Abstract: The present disclosure relates to regulatory sequences. In particular, the disclosure relates to a regulatory nucleic acid molecule, at least part of which has a transcription initiation function directing expression of an operably associated protein encoding polynucleotide of interest to non-tassel tissue in maize, but not or substantially not to tassel. The disclosure further relates to chimeric genes and expression cassettes comprising the regulatory nucleic acid molecule and to transgenic plants comprising the chimeric genes and expression cassettes.

Abstract: This disclosure provides transgenic plants having enhanced traits such as increased yield, increased nitrogen use efficiency and enhanced drought tolerance; propagules, progeny and field crops of such transgenic plants; and methods of making and using such transgenic plants. This disclosure also provides methods of producing hybrid seed from such transgenic plants, growing such seed and selecting progeny plants with enhanced traits. Also disclosed are transgenic plants with altered phenotypes which are useful for screening and selecting transgenic event for the desired enhanced trait.

Abstract: Compositions and methods and for enhancing the resistance of plants to plant diseases caused by potyviruses are provided. The compositions comprise nucleic acid molecules encoding resistance (R) gene products and variants thereof and plants, seeds, and plant cells comprising such nucleic acid molecules. The methods for enhancing the resistance of a plant to plant disease caused by a potyvirus comprise introducing a nucleic acid molecule encoding an R gene product into a plant cell. Additionally provided are methods for using the plants in agriculture to limit plant disease.

Abstract: Novel insecticidal proteins isolated from Bacillus thuringiensis that are active against lepidopteran insect pests are disclosed. The DNA encoding the insecticidal proteins can be used to transform various prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms to express the insecticidal proteins. These recombinant organisms can be used to control lepidopteran insects in various environments.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods of use pertaining to rAAV-mediated delivery of therapeutically effective molecules for treatment of diseases such as Pompe disease. These compositions in combination with various routes and methods of administration result in targeted expression of therapeutic molecules in specific organs, tissues and cells.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for transdifferentiation of a somatic cell, e.g., a fibroblast to a dopaminergic precursor, Specifically, provided are induced dopaminergic (iDP) cells, or master transcription factors (TFs) therefore, methods for making iDP cells, and methods and compositions for using them in, e.g., treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease.

Abstract: Recombinant expression vectors are disclosed that include a control sequence for recombinant expression of proteins of interest; the control sequence combines a mCMV enhancer sequence with a rat EF-1alpha intron sequence. Some of the vectors are useful for tetracycline-inducible expression. Some of the vectors contain a 5? PiggyBac ITR and a 3? PiggyBac ITR to promote genomic integration into a host cell chromosome. A method of selecting a stable production cell line for manufacturing a protein of interest is also disclosed. Also disclosed are mammalian host cells comprising the inventive recombinant expression vectors and a method of producing a protein of interest, in vitro, involving the mammalian host cell.

Abstract: Methods for separating AAV empty capsids from mixtures of AAV vector particles and AAV empty capsids are described. The methods use column chromatography techniques and provide for commercially viable levels of recombinant AAV virions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of (vector) vaccines, and especially to novel promoter sequences, expression cassettes and vectors, which are suitable to express genes of interest, especially antigen encoding sequences. The viral vectors of the present invention are useful for producing an immunogenic composition or vaccine.

Abstract: A method and system of delivering a charged cargo, such as a biomolecule, to a target structure, such as cells, exosomes, other vesicles or micelles, using an electroactive porous membrane. This method comprises contacting an electroactive porous membrane with a fluid flow toward the membrane. The fluid contains charged biomolecules and the membrane and biomolecules are oppositely charged so that the biomolecules in the fluid are trapped on the membrane as the fluid flows through the pores of the membrane. Acceptor cells of interest are pinned to the membrane by the flow of the fluid, thereby aggregating the cells onto the membrane in close proximity to the trapped biomolecules. Finally, the acceptor cells are permeabilized.

Abstract: The invention relates to factors that influence or regulate homologous recombination, methods to monitor these factors, the use of these factors to screen for agents that modulate homologous recombination, and methods to activate or modulate homologous recombination.

