plurality of samples. The system also includes a control system configured to cycle the plurality of samples through a series of temperatures. The system further includes an optical system configured to detect fluorescent signals emitted from the plurality of samples. The optical system, in particular, can comprise a single field lens, an excitation source, an optical sensor, and a plurality of filter components. The excitation source can be one or more light emitting diodes. The field lens can be a bi-convex lens.

Abstract: Described is a method for sequencing a polynucleotide strand by sequencing by synthesis, the method including selecting a predetermined order of nucleotides to provide to a sequencing reaction, the order being selected to correlate with a predicted sequence for the polynucleotide strand; monitoring the reaction to detect incorporation of a nucleotide into a synthesized polynucleotide strand; wherein, in the event that nucleotide incorporation is detected, proceeding to provide the next nucleotide in the predetermined order. In the event that nucleotide incorporation is not detected, the predicted sequence for the polynucleotide strand may be revised and a new predetermined order of nucleotides selected, wherein the new predetermined order is selected to correlate with the revised predicted sequence. In this way, the sequencing reaction provides feedback to modify the order of nucleotides provided, thereby improving the efficiency of the sequencing reaction.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing monoclonal antibody candidates using adaptive immunity profiling. In some aspects, the method provides for the use of massively parallel signature sequencing.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining a nucleic acid sequence by performing successive cycles of duplex extension along a single stranded template. The cycles comprise steps of extension, ligation, and, preferably, cleavage. In certain embodiments the methods make use of extension probes containing phosphorothiolate linkages and employ agents appropriate to cleave such linkages. The invention provides methods of determining information about a sequence using at least two distinguishably labeled probe families. In certain embodiments the methods acquire less than 2 bits of information from each of a plurality of nucleotides in the template in each cycle. In certain embodiments the sequencing reactions are performed on templates attached to immobilized beads.

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: This disclosure provides methods and compositions for sample processing, particularly for sequencing applications. Included within this disclosure are bead compositions, such as diverse libraries of beads attached to large numbers of oligonucleotides containing barcodes. Often, the beads provides herein are degradable. For example, they may contain disulfide bonds that are susceptible to reducing agents. The methods provided herein include methods of making libraries of barcoded beads as well as methods of combining the beads with a sample, such as by using a microfluidic device.

Abstract: The invention encompasses methods for increasing genetic progress in livestock, and for genetic dissemination, including the use of amniocentesis to obtain fetal amniocytes for use in genomic evaluation and cloning.

Abstract: A method for identifying a cluster or sub-cluster of microRNAs (miRNAs) that provides a signature profile for differentiating cells grown in one type of culture model from cells grown in another type of culture model. Also, kits and methods for evaluating, selecting, and/or characterizing tissue culture models using the miRNA profiles and a cluster or sub-cluster of miRNAs that provides the signature profile. Also, a method for identifying a putative mRNA target of a miRNA for evaluating and targeting with a drug candidate by using the cluster or sub-cluster of miRNAs and a method for selecting a culture model for use as a drug platform for screening a candidate molecule for activity against tumor cells in tumor stroma.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods and compositions for collecting a non-placental biological samples of cells and quantifying and comparing levels of expression of microRNAs to characterize a preeclampsia-related condition. The samples may be collected before or after an intervention or may be collected over a period of time. One of the samples may be a control sample. Patients may then be treated according to their response.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of the editing profile of PDE8A pre-mRNA as a specific bio marker of ADARs activities in evolved primate, particularly in Human tissues. The present invention also relates to an in vitro method for predicting in Human an alteration of the mechanism of the ADARs catalyzed pre-mRNA editing of target genes, by analyzing the PDE8A pre-mRNA editing profile in a peripheral tissue sample containing cells expressing said PDE8A pre-mRNA, such as blood sample. The present invention is also directed to an in vitro method for the screening of potential therapeutic compound and to predict and assess therapeutic efficacy and/or efficiency or to diagnose potential severe brain or peripheral drug side effects implementing said PDE8A pre-mRNA editing profile as specific biomarker.

Abstract: Single nucleotide polymorphic sites of the bovine MAP1B, PPP1R11, and DDX4 genes are associated with improved bull fertility as measured by e.g. sire conception rates. Nucleic acid molecules, arrays, kits, methods of genotyping and marker-assisted bovine breeding methods based on these SNPs are disclosed.

Abstract: Specific mutations of FGFR3 (S249C) and of TP53 (V272M) are identified as being characteristic of breast cancer, and of having utility in diagnosis and prognosis of an individual with breast cancer. Systems and methods useful for identification of such mutations are also presented.

Abstract: The present invention provides a set of oligonucleotides to screen for the presence of targeted Salmonella serotypes in enrichment or to characterize presumptive colonies. The set of oligonucleotides includes at least one set of primers and probe for the detection of Salmonella serotype selected from Newport, Heidelberg, Infantis, and Hadar and to discriminate between. These new markers can be used after the initial screening assay described herein as a discrimination assay to differentiate S. Heidelberg from S. Infantis and S. Hadar from S. Newport.

