Abstract: Provided is a mutated hyperthermophilic PTE having a lactonase activity derived from a hyperthermophilic phosphotriesterase corresponding to the consensus sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, the mutated PTE including the at least one mutation chosen amongst 55 putative positions and the mutated PTE having enhanced properties. Also provided are compositions including the mutated hyperthermophilic PTE and the uses thereof, notably as bioscavenger of organophosphate compounds or as quorum quencher of the bacteria using lactones to communicate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing at least one rhamnolipid comprising: contacting a recombinant cell with a medium containing a carbon source; and culturing the cell under suitable conditions for preparation of the rhamnolipid from the carbon source by the cell, wherein the recombinant cell has been genetically modified such that, compared to the wild-type of the cell, the cell has an increased activity of at least one of the enzymes E1, E2 and E3, wherein the enzyme E1 is an ?/? hydrolase, the enzyme E2 is a rhamnosyltransferase I and the enzyme E3 is a rhamnosyl-transferase II, and wherein the carbon source is a C4 molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multiplex microarrays and methods for the quantification of analytes. In particular, the invention relates to improved methods which standardize a target analyte concentration in a test sample against a reference standardization curve derived from validated, approved and recognized reference standards for the target analyte of known concentrations. The present invention also relates to methods and checks for simultaneous measurement of confidence confirming normalization standards and controls.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a method and an attachment solution for adhering a cytological or histological sample, such as buffy coat, to a substrate, such as a microscope slide. The attachment solution includes an attachment base, an anti-coagulant, and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The attachment base may be an alcohol, an acid, an oxidizer, an organohalogen, a ketone, or any combination thereof. Once a sample is obtained, the sample may be re-suspended in the attachment solution or the attachment solution may be added to the sample. The sample may then be dispensed onto an analysis platform as one or more droplets and cured.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure, in one aspect, relate to structures having a polymer composition covalently bonded to the surface of the structure, methods of attaching the polymer to the surface of the structure, methods of decreasing the amount of microorganisms formed on a structure, materials, methods of attaching materials, and the like.

Abstract: The invention provides a diverse population of uniquely labeled probes, containing about thirty or more target specific nucleic acid probes each attached to a unique label bound to a nucleic acid. Also provided is a method of producing a population of uniquely labeled nucleic acid probes. Also provided is a method of detecting a nucleic acid analyte. The method consists of (a) contacting a mixture of nucleic acid analytes under conditions sufficient for hybridization with a plurality of target specific nucleic acid probes each having a different specifier; (b) contacting the mixture under conditions sufficient for hybridization with a corresponding plurality of anti-genedigits each having a unique label, the plurality of anti-genedigits having a diversity sufficient to uniquely hybridize to genedigits within the specifiers, and (c) uniquely detecting a hybridized complex between one or more analytes in the mixture, a target specific probe, and an anti-genedigit.

Abstract: We describe assay modules (e.g., assay plates, cartridges, multi-well assay plates, reaction vessels, etc.), processes for their preparation, and method of their use for conducting assays. Reagents may be present in free form or supported on solid phases including the surfaces of compartments (e.g., chambers, channels, flow cells, wells, etc.) in the assay modules or the surface of colloids, beads, or other particulate supports. In particular, dry reagents can be incorporated into the compartments of these assay modules and reconstituted prior to their use in accordance with the assay methods. A desiccant material may be used to maintain and stabilize these reagents in a dry state.

Abstract: Structures having a polymer composition covalently bonded to the surface of the structure, methods of attaching the polymer to the surface of the structure, methods of decreasing the amount of microorganisms formed on a structure, and the like, are disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the fabrication of a three dimensional [3-D] cell culture membrane comprising one or more functionalized surfaces adapted to provide cell culture conditions suitable for the analysis of proliferation, differentiation or function of cells, typically eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of assessing, predicting or monitoring the sensitivity of a subject having a tumor or cancer to an immunotherapeutic molecule acting on the subject's T cells, to a method of selecting an appropriate treatment of cancer, to a method of screening or identifying a compound suitable for improving the treatment of a cancer, and to the use of corresponding kits. The method of predicting or monitoring the sensitivity of a subject having a tumor to an immunotherapeutic molecule acting on the subject's T cells typically comprises a step a) of determining, in a biological sample from said subject, the expression level of soluble CD25 (sCD25) and, when the expression level is determined, a step b) of comparing at least said expression level to a reference expression level, thereby assessing whether the subject having a tumor is responsive or resistant to the immunotherapeutic molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of solid metal materials for catalyzing the hydration of carbon dioxide. It also relates to methods of and apparatus for hydrating carbon dioxide and capturing carbon. The solid metal materials may be nickel nanoparticles. The invention finds particular application in the sequestration of carbon dioxide either at the point of release or from the atmosphere.

