Abstract: Described herein are chimeric receptors. Chimeric receptors comprise a cytoplasmic domain; a transmembrane domain; and an extracellular domain. In embodiments, the cytoplasmic domain comprises a cytoplasmic portion of a receptor that when activated polarizes a macrophage. In further embodiments, a wild-type protein comprising the cytoplasmic portion does not comprise the extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor. In embodiments, the binding of a ligand to the extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor activates the intracellular portion of the chimeric receptor. Activation of the intracellular portion of the chimeric receptor may polarize the macrophage into an M1 or M2 macrophage.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for screening for a growth-promoting factor for pluripotent stem cells with a conditioned medium which is generated by culturing feeder cells in a serum-free medium that contains L-ascorbic acid, insulin, transferrin, selenium, and sodium bicarbonate and does not contain a serum nor serum replacement; a method for growing pluripotent stem cells via feeder-free culture using the conditioned medium; and a method for growing pluripotent stem cells by carrying out feeder-free culture of pluripotent stem cells cultured in advance on feeder cells in the serum-free medium.

Abstract: A harvesting apparatus adapted to harvest egg fluid from an avian egg is provided. Such an apparatus includes a frame. A harvesting assembly is operably engaged with the frame. The harvesting assembly includes a plurality of nozzles configured to remove egg fluid from an egg. The nozzles are configured to rotate from a vertically off-axis angled position toward a vertical position. A suction assembly is in fluid communication with the nozzles for harvesting egg fluid from an egg. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing non-enveloped viral particles, comprising a step for obtaining a fraction containing non-enveloped viral particles by removing precipitates which are produced in a step for adding a substance which reduces the solubility of proteins under acidic conditions and/or a substance which precipitates under acidic conditions to a neutral or basic sample containing non-enveloped viral particles, and acidifying the sample after the addition of the substance.

Abstract: Mutated fucosidases are provided demonstrating improved properties in terms of thermal stability and transfucosidase synthetic performance compared with a wild type transfucosidase isolated from Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of a novel piggyBac transposase enzymes created by modifying the transposase of Trichoplusia ni. The piggyBac transposases of the present invention are functionally active or hyperactive for excision and have decreased integration activity compared to wild type Trichoplusia ni piggyBac transposase enzyme. These transposases are ideal for use in methods of transforming cells and organisms. In particular embodiments, the present invention provides methods of transient integration and expression of transgenes.

Abstract: The present invention addresses a problem of providing a lipase derived from a microorganism that is specific for short-chain to medium-chain fatty acids. A modified lipase is obtained by making a substitution in the amino acid sequence of a Candida cylindracea derived lipase, wherein the substitution is (1) a substitution of asparagine for an amino acid corresponding to the amino acid at position 428 in the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1; or (2) a substitution of phenylalanine, methionine, or isoleucine for an amino acid corresponding to the amino acid at position 429 in the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1.

Abstract: The present invention provides polypeptides related to Ralstonia proteins, nucleic acids encoding the same, compositions comprising the same, kits comprising the same, non-human transgenic animals comprising the same, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: Provided are a fungus-sourced high-temperature acid ?-glucosidase as well as a coding gene, and an application thereof. The provide ?-glucosidase has the optimal pH value of 4.5 and the optimal temperature of 75° C., and maintains over 90% enzyme activity in the optimal condition after being processed at 60° C. for 1 h. The re-engineering yeast strain GS115/bgl3A of the coding gene comprising the ?-glucosidase has high fermentation level.

Abstract: The invention provides polypeptides comprising a complement factor B analog. The invention also provides various complement factor B analogs including complement factor B analogs comprising a mutation of a free cysteine amino acid and related methods, nucleic acids and vectors. These complement factor B analogs and related methods, nucleic acids and vectors can be used to modulate a complement pathway or for the study and/or treatment of various conditions or diseases related to a complement pathway.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of treatment of airway obstruction associated with fibrin-containing cast formation by administering a fibrinolytic agent.

