Abstract: A composite particle and a population of particles comprising a water-insoluble polyphosphate composition, methods of producing, and methods of using the same are provided. The polyphosphate composition may comprise at least one alkaline earth metal selected from calcium and magnesium and optionally at least one nutrient ion selected from the group consisting of potassium, ammonium, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, boron, chlorine, iodine, molybdenum, selenium or sulfur.

Abstract: Herbicidal compositions comprising 4-amino-3-chloro-6-(4-chloro-2-fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl)pyridine-2-carboxylic acid (I) or a derivative thereof and 2,4-D or a derivative thereof.

Abstract: Herbicidal compositions comprising and methods of controlling desirable vegetation utilizing 4-amino-3-chloro-6-(4-chloro-2-fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl)pyridine-2-carboxylic acid or an agriculturally acceptable ester, amide, or salt thereof and (b) fluroxypyr or an agriculturally acceptable ester, amide, or salt thereof.

Abstract: The invention concerns an absorbent composition comprising: (a) at least 50 wt.-% of the overall composition have a particle size of less than 150 .mu.m and are comprised of at least one absorbent component; and (b) at least 1.0 wt.-% of the overall composition have a particle size of at least 250 .mu.m and are comprised of at least one particulate component, and its preferred uses.

Abstract: Improved aqueous herbicidal compositions comprising at least one water-soluble herbicide and a gel forming agent are provided. The compositions are generally characterized as pseudoplastic, elastic and having a relatively high stationary viscosity. The compositions provide enhanced foliar retention and resistance to drying thereby allowing for improved uptake of the herbicide into the plants and/or translocation within the plant in order to more effectively kill the plants at reduced application rates in kilograms of herbicide per hectare, even in the absence of a surfactant. Methods for confined application of the compositions of the invention to control the growth of unwanted plants are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a herbicidal composition. The herbicidal composition comprises flumioxazin, saflufenacil, and glyphosate or a salt thereof.

Abstract: A herbicide combination comprising of components (A) and (B) exhibit synergistic herbicidal effects, where (A) is one or more herbicides selected from the group consisting of heteroaryloxy- and aryloxy-phenoxypropionic acids, their salts and esters and cyclohexanediones, and (B) is one or more herbicides selected from the group consisting of (B1) herbicides which are selective in rice, mainly against mono-cotyledonous plants, (B2) herbicides which are selective in rice, mainly against dicotyledonous harmful plants and cyperaceae, (B3) herbicides which are selective in rice, mainly against cyperaceae and (B4) herbicides which are selective in rice, mainly against mono-cotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants and cyperaceae.

Abstract: A superconducting nanowire avalanche photodetector (SNAP) with improved high-speed performance. An inductive element may be coupled in series with at least two parallel-coupled nanowires. The nanowires may number 5 or fewer, and may be superconducting and responsive to even a single photon. The series inductor may ensure current diverted from a photon-absorbing nanowire propagates to other nanowires and become amplified. The series inductance may be less than 10 times the nominal inductance per nanowire, and may also be larger than a minimum inductance to avoid spurious outputs in response to a photon absorption. The series inductance may be configured to achieve a desired tradeoff between SNAP reset time and spurious outputs. For example, the series inductance may be configured achieve minimum reset time or maximum bias margin, subject to user-defined constraints. By appropriately configuring the series inductance, a systematic method of designing improved SNAPs may be provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the rapid and highly accurate identification of the entire essential genome of any organism under a given selection condition at a resolution of a few base pairs. An engineered transposon bearing an adapter sequence for ultra high throughput adaptor-based sequencing is employed for hyper-saturated transposon mutagenesis. Transposon junctions are subsequently isolated and collectively amplified through a shared parallel PCR strategy such that a second adaptor sequence is further incorporated into template DNA so that the first adaptor sequence and the second adaptor sequence flank the 5? and 3? regions of the sample DNA, respectively. Sample DNA is then sequenced in an ultra high-throughput adaptor-based DNA sequencer using adaptor primers. Transposon insertion sites are mapped onto the organism's genome, allowing for the algorithmic identification of essential genetic elements based on genomic transposition frequency.

