Abstract: A method for increasing and/or preserving yields and/or biomass in crop species including potatoes, beets, sugar cane, corn, soybeans and others by exogenous application of trehalose and/or trehalose derivatives at any time in the growing process such as before crop sowing, during sowing, or during plant establishment. The method, when applied early in crop production results in enhanced health and vigor of the mother plant resulting in healthier produce having reduced sugars from the mother plant.

Abstract: Suggested are biocide compositions, comprising (a) Isoamyl lactate; (b) Biocides and optionally (c) Oil components or co-solvents and/or (d) Emulsifiers. The compositions show high solubility for biocides and improved emulsification properties.

Abstract: A composition comprising (a) a non-aqueous pourable fluid, (b) droplets dispersed in said pourable fluid (a), wherein said droplets comprise (i) a non-aqueous continuous phase that is a solid or that is a liquid of high viscosity and (ii) solid particles dispersed in said continuous phase (i), wherein said solid particles (ii) have median size as measured by the largest dimension of 100 micrometers or less, and wherein said solid particles (ii) comprise one or more cyclopropene compound and one or more molecular encapsulating agent. Also, a method of treating plants or plant parts involving bringing such a composition into contact with plants or plant parts.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to degradable superabsorbent materials based on acetals of glyoxylic acid and derivatives thereof with polyvinyl alcohol, and methods of making the polymers. The polymers are used to make superabsorbent particles, coatings, sheets, and fibers. Formulations and articles including the superabsorbent polymers, particles, coatings, sheets, and fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cooling system includes a first section of high temperature superconducting (HTS) cable configured to receive a first flow of coolant and to permit the first flow of coolant to flow therethrough. The system may further include a second section of high temperature superconducting (HTS) cable configured to receive a second flow of coolant and to permit the second flow of coolant to flow therethrough. The system may further include a cable joint configured to couple the first section of HTS cable and the second section of HTS cable. The cable joint may be in fluid communication with at least one refrigeration module and may include at least one conduit configured to permit a third flow of coolant between said cable joint and said at least one refrigeration module through a coolant line separate from said first and second sections of HTS cable.

Abstract: A magnet coil configuration (20-24) is manufactured from a band-shaped conductor (1), which is slit in the longitudinal direction except for its two end areas (2, 3) such that the band-shaped conductor (1) has a first and a second half band (4, 5) and two end areas (2, 3) which connect these two half bands (4, 5) to form a closed loop. The two half-bands (4,5) of the slit band-shaped conductor (1) are initially wound onto two separate intermediate coils (14,15) and the final coil structure is subsequently wound by alternate extraction of the two half-bands (4,5) from the intermediate coils (14,15). A simple method is thereby proposed for winding a slit band-shaped conductor to form a magnet coil configuration which also generates strong magnetic fields.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of sequencing low-complexity amplicons randomly arrayed at high density on a surface. Methods of the invention include preparing amplicons for sequencing by a sets of primers that ensure initial signals front different amplicons on the surface will be evenly distributed among the different nucleotides being added in a sequencing by synthesis operation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are biomarkers related to gastric cancer. The presently identified salivary biomarkers create the basis for a gastric cancer detection bioassay with sensitivity and specificity. Means and methods for evaluating the data generated using multiple biomarkers in order to validate findings and further use of the multiplexed gastric cancer assay in clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic uses is also included.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for attaching oligonucleotide tags to polynucleotides for the purpose of carrying out analytical assays in parallel and for decoding the oligonucleotide tags of polynucleotides selected in such assays. Words, or subunits, of oligonucleotide tags index submixtures in successively more complex sets of submixtures (referred to herein as “tiers” of submixtures) that a polynucleotide goes through while successive words are added to a growing tag. By identifying each word of an oligonucleotide tag, a series of submixtures is identified including the first submixture that contains only a single polynucleotide, thereby providing the identity of the selected polynucleotide. The analysis of the words of an oligonucleotide tag can be carried out in parallel, e.g.

