Abstract: The invention provides specific transgenic cotton plants, plant material and seeds, characterized in that these products harbor a specific herbicide tolerance transformation event at a specific location in the cotton genome. Tools are also provided which allow rapid and unequivocal identification of the event in biological samples.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods for T cell genome editing and screening in vivo. In certain aspects, the invention includes an sgRNA library for genome-scale mutagenesis.

Abstract: The present invention enables simultaneous and stable expression of a plurality of foreign genes by using a stealthy RNA gene expression system that is a complex that does not activate the innate immune mechanism and is formed from an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, a single-strand RNA binding protein, and negative-sense single-strand RNAs including the following (1) to (8): (1) a target RNA sequence that codes for any protein or functional RNA; (2) an RNA sequence forming a noncoding region and derived from mRNA expressed in animal cells; (3) a transcription initiation signal sequence recognized by the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase; (4) a transcription termination signal sequence recognized by the polymerase; (5) an RNA sequence containing a replication origin recognized by the polymerase; (6) an RNA sequence that codes for the polymerase and of which codons are optimized for the species from which an introduction target cell is derived; (7) an RNA sequence that codes for a protein for regulating the activity o

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell comprising (aa) a nucleic acid comprising in 5? to 3? direction (i) at least one adeno-associated virus (AAV) inverted terminal repeat (ITR) sequence; (ii) a promoter which is capable of being activated by (a) helper polypeptide(s) and optionally (a) helper polynucleotide(s); and (iii) a transgenic coding sequence under the control of said promoter of (aa)(ii); and (ab) a nucleic acid comprising in 5? to 3? direction (i) a promoter which is capable of being activated by said helper polypeptide(s) and optionally said helper polynucleotide(s); and (ii) at least one AAV rep gene coding sequence under the control of said promoter of (ab)(i); wherein said cell does not comprise an AAV cap gene and/or is not able to express any AAV cap gene product.

Abstract: In some aspects, the disclosure provides recombinant AAV and nucleic acid constructs having novel inverted terminal repeats (ITRs), cap, and/or rep genes. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to gene transfer methods using rAAVs described herein.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for binding to a target sequence of interest are provided. The compositions find use in cleaving or modifying a target sequence of interest, visualization of a target sequence of interest, and modifying the expression of a sequence of interest. Compositions comprise RNA-guided nuclease polypeptides, CRISPR RNAs, trans-activating CRISPR RNAs, guide RNAs, and nucleic acid molecules encoding the same. Vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid molecules are also provided. Further provided are CRISPR systems for binding a target sequence of interest, wherein the CRISPR system comprises an RNA-guided nuclease polypeptide and one or more guide RNAs.

Abstract: This document describes systems and methods for integrated mechanical loading of tissue. The system includes a three-dimensional tissue comprising organic material. The system includes a strip of bendable material. The strip includes a first region proximate to a first end of the strip coupled to the tissue. The strip includes a second region near a second end of the strip for coupled to the tissue, the second end being opposite the first end, wherein the tissue exerts a force on the strip to bend the strip, the force caused by contraction of the tissue, and wherein the strip exerts a stress on the tissue.

Abstract: A novel cell culture method for inducing differentiation of a pluripotent stem cell into trophoblast and an automatic culture apparatus therefor includes: a first step of culturing the pluripotent stem cell in a presence of a ROCK inhibitor during a first time period; a second step of culturing the pluripotent stem cell, which has been subjected to the first step, without the ROCK inhibitor during a second time period following the first time period; and a step of culturing the pluripotent stem cell, which has been subjected to the second step, in the presence of the ROCK inhibitor during a third time period following the second time period, in which the pluripotent stem cell is cultured in a state of being adhered to a cell culture substrate including a planar mesh through the first to third time periods.

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: Disclosed is a composition for selective enrichment of progressively motile non-fragmented/intact DNA sperms during swim-up of semen sample comprising combination of electrolytes, a mix of excipients, polyyvinylpyrrolidone, recombinant human serum albumin or bovine serum albumin. A method of selective enrichment of DNA-intact sperms using the compositions of the present invention is also disclosed. The DNA fragmentation index of the swim-up sperms are less than the DNA fragmentation index of the neat samples. The media compositions of the present invention are applicable for enrichment of non-fragmented/intact DNA sperms for therapeutic purposes in the field of assisted reproductive technologies.

