Abstract: A sensor module is disclosed herein. The sensor module includes a skin piercing member carried by the carrier. The skin piercing member has a skin piercing end positioned opposite from a base end. The skin piercing member defines a lumen that extends along the central longitudinal axis from the skin piercing end toward the base end and the lumen having a lumen axis. The sensor module also includes a blood sample analysis zone located entirely within the lumen of the skin piercing member and a capillary flow stop for stopping capillary flow at a predetermined location within the lumen of the skin piercing member. The sensor module includes an elongated working electrode positioned within the lumen. The working electrode has a length that extends along the lumen axis where at least a section of the working electrode is positioned within the analysis zone. The working electrode includes sensing chemistry.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for in vivo production or biosynthesis of metabolites in foreign cells using the combination of (i) one or more ferredoxin dependent enzyme(s) and (ii) a ferredoxin (Fd)/ferredoxin-NADP+ reductase (FNR) system. The ferredoxin dependent enzymes and the Fd/FNR system are from the same species or from a different but matching species.

Abstract: Provided is an optically controlled gene expression system of prokaryotic bacterium, comprising: a) a photosensitive recombinant transcription factor encoding gene, the photosensitive recombinant transcription factor is one fusion protein comprising a first polypeptide as the DNA bonding domain and a second polypeptide as the photosensitive domain; b) a target transcription unit comprising promoter or promoter-reaction element or reaction element-promoter containing at least one reaction element recognized/bound by the first polypeptide and the nucleic acid sequence to be transcribed. Also provided is a prokaryotic expression vector comprising said optically controlled gene expression system, and a method for regulating gene expression in a prokaryotic host cell by using the optically controlled gene expression system. Also provided is a reagent kit containing different components of the optically controlled gene expression system.

Abstract: The invention discloses a disposable cartridge for preparing a sample fluid containing cells for analysis. The cartridge comprises one or more parallel preparation units, each preparation unit comprises one or more chambers enclosed between seals and connected in series. Each chamber is configured for receiving an input fluid, performing a procedure affecting the fluid thereby generating an output fluid, and releasing the output fluid. A first chamber of the one or more chambers is a pressable chamber coupled to a first opening, while a last chamber of the one or more chambers is coupled to a second opening. The input fluid of the first chamber is the sample fluid. The one or more preparation units are coupleable to a compartment for performing analysis of the respective output fluids convey able via the second openings.

Abstract: The electroporation chamber and its related devices combine the features of an electroporation chamber that acts as a manifold for regulation of sample flow with those of a flow electroporation device to form a regulated flow electroporation device. The invention further comprises a novel regulated flow electroporation chamber that enables conditions in which a sample is uniformly processed in individual fractions or volumes in a fully closed (sterile) system.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for light-dependent gene regulation using a light-responsive DNA-binding protein. Also provided are related nucleic acid molecules, and protein molecules, such as those encoding or comprising the light-responsive DNA-binding protein or DNA-binding sites recognizing the light-responsive DNA-binding protein. Kits using the present light-dependent gene regulation system are further provided by the present invention.

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: The present invention relates to a bacterial cell with texturizing property, starter cultures comprising the cell, and dairy products fermented with the starter culture.

Abstract: Exemplary methods include a method for transforming an algal cell by preparing a transformation construct, preparing a particle for bombarding the algal cell, adhering the transformation construct to the particle, bombarding the algal cell with the particle, and growing the algal cell into a colony. The transformation construct is replicated within a nuclear genome of the algal cell and the growing of the algal cell is in a nutrient medium. Another exemplary method may include a method for genetically modifying an algal cell, by adding nucleic acid to the algal cell while the algal cell is suspended in a solution of low conductivity, introducing the nucleic acid into the algal cell by application of an electrical pulse resulting in a transformed algal cell, and selecting a colony that includes the transformed algal cell.

Abstract: Provided is a method of inserting a target sequence into a genome of a cell through positive selection or negative selection based on whether a marker is expressed.

Abstract: This invention provides methods to prepare and use immunostimulatory cells for enhancing an immune response. The invention provides a method for preparing mature dendritic cells (DCs), comprising the sequential steps of: (a) signaling isolated immature dendritic cells (iDCs) with a first signal comprising an interferon gamma receptor (IFN-?R) agonist and/or a tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor (TNF-?R) agonist to produce signaled dendritic cells; and (b) signaling said signaled dendritic cells with a second transient signal comprising an effective amount of a CD40 agonist to produce CCR7+ mature dendritic cells. Also provided by this invention are enriched populations of dendritic cells prepared by the methods of the invention. Such dendritic cells have enhanced immunostimulatory properties and increased IL-12 secretion and/or decreased IL-10 secretion. CD40 signaling can be initiated by one or more of polypeptide translated from an exogenous polynucleotide encoding CD40L (e.g.