Abstract: The present description relates to recombinant or engineered carbonic anhydrase polypeptides, variants, and functional derivatives thereof, having improved properties that make them advantageous for use in CO2 capture operations (e.g., CO2 capture solvents, alkaline pH, and/or elevated temperatures), as well as polynucleotides and vectors encoding same. The present description also relates to methods, processes and systems for CO2 capture which make use of the recombinant or engineered carbonic anhydrase polypeptides, variants, and functional derivatives thereof.

Abstract: A method for separating a target allele from a mixture of nucleic acids by (a) providing a mixture of nucleic acids in fluidic contact with a stabilized ternary complex that is attached to a solid support, wherein the stabilized ternary complex includes a polymerase, primed nucleic acid template, and next correct nucleotide, wherein the template has a target allele, wherein the next correct nucleotide is a cognate nucleotide for the target allele, and wherein the stabilized ternary complex is attached to the solid support via a linkage between the polymerase and the solid support or via a linkage between the next correct nucleotide and the solid support; and (b) separating the solid support from the mixture of nucleic acids, thereby separating the target allele from the mixture of nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to fluidic systems and devices for processing, extracting, or purifying one or more analytes. These systems and devices can be used for processing samples and extracting nucleic acids, for example by isotachophoresis. In particular, the systems and related methods can allow for extraction of nucleic acids, including non-crosslinked nucleic acids, from samples such as tissue or cells. The systems and devices can also be used for multiplex parallel sample processing.

Abstract: A method for processing forensic samples that include sperm cells from a perpetrator of sexual assault and epithelial cells that are primarily contributed by the victim is provided. The method includes providing a nanofiber filter that is formed of intermingled nanofibers having diameters of about 700 nm or less, selectively digesting the epithelial cells of a forensic sample and separating the sperm cells of the sample from the digested epithelial cells by filtration of the digest mixture through the nanofiber filter, the sperm cells becoming entrapped in the nanofiber filter. The captured sperm cells may then be digested to form a second digest mixture including digested sperm cell DNA. Using the first digest mixture filtrate and the second digest mixture, respectively, DNA samples may be isolated and DNA profiles may be obtained, the DNA profiles being useful for human identification. An apparatus and a kit for processing forensic samples obtained in sexual assault cases are also provided.

Abstract: A method for determining past exposure to chemical agents or heavy metals may include coating a capture material with a capture reagent. The capture reagent may be selected based on an ability of the capture reagent to bind with a target antibody, and the target antibody may be an indicator associated with a particular chemical agent or heavy metal. The method may further include interrogating a clinical sample associated with an individual by forming a mixture of the capture material and the clinical sample, and determining an exposure status of the individual to the particular chemical agent or heavy metal based on whether the capture material demonstrates capture of the indicator.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a phage-displayed single-chain variable fragment (scFv) library, which comprises a plurality of phage-displayed scFvs characterized in having a specific CS combination and a specific sequence in each CDR. The present scFv library is useful in efficiently producing different antibodies with binding affinity to different antigens. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a potential means to generate different antigen-specific antibodies promptly in accordance with the need in experimental researches and/or clinical applications.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the selection of aptamers that does not require immobilization of the target or the oligonucleotide library. The method includes: (i) combining a selection library of oligonucleotides that contain a random region flanked by primer recognition sites with blocker oligonucleotides that anneal to the primer recognition sites; (ii) exposing the blocked selection library to an immobilization field including random oligonucleotides and removing unbound selection library oligonucleotides; (iii) recovering the selection library oligonucleotides that bound to the immobilization field and combining with a target analyte of interest; (iv) exposing the selection library oligonucleotides-target analyte mixture to an immobilization field; and (v) recovering those selection library oligonucleotides that did not bind to the immobilization field.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anionic polyplex formed from a nucleic acid and an anionic polymer and further comprising a cation, which can be in the form of a nanoparticle or a microparticle and compositions comprising the anionic polyplex. The present invention further provides uses of the anionic polyplex such as delivery of the nucleic acid into cells and methods of treating a disease, disorder or condition selected from the group consisting of cancer, a metabolic, a neurodegenerative, a cardiovascular, and an infectious or inflammatory disease or disorder. The present invention also provides an anionic complex comprising a divalent cation and a nucleic acid but lacking an anionic polymer, in the form of a nanoparticle that is capable of forming a colloidal suspension.

