Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods relating to variant alpha-amylases. The variant alpha-amylases are useful, for example, for starch liquefaction and saccharification, for cleaning starchy stains in laundry, dishwashing, and other applications, for textile processing (e.g., desizing), in animal feed for improving digestibility, and for baking and brewing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition of a polyethylene glycol maleimide derivative and a polymerization inhibitor. In particular, the present invention provides a composition of an 8-arm polyethylene glycol maleimide derivative and a phenolic polymerization inhibitor. The ingredient and content of the polymerization inhibitor in the composition are reasonably chosen, thereby significantly increasing stability of the polyethylene glycol maleimide derivative, effectively avoiding the undesirable effect of gel solidifying due to polymerization during storage and transportation, and extending a pot life and shelf life of a product thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel library for the generation of muteins and to novel muteins derived from human lipocalin 2 (Lcn2, hNGAL) and related proteins that bind a given target with detectable affinity. The invention also relates to corresponding nucleic acid molecules encoding such a mutein and to a method for their generation. The invention further relates to a method for producing such a mutein. For example, such muteins may serve to bind and deplete pathological forms of natural biomolecules such as the amyloid beta peptide in Alzheimer's disease or may target the fibronectin extra-domain B, which is associated with tumor neovasculature.

Abstract: The disclosure provides antibody immune cell inhibitor fusion proteins comprising four polypeptide chains that form two antigen binding sites and at least two immune cell receptor binding sites that inhibit or diminish activation of an immune effector cell when bound to a target antigen. The disclosure also provides antibody immune cell inhibitor fusion proteins comprising two polypeptide chains that form one antigen binding site and at least one immune cell receptor binding site that inhibit or diminish activation of an immune effector cell when bound to a target antigen. The disclosure further provides pharmaceutical compositions and kits that comprise such antibody immune cell inhibitor fusion proteins, and methods of treatment using such proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel endoprotease, mutants thereof having binding but lacking or having reduced hydrolyzing activity, and use in methods of studying and isolating O-linked glycoproteins.

Abstract: The present invention, inter alia, relates to a closed sterilized container comprising at least one carrier which is a stabilizer; and at least one biomolecule reversibly attached to the carrier, wherein said carrier partially or completely covers the attached biomolecules and wherein said at least one carrier is selected from the group consisting of (poly)peptides such as dipeptides or tripeptides, amino acids, polyalcohols, polyethyleneglycols, ionic liquids, compatible solutes, saponins and a mixture thereof. The invention also relates to methods for producing sterilized containers according to the invention and uses thereof.

Abstract: A malto-dextrin composition with low DE value and low viscosity and the method for making the same is provided. The malto-dextrin comprises a blue value in the range of 0.02 to 0.28; a dextrose equivalent (DE) in the range of 3 to 10; and a viscosity lower than 26.3185*DE{circumflex over (?)}(?0.7593). The method for preparing the malto-dextrin composition comprises: dispersing raw starch in water to obtain a starch-water slurry; preheating the starch-water slurry with a jet-cooker for a first duration at a first temperature above 100° C. having a temperature variation no more than 0.8° C.; hydrolyzing the slurry by treating the slurry with ?-amylases for a second duration at a second temperature; and filtering the hydrolyzed slurry to remove insoluble residual proteins and fibers and obtain an un-fractionated malto-dextrin composition.

Abstract: Sortase molecules and methods described herein allow for the construction of a CAR or CAR member, e.g., in situ, on a CARX, e.g., CART, cell. For example, sortase mediated transfer of an antigen binding domain, e.g., a scFv, onto a CAR member having a sortase acceptor motif in place of an antigen binding domain can provide for a complete CAR member on a cell wherein the cell does not comprise nucleic acid that encodes the complete CAR member.