Abstract: A method for conversion of magnesium chloride into magnesium oxide and HCl, comprising the steps of providing a magnesium chloride compound to a thermohydrolysis reactor, the reactor being at a temperature of at least 300° C., withdrawing MgO from the thermohydrolysis reactor in solid form, and withdrawing a HCl containing gas stream from the thermohydrolysis reactor, wherein the magnesium chloride compound provided to the thermohydrolysis reactor is a solid magnesium chloride compound which comprises at least 50 wt. % of MgCl2.4H2O. The process accordingly is fast and can be operated in a manner which is efficient both as regards apparatus and energy. It can also be integrated in a process for converting a magnesium chloride solution.

Abstract: A microbiological process for the preparation of amides from the corresponding nitriles by enzymatic hydrolysis with nitrile hydratase enzyme from a bacterial strain of Rhodococcus biphenylivorans species is described.

Abstract: In an aspect, the disclosure provides methods for making neurotransmitters in a host organism. The neurotransmitters can be cannabinoids and derivatives of cannabinoids. The host cells can be microalgae, fungi or other host cells. In a related aspect, the disclosure provides host cells engineered to have biochemical pathways for making neurotransmitters such as cannabinoids.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a recombinant gram-negative bacterial cell comprising: a) a mutant spr gene encoding a spr protein having a mutation at one or more amino acids selected from D133, H145, H157, N31, R62, I70, Q73, C94, S95, V98, Q99, R100, L108, Y115, V135, L136, G140, R144 and G147 and b) a gene capable of expressing or overexpressing one or more proteins capable of facilitating protein folding, such as FkpA, Skp, SurA, PPiA and PPiD, wherein the cell has reduced Tsp protein activity compared to a wild-type cell, methods employing the cells, use of the cells in the expression of proteins in particular antibodies, such as anti FcRn antibodies and proteins made by the methods described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for making vault particles in yeast hosts and yeast vaults produced therefrom.

Abstract: A peptide sequence of a guide protein for the production of a peptide of interest; a peptide sequence that has a similarity of at least 90% to SEQ. ID. NO 1; a nucleotide sequence encoding the guide protein; an expression vector comprising the nucleotide sequence; a host cell that expresses a fusion protein comprising a peptide of interest; a method of production of a peptide of interest, comprising the steps of A) constructing an expression vector; B) inserting the expression vector into a host cell; C) expressing the fusion protein, culturing the host cell in a culture medium; D) recovering the accumulated fusion protein in the host cell; E) cleaving the fusion protein; F) purifying the peptide of interest.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for the generation of microparticles containing an immobilized functional component, where the following measures are proposed: spraying a liquid (32) containing a soluble alginate and a functional component consisting of molecules or nanoparticles to generate a stream (60) of droplets, directing the stream (60) of droplets onto a precipitation bath (16) and capturing the droplets therein by application of high voltage (14), precipitating the droplets in the precipitation bath (16) via a precipitation liquid (18) containing an alginate complexing agent, such that the droplets are solidified to form microparticles (10) containing the functional component and extracting the microparticles (10) from the precipitation bath (16).

Abstract: A multi-wavelength laser diode based optical sensor system capable of monitoring the dynamics and physiological changes of a microorganism culture in real-time. The microorganism culture from a microorganism production chamber is pumped to a flow chamber. Laser diodes emit light at certain wavelengths through the flow chamber, which is sensed by photodiodes. A laser control circuitry is operatively connected to the laser diodes and a signal conditioning circuitry is operatively connected to the photodiodes. A microprocessor reads and records voltage signals corresponding to the wavelengths. A data acquisition system converts said voltage signals into measurements of biological parameters, which are displayed on a graphical user interface and allow a user to monitor the measurements in real time.

