Abstract: A roll of cleaning fabric is used for cleaning printing cylinders of a printing system. The cleaning fabric (13) is impregnated with a cleaning composition containing an organic solvent and a cellulose solubilizer. The roll may be wound around a core (14) and inserted in a removable sealing bag (15) configured to seal around the roll (12) of cleaning fabric (13) in order to prevent the cleaning composition from evaporating before use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to formulations for a concentrated fabric softener, in the form of water-soluble sheets, which can conveniently be used alongside detergent in home laundry washing machines. The formulations comprise combinations of anionic surfactants with cationic and/or anionic polymers which together cooperate to provide a softening effect on textiles. This product format allows for a concentrated product that is comprised in a high proportion of active ingredients, and therefore occupies a much smaller volume and mass for the amount of active ingredient and softening power provided. The performance of the invention is equivalent or superior to comparable dosages of standard liquid 2-in-1 detergent/fabric softener combinations.

Abstract: A rubber cleaning composition includes water, a cleaning and oxidation removal agent, a conditioning agent, and a drying agent. The cleaning agent includes citric acid. The conditioning agent includes glycerin. The cleaning and oxidation removal agent is present in a water:cleaning and oxidation removal agent volume ratio of about 100:1 to about 300:1. The conditioning agent is present in a water:conditioning agent volume ratio of about 7:1 to about 8:1. The drying agent is present in a water:drying agent volume ratio of about 1:1 to about 2:1. The composition cleans, protects, and improves performance of rubber, such as climbing shoe rubber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cleaning compositions including variants of an alpha-amylase and methods of treating surfaces such as textiles with aqueous liquor including such compositions, especially at low temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention is related to variants of fungal serine protease enzyme, which have serine protease activity of Malbranchea protease. Also disclosed are isolated nucleic acid molecules, comprising polynucleotide sequences which encode variants of fungal serine protease enzyme, nucleic acid sequences encoding said protease variants, a host cell and a process of producing polypeptides having serine protease activity. Said protease variants are useful as enzyme preparations applicable in detergent compositions and for treating fibers, wool, hair, leather, or silk, for treating food or feed, or for any applications involving modification, degradation or removal of proteinaceous material.

Abstract: Provided are multi-layer bioreactors for growing, maintaining, stimulating, monitoring and testing organoids and tissues derived from or representing hollow organs in organoid chambers. Also provided are uses of those bioreactors in modeling a disease process for monitoring disease progress and/or for assessing a biological effect, such as therapeutic efficacy and/or toxicity, e.g., organotoxicity. Also disclosed are bioreactors comprising organoid chambers that are useful as systems for measuring the volume, pressure, contractility, pump function, or electrophysiology of an organoid chamber as well as systems for controlling the pressure experienced by an organoid or tissue in an organoid chamber.

Abstract: An organomimetic device includes a microfluidic device that can be used to culture cells in its microfluidic channels. The organomimetic device can be part of dynamic system that can apply mechanical forces to the cells by modulating the microfluidic device and the flow of fluid through the microfluidic channels. The membrane in the organomimetic device can be modulated mechanically via pneumatic means and/or mechanical means. The organomimetic device can be manufactured by the fabrication of individual components separately, for example, as individual layers that can be subsequently laminated together.

Abstract: A docking device for receiving a portable device. The docking device includes a base including a substantially planar upper surface for supporting a portable device. The docking device includes an array of a plurality of engagement members. Each engagement member in the plurality of engagement members includes a fixed body protruding upwardly from the substantially planar upper surface of the base. Each engagement member includes a spring including a fixed end portion and a free end portion for engagement with the portable device. The fixed end portion interfaces with the fixed body. The free end portion protrudes from the fixed end portion obliquely towards the substantially planar upper surface of the base. The free end being movable along a deformable gap between a first surface of the fixed body and a second surface of the spring.

Abstract: Cell culture systems and methods provide improved immunotherapeutic product manufacturing with greater scalability, flexibility, and automation. Cell culture systems are configured with interchangeable cartridges, allowing versatility and scalability. Systems are configured to have multiple connected cell culture chambers, which allows parallel processing of different types of cells. Gas-impermeable cell culture chambers and methods for generating cells in closed systems prevent contamination and user error. Methods for recycling cell culture medium provide additional efficiencies.