Abstract: An array of inter-Alu gene-enriched amplicons produced by a polymerase chain reaction (“PCR”) process. The PCR process comprises combining one or a plurality of Head-type/Tail-type Alu- or AluY- or any other Alu-subfamily-consensus sequence-based primer; a genomic DNA template isolated from cells; and a PCR-extension mix. The combination of primers, DNA template; and PCR extension mix comprises an inter-Alu-PCR-mixture. After making the inter-Alu-PCR mixture, an inter-Alu PCR cycle program is used in connection with a PCR machine for a period of time to produce the array of inter-Alu gene-enriched amplicons that are sequenced by massively parallel sequencing to allow genome wide scanning of sequence and structure variations in the human genome.

Abstract: Methods and compositions involving molecular markers for the detection and characterization of cancer in a patient are provided.

Abstract: Provided is a method of measuring the expression level of FSTL3 gene in a biological sample and correlating the measured expression level with the detection of a risk of developing diabetes. Also provided is a method of measuring the expression level of FSTL3 gene in an individual with a BMI value less than 25 not clinically determined as obesity and correlating the measured expression level with the detection of a risk of developing obesity. Further provided is a method of measuring the expression level of FSTL3 gene in an individual with a BMI value less than 25 and correlating the measured expression level with the detection of a risk of developing diabetes. Further provided is a method of measuring an inhibin ?B gene expression level and correlating the ratio of expression level of FSTL3 gene to inhibin ?B gene with the detection of a risk of developing obesity or diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of identifying a binding partner of a target molecule within a plurality of analyte molecules, including a plurality of peptides and/or proteins. The target molecule is physically combined with a target labeling nucleic acid molecule, which includes a specific nucleotide sequence. Where the target molecule is a peptide/protein this specific nucleotide sequence may include a sequence encoding the target molecule. Each member of the plurality of analyte molecules is physically linked to an analyte labeling nucleic acid molecule, each analyte labeling nucleic acid molecule comprising a selected nucleotide sequence. This specific nucleotide sequence may include a sequence encoding a peptide/protein combined therewith. The target molecule is contacted with the analyte molecules and a complex between the target molecule and an analyte molecule forms.

Abstract: The present invention provides use and methods markers based on the phosphorylation state of certain amino acid residues of estrogen receptor ?.

Abstract: We have developed a set of probes to detect and identify 46 types of mucosal human papillomaviruses (HPV). These probes recognize the variable region comprised between the 2 conserved regions of the published GP5+/GP6+ set of PCR primers. The example described in this application, called NML Luminex genotyping method, uses a multiplex assay based on nested PCR amplification and the Luminex xMAP technology. The 46 probes have been shown to hybridize, as intended, to the DNA derived from the following HPV types: 6, 11, 13, 16, 18, 26, 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 39, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 51, 52, 53, 54, 56, 58, 59, 61, 62, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 89, 90, 91 and 97. The hybridization of each probe is specific for each type without any cross hybridization among types and it is sensitive enough to allow detection of PCR products for genotyping of HPV DNA contained in clinical samples.

Abstract: Described herein are a group of 1,013 genes and 1 phenotypic variable are identified as candidate predictors that differentiated smokers (current or former) with or without COPD. The full predictor set can be reduced to a nine-gene classifier (IL6R, CCR2, PPP2CB, RASSF2, WTAP, DNTTIP2, GDAP1, LIPE, and RPL14) with similar performance. Also described herein is the use of the full predictor set and the reduced nine gene set in methods of diagnosing lung disease or an increased risk of developing lung disease, such as COPD, in a subject. Also described herein is the use of the full predictor set and the reduced nine gene set in methods of providing a prognosis for a subject with lung disease, such as COPD.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biomarkers allowing predicting breast tumor and solid tumor outcome using hypoxia related genes. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for predicting the survival of a patient suffering from cancer, said method comprising the steps of (a) measuring the expression of at least five genes selected from the group consisting of GLUT1, PGK1, LDHA, ENO1, CAIX, NHERF1, TPI, AMF/GPI, VEGFA, TGFB3, ENG, LEP, EDN1, MDR1, AK3, MXR1, TGM2, CDH1, MMP2, CK1 9, VIM, CXCR4, UPAR, CATHD, CTGF, C0X2, MET, IGF-2, CCND1, EPO, NDRG1, BNIP3, NIX, ETS1, PHD2, TWIST1, DEC1, SNAH, CEBPA, CITED2, F0X03A, NUR77, BRCA1, PTEN, VHL and ERBB2 in a biological sample of said patient, and (b) analyzing the expression values to generate a risk score of relapse, wherein a risk score superior or equal to three is indicative of high risk of relapse and a risk score inferior or equal to two is indicative of a low risk of relapse.