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: Ex vivo monolayer models of human interstinal epithelia that express sensors, and methods of use thereof for evaluation of the effects of test compounds on the human gut.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically modified yeasts that can use lactate as a carbon source to produce a fermentation product. In one aspect, the yeasts can consume glucose and lactate simultaneously to produce ethanol. In one aspect, the genetically modified yeast is transformed to include a monocarboxylic/monocarboxylate transporter. In one aspect, the yeast can include one or more heterologous genes encoding lactate dehydrogenase (cytochrome) (EC 1.1.2.3 and/or 1.1.2.4).

Abstract: The present invention relates to esterases, more particularly to esterase variants having improved activity and/or improved thermostability compared to the esterase of SEQ ID NO: 1 and the uses thereof for degrading polyester containing material, such as plastic products. The esterases of the invention are particularly suited to degrade polyethylene terephthalate, and material containing polyethylene terephthalate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising polypeptides having xylanase activity and polypeptides having arabinofuranosidase activity for use in, e.g., animal feed. The present invention further relates to polypeptides having arabinofuranosidase activity, polypeptides having xylanase activity and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. 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.

Abstract: Provided is a botulinum toxin producing method which is simple achieves a high toxin yield, and obtains a toxin having high specific activity. This botulinum toxin producing method includes: (A) a step in which a botulinum toxin is produced from botulinum toxin-producing bacteria in a medium, and a mixture a is obtained which contains a botulinum toxin, a bacterial component, and a nucleic acid component derived from the botulinum toxin; (B) a step in which the mixture a is subjected to the removal of the bacterial component, and a mixture b is obtained which contains a nucleic acid component and a botulinum toxin; (C) a step in which an endonuclease is added to the mixture b and a mixture c is obtained which contains a nucleic acid degradation product and a botulinum toxin; and (D) a step in which the mixture c is subjected to removal of the nucleic acid degradation product, and an isolated botulinum toxin liquid d is obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fusion proteins comprising an N-intein polypeptide and an N-intein solubilization partner, and affinity chromatography matrices comprising such fusion proteins, as well as methods of using same.

Abstract: An enzyme composition containing a protease combination or a protease mixture having neutral metalloprotease and serine alkaline protease activity, and an amylase. Feed compositions, additives and formulations containing the enzyme composition in methods for improving digestibility of proteins in an animal diet or animal feed, as well as optimizing the nutritional value of an animal diet or animal feed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having D-psicose 3-epimerase activity and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. 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.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides acyltransferases useful for synthesizing therapeutically important statin compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to a genetically modified microorganism for making a oligosaccharide, preferably of 3-8 monosaccharide units, more preferably of 3-5 monosaccharide units, particularly a HMO, which comprises one or more genes encoding a sucrose utilization system, so the microorganism can use sucrose as a carbon and energy source.

Abstract: The invention provides means and methods for producing one or more Ig-like molecules in a single host cell. Novel CH3 mutations enabling the production of monospecific and/or bispecific Ig-like molecules of interest are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are a method of screening an inhibitor of caspase activity by lipopolysaccharide and a method of screening a therapeutic agent for inflammatory diseases or sepsis using the same. Accordingly, it is possible to develop a caspase-4-specific inhibitor.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for determining how to stimulate, monitor and/or inhibit virus production in whole blood culture. The invention relates to a test kit for performing the method and to the use of a suitable blood sampling system. The system can be used to determine how to activate or target latently HIV-infected cells, for clinical management of HIV treatments and for personalized therapeutic strategies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of therapeutics and, more in particular, to pharmaceutical compositions for the prevention and/or treatment of bacterial infections and antibacterial-induced dysfunctions. The compositions of the present invention demonstrate high species-specificity in inhibiting the growth of a small number of bacterial species, and most importantly are effective also against multi drug resistant (MDR) clinical isolate species. Interestingly, one of those combinations pairs a non-antibiotic drug, vanillin, with an antibiotic drug, spectinomycin, to demonstrate a surprisingly strong inhibitory effect on the growth of clinically relevant Gram-negative pathogenic and multi-drug resistant E. coli isolates. A second set of compounds combines the polymyxin colistin with loperamide, a rifamycin, or a macrolide.

