Abstract: An autonomous driving apparatus for accompanied driving in an environment that includes a companion and an obstacle includes a sensor, processing circuitry, and a driver. The sensor may generate sensor data. The processing circuitry may define a current state of the autonomous driving apparatus based on processing the sensor data to determine respective positions of the companion and the obstacle in the environment and select a first tracking point of a plurality of tracking points at least partially surrounding the position of the companion in the environment based on the current state, a position of each tracking point of the plurality of tracking points in the environment defined by the position of the companion in the environment. The driving apparatus drive mechanism may move the autonomous driving apparatus to the first tracking point to cause the autonomous driving apparatus to accompany the companion in the environment.

Abstract: A composition includes a polysaccharide at least one retinoid linked to at least one monosaccharide subunit of the polysaccharide with a covalent linkage. The linkage being degradable by hydrolysis during digestion of the composition to provide controlled, delayed, and/or sustained delivery of the at least one retinoid upon enteral administration of the composition to a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for improving the gastrointestinal tolerance of food and beverage products comprising sweet, low-digestible carbohydrates, and the use of one or more of D-glucose, fiber and protein for improving the gastrointestinal tolerance of food and beverage products comprising sweet, low-digestible carbohydrates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new method of preparing oligomannuronic diacids, important bioactives. The method utilizes oligomannuronic acids as starting materials and the target substances are obtained by acid degradation and active hypobromous acid oxidation steps. The method of preparing oligomannuronic diacids according to the invention employs moderate reaction conditions, has few side reactions, does not need further purification, achieves a yield of more than 90%, or even more than 95%, and is suitable for production with an on-line continuous reactor device, with reaction processes easy to implement automatic control.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to gellan gum and gellan gum-based hydrogels (GG-based hydrogels) for promoting chondrogenic, osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells, preferentially osteogenic. The present disclosure also relates to a composition for use in bone, cartilage and soft tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, preferably for use in bone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing a heparan sulfate having an anticoagulant activity. Specifically, the present invention provides the method of producing a heparan sulfate having a desired molecular weight, by partially N-deacetylating a heparosan followed by depolymerizing the heparosan by heparinase III, and converting the produced low molecular weight product into heparan sulfate having an anticoagulant activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of hyaluronic acid butyrate, or a salt thereof, acceptable for pharmaceutical or cosmetic use or as a medical device, comprising reacting hyaluronic acid, salified with sodium or another alkali metal, in aqueous solution with butyryl-imidazolide in the presence of sodium carbonate. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical formulations, cosmetic formulations or medical devices containing the hyaluronic acid sodium salt (HA) butyric esters produced by said process.

Abstract: Crystalline difucosyllactose, useful in a pharmaceutical composition and a nutritional composition, is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for forming microspheres is disclosed. The process includes contacting a solvent with a modified cellulose to form a solution; contacting the modified cellulose solution with at least one bioactive agent to form a discontinuous phase liquid; contacting the discontinuous phase liquid with a continuous phase liquid to form an emulsion; and contacting the emulsion with a third phase liquid to extract the solvent from the emulsion, thereby forming a plurality of modified cellulose microspheres.

Abstract: A tunable antimicrobial-loaded hydrogel formulation has a mechanical strength can be altered by changing the salt composition. The hydrogel formulation is preferably a Gellan film. The ion concentration in the gel material may be altered to obtain the desired gel strength. The hydrogel formulation is layered directly upon a skin area such as burnt skin. The hydrogel formulation includes a dosage of free antibiotic, such as the antibiotic is preferably vancomycin, for rapid release. The hydrogel formulation also includes microparticles and/or nanoparticles such as activated carbon powder that has adsorbed additional antibiotic. The particles are used to aid in attaining a timely or sustained release of the antibiotic drug.

Abstract: A printed energy storage device includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator between the first and the second electrode. At least one of the first electrode, the second electrode, and the separator includes frustules, for example of diatoms. The frustules may have a uniform or substantially uniform property or attribute such as shape, dimension, and/or porosity. A property or attribute of the frustules can also be modified by applying or forming a surface modifying structure and/or material to a surface of the frustules. A membrane for an energy storage device includes frustules. An ink for a printed film includes frustules.