Abstract: Using a morpholino nucleotide wherein 5?-hydroxy group or a hydroxy group present on the substituent of the 5?-hydroxy group is protected by a protecting group having an alkyl group having not less than 10 and not more than 300 carbon atoms and/or an alkenyl group having not less than 10 and not more than 300 carbon atoms as a starting material, a method capable of efficiently producing the morpholino oligonucleotide in a high yield by a liquid phase synthesis can be provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising therapeutic nucleic acids such as siRNA that target Hepatitis B virus (HBV) gene expression, lipid particles comprising one or more (e.g., a combination) of the therapeutic nucleic acids, and methods of delivering and/or administering the lipid particles (e.g., for treating HBV infection and/or HDV infection in humans).

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 invention provides, among other things, oligonucleotide modulators of human 5?-HT2C receptor (HTR2C) and improved methods and composition for treating HTR2C-related diseases, disorders or conditions based on such modulators. In particular, oligonucleotides modulators according to the invention target specific regions in the Exon V/Intron V junction of the human HTR2C pre-mRNA and drive expression of HTR2C Vb splice isoform, leading to increased generation of non-edited strong HTR2C receptor and enhanced serotonin receptor activity.

Abstract: Provided herein are nucleic acid amphiphiles and nanostructures such as nanotubes twisted nanotapes and helical nanotapes that comprise the amphiphiles as well as methods to deliver therapeutic agents with the nanostructures.

Abstract: The present invention relates functional ligands to target molecules, particularly to functional nucleic acids and modifications thereof, and to methods for simultaneously generating, for example, numerous different functional biomolecules, particularly to methods for generating numerous different functional nucleic acids against multiple target molecules simultaneously. The present invention further relates to functional ligands which bind with affinity to target molecules, such as amino acids, such as citrulline, and to target molecules such as crystallin or its subunits, such as alpha crystallin B-chain (CRYAB).

Abstract: The invention provides a non-naturally occurring microbial organism having an adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam pathway. The microbial organism contains at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an enzyme in the respective adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam pathway. The invention additionally provides a method for producing adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam. The method can include culturing an adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam producing microbial organism, where the microbial organism expresses at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam pathway enzyme in a sufficient amount to produce the respective product, under conditions and for a sufficient period of time to produce adipate, 6-aminocaproic acid or caprolactam.

Abstract: One or more genes in a biosynthesis pathway for a vitamin or other essential nutrient which is needed for the survival of a microorganism can be used as an effective selective marker to identify cells transformed with an exogenous nucleic acid. The microorganism does not naturally contain or express the one or more gene. This permits genetic manipulations to be performed. It permits lower cost fermentations to be performed. It permits production of the essential nutrient for subsequent commodity use.

Abstract: Modified G6PC (glucose-6-phosphatase, catalytic subunit) nucleic acids and glucose-6-phosphatase-? (G6Pase-?) enzymes with increased phosphohydrolase activity are described. Also described are vectors, such as adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, and recombinant AAV expressing modified G6Pase-?. The disclosed AAV vectors and rAAV can be used for gene therapy applications in the treatment of glycogen storage disease, particularly glycogen storage disease type Ia (GSD-Ia), and complications thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new fungal production system comprising a fungal host strain of Chrysosporium lucknowense wherein the endogenous cellulase secretion is less than 20% of the endogenous cellulase secretion of Chrysosporium lucknowense strain UV 18-25. Preferably, also the secretion of endogenous protease, endogenous ?-glucanase and endogenous cellobiohydrolase is less than 20% of the secretion of Chrysosporium lucknowense strain UV 18-25. Furthermore, fungal host strains are provided wherein several genes have been disrupted. According to another aspect of the invention a method for homologous and/or heterologous production of a pure protein with a purity of higher than 75%, comprising expressing a gene encoding said protein in the strains according to the invention have been described. Furthermore, a method for production of artificial protein mixes comprising expressing a gene encoding each of said proteins in a strain according to the invention have been disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention claims methods for the stable integration of exogenous DNA into a specific locus, E32, in the maize genome through the use of zinc finger nucleases. Maize plants and plant parts that were transformed by the methods of the invention are claimed. The invention is useful for creating desirable traits such as herbicide resistance, herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, insect tolerance, disease resistance, disease tolerance, stress tolerance, and stress resistance in maize The E32 locus represents a superior site for inserting foreign genes because native agronomic phenotypes are not disturbed.

