Abstract: Detergent compositions having surfactant systems that include alkyl ethoxylated sulfate surfactant (AES) and linear alkyl benzene sulfonate surfactant (LAS). Methods of treating fabric with such compositions.

Abstract: A method for managing hard soap bar consumption is disclosed. In one embodiment, a first portion of the hard soap bar surface remains exposed to allow that portion of the soap bar surface to interface with the water as a traditional soap bar, and a second portion of the soap bar surface is configured to receive a hydro-phobic and oleo-phobic coated film that prevents the soap bar material below the film from interacting with the water. The oleo-phobic coating also prevents oil particles (and their associated germs) from attaching to the surface of the membrane. In this embodiment, only the first portion of the soap bar material is interfacing (being used) while the soap bar material below the second portion is not interfacing and thus remains hard and intact. As the soap bar material in the first portion is being used, the membrane along the planar outer perimeter edge is also gradually fading.

Abstract: A liquor quality optimization device includes a main body defining a receiving chamber having an inlet portion and an outlet portion; an adaptor head coupled to the inlet portion of the main body for attachment to a liquor container, having a fluid passage in communication with the receiving chamber of the main body and an air passage in communication between the fluid passage and an exterior of the adaptor head; and a liquor molecular refinement structure disposed within the receiving chamber in the main body, having properties to cut and refine macromolecules in liquor into small molecules, thereby accelerating conversion of ingredients in the liquor which affects the taste, and decanting new brewed liquor as aged liquor in taste in addition to filtering sediments in liquor to enhance the taste of liquor.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, there is provided a bioreactor module including a container; a holder removably receivable in the container, the holder adapted to hold a scaffold containing an inherent vascular network; an inlet connectable to a vessel of the inherent vascular network of the scaffold; an inflatable device disposed substantially near a base of the container, the inflatable device having a conduit extending through a wall of the container; and a pair of electrodes attached to opposing walls of the container.

Abstract: A cell-growing system may include a cell-growing container, a pump for controlling the pressure of the chamber of the container, a filter for maintaining the chamber sterilized, a flow control regulator for controlling the substance supplied to the cell-growing container. The cell-growing container may include an internal structure that takes the form of a reticulated structure to increase the surface area for growing cells. The cell-growing system may be used to perform cycles of cell expansion and harvest. The cell-growing system may be maintained as a closed and sterilized system through the cycles. In harvesting, a first subset of the cells can be disassociated from the cell culture while a second subset remains. The disassociated cells may be discharged to a collection container while maintaining the system closed to an external environment. The remaining cells may be used as seeds to proliferate more cells in the next cycle.

Abstract: The invention discloses a flexible bag assembly for cultivation of cells, comprising one or more bags forming a plurality of cultivation compartments, wherein a drain port in at least a first cultivation compartment is adapted to be fluidically connected with a second cultivation compartment upon opening of a valve means. It also discloses a bioreactor with the bag assembly mounted on a rocking tray and a method of cultivating cells in the assembly.

Abstract: A method and device, for isolating a migratory cell population from a mixed population of migratory cells and non-migratory cells is described herein. The method comprises placing the mixed population of migratory cells and non-migratory cells in contact with a device having one or more microchannels; and isolating the migratory cell population within the microchannels following an incubation period, wherein the one or more microchannels have an average size in a proliferation direction of the migratory cells that is less than a minimum proliferation space of the migratory cells along the proliferation direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to cassettes for culturing cells. The invention also relates to analytical and preparative incubators for housing the cassettes. The invention also relates to methods of using the cassettes, for example, to culture cells wherein the processes of feeding and passaging cells are automated.

Abstract: The embodiments of the invention described herein relate to systems and methods for culturing and/or maintaining intestinal cells, tissues and/or organoids in vitro. The cells, tissues and/or organoids cultured according to the methods and systems described herein can mimic or reproduce natural intestinal epithelial structures and behavior as well as support co-culture of intestinal microflora.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for removing viral contaminants from a chemically defined cell culture medium. Compositions provided herein are resistant to or exhibit reduced fouling by one or more components in a chemically defined cell culture medium.

