Abstract: Disclosed herein are highly sensitive immunoassays that utilize a capture/release mechanism to reduce non-specific binding and achieve detection with attomolar-level sensitivity. Kits that can be used for carrying out these highly sensitive immunoassays are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, inter alia, are compositions and methods for efficient amplification and sequencing of nucleic acid templates.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated peptide of SEQ ID NO: 1 needed for primase active as well as new replicative DNA polymerase enzymes, preferably that of SEQ ID NO: 2, comprising said peptide. Thus, these DNA polymerases are endowed with priming activity and do not require externally provided primers for initiating and performing DNA amplification. These polymerases are able to carry out a faithful and processive de novo DNA synthesis of DNA templates in the absence of pre-synthetized primers. Therefore, these enzymes of the invention act both as primases and DNA polymerases. Furthermore, they show translesion synthesis capacity, so that they may be useful not only for whole-genome amplification but also for the amplification of damaged DNAs. The invention further refers to methods for amplifying templates DNAs using these enzymes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, in part, modulators of prostate-specific G-protein receptor (OR51E2/PSGR) and methods of treating, preventing, and diagnosing prostate cancer using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates in part to compositions and methods for treating a wound, or location of interest, in mammal by administering a decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) lacking thrombospondin-2 (TSP-2-null ECM). In certain embodiments, the invention provides an acellular composition comprising a decellularized TSP-2-null ECM. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a tunable hydrogel comprising a decellularized TSP-2-null ECM. The invention also provides, in certain embodiments, methods for accelerating cellular migration, methods for enhancing cellular invasion, methods for enhancing vascular growth and maturation of a region to be treated, and/or methods for enhancing a wound repair in a mammal in need thereof.

Abstract: A method for searching data includes storing a probe data and a target data expressed in a first orthogonal domain. The target data includes potential probe match data each characterized by the length of the target data. The probe data representation and the target data are transformed into an orthogonal domain. In the orthogonal domain, the target data is encoded with modulation functions to produce a plurality of encoded target data, each of the modulation functions having a position index corresponding to one of the potential probe match data. The plurality of encoded target data is interfered with the probe data in the orthogonal domain and an inverse transform result is obtained. If the inverse transform result exceeds a threshold, information is output indicating a match between the probe data and a corresponding one of the potential probe match data.

Abstract: Inputs from sensors (e.g., image and environmental sensors) are used for real-time optimization of plant growth in indoor farms by adjusting the light provided to the plants and other environmental factors. The sensors use wireless connectivity to create an Internet of Things network. The optimization is determined using machine-learning analysis and image recognition of the plants being grown. Once a machine-learning model has been generated and/or trained in the cloud, the model is deployed to an edge device located at the indoor farm to overcome connectivity issues between the sensors and the cloud. Plants in an indoor farm are continuously monitored and the light energy intensity and spectral output are automatically adjusted to optimal levels at optimal times to create better crops. The methods and systems are self-regulating in that light controls the plant's growth, and the plant's growth in-turn controls the spectral output and intensity of the light.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to kits for identifying the presence of one or more target nucleotide sequences in a sample that involve a ligation and/or polymerase reaction. In some embodiments, the ligation products formed in the ligation process of the present invention are subsequently amplified using a polymerase chain reaction. The ligated product sequences or extension products thereof are detected, and the presence of one or more target nucleotide sequences in the sample is identified based on the detection.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems and related composition, to provide a rodent model having a target microbiome profile formed by a target presence, a target proportion and/or a target total load of a target prokaryote of a target taxon, based on absolute quantification of the target prokaryote. Further provided are rodents obtained by the methods herein described and related use in testing methods performed in connection with physiological or pathological conditions in an individual preferably a human individual. Also provided herein is a tailcup device and related use to prevent coprophagia in rodents.