Abstract: An isotope labeled asymmetric cross-linker is provided for the detection of cross-linked peptides. A cross-linking and mass spectrometry strategy, referred to as isotope tagging of interacting proteins (iTIP), improves the specificity of detecting cross-linked peptides and accurate identification of the interacting peptide sequences via the incorporation of isotopic signatures that are readily observed in the MS/MS spectrum. Isotope tagged peptides can be identified using mass spectrometry based on doublet peaks in a spectrum. Spectra can be subjected to database search strategies available for the sequencing of linear or non-cross-linked peptides.

Abstract: The present invention provides synthetic Moraxella catarrhalis lipooligosaccharide (LOS)-based oligosaccharides and conjugates containing various M. catarrhalis serotype-specific oligosaccharide antigens or various core M. catarrhalis oligosaccharide structures or motifs corresponding to one or more of the three major serotypes and/or members within a given serotype. The oligosaccharides may be synthesized by a chemical assembly methodology relying on a limited number of monosaccharide and disaccharide building blocks. The invention further provides M. catarrhalis LOS-based immunogenic and immunoprotective compositions and antibodies derived therefrom for diagnosing, treating, and preventing infections caused by M. catarrhalis.

Abstract: Immunogenic polysaccharide-protein conjugates having a polysaccharide antigen (or its oligosaccharide fragment representing one or more antigenic epitopes) derived from a nosocomial pathogen conjugated to a staphylococcal surface adhesin carrier protein are used in immunogenic compositions to elicit antibody responses to both the polysaccharide antigen and the staphylococcal surface adhesion carrier protein. Such immunogenic compositions are used to immunize against diseases caused by Staphylococcal aureus, Staphylococcal epidermidis or other nosocomial pathogens.

Abstract: A method to increase the molecular weight of wood mannans and xylans comprising aromatic moieties comprises the steps: a) obtaining mannan and/or xylan from wood, b) subjecting the mannan/xylan to oxidizing conditions to convert at least a fraction of the aromatic groups into radicals and reacting said radicals with each other to obtain complexes of mannan/xylan with increased molecular weight. The method is easy and cost efficient and enables to upgrade small wood mannans and xylans that are important in the pulp and paper industry into larger mannans and xylans and more defined structures which makes their isolation easier and application areas broader. Another advantage is that separation of mannans and xylans from mannans and xylans with bound aromatic groups is provided. The wood mannans and xylans with increased molecular weight can be used for the manufacture of barrier films in packages, for instance for oxygen, liquids and gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparation of the trisaccharide 6?-O-sialyllactose (formula (I)) or salts thereof as well as intermediates in the synthesis and for the use of 6?-O-sialyllactose salts in pharmaceutical or nutritional compositions.

Abstract: An isolated or purified compound is provided, comprising A-GlcNAc[GlcNAc]-GalNAc-GalNAc-QuiNAc4NAc, wherein A is GlcNAc or Glc. There is further provided a vaccine based on such compound, having particular use to treat or prevent an infection caused by a Campylobacter organism. There is also provided an antibody or antisera against the compound, having particular use to diagnose the presence of an infection caused by a Campylobacter organism.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for obtaining inulin which comprises: a) finely comminuting inulin-containing plant material, wherein particle sizes of the plant material are generated which are smaller than the size of the inulin-containing plant cells, b) suspending the finely comminuted plant material in a liquid, wherein inulin is released from the plant material and suspended in particulate form in the liquid, c) separating off plant particles from the liquid, wherein the inulin which is suspended in particulate form remains in the liquid, d) separating off the inulin which is suspended in particulate form from the liquid. The method is suitable in particular for obtaining inulin from artichoke roots.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of an agarose separation gel: The method is characterized in comprising the steps of: i) providing a solution of agar, and ii) one, two or more substeps (ii.A, ii.B, ii.C etc) which each comprises desulphating thereby transforming agar to agarose having a degree of substitution of sulphate groups that is at most 75% of the degree of substitution of sulphate groups in native agar, iii) gelling the dissolved agar prior to step (ii) and/or securing so that the desulphated agar is in gel form at least after one or more of the substeps of step (ii), and imperatively after step (ii). An agarose separation gel that exhibits a. a plurality of methoxy groups each of which are at the same position as in native agar and with a degree of substitution in the range of 1-100% of the degree of substitution of native agar, and b. sulphate groups with a degree of substitution which is <75% of the degree of substitution for sulphate groups in native agar.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of synthesis of ?-sialyl oligosaccharides and in particular of 6?-sialyllactose and its salts comprising a step of coupling by Koenigs-Knorr reaction under conditions that allow its use on an industrial scale.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous suspension of mineral pigment materials having high solids content, which contain dispersing agents and/or grinding agents based on renewable sources, and methods for preparing such a suspension and its use.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for engineering E. coli or other host production bacterial strains to produce fucosylated oligosaccharides, and the use thereof in the prevention or treatment of infection.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of a biomaterial for the treatment, repair and/or enhancement of bodily tissue insufficiencies of the vocal chords, muscles, ligaments, cartilage, post-operative regions, sexual organs and/or weight supporting areas of the feet as well as other conditions of the bones and joints. The biomaterial for use in the invention may comprise an injectable bioresorbable polysaccharide composition wherein the polysaccharide may be succinochitosan glutamate. This invention also relates to the use of a biomaterial comprising an injectable bioresorbable polysaccharide composition in which resorbable particles may be in suspension, the said particles comprising or consisting essentially of chitin and/or chitosan, which may be free of any additional formulation modifying agents, and a process for manufacturing the same. The invention also includes the use of various medicaments in the biomaterial formulations to enhance the treatment of the affected area of the body.

