Abstract: A medical apparatus and method of preparing one or more cell blocks. The medical apparatus comprises at least one elongate tubular body having a proximal end and a distal end and a filter membrane disposed between the proximal end and a distal end of the elongate tubular body. The filter membrane, which can include alignment features and structural features to engage the tubular body, and/or cover, is sectionable. Additionally, in some embodiments a second elongate tubular body is provided which telescopingly receives at least a portion of the first elongate tubular body. In other embodiments, a support member is provided for engaging the filter membrane and positioning the filter membrane at a midpoint of the elongate tubular body during centrifuging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation and use of variants of the group 5 allergen of the Pooideae which are characterised by reduced IgE reactivity compared with the known wild-type allergens and at the same time by substantially retained reactivity with T lymphocytes. These hypoallergenic allergen variants can be employed for the specific immunotherapy (hyposensitisation) of patients having grass pollen allergy or for the preventative immunotherapy of grass pollen allergies.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, methods of manufacture, process and uses for diagnosing, preventing, inhibiting, and treating the development and proliferation of diseases and disorders associated with Okadaella gastrococcus (Og) bacterial infection in a patient.

Abstract: A device comprising at least one electrode and at least one cell such as Anabaena variabilis cyanobacteria disposed on said electrode for producing ammonia. A layer of polymer, such as ion exchange polymer, can be used to help immobilize the cells. Whole cells or partially disrupted cells can be used. A method and a system for producing ammonia, comprising contacting at least one cyanobacteria such as Anabaena variabilis cyanobacteria with a media with an electrochemical perturbation is disclosed. The potential enhances ammonia production.

Abstract: Improved methods for the separation and isolation of bioactive polyelectrolytes, such as humic acid, fulvic acid, ulmic acid, and humin, from any one or a combination of naturally occurring or synthetically produced humified organic matter (HOM) are described. The methods involve the application of an electromagnetic field to an aqueous slurry of the HOM to thereby separate one or more bioactive polyelectrolyte fractions from the remaining of the HOM. Related systems and isolated bioactive polyelectrolyte fractions are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a micro-organism comprising a hydrogenase enzyme system which is capable of converting carbon dioxide into formic acid and a second enzyme system which is capable of converting formic acid into aliphatic carboxylic acids having a chain length of five or more carbon atoms. Also described are various methods for producing oil, as well as other aspects of the invention.

Abstract: A method for decomposing a target nucleic acid polymer, comprising: bonding a probe nucleic acid polymer and a microparticle to form a probe nucleic acid polymer-bonded microparticle, adding a target nucleic acid polymer to the probe nucleic acid polymer contained within the probe nucleic acid polymer-bonded microparticle to form an addition microparticle, and energizing the microparticle contained within the addition microparticle into a high-energy state and then using energy transfer from this high-energy state microparticle to decompose the target nucleic acid polymer.

Abstract: Single-use closed bioreactors with recirculating exhaust gas that can be operated in an uncontrolled environment are reported for the manufacturing of biological products using genetically modified biological cultures that produces carbon dioxide or that requires carbon dioxide in their metabolic process.

Abstract: There is described a material comprising tapes, ribbons, fibrils or fibers characterized in that each of the ribbons, fibrils or fibers have an antiparallel arrangement of peptides in a ?-sheet tape-like substructure wherein the material comprises a pair of self assembling complementary polypeptides.

Abstract: The systems and methods described provide for reducing sludge generation, and thus sludge wasting and handling, by including an anaerobic completely stirred tank reactor (CSTR) as a bioreactor in a side-stream. The CSTR provides a significant simplification of side-stream treatment design, enhanced sludge minimization, and enhanced removal of nitrogen and phosphorous without the need to add organic carbon. The described systems and methods provide generation of biogas including both hydrogen and methane from the activated sludge system. The described systems and methods avoid complex reactor designs for nutrient removal.

