Abstract: Provided herein are, inter alia, methods for linking an mRNA molecule to a polypeptide (e.g., a peptide or a protein) by linking the mRNA molecule to a linking amino acid in the polypeptide, or by linking the mRNA molecule to a linking tRNA to which the polypeptide is attached, via reactions not catalyzed by the ribosome, and methods for making polypeptide libraries. Also provided are mRNA-protein complexes and mRNA-tRNA-protein complexes, libraries containing these complexes, and methods of using these complexes.

Abstract: The present application relates to a system for designing promoters for selective expression of genes. Thereby identified transcription regulatory elements are selected according to a specific methodology and used to create a library of transcription regulatory elements, which are then used to construct specific promoters, especially tissue-specific promoters.

Abstract: The technology described herein relates to siRNAs, e.g., methods and compositions relating to the production of siRNAs in bacterial cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multifunctional short interfering nucleic acid (siNA) having a structure of Formula MF-III: wherein each X, X?, Y, and Y? is independently an oligonucleotide of length about 15 nucleotides to about 50 nucleotides; X comprises a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to a nucleotide sequence present in region Y?; X? comprises a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to a nucleotide sequence present in region Y; one or more of X, X?, Y, and Y? is independently complementary to a first, second, third, or fourth target sequence, respectively, or a portion thereof; and W represents a nucleotide or non-nucleotide linker that connects sequences Y? and Y, wherein the siNA directs cleavage of the first, second, third, and/or fourth target sequence via RNA interference.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for decreasing, inhibiting, preventing, or reducing calcification by inhibiting sortilin 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of biotechnology engineering. It provides a recombinant Escherichia coli that can produce fructosylated chondroitin with high yields and the method for constructing the recombinant strain. The present invention discloses a method for constructing an expression plasmid pETM6R1-RBS-glmM-GGGS-glmS that contains a glmM and a glmS gene under regulation of ribosome binding sites. The recombinant plasmid was transformed into E. coli K4 to obtain a recombinant E. coli strain ZQ33 that can produce fructosylated chondroitin up to 3.99 g·L?1 by fed-batch fermentation in a 5-L fermentor, which was increased by 108.90% compared to that of the wild type strain.

Abstract: Methods for improving the ability of a population of biological agents to compete and survive in a field setting are provided. By improving the population of biological agents, the modified population of agents is able to grow, compete with other microbial strains and fungi, and provide protection for plants from pathogens. In particular, modified biological agents and modified populations of such agents that are herbicide tolerant or resistant are selected or engineered. In this manner, the protection from disease-causing agents is enhanced. Such modified populations of biological agents can be added to soils to prevent fungal pathogens and the diseases they cause promoting plant growth. Therefore, the present invention is useful for enhancing the competitiveness of modified biological agents particularly over other microbial agents which are not herbicide resistant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for improving traits in a plant, like e.g. improving yield-related traits like number of flowers, number of siliques, seed yield, stein growth in a plant, the method comprising disruption of endogenous ROCK1 gene in a plant cell, wherein said disruption inhibits expression and/or activity of a product of said endogenous ROCK1 gene compared to a corresponding control plant cell lacking such a disruption.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for improving plant growth are provided herein. Polynucleotides encoding ERF transcription factor proteins, polypeptides encompassing ERF transcription factor proteins, and expression constructs for expressing genes of interest whose expression may improve agronomic properties including but not limited to crop yield, biotic and abiotic stress tolerance, and early vigor, plants comprising the polynucleotides, polypeptides, and expression constructs, and methods of producing transgenic plants are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of producing a desired phenotype in a plant by manipulation of gene expression within the plant. The method relates to means which inhibit the level of PK220 gene expression or activity, wherein a desired phenotype such as increased water use efficiency relative to a wild type control plant. The invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences and constructs useful such methods and methods of generating and isolating plants having decreased PK220 expression or activity.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide which confers herbicide tolerance to a plant by measuring photosynthetic quantum yield wherein an increase in the electron transport rate of the samples of the transformed plant as compared to the sample of the control plant is indicative for a herbicide tolerance conferring activity of said candidate polypeptide.

