Abstract: Assay methods for preparing a biomolecule analyte includes hybridizing a sequence specific oligonucleotide probe to a biomolecule template and reacting the resulting analyte with a binding moiety.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the automated detection and/or counting of micro-objects in a microfluidic device. In addition, methods are provided for repositioning micro-objects in a microfluidic device. In addition, methods are provided for separating micro-objects in a spatial region of the microfluidic device.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide lipid particles which have low cytotoxicity, can stably hold nucleic acid molecules outside cells, and can promptly release nucleic acids in cytoplasm after escaping from endosome, and a nucleic acid delivery carrier. According to the present invention, there are provided lipid particles containing a compound represented by the following General Formula (1), sterol, at least one lipid selected from the group consisting of a neutral lipid and a lipid having a polyethylene glycol chain, and nucleic acids, and a nucleic acid delivery carrier. In the formula, R1 and R2 are the same as or different from each other, and are alkyl groups having 10 to 22 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A hydrogel material composition includes: (1) an alginate (or other cross-linking polymer) material; (2) an optional ?-hydroxy carboxylate material; and (3) an iron cation material. The hydrogel material composition with or without the ?-hydroxy-carboxylate material may be used in a photolithographic imaging application or a photorelease application within the context of a photoirradiation induced reduction/oxidation reaction of an iron (III) cation material to form an iron (II) cation material.

Abstract: The compositions and methods disclosed herein pertain to the manufacture and use of hydrogels. The disclosed compositions and methods pertain to hydrogels capable of induction by a variety of methodologies, such as by pH, salt and/or mixing. Such hydrogels are capable of self- or co-assembly and while doing so, may entrap a variety of bioactive agents in their native form, such as proteins, DNA, RNA and the like. The hydrogels of the present invention also demonstrate rapid sheer-responsiveness. The hydrogels of the present invention are biodegradable, biocompatible and useful as a biomaterial or drug-delivery device.

Abstract: Compositions that include nanoscale structured materials or precursors thereof (e.g., self-assembling peptides) are described. The compositions can include other substances (e.g., a vasoconstrictor). Also described are methods for using the compositions to promote hemostasis, to protect the skin or wounds from contamination, to decontaminate a site upon removal of previously applied compositions that provided a protective coating, and to inhibit the movement of bodily substances other than blood. The compositions are also useful in isolating tissue, removing tissue, preserving tissue (for, e.g., subsequent transplantation or reattachment), and as bulking, stabilizing or hydrating agents. Medical devices that include the compositions (e.g., a stent or catheter), bandages or other wound dressings, sutures, and kits that include the compositions are also described.

Abstract: Compositions that include nanoscale structured materials or precursors thereof (e.g., self-assembling peptides) are described. The compositions can include other substances (e.g., a vasoconstrictor). Also described are methods for using the compositions to promote hemostasis, to protect the skin or wounds from contamination, to decontaminate a site upon removal of previously applied compositions that provided a protective coating, and to inhibit the movement of bodily substances other than blood. The compositions are also useful in isolating tissue, removing tissue, preserving tissue (for, e.g., subsequent transplantation or reattachment), and as bulking, stabilizing or hydrating agents. Medical devices that include the compositions (e.g., a stent or catheter), bandages or other wound dressings, sutures, and kits that include the compositions are also described.

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: A system and method are described for electroporating a sample that utilizes one or more sets of electrodes that are spaced apart in order to hold a surface tension constrained sample between the electrodes. The first electrode is connected to the lower body of the system while the second electrode is connected to the upper body. Both electrodes are connected to a pulse generator. Each electrode has a sample contact surface such that the first electrode and the second electrode may be positioned to hold a surface tension constrained sample between the two sample contact surfaces and the sample may receive a selected electric pulse.

