Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules such as shRNA clusters and artificial miRNA clusters are disclosed, Also disclosed are methods of use, compositions, cells, viral particles, and kits relating to the nucleic acid molecules disclosed herein. The disclosure provides, at least in part nucleic acid molecules such as shRNA clusters encoding shRNA-like molecules and artificial miRNA clusters encoding modified pri-miRNA-like molecules. The shRNA clusters and artificial miRNA clusters disclosed herein can be used, for example, to produce artificial RNA molecules, e.g., RNAi molecules. Cells, viral particles, compositions (e.g., pharmaceutical compositions), kits, and methods relating to the nucleic acid molecules, e.g., shRNA clusters and artificial miRNA clusters, are also disclosed. The nucleic acid molecules (e.g., shRNA clusters and artificial miRNA clusters), artificial RNA molecules (e.g., RNAi molecules), cells, viral particles, compositions (e.g.

Abstract: The invention relates to polynucleotide agents, e.g., antisense polunucleotide agents, targeting the ALAS1 gene, and methods of using such agents to alter (e.g., inhibit) expression of ALAS1 and to treat ALAS1 associated diseases, e.g., porphyria.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are antisense compounds and methods for decreasing SOD-1 mRNA and protein expression. Such methods, compounds, and compositions are useful to treat, prevent, or ameliorate SOD-1 associated diseases, disorders, and conditions. Such SOD-1 associated diseases include amyotrophic sclerosis (ALS).

Abstract: Various aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to methods and compositions for functionalizing endogenous bacteria in vivo. The methods include delivering to endogenous bacterial cells a recombinant bacteriophage or phagemid that is engineered to contain at least one genetic circuit.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns compositions and methods for promoting transcription of a nucleotide sequence in a plant or plant cell, employing a Zea mays GRMZM2G144030 promoter. Some embodiments relate to a Zea mays GRMZM2G144030 promoter that functions in plants to promote transcription of operably linked nucleotide sequences. Other embodiments relate to a Zea mays GRMZM2G144030 3?UTR that functions in plants to terminate transcription of operably linked nucleotide sequences.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manipulating the growth and/or structure of a plant, for increasing biomass. The method of the invention is achieved by increasing the expression and/or activity of PXY and/or CLE in the vascular tissue of a plant.

Abstract: This invention provides a drug-inducible promoter that can be used for sugarcane plants and plants related thereto. Such drug-inducible promoter comprises a polynucleotide comprising a first nucleotide sequence having 90% or higher identity to the nucleotide sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1, a second nucleotide sequence having 90% or higher identity to the nucleotide sequence as shown in SEQ NO: 2, a third nucleotide sequence having 90% or higher identity to the nucleotide sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 3, a fourth nucleotide sequence having 90% or higher identity to the nucleotide sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 4, and a fifth nucleotide sequence having 90% or higher identity to the nucleotide sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 5 in such an order from the 3 terminal side toward the 5? terminal side.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the introduction and the regulated expression of genes in plants. Compositions include promoter constructs that provide a level of activity useful for the regulated expression of site-specific recombinases, while avoiding premature excision. Further provided are isolated polynucleotides encoding novel babyboom polypeptides, expression cassettes, and plants comprising the same. Methods for the introduction of genes into plants are provided, including methods for plastid transformation and methods for the transformation of tissues from mature seeds and leaves.