Abstract: This invention discloses a constitutive promoter from the Taro bacilliform virus (TaBV) for expression of foreign or endogenous coding sequences in plants, including dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous plants. The invention also discloses a chimeric nucleic acid construct comprising the promoter of the invention operably linked to a foreign or endogenous polynucleotide that codes for a protein of interest or a transcript capable of modulating expression of a target gene. The invention further discloses transformed plant cells, as well as differentiated plants and plant parts, containing the construct. Methods for diagnosis and treatment of viral infections, especially badnaviral infections, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for enhancing the polyisoprenoid biosynthesis pathway. The present invention further provides isoprenoid-producing plants having an enhanced polyisoprenoid biosynthesis pathway, and methods for producing a polyisoprenoid using such an isoprenoid-producing plant. The present invention relates to methods for regulating the expression of specific protein(s) by a specific transcription factor; isoprenoid-producing plants into which has been introduced a gene encoding a specific transcription factor; and methods for producing a polyisoprenoid using such an isoprenoid-producing plant.

Abstract: Provided are constructs and methods for expressing a transgene in plant cells and/or plant tissues using gene regulatory elements obtained from Brassica napus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mutant, non-naturally occurring or transgenic tobacco plant cell comprising: (i) a polynucleotide comprising, consisting or consisting essentially of a sequence encoding a functional nicotine N-demethylase and having at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:2; (ii) a polypeptide encoded by the polynucleotide set forth in (i); (iii) a polypeptide comprising, consisting or consisting essentially of a sequence encoding a nicotine N-demethylase and having at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:3; or (iv) a construct, vector or expression vector comprising the isolated polynucleotide set forth in (i), and wherein the expression or activity of said nicotine demethylase is reduced as compared to a control tobacco plant cell in which the expression or activity of said nicotine demethylase has not been reduced.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for genetically altered plants that produce higher amounts of at least one fatty acid compared to the amount of the fatty acid produced by a wild-type plant are provided. The genetically altered plant can be a root crop plant (e.g., sugar beet) or Nicotiana spp., or any dicot.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expression cassette comprising a polynucleotide that encodes a protein that diverts a monolignol precursor from a lignin biosynthesis pathway in the plant, which is operably linked to a heterologous promoter. Also provided are methods of engineering a plant having reduced lignin content, as well as plant cells, plant parts, and plant tissues from such engineered plants.

Abstract: Method of increasing resistance to a pathogen or a pest in a plant comprising introducing into the plant and expressing therein a polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a Qua-Quine Starch (QQS) polypeptide; method of producing a plant with increased resistance to a pathogen or a pest comprising crossing a plant obtained in accordance with the above method with a second plant to produce progeny plants and selecting progeny plants with increased resistance to a pathogen or a pest; a plant with increased resistance to a pathogen or a pest; a seed of the plant; a hybrid of the plant; and a seed of the hybrid plant.

Abstract: The invention relates to vectors and mammalian cells in a system useful for switching on or switching off gene expression in response to fatty acids, and a method of treating diet-induced obesity. In particular, a synthetic intracellular lipid-sensing receptor was constructed that constantly monitors blood fatty acid levels, processes diet-associated hyperlipidemia and coordinates reversible and adjustable expression of the anorectic peptide hormone pramlintide to reduce dietary intake, blood fat levels and body weight.