Abstract: A biodegradable hydrogel has been made based on high concentrations of whey protein isolate (WPI). WPI gels of different compositions were fabricated by thermally inducing gelation of high-concentration suspensions of protein, and characterized for compressive strength and modulus, hydration swelling and drying properties, mechanical behavior change due to polysaccharide additives, and intrinsic pore network structure. The gels were shown to be compatible with bone cells and could be used as bone tissue scaffolds. In addition, WPI fibers were produced by electrospinning. Several additives could be incorporated into the WPI gels, including structural additives, growth factors, amino acids, etc. The WPI hydrogels can be made with glycerol to increase flexibility and stability.

Abstract: Compositions are provided in which dendrimers and/or nanoparticles are synthesized with multi-photon responsive elements and self-immolative oligomers. The compositions may be utilized to selectively deliver Payloads within tissue by irradiating the compositions. The compositions may also be used to amplify sensitivity to irradiation.

Abstract: A method of tracking cell identity across analytical platforms uses stochastic barcoding (SB). SB uses a randomly generated code based on one or more of the number, color and position of beads encapsulated together with a set of cells of interest. SB use is demonstrated in an application where cells are transferred from a microwell array into a microtiter plate while keeping their identity, and obtained an average identification accuracy of 96% for transfer of 100 blocks. Model scaling of the method up to 1000 blocks demonstrated that SB is able to achieve approximately 90% accuracy.

Abstract: Hydrogel arrays, methods for preparing hydrogel arrays and methods for screening cell-substrate interactions using the hydrogel arrays are disclosed. Advantageously, the hydrogel arrays include individual hydrogel posts that are completely isolatable, allowing for systematic and independent control of the chemical composition and physical dimensions of each hydrogel post.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for isolating target biomolecules or cells from samples, particularly biological samples. In particular, the device comprises a loading mixture, which contains the biological sample and a first binding entity that specifically binds to the target biomolecule or target cell; and a micro-channel coated with a second binding entity that binds directly or indirectly to the first binding entity. Methods of capturing, detecting, and/or evaluating target biomolecules or target cells (e.g. cancer cells) in biological samples are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods that are useful for normalizing the amount of signal detected in an assay, such as an immunoassay. The compositions and methods are useful for improving the accuracy of immunoassays, such as immunoassays that detect whether a subject is infected with a retrovirus such as HIV.

Abstract: Polymer Pen Lithography materials that retain the simplicity characteristic for the fabrication of poly(dimethyl siloxane) tip arrays while preserving the control over feature dimensions and to understand the role of the mechanical properties of the different materials on Polymer Pen Lithography printing.

Abstract: Described herein are eco-friendly formulations and methods for providing such formulations to plants. The formulations include mixtures of microbial isolates. In particular, numerous bacterial and fungal strains were isolated from a variety of soil types, from rhizospheres and from root nodules of leguminous plants, in designed combinations, for providing plant growth and plant productivity enhancing formulations. These specifically designed polymicrobial formulations provide protection against plant pathogens, lower the need for nitrogen containing fertilizers, solubilize minerals, protect plants against pathogens, and make available to the plant valuable nutrients, such as phosphate, thus reducing and eliminating the need for using chemical fertilizers and chemical pesticides.

Abstract: An antibody-conjugated double-emulsion nanocapsule is provided. A linking group is introduced on the surface of a double-emulsion nanocapsule, which is composed of an oily shell enclosing an aqueous core, to link the double-emulsion nanocapsule with an antibody.

