Abstract: Apparatus and methods for creating deposits of uniformly spaced or uniformly overlapping droplets of selected chemicals where each droplet has an a priori known amount of the selected chemical or chemicals is taught (including biological and microbial materials). In some embodiments the deposits may be used as samples of different but known concentrations that may be used to calibrate spectroscopic inspection instruments to enable such instruments to not only provide identification in situ of unknown materials but also to provide calibrated and traceable surface concentrations of such materials. In some embodiments, such calibrated instruments may be used in enhanced processes for validating the cleanliness of manufacturing surfaces such as surfaces of equipment used in the preparation of pharmaceuticals, food, or semiconductor devices.

Abstract: The invention provides recombinant DNA molecules and constructs, as well as their nucleotide sequences, useful for modulating gene expression in plants. The invention also provides transgenic plants, plant cells, plant parts, and seeds comprising the recombinant DNA molecules operably linked to heterologous transcribable DNA molecules, as are methods of their use.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to compositions comprising a nucleotide sequence having two domains: a locked nucleic acid (LNA) domain and a DNA gap domain, wherein nucleotide sequence binds to an endogenous DUX4 mRNA sequence disrupts DUX4 expression.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, compositions, and kits for removing a portion of a sequence in a member of a nucleic acid library.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for drug screening by segregating single cells into droplets simultaneously and providing candidate compound to the single cells to measure cellular response. Methods of the present invention combine template particles with a plurality of single cells in a tube, generate in the tube monodispersed droplets simultaneously that encapsulate a single one of the template particles and single one of the single cells, provide to the single cells one or more candidate compounds, and measure a cellular response to the one or more candidate compounds.

Abstract: A test container includes a container main body including a first-accommodation-portion, a second-accommodation-portion, and a third-accommodation-portion each accommodating a liquid and internally provided, a first flow path connecting the first-accommodation-portion and the second-accommodation-portion to each other at respective upper end positions thereof and internally provided, and a second flow path connecting the second-accommodation-portion and the third-accommodation-portion to each other at respective upper end positions thereof and internally provided, in which at least a portion forming an upper wall surface of the second-accommodation-portion has flexibility to be deformable inwards of the second-accommodation-portion; and a liquid return prevention structure which prevents a backflow of the liquid to the first-accommodation-portion, when the liquid accommodated in the second-accommodation-portion is fed to the third-accommodation-portion via the second flow path due to deformation of the portio

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, kits and devices for the detection of target molecules. In some embodiments, the invention allows for multiplexed target molecule detection.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of detecting an analyte of interest to interrogate spatial gene expression in a sample using RNA-templated ligation.

Abstract: This disclosure provides chips, systems and methods for sequencing a nucleic acid sample. Tagged nucleotides are provided into a reaction chamber comprising a nanopore in a membrane. An individual tagged nucleotide of the tagged nucleotides can contain a tag coupled to a nucleotide, which tag is detectable with the aid of the nanopore. Next, an individual tagged nucleotide of the tagged nucleotides can be incorporated into a growing strand complementary to a single stranded nucleic acid molecule derived from the nucleic acid sample. With the aid of the nanopore, a tag associated with the individual tagged nucleotide can be detected upon incorporation of the individual tagged nucleotide. The tag can be detected with the aid of the nanopore when the tag is released from the nucleotide.

Abstract: A microfluidic group includes a female connector and a male needle connector. The female connector has a connector chamber in a containment body; a duct extending in the containment body to a duct opening on a first face of the connector chamber; a needle entry hole extending from a lateral face of the containment body to a second face, not facing the first face of the connector chamber; and a gasket arranged in the connector chamber. The gasket has a side wall internally delimiting a cavity and extending in part adjacent to the second face of the connector chamber. The cavity of the gasket faces the first face of the connector chamber.