Abstract: Methods of ex vivo labeling of a biological material for in vivo imaging, methods of labeling a biological material in vivo, methods for preparing a labeling agent, and methods for in vivo imaging of a subject using a biological material labeled with a labeling agent are disclosed. In one non-limiting example, the biological material is selected from cells and the labeling agent is a 89Zr-Desferrioxamine-NCS labeling agent.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for stabilizing coelenterazine and analogs or derivatives thereof, and for improving the solubility and reconstitution efficiency of coelenterazine and analogs and derivatives thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides mutant alpha 1-antitrypsin proteins, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, and methods of use thereof in treatment of subjects with an inflammatory disease or disorder.

Abstract: A serum albumin variant, or functional fragment thereof, comprising one or more amino acid substitutions selected from (i) glycine, isoleucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine and leucine substituted for glutamine at position (522); (ii) valine substituted for alanine at position (552); and (iii) alanine, glutamic acid, histidine, serine, lysine and arginine substituted for glycine at position (572).

Abstract: Described are compositions, in particular lyophilizates, containing proteolytic enzymes, and methods for producing the compositions. Typically these compositions contain one or more proteases with collagenase activity and a neutral protease, for example, thermolysin. The compositions are free of acetate salts. Surprisingly, such compositions can be dissolved in water more rapidly than lyophilized protease mixtures of the state of the art.

Abstract: Presented herein are methods and compositions surface-based tagmentation. In particular embodiments, methods of preparing an immobilized library of fragmented and tagged DNA molecules on a solid surface are presented. In particular embodiments, the solid surface comprises immobilized transposomes in a dried format, suitable for reconstitution upon contact with liquid, such as a liquid sample.

Abstract: Fentanyl is an addictive prescription opioid that is over 80 times mora potent than morphine. The synthetic nature of fentanyl has enabled the creation of dangerous “designer drug’ analogues that escape toxicology screening, yet display comparable potency to the parent drug. Alarmingly, a large number of fatalities have been linked to overdose of fentanyl derivatives. Herein, we report an effective immunotherapy for reducing the psychoactive effects of fentanyl class drugs. A single conjugate vaccine was created that elicited high levels of antibodies with cross-reactivity for a wide panel of fentanyl analogues, Moreover, vaccinated mice gained significant protection from lethal fentanyl doses. Lastly, a surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based technique was established enabling drug specificity profiling of antibodies derived directly from serum. Our newly developed fentanyl vaccine and analytical methods may assist in the battle against synthetic opioid abuse.

Abstract: Methods of making mutant Cas9 proteins are described.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to compositions comprising and methods for chemical modification of single guide RNA (sgRNA), tracrRNA and/or crRNA used individually or in combination with one another or Cas system components. Compositions comprising modified ribonucleic acids have been designed with chemical modification for even higher efficiency as unmodified native strand of sgRNA. Administration of modified ribonucleic acids will allow decreased immune response when administered to a subject, increased stability, increased editing efficiency and facilitated in vivo delivery of sgRNA via various delivery platforms. The disclosure also relates to methods of decreasing off-target effect of CRISPR and a CRISPR complex.

Abstract: Sub-millimeter scale three-dimensional (3D) structures are disclosed with customizable chemical properties and/or functionality. The 3D structures are referred to as drop-carrier particles. The drop-carrier particles allow the selective association of one solution (i.e., a dispersed phased) with an interior portion of each of the drop-carrier particles, while a second non-miscible solution (i.e., a continuous phase) associates with an exterior portion of each of the drop-carrier particles due to the specific chemical and/or physical properties of the interior and exterior regions of the drop-carrier particles. The combined drop-carrier particle with the dispersed phase contained therein is referred to as a particle-drop. The selective association results in compartmentalization of the dispersed phase solution into sub-microliter-sized volumes contained in the drop-carrier particles. The compartmentalized volumes can be used for single-molecule assays as well as single-cell, and other single-entity assays.