Abstract: There are provided a cell culture device and associated method for preparing an in vitro model of a neuromuscular junction (NMJ). The cell culture device can include a cell culture layer that includes a neuronal cells channel for receiving neuronal cells therein, and a neuromuscular junction chamber in fluid communication with the neuronal cells channel to receive muscle cells therein to enable co-culture of the neuronal cells with the muscle cells and form the NMJ. The neuronal cells channel includes a first portion having a first portion cross-section and a second portion having a second portion cross-section that is smaller than the first portion cross-section and provided downstream of the first portion to retain neuronal cells. The neuromuscular junction chamber can optionally include pillars for culturing muscle cells therebetween. The in vitro model can be used for analysing a biological material from a patient or diagnose a condition, for instance.

Abstract: Methods of protein production in continuous perfusion mammalian cell culture bioreactors are provided. Methods for continuous perfusion culture by allowing cells to self-regulate the rate of addition of perfusion medium to the bioreactor via a pH change are presented. Compositions comprising the perfusion medium as well as the process advantages of using hi-end pH control of perfusion or HIPCOP are also presented.

Abstract: Disclosed mechanical stimulator systems can maintain the sterility of biological samples within a multi-well plate while mechanically stimulating the samples. The systems disclosed herein allow for the individual activation by mechanical compression of a high number of samples at the same time, while maintaining sterility of the samples. The well plates, guides, actuators, pistons, and other components of the disclosed systems can be configured to be contained in or adjacent to an incubator that can control properties such as gas levels and temperature while at the same time allowing for the mechanical actuation of the biological samples.

Abstract: An incubator for cell and tissue culture under controlled atmospheric conditions has a primary air flow control device that forms a primary, preferably laminar flow, air veil across an opening that allows access to the cells or tissue cultures disposed within the incubator. Preferably, most if not all of the air in the primary (laminar flow) air veil is recirculated, and a secondary air flow control device is used that forms a secondary, preferably laminar flow, air veil between the primary (laminar flow) air veil and a user of the incubator.

Abstract: Systems, including methods and apparatus, for growing viable monoclonal colonies, identifying them as monoclonal after their viability has been demonstrated, and picking and placing them into a target environment. The methods may include plating cells at low density in a well, capturing at a first time shortly after plating a series of vertically spaced-apart images of the well showing locations of the cells, capturing at a second, later time images of the same well showing locations of candidate cell colonies, determining a likelihood that the candidate colonies are monoclonal based on information in the first set of images, and, based on the likelihood, picking candidate colonies using a picking head for transfer to a target environment.

Abstract: This present invention concerns a single use aseptic kit comprising: a disaggregation module for receipt and processing of material comprising solid mammalian tissue; and a stabilization module for storing disaggregated product material, wherein each of said modules comprises one or more flexible containers connected by one or more conduits adapted to enable flow of the tissue material there between; and wherein each of said modules comprises one or more ports to permit aseptic input of media and/or reagents into the one or more flexible containers. The invention further relates to an automated device for semi-automated aseptic disaggregation and/or enrichment and/or stabilisation of cells or cell aggregates from mammalian solid tissue comprising a programmable processor and the single use aseptic kit. The invention further relates to a semi-automatic aseptic tissue processing method.

Abstract: An apparatus for isolating stems cells from extracted mammalian tissue comprising: a portable hollow casing having fixed dimensions and a sized internal spatial volume; a filter housed and contained within said sized internal spatial volume, wherein said filter captures particles in said extracted mammalian tissue having a diameter of about 5 to 10 microns or more and allows particles in said extracted mammalian tissue having a diameter of less than about 5 to 10 microns to pass through; a first channel to which a container holding said extracted mammalian tissue can attach, and through which said extracted mammalian tissue is input into the hollow casing; wherein a stem cell collection chamber can attach to said first channel, and the particles having a diameter of about 5 to 10 microns or more are output from the hollow casing through said first channel and collected in the stem cell collection chamber; and a second channel to which a remnant collection chamber can attach, and through which the particles