Abstract: A method of analyzing single biological particles, such as cells or nuclei, that maintains the single biological particles in a state of relative isolation during decrosslinking and subsequent processing is provided. In the case of cells, the method prevents cellular analytes from each individual cell from leaving the cell site and diffusing toward adjacent cells, while permitting transmission of a decrosslinking agent, followed by processing of the cellular analytes from the individual cells by barcoding and/or imaging of the cellular analytes.

Abstract: A method of barcoding is provided. The method comprises: providing a population of fixed cells or cell organelles in a first reaction volume, hybridizing oligonucleotide probes to target molecules that are in or on the cells or cell organelles in the first reaction volume, splitting the population of cells or cell organelles into a plurality of second reactions volumes, wherein at least some of the second reaction volumes receive a single fixed cell or cell organelle from the population of fixed cells or fixed cell organelles, and adding cell-specific nucleic acid barcodes onto: the oligonucleotide probes, ligation products comprising the oligonucleotide probes, or complements of the oligonucleotide probes or ligation products, in the plurality of second reaction volumes.

Abstract: A method for analyzing planar sample is provided. In some cases the method comprises: (a) incubating the planar sample with a capture agent that is linked to an oligonucleotide, wherein the capture agent specifically binds to complementary sites in the planar sample; (b) reading a fluorescent signal caused by extension of a primer that is hybridized to the oligonucleotide, using fluorescence microscopy. Several implementations of the method, and multiplexed versions of the same, are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for detecting on-target and predicted off-target genome editing events by providing a multiplex PCR reaction mixture with an on-target oligonucleotide primer and one or more off-target oligonucleotide primers and then hybridizing the on-target oligonucleotide primer and the one or more off-target oligonucleotide primers to target nucleic acid sequences, followed by cleaving blocking groups from the primers and extending the primers.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for generating capture probes on a substrate for identifying the location of analytes in a biological sample.

Abstract: This present disclosure provides methods and compositions that can be used to quantify cfDNA in biofluids using a hybridization approach.

Abstract: The development of a simple sequence repeat (SSR) core primer group based on the whole genome sequence of pomegranate and the applications thereof are disclosed. The primer group includes 11 primer pairs: PG080, PG130, PG139, PG152, PG153, PG140, PG098, PG070, PG077, PG090, and PG093. The SSR core primer group of the present disclosure has the advantages such as high polymorphism, good repeatability, stable amplification, and clear and easy to score bands, and is applicable to the fields of pomegranate variety identification, DNA fingerprinting construction, genetic diversity assessment and phylogenetic study, and the like, providing a new tool for pomegranate molecular marker-assisted selection and having an excellent application prospect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of nucleic acid amplification using a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Specifically, the present invention relates to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) primers and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) nucleic acid amplification mixture and the use thereof in (quantitative) Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR).

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for generating phase-shift barcode oligonucleotides for library construction for next-generation sequencing. In some cases, barcode oligonucleotides are attached to particles or beads. Also provided are methods and kits for using the phase-shift barcode oligonucleotides in sequencing assays.