Abstract: A method of assessing neurotoxicity of nanoparticles, includes: preparing a tissue or cell sample of mammal exposed to the nanoparticles; analyzing at least one polyamine metabolite selected from the group consisting of putrescine, N1-acetylspermidine, N8-acetylspermidine, N1-acetylspermine and spermine in the sample; and comparing expression degree of the polyamine metabolite with that of a control.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of recovering viable microbial cells from a complex sample, said method comprising: a) providing a sample having a volume of at least 1 ml; b) contacting said sample with a buffer solution and one or more proteases, wherein said buffer solution has a pH of at least pH 6 and less than pH 11, wherein said buffer solution and said one more proteases do not comprise a detergent or a chaotrope, and wherein the buffer solution/protease/sample mixture is non-hypotonic; c) filtering the mixture obtained in step (b) through a filter suitable for retaining microbial cells; and d) recovering the microbial cells retained by the filter in step (c), wherein the recovered microbial cells are viable, and a microbial recovery device for the same.

Abstract: In alternative embodiments, provided are methods for the glycosylation modification of bioactive compounds and drugs using isolated, recombinant or genetically modified uridine diphosphate glycosyl-transferases (UGTs). In alternative embodiments, provided are methods for modifying UGTs to generate recombinant UGTs with altered donor and/or acceptor specificities. In alternative embodiments, provided are methods for screening for recombinantly engineered UGTs with new or altered properties, for example, for new or altered donor and/or acceptor specificities, where in alternative embodiments the screening comprise use of bacterial, yeast or baculovirus expression system.

Abstract: Provided herein are inhibitor-resistant luciferase mutants, and methods of use thereof. In particular, luciferase mutants are provided that are thermal stable and exhibit improved stability in the presence of luciferin break-down products, such as dehydroluciferin. Further provided are assay systems comprising inhibitor-resistant luciferase mutants and amino acid sequences of the inhibitor-resistant luciferase mutants.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of target enrichment and amplification of selective target regions of genomes or nucleic acid samples and further analysis by systems such as NGS. The disclosure provides methods and kits that can be used in numerous downstream procedures including DNA sequencing. The disclosed methods can be utilized to sequence the target nucleic acid sequences such as to detect the presence of genetic variations for biological assays, assessment of disease, to count copies of target regions, and to allow such target enrichment prior to sequencing.

Abstract: A method for processing a nucleic acid, in which the nucleic acid is exposed to an aqueous medium which includes a polyol in sufficient proportion for at least a portion of the nucleic acid to enter or remain in an extra-solution phase. Thus, a polyol may be used to bind a nucleic acid which is in solution to a solid support or to wash a nucleic acid on a solid support whilst maintaining it on the support. The polyol may for example be a C2-C10 alkanediol.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the detection and quantification of nucleic acids are provided. In certain embodiments, methods involve the use of primers or probes that comprise a non-natural nucleotide linked to a reporter. Target nucleic acids are detected by the polymerization of a complementary probe or primer that incorporated a cognate non-natural nucleotide linked to a quencher.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for detecting an epidermal cell growth factor receptor gene mutation and to a kit comprising the composition and, more specifically, to a primer and probe set composition for detecting an epidermal cell growth factor gene mutation, and to a kit for detecting an EGFR gene mutation, comprising the composition. A method according to the present invention can not only predict and diagnose responsiveness to a therapeutic agent for the prognosis of a cancer patient, but also predict a cancer metastasis or relapse Thus, the method can be useful for the purposes of determining the need to administer an anticancer therapeutic agent and guiding the direction of future treatment, and for monitoring a cancer metastasis or relapse.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for specific cleavage of DNA molecules using single-stranded guides and Argonaute (Ago) proteins are described.

Abstract: A biomolecule analysis kit includes a reaction container configured to perform an enzymatic reaction, the reaction container including a base portion which has a container-shaped portion and a low-adsorption structural portion which is provided on at least the inner surface of the container-shaped portion, the low-adsorption structural portion having an adsorption rate lower than the base portion at which at least one of a sample which becomes a target of analysis in the enzymatic reaction and a reagent for the enzymatic reaction is adsorbed thereonto, wherein a signal resulting from the enzymatic reaction is configured to be detected when the enzymatic reaction is performed in the reaction container.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for amplifying selected polynucleotides, including DNA and RNA, particularly in multiplex amplification reactions using common primers amplification. Generally, methods of the invention employ multiple steps such as template-specific hybridization, a linear amplification, partial degradation of nucleic acid, and ligation. At the end of the process the sequences of selected polynucleotides are flanked by the common sequences which can be used for exponential amplification using common primers. In some aspects the polynucleotides are associated with a barcode and the presence of the barcode is detected to measure the amount of the polynucleotide.