Abstract: Plant metabolism and alkaloid levels can be regulated by transcription factors that regulate the nicotinic alkaloid biosynthetic pathway. In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a transcription factor that positively negatively regulates alkaloid biosynthesis, such as nicotine biosynthesis. In particular, the present disclosure provides methods for the inhibition of Nicotiana benthamiana auxin response factor 1 (NbTF1) to reduce alkaloid biosynthesis in plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a seed comprising in its genome a modified NXS gene and/or modified regulatory sequences thereof. The modified NXS gene and/or modified regulatory sequences thereof provides the seed with the capability to germinate at a high temperature as compared to a wild type seed not having the modified NXS gene. The modification to the gene and/or its regulatory sequences may lead to the expression of the NXS gene being substantially reduced or prevented. In addition to or alternatively, the seed can have a reduced level, reduced activity or complete absence of NXS protein. The modified NXS gene may for example comprise a premature stop codon and/or encode an NXS protein that comprises one or more amino acid substitutions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated nucleic acid molecules and their corresponding encoded polypeptides able confer the trait of improved plant size, vegetative growth, growth rate, seedling vigor and/or biomass in plants challenged with saline conditions. The present invention further relates to the use of these nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides in making transgenic plants, plant cells, plant materials or seeds of a plant having plant size, vegetative growth, growth rate, seedling vigor and/or biomass that are improved in saline conditions with respect to wild-type plants grown under similar conditions.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a plant or plant part comprising (i) a recombinant polynucleotide encoding a wildtype or mut-PPO polypeptide, and (ii) a recombinant polynucleotide encoding a CYP450 polypeptide, the expression of said polynucleotides (i) and (ii) confers to the plant or plant part tolerance to PPO-inhibiting herbicides.

Abstract: OsACBP5 can be used to enhance tolerance to fungal necrotrophs in genetically modified plants. OsACBP5-overexpressing transgenic Arabidopsis were conferred enhanced tolerance to fungal necrotrophs such as root-infecting necrotroph Rhizoctonia solani and shoot-infecting necrotrophs (Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria brassicicola). Vectors/expression cassettes for conferring tolerance to fungal necrotrophs to plants/plant material are provided. Methods of using OsACBP5 to enhance tolerance to fungal necrotrophs are provided. Plants and plant material with improved tolerance to fungal necrotrophs are also provided. Methods for screening for genes with OsACBP5-like activity are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein a unique cell line system to generate a novel bovine adenovirus vector that provides more gene insertion capabilities and better immunogenicity for inserted antigens. The unique cell line is used for generating and growing of the new adenovirus vectors for gene delivery or recombinant vaccine production.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for reducing bio-catalytic oxidation of a product in a post-production stream. More particularly the invention provides a process for reducing bio-catalytic oxidation of an alcohol in a product stream, the product stream comprising an alcohol product, dissolved carbon dioxide, and at least one enzyme capable of oxidizing the alcohol. The invention finds applicability in fermentation processes, wherein a C1-fixing microorganism utilizes a C1-containing substrate to produce a fermentation product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing aminobenzoic acid or an aminobenzoic acid conversion product, comprising the steps of: (I) providing an aqueous solution of aminobenzoic acid using a fermentation process; (II) adsorbing aminobenzoic acid; (III) desorbing aminobenzoic acid at a pH in the range from ?0.8 to 3.0, preferably ?0.5 to 3.0, more preferably 0.1 to 3.0, very preferably 0.5 to 2.5, very exceptionally preferably 1.0 to 2.0; (IV) obtaining the aminobenzoic acid from the desorbate obtained in step (III); (V) optionally further converting the aminobenzoic acid obtained in step (IV) to an aminobenzoic acid conversion product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel variant RNA polymerase sigma factor 70 (?70) polypeptide, a polynucleotide encoding the same, a microorganism containing the polypeptide, and a method for producing L-threonine by using the microorganism.

Abstract: Recombinant yeast that are genetically modified to contain and express genes or gene pathways that produce hydroxylated and/or methoxylated flavonoids are provided. The genes or gene pathways are derived from plants, for example, from sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) and the hydroxylated and/or methoxylated flavonoids include, for example, 6-methoxylated naringenin, 6-methoxylated luteolin and 6-methoxylated kaempferol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a protein as a hydroxylase, a host cell comprising the protein, the use of the protein or host cell in the production of hydroxy-pipecolic acid (HPA), a method of production HPA, methods of producing the protein, a mutant protein and a nucleic acid encoding the mutant protein and a vector comprising a nucleic acid encoding the protein.

Abstract: The application provides a method for preparing rubusoside comprising steps of raw material crushing, flash extraction, double centrifugations, macroporous resin purification, desorption, enzymatic hydrolysis, organic film decoloring, concentration, crystallization and drying. The application optimizes the quality control of key process such as extraction, separation, purification and decolorization, and can obtain the rubusoside product with purity more than 99%, and the product is white, no bitterness, less solvent residue, no pesticide residue, and stable quality.