Abstract: This invention relates to a kit and a method for the collection and analysis of complex protein mixtures. More particularly, the invention relates to a kit comprising a single barrel filtration well or a multi-well filtration plate wherein each well comprises an upper filtration zone; a lower filtration zone; a conical flow director zone; and, an elution tip, wherein the upper filtration zone and the lower filtration zone are separated by a retainer ring disposed within the lower filtration zone. The upper filtration zone comprises an upper collection zone, a sponge zone, and a deep bed filtration zone; and, the lower filtration zone comprises the retainer ring, a supported hydrophilic membrane and a lower bed filtration media. When used with an array of selected buffer solutions, the multi-well filtration plate can provide accurate, automated, high-throughput protein analysis by affinity chromatography.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and compositions that can be used for diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue sarcoma cancer phenotypes and soft tissue sarcoma cancer-associated diseases. Also described herein are methods that can be used to identify modulators of soft tissue sarcoma cancer.

Abstract: A variety of elastomeric-based microfluidic devices and methods for using and manufacturing such devices are provided. Certain of the devices have arrays of reaction sites to facilitate high throughput analyses. Some devices also include reaction sites located at the end of blind channels at which reagents have been previously deposited during manufacture. The reagents become suspended once sample is introduced into the reaction site. The devices can be utilized with a variety of heating devices and thus can be used in a variety of analyses requiring temperature control, including thermocycling applications such as nucleic acid amplification reactions, genotyping and gene expression analyses.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions and kits for detecting the presence or absence of an integrated insertion polynucleotide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for diagnosing cornification disorders and metabolic diseases. More specifically, the present invention relates to an in vitro method for diagnosing and/or predicting a cornification disorder in a subject, comprising determining the presence or the absence of a genetic variation in the Patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 1 (PNPLA1) gene sequence in a biological sample from said subject, as compared with the PNPLA1 gene sequence of a healthy non-carrier subject, wherein the presence of said genetic variation indicates that said subject suffers from or is at risk of suffering from said cornification disorder. The method according to the invention allows for example diagnosing ichthyosis in dogs of the Golden Retriever breed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for selectively amplifying non-methylated sequences of a DNA comprising the steps of (i) providing a sample comprising a DNA which is methylated at least one site, (ii) treating the DNA in the sample with a methylation-dependent nuclease, and (iii) amplifying the DNA cut using the methylation-dependent nuclease. In addition, the invention relates to kits for use in the method according to the invention. The method according to the invention can be used for selectively preparing to (selectively accumulating) non-methylated sequence segments of genomic DNA and for analysing the global methylation pattern in genomic DNA.

Abstract: A sensor scheme combining nano-photonics and nano-fluidics on a single platform through the use of free-standing photonic crystals is described. By harnessing nano-scale openings, both fluidics and light can be manipulated at sub-wavelength scales. The convective flow is actively steered through the nanohole openings for effective delivery of the analytes to the sensor surface, and refractive index changes are detected in aqueous solutions. Systems and methods using cross-polarization measurements to further improve the detection limit by increasing the signal-to-noise ratio are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides miRNA signatures and methods of making and using thereof. MiRNA signatures determine the responsiveness of HER2 expressing breast tumors to anti-HER2 treatment, such as the targeted drug therapy trastuzumab.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of diagnosing graft-versus-host disease, comprising measuring the level of CCL8 protein in a sample obtained from a subject as an indicator for the diagnosis or course of graft-versus-host disease. Also a diagnostic reagent for graft-versus-host disease comprising an anti-CCL8 antibody is disclosed. The method of the present invention enables diagnosis of the onset of graft-versus-host disease and monitoring of the progress, in particular, differential diagnosis between graft-versus-host disease and an infectious disease. The present invention also provides a method for treating graft-versus-host disease utilizing the anti-CCL8 antibody.

