Abstract: A method of determining water quality of a water sample, comprising exposing the water sample to a test cell system; generating at least one profile of ensuing changes in activities of transcription factors in the test cell system in response to such exposing; and determining from the generated at least one profile the water quality of the water sample. Computer systems and kits for carrying out the water quality determination of water specimens are also described, in which water quality can be readily and accurately determined by transcription factor activity analysis.

Abstract: A fungal cell is capable of producing high levels of fatty acids and fatty acid-derived products. The fungal cell comprises at least one modification to the endogenous fatty acid metabolism.

Abstract: A method for scarless genome editing is disclosed. In particular, the method provides scarless genome modification by using homology directed repair (HDR) steps to genetically modify cells and remove unwanted sequences. This method can be used for genome editing, including introducing mutations, deletions, or insertions at any position in the genome without leaving silent mutations, selection marker sequences, or other additional undesired sequences in the genome.

Abstract: A Fim3-producing BPZE1 derivative with sufficiently stable fim3 expression to provide improved protection in mice against Fim3-only producing clinical B. pertussis isolates was developed. The fim3 expression in BPZE1f3 did not alter the protective efficacy against Fim2+ strains, nor against strains that produce neither Fim2 nor Fim3.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to pathogen resistant plants, compositions, organisms, systems, and methods. For example, a composition may comprise a heterologous peptide (e.g., a defensin peptide) and/or a nucleic acid (e.g., a defensin nucleic acid). A pathogen resistant plant may comprise, in some embodiments, a heterologous defensin peptide and/or an expressible nucleic acid encoding a heterologous defensin peptide.

Abstract: In one aspect, antibodies that specifically bind to a human Tau protein are provided. In some embodiments, an anti-Tau antibody recognizes an epitope within residues 111-125 of full-length human Tau, an epitope within residues 251-270 and/or residues 346-360 of full-length human Tau, or an epitope within residues 186-205 of full-length human Tau. In some embodiments, an anti-Tau antibody specifically binds to phosphorylated human Tau, unphosphorylated human Tau, and/or multiple splice isoforms of human Tau. An anti-Tau antibody disclosed herein may also include one or two modified Fc polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides a peptide of formula (I) or a pharmaceutical salt thereof wherein “m”, “n”, “p”, and “q” represent integers and are selected from 0 and 1; and “r” is comprised from 1 to 10; a linker birradical of formula (II), which is connecting an alpha carbon atom of an amino acid located at position “i” in the peptide sequence of formula (I) with an alpha carbon atom of an amino acid located at position “i+4” or “i+7” in the peptide sequence of formula (I); a C-terminal end corresponding to —C(O)R4; and a N-terminal end corresponding to —NHR5. Alternatively, the present invention provides a peptide or a pharmaceutical salt thereof which has an amino acid sequence with an identity from 85% to 95% with respect to sequence SEQ ID NO: 9: The peptides of the invention show anticancer activity.

Abstract: The disclosed compositions and methods provide an approach for the rational development of a nucleic acid vaccine. Methods are disclosed to deliver a viral genome, and/or a representative or derivative of such, that is attenuated but can, when co-delivered with unreplicable compensatory translational tools to a host cell, initially generate phenotypically wild-type, genetically attenuated viruses which infect subsequent cells and elicit a relevant and robust immune response. However, progeny of this initial generation, lacking the compensatory tools delivered to the initial host cells, are both phenotypically and genetically attenuated, thereby compromised in their ability to induce disease.

Abstract: Disclosed in the present invention is a recombinant Escherichia coli and application thereof. The recombinant Escherichia coli was deposited on Aug. 28, 2018 in the China General Microbiological Culture Collection Center with the preservation number CGMCC No. 16349. The recombinant Escherichia coli is fermented and cultured, and the concentration of Microcin J25 in the supernatant can reach 4000 mg/L or more.