Abstract: An example of a flow cell includes a substrate, a plurality of chambers defined on or in the substrate, and a plurality of depressions defined in the substrate and within a perimeter of each of the plurality of chambers. The depressions are separated by interstitial regions. Primers are attached within each of the plurality of depressions, and a capture site is located within each of the plurality of chambers.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to conjugates of a specific binding entity and an oligomer, i.e. [Specific Binding Entity]-[Oligomer]n, wherein n is an integer ranging from 1 to 12, and where the Oligomer includes, in some embodiments, a PNA sequence having at least one substituent at a gamma carbon position. In some embodiments, the substituent at the gamma carbon position, e.g. an amino acid, a peptide, a miniPEG, or a polymer, includes at least one reporter moiety.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for absolute quantification of a target 16S rRNA and/or of a target prokaryotic taxon, based on amplifying and sequencing a same 16S rRNA recognition segment in which target 16S rRNA conserved regions flank 16S rRNA variable regions, conserved and variable among a plurality of sample 16S rRNAs and/or of a sample prokaryotic taxon of higher taxonomic rank with respect to the target taxon. In the methods and systems, absolute abundance of the a plurality of sample 16S rRNAs and/or of the sample prokaryotic taxon detected by the amplifying, is multiplied by the relative abundance of the target 16S rRNA and/or of a target prokaryotic taxon detected by the sequencing to provide the absolute quantification in accordance with method and systems of the disclosure.

Abstract: A method for facilitating rapid genome sequence analysis includes accessing an output stream of an alignment process that includes aligned reads of a biological sequence that are aligned to a reference genome. The method also includes distributing the aligned reads to a plurality of computing nodes based on genomic position. Each of the plurality of computing nodes is assigned to a separate data bin of a plurality of data bins associated with genomic position. The method also includes, for at least one aligned read determined to overlap separate data bins of the plurality of data bins, duplicating the at least one aligned read and distributing the at least one aligned read to separate computing nodes of the plurality of computing nodes that are assigned to the separate data bins.

Abstract: Provided is a recombinant KOD polymerase, which is the following A) or B): the polymerase shown in A) is a protein having DNA polymerase activity that is obtained by modifying amino acid residues in at least one of the following 18 positions in a wild-type KOD DNA polymerase amino acid sequence: 675th, 385th, 710th, 674th, 735th, 736th, 606th, 709th, 347th, 349th, 590th, 676th, 389th, 589th, 680th, 384th, 496th and 383rd; the polymerase described by B) is a protein having DNA polymerase activity that is derived from A) by adding a tag sequence to an end of the amino acid sequence of the protein shown in A).

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for producing an amplitude-modulated laser pulse train. The laser pulse train can be used to cause fluorescence in materials at which the pulse trains are directed. The parameters of the laser pulse train are selected to increase fluorescence relative to a constant-amplitude laser pulse train. The amplitude-modulated laser pulse trains produced using the teachings of this invention can be used to enable detection of specific molecules in applications such as gene or protein sequencing.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for treating hearing loss associated with loss of cochlear hair cells, e.g., caused by noise exposure, using certain gamma secretase inhibitors, in post-neonatal animals, e.g., adolescents and adults.

Abstract: Biosensors and methods for localized surface plasmon resonance biosensing are disclosed. The biosensor can include a substrate having a substrate surface to which a plurality of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) antennae are affixed. The LSPR antennae can be affixed via an affixation surface of the LSPR antenna. The LSPR antennae can have a functional surface opposite the affixation surface. Each functional surface can be functionalized by a plurality of single-stranded DNA.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to methods of assessing the amplification efficiency of a primer especially the relative or absolute efficiency of a primer used in quantitative PCR amplification. Some of the methods described herein involve the assessment of primer efficiency relative to the Ct determined for a single target DNA molecule rather than Ct regression curve analysis of serially diluted samples. By assessing primer efficiency utilizing the approaches described herein, one can more efficiently select primers for the diagnosis and/or monitoring of disease conditions, analysis of specific gene regions of interest, the monitoring of disease conditions that are characterised by clonal lymphoid cell populations or disease conditions that are characterised by specific V(D)J recombination events including the detection of minimal or residual disease in leukaemia patients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell induction method, in particular to a method for inducing differentiation of fibroblasts into adipocytes, comprising the following steps: Cultivating the fibroblasts in a culture medium, adding a Myosin inhibitor and BMP4 to the culture medium, and continuously cultivating same until adipocytes are obtained. The present invention further relates to a method for inducing the conversion of fibroblasts into immortalized cells and use thereof. The method comprises the following steps: cultivating the fibroblasts in a culture medium, adding Myosin inhibitor to the culture medium, and continuously cultivating same until immortalized cells are obtained. The present invention further relates to a method for inducing in vitro amplification of hepatocytes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for improving assay specificity and performance in binding assays.