Abstract: Provided are a culture medium for preparing neural stem cell and use thereof, the culture medium for preparing neural stem cell comprising: a basic culture medium suitable for the growth of stem cell, and a cell signal pathway inhibitor selected from at least one of GSK inhibitor, MEK inhibitor, TGF-? inhibitor, ROCK inhibitor and BMP inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having cellulolytic enhancing activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The presently claimed invention applies to a genetic material processing and manipulation method and related product. The claimed invention relates to a method for changing the inherited characteristics of a cell through micro-beam chromosome modification. In one preferred embodiment, improvements to ‘genomic surgery’ are applied to modify source cell genetic material (101). Source cell (106) is stabilized through micro-pipette (102) applied negative pressure. Excised genetic material (101) undergoes a pre-cutting manipulation step (205) to enhance subsequent genetic manipulation. In an additional embodiment genetic material manipulation is aided by a spindle cutting step (303). The presently claimed invention provides a high quality alternate approach to directed genetic recombination without requiring the use of restriction enzymes and is used for chromosomal repair, removal of defects and new organism creation.

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: A rhizopus oryzae strain, mutagenesis and screening methods thereof, and methods of producing fumaric acid by fermentation. The strain is named as Rhizopus oryzae ME-F13, and deposited in China Center for Type Culture Collection with depository number CCTCC M 2010351. The strain is obtained by physically mutagenizing the original strain ME-F12 through ion injection, culturing the processed bacteria on the solid selective plate containing 2-D-deoxylucose (2-DG) and picking up 2-DG-resistant single colony. The strain is capable of simultaneously saccharifying starchy material and fermenting it to produce fumaric acid. With an improved enzymatic activity, the strain can be directly used to ferment raw starchy materials without needing pre-saccharifying.

Abstract: This invention relates to polypeptides having aldolase activity, including pyruvate activity such as, without limitation, HMG and/or KHG aldolase activity, polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides, and methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In some embodiments, the invention is directed to polypeptides having aldolase activity, including pyruvate activity such as, without limitation, HMG and/or KHG aldolase activity, including thermostable and thermotolerant activity, and polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, and making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The polypeptides in accordance with the invention can be used in a variety of pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial contexts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel anaerobic, extreme thermophilic, ethanol high-yielding bacterium. The invention is based on the isolation of the bacterial strain referred to herein as “DTU01”, which produces ethanol as the main fermentation product, followed by acetate and lactate. The isolated organism is an extremely interesting and very promising organism for the establishment of a sustainable bioethanol production process. The invention further relates to a method for producing a fermentation product such as ethanol.

Abstract: Described are novel S. stipitis strains that were obtained by UV-C irradiation of wild-type S. stipitis NRRL Y-7124 cultures, followed by 5-month anaerobic growth on xylose at 28° C. The UV-C-mutagenized strains were able to grow anaerobically on xylose or glucose medium with higher ethanol production than a Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strain under comparable fermentation conditions. The mutagenized strains were identified by DNA fingerprinting to be unique strains closely related to wild-type Scheffersomyces stipitis. These mutagenized strains have potential application in large-scale industrial conversion of lignocellulosic sugars to fuel ethanol.

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: The present invention is based on the discovery of a set of genes that are involved in lipid-droplet formation and regulation. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods of increasing or decreasing lipid concentrations in eukaryotic cells by decreasing or increasing expression of one of these genes. Increased lipid concentrations may be useful, for example, in the generation of biofuels. Decreased lipid concentration may be useful in the treatment of diseases characterized by excessive lipid storage. In addition, the invention provides methods of identifying markers of diseases characterized by excessive lipid storage.

Abstract: The presently claimed invention applies to a genetic material processing and manipulation method and related product. The claimed invention relates to a method for changing the inherited characteristics of a cell through micro-beam chromosome modification. In one preferred embodiment, improvements to ‘genomic surgery’ are applied to modify source cell genetic material (101). Source cell (106) is stabilized through micro-pipette (102) applied negative pressure. Excised genetic material (101) undergoes a pre-cutting manipulation step (205) to enhance subsequent genetic manipulation. In an additional embodiment genetic material manipulation is aided by a spindle cutting step (303). The presently claimed invention provides a high quality alternate approach to directed genetic recombination without requiring the use of restriction enzymes and is used for chromosomal repair, removal of defects and new organism creation.