Abstract: An arrangement for and a method of biomass hydrolysis includes a feed pump, a pre-hydrolysis reactor and a feed line there-between for feeding fresh biomass slurry to the pre-hydrolysis reactor. The feed pump is a centrifugal feed pump and the pre-hydrolysis reactor is an upflow reactor.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods to measure the extent of viral infection and methods to measure latent viral reservoir in cells harboring or suspected of harboring such a reservoir.

Abstract: A method and a system for determining the presence of at least one determined microorganism in a Petri dish comprising one or more colonies of microorganisms and a culture medium, and a computer program product which, when executed, allows the method of the invention to be performed.

Abstract: Described herein are fluid-manipulation-based devices and methods of use. Fluid manipulations according to devices and methods as described herein can be configured to perform assays on biological samples. Devices and methods as described herein can manipulate and analyze nanoliter volumes of fluid, microliter volumes of fluid, milliliter volumes of fluid, or greater. Embodiments of the present disclosure can enable random biological assays and rapid, simultaneous analysis of multiple biological samples.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and compositions for monitoring and analyzing nucleic acid hybridization state using L-DNA probes are described. The methods include adding L-DNA probes that can be fluorescently detected to a system including D-DNA. The L-DNA probes include primer, target, and antisense nucleotide sequences, and fluorescent dye compounds. The L-DNA probes are particularly useful for monitoring and analyzing various parameters during DNA amplification using the polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract: A workflow for direct qPCR quantification of unprocessed forensic casework samples is disclosed herein. 13pg of DNA has been detected by direct amplification from a paper substrate. Direct qPCR quantification of unprocessed forensic casework samples and direct STR amplification of unprocessed forensic casework samples collected on the same PE-swab will greatly increase forensic laboratory's efficiency and capability.

Abstract: By utilizing a Mini-Primer strategy targeting the target site duplication (TSD) sequence of retrotransposons, insertion and null allele (INNUL) markers, which include short interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs), long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs), and composite SVA retrotransposons (SINE/VNTR/Alu, where VNTR represents “variable number of tandem repeats” and Alu represents a type of primate specific SINE that has reached a copy number in excess of one million in the human genome), can be effectively used as markers for human identification and bio-ancestry studies regardless of the size of the inserted element. The size of the amplicons for INNULs and the difference between allelic states can be reduced substantially such that these markers have utility for analyzing high and low quality human DNA samples. Multiplexes including either 15 or 20 retrotransposable element (RE) markers plus Amelogenin for single tube amplification of DNA in four color detection were successfully designed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of amplifying an RNA molecule in a biological sample by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), wherein the RT-PCR is carried out in a solution comprising a polar aprotic solvent; a serum albumin, and a polyol.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, devices, compositions and kits for diagnosing or predicting transplant status or outcome in a subject who has received a transplant.

Abstract: Described herein are variants of alpha-hemolysin having at least one mutation, such as a mutation to a positive charge. In certain examples, the mutation is selected from V149K, E287R, H35G, T109K, P151K, K147N, E111N, M113A, or combinations thereof in the mature, wild-type alpha-hemolysin amino acid sequence. The ?-hemolysin variants may also include a substitution at H144A and/or a series of glycine residues spanning residues 127 to 131 of the mature, wild-type alpha hemolysin. Also provided are nanopore assemblies including the alpha-hemolysin variants, the assembly having a decreased time-to-thread. The decreased time-to-thread, for example, increases DNA sequencing efficiency and accuracy.

Abstract: Chemically-sensitive field effect transistors for biosensor chips and system are disclosed. The itransisitors have a multi-layered structure for performing a set of measurements of a biological reaction involving a binding event for one or more biological analytes that may be label-free. The multilayer structure includes a first insulating layer above a substrate layer and a source electrode and a drain electrode disposed positioned over the first insulating layer; a second insulating layer above the first insulating layer and proximate the source and drain electrodes forming side wall members of a well for a fluid comprising the analytes; a 2D graphene layer forming a channel between source and drain electrodes; a solution gate, formed by fluid flowed over the channel, configured to enable determining differences between one or more sample I-Vg curves having a shifted and changed shape relative to a reference curve; embodiments may include ion-selective membranes and/or ion getters.

