Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for monitoring a cell culture comprising a) one or more infrared sensors positioned adjacent to a cell culture, the one or more infrared sensors capable of recording an infrared heat signal from the cell culture; b) a power source in electrical communication with the one or more infrared sensors; c) a data storage and computation device configured to receive and analyze the infrared heat signal from the one or more infrared sensors; and d) a transmitter device in electrical communication with the storage and computation device; wherein the apparatus monitors the pattern of heat production in the cell culture. The present invention is also directed to methods for monitoring and analyzing the metabolic activity of cells using the above apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for long term continuous flow fermentation using a two vessel continuous culture fermentation apparatus are described.

Abstract: Described herein is a novel, highly efficient system to remove erythrocytes and purify leukocytes would raise the quality of UCB and other transplant grafts, thereby significantly improving patient outcomes.

Abstract: Stromal stem cells are prospectively isolated from human bone marrow then expanded into clonal populations and cultured and used, the isolation being on the basis of expression of a cell surface marker, wherein the cell surface marker binds an antibody and wherein said antibody cross reacts with a cell surface marker found on mouse stromal stem cells or rat stromal stem cells, and optionally also on a cell of at least one other mammalian species selected from mouse, rat, horse, rabbit and pig cells. Useful stromal stem cell populations are positive for SDC2.

Abstract: A protein having a novel saccharide oxidase activity capable of being subjected to various uses is provided. The present invention provides a protein having the following physicochemical characteristics: (1) effect: oxidizing a saccharide to produce a saccharic acid; (2) substrate specificity: acting on glucose, maltotriose, maltose, galactose, maltotetraose, lactose, and cellobiose; and, (3) [Km value of glucose]/[Km value of maltose]?1.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a trehalose phosphorylase comprising an amino acid sequence, wherein the amino acid sequence of the trehalose phosphorylase is at least 80% identical to and/or at least 80% homologous to an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the amino acid sequence of the trehalose phosphorylase comprises an amino acid substitution at one or more amino acid positions, wherein the one or more amino acid positions is/are selected from the group consisting of amino acid positions of SEQ ID NO: 1 712, 383, 10, 114, 118, 192, 197, 220, 225, 304, 306, 318, 323, 339, 349, 357, 459, 476, 481, 484, 487, 488, 506, 511, 526, 530, 532, 533, 537, 550, 556, 564, 590, 649, 667, 703 and 705.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses engineered nucleases which recognize and cleave a recognition sequence within a Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome. The engineered meganucleases can exhibit at least one optimized characteristic, such as enhanced specificity and/or efficiency of indel formation, when compared to the first-generation meganuclease HBV 11-12×.26. Further, the invention encompasses pharmaceutical compositions comprising engineered meganuclease proteins, nucleic acids encoding engineered meganucleases, and the use of such compositions for treating HBV infections or hepatocellular carcinoma.

Abstract: A system for modifying the genome of Clostridium strains is provided based on a modified endogenous CRISPR array. The application also describes Clostridium strains modified for enhanced butanol production wherein the modified strains are produced using the novel CRISPR-Cas system.

Abstract: The disclosure herein relates to a method for reducing the inhibitory effect of a cyclodextrin on a pullulanase and belongs to the technical field of gene engineering, enzyme engineering or food science. The method of the disclosure prepares a pullulanase mutant by reasonably mutating the key amino acid of the pullulanase interactive with the cyclodextrin to reduce the inhibitory effect of the cyclodextrin on the pullulanase, thereby improving the hydrolysis activity of the pullulanase. The disclosure finds the interactive sites of the pullulanase and the cyclodextrin based on analysis of crystal structures of enzymes and inhibitors and sequence comparison of enzymes from different sources, and utilizes site-directed mutation to obtain the pullulanase mutant having reduced sensibility to the cyclodextrin, thereby improving the utilization ratio of the starch raw material and the yield of the cyclodextrin.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a ?-galactosidase mutant, and a preparation method and application thereof, belonging to the fields of gene engineering and enzyme engineering. Amino acids of specific sites in the ?-galactosidase are mutated, the ?-galactosidase is transferred into a recombinant bacterium, and enzymatic transformation is performed under optimized conditions, so that the yield of galactooligosaccharide produced by the mutant reaches 59.8%, which is increased by about 70% as compared with that of wild enzyme, thereby implementing the increase of the galactooligosaccharide yield. The present invention has very high industrialized application value.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions with enhanced protein specific activity, protein combinations and methods for the preparation thereof.

