Abstract: Recombinant phages that infect and kill bacterial hosts in response to user-defined inputs are provided. The components that encode the user-defined inputs can be combined, such that multiple inputs are maintained on a single recombinant phage, enabling precise control over the targeting strategy. The phages can be engineered to kill a specific bacterial species or multiple species simultaneously. Recombinant phages can also be engineered to harbor fluorescent and bioluminescent reporter genes that enable them to be used for tracking, detection, and in biosensing applications. Recombinant phages can also be used to lyse bacterial cells that produce recombinant proteins, as a rapid method to enable extraction and high-level purification of potentially valuable and/or industrially important proteins. Systems are provided that can be used to control the activity of a protein of interest, by taking advantage of an interaction between Qtip and a phage repressor protein.

Abstract: In one aspect, a composition for topical application is provided. The composition comprises a base. Dispersed within the base is elemental silver as a colloidal suspension, and plant extract from at least 6 plants. The plants are selected from the group consisting of Echinacea purpurea, Stellaria media, Aloe vera, Matricaria recutita, Hypericum perforatum, Calendula officinalis, Equisetum arvense, Symphytum officinale, Panax ginseng, Rumex crispus, Arctium lappa, Trifolium pratense, Chelidonium majus, Thuja occidentalis, Urtica dioica, Mahonia aquifolium, and Galium aparine.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns amplification primers, hybridization assay probes, compositions containing such primers and probes, and associated reagents, kits, and methods, that can be used to analyze samples for the presence of Influenza A virus, Influenza B virus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus A, and/or Respiratory Syncytial Virus B target nucleic acids.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus 10 for storing and/or processing at least one medium 11, in particular a bioprocessing device, comprising at least one disposable container 1, which is designed to accommodate at least some of the at least one medium 11, and at least one overpressure protection means 5, which is fluid-connected to the at least one disposable container 1. The at least one overpressure protection means is designed, when triggered, to conduct at least some of the at least one medium 11 into an apparatus region 3a? in front of the overpressure protection means 5 in relation to a flow direction F, in particular into the at least one disposable container 1 and/or into at least one further, second container 1a.

Abstract: Provided are compositions related to HSD17B13 variants, including nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides related to variants of HSD17B13, and cells comprising those nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides. Also provided are methods related to HSD17B3 variants. Such methods include methods for detecting the presence of the HSD17B13 rs72613567 variant in a biological sample comprising genomic DNA, for detecting the presence or levels of any one of variant HSD17B13 Transcripts C, D, E, F, G, and H, and particularly D, in a biological sample comprising mRNA or cDNA, or for detecting the presence or levels of any one of variant HSD17B13 protein Isoforms C, D, E, F, G, or H, and particularly D, in a biological sample comprising protein. Also provided are methods for determining a subject's susceptibility to developing a liver disease or of diagnosing a subject with liver disease.

Abstract: A peptide synthesis instrument can be used for small scale peptide synthesis. The instrument can include several unique features, including a compression style reaction vessel permitting quick setup of the reaction vessel, a double reaction vessel system permitting efficient mixing without loss of solvent or solvent-to-resin contact, gravity-fed heated reservoirs establishing a fixed volume for delivery to the reaction vessel, fume-free solvent addition permitting solvent addition to fixed bottles, and an improved amino acid manifold assembly which reduces the number of components and increases the ease of use of the instrument. Each of these features improve upon the current state of the art in solid phase automated peptide synthesizers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fields of medicine, cell biology, molecular biology and genetics. In particular, the present invention provides methods to isolate and purify microvesicles from cell culture supernatants and biological fluids. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions of microvesicles to promote or enhance wound healing, stimulate tissue regeneration, remodel scarred tissue, modulate immune reactions, alter neoplastic cell growth and/or mobility, or alter normal cell growth and/or mobility. The present invention also provides compositions of microvesicles to be used as diagnostic reagents, and methods to prepare the compositions of microvesicles.