Abstract: Adeno-associated virus rh.20 sequences, vectors containing same, and methods of use are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inducing the transdifferentiation of B lymphoid cells into T lymphoid cells using transcription factor Hoxb5, and related products and applications thereof. The method of the present invention specifically comprises: introducing Hoxb5, a nucleic acid molecule encoding Hoxb5 or a construct comprising the nucleic acid molecule into the B lymphoid cells to obtain the B lymphoid cells with overexpressed Hoxb5; then implanting the obtained B lymphoid cells into the body of a subject to obtain regenerated T cell progenitor cells by way of transdifferentiation, and then the T cell progenitor cells differentiate into mature T cells with functions. The regenerated T cells obtained using the method of the present invention are not only functionally normal, but also show no risk of tumorigenesis or extremely low risk of tumorigenesis.

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 is in the field of genetic editing tools and methods of genetic engineering. It relates to the engineering of rare-cutting endonucleases designed to contract highly repetitive motives in chromosomes, which are at the origin of certain genetic diseases, in particular the so-called “triplet repeat diseases”, such as the Huntington disease. The invention encompasses the method for contracting the repetitive motives, the rare-cutting endonucleases for use to contract repetitive motives in a gene subjected to repeat disorder, the polynucleotides and vectors encoding thereof as well as the resulting pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: A solid state fermentation process for producing methane, and a bioreactor and solid support for use in the process are disclosed.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, microbial, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as food products and amino acids.

Abstract: A method of producing a lipid, containing the steps of culturing a transformant obtained by introducing a gene encoding the following protein (a) or (b) into cyanobacteria, and producing a lipid: (a) a protein consisting of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1; and (b) a protein consisting of an amino acid sequence having 60% or more identity with the amino acid sequence of the protein (a), and having ?-ketoacyl-ACP synthase activity.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of increasing the efficiency of biomass saccharification. In particular, the methods include ways of avoiding feedback inhibition of enzymatic reactions during the production of useful products. The methods also include saccharifying recalcitrance-reduced lignocellulosic biomass and adding an isomerization agent to the saccharified biomass. The saccharified biomass can be further converted into products by a microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to droplets and/or emulsions, such as multiple emulsions. In some cases, the droplets and/or emulsions may be used in assays, and in certain embodiments, the droplet or emulsion may be hardened to form a gel. In some aspects, a heterogeneous assay can be performed using a gel. For example, a droplet may be hardened to form a gel, where the droplet contains a cell, DNA, or other suitable species. The gel may be exposed to a reactant, and the reactant may interact with the gel and/or with the cell, DNA, etc., in some fashion. For example, the reactant may diffuse through the gel, or the hardened particle may liquefy to form a liquid state, allowing the reactant to interact with the cell. As a specific example, DNA contained within a gel particle may be subjected to PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplification, e.g., by using PCR primers able to bind to the gel as it forms. As the DNA is amplified using PCR, some of the DNA will be bound to the gel via the PCR primer.

Abstract: ?-Glu-Val synthetase suitable for generating ?-Glu-Val, and a method for producing ?-Glu-Val-Gly using the same are provided. By using ?-Glu-Val synthetase showing a ratio of ?-glutamylvaline synthetase activity to ?-glutamylglycine synthetase activity of 2.0 or higher, such as ?-Glu-Val synthetase of Kocuria rosea (AJ3132), ?-Glu-Val-Gly is produced from Glu, Val, and Gly as raw materials.

Abstract: In various embodiments a molecular circuit is disclosed. The circuit comprises a negative electrode, a positive electrode spaced apart from the negative electrode, and an enzyme molecule conductively attached to both the positive and negative electrodes to form a circuit having a conduction pathway through the enzyme. In various examples, the enzyme is a polymerase. The circuit may further comprise molecular arms used to wire the enzyme to the electrodes. In various embodiments, the circuit functions as a sensor, wherein electrical signals, such as changes to voltage, current, impedance, conductance, or resistance in the circuit, are measured as substrates interact with the enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention provides an insoluble enzymatic reagent for detecting products derived from glucuronide metabolites in a sample, containing an enzyme with glucuronidase activity immobilized on a resin comprising a polysaccharide modified with chemical groups, and optionally a cationic polymer. Additionally, it provides methods for preparing said enzymatic reagent and for detecting derivatives of glucuronide metabolites in a sample, using said reagent.