Abstract: A method of forming a hybridoma cell includes acoustically focusing antibody producing cells in a first channel having a first acoustic field so as to produce a single file line of antibody producing cells; acoustically focusing immortal cells in a second channel having a second acoustic field so as to produce a single file line of immortal cells; flowing the acoustically focused single file lines of antibody producing cells and immortal cells to a third channel having a third acoustic field configured to bring at least one antibody cell and at least one immortal cell into close enough proximity to permit them to fuse; and fusing the antibody producing cell and the immortal cell together by at least one of a chemical and an electrical means to form at least one hybridoma cell.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for non-invasively measuring changes in a specimen suspected of containing one or more microbes, by monitoring changes in the dielectric constant of the specimen caused by metabolic processes of such microbes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for improving the efficiency of the production of hybridomas, e.g., through enrichment of IgG expressing B cells. Also disclosed are hybridoma compositions produced using these methods as well as methods for producing antibodies with the hybridomas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dendritic cell-based vaccine by fusing a canine tumor cell and an allogeneic dendritic cell, and a method for preparing the same. The fusion cells expressing canine tumor antigens are generated by fusing canine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells and canine tumor cells. The canine immune system can be induced to produce tumor specific T lymphocytes and natural killer cells when the fusion cells used as a vaccine is injected into a canine body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell fusion chamber in which two types of cells having different diameters are fused, the cell fusion chamber including: a cell fusion region in which cell fusion is carried out; a pair of electrodes formed by a conductor and disposed opposite to each other in the cell fusion region; and a partition wall having at least one fine pore; near the fine pore, a cell fusion device including a cell fusion container containing a cell fusion region; a pair of electrodes; a spacer; and an insulator disposed between the spacer and one of the electrodes and having at least one fine pore; and an electronic power supply which applies an alternating voltage and a voltage pulsed direct current to the electrodes, and a cell fusion method using the same.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the manipulation and/or control of the position of particles using time-variable fields of force; the fields of force can be of dielectrophoresis (positive or negative), electrophoresis, electrohydrodynamic or electrowetting on dielectric, possessing a set of stable points of equilibrium for the particles.

Abstract: Two or more biological micro-objects can be grouped in a liquid medium in a chamber. Grouping can comprise bringing into and holding in proximity or contact the micro-objects in a group, breaching the membrane of one or more of the micro-objects in a group, subjecting one or more of the micro-objects in a group to electroporation, and/or tethering to each other the micro-objects in a group. The micro-objects in the group can then be combined into a single biological object.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns an electroporation buffer that allows for enhanced transfection efficiency and cell viability of cells during application of an electric current. Buffers of the invention provide for maximum transfer of target particles into cells while maintaining the health and growth potential of the cell population. Compositions of the invention comprise electroporation buffers of approximately physiological ionic strength and pH, and having serum or purified proteins, such as serum albumin, added thereto. The subject invention is suitable for use with any cell type. The subject invention also concerns methods of electroporation using an electroporation buffer of the invention.

Abstract: The method disclosed herein, relates generally to introducing molecules such as biomolecules (e.g., nucleic acids) into a filamentous fungus. More specifically, the methods disclosed herein relate to introducing one or more nucleic acids into a filamentous fungus.

Abstract: An efficient and simplified method for preparing and sorting fused cells is described herein. This approach yields fused cells useful in a variety of applications, including clinical treatment regimens, as cellular modulators of the immune system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for selective electrofusion of at least two fusion partners having cell-like membranes and cellular or subcellular dimensions, comprising the following steps: A) the fusion partners are brought into contact with each other and B) an electrical field of a strength sufficient to obtain fusion and highly focused on the fusion partners is applied. The fusion partners are independently selected from the group consisting of a single cell, a liposome, a proteoliposome, a synthetic vesicle, an egg cell, an enucleated egg cell, a sperm cell at any development stage and a plant protoplast.

Abstract: A microdevice for fusing cells, the microdevice including: a substrate; a first electrode array including a plurality of first electrodes, and disposed on the substrate; a microwell array including a plurality of microwells formed respectively at locations corresponding to the plurality of first electrodes, and disposed on the first electrode array; a second electrode disposed above the plurality of microwells, and including a microchannel having a predetermined height; inlet and outlet holes mutually spaced apart from the microchannel; and a power supply unit applying voltage to the plurality of first electrodes and the second electrode. Accordingly, a cell trapped in the microwell and a cell disposed on the microwell are aligned in a line between the first and second electrodes, and thus the two cells having different traits are smoothly fused in a one-to-one manner when an electric shock is applied to the two cells.