Abstract: An expression vector containing appropriate mitochondrion-targeting sequences (MTS) and appropriate 3?UTR sequences provides efficient and stable delivery of a mRNA encoding a protein (CDS) to the mitochondrion of a mammalian cell. The MTS and 3?UTR sequences guide the CDS mRNA from the nuclear compartment of the cell to mitochondrion-bound polysomes, where the CDS is translated. This provides an efficient translocation of a mature functional protein into the mitochondria. A method of targeting mRNA expressed in the nuclear compartment of a mammalian cell to the mitochondrion is also provided. The vector and methods can be used to treat defects in mitochondrial function.

Abstract: Flow control mechanisms control the direction and flow rate of synthesis reagent through one or more synthesis reaction vessels for automated solid phase synthesis. Selectable, known, and reproducible positive or negative pressure differentials (?5 to +10 psi) accomplish controlled, bidirectional (forward and reverse) flow of synthesis reagents through synthesis media contained within the reaction vessels. Venturi-based vacuum apparatus, valves, electronic pressure regulators and compound digital pressure gauge, can be added to automated solid phase synthesis instruments to provide, control, and monitor known, selectable, reproducible negative and positive pressures to one or both valve sealable and un-sealable ends (inlets and outlets) of the reaction vessel as needed to generate and reverse said pressure differentials between the opposite ends of said synthesis reaction vessels, yielding controlled forward and backward flows of synthesis reagents through the synthesis media.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for performing droplet-based high throughput sequencing upon genomic DNA of single cells (e.g., individual sperm). The instant disclosure provides a droplet that includes: i) a mammalian cell nucleus; and ii) a microbead presenting attached oligonucleotides, where the attached oligonucleotides include a nucleic acid sequence capable of hybridization and capture of genomic DNA and a microbead identification sequence that is common to all oligonucleotides attached to the microbead, where the mammalian cell nucleus is accessible to the microbead-attached oligonucleotides to an extent sufficient to allow for genomic DNA capture and amplification of genomic DNA to occur within the droplet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a system for the isolation and purification of nucleic acids from nucleic acid-containing material using a modified porous material containing cationic groups in a solid-liquid phase system. In some embodiments, the present invention is capable of obtaining nucleic acids with sufficient purity and quantity in a relatively simple way to enable accurate subsequent analysis or processing. In some embodiments, the liquid phase comprises an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS), comprising a first phase and a second phase, and the solid phase comprises a porous material, wherein the two phases travel through the porous material. In some embodiments, the nucleic acids enter the pores of the porous material and subsequently travel through the porous material while preferentially partitioning into one of the phases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biomarkers and diagnostic and prognostic methods for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. The invention also provides compositions for detecting the biomarker as well as compositions and methods useful for treating Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Abstract: A composition for strengthening skin barrier or improving skin barrier function is able to improve objective indicators related to the protection of skin barrier, the strengthening of skin barrier, and/or the improvement of skin barrier function. The composition exhibits the effects of increasing the amount of ceramides, dihydroceramides and sphingoid bases, increasing the activities of enzymes that are involved in the synthesis thereof, and decreasing the activities of enzymes that are involved in the degradation thereof. In addition, the composition is able to restore skin barrier function by reducing TSLP, IL-4, and IL-13 which are closely associated with skin barrier damage, and thus interrupting a vicious circle in which the lipids and proteins contributing to skin barrier decrease.

Abstract: Methods of producing single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acids (ssDNAs) are provided. Aspects of the methods include generating a double stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (dsDNA) and then selectively degrading one strand of the dsDNA to produce a ssDNA. ssDNAs produced using methods of the invention find use in a variety of applications, including genomic modification applications. Also provided are compositions, e.g., kits, that find use in practicing various embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to breeding methods to enhance the germplasm of a plant. The methods describe the identification and accumulation of preferred haplotype genomic regions in the germplasm of breeding populations of maize (Zea mays) and soybean (Glycine max). The invention also relates to maize and soybean plants comprising preferred haplotypes.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing hepatitis virus infection or a hepatitis disease condition in a subject based on hepatitis virus-associated biomarkers present on exosomes in a bodily fluid sample from the subject is disclosed. Also disclosed are a method for monitoring the course of a hepatitis virus infection or a hepatitis disease condition in a subject and a method for monitoring effectiveness of treatment to a subject with an anti-hepatitis virus agent based on hepatitis virus-associated biomarkers present on exosomes in bodily fluid samples from the subject, as well as a kit for diagnosing hepatitis virus infection and/or a hepatitis disease condition in a subject based on hepatitis virus-associated biomarkers on exosomes in bodily fluid samples from the subject.