Abstract: The present application relates to systems and methods for processing organic material. The methods may include extraction of biochemical nutrients from organic material, such as food scraps. The method can include comminuting the organic material to form a slurry from components comprising liquid and organic material; combining the slurry with microorganisms, such as a yeast, under aerobic conditions to form a mixture of the slurry and yeast; aerating the mixture; and forming a biomass and a nutrient-rich broth, in which the biochemical nutrients are stabilized and anabolized. The systems may, in some embodiments, be configured to perform the methods of processing organic materials.

Abstract: To provide a pharmaceutical product or food which has an excellent fat-accumulation-inhibiting activity and/or fat-metabolism-improving activity and which is effective for inhibition or improvement of obesity, fatty liver, etc. The present invention provides an agent for preventing or ameliorating obesity containing, as an active ingredient, cells of a lactic acid bacterium belonging to the genus Pediococcus, a cell culture thereof, or an extract of any of these.

Abstract: Substance productivity is improved by introducing a metabolic pathway for synthesis of acetyl-CoA or acetic acid from glucose-6-phosphate into yeast. Acetic acid productivity, acetyl-CoA productivity, and productivity of a substance made from acetyl-CoA-derived are improved by attenuating genes involved in the glycolytic system of yeast and introducing a phosphoketolase gene into the yeast.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high solids aqueous mineral and/or filler and/or pigment suspensions in acidic pH environment, to a method for producing such high solids aqueous mineral and/or filler and/or pigment suspension to the use of the high solids aqueous mineral and/or filler and/or pigment suspension in paper making, paper coating, plastic, agricultural and/or paint applications and as filler in paper and to a coating color formulation comprising the high solids aqueous mineral and/or filler and/or pigment suspension.

Abstract: In alternative embodiments, the invention provides compositions, e.g., formulations, used for gastric, gastrointestinal and/or colonic treatments or lavage, e.g., orthostatic lavage, e.g., for inducing the purgation (e.g., cleansing) of a gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including a colon; and methods for making and using them. In alternative embodiments, compositions and methods of the invention are used for the stabilization, amelioration, treatment and/or prevention of constipation, for the treatment of abdominal pain, particularly non-specific abdominal pain, and diarrhea, including diarrhea caused by a drug side effect, a psychological condition, a disease or a condition such as Crohn's Disease, a poison, a toxin or an infection, e.g., a toxin-mediated traveler's diarrhea, or C. difficile or the pseudo-membranous colitis associated with this infection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition comprising revivable dehydrated micro-organisms. The invention is characterized in that it further comprises particles at least 50% of which have a mean diameter greater than 250 ?m. The invention is applicable, in particular, to human or veterinary pharmaceuticals, to dietetics or to food products.

Abstract: An apparatus to promote gas-liquid contact and facilitate enhanced mass transfer. The dispersed bubble reactor (DBR) operates in the dispersed bubble flow regime to selectively absorb gas phase constituents into the liquid phase. The dispersion is achieved by shearing the large inlet gas bubbles into fine bubbles with circulating liquid and additional pumped liquid solvent when necessary. The DBR is capable of handling precipitates that may form during absorption or fine catalysts that may be necessary to promote liquid phase reactions. The DBR can be configured with multistage counter current flow sections by inserting concentric cylindrical sections into the riser to facilitate annular flow. While the DBR can absorb CO2 in liquid solvents that may lead to precipitates at high loadings, it is equally capable of handling many different types of chemical processes involving solids (precipitates/catalysts) along with gas and liquid phases.