Abstract: The present invention relates to a large-scale magnetic purification system, including: a liquid storage apparatus, capable of being connected to a liquid source and a waste liquid barrel through a liquid path system; a stirring system mounted above the liquid storage apparatus, where a stirring paddle of the stirring system is inserted into the liquid storage apparatus for stirring; magnets mounted around the liquid storage apparatus; a magnet actuating mechanism for manipulating the magnets to move away from or close to the liquid storage apparatus; and a control system, connected to the liquid path system, the magnet actuating mechanism, and the stirring system and controlling the liquid path system, the magnet actuating mechanism, and the stirring system.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for obtaining functionally enhanced derivative effector cells obtained from directed differentiation of genomically engineered iPSCs. The derivative cells provided herein have stable and functional genome editing that delivers improved or enhanced therapeutic effects. Also provided are therapeutic compositions and the used thereof comprising the functionally enhanced derivative effector cells alone, or with antibodies or checkpoint inhibitors in combination therapies.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved methods for bead beating and a bead beating system useful therefor. The present disclosure further provides methods of using the bead beating system to extract nucleic acids from cells containing the nucleic acids.

Abstract: Phosphite dehydrogenase (ptxD) expression was established as a selectable marker for nuclear and chloroplast genetic selection in Picochlorum renovo and Picochlorum celeri Phosphite was used as a sole phosphorus source in P. renovo and P. celeri. Growth on phosphite led to comparable growth and composition relative to phosphate.

Abstract: A novel method of growing fungi is disclosed which uses an engineered artificial media and produces high density filamentous fungi biomats that can be harvested with a minimum of processing and from which fungal products such as antibiotics, proteins, and lipids can be isolated, the method resulting in lowered fungus cultivation costs for energy usage, oxygenation, water usage and waste stream production.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising a biologically pure culture of a Paenibacillus sp. strain comprising a mutant DegU lacking a functional receiver domain or a functional DNA binding domain and/or a mutant DegS lacking a functional single binding domain or a functional ATPase domain with decreased viscosity in a liquid culture. Also provided is a method of identifying a Paenibacillus sp. mutant derivative strain with decreased viscosity in a liquid culture compared to a Paenibacillus sp. parental strain with a visual screen for mutant isolates with a non-mucoid morphology.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for transfecting cells, such as mammalian cells and nonmammalian cells, using an electroporation apparatus having an electroporation chamber including an upper micromesh electrode, a lower micromesh electrode and a path defined in the electroporation chamber. The electroporation apparatus includes a first input allowing passage of cells into the electroporation chamber and a first output allowing passage of electroporated cells from the electroporation chamber. The first input and the first output are separated by an offset distance.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods, and devices for electroporation-based therapies (EBTs). Embodiments provide patient-specific treatment protocols derived by the numerical modeling of 3D reconstructions of target tissue from images taken of the tissue, and optionally accounting for one or more of physical constraints or dynamic tissue properties. The present invention further relates to systems, methods, and devices for delivering bipolar electric pulses for irreversible electroporation exhibiting reduced or no damage to tissue typically associated with an EBT-induced excessive charge delivered to the tissue.

Abstract: Bistable devices are constructed using a polynucleotide platform for sensing molecular events such as binding or conformational changes of target molecules. Uses include measuring target concentration, measuring effects of environmental conditions on the target, or screening a library for molecules that bind the target or modulate its biological function. Devices include three regions: a top lid, bottom lid, and flexible linker or hinge between them. A device has an open configuration in which the top and bottom lid are separated, and a closed configuration in which they are bound close together. Binding domains or variations of the target molecule are fixed to a device so that when the molecular event occurs, the device switches from open to closed, or vice versa, which generates a signal. Devices may carry DNA tags to enable separation of open and closed devices and barcoding for multiplexed detection.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions relating to variant nucleic acid libraries encoding for antibodies including single domain antibodies. Libraries generated using methods described herein have improved characteristics including improved binding affinity. Libraries described herein include variegated libraries comprising nucleic acids each encoding for a predetermined variant of at least one predetermined reference nucleic acid sequence. Further described herein are protein libraries generated when the nucleic acid libraries are translated. Further described herein are cell libraries expressing variegated nucleic acid libraries described herein.