Abstract: A culturing apparatus (10) is an apparatus for culturing a culture medium with which an airtight container (35) is filled. Such a culturing apparatus (10) is provided with a container holding unit (12) that holds the airtight container (35) and a motion imparting unit (15) that imparts physical motions from the outside of the airtight container (35) to the airtight container (35) held on the container holding unit (12).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting microorganisms in ballast water, the apparatus including: an excitation light source provided with light sources for emitting excitation light to irradiate an irradiated surface of sample solution continuously; photodetector detecting light of fluorescence emission caused by excitation light from the excitation light source control means converting the light detected by the photodetector to an electrical signal to detect and count number of light emissions, and estimating the number of microorganisms included in a sample within the sample container from the number of light emissions; and an operation unit electrically connected to the control means.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing Antarctic chionodraco rastrospinosus skin antifreeze protein includes a de-frozen and cleaning device for de-frosting frozen grass carp skin and then cleaning carp skin; a skin slurry for making de-fat skin slurry; upper fat on the skin slurry being removed to get de-fat skin slurry; an ultrasonic generator for ultrasonic treatment to change organizational structure of skin antifreeze proteins of the slurry; a composite protease adder for adding composite protease added to the slurry; a collector receiving the slurry from the adder, and then the slurry are retained a time period and cooled to room temperature; then a 4000 g centrifugation is performed through 10 min; and a two-step filter connected to the collector for receiving the supernatant from the collector for performing a two-step ultra-filtration process so as to get skin antifreeze protein with molecular weight of 8000˜10000 Dalton and.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides instruments, modules and methods for improved detection of edited cells following nucleic acid-guided nuclease genome editing. The disclosure provides improved automated instruments that perform methods—including high throughput methods—for screening cells that have been subjected to editing and identifying cells that have been properly edited.

Abstract: A separation system, a method in a separation system and an elution arrangement to be provided in a separation system for separating a biomolecule from a cell culture are provided. The method comprises the steps of: —providing a feed from a cell culture (3; 103; 203) comprising said biomolecule to a magnetic separator (5; 105; 205) and providing to the magnetic separator magnetic beads comprising ligands capable of binding this biomolecule; —separating by the magnetic separator said magnetic beads with bound biomolecules from the rest of the feed; —forwarding said magnetic beads as a slurry with an added buffer to an elution cell (7; 107; 207); —eluting the bound biomolecules in the elution cell.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods of the present disclosure assist with management of tubes and hoses during surgical procedures. The systems, devices, and methods provide for the proper opening and closing of tubes to facilitate performance of steps in a surgical procedure. Systems, devices, and methods of the present disclosure control fluid delivery to and from a medical device, including devices for tissue processing and cleaning.

Abstract: Failing and degenerating organs may be induced to recover by administering a serum augmenting natural paracrine to extend replenishment. The serum may be collected from a stressed culture of cells and administered to an organ and/or tissue. The stressed serum may also be combined with cells to be implanted to increase recovery, viability and/or establishment of cells.

Abstract: A 2D organoid for infection and growth culture of human diarrhea virus, obtained by: (1) obtaining a 3D organoid by three-dimensionally culturing a human intestinal epithelial stem cell, a human intestinal epithelial cell, or a tissue containing at least any of those cells on an extracellular matrix; and (2) dispersing the 3D organoid to prepare a single cell, and monolayer-culturing the single cell on an extracellular matrix to obtain the 2D organoid having a monolayer structure in which epithelial cells contain differentiated trophoblastic cells and goblet cells and configured as human intestinal lumen having a monolayer structure.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a cell culture support having improved cell adhesion and mobility. The method includes: mixing a hydrophilic polymer, a hydrophobic polymer and a solvent to prepare an electro-spinning solution having a viscosity from 50 cps to 2000 cps; electro-spinning the electro-spinning solution to form polymer fibers having beads formed on each of the fibers; accumulating the polymer fibers to form a fibrous web having pores; and penetrating a culture solution into the pores of the fibrous web. The beads have a diameter larger than that of the polymer fibers.

Abstract: A method of enhancing sperm fertility is described herein. The method includes contacting sperm with hydroxyurea. A composition is disclosed that includes sperm, hydroxyurea, and a buffer. Methods, kits, and compositions for enhancing sperm fertility are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for expanding proliferating populations of neuronal subtype-specific progenitors and creating substantially pure populations of motor neurons are provided herein. In particular, the present invention provides methods for maintaining the unique gene profile and differentiation potential of neuronal subtype-specific progenitors, such as motor neuron progenitors and hindbrain serotonergic neural progenitors.