Abstract: Some aspects of this disclosure provide strategies, methods, and reagents for determining nuclease target site preferences and specificity of site-specific endonucleases. Some methods provided herein utilize a novel “one-cut” strategy for screening a library of concatemers comprising repeat units of candidate nuclease target sites and constant insert regions to identify library members that can been cut by a nuclease of interest via sequencing of an intact target site adjacent and identical to a cut target site.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices are provided for trapping, isolating, and processing single cells. The microfluidic devices include a cell capture chamber having a cell funnel positioned within the cell capture chamber to direct a cell passing through the cell capture chamber towards one or more a cell traps positioned downstream of the funnel to receive a cell flowing. The devices may further include auxiliary chambers integrated with the cell capture chamber for subsequent processing and assaying of the contents of a captured cell. Methods for cell capture and preparation are also provided that include flowing cells through a chamber, funneling the cells towards a cell trap, capturing a predefined number of the cells within the trap, interrupting the flow of cells, flowing a wash solution through the chamber to remove contaminants from the chamber, and sealing the predefined number of cells in the chamber.

Abstract: This disclosure provides, inter alia, a probe system probe system for analyzing a nucleic acid sample. In some embodiments, the probe system may comprise: a set of identifier oligonucleotides of sequence B, a set of splint oligonucleotides of formula X?-A?-B?-Z?, wherein sequence A? is complementary to a genomic fragment and sequence B? is complementary to at least one member of the set of identifier oligonucleotides, and one or more probe sequences comprising X and Z. Each splint oligonucleotide is capable of hybridizing to the probe sequences, a member of the set of identifier oligonucleotides and a genomic fragment, thereby producing a ligatable complex of formula X-A-B-Z. The probe system can be used to identify a chromosome aneuploidy in cell free DNA, for example.

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 invention relates to a control preparation (e.g. comprising microorganism control cells embedded in a cold polymerising resin or plastic) for use in a method for detection of a target microorganism in microbiological pathology, comprising a plurality of section bodies joint by a joining polymer, wherein each section body comprises a matrix polymer (e.g. a cold polymerising resin or plastic). A first section body comprises a nucleic acid sequence specific for the target microorganism (e.g. microorganism cells used as positive control). A second section body comprises a second nucleic acid sequence, which in comparison to said first nucleic acid sequence, contains a deletion, an additional nucleoside or a different nucleoside in one, two, three or four positions of said second nucleic acid sequence and which does not hybridize to said first nucleic acid sequence under stringent conditions (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for haplotype determination and, m particular, haplotype determination at the whole genome level as well as targeted haplotype determination.

Abstract: Provided are methods for high-throughput screening to determine locations of double-stranded DNA breaks (DSBs) and translocations in genomes caused by different agents, such as enzymes.

Abstract: An integrated system for sequencing a string of oligo-nucleotides is disclosed, the system includes a sequencer for sequencing a plurality of fragments of the string of oligo-nucleotides via identifying oligo-nucleotides of the fragments one by one and a processor for processing the identified oligo-nucleotides to determine the sequence of the string of oligo-nucleotides and to stop the sequencer from sequencing redundant fragments, where the sequencer and the processor operate in a cycle for each oligo-nucleotide of the fragments.