Abstract: A cell model for in vitro evaluation of compound-induced skin sensitization and a constructing method therefor. The method for constructing the cell model comprises the steps of: designing and constructing an sgRNA expression vector based on CRISPR/Cas9 vector system; designing and constructing a homologous recombinant vector capable of knocking a reporter gene linked to a self-cleaving peptide sequence into a specific site of the expression frame of the HMOX1 gene; co-transfecting the homologous recombinant vector, an hCas9 plasmid and the sgRNA expression vector into a cell, and carrying out monoclonal expansion to obtain the cell model. The present invention obtains a HaCaT cell model in which a luciferase gene is knocked in before the stop codon of the HMOX1 gene by combination of CRISPR/CAS9 and a monoclonal cell technique. The cell model realizes synchronous expression of the luciferase gene and the HMOX1 gene, thereby effectively distinguishing sensitizing compounds from non-sensitizing compounds.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to modified single and dual guide RNAs having improved in vitro and in vivo activity in gene editing methods.

Abstract: The present disclosure features useful compositions and methods to treat disorders for which deamination of an adenosine in an mRNA produces a therapeutic result, e.g., in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are self-delivering oligonucleotides that are characterized by efficient RISC entry, minimum immune response and off-target effects, efficient cellular uptake without formulation, and efficient and specific tissue distribution.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) agent capable of inhibiting the expression of a target gene. Other aspects of the invention relate to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these dsRNA molecules suitable for therapeutic use, and methods of inhibiting the expression of a target gene by administering these dsRNA molecules, e.g., for the treatment of various disease conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ligand conjugates of oligonucleotides (e.g., iRNA agents) and methods for their preparation. The ligands are derived primarily from monosaccharides These conjugates are useful for the in vivo delivery of oligonucleotides.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to double stranded RNA agents targeting the hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome, and methods of using such agents to inhibit expression of one or more HBV genes and methods of treating subjects having an HBV infection or HBV-associated disorder, e.g., chronic hepatitis B infection.

Abstract: The present application provides a CRISPR/Cas system comprising a nuclease segment that encodes a Cas9 nuclease or variant thereof, a guide RNA segment comprising a nucleotide sequence that encodes a gRNA or sgRNA, and a promoter segment comprising a nucleotide sequence that encodes a first promoter comprising one or more tetracycline operator sequence, wherein the gRNA segment is operably linked to the promoter segment. The present application also provides materials and methods for controlling transcriptional expression of guide RNAs and/or post-transcriptional expression of Cas nuclease.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, cells, engineered microorganisms, and kits for increasing the production of polypeptides comprising one or more unnatural amino acids. Further provided are cells, engineered microorganisms, and kits for increasing the retention of unnatural nucleic acids encoding the unnatural amino acids in an engineered cell, or semi-synthetic organism.

Abstract: Methods of controlling bacteria cells are disclosed. These methods comprise upregulating expression of a DVU2956 sigma 54-dependent enhancer-binding protein (EBP) in bacteria cells, resulting in (i) dispersing a biofilm of the cells or reducing biofilm formation by the cells, and/or (ii) reducing hydrogen sulfide formation by the cells. Further disclosed are methods of identifying compounds for controlling bacteria cells as in (i) and/or (ii) above. Polynucleotides and cells are disclosed that can optionally be used to practice compound identification methods.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided which allow for genetic modification of host cells, including plants and plant cells. The various methods and composition employ a recombinant DNA construct comprising SEQ ID NO: 1 and/or 2 or active variants and fragments thereof. Such polynucleotides find use in facilitating integration of polynucleotides of interest into the DNA of a host cell, including a plant or plant cell. Vectors, host cells, bacteria and plants comprising the recombinant DNA construct or fragments thereof are provided. Further provided are methods of introducing into a host cell or a plant cell a polynucleotide of interest. The method comprises contacting the host cell with a bacterium competent for the transformation of the host cell and comprises a transformation vector comprising a recombinant DNA construct.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for introducing transgenic target sites for Site Specific Integration (SSI) and/or polynucleotides of interest into at least one double-strand break target site of a double-strand-break inducing agent in a genomic window of a plant genome. Also provided are methods and compositions for producing a complex trait locus in a genomic window of a plant comprising at least one transgenic target site for site specific integration integrated in at least double-strand-break target site. The double-strand-break target site can be, but is not limited to, a target site for a zinc finger endonuclease, an engineered endonuclease, a meganuclease, a TALENs and/or a Cas endonuclease. The genomic window of said plant can comprise at least one genomic locus of interest such as a trait cassette, a transgene, a mutated gene, a native gene, an edited gene or a site-specific integration (SSI) target site.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for altering the genome of an organelle. In some embodiments, the method comprises introducing into an organelle a recombinant DNA construct comprising a first polynucleotide encoding at least one guide RNA and a second polynucleotide encoding a polynucleotide guided polypeptide; and growing a cell comprising the organelle under conditions in which the first polynucleotide and the second polynucleotide are each expressed.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method for using plant heterosis. The method comprises the following steps: S1, transforming the meiosis of germ cells of hybrids into mitosis-like so as to obtain gametes whose genotype and chromosome ploidy are consistent with hybrids by using gene mutation or gene engineering technology; and S2, influencing and involving in the development of gametes or embryos in plants by using gene mutation and gene engineering technology, wherein a protein involved is MTL protein.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to promoters that have particular utility in driving root-specific expression of heterologous genes that impart increased agronomic, horticultural and/or pesticidal characteristics to a given transgenic plant. The present invention is also drawn to DNA molecules comprising the promoters of the invention and transformed plant tissues containing DNA molecules comprising a promoter of the invention operably linked to a heterologous gene or genes, and seeds thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to tonoplast proton/sugar antiporter proteins, more particularly tonoplast proton/saccharose antiporter proteins, the nucleotide sequences which encode them and uses thereof for producing transgenic plants with an increased saccharose concentration. The invention also includes methods for producing transgenic plants with an increased saccharose concentration, methods for increasing the saccharose concentration in plants, and for identifying plants which are suitable for creating a higher saccharose concentration.