Abstract: A perfect palindrome operator sequence-based protein expression system is provided. The expression system comprises a promoter; and a perfect palindrome operator sequence, wherein the promoter is not T7. The expression system is preferably employed for the production of recombinant proteins by fermentation.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for treating or reducing the severity or likelihood of occurrence of a parasitic worm or helminth infection in a subject are described. The methods include administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a recombinant bacterium expressing a crystal protein such as a Bacillus thuringiensis crystal protein (Cry). The crystal proteins may be full length, truncated, variant, or sub-variant Cry proteins. Examples of crystal proteins include Cry5B, Cry21, Cry14A, Cry6A, and Cry13A. The recombinant bacterium may be, for example, a Bacillus subtilis or other Gram-positive bacterium, for instance, a lactic acid fermenting bacterium such as Lactococcus or Lactobacillus. Related compositions and recombinant microorganisms are also described.

Abstract: This invention describes a method of using microbial to produce fats, such as fatty acids and their derivatives, or products derived from the fatty acid synthesis cycle, such as hydroxyfatty acids, methyl ketones, and the like.

Abstract: System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to transitioning a vehicle from an autonomous to a manual driving mode. One embodiment analyzes data from one or more vehicle sensors to detect, at a current vehicle position, features in a first detection region and a second detection region ahead of the vehicle; determines, for each of one or more hypothetical vehicle positions, which features detected at the current position, if any, lie within the first detection region at that hypothetical position; identifies, among the one or more hypothetical positions, at least one localization-failure position at which localization of the vehicle will fail due to insufficient features being detected within the first detection region at the at least one localization-failure position; and initiates a transition from the autonomous driving mode to the manual driving mode based, at least in part, on the at least one localization-failure position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to non-natural binding proteins comprising one or more non-natural immunoglobulin (Ig) binding domains wherein at least one non-natural lg-binding domain comprises the amino acid sequence X1 X2X3XiXsX5X7 XsQQX11AFYX1sX15LX1 sX19PX21 LX23X24X2sQRX28X2gf IQSLKDDPSXio SXi2Xi3Xi4LXi5EAXigKLXs2Xs3Xs4QXs5PX. The disclosure also relates to compositions such as affinity matrices comprising the non-natural Ig-binding proteins of the invention. Use of these Ig-binding proteins or of the compositions for affinity purification of immunoglobulins and to methods of affinity purification.

Abstract: Concentric flow focusing encapsulation devices and methods for production of microencapsulated droplets of a first core material surrounded by a second shell material include assessment of non-dimensional fluid dynamic parameters that are related to the characteristics of produced droplets. The parameters are specifically related to characteristics such as homogenous or non-homogenous modes of concentric droplet breakup, density distribution of various droplet sizes, and qualities such as monodispersity of droplets produced. By identifying control parameters in specific regions, control variables may be selected to produce droplets or particles with desired qualities.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a genetically modified host cell capable of producing linalool (or 3,7-dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-ol).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a peptide library capable of incorporating an arbitrary number of arbitrary proteinogenic and/or non-proteinogenic amino acids in an arbitrary site. The invention provides a method for producing a peptide library including 1×106 or more kinds of peptides containing amino acids encoded by N1N2N3, including a step of preparing an mRNA library including mRNAs which encode peptides of the peptide library and each contain at least one N1N2N3; and a step of translating each mRNA of the mRNA library in a cell-free translation system added with tRNA containing an anticodon to any one of N1N2N3 codons and charged with an amino acid corresponding to the codon (wherein, N1, N2, and N3 are each independently selected from adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and uracil (U) and an arbitrary amino acid is reassigned to each N1N2N3).

Abstract: Provided are wild-type, S252W mutant-type, and P253R mutant-type FGFR2b extracellular segments and truncated proteins thereof, coding genes of the foregoing proteins, a recombinant vector comprising the genes, a host cell, a method for preparing the proteins, and a fusion protein of the proteins and an Fc segment. Also provided are applications of the proteins and a composition comprising the proteins in treating eczema, acne, psoriasis, skin allergy, seborrheic dermatitis, or seborrheic alopecia.