Abstract: A two-step multiplex amplification reaction includes a first step which truncates the standard initial multiplex amplification round to “boost” the sample copy number by only a 100-1000 fold increase in the target. Following the first step the product is divided into optimized secondary single amplification reactions, each containing one of the primer sets that were used previously in the first or multiplexed booster step. The booster step can occur using an aqueous target nucleic acid or using a solid phase archived nucleic acid. In particular, nucleic acid sequences that uniquely identify E. Coli were identified using the multiplex amplification method.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention include methods for determining a transplant category of a subject having a transplant. Common mechanisms of rejection injury are uncovered across different tissue transplants, and provide a means to understand rational drug design. Various sources of tissues are examined form the patient for understanding AR mechanism (graft biopsy), as well as monitoring by minimal invasive means (blood) or non-invasive means (urine for the kidney allograft). For biomarker discovery different categories of markers are examined such as genes, proteins, peptides and antibodies. These biomarkers can help determine the subject's transplant category (e.g., acute allograft rejection (AR), stable allograft (STA), BK viremia, BK nephritis, drug toxicity or chronic allograft injury (CAI), and the like). Also provided are compositions, systems, kits and computer program products that find use in practicing the subject methods. The methods and compositions find use in a variety of applications.

Abstract: The invention provides arrays of compound for use in profiling samples. The arrays include compounds bind to components of the samples at relatively low affinities. The avidity of compounds binding to components of the samples can be increased by forming arrays such that multivalent components of the samples (e.g., antibodies or cells) can bind to more than one molecule of a compound at the same time. When a sample is applied to an array under such conditions, the compounds of the array bind to component(s) of the sample with significantly different avidities generating a profile characteristic of the sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides Chlamydia proteins and fragments thereof and methods of use in diagnostic assays.

Abstract: A single nucleotide polymorphic site at position 10793 of the bovine POU1F1 gene is associated with improved longevity and milk product traits. Disclosed are nucleic acid molecules, kits, methods of genotyping and marker assisted bovine breeding methods.

Abstract: A plurality of probes are immobilized on a carrier for detecting food poisoning bacteria, the plurality of probes being selected, either alone or in combination, respectively from two or more groups among a first probe group for detecting Escherichia coli including probes that respectively have base sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1 to 6, and probes that respectively have base sequences complementary to the base sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1 to 6 (hereinafter referred to as “complementary probes”), a second probe group for detecting Listeria including probes that respectively have base sequences of SEQ ID NO: 7 to 13, and complementary probes, a third probe group for detecting Campylobacter including probes that respectively have base sequences of SEQ ID NO: 14 to 19, and complementary probes, a fourth probe group for detecting Vibrio parahaemolyticus including probes that respectively have base sequences of SEQ ID NO: 20 to 24, and complementary probes, a fifth probe group for detecting Staphylococcus aureus including p

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the prognosis of breast cancer in a subject comprising the steps of: (a) providing a first proteome sample from the subject; (b) measuring in the first proteome sample the amount of one or more biomarkers selected from the group of biomarkers listed in Table 1; (c) providing an additional (e.g. a second) proteome sample from the subject; (d) measuring in the additional proteome sample the amount of the one or more biomarkers selected from the group of biomarkers listed in Table 1 measured in step (b); and (e) determining the difference between the amount of the one or more biomarkers in the first and additional proteome samples; wherein the first proteome sample and additional proteome sample are representative of the proteome composition of the subject on different days, and wherein the difference between the amount of the one or more biomarkers in the first and additional (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oligonucleotide probes, for use in assessing gene transcript levels in a cell, which may be used in analytical techniques, particularly diagnosis techniques and kits containing the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to gene expression profiles, microarrays comprising nucleic acid sequences representing gene expression profiles, and methods of using expression profiles and microarrays. The invention also provides methods and compositions for diagnostic assays for detecting cancer and therapeutic methods and compositions for treating cancer. The invention also provides methods for designing, identifying, and optimizing therapeutics for cancer.