Abstract: Provided herein are processes for detecting oligosaccharides in a biological sample. In specific instances, the biological sample is provided from an individual suffering from a disorder associated with abnormal glycosaminoglycan accumulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a porous scaffold for tissue engineering. It is another object of the present invention to provide a porous scaffold obtainable by the method as above described, and its use for tissue engineering, cell culture and cell delivery. The method of the invention comprise the steps consisting of a) preparing an alkaline aqueous solution comprising an amount of at least one polysaccharide and one cross-linking agent b) freezing the aqueous solution of step a) c) sublimating the frozen solution of step b). characterized in that step b) is performed before the cross-linking of the polysaccharide occurs in the solution of step a).

Abstract: 1,3-Dipole-functional compounds (e.g., azide functional compounds) can be reacted with certain alkynes in a cyclization reaction to form heterocyclic compounds. Useful alkynes (e.g., strained, cyclic alkynes) and methods of making such alkynes are also disclosed. The reaction of 1,3-dipole-functional compounds with alkynes can be used for a wide variety of applications including the immobilization of biomolecules on a substrate.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for determining the impact of a production step or a purification step on the presence or nature of pro-inflammatory contaminating molecules in glucose polymers or the hydrolysates of same by using an in vitro test of inflammatory response using cell lines. It further concerns an optimised method of producing or purifying glucose polymers or the hydrolysates of same comprising an analysis of the pro-inflammatory contaminating molecules in glucose polymers or the hydrolysates of same and the selection of production or purification steps optimised with respect to the presence and nature of the pro-inflammatory contaminating molecules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bonding product comprising at least the polysaccharides T1 and T2, characterized in that a) the monosaccharides from which the polysaccharides T1 and T2 are constructed are partially or completely bonded to each other alpha-1,4-glycosidically and b) at least one of the polysaccharides T1 and/or T2 comprises at least one amino group and c) T1 and T2 are chemically bonded to each other covalently by at least one linker Z and d) T1 and/or T2 carries m groups -(L-A), wherein A is an active pharmaceutical ingredient and/or a fluorescence label, L is a second linker, by which T1 and/or T2 is covalently bonded to A, and m is an integer, which is 0 or at least 1.