Abstract: A mutant glutathione synthetase (GSHB) suitable for generating ?-Glu-Val-Gly, and a method for producing ?-Glu-Val-Gly using the same are provided. ?-Glu-Val-Gly is produced by using a mutant GSHB having a mutation at such a position as V7, N13, I14, N15, K17, F22, F95, M165, N199, Y200, P202, I274, T285, and P287.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) variants and host cells expressing them for the production of malonyl-CoA derived compounds including fatty acid derivatives. Further contemplated are methods of producing increased amounts of malonyl-CoA derived compounds and related cell cultures.

Abstract: A microfluidic cartridge, configured to facilitate processing and detection of nucleic acids, comprising: a top layer comprising a set of cartridge-aligning indentations, a set of sample port-reagent port pairs, a shared fluid port, a vent region, a heating region, and a set of Detection chambers; an intermediate substrate, coupled to the top layer comprising a waste chamber; an elastomeric layer, partially situated on the intermediate substrate; and a set of fluidic pathways, each formed by at least a portion of the top layer and a portion of the elastomeric layer, wherein each fluidic pathway is fluidically coupled to a sample port-reagent port pair, the shared fluid port, and a Detection chamber, comprises a turnabout portion passing through the heating region, and is configured to be occluded upon deformation of the elastomeric layer, to transfer a waste fluid to the waste chamber, and to pass through the vent region.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for the collection and amplification of circulating nucleic acids from a non-celluar fraction of a biological sample. Circulating nucleic acids are extracted from the non-cellular fraction and are circularized to generate single-stranded nucleic acid circles, which are then subsequently amplified by rolling circular amplification using random primers to produce an amplified library. Devices for the collection of a non-cellular fraction from a biological sample are also provided. The device includes a filtration membrane and a dry solid matrix, which is in direct contact with the filtration membrane.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for controlling the density of different molecular species on the surface of a solid support. A first mixture of different molecular species is attached to a solid support under conditions to attach each species at a desired density, thereby producing a derivatized support having attached capture molecules. The derivatized support is treated with a second mixture of different molecular species, wherein different molecular species in the second mixture bind specifically to the different capture molecules attached to the solid support. One or more of the capture molecules can be reversibly modified such that the capture molecules have a different activity before and after the second mixture of molecular species are attached. In particular embodiments, the different molecular species are nucleic acids that are reversibly modified to have different activity in an amplification reaction.

Abstract: The present invention features compositions and methods for editing deleterious mutations associated with hemoglobinopathies, such as sickle cell disease (SCD). In particular embodiments, the invention provides methods for correcting mutations in a beta globin polynucleotide using modified adenosine base editors termed “ABE8” having unprecedented levels (e.g., >60-70%) of efficiency.

Abstract: This invention relates to metabolically engineered microorganisms, such as bacterial and or fungal strains, and bioprocesses utilizing such strains. These strains enable the dynamic control of metabolic pathways, which can be used to optimize production. Dynamic control over metabolism is accomplished via a combination of methodologies including but not limited to transcriptional silencing and controlled enzyme proteolysis. These microbial strains are utilized in a multi-stage bioprocess encompassing at least two stages, the first stage in which microorganisms are grown and metabolism can be optimized for microbial growth and at least one other stage in which growth can be slowed or stopped, and dynamic changes can be made to metabolism to improve the production of desired product, such as a chemical or fuel.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of regulating U1 activity associated with its splicing role as well as its role in protecting pre-mRNAs from premature termination by cleavage and polyadenylation, thereby modulating expression of a gene or genes. In one embodiment, the invention includes compositions and methods for regulating gene expression and treating diseases associated with dysregulated gene expression.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new triphosphate-modified oligonucleotides which may act as RIG-I ligands as well as a new method allowing the synthesis and purification in high yield and purity suitable for pharmaceutical applications.