Abstract: This application provides compositions, e.g., formulations, used for gastric, gastrointestinal and/or colonic treatments, and methods for making, storing and using them, including storage, including long term storage, at room temperature. Compositions provided herein are useful for treating various diseases or conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, Crohn's Disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and recurrent or primary C. difficile infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and kits for efficiently generating edited DNA, ranging from DNA molecules with simple point mutations to complex DNA libraries. The methods and kits use a single-stranded deoxyuridine (dU)-containing template to align a series of DNA oligomers that contain mutations relative to the template strand, giving rise to the sequence variation in the product. The methods and kits may be used to produce DNA libraries or to generate multiple, widely spaced mutations in a target sequence.

Abstract: There is provided a neural network learning apparatus capable of adjusting an amount of reduction in a model size. A group parameter generating part grouping model parameters of a neural network model into arbitrarily defined groups and generating group parameters indicating features of the groups, a regularization term calculating part calculating a regularization term on an assumption that distribution of the group parameters is according to distribution defined by hyper parameters which are parameters defining distribution features, and a model updating part calculating a loss function from correct labels in teacher data, output probability distribution obtained by inputting feature values corresponding to the correct labels in the teacher data to the neural network model, and a regularization term, and updating the neural network model in a manner that a value of the loss function is decreased are included.

Abstract: Presented herein are methods and compositions for targeted amplification of DNA and sample identification. The methods are particularly useful in validation and quality control of samples and to confirm that WGS sequence data is properly paired with a patient sample prior to delivering sequence data to a physician or to a patient.

Abstract: Recognized herein is the need for methods and processes for increasing the efficiency and accuracy of paired end sequencing.

Abstract: A device and system for changing the temperature of a fluidic sample includes a first plate and a second plate movable relative to each other into an open configuration and a closed configuration, and spacers having a uniform height. The plates include a sample contact area for contacting the sample and have a configuration for changing the temperature of the sample. In the open configuration the plates are separated, and the sample is capable of being deposited onto the plates. In the closed configuration, the plates are parallel, the plates compress the sample into a layer of uniform thickness that is stagnant relative to the plates, the layer is confined by the sample contact areas of the plates and is regulated by the plates and the spacers, and the plates are configured to change the temperature of the sample at a rate of at least 10° C./sec.

Abstract: Presented herein are techniques for determining microsatellite instability. The techniques include generating a reference sample dataset representative of or mimicking a hypothetical matched sample for an individual sample of interest. The reference sample dataset may be generated from a set of reference normal samples that are not matched to the sample of interest. For samples of interest lacking a matched sample, the reference sample dataset may be used to determine microsatellite instability and to provide an indication of a presence, absence, or degree of microsatellite instability of the sample of interest. The reference sample dataset may be generated such that individual microsatelliate regions associated with a high degree of variability between ethnic groups are filtered out, masked, or otherwise not considered.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods related to selective inhibition of PPO11 and use for improving shelf life of a plant or parts thereof. In accordance with the invention, for example, compositions for topical application to a plant or part thereof, are provided that can reduce browning of the plant or part thereof to extend shelf life.