Abstract: Provided are a platelet-derived growth factor B derivative, the encoding nucleic acid molecule thereof, and a vector and host cell having the nucleic acid molecule. Also provided are a preparation method for the mutant, and the use of the mutant in preparing medications for promoting cell division, cell proliferation, wound healing, skin regeneration, bone and tooth defect regeneration, and joint repair.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides enhancing neuronal outgrowth, particularly to peptides that enhance neurite outgrowth and their application.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Neisseria ORF2086 proteins, crossreactive immunogenic proteins which can be isolated from nesserial strains or prepared recombinantly, including immunogenic portions thereof, biological equivalents thereof, antibodies that immunospecifically bind to the foregoing and nucleic acid sequences encoding each of the foregoing, as well as the use of same in immunogenic compositions that are effective against infection by Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods for making a variety of products. The methods involve mixing sucker ring teeth (SRT) protein and a plasticizer or a solvent to obtain a mixture of the SRT protein and the plasticizer. When the SRT is mixed with a plasticizer it is heated to between 32° C. and 195° C. to obtain an SRT protein melt. The melt is used to form a wide variety of products. When the SRT is mixed with a solvent, such as an organic solvent or an aqueous solvent, a solution of the SRT protein is formed, and is subsequently used to forming a product from the solution, wherein the product contains SRT protein.

Abstract: A method for the expression of a protein of interest by a bacterium, notable in that it comprises the culturing of a bacterium temporarily or continuously expressing an Hsp protein, in that said bacterium also comprises a nucleic acid sequence, encoding a protein of interest, under the control of a lac promoter and in that said bacterium is cultured in a medium which does not contain IPTG or a metabolized molecule in such a way as to automatically induce the induction of transcription from the lac promoter.

Abstract: Described herein is an engineered Kluyveromyces marxianus cell, the cell comprising in its genome: (i) two different nucleic acid molecules that each contain a promoter operably linked to a gene encoding a functional enzyme, and (ii) a selection nucleic acid molecule that contains a promoter operably linked to a gene encoding a selectable marker, wherein all of the nucleic acids molecules of (i) and (ii) are in tandem and the engineered cell expresses all of the proteins encoded by the genes of (i) and (ii).

Abstract: Provided are a microorganism having an enhanced activity of alpha-ketoglutarate decarboxylase and a method of producing 4-hydroxybutyrate or 1,4-butanediol using the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of one or more terpenoids through microbial engineering, and relates to the manufacture of products comprising terpenoids.

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: The invention relates to an artificial nucleic acid molecule comprising at least one open reading frame and at least one 3?UTR element comprising a nucleic acid sequence which is derived from the 3?UTR of an albumin gene or from a variant of the 3?UTR of an albumin gene. The invention further relates to the use of such an artificial nucleic acid molecule in gene therapy and/or genetic vaccination. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a 3?UTR element comprising a nucleic acid sequence which is derived from the 3?UTR of an albumin gene or from a variant of the 3?UTR of an albumin gene for the stabilization and/or prolongation of protein expression from a nucleic acid sequence comprising such 3?UTR element.

Abstract: A method for refolding an antibody, a process for producing a refolded antibody, a refolded antibody, and uses thereof are provided. A method for refolding an antibody in a liquid phase comprises the steps of denaturing an inactive antibody binding directly or through a linker to a peptide, the peptide having an isoelectric point lower than the isoelectric point of the inactive antibody, and dispersing in a liquid phase the peptide-binding inactive antibody denatured in the step above. Also provided is a process for producing a refolded antibody.

Abstract: Methods for producing new neurons in the brain in vivo are provided according to aspects of the present invention which include introducing NeuroD1 into a glial cell, particularly into a reactive astrocyte or NG2 cell, thereby “converting” the reactive glial cell to a neuron. Methods of producing a neuronal phenotype in a glial cell are provided according to aspects of the present invention which include expressing exogenous NeuroD1 in the glial cell, wherein expressing exogenous NeuroD1 includes delivering an expression vector, such as a viral expression vector, including a nucleic acid encoding the exogenous NeuroD1 to the glial cell.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions, methods, and systems for the development and use of heparosan, a natural polymer related to heparin, as a new therapeutic modifying agent or vehicle which can modulate drug cargo pharmacokinetics and behavior within a mammalian patient.

Abstract: A method of forming an integrated circuit employs a plurality of layers formed on a substrate including i) n-type modulation doped quantum well structure (MDQWS) structure with n-type charge sheet, ii) p-type MDQWS, iii) undoped spacer layer formed on the n-type charge sheet, iv) p-type layer(s) formed on the undoped spacer layer, v) p-type etch stop layer formed on the p-type layer(s) of iv), and vi) p-type layers (including p-type ohmic contact layer(s)) formed on the p-type etch stop layer. An etch operation removes the p-type layers of vi) for a gate region of an n-channel HFET with an etchant that automatically stops at the p-type etch stop layer. Another etch operation removes the p-type etch stop layer to form a mesa at the p-type layer(s) of iv) which defines an interface to the gate region of the n-channel HFET, and a gate electrode is formed on such mesa.

