Abstract: Detergents useful for cold-water cleaning and mid-chain headgroup and alkylene-bridged surfactants useful therein are disclosed. The mid-chain headgroup surfactant has a C14-C30 alkyl chain and a polar group bonded to a central zone carbon of the alkyl chain. The alkylene-bridged surfactant has a C12-C18 alkyl chain, a polar group, and a C1-C2 alkylene group bonded to the polar group and a central zone carbon of the C12-C18 alkyl chain. Preferred surfactants in these classes are alcohol sulfates, alcohol ethoxylates, ether sulfates, sulfonates, arylsulfonates, alcohol phosphates, amine oxides, quaterniums, betaines, and sulfobetaines. Surprisingly, detergents formulated with the surfactants provide outstanding cold-water performance in removing greasy stains such as bacon grease, butter, cooked beef fat, or beef tallow from soiled articles.

Abstract: A soap bar forming apparatus and method for forming a soap bar by compression welding a plurality of soap slabs is configured to mechanically weld a plurality of soap slabs into a single soap bar of a usable size. The soap slabs are placed on the open top chamber of the lower casing in a flat stacked position. The upper casing is then placed over the lower casing and then both the casings are tied in place by the Velcro® straps. The upper casing detachably couples to the lower casing and a pair of detachable straps fasten the casings together. A drive member presses the soap slabs together, and comprises a rotatable compression screw terminating at a compression plate, and an “E”-Ring that fastens the compression screw and compression plate together, and allows the compression screw to rotate while the compression plate moves up and down without twisting.

Abstract: The need for a light duty maintenance cleaning spray for hard surfaces, which result in less over-spray during application, especially when using spray applicators which provide large coverage angles, and provides more uniform coverage, especially on inclined surfaces, is met when the spray composition is formulated with low surfactant levels and thickener, and is applied as spray droplets having the desired particle size.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for adding bitter flavor to beer and other beverages. The present invention concerns the use of compositions comprising compounds that are present in hop extracts or in beer and result from natural processes that occur during processing or storage (aging) of hops or beer. The present invention further concerns the use of suitable amounts of a composition comprising humulinones for adding bitter flavor to beer and other beverages.

Abstract: Provided herein is an effervescent beer containing 0.005-0.17 mg/ml riboflavin such that the beer fluoresces upon exposure to light having an emission spectrum of about 100-500 nm. The riboflavin may be added alone or in combination with one or more additional agents to enhance the flavor, intensity and/or color of the light. Methods of producing such beers are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are a method of producing a beverage having an improved flavor and a method of improving a flavor of a beverage. The method of producing a beverage includes using a raw material containing hops harvested on a day 51 days or more from flowering. The method of improving a flavor of a beverage includes using, in production of a beverage using a raw material containing hops, as the hops, hops harvested on a day 51 days or more from flowering, to thereby improve a flavor of the beverage.

Abstract: Apparatus for treatment of wet organic matter to produce biogas, comprising a closed reactor (11) for anaerobic digestion of the wet organic matter. The anaerobic reactor comprises two vertical 5 tubes, a vertically arranged outer tube (14) defining a first reactor chamber (111) enveloping a vertically arranged inner tube (15) which is divided into a first region (112a) and a second region (112b) of a second reactor chamber (112) by a vertical partitioning wall (16). The first reactor chamber comprises a particle retaining unit (31) connecting the first and the second reactor chambers. The anaerobic reactor (11) exhibits a top discharge pipe (18) for gas developed in either 0 of the two reactor chambers (111, 112). A method for treatment of wet organic matter is also contemplated.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for ethanol production, use, and waste recovery using aquatic plants. In certain embodiments, systems and methods are disclosed for reuse and further processing of waste alcohols, sugars, organic acids and/or byproducts produced by conversion of corn, other grains, or other biomass materials of use in biofuel production methods.

Abstract: The present application provides methods and devices for the production and recovery of cell aggregates. In one embodiment, the device is a microwell device with a high density of microwells. The application also provides a device for extracting cell aggregates such as stem cells or embryoid bodies from well plates. Such cell aggregates are used for the differentiation of pluripotent stem cells such as embryonic stem cells, in the fields of developmental biology and regenerative medicine/tissue engineering.