Abstract: A breeding method for improving reproductive performance of a chicken specialized dam line includes the steps of forming an F1 generation group, forming a breeding group, screening a breeding group, forming an F2 generation group, and continuously breeding to an Fn generation group. The method includes raising in small-scale groups and natural mating for systematic selection and breeding, which effectively reduces the generation interval and has the features of easy operation and fast genetic progress, not only ensuring animal welfare, but also effectively improving production performance.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for identifying an Alzheimer's disease (AD) patient prior to reaching clinical disease classification, comprising: obtaining a dataset associated with a blood, serum, or plasma sample from the patient, wherein the dataset comprises data representing the level of one or more microRNA biomarkers in the blood, serum, or plasma sample; assessing the dataset for a presence or an increase in an amount of miRNA-455-3p; determining the likelihood that the patient will develop AD patient prior to reaching clinical disease classification by detecting the presence or the increase in miRNA-455-3p to produce a score that is indicative of a likelihood of developing AD, wherein a higher score relative to a healthy control indicates that the patient is likely to have the prognosis for transitioning to classified AD, wherein the healthy control is derived from a non-AD patient with no clinical evidence of AD.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, inter alia, are compositions and methods of use thereof for interrogating a cell.

Abstract: A membrane-spanning nanopore is provided that comprises: i. at least one scaffold polynucleotide strand; ii. a plurality of staple polynucleotide strands; and iii. at least one hydrophobically-modified polynucleotide strand, wherein the at least one hydrophobically-modified polynucleotide strand comprises a polynucleotide strand and a hydrophobic moiety; wherein each of the plurality of staple polynucleotide strands hybridises to the at least one scaffold polynucleotide strand to form the three-dimensional structure of the membrane-spanning nanopore, and wherein the at least one hydrophobically-modified polynucleotide strand hybridises to a portion of the at least one scaffold polynucleotide strand, the membrane-spanning nanopore defining a central channel with a minimum internal width of at least about 5 nm. Membranes comprising the membrane-spanning nanopore and applications of those membranes are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to microfluidic cellular membrane modification devices. In one example, a microfluidic cellular membrane modification device can include a microfluidic channel including a pumping portion and an electric field portion. An electrode pair can be positioned about the electric field portion. A bidirectional pump can be in fluid communication with the microfluidic channel at the pumping portion to move fluid backward and forward through the electric field portion.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems and methods that identify, predict, and rank immunogenic T-cell epitopes. In particular, this disclosure identifies epitopes that arose from disease-associated mutations, wherein the epitopes are predicted to elicit immune response from T cells. Specifically, this disclosure simultaneously considers peptide-level information, including MHC Class I and II presentation, helper and cytotoxic T cell response and sample-level information, including mutation clonality and MHC allele dosage. In some embodiment, the systems and methods are used for personalized treatment of cancers.

Abstract: An approach is described with respect to functional age analysis. A method pertaining to such approach may include receiving sensor data collected on a plurality of individuals via a plurality of sensor devices. The method further may include constructing an age indices model by applying machine learning to the collected sensor data. The method further may include determining one or more functional age indices for a subject individual by applying the age indices model to profile data associated with the subject individual. In an embodiment, the method further may include transmitting the one or more functional age indices determined for the subject individual to a professional or a knowledge base, and receiving and processing one or more prescribed recommendations for the subject individual. According to such embodiment, the method further may include updating the age indices model based upon feedback received with respect to the one or more prescribed recommendations.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of sequencing, comprising: splitting an asymmetrically tagged library into a plurality of subsamples, tagging the adaptor-ligated DNA in the sub-samples with sequence tags that identify the subsamples, optionally pooling the sub-samples, sequencing polynucleotides from each of the tagged sub-samples, or copies of the same, to produce sequence reads each comprising: i. a sub-sample identifier sequence and ii. the sequence of at least part of a fragment in the sample, wherein some of the sequence reads are derived from the top strand of a fragment in the sample and some of the sequence reads of are derived from the bottom strand of the same fragment.