Abstract: Sodium cellulose sulfate (NaCS) is employed as a novel GAG mimetic. Schwann cells (SCs) could be used in combination with a scaffold because the SCs can secrete neurotrophic factors stimulating neuron survival and extension of axons. Furthermore, the conduit may be used alone or combination with Schwann cells for spinal cord repair. In addition, the conduit also can be used for peripheral nerve repair. Also described herein are compositions and methods useful for promoting the growth and/or differentiation and/or repair of a cell and/or tissue in the peripheral nervous system, central nervous system, and specifically the spinal cord. In certain aspects, the present disclosure includes a scaffold supporting and promoting growth, differentiation, and/or regeneration and repair. The scaffold in one embodiment closely mimics the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) of the spinal cord.

Abstract: Methods for differentiating pluripotent stem cells to neuroectoderm in dynamic suspension culture using small molecule or protein inhibitors of TGF?/Activin/Nodal signaling and BMP signaling are provided. Also provided are methods and protocols for differentiating pluripotent stem cells such as human embryonic stem cells first to neuroectoderm, then further to glial progenitor cells, and further to oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs), and compositions obtained thereby. The methods of the present disclosure reproducibly produce neuroectoderm progenitor cells by day 7 of the differentiation process, glial progenitor cells by day 21 of the differentiation process and OPCs by day 42 of the differentiation process.

Abstract: Spinal cord neural stem cells (NSCs) have great potential to reconstitute damaged spinal neural circuitry. In some embodiments, derivation of spinal cord NSCs from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) is described. These spinal cord NSCs can differentiate into a diverse population of spinal cord neurons comprising multiple positions in the dorso-ventral axis, and can be maintained for prolonged time periods. After grafting into injured spinal cords, grafts may be rich with excitatory neurons, extend large numbers of axons over long distances, innervate their target structures, and enable robust corticospinal regeneration. In some embodiments, hPSC-derived spinal cord NSCs enable a broad range of biomedical applications for in vitro disease modeling, and can provide a clinically-translatable cell source for spinal cord “replacement” strategies in several spinal cord disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an expanded population of human Breg cells having the phenotype CD19+CD73?CD71+CD25+TIM-1+ and methods for producing the cell population of the invention. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the cell populations of the invention and their use in the treatment of immune-mediated disorders.

Abstract: Methods to isolate and expand tumor specific CD8+ T cells, and the use thereof, are provided. Also provided are method of using TLR7 agonists.

Abstract: The WNT-ACTIVATED ADIPOSE-DERIVED STEM CELL APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS (hereinafter “WAADSC”) disclosed herein in various embodiments provide for production of an isolated and enriched population of mesenchymal stem cells that have an active Wnt signaling demonstrated by the elevated expression of Lrg5 marker and/or Nestin in more than 50% of the population.

Abstract: The invention provides cellular compositions that contain CD34+ cells derived from bone marrow of a decease donor and CD3+ cells derived from non-bone marrow of the deceased donor. The compositions are useful to promote mixed chimerism in recipients of solid organ transplants. The invention also provides methods of making and using such compositions. In certain embodiments, the invention further provides methods of analyzing and preparing blood and blood components from a deceased donor for use in compositions of the invention to promote mixed chimerism in solid organ transplant recipients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic fluidic systems and methods for the in vitro modeling diseases of the lung and small airway. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a system for testing responses of a microfluidic Small Airway-on-Chip infected with one or more infectious agents (e.g. respiratory viruses) as a model of respiratory disease exacerbation (e.g. asthma exacerbation). In one embodiment, this disease model on a microfluidic chip allows for a) the testing of anti-inflammatory and/or anti-viral compounds introduced into the system, as well as b) the monitoring of the participation, recruitment and/or movement of immune cells, including the transmigration of cells. In particular, this system provides, in one embodiment, an in-vitro platform for modeling severe asthma as “Severe Asthma-on-Chip.” In some embodiments, this invention provides a model of viral-induced asthma in humans for use in identifying potentially effective treatments.

Abstract: It was found that DUXC family proteins were efficient activators of EGA and that DUXC proteins could be used in methods in the reprogramming of cells to a totipotent state and to increase the efficiency of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). Accordingly, aspects of the disclosure relate to a method for reprogramming a cell into a totipotent state, the method comprising expressing a DUXC family protein in the cell. Further aspects of the disclosure relate to a method for making a host cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryo comprising expressing a DUXC protein in a somatic cell and transferring the nucleus of the somatic cell to an enucleated oocyte, thereby making a SCNT embryo.