Abstract: A method of optoperforation of the membrane of a cell by application of laser pulses characterized by focusing the pulsed laser beam onto the cell membrane to be perforated, applying a series of laser pulses of predetermined pulse energy, measuring the oscillation time of the bubbles formed in the laser focus from the change in laser intensity of a test laser beam transmitted through the laser focus and caused by the bubbles in the laser focus, and increasing the pulse energy to a level at which the oscillation time of the bubbles attains a predetermined value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bacterial cell with texturizing property, starter cultures comprising the cell, and dairy products fermented with the starter culture.

Abstract: The presently claimed invention applies to a genetic material processing and manipulation method and related product. The claimed invention relates to a method for changing the inherited characteristics of a cell through chromosome processing treatment. In a preferred embodiment, ‘genomic surgery’ is applied to source genetic material 101. Micro-beam cutting takes place on target genetic material 103, which is moved by way of micro-beam transport to a destination location adjacent to desired target genetic material 105. Source and target genetic material are welded during a micro-beam welding step, resulting in a combined or new chromosome combination 125. The combined or new chromosome combination 125 is transferred into receptor cell by three ways. The presently claimed invention provides a high quality alternate approach to directed genetic recombination without requiring the use of restriction enzymes and is used for chromosomal repair, removal of defects and new organism creation.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of increasing the photosynthesis rate of a plant cell and/or the production of biomass in a plant, as well as to plant cells and plants with increased photosynthesis rate/production of biomass. The present invention also relates to a phosphatase of the light-harvesting complex of photosystem II, to nucleic acids coding for such phosphatase, and to mutants of such nucleic acids. Moreover, the present invention relates to plant cells and plants, wherein the activity of said phosphatase is inhibited; in particular the present invention relates to plant cells and plants comprising the mutant nucleic acids.

Abstract: The invention is directed to polypeptides having any cellulolytic activity, e.g., a cellulase activity, e.g., endoglucanase, cellobiohydrolase, beta-glucosidase, xylanase, mannanse, ?-xylosidase, arabinofuranosidase, and/or oligomerase activity, including thermostable and thermotolerant activity, and polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, and making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The polypeptides of the invention can be used in a variety of pharmaceutical, agricultural, food and feed processing and industrial contexts. The invention also provides compositions or products of manufacture comprising mixtures of enzymes comprising at least one enzyme of this invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for introducing an siRNA molecule into the cytosol of a cell, said method comprising i) contacting said cell with an siRNA molecule, a carrier and a photosensitising agent, and ii) irradiating the cell with light of a wavelength effective to activate the photosensitising agent, wherein said carrier comprises a cationic polyamine such as a lipopolyamine in a non-liposomal formulation, polyethyleneimine (PEI), a betacyclodextrin amine polymer, an amine group containing dendrimer, and a cationic peptide. Cells or a population of cells obtainable by the method, a composition containing an siRNA molecule and the carrier molecule, kits and therapeutic uses of the above are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for cloning DNA molecules using recE/recT-mediated homologous recombination mechanism between at least two DNA molecules where one DNA molecule is a circular or linear DNA molecule and the second DNA molecule is a circular DNA molecule, and the second DNA molecule contains two regions with sequence homology to the first DNA molecule. Competent cells and vectors are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of 6-O sulfating glucosaminyl N-acetylglucosamine residues (GlcNAc) in a polysaccharide preparation and methods of converting anticoagulant-inactive heparan sulfate to anticoagulant-active heparan sulfate and substantially pure polysaccharide preparations made by such methods. Also disclosed is a mutant CHO cell which hyper-produces anticoagulant-active heparan sulfate. Methods for elucidating the sequence of activity of enzymes in a biosynthetic pathway are provided.