Abstract: The method of the invention pertains to determining signal transduction activity in a tissue section by immunohistochemistry techniques. The expression level of the receptor of interest is determined as well as the expression levels of one or more effector molecules of the receptor signal transduction pathway. Furthermore a combined ratio of expression levels of effector molecules in subcellular compartments with the receptor expression was found to have prognostic significance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for classifying an inflammatory bowel disease in a patient as a Crohn's disease or as an ulcerative colitis, said method comprising a step of measuring an expression profile of miRNA in a sample from the patient, wherein said miRNA are miR15a, miR26a, miR29a, miR29b, miR30c, miR126*, miR127-3p, miR-142-3p, miR-142-5p, miR-146a, miR-146b-5p, miR150, miR-181d, miR-182, miR185, miR196a, miR199a-3p, miR199a-5p, miR199b-5p, miR-203, miR223, miR-299-5p, miR320a, miR324-3p, miR-328.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for identifying compounds that are inhibitors of a calcium-activated chloride channel. Aminothiophene and aminothiazole compounds, and compositions comprising these compounds, described herein that inhibit efflux of chloride through a calcium-activated chloride channel are useful for treating diseases, disorders, and sequelae of diseases, disorders, and conditions that are associated with aberrantly increased chloride and fluid secretion, for example, secretory diarrhea.

Abstract: Multi-well plates having contoured well designs allow multi-stage high throughput parallel assaying of ion channels or ion transporters. A well of a multi-well plate has a bottom region that is sized and shaped to simultaneous accommodate a sensing electrode and a pipette for delivering, e.g., test compounds, wash fluid, and optionally ligands. Such multi-well plates may be coupled with an instrument having a pipette head and an electrode plate. Such arrangement facilitates fluidic contact between cells and fluids provided via a pipette. It also facilitates washing of wells with buffers or other wash solutions to allow serial exposure of test cells to various reagents or other stimuli. Generally, the design allows control and test experiments to be performed on the same cell (or cells) in a single well.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for efficient synthesis, cloning, transformation and screening of large diverse libraries of polynucleotide variants comprising well-defined nucleotide differences relative to a reference polynucleotide.

Abstract: A system and method for systematically generating potential metal-organic framework (MOFs) structures given an input library of building blocks is provided herein. One or more material properties of the potential MOFs are evaluated using computational simulations. A range of material properties (surface area, pore volume, pore size distribution, powder x-ray diffraction pattern, methane adsorption capability, and the like) can be estimated, and in doing so, illuminate unidentified structure-property relationships that may only have been recognized by taking a global view of MOF structures. In addition to identifying structure-property relationships, this systematic approach to identify the MOFs of interest is used to identify one or more MOFs that may be useful for high pressure methane storage.

Abstract: A graphene nanomesh based charge sensor and method for producing a graphene nanomesh based charge sensor. The method includes generating multiple holes in graphene in a periodic way to create a graphene nanomesh with a patterned array of multiple holes, passivating an edge of each of the multiple holes of the graphene nanomesh to allow for functionalization of the graphene nanomesh, and functionalizing the passivated edge of each of the multiple holes of the graphene nanomesh with a chemical compound that facilitates chemical binding of a receptor of a target molecule to the edge of one or more of the multiple holes, allowing the target molecule to bind to the receptor, causing a charge to be transferred to the graphene nanomesh to produce a graphene nanomesh based charge sensor for the target molecule.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for rapid molecular profiling of tissue or other cellular specimens by placing a donor specimen in an assigned location in a recipient array, providing copies of the array, and performing a different biological analysis of each copy. The results of the different biological analyses are compared to determine if there are correlations between the results of the different biological analyses at each assigned location. In some embodiments, the specimens may be tissue specimens from different tumors, which are subjected to multiple parallel molecular (including genetic and immunological) analyses. The results of the parallel analyses are then used to detect common molecular characteristic of the genetic disorder type, which can subsequently be used in the diagnosis or treatment of the disease. The biological characteristics of the tissue can be correlated with clinical or other information, to detect characteristics associated with the tissue.