Abstract: The present invention is related to anti-NPC2 monoclonal antibodies, which against NPC2 or glycosylated-NPC2; and is related to a method of detecting fatty liver tissues, cancer cells or cancer tissues by evaluating the expression level of NPC2 or glycosylated-NPC2 in the cells or tissues.

Abstract: The invention provides for methods for the production of mevalonate, isoprene, isoprenoid precursor molecules, and/or isoprenoids in cells via the heterologous expression of phosphoketolase enzymes.

Abstract: A peptide or peptidomimetic comprising an amino acid sequence based on conserved regions of IL10 or IFN-gamma receptor sequences, and related compounds and compositions, as well as methods for the use thereof to inhibit cytokine signaling.

Abstract: The invention relates to binding partners of the placental growth factor (or placenta growth factor, PlGF), especially antibodies directed against the placental growth factor, and production and use thereof.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for detecting C9ORF72 hexanucleotide (GGGGCC) (SEQ ID NO: 3) repeat expansion positive (C9+) frontotemporal lobar degeneration or C9+ amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. For example, methods and materials related to using anti-(GP)8 (SEQ ID NO: 2) antibodies to identify mammals (e.g., humans) having C9+ FTLD or C9+ ALS are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides Relaxin fusion polypeptides A-L-B with a non-wild type array of the Relaxin A-chain and Relaxin B-chain, wherein the A- and B-chains are connected by a linker peptide. The invention further provides Relaxin fusion polypeptides with extended half-life. Furthermore, the invention provides nucleic acid sequences encoding the foregoing fusion polypeptides, vectors containing the same, pharmaceutical compositions and medical use of such fusion polypeptides.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to detect a human CXCL1 protein with high sensitivity. An immunoassay method is provided for a human CXCL1 protein, by which human CXCL1 or a fragment thereof in a sample is measured using two or more types of anti-human CXCL1 monoclonal antibodies or fragments thereof, wherein: each of the two or more types of anti-human CXCL1 monoclonal antibodies or fragments thereof specifically recognizes any one of sequence regions of the amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NOS: 1-3, which are partial sequences of the amino acid sequence composing a human CXCL1 protein; and the two or more types of anti-human CXCL1 monoclonal antibodies or fragments thereof specifically recognize sequence regions that differ from each other. Monoclonal antibodies or fragments thereof are provided, each of which specifically recognizes any one sequence region of the amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NOS: 1-3 and has a new amino acid sequence.

Abstract: Strains of cyanobacteria that produce high levels of alpha ketoglutarate (AKG) and pyruvate are disclosed herein. Methods of culturing these cyanobacteria to produce AKG or pyruvate and recover AKG or pyruvate from the culture are also described herein. Nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides that function as ethylene-forming enzymes and their use in the production of ethylene are further disclosed herein. These nucleic acids may be expressed in hosts such as cyanobacteria, which in turn may be cultured to produce ethylene.

Abstract: The present invention provides expression vectors useful for high-throughput screening of gene libraries. In a specific embodiment, an expression vector comprising (a) the Rop gene operatively linked to the trp promoter-operator; (b) a purification tag sequence and a protease cleavage site downstream of the Rop gene; and (d) a multiple cloning site downstream of the protease cleavage site, wherein the insertion of a heterologous gene of interest into the multiple cloning site and subsequent expression thereof in a host cell produces a high yield of a fusion protein comprising the Rop protein and the protein encoded by the heterologous gene of interest without the need of chemical inducers, temperature shifts, or growth medium alterations to initiate protein synthesis, and wherein the fusion protein controls plasmid replication at temperatures below about 30° C. but exhibits runaway plasmid replication when cultured at about 37° C.

Abstract: A mutant bacterial acetolactate synthase (AHAS I) which is resistant to feedback inhibition by L-valine is described. Also described is a method for producing branched-chain L-amino acids using a bacterium from the Enterobacteriaceae family wherein the L-amino acid productivity of said bacterium is enhanced by the use of the acetolactate synthase (AHAS I) which is resistant to feedback inhibition by L-valine. This acetolactate synthase contains a mutant small subunit encoded by the mutant ilvN gene.