Abstract: The present invention is related to novel methods for identifying and/or diagnosing and/or treating a population of subjects that are at risk for developing and/or have an inflammatory disease of the airways, including type 2 cytokine-driven airway inflammation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for determining the ploidy status of a chromosome in a gestating fetus from genotypic data measured from a mixed sample of DNA comprising DNA from both the mother of the fetus and from the fetus, and optionally from genotypic data from the mother and father. The ploidy state is determined by using a joint distribution model to create a plurality of expected allele distributions for different possible fetal ploidy states given the parental genotypic data, and comparing the expected allelic distributions to the pattern of measured allelic distributions measured in the mixed sample, and choosing the ploidy state whose expected allelic distribution pattern most closely matches the observed allelic distribution pattern. The mixed sample of DNA may be preferentially enriched at a plurality of polymorphic loci in a way that minimizes the allelic bias, for example using massively multiplexed targeted PCR.

Abstract: Fusion proteins comprising a DNA binding domain, e.g., a TAL effector repeat array or zinc finger, and a catalytic domain comprising a sequence that catalyzes hydroxylation of methylated cytosines in DNA, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for detecting single nucleotide variants in lung cancer, especially stage 3a lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma. Additional methods and compositions, such as reaction mixtures and solid supports comprising clonal populations of nucleic acids, are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions for detecting, diagnosing, preventing, treating or ameliorating the symptoms of a demyelinating condition selected from: enterotoxemia (ET), multiple sclerosis (MS), clinically definite MS (CDMS), clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), optic neuritis (ON), neuromyelitis optica (NMO), myelitis, myelitis, transverse myelitis (TM), a disease or condition characterised by the increase or presence of antibodies against aquaporin-4 (AQP-4) and/or astrocyte damage, and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) in a human or animal subject in need.

Abstract: Methods for capturing a target nucleic acid from a sample by using a capture probe that binds nonspecifically to the target nucleic acid and binds specifically to an immobilized probe via a specific binding pair that has one member on the capture probe and one member on the immobilized probe are disclosed. Compositions that include a capture probe that binds nonspecifically to a target nucleic acid and specifically to an immobilized probe via binding of members of a specific binding pair in a solution phase of a reaction mixture are disclosed.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods are disclosed for allocating resources in a breeding pipeline to multiple origins. One exemplary method includes accessing a data structure including data representative of multiple origins, in which the data includes, for each of the multiple origins, a trait performance expression or genotypic component information. The exemplary method further includes determining a resource allocation, which allocates n resources among the multiple origins based on a probability associated with the trait performance expressions and/or the genotypic components for the origins, and then allocating the n resources in the breeding pipeline for the multiple origins, based on the determined resource allocation.

Abstract: DNA is sequenced by (a) independently sequencing first and second strands of a dsDNA to obtain corresponding first and second sequences; and (b) combining the first and second sequences to generate a consensus sequence of the dsDNA. By independently sequencing first and second strands the error probability of the consensus sequence approximates a multiplication of those of the first and second sequences.

Abstract: The invention provides barcode libraries and methods of making and using them including obtaining a plurality of nucleic acid constructs in which each construct comprises a unique N-mer and a functional N-mer and segregating the constructs into a fluid compartments such that each compartment contains one or more copies of a unique construct. The invention further provides methods for digital PCR and for use of barcode libraries in digital PCR.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for detecting RNAs in a biological sample while using only a small amount of sample input, e.g., less than or equal to 1 mL. The methods described herein are able to detect a large percentage of protein-coding genes having the ENSEMBL gene annotation HG38.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel primers and sloppy molecular beacon and molecular beacon probes for amplifying segments from different genes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis for identifying the presence of M.tb DNA and/or resistance to anti-tuberculosis drugs.