Abstract: The claimed invention relates to a method of processing a polynucleotide, by obtaining a sense polynucleotide strand comprising a homopolymeric region that is longer that the reading section of a nanopore; synthesizing an antisense polynucleotide strand under conditions in which a nucleotide analog is incorporated at random in a reverse complement of the homopolymer region, such that the length of the homopolymer region in the antisense polynucleotide strand is shorter than the reading section of the nanopore; and moving the antisense polynucleotide strand through the nanopore such that a proportion of the antisense polynucleotide strand interacts with the nanopore.

Abstract: Described herein are engineered alpha-hemolysin subunits having mutated oligomerization domains for assembling into heptameric nanopores in lipid bilayers.

Abstract: Fluorescence imaging system designs are described that provide larger fields-of-view, increased spatial resolution, improved modulation transfer and image quality, higher spatial sampling frequency, faster transitions between image capture when repositioning the sample plane to capture a series of images (e.g., of different fields-of-view), and improved imaging system duty cycle, and thus enable higher throughput image acquisition and analysis for genomics and other imaging applications.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for determining antigen-specific T cells. In some embodiments, methods of the invention may be implemented by the steps of reacting under interaction conditions one or more antigens with T cells in a plurality of subsets of a tissue sample, such as peripheral blood; sorting antigen-interacting T cells from other T cells; separately sequencing for each subset recombined nucleic acid encoding a segment of a TCR chain from a sample of T cells prior to exposure to antigen and from a sample of T cells isolated based on their interaction with antigen, thereby forming a clonotype profile for the former sample and the latter sample for each subset; and identifying as antigen-specific T cells those T cells associated with a clonotype whose frequency increases in the latter sample relative to its frequency in the former sample.

Abstract: Provided herein are, inter alia, nucleic acids, methods, and kits for detecting unmethylated DNA in body fluid sample of a subject. The disclosure includes compositions, methods, and kits for detecting unmethylation at a CpG site in an insulin gene promoter of a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for detecting, enriching, and analyzing rare cells that are present in the blood, e.g. fetal cells. The invention further features methods of analyzing rare cell(s) to determine the presence of an abnormality, disease or condition in a subject, e.g. a fetus by analyzing a cellular sample from the subject.

Abstract: Biomarkers predictive of responsiveness to integrin beta7 antagonists, including anti-beta7 integrin subunit antibodies, and methods of using such biomarkers are provided. In addition, methods of treating gastrointestinal inflammatory disorders such as inflammatory bowel diseases including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are provided. Also provided are methods of using such predictive biomarkers for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Abstract: A frequency of somatic mutations in a biological sample (e.g., plasma or serum) of a subject undergoing screening or monitoring for cancer, can be compared with that in the constitutional DNA of the same subject. A parameter can derived from these frequencies and used to determine a classification of a level of cancer. False positives can be filtered out by requiring any variant locus to have at least a specified number of variant sequence reads (tags), thereby providing a more accurate parameter. The relative frequencies for different variant loci can be analyzed to determine a level of heterogeneity of tumors in a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method comprising inferring activity of a PI3K cellular signaling pathway in a tissue and/or cells and/or a body fluid of a medical subject based at least on expression levels of one or more target gene(s) of the PI3K cellular signaling pathway measured in an extracted sample of the tissue and/or the cells and/or the body fluid of the medical subject. The present invention further relates to an apparatus comprising a digital processor configured to perform such a method, a non-transitory storage medium storing instructions that are executable by a digital processing device to perform such a method, and a computer program comprising program code means for causing a digital processing device to perform such a method.

Abstract: Methods for detecting a prostate cancer in a subject comprise detecting a marker selected from an endosomal associated marker and/or a lysosomal associated marker from the subject.