Abstract: A method of producing isopropyl alcohol includes: culturing an isopropyl alcohol-producing Escherichia coli under a bacterial cell growth condition in which the Escherichia coli stably proliferates in an isopropyl alcohol production period while continuously supplying a substrate solution to a culture tank and continuously removing a product-containing culture solution from the culture tank, the substrate solution containing a plant-derived raw material, the number of cells of the isopropyl alcohol-producing Escherichia coli in the culture tank being maintained during the culturing, and the isopropyl alcohol-producing Escherichia coli having isopropyl alcohol production ability introduced or modified by genetic recombination; bringing the isopropyl-alcohol-producing Escherichia coli into contact with the plant-derived raw material in the culture tank to produce isopropyl alcohol; and recovering the isopropyl alcohol produced by the isopropyl alcohol-producing Escherichia coli from the culture solution that co

Abstract: A reagent is provided for the detection of an exotoxin protein produced by a beta-hemolytic streptococcus bacteria suspected of being present in a host biological fluid collected from a subject. An enzyme inhibitor is present to inhibit rogue protein modification of the substrate to prevent a false positive result of the color change. A kit is provided that is readily usable by an untrained user and merely requires that an element of the kit be contacted with a biological sample and thereafter no further actions are required by the user before a discernable color change is observed with visible or UV light and a positive/negative results reference card.

Abstract: The invention provides transgenic Escherichia coli cells comprising a mutation in cydAB gene, and/or cyoABCD gene, and/or cbdAB gene, and/or ygiN gene, wherein the mutation reduces (preferably, but not necessarily, by 100%) the cytochrome oxydase activity of a protein encoded by cydAB gene, and/or cyoABCD gene, and/or cbdAB gene, and/or ygiN gene. In a preferred embodiment, the mutation is a deletion of the cydAB gene, cyoABCD gene, and cbdAB gene. In another embodiment, the mutation is a deletion of the cydAB gene, cyoABCD gene, cbdAB gene, and ygiN gene.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a microorganism capable of producing ethane-1,2-diol from D-xylose, and a method for producing ethane-1,2-diol using the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to an engineered Escherichia coli (E. coli) prepared by knocking out a D-xylose isomerase gene and/or an aldehyde dehydrogenase gene within the genomic DNA of E. coli and transforming an expression vector including a D-xylose dehydrogenase gene into the E. coli, and an efficient method for producing ethane-1,2-diol from D-xylose using the engineered E. coli.

Abstract: Antibodies which are antagonists of the human HGF receptor (MET), wherein the antibodies specifically bind to amino acid residues 568-741 of human MET (SEQ ID No: 1) with high affinity.

Abstract: Mutant fibroblast growth factor (FGF) proteins having a polypeptide sequence with a high sequence identity to proteins encoded by members of the Fgf-1 subfamily of genes from a mammalian species, such as human, and with a specific amino acid substitution of an alanine at a position corresponding to amino acid position 66 of human FGF-1 with a cysteine and/or a specific amino acid substitution of a phenylalanine at a position corresponding to amino acid position 132 of human FGF-1 with a tryptophan (based on the 140 amino acid numbering scheme of human FGF-1) are provided. Other amino acid mutations or substitutions may be combined. Polynucleotide sequences encoding the mutant FGF proteins and host cells containing such polynucleotide sequences are provided. Methods of administering a mutant FGF protein to an individual to treat an ischemic condition or disease or a wound or tissue injury are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microorganisms of Escherichia coli having enhanced L-tryptophan productivity and to a method for producing L-tryptophan using the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to an Escherichia coli variant in which repression and attenuation control of the tryptophan operon is released and accumulation of anthranilate is reduced and thereby enhancing L-tryptophan productivity. The present invention also relates to a method for producing L-tryptophan using the Escherichia coli variant.

Abstract: Disclosed are a stable recombinant cell clones which are stable in serum- and protein-free medium for at least 40 generations, a biomass obtained by multiplying the stable cell clone under serum- and protein-free culturing conditions, and a method of preparing recombinant proteins by means of the biomass. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of recovering stable recombinant cell clones.