Abstract: A microdevice for fusing cells including: a membrane with a plurality of pores having a diameter smaller than the smallest diameter among the first kind of cells and second kind of cells; a first chamber where the first cell is located and a second chamber where the second cell is located, wherein the membrane is disposed therebetween; a first electrode combined to the first chamber; a second electrode combined to the second chamber; and a power generator applying a voltage to the first and second electrodes. Accordingly, the first and second cells across the membrane may be arranged in a one-to-one manner between the first and second electrodes, and thus the first and second cells having different traits may be smoothly fused in a one-to-one manner when electric signals are sequentially applied thereto.

Abstract: A microdevice for fusing cells including: a microchannel layer including a main microchannel and a plurality of sub-microchannels branched from one end of the main microchannel; a plurality of first electrodes formed on one side of the main microchannel; a plurality of second electrodes formed on the other side of the main microchannel and each second electrode facing the each of the first electrodes; a thin film disposed on the microchannel layer and covering the main microchannel; an upper cover including an air inflow passage for connecting a top of the thin film and the outside of the microdevice; and a power supply unit for applying voltage to the plurality of first and second electrodes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for selective electrofusion of at least two fusion partners having cell-like membranes and cellular or subcellular dimensions, comprising the following steps: A) the fusion partners are brought into contact with each other and B) an electrical field of a strength sufficient to obtain fusion and highly focused on the fusion partners is applied. The fusion partners are independently selected from the group consisting of a single cell, a liposome, a proteoliposome, a synthetic vesicle, an egg cell, an enucleated egg cell, a sperm cell at any development stage and a plant protoplast.

Abstract: A system and method are described for electroporating a sample that utilizes one or more sets of electrodes that are spaced apart in order to hold a surface tension constrained sample between the electrodes. The first electrode is connected to the lower body of the system while the second electrode is connected to the upper body. Both electrodes are connected to a pulse generator. Each electrode has a sample contact surface such that the first electrode and the second electrode may be positioned to hold a surface tension constrained sample between the two sample contact surfaces and the sample may receive a selected electric pulse.

Abstract: A fluidic device for cell electroporation, cell lysis, and cell electrofusion based on constant DC voltage and geometric variation is provided. The fluidic device can be used with prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells. In addition, the device can be used for electroporative delivery of compounds, drugs, and genes into prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells on a microfluidic platform.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the delivery of interfering RNAs that silence APOB expression to liver cells. In particular, the nucleic acid-lipid particles provide efficient encapsulation of nucleic acids and efficient delivery of the encapsulated nucleic acid to cells in vivo. The compositions of the present invention are highly potent, thereby allowing effective knock-down of APOB at relatively low doses. In addition, the compositions and methods of the present invention are less toxic and provide a greater therapeutic index compared to compositions and methods previously known in the art.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing a primate oocyte in vitro. The methods include removing nuclear DNA from a recipient primate oocyte from a first primate in a manner that does not lower levels of maturation promoting factor (MPF) to form an enucleated recipient primate oocyte. The recipient primate oocyte is enucleated using a non-UV-based spindle imaging system. Nuclear genetic material or DNA including chromosomes from a donor primate oocyte arrested at metaphase II from a second primate is isolated in the form of the karyoplast and introduced into the enucleated recipient primate oocyte. Introduction of the chromosomes is performed using a fusogenic agent or electroporation to produce a hybrid oocyte.

Abstract: An electroporation cuvette is constructed with electroporation electrodes arranged in non-parallel relation to form a gap whose width varies with the location within the cuvette, plus a pair of positioning electrodes that are arranged to cause electrophoretic migration of biological cells within the cuvette according to cell size. Once the cells, suspended in a solution of the impregnant, are distributed in the cuvette by the positioning electrodes, electric field pulses are generated by the non-parallel electroporation electrodes. Because of their distribution in the cuvette, the various cells will experience voltage differentials across their widths that approach uniformity regardless of cell diameter, since the larger cells will be positioned at locations where the gap between the electrodes is greater and the smaller cells at locations where the gap is relatively small while the voltage drop across the entire gap is uniform along the length of the cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrofusion microelectrode made of a tube having a first proximal end and a second distal end. The tube has an electrically conductive coating on its exterior surface that extends continually from the first proximal end of the tube toward the second distal end of the tube. Also disclosed is an electrofusion microelectrode unit having an electrofusion microelectrode and a holding tool capable of receiving the electrofusion microelectrode at the second distal end of the tube. The present invention also relates to a system having two or more electrofusion microelectrodes of the present invention and to methods of manipulating cells and/or cellular components using the electrofusion microelectrodes, units, and systems of the present invention.