Abstract: Label-free, multiplexed DNA assay using fluorescent conjugated polymers as a detection probe to illustrate hybridization on metallic striped nanorods are disclosed. Different DNA capture probes are encoded by the different reflectivity of Au and Ag stripe patterns. The integration of fluorescent conjugated polymers as detection moieties with metallic striped nanorods for multiplexed detection of clinically important cancer marker proteins in an immunoassay format is also provided.

Abstract: Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has profound effects on human skin. However, its effects on the global transcriptome in vivo have not been well characterized. In addition, the contribution of the UVA component of UVR has not been previously assessed in vivo. Disclosed herein is the identification of sets of genes that are either up-regulated or down-regulated in response to UVA exposure. The gene sets described herein can be used to accurately identify skin samples that have been exposed to UVA and to assess the ability of a sun protection product to block the effects of UVA.

Abstract: The subject disclosure concerns methods for evaluation of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Such methods include a method of determining of a diagnosis of the individual as having or not having RCC; determination of a prognosis of a future course of RCC; determination of disease burden; or determination of recurrence of RCC in an individual who had been apparently cured of RCC. The methods each involve the detection of the value of at least one biomarker of Table 1. The biomarker value is used, in some of the methods, to determine whether the individual does or does not demonstrate evidence of disease, and in another method, to determine the degree or a score indicative of the individual's extent of disease.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and related methods comprising (i) short stretches (e.g., 9 to 24 bases) of single-stranded nucleic acid (e.g., DNA) capture probes coated with RecA and, in some instances, bound to a solid substrate, and (ii) double-stranded nucleic acid (e.g., DNA or RNA) target(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to solution microarrays. In particular, the present invention relates to an aqueous 2-phase system for solution microarrays and uses thereof. Additional embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of aiding in the prognosis of a subject with oesophageal and/or gastro-oesophageal junctional (GOJ) adenocarcinoma, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a sample from the subject, (b) determining the expression level of biomarkers TRIM44 and SIRT2 in said sample, and either (i) determining the expression level of biomarker PAPPS2 in said sample; or (ii) determining the expression level of biomarkers WT1 and EGFR in said sample; (c) comparing the expression level of each of said biomarkers to a corresponding reference standard, (d) determining the biomarkers of (b) whose expression is dysregulated compared to the reference standard, (e) inferring from the dysregulated biomarkers identified in (d) the prognosis of 5-year survival, wherein the greater the number of said biomarkers which are dysregulated, the greater the reduction in prognosis of 5-year survival. The invention also relates to kits, uses and devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, kits and systems for the prognosis of the disease outcome of breast cancer, said method comprising: (a) determining in a tumor sample from said patient the RNA expression levels of at least 2 of the following 9 genes: UBE2C, BIRC5, RACGAP1, DHCR7, STC2, AZGP1, RBBP8, IL6ST, and MGP (b) mathematically combining expression level values for the genes of the said set which values were determined in the tumor sample to yield a combined score, wherein said combined score is indicative of a prognosis of said patient; and kits and systems for performing said method.

Abstract: Methods for detecting Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and Legionella spp. are disclosed. A sample suspected of containing a nucleic acid of one or more of M. pneumoniae, C. pneumoniae, and Legionella spp. is screened for the presence or absence of that nucleic acid. Determining whether the M. pneumoniae, C. pneumoniae, or Legionella spp. nucleic acid is present in the sample can be accomplished by detecting hybridization between a M. pneumoniae probe (such as a CARDS toxin probe), a C. pneumoniae probe (such as a ArgR probe), or a Legionella spp. probe (such as a SsrA probe) and a nucleic acid in a sample. Also disclosed are probes and primers for the detection of M. pneumoniae, C. pneumoniae, and Legionella spp., and kits that contain the disclosed probes and/or primers.