Abstract: Disclosed are a fusion protein comprising a thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) fragment and the use thereof. More specifically, disclosed are a fusion protein comprising a TSHR fragment comprising an extracellular domain of a wild-type TSHR and having a substitution of an amino acid at specific position and an immunoglobulin Fc region or a carboxy-terminal cap (C-CAP), and the use thereof. The fusion protein has improved pharmaceutical efficacy, in-vivo persistence and protein stability and a pharmaceutical composition containing the fusion protein as an active ingredient is useful as a therapeutic agent or diagnostic reagent for the alleviation of Graves' disease and Graves' ophthalmopathy.

Abstract: A method for optical imaging of single protein molecules including tethering single protein molecules via a flexible polymer linker to a glass slide having a surface coated with an indium tin oxide (ITO) so that the single protein molecules are tethered to the coated surface. The single protein molecules are driven into oscillation by applying an alternating electric field to the coated surface and the glass slide is located in the field of view of an objective lens. Incident light is directed onto the coated surface from an angle to generate an evanescent field and produce scattered light. The scattered light is collected and imaged by a CMOS imager to record a sequence of images of the scattered light. A Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) filter is applied to each pixel of the recorded image sequence to produce an oscillation amplitude image from which size, charge, and mobility of the plurality of single protein molecules can be determined.

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: The present invention relates to a method of isolating a nucleic acid target region from a population of nucleic acid molecules, said method comprising the steps of a) contacting said population of nucleic acid molecules with a Class 2 Type V Cas protein-gRNA complex, wherein the gRNA comprises a guide segment that is complementary to a first site adjacent to said target region, thereby forming a Class 2 Type V Cas protein-gRNA-nucleic acid complex, b) contacting the population of nucleic acid molecules comprising said Class 2 Type V Cas protein-gRNA-nucleic acid complex with at least one enzyme having single-strand 3? to 5? exonuclease activity, thereby forming a 5? single-stranded overhang in said first site, c) removing the Class 2 Type V Cas protein-gRNA complex from the population of step b), d) contacting the population of step c) with an oligonucleotide probe, said probe comprising a sequence that is at least partially complementary to said overhang, thereby forming a duplex between said probe and said

Abstract: A method of sequencing nucleic acids is provided using DNA origami as a barcode for a nucleic acid probe.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for long read, label-free, optical nanopore long chain molecule sequencing. In general, the present disclosure describes a novel sequencing technology based on the integration of nanochannels to deliver single long-chain molecules with widely spaced (>wavelength), ˜1-nm aperture “tortuous” nanopores that slow translocation sufficiently to provide massively parallel, single base resolution using optical techniques. A novel, directed self-assembly nanofabrication scheme using simple colloidal nanoparticles is used to form the nanopore arrays atop nanochannels that unfold the long chain molecules. At the surface of the nanoparticle array, strongly localized electromagnetic fields in engineered plasmonic/polaritonic structures allow for single base resolution using optical techniques.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides novel primers and method for the detection of specific nucleic acid sequences. The primers and methods provided herein are useful in a wide variety of molecular biology applications and are particularly useful in allele-specific PCR.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for providing desired cannabinoid content in cannabis plants. More particularly, the invention relates to compositions and methods for using cannabinoid synthase paralogs as guidance for breeding cannabis plants with a desired cannabinoid content, including but not limited to cultivars, varieties, lines and methods of breeding the same for commercial use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a detection method for detecting a target RNA contained in a sample with high sensitivity by using nicking/extension chain reaction system-based isothermal nucleic acid amplification (NESBA) that uses activity of a cleavage enzyme and a DNA polymerase. The NESBA of the present invention is a new concept isothermal target RNA detection method that realizes higher amplification efficiency than the existing NASBA technology and is deemed to be utilizable as a new concept diagnosis technology that can replace conventional target RNA detection technologies.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of amplifying a nucleic acid sequence, wherein the method comprises subjecting a reaction mixture to at least one amplification cycle, wherein the reaction mixture comprises a double-stranded nucleic acid and at least two primers capable of annealing to complementary strands of the double-stranded nucleic acid and amplifying at least one short tandem repeat (STR) using a Family A DNA polymerase in a Fast PCR protocol having a two-step amplification cycle in 25 seconds or less. Also disclosed are real-time PCR methods using the two-step protocol and kits for STR profiling using the Fast PCR protocol.