Abstract: This invention relates in part to plant breeding and herbicide tolerant plants. This invention includes a novel aad-1 transformation event in corn plants comprising a polynucleotide sequence, as described herein, inserted into a specific site within the genome of a corn cell. In some embodiments, said event/polynucleotide sequence can be “stacked” with other traits, including, for example, other herbicide tolerance gene(s) and/or insect-inhibitory proteins. Additionally, the subject invention provides assays for detecting the presence of the subject event in a sample (of corn grain, for example). The assays can be based on the DNA sequence of the recombinant construct, inserted into the corn genome, and on the genomic sequences flanking the insertion site. Kits and conditions useful in conducting the assays are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is related to methods, compositions, kits and isolated nucleic acid sequences for targeting Adenovirus nucleic acid. Compositions include amplification oligomers and/or detection probe oligomers. Kits and methods comprise at least one of these oligomers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound inducing activation of HLA-E-restricted CD8 T cells and/or NK cells in a human subject, and reducing HIV viral load, such as glatiramer acetate and glatiramer acetate related active substances and products, for use in the treatment of HIV infection. Macaques chronically infected by SIV have been treated with glatiramer acetate. One of the animals had already progressed to the stage of AIDS. We injected 18 mg of glatiramer acetate three times per week for only 2 weeks. Surprisingly, a strong impact on viral load was observed in response to the treatment. Viremia decreased by 1 log during glatiramer acetate treatment. Even more surprising was the fact that this decrease persisted after stopping the treatment reaching almost a 2 logs decrease in one animal. This is a major result as compared to cART as stopping cART leads to a rebound of the viral load within days.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an elongated pelt board for accommodating an animal pelt. The pelt board comprises a first wall element, a second wall element being spaced apart from the first wall element in the first radial direction, a third wall element and a fourth wall element being spaced apart from the third wall element in a second radial direction. The wall elements together define a cavity along a longitudinal direction. The wall elements defining a contracted state in which the first and second radial distances are reduced, and an expanded state in which the first and second radial distances are increased. The pelt board further comprising an elongated core element being movable in relation to each of the wall elements. The elongated core element allows the wall elements to selectively define the contracted state or the expanded state by moving the elongated core element in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for producing reduced carbon footprint steel compositions by providing a molten steel having a carbon content; and introducing a carbon containing agent into the molten steel. At least a portion of the carbon containing agent is a reclaimed olefin coke.

Abstract: A process for producing a three-dimensionally shaped steel component from a steel sheet with a metallic coating may involve hot forming the steel sheet into the steel component. The metallic coating may involve an Fe—Al-based alloy. To protect the steel sheet or the steel component against scale formation, the Fe—Al-based alloy may be applied directly to the steel sheet by galvanic coating and/or physical vapor deposition. The coating produced in this way may contain 30-60% by weight Fe, a balance of Al, and, in some cases, 0.1-10% by weight Mg, 0.1-5% by weight Ti, 0.1-10% by weight Si, 0.1-10% by weight Li, and/or 0.1-10% by weight Ca. Before heating the coated steel sheet as part of the hot forming process, the coated steel sheet may have an Fe—Al phase is stable to above 900° C.

Abstract: A high-carbon hot rolled steel sheet with excellent hardenability and small in-plane anisotropy, and a method for manufacturing the steel sheet are provided. The steel sheet has a chemical composition including, by mass %, C: 0.20 to 0.48%, Si: not more than 0.1%, Mn: not more than 0.5%, P: not more than 0.03%, S: not more than 0.01%, sol. Al: not more than 0.10%, N: not more than 0.005% and B: 0.0005 to 0.0050%, the balance including Fe and inevitable impurities. The steel sheet includes a microstructure containing ferrite and cementite. The cementite has an average grain size of not more than 1.0 ?m. The steel sheet has an in-plane anisotropy of r value, ?r, of not more than 0.1 in absolute value.

Abstract: Provided is an austenitic stainless steel foil that demonstrates a high degree of stretch formability and little deformation anisotropy with respect to stretch forming despite having a sheet thickness of 60 ?m or less. The austenitic stainless steel foil of the present invention has a sheet thickness of 5 ?m to 60 ?m, a recrystallization rate of 90% to 100%, and a texture in which the total of the area ratio of a crystal orientation in which the difference in orientation from the {112}<111> orientation is within 10°, the area ratio of a crystal orientation in which the difference in orientation from the {110}<112> orientation is within 10°, and the area ratio of a crystal orientation in which the difference in orientation from the {110}<001> orientation is within 10°, in a measuring field thereof, is 20% or less.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recovering energy and water from pressure oxidation flash steam where first flash steam directly obtained from a flash vessel is contacted with a first recirculating condensate having a first low condensate temperature to condense at least part of the water vapor in the first dirty flash steam and simultaneously to heat the first recirculating condensate to obtain a first recirculating condensate having a first high condensate temperature and a first vent steam. The invention further relates to a pressure oxidation arrangement adapted for use in the method.