Abstract: The invention relates to culturing brain endothelial cells, and optionally astrocytes and neurons in a fluidic device under conditions whereby the cells mimic the structure and function of the blood brain barrier. Culture of such cells in a microfluidic device, whether alone or in combination with other cells, drives maturation and/or differentiation further than existing systems.

Abstract: A cell culture container is provided, comprising membrane bound compartments for growing and harvesting monocytes that allows replenishing and removal of feed media without the loss or death of cells.

Abstract: A bioreactor includes a container (1) composed of at least one side wall (11), a bottom wall (12) and an opening (13) closed by a cap (14), such to identify an inner chamber. An intermediate wall (2) is inside the inner chamber, to divide the inner chamber in an upper chamber (31) and a lower chamber (32). The intermediate wall (2) has at least one hole (21). The intermediate wall (2) has at least one region resting on the bottom wall and/or the side wall and provides at the hole (21) at least one housing seat (26) for a membrane (22).

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system, device and method for differentiating cells such as, for example, generating ex vivo common lymphoid progenitors (CLPs) from human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). The system and method can be fully automated requiring minimal touch input from a user. Once harvested, the CLPs can be transplanted into a patient for cellular immune therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microrobot-based biomimetic system for delivering a drug or cell, organizing microorgans, and controlling fluid flow. The microrobot-based biomimetic system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a network for interconnecting microorgans constituting a biometric organ model; a microrobot for delivering a targeted drug or cell while moving in the network; and a magnetic field control unit for controlling an operation of the microrobot.

Abstract: The cell structure producing apparatus including needles, a sticking unit configured to detachably hold an end portion of each of the needles, descend the each of the needles with respect to a cell tray in which cell aggregates are held, stick and penetrate each of the cell aggregates with the tip end, and ascend the needle after sticking, at least one time or more, a base unit, and a control unit configured to move the sticking unit so that for the each of the needles, each of the needles sticking the cell aggregates is positioned at a predetermined position over the base unit, descend each of the needles by a predetermined amount to stick the tip end into the base unit at the predetermined position on the base unit, and control the sticking unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for monitoring the concentration of at least one kind of contaminant in a fluid stream, comprising the steps of providing at least two unit operations, providing a fluid stream, which passes said at least two unit operations in a flow path, sampling the fluid stream in a predetermined valid manner, determining the contaminant concentration in the sample in order to monitor the contaminant concentration in the fluid stream, wherein the method is carried out under continuous, closed and pathogen-reduced conditions.

Abstract: The process for producing mycelium biomaterial provides two phases of incubation. In a first phase of fungal expansion, the fungal inoculum is allowed to expand and dominate the substrate. In a second phase, nutrient is added to the inoculated mixture to allow the fungal inoculum to bond the discrete particles into a self-supporting biocomposite. The process allows for the processing of grown materials in separate vessels with the second vessel providing the final shape of the biomaterial.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the issue of providing: a novel microorganism having a high capability to produce urolithins; and a method of producing urolithins using the same, and the issue is solved by a microorganism that belongs to the genus Eggerthella and produces urolithins.

Abstract: Non-genetically engineered mammalian cells modified by sortase-mediated conjugation of an agent thereto are provided. Methods of conjugating agents to non-genetically engineered mammalian cells using sortase are provided. Methods of using the cells, e.g., for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to A multicomponent system wherein a first component is an engineered antigen-presenting cell (eAPC) designated component A and a second component is a genetic donor vector, designated component C, for delivery of one or more ORFs encoding an analyte antigen-presenting complex (aAPX) and/or an analyte antigenic molecule (aAM), wherein component A a. Lacks endogenous surface expression of at least one family of aAPX and/or aAM and b. Contains at least two genomic receiver GO sites, designated component B and component D, each for integration of at least one ORF encoding at least one aAPX and/or aAM, and component C is matched to a component B, and wherein component C is designed to deliver c. A single ORF encoding at least one aAPX and/or aAM or d. Two or more ORF encoding at least one aAPX and/or aAM, wherein the genomic receiver sites B and D are synthetic constructs designed for re-combinase mediated exchange (RMCE).