Abstract: Ligand-capped scattering nanoparticles, curable ink compositions containing the ligand-capped scattering nanoparticles, and methods of forming films from the ink compositions are provided. Also provided are cured films formed by curing the ink compositions and photonic devices incorporating the films. The ligands bound to the inorganic scattering nanoparticles include a head group and a tail group. The head group includes a polyamine chain and binds the ligands to the nanoparticle surface. The tail group includes a polyalkylene oxide chain.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition of a polyethylene glycol maleimide derivative and a polymerization inhibitor. In particular, the present invention provides a composition of an 8-arm polyethylene glycol maleimide derivative and a phenolic polymerization inhibitor. The ingredient and content of the polymerization inhibitor in the composition are reasonably chosen, thereby significantly increasing stability of the polyethylene glycol maleimide derivative, effectively avoiding the undesirable effect of gel solidifying due to polymerization during storage and transportation, and extending a pot life and shelf life of a product thereof.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a recombinant membrane span protein complex, comprising (1) a fusion protein, comprising a membrane span protein fused to a kinase domain, preferably a constitutive kinase and (2) a reporter construct comprising a polypeptide, interacting with the membrane span protein, fused to a reporter phosphorylation domain. The disclosure relates further to the uses of such membrane span protein complex for the detection of compounds that interact with the membrane span protein and for the screening and/or detection of inhibitors of the compound-membrane span protein interactions. In a preferred embodiment, the membrane span protein is a G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) and the method is used for the screening and/or detection of inhibitors of the ligand-receptor binding.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions of matter, methods and instruments for editing nucleic acids in live yeast cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides engineered human extracellular DNASE proteins (e.g., variants of DNASE1 (D1), DNASE1-LIKE 1 (D1L1), DNASE1-LIKE 2 (D1L2), DNASE1-LIKE 3 Isoform 1 (D1L3), DNASE1-LIKE 3 Isoform 2 (D1L3-2), DNASE2A (D2A), and DNASE2B (D2B)) that are useful for treating conditions characterized by neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) accumulation and/or release. In accordance with the invention, the DNase variant has advantages for therapy and/or large-scale manufacturing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rapid and high-sensitivity method to detect virus by qPCR nucleic acid amplification. A viral sample containing a RNA virus such as a corona virus is mixed with a virus preservation solution and a nucleic acid amplification reaction preparation (which can be in a lyophilized powder) to prepare the PCR-sample solution. The virus preservation solution can preserve the viral sample and prevent RNA degradation at room temperature for an extended period of time. No viral nucleic acid extraction step is needed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing notifications based on geofencing search results are provided. In particular, in response to a search query from a user, a plurality of search results can be determined. One or more physical search results having an associated geographic location can be determined from the plurality of search results. A geofencing search result can be generated for at least one of the physical search results. The geofencing search result can include data for establishing a geofence proximate to the geographic location by a user device associated with the user. Upon selection of the geofencing search result by the user, the geofence can be established by the user device. Upon detecting entry into the established geofence, the user device can provide one or more notifications associated with the geofence and/or the search query to the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing notifications based on geofencing search results are provided. In particular, in response to a search query from a user, a plurality of search results can be determined. One or more physical search results having an associated geographic location can be determined from the plurality of search results. A geofencing search result can be generated for at least one of the physical search results. The geofencing search result can include data for establishing a geofence proximate to the geographic location by a user device associated with the user. Upon selection of the geofencing search result by the user, the geofence can be established by the user device. Upon detecting entry into the established geofence, the user device can provide one or more notifications associated with the geofence and/or the search query to the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified guide RNAs and their use in clustered, regularly interspaced, short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas) systems.