Abstract: The invention relates to mutant strains of the genus Sphingomonas which have a mutation in at least one gene encoding a protein involved in polyhydroxybutyrate (“PHB”) synthesis that allows the mutant strains to produce PHB-deficient Sphingans. The invention is also directed to a process for preparing a clarified Sphingan solution comprising heating aqueous Sphingan solution, in particular PHB-deficient Sphingan solution, to a clarification temperature of about 30° C. to about 70° C., and treating the solution with a clarification agent and enzymes. In addition, the invention is directed to a food or industrial product comprising a PHB-deficient and/or clarified Sphingan. One particular embodiment of the invention is directed to a clarified, PHB-deficient high-acyl gellan and the processes of making thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to FGF receptor-activating N-acyl octasaccharides having Formula (I), wherein: R1 is an O-alkyl group optionally replaced by one or more aryl or cycloalkyl groups, R2 is an OSO3? or hydroxyl group, R3 is an alkyl, cycloalkyl, or alkyl-cycloalkyl group, R4 is a disaccharide having Formula (II), R6 is a disaccharide having Formula (III), and R8 is a disaccharide having Formula (IV), where R5, R7, and R9 are OSO3? or hydroxyl groups. The invention further relates to the preparation of said octasaccharides and to the therapeutic use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to enterococcal cell wall components and their uses in the prevention and therapy of bacterial infection.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions including dihydroxyalkyl substituted polygalactomannan, and the optional further substitution of such with cationic and/or hydrophobic moieties. Method of making such compositions is also disclosed as well as the use of such compositions in industrial applications, fabric laundering, and personal and household care.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a trans-resveratrol derivative that resists isomerization to the cis-form. This object can be achieved by a method for producing a trans-resveratrol polysaccharide, the method comprising the step of bringing a trans-resveratrol glucoside into contact with sugar in the presence of ?-cyclodextrin glucanotransferase.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions featuring chitosan and methods for using such compositions for the local delivery of biologically active agents to an open fracture, complex wound or other site of infection. Advantageously, the degradation and drug elution profiles of the chitosan compositions can be tailored to the needs of particular patients at the point of care (e.g., in a surgical suite, clinic, physician's office, or other clinical setting).

Abstract: The present invention provides an implantable device having a biosoluble coating or a biosoluble body structure comprising a polyelectrolyte and a counterion and the methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising a hyaluronic acid derivative having a crosslinking group(s) and a hydrophilic polysaccharide derivative having a hydrophobic group(s), wherein the hyaluronic acid derivative having a crosslinking group(s) is prepared by crosslinkage formation reaction in hyaluronic acid or a derivative thereof having a crosslinkable group(s) in the presence of the hydrophilic polysaccharide derivative wherein the hydrophilic polysaccharide derivative may have a crosslinkable group(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substrate which comprises oligogalacturonides. More particularly, the present invention provides a disposable absorbent article which comprises the substrate having the oligogalacturonides. The present invention also provides a process for manufacturing a disposable absorbent article comprising the substrate.

Abstract: A chlorinating agent such as a chloroiminium species is used to remove or neutralize tertiary acetamide present as a contaminant in a tertiary formamide solvent. Tertiary formamide solvent purified or treated in this manner can be used as a reaction vehicle for the chlorination of sucrose-6-acylates, thereby improving the yields of the desired sucralose-6-acylate (an intermediate in the production of sucralose).

Abstract: Low-copper click chemistry, 1.3-dipolar cycloadditions, and Staudinger ligations for modifying biomolecules is provided. Compositions, methods, and kits relating to low-copper click chemistry, 1.3-dipolar cycloadditions, and Staudinger ligations are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of N-linked glycan profiles of blood or blood component proteins as biomarkers for diagnosing diabetes mellitus and for monitoring the efficacy of anti-diabetic therapy. Specifically, the present invention relates to detecting changes in the amounts of N-linked glycans as diagnostic biomarkers for diabetes mellitus and as indicators of the efficacy of anti-diabetic therapy over time.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing a conjugate of a S. aureus type 5 or type 8 capsular polysaccharide and a carrier molecule, comprising the steps of: (a) depolymerizing the capsular polysaccharide, to give a polysaccharide fragment; (b) oxidizing the fragment in order to introduce an aldehyde group into at least one saccharide residue in the fragment, to give an oxidized saccharide residue; and (c) coupling the oxidized saccharide residue to a carrier molecule via the aldehyde group, thereby giving the conjugate. The coupling in step (c) may be direct, or may be via a linker molecule. The invention also provides a conjugate obtained or obtainable by this process.

Abstract: Compositions of matter are provided that include chitosan and a modified carbohydrate. The modified carbohydrate includes a carbohydrate component and a cross linking agent. The modified carbohydrate has increased carboxyl content as compared to an unmodified counterpart carbohydrate. A carboxyl group of the modified carbohydrate is covalently bonded with an amino group of chitosan. The compositions of matter provided herein may include cross linked starch citrate-chitosan and cross linked hemicellulose citrate-chitosan, including foams thereof. These compositions yield excellent absorbency and metal chelation properties. Methods of making cross linked modified carbohydrate-chitosan compounds are also provided.