Abstract: Provided are antisense oligomers targeted against bacterial mRNAs and other macromolecules associated with a biochemical pathway and/or cellular process, and related compositions and methods of using the oligomers and compositions to treat an infected mammalian subject, for example, as primary antimicrobials or as adjunctive therapies with classic antimicrobials.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to RNA interference (RNAi) reagents, such as short hairpin microRNA (shmiR) and short hairpin RNA (shRNA), for treatment of oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD), compositions comprising same, and use thereof to treat individuals suffering from OPMD or which are predisposed thereto. The present disclosure also relates to the use of the RNAi reagents in combination with PABPN1 replacement reagents, such as constructs which encode functional PABPN1 protein, for treatment of OPMD, compositions comprising same, and use thereof to treat individuals suffering from OPMD or which are predisposed thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to RNAi agents, e.g., double-stranded RNAi agents, targeting the apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3) gene, and methods of using such RNAi agents to inhibit expression of APOC3 and methods of treating subjects having an APOC3 associated disorder, e.g., hypertriglyceridemia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a therapeutic antisense oligonucleotide which binds to exon 51 of the human dystrophin pre-mRNA to induce exon skipping, and conjugates and compositions thereof for the treatment of DMD.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for using RNAi molecules targeting a proteasome beta 5 (PSMB5) gene for controlling Coleopteran insects, methods for producing RNAi molecules targeting PSMB5, and compositions comprising RNAi molecules targeting PSMB5.

Abstract: The present invention provides a single-stranded nucleic acid molecule having a delivery function and capable of inhibiting expression of a target gene. The single-stranded nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is a single-stranded nucleic acid molecule composed of a region (Xc), a linker region (Lx) and a region (X), wherein said region (Xc) is complementary to said region (X), at least one of said region (X) and said region (Xc) contains an expression inhibitory sequence that inhibits expression of the target gene, and a bio-related substance having a delivery function is bonded to at least one selected from the group consisting of the 5?-terminus, the 3?-terminus, and said linker region (Lx).

Abstract: Some aspects provide engineered microbes for oil production. Methods for microbe engineering and for use of engineered microbes are also provided herein. Such engineered microbes exhibit greatly enhanced conversion yields and TAG synthesis and storage properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for changing the intercellular mobility of an min RNA of a gene in an organism, comprising: modifying a t RNA-like structure present in the m RNA by mutating the gene from which the m RNA is transcribed, or including the sequence of at RNA-like structure in the transcribed part of the gene. The method is in particular suited for plants. The intercellular mobility can be between different organs.

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 and/or oxidative stress 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 and/or oxidative stress conditions with respect to wild-type plants grown under similar conditions.

Abstract: Isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides encoded thereby are described, together with the use of those products for making transgenic plants with increased tolerance to abiotic stress (e.g., high or low temperature, drought, flood).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of increasing resistance against fungal pathogens of the order Pucciniales, preferably the family Phacopsoraceae, in plants and/or plant cells. This is achieved by increasing the expression of an RLK1 protein or fragment thereof in a plant, plant part and/or plant cell in comparison to wild type plants, wild type plant parts and/or wild type plant cells. Furthermore, the invention relates to transgenic plants, plant parts, and/or plant cells having an increased resistance against fungal pathogens, in particular, pathogens of the order Pucciniales, preferably the family Phacopsoraceae, and to recombinant expression vectors comprising a sequence that is identical or homologous to a sequence encoding an RLK1 protein.