Abstract: A primer for isothermal amplification of nucleic acid and its application are described. The primer includes a forward primer and a reverse primer used for amplifying a target gene. The forward primer is a sequence with an exogenous self-paired hairpin structure at the 5? end, or a sequence with a hairpin structure matched with any source sequence in the target gene close to the forward primer end at the 5? end. Nucleic acid amplification technology using the primer of the invention can produce repeated tandem structure of the target gene, and the repetition times can be controlled precisely. The technology can also be applied to the third generation sequencing technology. The amplification steps are not only simple and fast, but also improve sequencing accuracy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of creating a biomarker profile, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining a sample of biofluid from a subject, wherein the sample is stored on a sample collection apparatus; removing the sample from the sample collection apparatus; extracting nucleic acids from the sample; sequencing the extracted nucleic acids to generate sequence data; and analyzing the sequence data using a two-step analytical methodology to create the biomarker profile. The present invention is also directed to methods of determining the sex of an in utero fetus, predicting onset of a migraine in a subject, and of tracking athletic performance in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for identifying, assessing, preventing, and treating cancer (e.g., head, neck, and/or lung cancers in humans). A variety of PD-L1 isoform biomarkers are provided, wherein alterations in the copy number of one or more of the biomarkers and/or alterations in the amount, structure, and/or activity of one or more of the biomarkers is associated with cancer status and indicates amenability to treatment or prevention by modulating PD-1 and/or PD-L1 levels.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an in-vitro method for detecting presence of metabolically altered cells. Also, an in-vitro method for detecting presence of quiescent cells has been disclosed. The present disclosure discloses an in-vitro method for detecting and predicting presence of cancer. The present disclosure discloses an in-vitro method for monitoring response to anti-cancer therapy. The present disclosure analyses expression of at least one biomarker of pluripotent stem cell for detecting or predicting or monitoring cancer. A related use of the at least one biomarker of pluripotent stem cell marker along with a method of treatment comprising the in-vitro method of detection or prediction has been disclosed herewith.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a combination of experimental and computational workflows that allow characterization of skin and subcutaneous tissue microbial flora and its associated metabolome, aiming to first evaluate an individual's skin and subcutaneous tissue to determine if any skin condition is as a result of an imbalance or absence of commensal or mutualistic microorganisms or their associated metabolites. In particular, embodiments of the methods and the associated computational platform provided herein relate to conducting a customized or personalized test and obtaining customized or personalized information regarding the skin and subcutaneous tissue flora and its associated metabolome there from. This may be accomplished by simultaneously identifying hundreds of microorganisms or metabolites on an individual's skin and subcutaneous tissue and comparing the resulting profile to a previously compiled healthy profile from our database of skin profiles.

Abstract: A saliva-based testing method that bypasses the need for RNA isolation/purification is described herein. In experiments with inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus spiked into saliva, this method has a limit of detection of 500-1000 viral particles per mL, rivalling the standard NP swab method. Initial studies showed excellent performance with 100 clinical samples. This saliva-based process is operationally simple, utilizes readily available materials, and can be easily implemented by existing testing sites thus allowing for high-throughput, rapid, and repeat testing of large populations.

Abstract: A leather burnishing tool is described. The tool comprises a first end disposed opposite a second end and a body portion disposed between the first end and the second end. The first end includes a first channel and a top portion. The second end comprises a second polished channel configured to accept an edge of a piece of leather therein and a bottom portion configured to be flush with a horizontal surface. The tool is continuously slid along the edge of the piece of leather to shape the edge of the piece of leather. In examples, the leather burnishing tool is configured to engage a tool holder.

Abstract: A method and an installation (10) for removing slag allows both slag removal and metal recovery from slag (60?) to be performed quickly and easily. The risk of slag fires is reduced.

Abstract: Methods for forming a dual-phase magnetic component from an initial component comprising a non-magnetic austenite composition are provided. The method may include: forming a coating on a portion of the surface of the initial component to form a masked area while leaving an unmasked area thereon. Thereafter the initial component may be heated to a treatment temperature such that nitrogen diffuses out of the unmasked area of the initial component to transform the non-magnetic austenite composition to a magnetic phase in the unmasked area. Thereafter, the initial component may be cooled from the treatment temperature to form a dual-phase magnetic component having a magnetic region corresponding to the unmasked area and a non-magnetic region corresponding to the masked area.

Abstract: A high-strength cold-rolled steel sheet having a high yield ratio and excellent stretch flangeability and a method for manufacturing the steel sheet. The high-strength cold-rolled steel sheet has a chemical composition including, by mass %, C: 0.10 to 0.30%, Si: 0.50 to 2.00%, Mn: 2.5 to 4.0%, P: 0.050% or less, S: 0.020% or less, Al: 0.10% or less, N: 0.01% or less, Ti: 0.100% or less, and B: 0.0003 to 0.0030%, with the balance being Fe and incidental impurities. N and Ti satisfy a specified formula, and the total area fraction of martensite and bainite is 95% or more. The number density of bainite grains having an area of 3 ?m2 or more and a carbon concentration of less than 0.7C is 1200 grains/mm2 or less.