Abstract: Vectors and methods for the production of influenza viruses suitable as recombinant influenza vaccines in cell culture are provided. Bi-directional expression vectors for use in a multi-plasmid influenza virus expression system are provided. Additionally, the invention provides methods of producing influenza viruses with enhanced ability to replicate in embryonated chicken eggs and/or cells (e.g., Vero and/or MDCK) and further provides influenza viruses with enhanced replication characteristics. In addition, the present invention includes an improved method of rescue, wherein animal cells (e.g., SF Vero cells) are electroporated with plasmids and vectors of the invention.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an isolated regulatory sequence for Tctex-1 that is transcriptionally active in adult neural progenitor and stem cells, including Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 progenitors, as well as during development. The disclosure also relates to a method for selectively expressing a genetic sequence in neural progenitor cells. The disclosure of inserting and expressing a specific sequence in these cells allows marking, identification, sorting, tracking, and manipulating neural progenitor and stem cells.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the production of dendritic cells from monocytes that have been incubated at a temperature of 1° C.-34° C. for a period of approximately 6 to 96 hours from the time they are isolated from a subject. After the incubation period, the monocytes can then be induced to differentiate into dendritic cells. Mature dendritic cells made by the methods of the invention have increased levels of one or more of CD80, CD83, CD86, MHC class I molecules, or MHC class II molecules as compared to mature dendritic cells prepared from monocytes that have not been held at 1° C.-34° C. for at least 6 hours from the time they were isolated from a subject. Dendritic cells made by the methods of the invention are useful for the preparation of vaccines and for the stimulation of T cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to reduction or inactivation of gene function or gene expression in cells in vitro and in multicellular organisms. The invention encompasses methods for mutating cells using a combination of mutagens, particularly wherein at least one mutagen is an insertional mutagen, to achieve homozygous gene mutation or mutation of multiple genes required cumulatively to achieve a phenotype to create knock-outs, knock-downs, and other modifications in the same cell. The invention is also directed to cells (and libraries thereof) and organisms created by the methods of the invention, including those in which at least one of the genes created by insertional mutagenesis is tagged by means of the insertion sequences thereby allowing identification of the mutated gene(s). The invention is also directed to libraries of mutated cells and their uses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetic engineering and especially to the use of DNA transposition complex of bacteriophage Mu. In particular, the invention provides a gene transfer system for eukaryotic cells, wherein in vitro assembled Mu transposition complexes are introduced into a target cell and subsequently transposition into a cellular nucleic acid occurs. The invention further provides a kit for producing insertional mutations into the genomes of eukaryotic cells. The kit can be used, e.g., to generate insertional mutant libraries.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods to identify novel bacteria and metabolites derived therefrom. More specifically, the invention describes a novel method to isolate bacteria producing metabolites of interest from environmental samples. Particularly, the invention discloses a method to select rare antibiotic producing bacteria. The invention can be used from any sample and allows the isolation of bacteria having e.g., pharmaceutical or agrochemical interest.

Abstract: Many probiotic Bifidobacteriacea contains an active tetW that renders the cells resistant to tetracycline. This may present a risk of a horizontal transfer of functional antibiotic genes. The present invention relates to a method of obtaining novel tetracycline-sensitive strains of the genus of Bifidobacteriacea (Bifidobacterium sp.). In particular, the present invention relates to novel antibiotic-sensitive strains obtained from antibiotic-resistant probiotic strains and the use of such novel strains for the preparation of a food or feed product or a dosage form comprising viable organisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of generating eukaryotic cells suitable for the expression of transgenes in said cells comprising (a) introducing a nucleic acid encoding a selectable marker responsive to a selecting agent into the nucleus of cells, wherein the level of expression of said selectable marker is proportional to the level of phenotypic responsiveness to said selecting agent; (b) selecting, among the cells obtained in step (a), for cells with a detectable expression of said selectable marker; (c) optionally propagating the cells selected for in step (b); (d) mutagenizing the cells selected for in step (b) or propagated in step (c) or allowing for the appearance of spontaneous mutations in the cells selected for in step (b) or propagated in step (c); and (e) selecting for cells displaying an increased expression of said selectable marker compared to the expression obtained in step (b).

Abstract: Various aspects provide for genetically modifying photosynthetic cells. In some cases, an integrated light harvesting efficiency of photosynthetic cells may be increased by reducing the amount of incident light that is absorbed but not used for photosynthesis. In some cases, an increased transparency may be associated with an increased light harvesting efficiency when absorption due to non-photosynthetic processes is reduced. A reduced capacity of various light-harvesting antenna apparatus may increase transparency. In some cases, a capacity of an organism to adapt to varying light levels may be reduced, and in certain cases, a modified organism may have a reduced ability to acclimate to a low light irradiance.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method for introducing a PNA molecule into the cytosol, preferably the nucleus of a cell, comprising contacting said cell with a PNA molecule and a photosensitising agent, and irradiating the cell with light of a wavelength effective to activate the photosensitising agent, wherein said PNA molecule is conjugated to a positively charged peptide. Compositions comprising such conjugated PNA molecules, cells made using the method and uses of the method are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to reduction or inactivation of gene function or gene expression in cells in vitro and in multicellular organisms. The invention encompasses methods for mutating cells using a combination of mutagens, particularly wherein at least one mutagen is an insertional mutagen, to achieve homozygous gene mutation or mutation of multiple genes required cumulatively to achieve a phenotype to create knock-outs, knock-downs, and other modifications in the same cell. The invention is also directed to cells (and libraries thereof) and organisms created by the methods of the invention, including those in which at least one of the genes created by insertional mutagenesis is tagged by means of the insertion sequences thereby allowing identification of the mutated gene(s). The invention is also directed to libraries of mutated cells and their uses.