Abstract: A porous material and preparation method thereof is provided. The material includes a material body. The body consists of pore cavities classified according to pore size of material and cavity walls surrounding to form the pore cavities. The lower-level pore cavities are arranged on the cavity walls of the upper-level pore cavities framed by surrounding a three-dimensional space. All the pore cavities are interconnected. The preparation method is: mixing raw powders with pore-forming agent for the smallest-level pore cavities of porous material to formulate slurry; uniformly filling the slurry into polymer material support to form green body and get dried and smashed to obtain mixed grains; uniformly mixing the mixed grains with pore-forming agent for upper-level pore cavities greater than the smallest-level pore cavities of porous material to make compact green body; performing vacuum sintering; performing the conventional follow-up treatment according to the raw materials process of porous material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a composition comprising monomeric conjugates from a sample, said conjugate comprising (a) a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of interleukin 15 or derivatives thereof, and (b) a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of the sushi domain of IL-15R? or derivatives thereof; wherein said method comprises the use of anion-exchange chromatography followed by a hydrophobic interaction chromatography; and to a pharmaceutical composition which can be obtained by such a method.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of gene products that are the result of tumor-associated expression and the nucleic acids encoding the same. The invention also relates to the therapy and diagnosis of diseases wherein these gene products are the result of an aberrant tumor-associated expression. The invention also relates to the proteins, polypeptides and peptides that are the result of tumor-associated expression and to the nucleic acids encoding the same.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with immunoglobulin (Ig)-like molecules or fragments thereof for use in treatment, prevention, or prevention of progression of adverse cardiac remodelling and conditions resulting from or relating to myocardial infarction and pressure-overload, such as heart failure, aneurysm formation and remote myocardial fibrosis and for use in improving angiogenesis, preferably after ischemic injury. The invention also provides nucleic acid molecules encoding said Ig-like molecules, vectors comprising same, and host cells comprising same.

Abstract: Fibronectin type III domains (FN3) that specifically bind to CD8A, related polynucleotides capable of encoding CD8A-specific FN3 domains, cells expressing the FN3 domains, as well as associated vectors, and detectably labeled FN3 domains are useful in therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

Abstract: There are disclosed compositions and methods for treating obesity using 5-D-fructose dehydrogenase. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions comprising a polymer backbone with protective chain and anionic groups, and a cationic therapeutic agent. The present invention is directed to compositions for treating infections, inflammatory diseases, excess growth, and damaged cells and organs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel library for the generation of muteins and to novel muteins derived from human lipocalin 2 (Lcn2, hNGAL) and related proteins that bind a given target with detectable affinity. The invention also relates to corresponding nucleic acid molecules encoding such a mutein and to a method for their generation. The invention further relates to a method for producing such a mutein. For example, such muteins may serve to bind and deplete pathological forms of natural biomolecules such as the amyloid beta peptide in Alzheimer's disease or may target the fibronectin extra-domain B, which is associated with tumor neovasculature.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions related to coagulation factor complexes comprising a coagulation factor; a fusion protein; and a modifying molecule, wherein the modifying molecule is coupled to the coagulation factor in such a way as to allow binding by the fusion protein, thereby creating a modified coagulation factor; wherein the modified coagulation factor and the fusion protein interact in at least two independent sites.

Abstract: An enzyme electrode includes an electrode, and a detection layer which contacts the electrode and contains a crosslinking agent, an electrically conductive macromolecule and an enzyme transferring and receiving electrons to and from the electrode and does not contain an electron transfer subunit.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the biological markers SAP, SHBG, Myoglobin, MMP-9, and SCF that are predictive for patient response to treatment with a vascular disrupting agent. In particular, the present disclosure relates to biological markers predictive for cancer patient response to treatment with a vascular disrupting agent, as well as methods of treating a cancer patient with a vascular disrupting agent.

Abstract: Means for enabling an immunoassay with a sufficient sensitivity in an immunoassay for measuring influenza virus in a sample using influenza virus M1 protein as an antigen is provided. A sample processing method in an immunoassay for influenza virus, which method comprises, in an immunoassay for influenza virus using an antibody which undergoes antigen-antibody reaction with influenza virus matrix 1 protein, or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, bringing a sample containing influenza virus into contact with a sample processing liquid containing a surfactant having at least one group selected from the group consisting of palmityl, stearyl, and oleyl, is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to guide RNAs comprising adaptor segments having one or more modifications, and their use in homologous recombination by CRISPR:Cas systems. The modified adaptor segments are resistant to degradation by RNaseH. The present invention also relates to a dual guide RNA strategy in which a first guide RNA directs a Cas enzyme to make a double-strand break at a first target sequence, and a second guide RNA comprises an adaptor segment attached to a donor polynucleotide, and binds a second target sequence that is offset from the first target sequence.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for reducing the antigenicity of molecules, wherein the molecule comprises a uricase. The antigenicity of a molecule may be reduced or eliminated by conjugating at least one branched polymer to the molecule to form a molecule-polymer conjugate. The branched polymer may include a backbone and a plurality of side chains, each side chain covalently attached to the backbone.