Abstract: Type 1 diabetes mellitus is characterized by loss of pancreatic insulin-producing beta cells, resulting in insulin deficiency. The usual cause of this beta cell loss is autoimmune destruction. The inventors provide the first evidence of a causal link between influenza virus infection and the development of type 1 diabetes and/or pancreatitis. This causal link between infection and type 1 diabetes and/or pancreatitis provides various therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic opportunities.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods that relate generally to viruses, and more particularly to the agents and their identification and use of anti-HIV agents which cause latently infected cells to reactivate.

Abstract: Methods for continuously inactivating virus during manufacture of a biological product are provided. The methods include steps of (1) combining (a) a composition including a biological product, and (b) a composition including a virus-inactivation reagent, to obtain (c) a treatment composition having a predetermined property for inactivation of a virus, (2) confirming that the treatment composition exhibits the predetermined property, (3) transferring the treatment composition to a treatment vessel that includes an inlet, an outlet, and a static mixer, the transferring occurring at the inlet, (4) incubating the treatment composition in the treatment vessel at a predetermined temperature while the treatment composition flows at a predetermined rate and contacts the static mixer, and (5) collecting the treatment composition from the treatment vessel at the outlet, wherein steps (1) to (5) are carried out continuously. Apparatuses and systems including such a treatment vessel are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved variants of variants of the Glucose Dehydrogenases (GlucDH) derived from Bacillus subtilis having improved properties in the presence of cNAD as cofactor, to genes encoding such variant GlucDHs, to proteins of such GlucDH variants, and to different applications of these GlucDH variants, particularly for determining concentrations of sugars, especially of glucose, in samples such as bodily fluids, especially blood.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides thiolases and polypeptide variants of 3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA dehydrogenase, nucleic acids encoding the same, vectors comprising the nucleic acids, and cells comprising the polypeptide variants and/or thiolase, the nucleic acids, and/or the vectors. The present disclosure also provides methods of making and using the same, including methods for culturing cells, and for the production of various products, including 3-hydroxybutyryl-CoA (3-HB-CoA), 3-hydroxybutyraldehyde (3-HBal), 3-hydroxybutyrate (3-HB), 1,3-butanediol (1,3-BDO), and esters and amides thereof, and products made from any of these.

Abstract: The present invention provides PiggyBac transposase 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: Described herein is a variant pol6 polymerase having at least one mutation selected from H223, N224, Y225, H227, I295, Y342, T343, I357, S360, L361, I363, S365, S366, Y367, P368, D417, E475, Y476, F478, K518, H527, T529, M531, N535, G539, P542, N545, Q546, A547, L549, I550, N552, G553, F558, A596, G603, A610, V615, Y622, C623, D624, I628, Y629, R632, N635, M641, A643, I644, T647, I648, T651, I652, K655, W656, D657, V658, H660, F662, L690 and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Provided are nucleic acids encoding engineered polymerases comprising at least one modification in a motif A and/or at least one modification in a motif B of the polymerase and engineered polymerases encoded by the nucleic acids. Also provided are engineered DNA polymerases comprising a variant of SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, or SEQ ID NO:3, the variant being at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO:3 and comprising an amino acid substitution at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of L408, Y409, P410, R484, A/L485, and I486. Methods, vectors, kits, and compositions comprising the nucleic acids and compositions, methods and kits comprising the engineered polymerases are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are nucleic acids encoding engineered polymerases comprising at least one modification in a motif A and/or at least one modification in a motif B of the polymerase and engineered polymerases encoded by the nucleic acids. Also provided are engineered DNA polymerases comprising a variant of SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, or SEQ ID NO:3, the variant being at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2 or SEQ ID NO:3 and comprising an amino acid substitution at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of L408, Y409, P410, R484, A/L485, and I486. Methods, vectors, kits, and compositions comprising the nucleic acids and compositions, methods and kits comprising the engineered polymerases are also provided.