Abstract: A method and a system for preparing xylan and calcium carbonate, xylan, a cellulose fibre, and precipitated calcium carbonate. The method includes extracting xylan from cellulose fibres with sodium hydroxide to form a mixture containing cellulose fibres and an extract solution containing xylan; removing the cellulose fibres from the mixture to isolate the extract solution; adding carbon dioxide to the isolated extract solution to form a mixture containing a liquid brightener and precipitated xylan; separating the brightener from the mixture to isolate the precipitated xylan; adding calcium hydroxide to the separated brightener to form a mixture of precipitated calcium carbonate and liquid sodium hydroxide; and removing the sodium hydroxide from the mixture to isolate the calcium carbonate.

Abstract: The document provides nutritional supplement compositions. For example, nutritional supplement compositions containing a potato polysaccharide preparation, methods for obtaining potato polysaccharide preparations, methods for making nutritional supplement compositions containing a potato polysaccharide preparation, and methods for increasing or decreasing expression of polypeptides involved with mitochondria activity or function are provided.

Abstract: Described are methods for using cyclodextrin to treat, inhibit, prevent, ameliorate, or cure diabetes or conditions relating to diabetes.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide compositions for use in the treatment galectin-dependent diseases. In particular, compositions comprising a selectively depolymerized, branched galactoarabino-rhamnogalacturonate whose backbone is predominantly comprised of 1,4-linked galacturonic acid (GalA) moieties, with a lesser backbone composition of alternating 1,4-linked GalA and 1,2-linked rhamnose (Rha), which in-turn is linked to any number of side chains, including predominantly 1,4-b-D-galactose (Gal) and 1,5-a-L-arabinose (Ara) residues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds derived from sugars which reproduce the epitopes of Shigella flexneri serotypes 3a and X and to the use thereof for the preparation of vaccine compositions. More specifically, the subject matter of the present invention relates to novel glycoconjugated compounds comprising oligosaccharides or polysaccharides described hereinafter, to the method for synthesizing these oligosaccharides or polysaccharides and glycoconjugates, to derivatives of these oligosaccharides or polysaccharides, to compositions containing same, and also to the use of the glycoconjugates for vaccination purposes. Finally, the present invention relates to methods for diagnosing a Shigella flexneri infection using one or more oligosaccharides or polysaccharides or conjugates thereof.

Abstract: An enterosoluble and intestinal-enzyme-biodegradable material is provided. The enterosoluble and intestinal-enzyme-biodegradable material includes a modified amylopectin, wherein at least one of hydrogen atoms is replaced by —CO—(CH2)n—COOH (n is 2-4) and the modified amylopectin has an acid value of 35-180 mg KOH/g. The disclosure also provides a method for preparing an enterosoluble and intestinal-enzyme-biodegradable material.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for preparing a hypodermic injection site comprising a visibility enhancer for an injection site and a post injection hypodermic puncture wound site. The present invention offers a number of significant improvements which advance the efficacy of the art, by: preventing unintentional hypodermic injection of medicines through un-sanitized or under-sanitized skin surfaces, thereby protecting patients from becoming inoculated with pathogenic microorganisms while receiving such injections; significantly improving the visibility of, and, the accurate visual location and bandaging of post-injection needle puncture entry wounds, thereby further reducing the risk of infection of such wounds; and, by reducing bleeding from such wounds, which, in turn, reduces healthcare worker exposure to blood-borne pathogens and reduces the generation of potentially infectious, biohazardous medical waste.

Abstract: An immunogenic composition having 13 distinct polysaccharide-protein conjugates and optionally, an aluminum-based adjuvant, is described. Each conjugate contains a capsular polysaccharide prepared from a different serotype of Streptococcus pneumoniae (1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F and 23F) conjugated to a carrier protein. The immunogenic composition, formulated as a vaccine, increases coverage against pneumococcal disease in infants and young children globally, and provides coverage for serotypes 6A and 19A that is not dependent on the limitations of serogroup cross-protection. Also described is a method for making an immunogenic conjugate comprising Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 1 polysaccharide covalently linked to a carrier protein, the method including partial de-O-acetylation of the polysaccharide by mild hydrolysis in an alkaline pH buffer.