Abstract: Chamber for treating cells contained in a suspension in the electrical field with a beaker made from electrically non-conductive material, into which an elongate core made from electrically non-conductive material is at least partially inserted axially through an opening, between the beaker and the core a gap being present to receive the suspension; at least two electrodes made from electrically conductive material arranged on the outer face of the core facing the gap, between which an electrical field can be created to treat cells in a suspension contained in the gap by applying a voltage; the thermal expansion coefficient of the material of the electrodes and of the material of the core being matched with one another such that the electrodes do not substantially alter their position relative to the core in the temperature range from ambient temperature to temperatures reached during autoclaving and/or sterilising.

Abstract: Described is a method for method for transferring material through the membrane of at least one cell, wherein the transfer is carried out in the presence of trehalose. This method is applicable in particular in the field of genetic engineering and biotechnology.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the pea line designated 08550848. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pea line 08550848, and to methods for producing a pea plant produced by crossing a plant of pea line 08550848 with itself or with another pea plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of pea line 08550848, including the seed, pod, and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the pea line designated 08530731. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pea line 08530731, and to methods for producing a pea plant produced by crossing a plant of pea line 08530731 with itself or with another pea plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of pea line 08530731, including the seed, pod, and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the dry bean line designated 08520700. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of dry bean line 08520700, and to methods for producing a dry bean plant produced by crossing a plant of dry bean line 08520700 with itself or with another dry bean plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of dry bean line 08520700, including the pods and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the dry bean line designated 08530714. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of dry bean line 08530714, and to methods for producing a dry bean plant produced by crossing a plant of dry bean line 08530714 with itself or with another dry bean plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of dry bean line 08530714, including the pods and gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for protecting a human patient or a mammalian animal to be subjected to chemotherapy treatment of a tumor not residing in the scalp of the patient or the skin of the animal against chemotherapy-induced alopecia, comprising administering to the scalp of the patient or the skin of the animal an effective amount of a composition comprising a chemical inducer of the stress protein response sufficiently prior to the administration of a chemotherapeutic drug. It also relates to pharmaceutical compositions for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced alopecia. It further relates to a method for protecting a human patient or a mammalian animal to be subjected to chemotherapy treatment of a tumor not residing in the scalp of the patient or the skin of the animal against chemotherapy-induced alopecia, comprising administering to the scalp of the patient or the skin of the animal an effective heat dose sufficiently prior to the administration of a chemotherapeutic drug.

Abstract: There is provided a human myeloma cell tine for use in a method for producing a human monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: Interleaving circuit for a multiband OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) transceiver of a ultra wide band wireless personal access network transmitting OFDM modulated symbols, wherein each OFDM symbol consists of a predetermined number (NCBPS) of encoded bits, said interleaving circuit comprising a symbol interleaving unit which receives an input bitstream of encoded bits and permutes adjacent bits of said input bitstream across different OFDM symbols; an intra-symbol tone interleaving unit which receives the bits permuted by said symbol interleaving unit and permutes adjacent bits of each OFDM symbol across uncorrelated data sub-carriers; and an intra-symbol cyclic shift unit which shifts cyclically NCBPS bits of each OFDM symbol in response to a shift value (K) which is changed between adjacent OFDM symbols.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrofusion microelectrode used in the alignment, manipulation, fusion, or electroporation of cells. This device is particularly useful for transplantation of cells and cellular components.