Abstract: A measurement state in a mass spectrometer device is determined so that the measurement method for the next round of measurement can be automatically determined. The mass spectrometer device (1) is provided with: a first calculation unit (6) that calculates the total amount of ion in a mass spectrum; a second calculation unit (6) that calculates the half-value width of a representative peak selected from peaks appearing in the mass spectrum; and a control unit (7) that determines the measurement method for use in the next round of measurement on the basis of the total amount of ion and the half-value width of the representative peak.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biosensor, and it is an object thereof to suppress degradation by light. A biosensor (2) comprises a blood component measurement working electrode (5), a blood component measurement counter electrode (6), and a reagent component (9). The reagent component (9) is provided near the blood component measurement working electrode (5) and the blood component measurement counter electrode (6). The reagent component (9) includes a mediator, an oxidoreductase, and a substance that absorbs light with a wavelength of 400 to 500 nm. An insulated substrate (4) is provided, on the surface of which is disposed the blood component measurement working electrode (5) and/or the blood component measurement counter electrode (6). The reagent component (9) is disposed on the one or more electrodes on the insulated substrate (4).

Abstract: A concentration agent for microorganisms is provided that contains both lanthanum and carbonate. Additionally, articles that include the concentration agent and methods of concentrating a microorganism using the concentration agent are provided.

Abstract: A membrane supported biofilm apparatus has a plurality of hollow fiber gas permeable membranes in a tank containing water to be treated. A biofilm supported on the membranes occupies between about 40% and 80% of the volume of water to be treated in a reactor. Wastewater treatment processes are described. A process to denitrify water or treat oxidized contaminants comprises introducing hydrogen into an inner volume of the membranes to grow autotrophic organisms in the biofilm near the membrane and heterotrophic organism near the water. Another process is operated as a biomass concentration of at least 10 g/L and up to about 40 g/L to maintain a biofilm having a surface area of over 1000 square meters per cubic meter of tank volume. A hybrid process has suspended biomass and a membrane supported biofilm.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for indicating whether an assay for isolating targets is properly isolating and detecting targets. Methods of the invention involve obtaining a sample suspected of a containing target, introducing a detectable marker into the sample, conducting an assay using magnet particles to isolate the detectable marker and the target if it is present in the sample, determining the presence or absence of the target; and confirming that the assay functioned properly by determining presence or absence of the detectable marker.

Abstract: A method for electroless coating of a substrate by applying an activating coat of polyelectrolyte or salt with a first aqueous composition, rinsing of the activating coat such that the activating coat is not entirely removed The activated surface that has remained after rinsing is then contacted with an aqueous composition in the form of a solution, emulsion or suspension to form an organic secondary coat (precipitation coat), and drying. The activating coat contains at least one cationic polyelectrolyte or at least one cationic salt in solution in water. The aqueous composition which forms the secondary coat contains constituents which can be precipitated, deposited and/or salted out and which are anionically, zwitterionically, sterically or cationically stabilized. The dry film formed in the process, which is made of the activating coat and the secondary coat, has a thickness of at least 1 ?m.

Abstract: Invention relates to biotechnology, food industry and concerns to microbial consortia and microbial and yeast strains, as well as to methods for producing by integrated technological cycle with the use of consortia and microbial and yeast strains from the fermented base, which is a semi-product of bread kvass, fermented kvass, nonalcoholic kvass, as well as to methods for producing tea fungus culture fluid, tea-fungus concentrates, kombucha beverages, and vegetable extracts in a single technology process.

Abstract: Provided is an array including a solid support having a surface, the surface having a plurality of wells, the wells containing a gel material, the wells being separated from each other by interstitial regions on the surface, the interstitial regions segregating the gel material in each of the wells from the gel material in other wells of the plurality; and a library of target nucleic acids in the gel material, wherein the gel material in each of the wells comprises a single species of the target nucleic acids of the library. Methods for making and using the array are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for the detection and quantification of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) in human tissue and blood samples. The system includes several high avidity monoclonal antibodies that may be provided on Xmap microspheres to capture FMRP from a tissue or blood specimen. The resulting complex is reacted with a polyclonal anti-FMRP rabbit antibody and then mixed with an anti-rabbit IgG antibody conjugated to phycoerythrin. Fluorescence emitted from the resulting complex is a function of the amount of FMRP present in the specimen.