Abstract: The presently claimed invention applies to a genetic material processing and manipulation method and related product. The claimed invention relates to a method for changing the inherited characteristics of a cell through chromosome processing treatment. In a preferred embodiment, ‘genomic surgery’ is applied to source genetic material 101. Micro-beam cutting takes place on target genetic material 103, which is moved by way of micro-beam transport to a destination location adjacent to desired target genetic material 105. Source and target genetic material are welded during a micro-beam welding step, resulting in a combined or new chromosome combination 125. The combined or new chromosome combination 125 is transferred into receptor cell by three ways. The presently claimed invention provides a high quality alternate approach to directed genetic recombination without requiring the use of restriction enzymes and is used for chromosomal repair, removal of defects and new organism creation.

Abstract: Electroporation is performed in a controlled manner in either individual or multiple biological cells or biological tissue by monitoring the electrical impedance, defined herein as the ratio of current to voltage in the electroporation cell. The impedance detects the onset of electroporation in the biological cell(s), and this information is used to control the intensity and duration of the voltage to assure that electroporation has occurred without destroying the cell(s). This is applicable to electroporation in general. In addition, a particular method and apparatus are disclosed in which electroporation and/or mass transfer across a cell membrane are accomplished by securing a cell across an opening in a barrier between two chambers such that the cell closes the opening. The barrier is either electrically insulating, impermeable to the solute, or both, depending on whether pore formation, diffusive transport of the solute across the membrane, or both are sought.

Abstract: The present invention relates to agents that modulate interleukin-15 (“IL-15”) signal transduction or function (“Therapeutic Agents”) and the use ol? those agents to modulate immune function. The Therapeutic Agents target the interaction between IL-15 and its receptor and modulate IL-15-induced signal transduction. The Therapeutic Agents may be formulated with polymers, such as poly-?-1-?4-N-acetylglucosamine. for administration to a human subject to modulate IL-15-mediated immune function.

Abstract: Methods of sterilizing dermal fillers and injectable collagen material have been developed which reduce the level of active biological contaminants or pathogens without adversely affecting the material, i.e., wherein the dermal fillers and injectable collagen material retain their same properties before and after its terminal sterilization. In one embodiment the method for sterilizing the dermal filler or injectable collagen material that is sensitive to radiation contains the steps of protecting the filler or material from radiation, and irradiating the filler or material with a suitable dose of radiation for a time and at a rate effective to sterilize the filler or injectable material. In a preferred embodiment the method for sterilizing the dermal filler or injectable collagen material that is sensitive to radiation includes the steps of a) freezing the filler or material at a temperature below its freezing temperature, which is generally below 0° C.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to reduction or inactivation of gene function or gene expression in cells in vitro and in multicellular organisms. The invention encompasses methods for mutating cells using a combination of mutagens, particularly wherein at least one mutagen is an insertional mutagen, to achieve homozygous gene mutation or mutation of multiple genes required cumulatively to achieve a phenotype to create knock-outs, knock-downs, and other modifications in the same cell. The invention is also directed to cells (and libraries thereof) and organisms created by the methods of the invention, including those in which at least one of the genes created by insertional mutagenesis is tagged by means of the insertion sequences thereby allowing identification of the mutated gene(s). The invention is also directed to libraries of mutated cells and their uses.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of producing genetically modified strains of electricigenic microbes that are specifically adapted for the production of electrical current in microbial fuel cells, as well as strains produced by such methods and fuel cells using such strains. In preferred embodiments, the present invention provides genetically modified strains of Geobacter sulfurreducens and methods of using such strains.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a method for improving efficiency of RNA delivery to cells. The method comprises applying a low strength electric field to the cells and then after a certain time period, administering the ribonucleic acid sequence to the cells. Devices, kits, and RNA molecules suitable for delivery and devices suitable for practicing the disclosed methods are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel method for modifying the genome of Gram-positive bacteria, to these bacteria and to novel vectors. The invention particularly relates to a method for modifying corynebacteria or brevibacteria with the aid of a novel marker gene which has a conditionally negatively dominant action in the bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetic engineering and especially to the use of DNA transposition complex of bacteriophage Mu. In particular, the invention provides a gene transfer system for isolated human stem cells, wherein in vitro assembled Mu transposition complexes are introduced into a target cell and subsequently transposition into a cellular nucleic acid occurs. The invention further provides a kit for producing insertional mutations into the genomes of isolated human stem cells. The kit can be used, e.g., to generate insertional mutant libraries.