Abstract: Bridge helix-modified variant Cas9 proteins having improved DNA cleavage selectivity in comparison to wild type versions of the Cas9 proteins, nucleic acids encoding the variant proteins, host cells containing the nucleic acids, and methods of their use.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods that include one or more of: (1) a “CasZ” protein (also referred to as a CasZ polypeptide), a nucleic acid encoding the CasZ protein, and/or a modified host cell comprising the CasZ protein (and/or a nucleic acid encoding the same); (2) a CasZ guide RNA that binds to and provides sequence specificity to the CasZ protein, a nucleic acid encoding the CasZ guide RNA, and/or a modified host cell comprising the CasZ guide RNA (and/or a nucleic acid encoding the same); and (3) a CasZ transactivating noncoding RNA (trancRNA) (referred to herein as a “CasZ trancRNA”), a nucleic acid encoding the CasZ trancRNA, and/or a modified host cell comprising the CasZ trancRNA (and/or a nucleic acid encoding the same).

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed are mutation(s) or modification(s) of the CRISPR enzyme, for example a Cas enzyme such as a Cas9, which obtain an improvement, for instance a reduction, as to off-target effects of a CRISPR-Cas or CRISPR-enzyme or CRISPR-Cas9 system or complex containing or including such a mutated or modified Cas or CRISPR enzyme or Cas9. Methods for making and using and uses of such mutated or modified Cas or CRISPR enzyme or Cas9 and systems or complexes containing the same and products from such methods and uses are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for binding and/or cleaving a single stranded target nucleic acid. Subject compositions include a Cas9 polypeptide, a guide nucleic acid, and a PAMmer. A subject PAMmer is a single stranded oligonucleotide having a proto spacer adjacent motif (PAM) sequence and at least one of: a specificity segment positioned 5? of the PAM sequence, and an orientation segment positioned 3? of the PAM sequence. In some embodiments, the Cas9 polypeptide is a variant Cas9 polypeptide having reduced nuclease activity relative to a corresponding wild type Cas9 polypeptide. In some cases, methods of binding are for visualizing single stranded target nucleic acids using a detectable label. In some cases, methods of binding are for isolating, collecting, and/or analyzing at least one of: (i) bound single stranded target nucleic acids; and (ii) polypeptides associated with bound single stranded target nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to enzymes and combinations thereof useful for studying glycoproteins, and corresponding methods of use. In particular, the invention relates to a sialidase composition comprising an additional protease and/or glycosidase, preferably an O-glycoprotein-specific endoprotease and/or an O-glycosidase.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods relating to variant alpha-amylases. The variant alpha-amylases are useful, for example, for starch liquefaction and saccharification, for cleaning starchy stains in laundry, dishwashing, and other applications, for textile processing (e.g., desizing), in animal feed for improving digestibility, and for baking and brewing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having xylanase activity, catalytic domains, carbohydrate binding modules and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, catalytic domains or carbohydrate binding modules. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides, catalytic domains or carbohydrate binding modules.

Abstract: The invention relates to synthetic liver-specific promoters and expression constructs for producing polypeptides and functional nucleic acids in the liver of a subject. The invention further relates to optimized polynucleotide sequences encoding Factor IX proteins, vector comprising the same, and methods of using these compositions to treat a bleeding disorder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant strain having a modified sugar metabolic pathway resulting from the introduction of an enzyme derived from a different strain to a strain, and a high-speed screening method for various mutants and variants by which useful materials can be obtained or which can produce useful materials. The use of a recombinant vector and a strain according to the present invention not only can construct a new metabolic pathway in a strain to effectively obtain D-tagatose from D-galactose, but also can introduce randomly modified sugar isomerases and then allow D-galactose isomerase variants to be rapidly screened by conducting a cell growth-associated screening system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for activating a Parkin ligase by administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a compound that disrupts at least one Parkin ligase zinc finger. The present invention is also directed to methods of treating and/or reducing the incidence of diseases or conditions related to the activation of Parkin ligase.

Abstract: A method of attaching a cell or a membrane-coated particle-of-interest to a microtube is provided. The method comprising: co-electrospinning two polymeric solutions through co-axial capillaries, wherein a first polymeric solution of the two polymeric solutions is for forming a shell of the microtube and a second polymeric solution of the two polymeric solutions is for forming a coat over an internal surface of the shell, the first polymeric solution is selected solidifying faster than the second polymeric solution and a solvent of the second polymeric solution is selected incapable of dissolving the first polymeric solution and wherein the second polymeric solution comprises the cell or the membrane-coated particle-of-interest, thereby attaching the cell or the membrane-coated particle-of-interest to the microtube.