Abstract: The present invention provides microbial strains, in particular yeast strains, that produce at least 0.1 mg per g biomass dry weight of a sphingoid base. The present invention further provides a method to obtain sphingoid base-producing microbial strains comprising incubating a population of microbial cells in the presence of a suitable concentration of a toxin, selecting cells that are resistant against said toxin, and isolating cells out of the toxin-resistant cell population that produce at least 0.1 mg per g biomass dry weight of the sphingoid base of Formula I. Optionally, the method further comprises subjecting a population of toxin-resistant microbial cells that produce at least 0.1 mg per g biomass dry weight of the sphingoid base of Formula I to DNA-mediated transformation with a polynucleotide encoding an enzyme of the sphingolipid metabolic pathway. The present invention further provides a polypeptide having dihydroceramide desaturase activity obtainable form Pichia ciferrii.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioreactor (1) comprising a reactor vessel (41) having a mixing chamber (3) separated by a partition (44) from a reaction chamber (2) located generally above the mixing chamber (3), the mixing chamber (3) having an inlet system (4) for influent or a mixture of influent and recycled material, wherein the inlet system (4) has an outlet opening (60-64) in the mixing chamber (3). In an embodiment the partition (44) has an opening (66) forming a connection between the mixing chamber (3) and the reaction chamber (2), wherein the outlet opening (60-64) of the inlet system (4) is directed at the opening in the partition. In an embodiment the mixing chamber (3) has a skeleton for reinforcing the mixing chamber.

Abstract: The present disclosure features methods relating to conducting a stem cell technology business such as a regenerative medicine business based on induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and cells differentiated from iPSCs. The present disclosure also provides a database of iPSC-derived cells and methods of using the database for tracking customers and samples, as well as methods for marketing and running the business.

Abstract: The present application relates to systems and methods for processing organic material. The methods may include extraction of biochemical nutrients from organic material, such as food scraps. The method can include comminuting the organic material to form a slurry from components comprising liquid and organic material; combining the slurry with microorganisms, such as a yeast, under aerobic conditions to form a mixture of the slurry and yeast; aerating the mixture; and forming a biomass and a nutrient-rich broth, in which the biochemical nutrients are stabilized and anabolized. The systems may, in some embodiments, be configured to perform the methods of processing organic materials.

Abstract: A method of providing an animal food having an active. A Probiotic animal food having a low water activity that can be contained within a package having a low vapor transmission rate. The animal food can have a shelf life sufficient to deliver a target dose of Probiotic to an animal. The water activity of the animal food can be controlled. The activity level of the Probiotic can be controlled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a bacterium having an high indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) content for solubilizing phosphate rock (PR) in the ground, wherein said bacterium is obtained by transformation with a gene encoding an agent able to increase the IAA content.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the general field of microbiology, and more specifically to transfer, inoculation and/or streaking of micro-organisms, e.g. for the purpose of obtaining individual colonies. Provided is a method for streaking a microbial sample onto a solid carrier, comprising the steps of: a) contacting at least one ferromagnetic particle with a solid carrier, followed or preceded by providing the particle with at least part of said sample, and b) applying a magnetic field gradient to allow for magnetically controlled motion of said particle on said surface, such that at least part of the sample is streaked onto the solid carrier. Also provided is an apparatus for carrying out such method in an (semi-)automated fashion.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing ammonia or ammonium from an organic material by fermenting a medium comprising organic material in the presence of a mixed bacterial population capable of ammonification, wherein the fermenting is under conditions, and for a sufficient period of time, to produce a fermentation product that comprises ammonia or ammonium. The organic material includes nitrogenous compounds suitable for conversion to ammonia or ammonium.

Abstract: The engineering of a pathway converting CH4 to acetate and eventually to liquid fuels is disclosed. The engineered pathway involves an engineered reversal of the natural pathway for acetate conversion to CH4 by microbes and coupling the engineered pathway to existing and future technologies for microbial or chemical conversion of acetate to liquid fuels. In one aspect, methods for producing modified pathways and/or microbes are provided. In another aspect engineered microbes, including Methanosarcina acetivorans, that incorporate the engineered pathway are provided, which can mediate conversion of CH4 to acetate for ultimate conversion to liquid fuels. In a further aspect, specific modifications to the components of the pathway are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a micro-organism comprising a hydrogenase enzyme system which is capable of converting carbon dioxide into formic acid and a second enzyme system which is capable of converting formic acid into aliphatic carboxylic acids having a chain length of five or more carbon atoms. Also described are various methods for producing oil, as well as other aspects of the invention.