Abstract: A process for extraction of copper from an arsenical copper sulfide concentrate is provided. The process includes atmospheric oxidative leaching of a feed slurry including the arsenical copper sulfide concentrate and an acidic iron sulfate-containing leach solution, in the presence of oxygen, to produce a leach slurry including copper and arsenic dissolved into the leach solution. After dissolving the copper and arsenic, and before precipitating the arsenic dissolved during the oxidative leaching, pre-precipitation solids are recovered from the leach slurry to produce the pre-precipitation solids and a resulting pregnant leach solution including the copper and arsenic. Scorodite-containing seed is introduced to the pregnant leach solution including the copper and arsenic to induce precipitation of the arsenic dissolved during the oxidative leaching, as scorodite.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a pellet capable of suppressing heat shock-induced crack occurrence, when nickel oxide ores are made into pellets and placed in a reducing furnace in a smelting process. In the method for producing a pellet from a nickel oxide ore, a nickel oxide ore, a binder and a carbonaceous reducing agent are mixed, the mixture is made into a lump, and then the resulting lump is subjected to a preheat treatment at a temperature of 350° C. to 600° C. In this preheat treatment, the lump more preferably undergoes the preheat treatment at a temperature of 400° C. to 550° C.

Abstract: A single-heating stage method for reclaiming or recovering metals like nickel and vanadium from a petroleum waste byproduct has three steps: melting the petroleum waste byproduct in a reducing atmosphere, generating agglomerated metal in the melted byproduct, and lifting the agglomerated metal to an exposed surface of the melted byproduct. The metal precipitates out of the molten byproduct, agglomerates into a separate portion, and rises to an exposed surface of the melted petroleum waste byproduct even though the metal may have greater density than the molten petroleum waste byproduct. The original petroleum waste byproduct stratifies into a byproduct remnant and the agglomerated metal disk. The agglomerated metal disk is separable from the byproduct remnant and may be additionally separated into constituent metals in those embodiments with multiple metals in the disk.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating a rare earth metal-bearing scrap material by melting an extractant selected from the group consisting of bismuth (Bi) and lead (Pb) and contacting the melted extractant and the scrap material at a temperature and time to recover at least one of the light rare earth metal content and the heavy rare earth metal content as a metallic extractant alloy, which can be subjected to vacuum distillation or sublimation to recover the rare earth metal(s). The method can be practiced to recover the light rare earth metal content and the heavy rare earth metal content concurrently in a one-step process or separately and sequentially in a two-step process.

Abstract: A method to separate rare earth material from a rare earth magnet. At least one embodiment comprises a method that heats a provided rare earth magnet to at least 600° C. whereby the rare earth magnet absorbs a dry gas. Separated rare earth materials are created. Magnetic rare earth materials are produced from the separated rare earth materials.

Abstract: Provided is a hydrogen storing alloy represented by the general formula: (RE1-a-bSmaMgb)(Ni1-c-dAlcMd)x (where 0.3<a<0.6; 0<b<0.16; 0.1<cx<0.2; 0?dx?0.1; 3.2<x<3.5; RE is at least one element selected from the group consisting of a rare earth element other than Sm, and Y, and essentially contains La; and M is Mn and/or Co). Also provided is a hydrogen storing alloy represented by the general formula: (RE1-a-bSmaMgb)(Ni1-c-dAlcMd)x (where 0.1<a<0.25; 0.1<b<0.2; 0.02<cx<0.2; 0?dx?0.1; 3.6<x<3.7; RE is at least one element selected from the group consisting of a rare earth element other than Sm, and Y, and essentially contains La; and M is Mn and/or Co). Further provided is a nickel-metal hydride rechargeable battery including a negative electrode containing the hydrogen storing alloy.

Abstract: Processes for the production of platinum group metal (PGM)-enriched alloys are described. The PGM enriched-alloys can have 0 to 60 wt.-% of iron and 20 to 99 wt.-% of one or more PGMs selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium and rhodium. The described processes exhibit remarkably low PGM losses during production of PGM-enriched alloys therefore yield alloys having considerably high PGM levels.

Abstract: An electrode material is composed of at least 0.2 mass % and at most 1.0 mass % of Y, at least 0 mass % and at most 0.2 mass % of Al, at least 0.2 mass % and at most 1.6 mass % of Si, at least 0.05 mass % and at most 1.0 mass % of Cr, at least 0.05 mass % and at most 0.5 mass % of Ti, at least 0.1 mass % and at most 0.5 mass in total of one or more elements selected from among Yb, Sb, Ir, Zr, Hf, Pt, Re, Pd, Rh, Ru, Nb, V, W, Mo, and Ta, and a remainder composed of Ni and an inevitable impurity.