Abstract: We describe assay modules (e.g., assay plates, cartridges, multi-well assay plates, reaction vessels, etc.), processes for their preparation, and method of their use for conducting assays. Reagents may be present in free form or supported on solid phases including the surfaces of compartments (e.g., chambers, channels, flow cells, wells, etc.) in the assay modules or the surface of colloids, beads, or other particulate supports. In particular, dry reagents can be incorporated into the compartments of these assay modules and reconstituted prior to their use in accordance with the assay methods. A desiccant material may be used to maintain and stabilize these reagents in a dry state.

Abstract: The application provides methods of prognosmg, diagnosing, screening and classifying lung cancer patients into poor survival groups or good survival groups. A number of altered genomic regions have been identified that distinguish subtype of lung adenocarcinoma (ADC), specifically between bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) and invasive ADC with BAC features (AWBF), and genes and biomarkers whose expression are altered in individuals with pulmonary ADC according to different survival outcomes. The amplification and/or deletion of these genomic regions, and/or the biomarker expression profiles can be used to classify patients with ADC into a BAC group with excellent survival outcome, or an invasive ADC with BAC features group with higher risk of developing metastatic recurrence and poorer survival outcome. The application also includes kits for use in the methods of the application.

Abstract: The present invention relates to assays, compositions and methods for the detection and discrimination of specific gene sequences encoding antibiotic resistance in a sample. The nucleotide sequences encoding antibiotic resistance genes are uniquely identified. In particular, these sequences are hybridized to capture probes, enabling real-time PCR. For this purpose, the capture probes may also be covalently linked to amplification primers. Alternatively, detection of amplified products with hybridization to capture probes may be performed after amplification by hybridization to capture probes bound to a solid support such as microarrays and microspheres (beads). Finally, detection of amplification products during amplification in real-time using capture probes may be combined with detection of such amplification products after amplification using the same and/or different capture probes.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for early detection and screening of colorectal cancer in human subjects based on RNA isolated from blood obtained from said subject. According to the invention, the abundance of at least 3, 5, 8, 30, 60, 102, 202, 55, 1002 or 1002 RNAs listed in tables 1 to 13 is measured. Using the invention, an accurate and noninvasive screening and diagnosis tool for colorectal cancer is provided with a sensitivity of at least 80% and a specificity of 85% that has high clinical utility and the potential for broad adoption.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the function of SGLT5 as a sodium dependent co-transporter of mannose and/or fructose. The invention provides nucleic acids and host cells for inducible expression of SGLT5. Based on an inducible expression system the invention provides methods, assays and test kits for the identification of compounds interacting with SGLT5, especially with human SGLT5.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for attaching oligonucleotide tags to polynucleotides for the purpose of carrying out analytical assays in parallel and for decoding the oligonucleotide tags of polynucleotides selected in such assays. Words, or subunits, of oligonucleotide tags index submixtures in successively more complex sets of submixtures (referred to herein as “tiers” of submixtures) that a polynucleotide goes through while successive words are added to a growing tag. By identifying each word of an oligonucleotide tag, a series of submixtures is identified including the first submixture that contains only a single polynucleotide, thereby providing the identity of the selected polynucleotide. The analysis of the words of an oligonucleotide tag can be carried out in parallel, e.g.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of making an array for cell assays comprising the step of providing an array of structures on a substrate, each of said structures having a pre-defined topography thereon, and wherein at least one structure has a different topography from at least one other structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting or culturing cells or cell colonies includes: a common substrate formed from a flexible resilient polymeric material and having a plurality of wells formed therein; and a plurality of rigid cell carriers releasably connected to said common substrate, with said carriers arranged in the form of an array, and with each of the carriers resiliently received in one of the wells. A method of collecting or culturing cells or cell colonies with such an apparatus is carried out by depositing a liquid media carrying cells on the apparatus so that said cells settle on or adhere to said the carriers; and then (c) releasing at least one selected carrier having said cells thereon by gradual application of release energy to each carrier from the cavity in which it is received (e.g., by pushing with a probe).