Abstract: A method for producing multilayered cell sheets, including producing a vascular bed which includes an artery-vein loop and in which a capillary vascular network is constructed; layering cell sheets on the vascular bed; and perfusing a culture medium in vitro to construct a vascular network in the cell sheets. The production method enables vascular networks to be constructed in cell sheets and enables thick multilayered cell sheets to foe easily produced by layering the cell sheets. Such thick multilayered cell sheets are useful as in vivo tissue-like products for regenerative medicine for various tissues and for evaluation of drugs and the like.

Abstract: A cell culture medium with high content of choline chloride is provided. The cell culture media further comprise only moderate amounts of amino acids, in particular the amount of glutamine in the cell culture media is limited. The cell culture media can be used for large scale production of polypeptides using cell cultures. The cell culture media with high content of choline chloride are particularly suitable for fed-batch cell culture whereby cell viabilities stay at a higher level for a longer time and high polypeptide titers although limited amounts of amino acids are used.

Abstract: The invention provides therapeutic and prophylactic compounds and methods for altering the activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (e.g. PDK1, PDK2, PDK3, PDK4). Such therapies are useful for the treatment of neoplasia. The invention further provides therapeutic and prophylactic compounds and methods of altering pyruvate dehydrogenase activity to treat or prevent cell death related to ischemia.

Abstract: The present invention provides a food preservation system that includes an absorbent food pad that has absorbent material to absorb exuded liquids from a food product, and has an oxygen scavenging system to modify the atmosphere in the food package. Also described is a method of using the absorbent food pad to enhance appearance of the food product and extend shelf life.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods of delivering substances in a dry mode, wherein the compositions include a surface layer disposed on the outer surface of the composition that is permeable to carbon dioxide and oxygen. The compositions may be used to deliver microorganisms to remove contaminates, such as oil, chemical, waste, or sewage, from soil, water, or air. In other embodiments, the compositions can also be used for delivering liquid food, liquid food additives, liquid biotech agricultural ingredients, conventional liquid agricultural ingredients, liquid human wellness and dietary supplements, and liquid fragrances and beauty products.

Abstract: A mutant hydrolase optionally fused to a protein of interest is provided. The mutant hydrolase is capable of forming a bond with a substrate for the corresponding nonmutant (wild-type) hydrolase which is more stable than the bond formed between the wild-type hydrolase and the substrate and has at least two amino acid substitutions relative to the wild-type hydrolase. Substrates for hydrolases comprising one or more functional groups are also provided, as well as methods of using the mutant hydrolase and the substrates of the invention. Also provided is a fusion protein capable of forming a stable bond with a substrate and cells which express the fusion protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for preparing enzyme-immobilized beads used for preparation of tagatose, and a method for preparing enzyme-immobilized beads using the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus for preparing enzyme-immobilized beads, comprising a nozzle with an inside diameter of 0.1-1 mm having a cylindrical lower end and comprising a cut-type liquid outlet (cut perpendicularly to the vertical axis of the nozzle) formed at the lower end, and a method for preparing enzyme-immobilized beads using the same.

Abstract: A system and method for bio-electricity production are provided. The system includes a microorganism fuel cell in which the anode compartment comprises a microorganism cell having displayed thereon an enzyme to oxidize the substrate and generate electrons. Microorganism cells, such as bacteria or yeast, may be transformed to display enzymes such as oxidases, alcohol dehydrigenases and glucoamylases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to use of Caminibacter carbonic anhydrase in CO2 extraction, e.g., from flue gas, natural gas, biogas or ambient air. The Caminibacter carbonic anhydrases are especially well suited for these purpose due to their extreme thermostability.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for patterning biological and non-biological material at specific sites on a plate, as well as growing three dimensional structures. Preferred embodiments comprise a plate with regions that will trap gas, usually in the form of bubbles, when the plate is submerged in liquid. Other embodiment of the present invention include a method for placing materials on the plate at pre-determined locations through the use of trapped gas to prevent materials from collecting at unwanted regions. The plate has great utility for plating cells and tissues at specific sites, such as on an array. The disclosed method can also be used to coat the surface of a plate with coatings at specific locations for patterned coating applications and to build up materials to produce three dimensional structures, including micromechanical structures—where the structures may be formed from living or non-living material, tissue or non-tissue, organic or inorganic, and the like.