Abstract: A recombinant micro-organism producing resveratrol by a pathway in which phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) produces trans-cinnamic acid from phenylalanine, cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H) produces 4-coumaric acid from said trans-cinnamic acid, 4-coumarate-CoA ligase (4CL) produces 4-coumaroyl CoA from said 4-coumaric acid, and resveratrol synthase (VST) produces said resveratrol from said 4-coumaroyl CoA, or in which L-phenylalanine- or tyrosine-ammonia lyase (PAL/TAL) produces 4-coumaric acid, 4-coumarate-CoA ligase (4CL) produces 4-coumaroyl CoA from said 4-coumaric acid, and resveratrol synthase (VST) produces said resveratrol from said 4-coumaroyl CoA. The micro-organism may be a yeast, fungus or bacterium including Saccharomyces cerevisiae, E. coli, Lactococcus lactis, Aspergillus niger, or Aspergillus oryzae.

Abstract: Intermolecular disulfide stabilized foldon polypeptides are provided.

Abstract: Luminescent labels based on aromatic and heterocyclic compounds, including reactive intermediates used to synthesize these compounds, and methods of synthesizing and using these reporter compounds. These labels combine high photostabilities, large Stokes' shifts and contain a pyrimidinium moiety as a water-soluble group. These luminescent compounds relate generally to the following structure: The methods relate generally to the synthesis and/or use of reporter compounds for fluorescence lifetime or fluorescence polarization based applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides Thermococcus onnurineus MC02 strain (accession no. KCTC12511BP) having increased hydrogen production ability, wherein the expression of rchA gene of the strain increases. Also, the present invention provides a method for producing the strain belonged to the genus Thermococcus having increased hydrogen production ability comprising, increasing the expression of rchA gene of the strain, and hydrogen production method using the strain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant cells and microorganisms of the phylum Labyrinthulomycota and their use in heterologous protein production. Novel promoter, terminator, and signal sequences for efficient production and, optionally, secretion of polypeptides from recombinant host cells and microorganisms are also encompassed by the present invention.

Abstract: Provided are therapeutic compositions containing Ecobiotic™ populations for prevention, treatment and reduction of symptoms associated with a dysbiosis of a mammalian subject such as a human.

Abstract: Methods for increasing C18 to C20 elongation conversion efficiency and/or ?4 desaturation conversion efficiency in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid [“LC-PUFA”]-producing recombinant oleaginous microbial host cells are provided herein, based on over-expression of acyl-CoA:lysophospholipid acyltransferases [“LPLATs”] (e.g., Ale1, LPAAT, LPCAT). Production host cells and oils produced by the methods of the invention are also claimed.

Abstract: A method processes a stable emulsion having components from whole-cell biotransformations such as cells, soluble cell components, organic solvents and/or water. In this connection, the emulsion, which is stable after the biotransformation, is mixed with further parts of organic phase, and subsequently the mixture is continuously stirred until a catastrophic phase inversion of the emulsion takes place while mixing; subsequently, this phase-inverted mixture is transferred to a settling container, where the phases of the emulsion separate from one another and can be separated from one another.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical collapsible mixing vessel, comprising: a) a flexible plastic film side wall, a top wall and a bottom wall, wherein both the top wall and the bottom wall are attached to the side wall and the side, top and bottom walls define an inner volume of the vessel; b) an agitator located in the inner volume and; c) at least one vortex breaker made from flexible plastic film, located in the inner volume and attached to the bottom wall and/or the side wall via string elements, wherein said vortex breaker extends along the side wall and inwards in a generally radial direction.

Abstract: A bacterial spore comprising a modified prkC protein, wherein the extracellular domain of the modified prkC protein binds an agent which is not bound by the extracellular domain of the wild-type prkC protein, and wherein the agent is a germinant that stimulates germination of the bacterial spore, or a bacterial spore comprising a modified gerA protein, wherein the gerA protein has been modified such that the spore undergoes germination in the presence of a germinant which does not stimulate germination of a bacterial spore comprising wild-type gerA protein.

Abstract: Provided herein are modified, functional 5? amplification sequences that are defective packaging signals. Also provided are compositions and methods comprising these modified 5? amplification sequences.

Abstract: The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms having a propylene pathway. The invention additionally provides methods of using such organisms to produce propylene.