Abstract: This invention provides substrates for use in various applications, including single-molecule analytical reactions. Methods for propagating optical energy within a substrate are provided. Devices comprising waveguide substrates and dielectric omnidirectional reflectors are provided. Waveguide substrates with improved uniformity of optical energy intensity across one or more waveguides and enhanced waveguide illumination efficiency within an analytic detection region of the arrays are provided.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for detecting genetic and/or epigenetic elements. For example, methods and materials for detecting the presence or absence of target nucleic acid containing a genetic or epigenetic element, methods and materials for detecting the amount of target nucleic acid containing a genetic or epigenetic element within a sample, kits for detecting the presence or absence of target nucleic acid containing a genetic or epigenetic element, kits for detecting the amount of target nucleic acid containing a genetic or epigenetic element present within a sample, and methods for making such kits are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and devices for determining molecular signatures in a cancer that predict response to a MARPK pathway inhibitor and methods of use of such signatures.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods, computer products, computer-implemented methods, and systems for predicting the probability or risk of prostate cancer recurrence and tumor aggressiveness in a patient. The method is based, in part, on the patient's risk profile that includes the presence/degree of specific copy number variations and predictive clinical factors. The methods and systems can be used to aid in treatment selection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition, a kit and the use thereof, as well as the method for detecting the cell proliferative abnormality in individuals or grading the disease degree in the individuals. The composition comprises nucleic acids for detecting the methylation level within at least one target region of a gene and the fragment thereof.

Abstract: Provided are oligonucleotides that are capable of detecting KRAS and PIK3CA mutations in both cancer patients and healthy individuals with high specificity in kPCR assays. When the oligonucleotides are used as forward primers in conjunction with a defined genotyping algorithm spreadsheet, the primers are capable of enhancing detection of KRAS codon 12, 13, and 61 and PIK3CA codon 542, 545, and 1047 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a background of wild-type sequences. The oligonucleotides of the present invention are also capable of preventing pseudogene amplification when the oligonucleotides are hybridized as reverse primers or detection probes to the mismatch sequences.

Abstract: The 16 SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) loci of a whole genome of a yak are used in phenotypic character or molecular breeding analysis of yaks. Nucleotide sequences of the 16 SNP loci are shown in SEQ ID NO: 1-16. The 16 SNP loci can be used for providing a support for upstream and downstream processes of breeding, and the application has the advantages of high measurement accuracy, easiness in realization of standardized and automated detection, etc.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions generally useful to the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of trace DNA sequences from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) biopsy samples and specifically relevant to the identification of multi-drug resistant H. pylori in such biopsy samples.

Abstract: The invention provides monoferrocenyl compounds of general formula I. The invention also provides substrates labelled with the compounds, functionalised derivatives of the compounds and methods of using the compounds, functionalised derivatives and labelled substrates in electrochemical assays.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various methods, systems, and compositions for the growth independent detection of cells such as microorganisms including bacteria. While existing cellular detection methodologies benefit from cell growth, the methods, systems, and compositions disclosed herein demonstrate embodiments that are independent of cell growth while still allowing for cell-based detection.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the detection of genetic differences among soybeans. More particularly, the invention relates to soybean quantitative trait loci (QTL) for tolerance or sensitivity to HPPD-inhibitor herbicides, such as mesotrione and isoxazole herbicides, to soybean plants possessing these QTLs, which map to a novel chromosomal region, and to genetic markers that are indicative of phenotypes associated with tolerance, improved tolerance, susceptibility, or increased susceptibility. Methods and compositions for use of these markers in genotyping of soybean and selection are also disclosed, as are methods and compositions for use of these markers in selection and use of herbicides for weed control. Also disclosed are isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides relating to such tolerance or sensitivity and methods of introgres sing such tolerance into a plant by breeding or transgenically or by a combination thereof. Plant cells, plants, and seeds produced are also provided.