Abstract: An polyampholyte is utilized in a condensed polynucleotide complex for purposes of nucleic acid delivery to a cell. The complex can be formed with an appropriate amount of positive and/or negative charge such that the resulting complex can be delivered to the extravascular space and may be further delivered to a cell.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for electromanipulation of at least one cell or cell-like structure having cell-like membranes, the method comprising the steps: (a) at least one cell or cell-like structure is transported from one or more sample containers located on a chip through microchannel(s) located on said chip into a chamber located on said chip, wherein said chamber contains electrode(s) connected to a voltage generator, wherein said microchannel provides a fluid contact between the sample containers, (b) said cell or cell-like structure(s) is placed close to said at least one electrode, and (c) an electrical field is applied and focused on said cell or cell-like structure(s), said electrical field being of a strength sufficient to obtain pore-formation or fusion of said at least one cell or cell-like structure with another cell or cell-like structure(s) present in said chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for muting expression of an endogenous gene in an animal cell, the muting resulting from providing a transgene to a cell. Expression of which transgene is undetectable. The transgene comprises the muting nucleic acid, which is substantially homologous to a portion of the endogenous gene. The portion of the endogenous gene provided on the transgene can be from the 5?-untranscribed end, from the 3? untranscribed end, from an exon or an intron in the coding portion, or from a portion that overlaps any of these portions. Methods are provided for obtaining muting nucleic acid, and for screening for molecules that can mute the gene, and for molecules that can alleviate muting of the gene.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus adapted to facilitate the entry of a preselected molecule into the intracellular space of a cellular sample through the use of ions generated by a corona charge source. With the present method and apparatus, molecules are manipulated within cells and in the extracellular space surrounding the cells. Manipulation enhances the permeability of cell barriers to allow the subsequent introduction of molecules of interest into the interior of a cell.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a method of treating biological cells prior to subjecting the biological cells to cell fusion pulses which includes the step of treating the biological cells with pre-fusion electric field waveforms which change amplitude in a non-linear way with respect to time, such that the biological cells are first aligned with a relatively low amplitude, long duration pre-fusion electric field waveform and then compressed with a relatively high amplitude, short duration pre-fusion electric field waveform resulting in increased cell membrane contact prior to being subjected to cell fusion. The non-linear pre-fusion electric field waveforms can change in a stepped way, in a continuous way, in a sigmoidal way, with step-wise increasing waveforms in adjacent steps, with step-wise increasing waveforms in non-adjacent steps, and in accordance with non-linear algorithms.

Abstract: An polyampholyte is utilized in a condensed polynucleotide complex for purposes of nucleic acid delivery to a cell. The complex can be formed with an appropriate amount of positive and/or negative charge such that the resulting complex can be delivered to the extravascular space and may be further delivered to a cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a donor cell for nuclear transfer using electro-stimulation and a membrane antigen marker, and a method for producing clone animals using the same. Particularly, the present invention provides a method for improving productivity of clone animals and knock-out animals using electro-stimulated donor cells and/or undifferentiated donor cells.

Abstract: Methods for the production of nuclear transfer embryos, nuclear transfer embryos and animals derived therefrom are described. The method generally comprises at least the steps of: providing at least one enucleated recipient cell; providing at least one donor cell or nucleus; providing a fusion media which is substantially free of calcium; placing said at least one enculeated recipient cell and at least one donor cell or nucleus in contact with one another to form couplets; and, fusing via electrofusion in said fusion media said at least one recipient cell with at least one donor cell or nucleus to form a nuclear transfer embryo.

Abstract: The present invention provides a purified and isolated nucleic acid encoding mycobacterial isocitrate lyase, as well as mutated forms of the nucleic acid. Further provided are purified and isolated isocitrate lyase proteins and mutated isocitrate lyase proteins. Additionally, the present invention provides vectors which comprises nucleic acid sequences encoding mycobacterial isocitrate lyase and mutated forms of this nucleic acid, as well as host cells containing these vectors. Also provided is a mycobacterium containing one or more mutations in its isocitrate lyase gene. Further provided by the present invention are agents that inhibit the activity or expression of a mycobacterial lyase protein, a method of identifying these, and a method of producing them. Finally, the present invention also provides a method of identifying genes required for persistence of mycobacteria.

Abstract: The invention provides insulin secreting human pancreatic cell lines and a process for their production from the electrofusion of normal human islet cells with immortal human cell lines to generate hybrid fusion cells which are able to produce insulin. The invention also provides uses for cell-lines.