Abstract: In some embodiments, methods for obtaining sequence information from a nucleic acid template linked to a support include hybridizing a first primer to a template strand linked to a support, sequencing a portion of the nucleic acid template, thereby forming an extended first primer product that is complementary to a portion of the nucleic acid template, In some embodiments, the method further includes introducing a nick into a portion of the template strand that is hybridized to the extended first primer product, degrading a portion of the template strand from the nick using a degrading agent, where a portion of the extended first primer remains hybridized to an undegraded portion of the template strand, and sequencing at least some of the single-stranded portion of the extended first primer by synthesis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to in vitro methods for the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), wherein the expression of the marker gene DMBT1 is determined. In particular, the invention relates to an in vitro diagnostic method of assessing the susceptibility of a subject to develop progressive COPD involving the appearance of irreversible lung damage, wherein the expression of the marker gene DMBT1 and optionally one or more further marker genes selected from KIAA1199, TMSB15A, DPP6, SLC51B, NUDT11, ELF5, AZGP1, PRRX1, AQP3, SFN, GPR110, GDF15, RASGRF2, RND1, PLA1A, FGG, CEACAM5, HYAL2, AHRR, CXCL3, CYP1A1, CYP1B1, CYP1A2, CST6, NTRK2, COMP, ITGA10, CTHRC1, TAL1, FIBIN, BEX5, BEX1, ESM1 and GHRL is determined.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods for diagnosing or monitoring type 1 diabetes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are assays and methods for distinguishing a keratoacanthoma from squamous cell carcinoma. Methods for diagnosing a keratoacanthoma are also provided. Methods for treating variants of seborrheic keratoses (i.e., keratoacanthoma, acanthosis nigricans, or epidermal nevus) are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides an in vitro method for determining the likelihood for a patient affected with a tumor to respond to a treatment with a pro-apoptotic peptide able to disrupt interaction between caspase 9 and PP2A, which method comprises determining expression level of at least each of VIM, MK167, TCF7L2, NEK2, BIRC5, MCL1, and PLK1 genes, in a biological sample of said patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting a heteroresistant population of a pathogen in a sample, the method comprising: a) providing a sample comprising a population of a pathogen; b) extracting nucleic acids from the sample; c) amplifying a target locus of the genome of the pathogen in the extracted nucleic acids, wherein the target locus comprises at least one minor variant associated with drug resistance in the pathogen; d) consecutively sequencing both overlapping nucleic acid strands from a single DNA molecule amplified from the target locus on a Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) platform; e) applying an alignment algorithm to sequencing data from the overlapping nucleic acid strands; and f) performing an analysis of the aligned sequencing data to detect the at least one minor variant and heteroresistant population of the pathogen.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid oligomers, including amplification oligomers, capture probes, and detection probes, for detection of Zika virus nucleic acid. Also disclosed are methods of specific nucleic acid amplification and detection using the disclosed oligomers, as well as corresponding reaction mixtures and kits.

Abstract: This disclosure provides oligomers, compositions, and kits for detecting and quantifying Hepatitis B virus (HBV), including different genotypes and variants thereof, and related methods and uses. In some embodiments, oligomers target the P and/or S open reading frames of HBV and are configured to provide substantially equivalent quantification of different genotypes and variants of HBV.

Abstract: A method for producing direct reduced iron having increased carbon content, comprising: providing a carbon monoxide-rich gas stream; and delivering the carbon-monoxide-rich gas stream to a direct reduction furnace and exposing partially or completely reduced iron oxide to the carbon monoxide-rich gas stream. The carbon monoxide-rich gas stream is delivered to one or more of a transition zone and a cooling zone of the direct reduction furnace. Optionally, providing the carbon monoxide-rich gas stream comprises initially providing one of a reformed gas stream from a reformer and a syngas stream from a syngas source. Optionally, the carbon monoxide-rich gas stream is derived from a carbon monoxide recovery unit that forms the carbon monoxide-rich gas stream and an effluent gas stream. Optionally, the method still further includes providing a hydrocarbon-rich gas stream to one or more of a transition zone and a cooling zone of the direct reduction furnace.

Abstract: A burner-lance unit (1) includes at least two gas connections (2a, 2b, 2c), a burner tube (3), and a lance tube (4) that is placed concentrically in the burner tube (3). The burner tube (3) and the lance tube (4) both have a gas inlet end and a gas outlet end (15). The lance tube (4) has a de Laval nozzle (4a) at the gas outlet end thereof. The de Laval nozzle (4a) is releasably connected to the lance tube (4). The burner tube (3) has a burner nozzle (3a) which is releasably connected to the burner tube (3).

Abstract: A method for counteracting tensile stress in an article is disclosed, including heating the article and applying compressive stress to the article along a compressive stress vector, the compressive stress vector including a compressive stress vector component opposite in direction to a tensile stress vector of a thermally-induced tensile stress of the article. The compressive stress is applied by thermally-induced autogenous pressure by a fixture contacting the article. A fixture for counteracting tensile stress is disclosed, including a first compression member and a second compression member, and a position lock connecting the first compression member to the second compression member and reversibly fixing the first compression member relative to the second compression member. The first compression member and the second compression member include compressive surfaces having mating conformations for surfaces of an article. The position lock includes a material composition.