Abstract: Proposed is a method of easily finding an error during analysis of various library sequences of nucleic acid base sequences after synthesizing a gene library using a combination of three nucleic acid base sequences (codon) translated into the same protein. This shows that it is possible to create a gene library having the same protein sequence but different nucleic acid base sequences. The present disclosure provides a novel experimental method capable of measuring a correlation between gene expression according to change in a codon by changing the usage of a codon optimized to express a specific gene in vivo.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure provides proteins with modified glycosylation and methods of their production. In aspect, the disclosure provides transgenic animals and cells for the production of proteins with modified glycosylation. In some embodiment, the modified glycosylation is increased sialylation.

Abstract: A portable and mobile bioprocessing system and method for protein manufacturing that is compact, integrated and suited for on-demand production of any type of proteins and for delivery of the produced proteins to patients or for assay purposes. The portable system and method can also be used for efficient on-demand production of any type of protein with point-of-care delivery.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatus, compositions, methods, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed relating to the optimization and production of biological components for use in biohybrid photosensitive devices and systems and other applications. In some embodiments, biologically derived components are disclosed having properties and/or characteristics that are optimized for applications of interest relative to corresponding components derived from naturally occurring organisms. In some embodiments, properties and/or characteristics of biological components are optimized by subjecting organisms and/or populations thereof to forced adaptation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a HSP27 mutation (S135F) mediated Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) animal model. Particularly, the vector expressing mutant HSP27 protein wherein the 135th serine is substituted with phenylalanine has been injected in the mouse zygote and then the mouse harboring the expression vector was selected. The selected mouse was confirmed to display Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease phenotype, so that the animal model was expected to be efficiently used for the evaluation of the effect of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease treating material candidates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a CD81 and OCLN double transgenic mouse and its construction method and use. The double transgenic mouse can be used to constitute acute and chronic HCV infection in a mouse model.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods to modify at least one target locus in a plant cell, comprising, providing a plant cell with one or more target loci and one or more donor loci, followed by induction of homologous recombination between homologous regions of at least one target locus and at least one donor locus by at least one rare cleaving nuclease. The present invention related also to target loci, donor loci and nuclease loci used in these methods, and plant cells, plants and plant parts comprising these target loci, donor loci, nuclease loci and/or the recombined loci.

Abstract: Transgenic seed for crops with enhanced agronomic traits are provided by trait-improving recombinant DNA in the nucleus of cells of the seed where plants grown from such transgenic seed exhibit one or more enhanced traits as compared to a control plant. Of particular interest are transgenic plants that have increased yield. The present invention also provides recombinant DNA molecules for expression of a protein, and recombinant DNA molecules for suppression of a protein.

Abstract: The present application relates to glycoengineered outer membrane vesicles obtained from recombinant, gram-negaetive bacteria comprising hetereologous DNA encoding an enzyme or enzymes that produce a heterologous glycan that replaces all or a portion of the naturally-occurring O antigen in the lipopolysaccharides of the bacteria. Also provided by the present application are immunogenic compositions and vaccines prepared from the glycoengineered outer membrane vesicles expressing the heterologous glycans at their surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to recombinant microalgal cells and their use in heterologous protein production, methods of production of heterologous polypeptides in microalgal extracellular bodies, microalgal extracellular bodies comprising heterologous polypeptides, and compositions comprising the same.