Abstract: A method of bioassay for the quantification of peptide fragments comprising a neo-epitope formed by cleavage ofmimecan, a protein of an atherosclerotic plaque, by a proteinase, said comprises contacting a sample such as urine or serum with an antibody reactive with the neo-epitope and determining the level of binding of said immunological binding partner to peptide fragments in said sample. The assay is predictive of risk of cardiovascular disease events.

Abstract: The invention relates to the enrichment of photosynthetic microorganisms in organic selenium using selenohydroxy acid compounds, in particular 2-hydroxy-4-methylselenobutanoic acid, in D or L form, or an enantiomer, salt or ester or amide derivative of these compounds, and also to the use of the microorganisms thus enriched in animal or human nutrition, in cosmetics or in pharmacy.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for culturing cells which may comprise two or more culture compartments and a pooling compartment, wherein each of said two or more culture compartments may be separated from the other culture compartments; each of said two or more culture compartments which may comprise a port for the addition or removal of medium; and the pooling compartment communicates with said two or more culture compartments. The present invention also relates to a stand for apparatus for culturing cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the genetic manipulation of Algal cells. The compositions and methods allow enhanced transfer of genetic material into Algal cells and the cloning and selection of genetically modified cells. Expression of proteins encoded by the genetic material will be enhanced by the methods and compositions of the invention.

Abstract: Genetically engineered microorganisms that produce fatty alcohols from a sugar source by way of the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway, as well as methods of their use are provided.

Abstract: A non-naturally occurring microbial organism includes a microbial organism having a 1,3-butanediol (1,3-BDO) pathway having at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a 1,3-BDO pathway enzyme expressed in a sufficient amount to produce 1,3-BDO.

Abstract: TRFs useful for identifying strains of interest are provided. A method of identifying one or more strain that can be used as a direct-fed microbial is also provided. One or more strain identified by the method is additionally provided. A method is also provided for administering to an animal an effective amount of the one or more strain. Additionally provided is an isolated strain chosen from at least one of Lactobacillus acidophilus strain P1B c6 (NRRL B-50103), Lactobacillus salivarius strain o246e 33w (NRRL B-50102), Pediococcus acidilactici strain o246e 42 (NRRL B-50171), and Pediococcus acidilactici strain P1J e3 (NRRL B-50101). An isolated strain having all of the identifying characteristics of one of the strains listed above is also provided. One or more strain can be administered as a direct-fed microbial to an animal. Methods of preparing a direct-fed microbial are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are hereby disclosed for reducing the numbers of E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella or other pathogens in an animal. The methods include administering to the animal a lactic acid producing bacterium at a relatively low dosage in combination with a lactate utilizing bacterium, followed by administration of the lactic acid producing bacterium at a relatively high dosage. The disclosed methods help achieve pre-harvest food safety and enhance feed performance while keeping the total cost relatively low. The preferred lactic acid producing bacterium is Lactobacillus acidophilus/animalis and the preferred lactate utilizing bacterium is Propionibacterium freudenreichii.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to host cells containing a recombinant polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide where the polypeptide transports cellodextrin into the cell. The present disclosure further relates to methods of increasing transport of cellodextrin into a cell, methods of increasing growth of a cell on a medium containing cellodextrin, methods of co-fermenting cellulose-derived and hemicellulose-derived sugars, and methods of making hydrocarbons or hydrocarbon derivatives by providing a host cell containing a recombinant polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide where the polypeptide transports cellodextrin into the cell.

Abstract: A method for studying a biological sample in a biochip (“lab-on-a-chip”) is disclosed. In at least one embodiment of the method, a biological sample is introduced into the biochip, the sample is subjected to at least one preparation step and, at the end of a measurement cycle, the concentration of a particular analyte is measured. The concentration of a marker substance, which for example is a reaction substance involved in a preparation step, is furthermore measured. A corresponding biochip is further disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microorganism producing L-methionine precursor, O-acetylhomoserine, and a method of producing L-methionine precursor using the microorganism.