Abstract: The invention relates to adaptors for sequencing nucleic acids. The adaptors may be used to generate single stranded constructs of nucleic acid for sequencing purposes. Such constructs may contain both strands from a double stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or ribonucleic acid (RNA) template. The invention also relates to the constructs generated using the adaptors, methods of making the adaptors and constructs, as well as methods of sequencing double stranded nucleic acids.

Abstract: Provided are a first tank; a second tank; a thin film having a nanopore, which communicates the first tank to the second tank, and disposed between the first and second tanks; a first electrode provided in the first tank; and a second electrode provided in the second tank. A wall surface of the nanopore has an ion adsorption preventing structure to prevent desorption/adsorption of an ion contained in a solution filling the first tank and/or the second tank, and a voltage is applied between the first and second electrodes to measure an ion current flowing through the nanopore.

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: The present invention relates to assays, including amplification assays, conducted in the presence of modulators. These assays can be used to detect the presence of particular nucleic acid sequences. In particular, these assays can allow for genotyping or other genetic analysis.

Abstract: To reduce time required for establishing diagnosis of a lesion candidate, a diagnostic imaging support system including a medical image shooting device for shooting an image of a subject and a medical image processing device for processing the medical image, the system including: a projection data acquisition part for acquiring projection data of the subject; a reconstruction part for reconstructing the medical image based on the projection data; an acquisition part for acquiring lesion candidate data which is data on lesion candidates detected from the medical image; a reconstruction condition decision part for deciding, on the basis of the lesion candidate data, a reconstruction condition for a magnified reconstruction image which includes the lesion candidates and is more magnified than the medical image; a magnification reconstruction part for reconstructing the magnified reconstruction image by using the reconstruction condition; and a display part for displaying the magnified reconstruction image.

Abstract: The disclosure provides compositions and methods of use of formulations effective for the delivery of biologically active molecules and materials, including therapeutic and diagnostic agents, and combinations thereof, to cells, tissues, and living organisms. More particularly, the present invention is related to the incorporation of hydrophobic nanoparticles, such as hydrophobic metal nanoparticles, into the membranes of vesicular delivery vehicles. These hydrophobic nanoparticles enhance the endosomal membrane fusogenicity of the formulations through the promotion of inverted hexagonal phase formation in the lipid bilayers of the vesicular delivery vehicles. As a result, the vesicular delivery vehicles more readily fuse with the endosomal membranes, leading to enhanced endosomal escape of the vesicular delivery vehicle and its contents, thereby facilitating the delivery of the biologically active molecules and materials incorporated within the vesicular delivery vehicles to their sites of action.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surface plasmon-coupled bioluminescence, wherein bioluminescent emission from a bioluminescent chemical reaction couples to surface plasmons in metalized particles thereby enhancing the signal. Importantly, these plasmonic emissions emitted from metallic particles generated without an external excitation source but instead from induced electronically excited states caused by the bioluminescent chemical reaction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in hydrogen ion concentration (pH), changes in other analyte concentration, and/or binding events associated with chemical processes relating to DNA synthesis.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions, kits and methods useful in the construction of designer transcription activator-like effector (dTALE) polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting mycoplasma, which can directly confirm whether a cell is infected with mycoplasma, by simultaneously amplifying DNA extracted from lysing a host cell infected with mycoplasma, and mitochondrial DNA in the cytoplasm of the host cell. According to the method of the present invention, by directly using the DNA inside the host cell, the DNA of mycoplasma bound around the nucleus of the host cell can be used as an amplification target, thereby increasing detection sensitivity. In addition, since the mitochondrial DNA inside the host cell is used as an amplification target of an internal control sample, whether the sample has been sampled in an appropriate amount can be confirmed in a convenient manner, and furthermore, by comparing the band size between the internal control sample and the mycoplasma DNA, the degree of mycoplasma infection can be quantitatively confirmed.