Abstract: An article such as a biosensor having a nonfouling surface thereon is described. The article comprises: (a) a substrate having a surface portion; (b) a linking layer on the surface portion; (c) a polymer layer comprising brush molecules formed on the linking layer; and (d) optionally but preferably, a first member of a specific binding pair (e.g., a protein, peptide, antibody, nucleic acid, etc.) coupled to the brush molecules. The polymer layer is preferably formed by the process of surface-initiated polymerization (SIP) of monomeric units thereon. Preferably, each of the monomeric units comprises a monomer (for example, a vinyl monomer) core group having at least one protein-resistant head group coupled thereto, to thereby form the brush molecule on the surface portion. Methods of using the articles are also described.

Abstract: Identified herein are different forms of bitter receptor genes that occur in different humans. These alleles are generated by numerous coding single nucleotide polymorphisms (cSNP's) that occur within the members of the T2R gene family. Some SNP's cause amino acid substitutions, while others introduce chain termination codons, rendering the allele non-functional. Differences in these genes are believed to have a large effect on those individuals' sense of bitter taste, such that these individuals perceive the taste of bitter substances differently than the rest of the population. The ability to assay this allelic information is useful in the development of flavorings and flavor enhancers, as it can be used to define large groups and populations who perceive bitter tastes differently. This in turn allows the taste preferences of these groups to be addressed at the molecular level for the first time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing a maturated oligonucleotide library, including a step of obtaining a terminal-modified product of a maturation target oligonucleotide library, including adding a tag sequence to the 5? terminus of the maturation target oligonucleotide library and an arrest sequence, which stalls translation elongation on a ribosome, to the 3? terminus of the maturation target oligonucleotide library, a step of transcribing the terminal-modified sequence product to give a transcript, and a step of in vitro translation for translating the transcript in vitro, wherein the maturation target oligonucleotide library is a random oligonucleotide library.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for the generation of broad size distributions of polynucleic acid fragments from larger polynucleic acids. The invention provides unbiased polynucleic acid fragments, i.e. fragments representative of all portions of the larger polynucleic acids. The methods are amendable to automation and are cost-effective. The methods comprise contacting the polynucleic acid sample with a reducing agent and a transition metal in a solvent to form a mixture. An exemplified reducing agent is sodium ascorbate, and an exemplified transition metal is copper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting the presence and/or the reaction of a biomolecule by monitoring changes of electrical property accurately according to the biological, biochemical or chemical reaction of the biomolecule, and a biochip provided for this purpose.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the use of discrete or agglomerated sand grains provided completely or partially with a coating consisting of wax as an oil binder for elimination of oil contamination. The inventive use serves especially for elimination of oil contamination in the form of oil films or oil carpets on water surfaces, or of oil contamination in the form of oil films on solid traffic surfaces, or as an oil binder for sealing of wells in the event of mineral oil production accidents.

Abstract: Method for substantially sealing at least a portion of a wall of a wellbore. Method includes selecting a fracture sealing width defined by the portion of the wellbore wall and the formation, and formulating a fracture sealing composition based on the fracture sealing width. Sealing fluid includes drilling fluid, cementing slurry, completion fluid, and a concentration of particulates forming the fracture sealing composition. The method also includes determining a spurt loss volume of the sealing fluid based at least on the fracture sealing width, determining a fracture volume capacity based at least on the fracture sealing width, and comparing the spurt loss volume of the sealing fluid to the fracture volume capacity. If the sealing fluid has a spurt loss volume less than or equal to the fracture volume capacity, the sealing fluid is pumped into the wellbore, wherein the sealing fluid forms a sealing relationship with the fracture.

Abstract: A novel composition is provided that incorporates the residual solids from solvent deasphalting to make a high value asphalt product. A process for making the asphalt composition is also provided. A first portion of heavy oil or another feedstock can be deasphalted using propane deasphalting or another suitable deasphalting process. This generates a solvated fraction and an insoluble deasphalting residue. The deasphalting residue is then added to a second portion of heavy oil, such as a second portion of the same type of heavy oil that was used as feedstock in the solvent deasphalting. The mixture of deasphalting residue and heavy oil results in a novel dispersion that is suitable for use as an asphalt. Optionally, an additive such as an alkyl substituted aromatic sulfonic acid can be added to the composition to further improve the asphalt properties.