Abstract: Expression-enhancing nucleotide sequences for expression in eukaryotic systems are provided that allow for enhanced and stable expression of recombinant proteins in eukaryotic cells. Enhanced expression and stability regions (EESYRs) are provided for expression of a gene of interest in a eukaryotic cell. Chromosomal loci, sequences, and vectors are provided for enhanced and stable expression of genes in eukaryotic cells.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides an intron-modified cap expression cassette useful for generating adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector particles. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of reducing the immune response in a mammalian subject undergoing treatment with an AAV vector.

Abstract: The invention relates to the pseudotyping of retroviral vectors with heterologous envelope proteins derived from the Paramyxoviridae family, genus Morbillivirus, and various uses of the resulting vector particles. The present invention is based on the unexpected and surprising finding that the incorporation of morbillivirus F and H proteins having truncated cytoplasmic tails into lentiviral vector particles, and the complex interaction of these two proteins during cellular fusion, allows for a superior and more effective transduction of cells. Moreover, these pseudotyped vector particles allow the targeted gene transfer into a given cell type of interest by modifying a mutated and truncated H protein with a single-chain antibody or ligand directed against a cell surface marker of the target cell.

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, automated instruments comprising one or more flow-through electroporation devices or modules are provided to automate transformation of nucleic acids in live cells.

Abstract: Methods for increasing specificity of RNA-guided genome editing, e.g., editing using CRISPR/Cas9 systems, using truncated guide RNAs (tru-gRNAs).

Abstract: The present invention relates in part to nucleic acids encoding proteins, therapeutics comprising nucleic acids encoding proteins, methods for inducing cells to express proteins using nucleic acids, methods, kits and devices for transfecting, gene editing, and reprogramming cells, and cells, organisms, and therapeutics produced using these methods, kits, and devices. Methods and products for altering the DNA sequence of a cell are described, as are methods and products for inducing cells to express proteins using synthetic RNA molecules. Therapeutics comprising nucleic acids encoding gene-editing proteins are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a DNA-targeting RNA that comprises a targeting sequence and, together with a modifying polypeptide, provides for site-specific modification of a target DNA and/or a polypeptide associated with the target DNA. The present disclosure further provides site-specific modifying polypeptides. The present disclosure further provides methods of site-specific modification of a target DNA and/or a polypeptide associated with the target DNA The present disclosure provides methods of modulating transcription of a target nucleic acid in a target cell, generally involving contacting the target nucleic acid with an enzymatically inactive Cas9 polypeptide and a DNA-targeting RNA. Kits and compositions for carrying out the methods are also provided. The present disclosure provides genetically modified cells that produce Cas9; and Cas9 transgenic non-human multicellular organisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a genetically modified microorganism for the production of 2,4-dihydroxybutyrate, by metabolic transformation of xylose via the 1,2,4-butanetriol intermediate. The invention also relates to a method for the production of 2,4-dihydroxybutyrate by culturing said genetically modified microorganism in a fermentation medium and recovering 2,4-DHB from said medium.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-naturally occurring microbial organism having a muconate pathway having at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a muconate pathway enzyme expressed in a sufficient amount to produce muconate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for obtaining a mutant strain of oleaginous yeast which is useful as a template strain of yeast for obtaining other mutant strains of oleaginous yeast which are capable of producing an unusual fatty acid. The present invention also relates to the mutant strains of yeast obtained by said method.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates generally to a method for modifying oil, and specifically to a process for increasing the concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acid in an oil composition.

Abstract: A method for producing an octaketide derived aromatic compound of interest (e.g. carminic acid), wherein the method comprises (I): heterologous expression of a recombinantly introduced Type III polyketide synthase (PKS) gene encoding an octaketide synthase (OKS) to obtain non-reduced octaketide in vivo within the recombinant host cell and (II): converting in vivo the non-reduced octaketide of step (I) into a C14-C34 aromatic compound of interest (e.g. carminic acid).