Abstract: Kits and methods are provided for performing multiplex LAMP reactions. These kits and methods are directed to specific and sensitive methods of target nucleic acid detection and more specifically pathogen diagnostics such as detection of Coronavirus. The kits and methods utilize a plurality of sets of oligonucleotide primers for targeting different template sequences in a single nucleic acid target. The kits and methods also include guanidium salts that enhance the sensitivity of the assay.

Abstract: Nucleic acid oligonucleotide sequences are disclosed which include amplification oligomers and probe oligomers which are useful for detecting multiple types of human papillomaviruses (HPV) associated with cervical cancer. Methods for detecting multiple HPV types in biological specimens by amplifying HPV nucleic acid sequences in vitro and detecting the amplified products are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a strain CCFM8631 of Lactobacillus reuteri and use thereof. The strain CCFM8631 of Lactobacillus reuteri can significantly increase neurotransmitter 5-hydroxytryptamine level in peripheral blood, recover the hormone levels, for example testosterone and so on in peripheral blood of rat, normalize abnormal abundances of Blautia genus and Turicibacter genus, Oscillospira genus and Bifidobacterium genus in intestinal flora of rat affected by high-fat high-starch diet, show good tolerance to simulated gastrointestinal fluid and quickly colonize in intestinal, significantly improve pathological damages of tissues such as liver, duodenum and so on, and increase triglyceride and total cholesterol levels in serum and oral glucose tolerance of rat with metabolic syndrome caused by high-fat high-starch diet.

Abstract: The invention provides engineered Vibrio sp. organisms that comprise a genetic modification to either or both of the lpxL and/or lpxM genes. The organisms score substantially lower in an in vitro endotoxin assay versus the unmodified or wild type organism. The organisms preserve substantially the growth rate of the corresponding unmodified organisms. The organisms can also have an exogenous nucleic acid cloned in the organism, or an exogenous nucleic acid encoding a protein, polypeptide, or peptide expressed by the organism, and optionally secreted from the organism.

Abstract: A structure is heated in a tool. The structure is quenched in the tool such that a shape of the structure is maintained, in which quenching is performed by contacting the structure with a quenching medium.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a high-strength cold-rolled steel sheet according to an embodiment includes the steps of: reheating a steel slab, which includes 0.10 wt % to 0.13 wt % carbon (C), 0.9 wt % to 1.1 wt % silicon (Si), 2.2 wt % to 2.3 wt % manganese (Mn), 0.35 wt % to 0.45 wt % chromium (Cr), 0.04 wt % to 0.07 wt % molybdenum (Mo), 0.02 wt % to 0.05 wt % antimony (Sb), and the remainder being iron (Fe) and inevitable impurities, at a temperature of 1150° C. to 1250° C.; hot-rolling the reheated slab in such a manner as to reach a finishing mill delivery temperature of 800° C. to 900° C.; cooling the hot-rolled slab to a temperature of 600° C. to 700° C. and coiling the cooled slab, thereby obtaining a hot-rolled steel sheet; pickling the hot-rolled steel sheet, followed by cold rolling; annealing the cold-rolled steel sheet in a two-phase region of ? and ? phases; and cooling the annealed steel sheet to the martensite temperature range, followed by overaging.

Abstract: Ferritic stainless steel that has excellent formability and ridging resistance and can be produced with high productivity is provided. The ferritic stainless steel has: a predetermined chemical composition; a microstructure containing ferrite crystal grains which satisfy at least one of a C concentration of 2CC or more and an N concentration of 2CN or more, the ferrite crystal grains having a volume fraction with respect to a whole volume of the microstructure of 5% or more and 50% or less, where CC and CN are respectively C content and N content in the steel in mass %; and a Vickers hardness of 180 or less.

Abstract: When coal is combusted, such as in the process of generating electricity, fly ash is produced in abundant quantities. Methods and systems are provided for extracting materials, such as rare earth elements critical for national security or nuclear power generation, from fly ash. A method of processing fly ash includes installing a collection system in a fly ash pond. The method further includes applying water to the top surface of the fly ash pond, such that the water leaches through fly ash and into the collection system. The leached water is processed to remove materials, such as rare earth elements. Systems are also provided.