Abstract: A steel product has: a chemical composition represented by, in mass %, C: 0.050% to 0.35%, Si: 0.50% to 3.0%, Mn: exceeding 3.0% to 7.5% or less, P: 0.05% or less, S: 0.01% or less, sol. Al: 0.001% to 3.0%, N: 0.01% or less, V: 0% to 1.0%, Ti: 0% to 1.0%, Nb: 0% to 1.0%, Cr: 0% to 1.0%, Mo: 0% to 1.0%, Cu: 0% to 1.0%, Ni: 0% to 1.0%, Ca: 0% to 0.01%, Mg: 0% to 0.01%, REM: 0% to 0.01%, Zr: 0% to 0.01%, B: 0% to 0.01%, Bi: 0% to 0.01%, and the balance: Fe and impurities; and a metal structure in which a thickness of a decarburized ferrite layer is 5 ?m or less and a volume ratio of retained austenite is 10% to 40%, wherein tensile strength is 980 MPa or more.

Abstract: When a plurality of outer rings (R) are sequentially and inductively heated to a target temperature by energizing a heating coil (2) elongated more than each of the plurality of outer rings (R), which are made of steel and retained coaxially by a retaining unit (3), while relatively moving the outer rings (R) and the heating coil (2) in an axial direction, an output of the heating coil (2) is varied in consideration of the number of outer rings (R) present in an opposing region of the heating coil (2).

Abstract: A method and system for recovering a high yield of low carbon ferrochrome from chromite and low carbon ferrochrome produced by the method. A stoichiometric mixture of feed materials including scrap aluminum granules, lime, silica sand, and chromite ore are provided into a plasma arc furnace. The scrap aluminum granules are produced from used aluminum beverage containers. The feed materials are heated, whereupon the aluminum in the aluminum granules produces an exothermic reaction reducing the chromium oxide and iron oxide in the chromite to produce molten low carbon ferrochrome with molten slag floating thereon. The molten low carbon ferrochrome is extracted, solidified and granulated into granules of low carbon ferrochrome. The molten slag is extracted, solidified and granulated into granules of slag.

Abstract: A process for recovering metal value-containing precipitates in consistently high concentrations from a metal-containing composition by combining selective roasting and leaching steps.

Abstract: Dispersion strengthened aluminum-cerium-manganese alloys containing from about 0.05 to about 23.0 weight percent cerium and about 0.03 to about 9.5 weight percent manganese exhibit mechanical properties that make them useful alloys as a result of age hardening for extended periods at temperatures between 350° C. (662° F.) and 450° C. (842° F.).

Abstract: The invention relates to a copper alloy such as, for example, CuNi6Sn5Fe2P0.15, which has hard particles such as, for example, Fe3P or Fe2P and optionally solid lubricants such as, for example, hexagonal boron nitrides or graphite. The invention further relates to the use of said copper alloy for a bearing and to a bearing having said copper alloy. The invention further relates to a method for producing a bearing having a copper alloy, wherein a metal powder is produced, for example, by means of melt atomization, hard particles and optional solid lubricants are optionally added to said powder, and the powder is sintered onto a substrate. Finally, the invention relates to an alternative method for producing a bearing, wherein the copper alloy is applied to a substrate by means of casting or plating or wherein the bearing is made completely of the copper alloy.

Abstract: A tool for forming or servicing a wellbore includes a first body, a second body, and a retaining member located between a surface of the first body and a surface of the second body. The retaining member at least partially retains the second body with respect to the first body. The retaining member comprises a shape memory material configured to transform, responsive to application of a stimulus, from a first solid phase to a second solid phase. A method of forming a tool for forming or servicing a wellbore includes disposing a retaining member comprising a shape memory material in a space between a first body and a second body and transforming the shape memory material from a first solid phase to a second solid phase by application of a stimulus to cause the retaining member to create a mechanical interference.