Abstract: A method for producing an aqueous solution containing nickel or cobalt includes: (A) a leaching step, which includes a first atmospheric pressure heating leaching step and a second atmospheric pressure heating leaching step, in which a raw material is heated and leached under an atmospheric pressure to form a leachate solution containing nickel, cobalt, and impurities; (B) a first extraction step of separating the leachate solution into a first filtrate containing nickel and impurities and a first organic layer containing cobalt and impurities by adding a first solvent extractant to the leachate solution; (C-i) a precipitation removal step of precipitating and removing impurities including magnesium, calcium, or a mixture thereof by adding a precipitating agent to the first filtrate; and (D-i) a target material precipitation step of selectively precipitating a nickel cake containing nickel by adding a neutralizing agent to the first filtrate.

Abstract: Provided is a method which allows for strict control of an oxygen partial pressure required for the heating and melting of a raw material, and thereby more efficient recovery of a valuable metal. The method for recovering a valuable metal (Cu, Ni, and Co) includes the steps of: preparing a charge comprising at least phosphorus (P) and a valuable metal as a raw material; heating and melting the raw material to form a molten body and then converting the molten body into a molten product comprising an alloy and a slag; and separating the slag from the molten product to recover the alloy comprising the valuable metal, wherein the heating and melting of the raw material comprises directly measuring an oxygen partial pressure in the molten body using an oxygen analyzer, and regulating the oxygen partial pressure based on the obtained measurement result.

Abstract: A 2-step high temperature process for recovering Ni, Co, and Mn from various sources comprises preparing a metallurgical charge comprising materials containing Ni, Co, and Mn, and Si, Al, Ca and Mg as slag formers; smelting the charge with slag formers in first reducing conditions, thereby obtaining a Ni—Co alloy comprising a major part of at least one of Co and Ni, with Si<0.1%, and a first slag comprising the major part of the Mn; separation of the first slag from the alloy; and, smelting the first slag in second reducing conditions, more reducing than said first reducing conditions, thereby obtaining a Si—Mn alloy comprising the major part of the Mn, with Si>10%, and a second slag. A Ni—Co alloy is produced, and a Si—Mn alloy is produced. The second slag is essentially free of heavy metals and therefore suitable for reuse.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a high-plasticity rapidly-degradable Mg—Li—Gd—Ni alloy, including the following chemical elements by mass percentage: 1.0-10.0% of Gd, 0.2-2.0% of Ni, 5.5-10% of Li, and the rest of Mg and inevitable impurities. The impurities have a total content less than or equal to 0.3%. The present disclosure further provides a preparation method of the high-plasticity rapidly-degradable Mg—Li—Gd—Ni alloy. The high-plasticity rapidly-degradable Mg—Li—Gd—Ni alloy provided by the present disclosure constructs an ?-Mg+?-Li dual-phase matrix structure by introducing ?-Li with a body-centered cubic (BCC) structure with relatively more slip systems to improve plasticity of the alloy, then adds a certain amount of Gd element to weaken texture and promote non-basal plane slip, and further improves plasticity. In addition, by introducing the high-potential Ni-containing LPSO phase, a large potential difference with ?-Mg and ?-Li is formed to increase the degradation performance.

Abstract: A master alloy including an alloy composition including magnesium (Mg) at a concentration of greater than or equal to about 1.00 wt. % to less than or equal to about 90 wt. %, boron (B) at a concentration of greater than or equal to about 0.01 wt. % to less than or equal to about 20 wt. %, and aluminum (Al) at a concentration of greater than or equal to about 0.1 wt. % to less than or equal to about 90 wt. %, wherein the alloy composition includes MgB2 particles at a volume fraction greater than or equal to about 0.01% to less than or equal to about 20%.

Abstract: A magnesium alloy containing: Al: 0.2-1.6 wt. % Zn: 0.2-0.8 wt. % 5 Mn: 0.1-0.5 wt. % Zr 0-0.5 wt. % La: 1-3.5 wt. % Y: 0.05-3.5 wt. % Ce: 0-2 wt. % 10 Nd: 0-2 wt. % Gd: 0-3 wt. % Pr: 0-0.5 wt. % Be: 0-20 ppm the balance being Mg and incidental elements.