Abstract: The invention provides PRKC gene fusions, PRKC fusion proteins, and fragments of those genes and polypeptides. The invention further provides methods of diagnosing and treating diseases or disorders associated with PRKC fusions, such as conditions mediated by aberrant PRKC expression or activity, or overexpression of PRKC.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating cancer based on the methylation status of the ERBB2 gene. One aspect of the invention provides a method of administering an EGFR inhibitor therapy based on the methylation status of the ERBB2 gene.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, nucleic acids and kits for determining the prognosis of a subject having cancer. The invention discloses genomic sequences the methylation patterns of which have utility for the improved detection of said disorder, thereby enabling the improved diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Abstract: Differentially expressed miRNA or small mRNA in the culture media of embryos were found to correlate to and affect embryo developmental fate. Accordingly the present invention provides a method for selecting a bovine embryo for implantation into a female bovine animal for further development based on the levels of specific miRNA or small mRNA. Also provided are methods of improving bovine embryo development fate by reducing in the culture medium the level of selected miRNAs.

Abstract: A method of detecting the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in a sample. The method involves detecting a first target sequence taken from the NGO1642 gene and/or a second target sequence taken from the NGO1012 gene. The method may involve a step of amplifying the target sequence, and may involve hybridising the target sequence to a nucleic acid probe and identifying hybridisation. The method may involve simultaneous detection of other target sequences, e.g. from other pathogens.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for cooling an automobile component (20) by means of a gas, the apparatus comprising a cooling box (11) with a re-closeable opening (12) for receiving an automobile component (20) to be cooled, wherein at least one heat sink (13) is provided inside the cooling box (11) for cooling of the gas, and wherein the apparatus (10) includes at least one infra sound pulsator (2, 3) arranged to provide an infra sound into said cooling box (11) to improve heat exchange of the gas both with a cooling surface of the at least one heat sink (13), and with the automobile component (20). The invention also relates to a process for cooling an automobile component in such an apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a flat steel product made of a medium manganese steel having a TRIP/TWIP effect. The aim of the invention is to achieve an improvement in the yield strength when a sufficient residual deformability of the produced flat steel product is obtained. This aim is achieved by the following steps: cold rolling a hot or cold strip, annealing the cold-rolled hot or cold strip at 500 to 840° C. for 1 minute to 24 hours, temper rolling or finishing the annealed hot or cold strip to form a flat steel product having a degree of deformability between 0.3% and 60%. The invention further relates to a flat steel product produced according to said method and to a use thereof.

Abstract: A method for producing ultra-high strength martensitic cold-rolled steel sheet adopts pulsed ultra-rapid heating of cold-rolled martensitic steel sheets after smelting, solidification, hot rolling, billet or ingot casting, as well as conventional manufacturing processes such as hot continuous rolling and winding, pickling, and room temperature cold rolling. The steel sheets are rapidly heated at a heating rate of 100-500° C./s to a single-phase region of austenite, and then the samples are immediately water-cooled to obtain martensite structure without undergoing heat preservation or a very short holding time. The tensile strength of the martensitic steel is in the range of 1800-2300 MPa, and the total elongation can reach 12.3%. Compared with the continuous annealing product of the same martensitic steel, the tensile strength is increased by 700 MPa or more, and the maximum increase of total elongation is 6%.

Abstract: High strength steel sheet having a tensile strength of 800 MPa or more comprising a middle part in sheet thickness and a soft surface layer arranged at one side or both sides of the middle part in sheet thickness, wherein each soft surface layer has a thickness of more than 10 ?m and 30% or less of the sheet thickness, the soft surface layer has an average Vickers hardness of 0.60 time or less the average Vickers hardness of the sheet thickness ½ position, and the soft surface layer has a nano-hardness standard deviation of 0.8 or less is provided.

Abstract: A metal alloy is for use at very high temperature, in particular the metal alloy can be used in a process for the manufacture of mineral wool by fiberizing a molten mineral composition. The metal alloy contains the following elements, the proportions being shown as percentage by weight of the alloy: Cr 20 to 35% Fe 10 to 25% W 2 to 10% Nb 0.5 to 2.5% Ti 0 to 1% C 0.2 to 1.2% Co less than 5% Si less than 0.9% Mn less than 0.9% the remainder consisting of nickel and unavoidable impurities.