Abstract: An integrated processing tool is described comprising a full-wafer processing module and a combinatorial processing module. Chemicals for use in the combinatorial processing module are fed from a delivery system including a set of first manifolds. An output of each first manifold is coupled to at least one mixing vessel. An output of each mixing vessel feeds more than one of a set of second manifolds. An output of each set of second manifolds feeds one of multiple site-isolated reactors of the combinatorial processing module.

Abstract: The present invention provides a processing station for automatically processing a biological sample, a system for automated real-time inventory control of consumables within a biological sample handling or assay instrument, a high throughput random access automated instrument for processing biological samples, an automated instrument for processing or analysis of a sample, and processes for automated mucoid detection and elimination. Methods of using the disclosed instruments, mucoid detection processes, and systems to process and/or analyze samples are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a drilling, drill-in, and completion water-based mud composition containing micro or nanoparticles for use in hydrocarbon drilling. The water-based drilling mud composition includes water present in an amount sufficient to maintain flowability of the water-based drilling mud composition, and drilling mud, which includes particles. The particles are selected from microparticles, nanoparticles, and combinations thereof. The water-based drilling mud composition also includes an effective amount of a multi-functional mud additive, which includes psyllium seed husk powder. The water-based drilling mud composition is operable to keep the particles stabilized and dispersed throughout the drilling mud composition in the absence of a surfactant.

Abstract: The invention provides for the use of copolymers comprising 1 to 99 mol % of structural units of the formula (1) in which R1 is hydrogen or C1-C6-alkyl, A is C2-C4-alkylene groups and B is C2-C4-alkylene groups, with the proviso that A is different than B, and x, y are each independently an integer of 1-100, and 1 to 99 mol % of structural units of the formula (3) in which R6 is hydrogen or C1-C6-alkyl, D is C2-C4-alkylene groups and z is an integer of 1-50, in amounts of 0.01 to 2% by weight, based on the water phase, as gas hydrate inhibitors.

Abstract: Solid proppants are coated with a coating that exhibits the handling characteristics of a pre-cured coating while also exhibiting the ability to form particle-to-particle bonds at the elevated temperatures and pressures within a wellbore. The coating includes a substantially homogeneous mixture of (i) at least one isocyanate component having at least 2 isocyanate groups, and (ii) a curing agent comprising a monofunctional alcohol, amine or amide. The coating process can be performed with short cycle times, e.g., less than about 4 minutes, and still produce a dry, free-flowing, coated proppant that exhibits low dust characteristics during pneumatic handling but also proppant consolidation downhole for reduced washout and good conductivity. Such proppants also form good unconfined compressive strength without use of an bond activator, are substantially unaffected in bond formation characteristics under downhole conditions despite prior heat exposure, and are resistant to leaching with hot water.

Abstract: Particles, embedded into a sliding layer, have a coating, within which a lubricant, e.g., a liquid, is contained. A component with the sliding layer provides a sliding surface that can be used as a backup bearing to ensure emergency operating properties, for example, of a shaft that is mounted in a main bearing. When the shaft strikes the bearing surface, the coating of the particles that are exposed on the bearing surface are destroyed and the lubricant can exit. Advantageously, the sliding properties of the sliding surface are thereby improved.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transmission oil composition for use in a push belt continuously variable transmission (CVT). The push belt CVT oil composition includes a hydrogenated base oil or a synthetic base oil admixed with a viscosity control agent, a dispersing agent, a friction control agent and other additives at specific ratios and provides improved friction characteristics, durability, thermal stability, oxidation stability and transmission performance. It can be used at various temperature ranges and can provide improved transmission efficiency (fuel efficiency).