Abstract: Vectors having a nucleotide sequence having SEQ ID NO:1 or a nucleotide sequence having at least 85% identity to SEQ ID NO:1, or a portion thereof, that is capable of regulating bocaparvovirus replication, or vectors having the complement of the nucleotide sequence, and methods of using the vectors, are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are carbon nanotube arrays as well as transfer systems comprising said carbon nanotube arrays and an administration platform. The disclosed carbon nanotube arrays can also be provided in kits further comprising a culture platform. Also disclosed herein is the use of said carbon nanotube arrays and transfer systems in administering agents to a cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a mutant strain having high producibility of phytoene and a mutant strain prepared thereby. More particularly, a Deinococcus radiodurans mutant strain, prepared by the method of the present invention, having high producibility of phytoene, does not retain an artificial antibiotic-resistant gene, although constructed by introducing a metabolism engineering method, and has high producibility of phytoene. Thus, the mutant strain prepared according to the method can find useful applications in the mass production of phytoene.

Abstract: With the aim of providing a method allowing production of an unsaturated hydrocarbon compound such as butadiene with high productivity and an enzyme used in the method, the present inventors introduced mutations involving amino acid replacement into various positions of a ferulic acid decarboxylase, and prepared multiple modified forms of the enzyme. Then, the present inventors evaluated those modified forms in terms of the catalytic activity for the production of butadiene, and found as a result that the catalytic activity was improved in the case where, for example, the amino acid at position 395 was glutamine, histidine, asparagine, leucine, isoleucine, methionine, lysine, serine, arginine, tyrosine, or phenylalanine.

Abstract: Provided are an O-succinyl homoserine transferase variant, a polynucleotide encoding the variant, a microorganism comprising the variant, and a method of producing O-succinyl homoserine using the microorganism.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods that may be used for the synthesis of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs) such as alkaloid morphinan. The methods disclosed can be used to produce thebaine, oripavine, codeine, morphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, oxymorphone, hydromorphone, naltrexone, naloxone, hydroxycodeinone, neopinone, and/or buprenorphine. Compositions and organisms useful for the synthesis of BIAs, including thebaine synthesis polypeptides, purine permeases, and polynucleotides encoding the same, are provided.

Abstract: The disclosure herein relates to a method for producing high-quality maltodextrin, and belongs to the technical field of maltodextrin. On the basis of a traditional enzymatic production process of maltodextrin, starch branching enzyme derived from Rhodothermus obamensis is introduced, an ?-1,4-glycosidic bond is cleaved, the cleaved short chain is ligated to a receptor chain to form an ?-1,6-branch point, so the degree of branching is increased and the maltodextrin has more cluster structures. Thereby, the aims that the stability of the maltodextrin is enhanced and the maltodextrin is not easy to retrograde are achieved, and the freeze-thaw stability of the maltodextrin is also improved. The method specifically comprises the steps of slurry preparation, spray liquefaction, starch branching enzyme action, filtration, decolorization, ion exchange, concentration, spray drying, and the like.

Abstract: Provided is a method for improving the yield of rhamnolipids comprising culturing in medium containing a triglyceride containing oil and sweetener as a carbon source.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optimized seed train expansion process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mass spectrometric method to determine microbial resistances to antibiotics. The decrease or modification of specific nutrient components by microbes, and thus the metabolism of the microbes, is determined mass spectrometrically in culture media containing antibiotics. Hence it is not the microbes which are introduced into the mass spectrometric analysis, but the culture medium. The special nutrient components which are subject to the mass spectrometric observation are indicators for the metabolism exhibited by the microbes in the culture in the presence of antibiotics, and are thus indicators for their susceptibility or resistance.

Abstract: The present technology provides for an apparatus for detecting polynucleotides in samples, particularly from biological samples. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides. The apparatus includes a microfluidic cartridge that is configured to accept a plurality of samples, and which can carry out PCR on each sample individually, or a group of, or all of the plurality of samples simultaneously.