Abstract: A method for producing an examination reagent includes adding a helper ligand to an unfolded receptor protein in an initial solution so as to provide a pre-solution of the examination reagent with a folded receptor protein. The folded receptor protein comprises a bonded helper ligand which can be exchanged with an examination peptide.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the use of one or more proteins (e.g., globular proteins) having a low isoelectric point and/or a limited number (e.g., zero) of modifying groups in nucleic acid polymerization and/or amplification reactions such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for reducing the antigenicity of molecules. The antigenicity of a molecule may be reduced or eliminated by conjugating at least one branched polymer to the molecule to form a molecule-polymer conjugate. The branched polymer may include a backbone and a plurality of side chains, each side chain covalently attached to the backbone.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides target detection and quantification systems as well as related methods based on the use of steric hindrance (either created by the target itself or a macromolecular entity used to bind to the target) to prevent or limit the hybridizing between an anchoring oligonucleotide (associated to a substrate) and a signaling oligonucleotide or a combination of signaling oligonucleotides (capable of specifically binding the target or the macromolecular entity).

Abstract: This disclosure describes related novel methods for Recombinase-Polymerase Amplification (RPA) of a target DNA that exploit the properties of recombinase and related proteins, to invade double-stranded DNA with single stranded homologous DNA permitting sequence specific priming of DNA polymerase reactions. The disclosed methods have the advantage of not requiring thermocycling or thermophilic enzymes. Further, the improved processivity of the disclosed methods may allow amplification of DNA up to hundres of megabases in length.

Abstract: The various technologies presented herein relate to identifying whether an individual has taken, and/or is under the influence of, a restricted drug. A density separation technique is utilized, wherein a sample (e.g., blood, saliva, urine, etc.,) which may include an analyte is exposed to a first plurality of beads having an analyte attached thereto, a second plurality of beads having a metabolite-specific antibody attached thereto, and a plurality of fluorophore-labelled analyte-specific antibodies. After incubation, any analyte in the sample (e.g., delta-9-THC) is bound to the fluorophore-labelled analyte-specific antibodies, any free fluorophore-labelled analyte-specific antibodies are attached to the analyte of the first beads, and any metabolite in the sample is bound to the second antibody. By applying centrifugal separation, the first beads move to a region which undergoes irradiation.

Abstract: Genetically modified proteins with uricolytic activity are described. Proteins comprising truncated urate oxidases and methods for producing them, including PEGylated proteins comprising truncated urate oxidase are described.

Abstract: A low-cost cell culture device with low cytotoxicity and improved cell adhesion is described, manufactured by a simplified coating process. At least the portion for cell culture on the surface of the cell culture device is coated with at least one of ?-poly-L-lysine, further polymerized derivatives of ?-poly-L-lysine and their salts.

Abstract: The object is to provide a novel enzyme exhibiting cholesterol dehydrogenase activity. Provided is a mutant enzyme having an amino acid sequence of a microorganism-derived cholesterol oxidase, which is composed of: (1) an amino acid corresponding to the amino acid at the position 113 of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1; (2) an amino acid corresponding to the amino acid at the position 362 of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1; (3) an amino acid corresponding to the amino acid at the position 402 of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1; (4) an amino acid corresponding to the amino acid at the position 412 of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1; (5) an amino acid corresponding to the amino acid at the position 468 of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1; and others.