Abstract: A hand-held molecular diagnostic test device includes a housing, an amplification (or PCR) module, and a detection module. The amplification module is configured to receive an input sample, and defines a reaction volume. The amplification module includes a heater such that the amplification module can perform a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on the input sample. The detection module is configured to receive an output from the amplification module and a reagent formulated to produce a signal that indicates a presence of a target amplicon within the input sample. The amplification module and the detection module are integrated within the housing.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides novel gene therapy constructs comprising a PARK2 gene or activating variant and methods of administering to treat Parkinson's Disease or symptoms thereof.

Abstract: Methods of detecting a leak from a subarray of a microarray chip, kits of components that facilitate leak detection, and microarray chips configured for leak detection are disclosed herein. The methods include positioning, within the given subarray, a sample solution, which includes dissolved sample molecules (DSMs) that define a dissolved sample oligonucleotide sequence and dissolved leak detection molecules (DLDMs) that define a predetermined dissolved leak detection oligonucleotide sequence. The methods also include detecting the DLDMs within a region of the microarray chip that is external the given subarray. The kits of components include the microarray chip and DLDMs. The microarray chips includes a plurality of subarrays and a leak detection region that is at least partially external the plurality of subarrays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-speed screening and analysis system for reaction optimization. More specifically, the present invention provides a system capable of analyzing samples at low cost through control of fluids using hydrophilic plate-like material (for example, paper), and of analyzing chemical reactions of a sample with a plurality of materials simultaneously, thereby allowing samples to be analyzed rapidly.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with improvements in the technical field of laboratory devices. To this end, what is proposed, inter alia, is a laboratory device (1) that has, on its housing (2), at least one coupling interface (3) and at least one mating coupling interface (4) compatible with the coupling interface (3). The coupling interface (3) and the mating coupling interface (4) are configured to transfer power and/or to transfer information.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to genetically modified non-human animals expressing human polypeptides and their methods of use.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to compositions and methods for treating fibroid in a patient in need thereof, which entails administering to the patient an effective amount of an agent that inhibits the expression or activity of TDO2 or IDO1.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an in vitro method for predicting cardiotoxicity risk in a cancer patient receiving, or susceptible to receive, anthracyclines chemotherapy based on the determination of the expression levels of a combination of 10 circulating miRNAs consisting of miRNA 16-5p, miRNA 22-3p, miRNA 30b-5p/30c-5p, miRNA 92b-3p, miRNA 148a-3p, miRNA-150-5p, miRNA-192-5p, miRNA 215-5p, miRNA 486-3p/486-5p and miRNA-4732-3p, in a biological sample isolated from the patient. The present invention also refers to said set of 10 circulating miRNAs for its use as biomarker of prediction of cardiotoxicity risk in cancer patients receiving, or susceptible to receive, anthracyclines chemotherapy. Finally, a method for the prevention of cardiotoxicity, in patients receiving or susceptible to receive anthracyclines chemotherapy, that comprises modulating the expression levels of the set of said 10 circulating miRNAS is contemplated.

Abstract: A method for predicting the risk of prostate cancer recurrence in a subject affected with prostate cancer, including: (a) providing a sample from the subject, (b) determining the TMPRSS/ERG fusion status of the sample, (c) if the sample is positive for TMPRSS/ERG fusion (Fus+), determining a molecular signature of the sample by measuring the expression level of at least 6 prostate cancer markers selected from the ANPEP, AZGP1, CHRNA2, COMP, KHDRBS3 and SFRP4, (d) comparing the molecular signature to a reference signature, and (e) assigning the subject to a risk group based on the correlation of the molecular signature with the reference signature, thereby predicting the risk of cancer recurrence in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to systems and methods for producing a plurality of droplets. The droplets may contain varying species, e.g., for use as a library. In some cases, the fluidic droplets may be rigidified to form rigidified droplets (e.g., gel droplets). In certain embodiments, the droplets may undergo a phase change (e.g., from rigidified droplets to fluidized droplets), as discussed more herein. In some cases, a species may be added internally to a droplet by exposing the droplet to a fluid comprising a plurality of species.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, inter alia, are compositions and methods for depleting nucleotide impurities in nucleotide solutions.