Abstract: Presented are methods and compositions for preparing samples for amplification and sequencing. Particular embodiments relate to methods of preparing nucleic acid-continuing cellular samples for library amplification, wherein the methods include lysing cells of the sample to form a lysate, amplifying the nucleic acids from the lysed samples, exposing the amplified nucleic acids to a solid surface, and clonally amplifying the amplified nucleic acids to generate clusters.

Abstract: The present invention provides a genome library production method in which cell lysis and genome amplification are performed using a simple operation. More particularly, the present invention provides a method that is for amplifying polynucleotides in cells and that comprises: a step for using a sample containing two or more cells or cell-like structures, and encapsulating the cells or cell-like structures into droplets, one for each droplet; a step for gelling the droplets to generate gel capsules; a step for performing lysis of the cells or cell-like structures by immersing the gel capsules in one or more types of reagents for lysis so as to cause the polynucleotides in the cells to be eluted in the gel capsules and to be kept in the gel capsules in a state where substances binding to the polynucleotides are removed; and a step for bringing the polynucleotides into contact with a reagent for amplification to amplify the polynucleotides in the gel capsules.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of isolating a target nucleic acid in a sample. A primer is hybridized to the target. A polymerase and modified nucleotide resistant to nuclease degradation are used to extend the primer to create a modified polynucleotide. The sample is exposed to a nuclease, thereby isolating the modified polynucleotide. Optionally, the target nucleic acid may be further protected by binding a protein in a sequence specific manner to one end of the target nucleic acid to create a protected target nucleic acid resistant to nuclease degradation. Thus, after exposing the sample to a nuclease, the modified polynucleotide and protected target nucleic acid are isolated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a library of template polynucleotides and use thereof in methods of solid-phase nucleic acid amplification. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for preparing a library of template polynucleotides that have common sequences at their 5? ends and at their 3? ends.

Abstract: There is provided a microfluidic device comprising: a plurality of wells, each well comprising one opening to function as an inlet and an outlet for the well, wherein each opening is in fluid communication with a common fluidic channel, and wherein each opening is connected to the common fluidic channel via an isolation channel, and wherein the plurality of wells is arranged on the device in a radially symmetrical pattern. There is also provided a system and method comprising the device.

Abstract: The methods and systems described herein provide an improved emulsion droplet based nucleic acid amplification method, which allows nucleic acids contained in biological systems to be detected, quantitated and/or sorted based on their sequence as detected with nucleic acid amplification techniques, e.g., polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The nucleic acids can be free floating or contained within living or nonliving structures, including particles, viruses, and cells. The nucleic acids can include, e.g., DNA or RNA.

Abstract: Real time electronic sequencing devices, chips, and systems are described. Arrays of nanoFET devices are used to provide sequence information about a template nucleic acid in a polymerase-template complex bound to the nanoFET. The nanoFET devices typically have a source, a drain and a gate comprising a nanowire. A single polymerase enzyme complex comprising a polymerase enzyme complexed with the template nucleic acid is bound to the gate. The polymerase is bound to the gate non-covalently through a polymeric binding agent that has two strands, each strand interacting with the nanowire such that the polymerase is in a central location between the strands with the polymeric binding agent extending away from the polymerase complex along the nanowire in both directions.

Abstract: Sequencing methods, devices, and systems are described. Arrays of nanoscale electronic elements comprising two electrodes separated by an insulating layer are used to provide sequence information about a template nucleic acid in a polymerase-template complex bound proximate to the insulating region. A sequencing reaction mixture comprising nucleotide analogs having impedance labels is introduced to the array of nanoscale electronic elements under conditions of polymerase mediated nucleic acid synthesis. The time sequence of incorporation of nucleotide analogs is determined by identifying the types of labels of the nucleotide analogs that are incorporated into the growing strand using measured impedance.