Abstract: A method for producing a high viscosity, low volatiles blown stripped oil blend is provided. The method may include the steps of: (i) obtaining an oil blend of corn stillage oil and soybean oil having a weight ratio of corn stillage oil to soybean oil of from about 1:2 to 3:1; (ii) heating the oil blend to at least 90° C.; (iii) passing air through the heated oil blend to produce a blown oil having a viscosity of at least 50 cSt at 40° C.; and (iv) stripping the blown oil from step (iii) to reduce an acid value of the blown oil to less than 5.0 mg KOH/gram.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oil composition comprising a lubricating base oil, and an alkylene oxide adduct of a hydroxy acid having a hydrophile-lipophile index of 8 to 15, wherein the oil composition is used for cutting/grinding processing by minimal quantity lubrication system. Further, the present invention provides a cutting/grinding processing method by minimal quantity lubrication system, comprising a step of supplying the oil composition of the present invention in the form of mist together with a compressed fluid to processing sites of a workpiece.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved food-grade-lubricant useful as hydraulic oil, circulating oil, drip oil, general purpose oil, grease base oil, cable oil, chain oil, spindle oil, gear oil, and compressor oil for equipment in the food service industry. Specifically, it relates to a composition comprising at least one polyalphaolefin base fluid, at least one food grade polyolester base fluid, and at least one food grade performance additive.

Abstract: A method for producing a nitrone of formula (I) wherein R is a branched alkyl group having from four to thirty carbon atoms; R1, R2, R3 and R4 independently are hydrogen or alkyl groups having from one to six carbon atoms from an imine having formula (II)

Abstract: The present invention primarily relates to fragrance substance mixtures, preferably perfume oils, comprising (a) compound (A-1) and compound (A-2) and (b) one or more further musk fragrance substances, which are not isolongifolenyl methyl ethers, wherein the mass ratio of the total quantity of musk fragrance substances of constituent (b) to the total quantity of compounds (A-1) and (A-2) (constituent (a)) is preferably greater than or equal to 1:2. Furthermore, the present invention relates to perfumed products containing fragrance substance mixtures of this type according to the invention, in particular perfume oils, and a method for modifying certain olfactory properties of fragrance substances, fragrance substance mixtures, perfume oils or correspondingly perfumed products.

Abstract: A personal cleansing composition includes a surfactant, a thickener, emulsifier and at least one particulate dispersed in the thickener, the at least one particulate being formed of a substantially biodegradable substance. The at least one particulare may include a soy meal based polymer. The soy meal based polymer is both stable and biodegradable. The at least one particulate includes a group of suspended particles added to mechanically scrub the skin of a user or used as a textural ingredient to modify the feel, spreadability or slip of a product. The soy meal based polymer is useful in personal cleansing compositions as an exfoliant, a scrub, a film former or as a filler. The half-life of the composition may be modified as necessary based on the shelf-life of the product.

Abstract: Provided are compositions suitable for stripping coatings from a surface. The compositions may include a solvent and an organic functional amine. The solvent may be benzyl alcohol. The compositions may further include at least one surfactant. The compositions may include at least two surfactants present in the composition at a ratio of about 1:1 to each other. Also provided are methods of stripping a coating from a surface, the method including applying to the surface a composition according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a fungal serine protease enzyme, which comprises an amino acid sequence of the mature Fe_RF6318 enzyme having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 15. The serine protease is obtainable from Fusarium equiseti, more preferably from the deposited strain CBS 119568. Also disclosed are nucleic acid sequences encoding said protease, such as plasmid pALK2521 comprising the nucleotide sequence SEQ ID NO:9 deposited in E. coli RF7664 under accession number DSM 22171 and plasmid pALK2529 comprising the full-length gene SEQ ID NO: 10 deposited in E. coli RF7800 under accession number DSM 22172. Said protease is useful as an enzyme preparation applicable in detergent compositions and for treating fibers, for treating wool, for treating hair, for treating leather, for treating food or feed, or for any applications involving modification, degradation or removal of proteinaceous material.

Abstract: The need for a means to formulate fluid compositions for use in water-soluble unit dose articles having higher levels of water is met by incorporating a di-amido gellant into the fluid composition. The di-amido gellant also simplifies the addition of ingredients to water-soluble unit dose articles, such as microcapsules, that are typically added as aqueous suspensions or slurries.