Abstract: Methods are provided to mutate, in a targeted manner, the genome of a plant cell using a double stranded DNA break inducing enzyme. Also provided are plants, in particular Brassica plants that yield seeds producing oils having a reduced total saturated fatty acid content, and method for making such plants.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of producing a desired phenotype in a plant by manipulation of gene expression within the plant. The method relates to means which increase the level of expression of a MYB-subgroup14 polynucleotide or a MYB68 polypeptide. The method also relates to expression of a nucleic acid sequence encoding a MYB-subgroup14 or a MYB68 transcriptional factor. The methods are directed to elevating the levels of a MYB-subgroup14 or a MYB68 expression, wherein a desired phenotype such as reduced flower abortion and increased yield during heat stress is observed. The invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences useful in such methods.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to, inter alia, a weed control method. In one example, a method comprises applying to the locus a weed controlling amount of a pesticide composition comprising a FatA acyl-ACP thioesterase-inhibiting herbicide, wherein the crop plants are modified such that they comprise a FatA acyl-ACP thioesterase which provides the crop plant with tolerance against the FatA acyl-ACP thioesterase-inhibiting herbicide. Recombinant polynucleotides and suitable for use in the methods, and edited FatA acyl-ACP thioesterases are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mutant petunia (Petunia spp.) plants including mutant dmr6.1 and dmr6.2 alleles. The mutant petunia plants are resistant to oomycete and fungal pathogens.

Abstract: Provided herein is a lettuce plant that is resistant to downy mildew, more specifically a lettuce plant that includes a mutated gene that confers broad spectrum resistance to oomycetes in lettuce, more specifically Bremia lactucae. Furthermore also provided herein are a resistance gene and a method for obtaining a lettuce plant that is resistant to downy mildew, wherein the method includes the step of mutating a gene.

Abstract: Novel intron fragments are provided. The intron fragments can increase gene expression to levels equal to or higher than those achieved by the full-length intron while maintaining their ability to increase gene expression even when combined with various types of promoters and splicing donors. Particularly, the intron fragments enable loading of larger transgenes when used in genetic information delivery systems whose size is limited, for example, adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) and rhabdoviruses. Therefore, the use of the intron fragments is expected to extend the range of therapeutic genes.

Abstract: A recombinant mutant BoV genome is provided, as well as methods of using the vector, e.g., to prepare helper-free virus.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are codon-optimized nucleic acids encoding a reduced-size ATP7A protein. Also disclosed are vectors and recombinant viruses (such as recombinant adeno-associated viruses) including the codon-optimized nucleic acids encoding the reduced-size ATP7A protein and compositions including the disclosed vectors and viruses. Further disclosed herein are methods of treating copper transport disorders, for example by administering a disclosed nucleic acid, vector, or recombinant virus to a subject with a copper transport disorder, such as Menkes disease, occipital horn syndrome, or ATP7A-related distal motor neuropathy.