Abstract: A method of recovering a target from a sample is provided. The method comprises the adding a substrate coupled binding element to the sample comprising the target to form a substrate coupled binding element-target complex; precipitating the complex by changing one or more environmental conditions of the substrate and recovering the target and the substrate coupled binding-element under mild conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioreactor system characterized by its capacity in cultivating cells in all three states: static, dynamic, or alternating between static and dynamic states in the same cell culture container or containers, with the even distribution of cells in cell static culture following a dynamic culture. In the invented bioreactor system, the combined application of the magnetically controlled agitation and the cell culture container inversion as well as the combined application of the vertical rotating culture and horizontal static culture are the two strategies in building ideal bioreactors for the cell culture alternating between static and dynamic states in the same cell culture container, which can minimize the sheer-stress and provide cells an ideal metabolic environment.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein pertain to cells, and methods for preparing cells, that can be used as biocatalysts by altering enzymes that compete for a substrate or product of a pathway of interest such that the targeted enzyme is sensitive to a site-specific protease, which protease is expressed but relocated in the cell to a site where it is not in contact with the targeted enzyme in the intact cell. Upon cell lysis, the protease contacts the target enzyme, which is then inactivated by protease cleavage.

Abstract: The present application relates to extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from gram-positive bacteria. In detail, the present application provides animal models of disease using extracellular vesicles derived from gram-positive bacteria, provides a method for screening an active candidate substance which is capable of preventing or treating diseases through the animal models of disease, provides vaccines for preventing or treating diseases caused by extracellular vesicles derived from gram-positive bacteria, and provides a method for diagnosing the causative factors of diseases caused by gram-positive bacteria using extracellular vesicles.

Abstract: In one aspect, a composition can include an organelle, and a nanoparticle having a zeta potential of less than ?10 mV or greater than 10 mV contained within the organelle. In a preferred embodiment, the organelle can be a chloroplast and the nanoparticle can be a single-walled carbon nanotube associated with a strongly anionic or strongly cationic polymer.

Abstract: To produce a bacterial microcompartment shell, or a designed shell based on naturally occurring bacterial microcompartment shells in a new host organism, a synthetic operon is constructed that contains the desired shell protein genes and translation efficiency is controlled by host specific ribosomal binding sites. Proteins or other molecules can be encapsulated in the microcompartment shells by various methods described herein. The constructs can also be used to express self-assembling sheets comprised of shell proteins.

Abstract: There is provided a novel gelator containing a sugar derivative. A gelator including a compound of Formula (1) or Formula (2): wherein each of R1 and R3 is independently a linear or branched alkyl group having a carbon atom number of 1 to 20, a cyclic C3-20 alkyl group, or a linear or branched alkenyl group having a carbon atom number of 2 to 20, n is 0 or an integer of 1 to 4, R2 is a hydrogen atom, a linear or branched alkyl group having a carbon atom number of 1 to 10, or an aryl group optionally having a substituent, and R4 and R5 are each a hydroxy group.

Abstract: A noble metal adsorption agent includes algae or residue of algae having an amino group as a functional group. A noble metal is retrieved by a method including: adsorbing the noble metal on the noble metal adsorption agent; and retrieving the noble metal. The noble metal is solved in a liquid. Thus, by using the noble metal adsorption agent, the noble metal is selectively retrieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a population of monodisperse magnetic nanoparticles with a diameter between 1 and 100 nm which are coated with a layer with hydrophilic end groups. Herein the layer with hydrophilic end groups comprises an inner layer of monosaturated and/or monounsaturated fatty acids bound to said nanoparticles and bound to said fatty acids, an outer layer of a phospholipid conjugated to a monomethoxy polyethyleneglycol (PEG) comprising a hydrophilic end group, or comprises a covalently bound hydrophilic layer bound to said nanoparticles.

Abstract: The invention relates to engineered Herpes simplex virus (HSV) particles that are targeted to one or more specific binding pair members, such as receptors. Also, recombinant vectors for producing such HSV particles are provided. By reducing the affinity of HSV for its natural receptor(s) and increasing the affinity for a selected receptor, the HSV particles of the invention are useful for targeting cells that express the selected receptor, which itself may be a product of genetic engineering. The ability to selectively target cells render the HSV particles. particularly useful in selectively diagnosing, treating, and imaging cells bearing the selected binding pair member, such as a receptor. The invention also provides for polynucleotide-based therapy to cells bearing the selected binding pair member such as a receptor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-genetic, detergent-free, bacteria-free method for reprogramming a eukaryotic cell, in particular for obtaining induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS), by using engineered microvesicles carrying at least one reprogramming transcription factor, wherein said engineered microvesicles are virus-free.