Abstract: In an analysis method of the present invention, a compound represented by the following formula (I) as a matrix is mixed into an analysis target sample and the mixture is subjected to matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry. In the formula (I), R is an alkyl group having 3-11 carbon atoms. The analysis target sample is a substance for which whether or not ?-lactamase is contained is to be determined. Analysis targets include, for example, bacteria and an extract from bacteria.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, processes and apparatuses for non-invasive assessment of genetic variations.

Abstract: Methods and kits for detecting the presence of at least one target DNA sequence with or without a modification in a DNA molecule are provided.

Abstract: Oligonucleotides may be universal primers and probes. Method may use these oligonucleotides for detecting or detecting and quantifying a nucleic acid acting as a universal internal control. A primer pair includes a first primer having SEQ ID NO: 1 or a complement thereof and a second primer having SEQ ID NO: 2 or a complement thereof. A probe includes SEQ ID NO: 3 or a complement thereof, preferably wherein each of the nucleotides in position 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 of SEQ ID NO: 3 is replaced with a corresponding locked nucleic acid (LNA) unit (SEQ ID NO: 4).

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: In some aspects, the present disclosure provides methods for identifying sequence variants, as well as methods of determining copy number of a genetic locus in a sample. Systems and kits for performing methods of the disclosure, as well as compositions produced by or useful in methods of the disclosure are also provided. In some embodiments, methods comprise extending 3? ends of polynucleotides by adding one or more pre-determined nucleotides. In some embodiments, methods comprise use of a strand-tagging sequence.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are example embodiments of a transformative sensor apparatus that is capable of detecting and quantifying the presence of a substance of interest such as a specified bacteria within a sample via changes in impedance exhibited by a detection electrode array. In an example embodiment, sensitivity is improved by including a focusing electrode array in a rampdown channel to focus a concentration of the substance of interest into a detection region. The focusing electrodes include an opposing pair of electrodes in a rampdown orientation. The focusing electrode may also include tilted thin film finger electrodes extending from the rampdown electrodes. In another example embodiment, trapping electrodes are positioned to trap a concentration of the substance of interest onto the detection electrode array.

Abstract: The invention comprises methods and compositions for enriching for a target nucleic acid with a single primer extension and low-bias limited amplification.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a set of at least 100 single-stranded oligonucleotide probes directed against (or complementary to) portions of a genomic target sequence of interest. The present disclosure also relates to a method of detecting a genomic target sequence of interest using the set of oligonucleotide probes and a method of generating the set of oligonucleotide probes. Further, the present disclosure relates to a kit comprising the set of oligonucleotide probes and at least one further component.

Abstract: A directional garlic seed throwing mechanism includes a base, a rotating device, a vision sensor, a seed throwing guide plate, a seed guide pipe and a plurality of bulbil adjusting devices. The rotating device includes a rotating motor detachably connected to the base and a turntable connected to an output end of the rotating motor. The seed throwing guide plate is arranged on the turntable to enable garlic seeds of seed containing bowls to fall into the seed guide pipe. The seed guide pipe has an upper port right below the bulbil adjusting devices and arranged on the base. An even number of the bulbil adjusting devices are fixed on the turntable uniformly and symmetrically and include the seed containing bowls and bulbil direction control devices for driving the bowls to rotate 180 degrees.

Abstract: A method and a device for detecting substances and their concentrations in a mixture using magnetic resonance, containing one or more markers deposited on a surface of a carrier in contact with the mixture, wherein the marker is a substance that through intermolecular interactions causes a predetermined orientation of molecules for at least one of the mixture components.

Abstract: A diaphragm cup is described for an ultrasonic transducer, including a wall for carrying a diaphragm which is excitable to oscillations, the diaphragm cup being provided with only a single metallic coating at least in the area of the diaphragm on the outer side and the inner side.