Abstract: A method for treating a condition, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a composition that contains somatic stem cells that are 2 to less than 6 micrometers in size and Lgr5+, wherein the condition is selected from the group consisting of neurodegenerative disorder, muscle-degenerative disease, cancer, metabolic disorder, autoimmune disorder, inflammatory disorder, heart disorder, circulatory disorder, a condition associated with aging, and damaged tissue.

Abstract: The instant invention provides methods for immortalizing cells. The invention further provides immortalized cell lines, e.g., neuronal cell lines, and methods of using these cell lines in screening assays.

Abstract: A receptor is provided having a heterologous binding site that activates, when bound, a signaling domain related to the TNF receptor superfamily. Methods/uses of the foregoing in whole cell biosensors are also provided. There is also provided a library comprising a plurality of unique biosensor cells for binding unknown binding substrates. Each unique biosensor is a host cell having a receptor which signals production of a positive selectable marker and/or a negative selectable marker in response to the receptor being bound. Also provided is a method of identifying biosensor cells from a library that is specifically activated by a target, involving (a) contacting the library with the target substrate under positive selection conditions; (b) contacting the library with a control substrate under negative selection conditions; and (c) identifying biosensor cells which survive (a) and (b) as biosensor cells which are specifically activated by the target.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of carrying out adoptive immunotherapy in a primate subject in need thereof by administering the subject a cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) preparation in a treatment-effective amount. The method comprises administering as the CTL preparation a preparation consisting essentially of an in vitro expanded primate CTL population, the CTL population enriched prior to expansion for central memory T lymphocytes, and depleted prior to expansion of effector memory T lymphocytes. In some embodiments, the method may further comprise concurrently administering Interleukin-15 to the subject in an amount effective to increase the proliferation of the central memory T cells in the subject. Pharmaceutical formulations produced by the method, and methods of using the same, are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for in vitro cultivation of hematopoietic and/or mesenchymal cells, wherein said cells are cultivated in a cultivation medium comprising gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) or a GABA receptor agonist, to cells obtained by such a method and therapeutic use of such cells in methods of treatment of autoimmune, inflammatory or allergic disorder. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the cells and cultivation media for use in the method according to the invention.

Abstract: Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), especially induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provide a promising starting material to produce mimetic innate immune cells such as natural killer (NK) cells and ?? T-cells for cancer immunotherapy. To facilitate consistent mass production, an overall manufacturing scheme to make mimetic innate immune cells from hPSCs was designed and demonstrated. Particularly, a robust protocol to differentiate hPSCs into NK cells or ?? T-cells through sequential hematopoietic differentiation on stromal cell line deficient in expressing M-CSF and lymphoid commitment on stromal cell line deficient in expressing M-CSF ectopically expressing DLL1 without employing CD34+ cell enrichment and spin embryoid body formation is established. Using this two-stage protocol, the generation of functional mimetic NK cells and functional mimetic ?? NKT-cells was demonstrated from hPSCs, including hESCs, peripheral blood cell-derived iPSCs (PBC-iPSCs).

Abstract: The present invention relates to substituted azole derivatives in combination with cytokines in the ex vivo expansion of CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) in a biological sample, more particularly the expansion of these cells obtained from non-enriched, i.e., the mononuclear fraction of the biological sample. The present invention further describes the transplantation regimen of the expanded hematopoietic graft developed through xenotransplantation studies. In a preferred embodiment, the combination comprising the azole based compounds and cytokines selected from SCF, TPO, FLT-3L and IGFBP-2 and results in the expansion of expansion of CD45+CD34+CD38?CD45RA?CD90+ hematopoietic stem cells and/or CD45+CD34+CD38?CD45RA?CD90+CD49f+ hematopoietic stem cells and/or CD45+CD34+CD38?CD45RA? hematopoietic progenitor cells from the mononucleated cells isolated from umbilical cord blood.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of culturing mesenchymal stem cells using gamma-irradiated serum, and more particularly to a method for culturing mesenchymal stem cells, which can improve the adhesion and proliferation rate of stem cells using a medium containing gamma-irradiated serum and an antioxidant. The method for culturing mesenchymal stem cells according to the present invention can restore the adhesion and proliferation rate of stem cells when culturing the stem cells using gamma-irradiated FBS, which is safe from contamination sources but reduces the efficiency of adhesion and proliferation of the cells. Thus, the inventive method is useful for the production of stem cells for cell therapy.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cell cultures and enriched cell populations of endocrine precursor cells, immature pancreatic hormone-expressing cells and mature pancreatic hormone-expressing cells. Also disclosed herein are methods of producing such cell cultures and cell populations.