Abstract: The disclosure relates cells or cellular systems that express both a membrane protein and a binding domain directed to the membrane protein. Also, methods are provided that use such cells or cellular systems to produce higher amounts of the membrane proteins. Further, the cells or cellular systems can be used as tools for the structural and functional characterization of membrane proteins, as well as for screening and drug discovery efforts targeting membrane proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel bacteria and the uses thereof. The invention particularly relates to bacteria having a metabolic pathway ratio between Pentose phosphate and glycolysis greater than 0.5, and their uses in the chemical, pharmaceutical or agro-chemical industries, e.g., for producing compounds of industrial interest.

Abstract: A device for use in laser optical transfection of biological targets including an optofluidic microdevice and a piece of optical glass. The optofluidic microdevice has a central vertical outlet and a microchannel network that includes a plurality of entrapping channels with narrowings. The microchannel network is fused with the optical glass. In one aspect the device is used with a petri dish having an optical window. In another aspect the device is used with a well plate having a plurality of wells and associated optical windows. In a third aspect the device is used with a barrier. Each of the aspects forms a peripheral space around the optofluidic microdevice capable of retaining a live culture of biological targets and material that is desired to be injected into those biological targets. Polymer tubing is inserted into the central vertical outlet which connects the device to an external pump.

Abstract: The present invention discloses transgenic seeds for crops with enhanced agronomic traits are provided by trait-improving recombinant DNA in the nucleus of cells of the seed where plants grown from such transgenic seed exhibit one or more enhanced traits as compared to a control plant. Of particular interest are transgenic plants that have increased yield. The present invention also provides recombinant DNA molecules for expression of a protein, and recombinant DNA molecules for suppression of a protein.

Abstract: Microvesicles containing interfering RNAs, preparation methods and uses thereof are provided. Pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising the microvesicles containing interfering RNAs are also provided. Microvesicles containing interfering RNAs, pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising such microvesicles can be used to study the effects of interfering RNAs on receptor cells. As microvesicles containing interfering RNAs can stably, high efficiently and specifically deliver interfering RNAs, microvesicles containing interfering RNAs can be used to treat related diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immuno-protective and non-toxic Gram-negative bleb vaccine suitable for paediatric use. Examples of the Gram-negative strains from which the blebs are made are N. meningitidis, M. catarrhalis and H. influenzae. The blebs of the invention are improved by one or more genetic changes to the chromosome of the bacterium, including up-regulation of protective antigens, down-regulation of immunodominant non-protective antigens, and detoxification of the Lipid A moiety of LPS.

Abstract: Provided are human miRNAs associated with the generation of immunological tolerance during pregnancy as well as fragments, derivatives and variants thereof for use in immunomodulation. Said miRNAs may be used in diagnosis and treatment of disorders associated with a deregulated immune response, autoimmune disorders, pregnancy associated diseases, failure or problems of placentation and complications resulting from allotransplantations. In addition, new pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions for use in diagnosis and therapy of said disorders are described.

Abstract: Described herein are compounds and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, which modulate the activity of store-operated calcium (SOC) channels. Also described herein are methods of using such SOC channel modulators, alone and in combination with other compounds, for treating diseases or conditions that would benefit from inhibition of SOC channel activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to means and methods to protect against disease caused by bacteria belonging to the genus Chlamydia. In particular, the present invention relates to isolated B- and T-cell epitopes derived from the major outer membrane protein of Chlamydia psittaci which can be used against an infection with a species of the genus Chlamydia. More in particular, the invention provides a vaccine which can be used against chlamydiosis caused by Chlamydia psittaci in birds and man. In addition, the invention relates to a diagnostic method to diagnose the latter infections.

Abstract: The present invention is in the fields of nanotechnology and biomimetics. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of modified ribosomes to produce biomimetic structures. These biomimetic structures, also known as directed element polymers, are not produced by traditional industrial means but instead are produced by living systems comprising modified ribosomes.

Abstract: Provided herein are cells, vectors and viruses in association with a mutant polypeptide that has emerged in response to a therapeutic or prophylactic agent; compositions comprising such cells, vectors and viruses and methods for their use in eliciting an immune response to the mutant polypeptide. In some examples, the immune response is a cellular immune response.

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.

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.