Abstract: An ionic compound is represented by formula (1): AM(OY1)(OY2)(OY3)(OY4). A is a group 1 element. M is a group 13 element. Y1 is one selected from an oligoalkylene ether group, an oligoalkylene thioether group, and an oligoalkylene amino group and includes an electron donating group on carbon that is located in one of ?-? positions with respect to oxygen atom adjacent to M. Y2, Y3, and Y4 are the same each other or different from each other or cross-linked to each other. Y2, Y3, and Y4 are each any one of an alkyl group, an alkyl group with a fluorinated terminal, an aryl group, and one selected from the group consisting of an oligoalkylene ether group, an oligoalkylene thioether group, and an oligoalkylene amino group and including an electron donating group on carbon that is located in one of ?-? positions with respect to oxygen atom adjacent to M.

Abstract: The invention provides a lubricating composition containing a compound comprising the reaction product of a polyolefin, an ethylenically unsaturated aromatic acylating agent (or carboxylic reactant), and an amine, and an oil of lubricating viscosity. The invention further relates to the use of the lubricating composition in an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The invention provides a lubricating composition containing a copolymer comprising units derived from monomers (i) ?-olefin and (ii) an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid or derivatives thereof esterified and amidated with an alcohol and an aromatic amine respectively, and an oil of lubricating viscosity. The invention further relates to the use of the lubricating composition in an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Lubricating oil compositions, formulated to a preselected viscosity grade that demonstrate stay-in-grade capability in a diesel injector shear stability test, are provided. The compositions comprise a major amount of a base oil of lubricating viscosity and a minor amount of (i) a viscosity modifier (VM) or mixtures thereof having a low shear stability index (SSI) and (ii) a VM or mixtures thereof having an SSI greater than that of the VM from (i).

Abstract: Provided are lubricating engine oils including a lubricating oil base stock as a major component and an alkylated aromatic base stock as a minor component. One or more of engine wear and corrosion resistance are improved as compared to engine wear and corrosion resistance achieved using a lubricating oil containing a minor component other than the alkylated aromatic base stock, e.g., an ester having a D5293 viscosity of less than 10,000 cP at ?35° C. In an engine lubricated with the lubricating oil, one or more of engine wear and corrosion resistance are improved as compared to engine wear and corrosion resistance achieved using a lubricating oil containing a minor component other than the alkylated aromatic base stock, e.g., an ester having a D5293 viscosity of less than 10,000 cP at ?35° C. This improvement in engine wear and corrosion control means that engine oils can be formulated with very high saturate content base stocks such as PAOs or GTL stock while providing improved engine durability.

Abstract: An aqueous hair cleansing composition comprising (a) at least one alkyl poly glucoside; (b) at least one betaine compound; and (c) at least one acyl amino acid, wherein the composition is sulfate free.

Abstract: [Purpose] To provide a cleaning liquid composition that has excellent removability for metallic impurities and particulates, does not cause corrosion of Cu, and can clean a semiconductor substrate having copper wiring in a production process for an electronic device such as a semiconductor device. [Solution means] A cleaning liquid composition for cleaning a semiconductor substrate having copper wiring, the cleaning liquid composition containing one or more types of basic compound containing no metal, and one or more types of phosphonic acid-based chelating agent, and having a hydrogen ion concentration (pH) of 8 to 10.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards cleaning composition and/or formulations of commercial cleaning products containing beneficial metallocarbene activators for peroxygen species. The cleaning compositions and/or formulations include a bleaching component comprising a peroxy compound and one or more activators present in an effective amount to activate the peroxy compound to accomplish bleaching or cleaning or oxidation. The activator is a metallocarbene of the general structure (XX?C)yMLn? where M represents a metal center, C represents the carbene carbon bound to the metal center, X and X? may be the same or different and may furthermore be part of a cyclic structure, Ln? represents one or more other ligands which may or may not include one or more metal centers, and where y greater than equal to I.