Abstract: The technical result of the invention is to simplify the technology of obtaining insulin-producing cells, obtaining at least 70% of functionally active insulin-producing cells in cell culture, that underwent differentiation. The method comprises obtaining epithelial progenitor cells and their subsequent differentiation into pancreatic cells, capable to glucose-sensitive insulin secretion in which pancreatic differentiation is performed in two stages: (a) at the first stage cells are differentiated within 4-15 days in a culture medium containing at least serum of a mammal, glutamine, epidermal growth factor, transferrin, sodium selenite, retinoic acid, isoproterenol; (b) at the second stage, cells are differentiated within 4-15 days in a culture medium containing at least serum of a mammal, glutamine, epidermal growth factor, retinoic acid, nicotinamide, hepatocyte growth factor, dexamethasone; moreover, the cultivation in both stages is carried out in gas atmosphere of 5% CO2 at 37° C.

Abstract: Herein is reported a method for producing an immunoconjugate with reduced product- and process-related impurities by culturing mammalian cells that contain one or more nucleic acids encoding the immunoconjugate of interest in a cell culture medium, wherein the one or more nucleic acids are expressed under the conditions of cell culture comprising the steps of: culturing the mammalian cells in a cell culture medium at a first temperature and at a first pH; reducing the first temperature of the cell culture medium to a second temperature; and increasing the first pH of the cell culture medium to a second pH; recovering the immunoconjugate from the cells or the cell culture medium, and thereby producing the immunoconjugate.

Abstract: The field of the invention is cellular and molecular biology and stem cells. Specifically, the disclosure is directed to a formulation for harvesting and passaging single cell human pluripotent stem cells comprising: (i) 1 mM to about 30 mM sodium citrate; (ii) a salt comprising 10 mM to 170 mM KCl or NaCl; and (iii) Ca2+/Mg2+-free Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline (DPBS), wherein said formulation has an osmolarity of about 100 mOsmol/liter to about 350 mOsmol/liter. The formulation can be used for serial passaging and dislodging of pluripotent stem cells attached to 2D tissue culture vessels or grown in 3D suspension culture (small scale and large scale bioreactors) or any other application where passaging in the form of single cell population of stem cells is needed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bacteriophage composition comprising one or more (suitably two or more, or three) bacteriophages selected from Sa87, J-Sa36, or Sa83, or mutants thereof. Also encompassed are the use of said bacteriophage compositions for medical or non-medical applications, as well as kits, bandages, and wound dressings comprising said bacteriophage compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Podoviridae bacteriophage Pse-AEP-3 (accession number: KCTC 13165BP) isolated from nature, the Podoviridae bacteriophage Pse-AEP-3 having the capability to specifically kill Pseudomonas aeruginosa and having a genome represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, and a method for preventing or treating diseases induced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa by using a composition containing the Podoviridae bacteriophage Pse-AEP-3 as an active ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Podoviridae bacteriophage Pse-AEP-4 (accession number: KCTC 13166BP) isolated from nature, the Podoviridae bacteriophage Pse-AEP-4 having the capability to specifically kill Pseudomonas aeruginosa and having a genome represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, and a method for preventing or treating diseases induced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa by using a composition containing the Podoviridae bacteriophage Pse-AEP-4 as an active ingredient.