Abstract: Bone cages are disclosed including devices for biocompatible implantation. The structures of bone are useful for providing living cells and tissues as well as biologically active molecules to subjects.

Abstract: The composite material is comprised of a substrate of discrete particles and a network of interconnected mycelia cells bonding the discrete particles together. The mycelia cells are selected from the group consisting of at least one of Agrocybe brasiliensi, Flammulina velutipes, Hypholomoa capnoides, Hypholoma sublaterium, Morchella angusticeps, Macrolepiota procera and Coprinus comatus. The fungus digests the nutrient material over a period of time sufficient to grow hyphae and to allow the hyphae to form a network of interconnected mycelia cells through and around the discrete particles thereby bonding the discrete particles together to form a self-supporting composite material.

Abstract: An absorbent pad that contains activated carbon to reduce confinement odor in a vacuum-packaged food product is provided. An embodiment of absorbent pad contains activated carbon and an antimicrobial agent that further reduces confinement odor by two mechanisms of action: reducing bacterial counts in the liquid purge that cause breakdown of carbohydrates and proteins in food products; and trapping of confinement odor-causing breakdown products by the activated carbon. The absorbent body in the absorbent pad actively draws in liquid purge and dissolved volatile breakdown products in the vacuum package that produce confinement odor, which produces greater and more rapid contact of odor-causing compounds with the activated carbon.

Abstract: A method for separating CO2 from gas mixtures uses a slurried media impregnated with buffer compounds and coating the solid media with a catalyst or enzyme that promotes the transformation of CO2 to carbonic acid. Buffer sorbent pebbles with a catalyst or enzyme coating are provided for rapid separation of CO2 from gas mixtures.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a protein having a fructosyl amino acid oxidase activity which protein is useful for measurement of a glycosylated protein (particularly, glycosylated hemoglobin); a modified protein thereof; and use of the protein or the modified protein. The protein of the present invention is, for example, a fructosyl valyl histidine oxidase derived from Phaeosphaeria nodorum, the fructosyl valyl histidine oxidase having excellent thermal stability and substrate specificity and also having a small Km value to fructosyl valyl histidine. This allows a glycosylated protein measuring reagent to be stored in a long time and measurement accuracy of the glycosylated protein measuring reagent to be improved.

Abstract: The invention features methods for separating cells from a sample (e.g., separating fetal red blood cells from maternal blood). The method begins with the introduction of a sample including cells into one or more microfluidic channels. In one embodiment, the device includes at least two processing steps. For example, a mixture of cells is introduced into a microfluidic channel that selectively allows the passage of a desired type of cell, and the population of cells enriched in the desired type is then introduced into a second microfluidic channel that allows the passage of the desired cell to produce a population of cells further enriched in the desired type. The selection of cells is based on a property of the cells in the mixture, for example, size, shape, deformability, surface characteristics (e.g., cell surface receptors or antigens and membrane permeability), or intracellular properties (e.g., expression of a particular enzyme).

Abstract: Methods of marking paper products and marked paper products are provided. Some methods include irradiating the paper product to alter the functionalization of the paper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immobilized biologically active entities that retain significant biological activity following mechanical manipulation of a substrate material to which the entities are immobilized.

Abstract: This invention provides co-cultures of photosynthetic microorganisms and biofuel producing microorganisms. In certain embodiments, polysaccharide-producing, photosynthetic microorganisms are microalgae having frustules provide a substrate on which biofuel-producing microorganisms can grow. In other embodiments, the photosynthetic microorganisms produce a lipid and the non-photosynthetic microorganisms produce a solvent in which the lipid is soluble.

Abstract: Methods of marking paper products and marked paper products are provided. Some methods include irradiating the paper product to alter the functionalization of the paper.

Abstract: Methods of marking paper products and marked paper products are provided. Some methods include irradiating the paper product to alter the functionalization of the paper.