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: Fusion proteins comprising a DNA binding domain, e.g., a TAL effector repeat array (TALE) or zinc finger array, and a catalytic domain comprising a sequence that catalyzes histone demethylation, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Compositions for reducing fucosylation of glycoproteins in insect cells are provided. Also disclosed are methods of use of such compositions for the production of recombinant humanized proteins.

Abstract: By using a mutant glucose oxidase comprising an amino acid sequence in which a residue corresponding to isoleucine at position 489 or arginine at position 335 in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 is substituted with an amino acid residue having a reactive functional group in a side chain, and binding an electron acceptor to the mutant glucose oxidase through the amino acid residue having a reactive functional group, an electron acceptor-modified glucose oxidase is obtained.

Abstract: Genetically engineered bacteria, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of modulating and treating disorders associated with hyperammonemia are disclosed.

Abstract: Presented herein are transposase enzymes and reaction conditions for improved fragmentation and tagging of nucleic acid samples, in particular altered transposases and reaction conditions which exhibit improved insertion sequence bias, as well as methods and kits using the same.

Abstract: Polypeptides are disclosed which comprise an amino acid sequence of phosphotriesterase (PTE) having enhanced catalytic efficiency for VX-type or RVX-type nerve agents. Uses thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel, synthetic polypeptides having, for example, acyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) thioesterase (TE) activity, including polypeptides that convert pimeloyl-ACP to pimelic acid. In some aspects, the synthetic polypeptides have advantageous enzymatic activity and/or improved substrate specificity relative to a wild type acyl-ACP TE.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, improved methods for purifying 12S protein produced recombinantly for enzyme replacement therapy. The present invention is, in part, based on the surprising discovery that recombinant 12S protein can be purified from unprocessed biological materials, such as, 12S-containing cell culture medium, using a process involving as few as four chromatography columns.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of modifying DNA methylation by contacting a catalytically inactive site specific nuclease fused to an effector domain having methylation or demethylation activity and one or more guide sequences.

Abstract: The present invention relates to plant-produced angiogenins, to related plant cells, plant calli, plants, seeds and other plant parts and products derived therefrom and to uses of plant-produced angiogenins. The present invention also relates to expression of angiogenin genes in plants and to related nucleic acids, constructs and methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variants of an alpha-amylase having improved stability to chelating agents relative to its parent enzyme, compositions comprising the variants, nucleic acids encoding the variants, methods of producing the variants, and methods for using the variants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of antimicrobial agents active against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. In particular, the present invention relates to polypeptides comprising the CHAP domain of LysK endolysin, the M23 endopeptidase domain of lysostaphin, the cell wall binding domain (CBD) of ALE-1, and a further peptide selected from the group consisting of an antimicrobial peptide, an amphipathic peptide, a cationic peptide, a hydrophobic peptide, a sushi peptide and a defensin. In addition, the present invention relates to nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, vectors comprising such nucleic acids, and corresponding host cells, compositions and devices. Finally, the present invention relates to applications of the inventive polypeptides, in particular in the pharmaceutical field.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an elastase inhibitor, preferably fahsin for the treatment or prevention of emphysema, COPD or lung cancer. The elastase inhibitor is preferably administered through inhalation, preferably thorough inhalation of tobacco smoke. The invention also comprises smoking articles comprising such an elastase inhibitor.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an isolated polynucleotide encoding a modified picornavirus 3C protease, wherein the modified picornavirus 3C protease includes an altered secondary structure and one or more amino acid substitution(s) located at one or more amino acid position(s) corresponding to positions 16-25, 99-100 and 115-130 of a wild-type Fool-and-Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) 3C protease, wherein the isolated polynucleotide encoding the modified picornavirus 3C protease, when transformed into and co-expressed in a host cell, enhances transgene expression of a P1 precursor polypeptide in comparison to an amount of P1 precursor polypeptide transgene expression exhibited in a host cell transformed and co-expressed with a control picornavirus 3C protease, wherein the one or more corresponding amino acid position(s) is/are identified by an alignment of the modified picornavirus 3C protease with the one or more of the wild type FMDV 3C protease(s).