Abstract: Methods and compositions for the amplification of nucleic acids and generation of concatemers are disclosed. Amplification methods provided herein may be performed under isothermal conditions. Methods and compositions may include reagents such as nucleic acid polymerases and primers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for point-of-care nucleic acid amplification and detection. One embodiment of the invention comprises a fully integrated, sample-to-answer molecular diagnostic instrument that optionally may be used in a multiplexed fashion to detect multiple target nucleic acid sequences of interest and that optionally may be configured for disposal after one-time use. The instrument preferable utilizes an isothermal nucleic acid amplification technique, such as loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), to reduce the instrumentation requirements associated with nucleic acid amplification. Detection of target amplification may be achieved, for example, via detection of a color shift or fluorescence in a dye added to the amplification reaction. Such detection may be performed visually by an operator or may be achieved utilizing an imaging technique, e.g., spectrophotometric imaging.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for pretreatment of a sample containing microbial cells. In some embodiments, the pretreatment of the sample is performed via the initial selective lysis, within a sample pretreatment vessel, of non-microbial cells (such as blood cells) and the subsequent centrifugal separation of the sample to remove the resulting debris and concentrate the microbial cells. An immiscible and dense cushioning liquid may be included for collecting the microbial cells adjacent to the liquid interface formed by the cushioning liquid upon centrifugation of the pretreatment vessel. After removal of a substantial quantity of the supernatant, resuspension of the collected microbial cells, and re-establishment of the cushioning liquid interface, at least a portion of the remaining suspension may be removed without substantially removing the cushioning liquid. One or more intermediate wash cycles may be performed prior to extraction of the remaining suspension, which provides a “pretreated” sample.

Abstract: A process includes providing a mixture that includes a recombinase, a single-strand binding protein, and one or more oligonucleotides; and detecting particles in the reaction mixture.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods for detecting contamination in WGA reagents as well as improved methods for quantitating nucleic acids, such as DNA. The present invention relates to novel methods of quantifying nucleic acids involving whole-genome amplification (WGA) reaction components and a dye molecule to detects nucleic acids and partitioning reactions to quantify nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of amplifying a fragmented target nucleic acid containing short target nucleic acid fragments utilizing an assembler sequence to convert these short fragments into longer sequences enabling their identification and interrogation. This is particularly important when attempting to identify small genetic variations, such as SNVs, present in highly fragmented nucleic acid samples. Amplification is accomplished by hybridizing the short target nucleic acid sequences to the assembler sequence, where these short sequences serve as primers for extension. Since the fragmented target nucleic acids that contain SNVs are utilized as primers on the assembler sequence they are preserved during amplification and can be detected.

Abstract: The invention provides pyrosequencing-based methods of analyzing and synthesizing DNA, including methods of DNA error correction, determining DNA size distribution, screening for nucleotide repeat disorders such as fragile X syndrome, determining size distribution and bias in a DNA library, and determining pyrosequencing read length. The methods include on-bench protocols as well as droplet-based protocols that may be conducted on a droplet actuator.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of nucleic acid sequencing using nucleotides with labels attached to the phosphate group so that incorporation of such nucleotides into a primed template results in formation of a phospho-label. Treatment of the phospho-label with a phophatase generates a free label which can be detected in a variety of ways. The labels can include, e.g., chemiluminescent labels, chemiluminescent substrates and enzyme activators. Also provided are reagents such as nucleotides phospholinked to labels such as enzyme activators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of nucleic acid sequence replication including PCR. Specifically, the present invention relates to methods and compositions for amplifying one or more target sequences from one or more template sequences. In particular, the present invention provides novel primer designs to enhance specificity of PCR reactions. The present invention also provides methods and compositions to perform the selection of specific sequence sections using specific primers and the amplification of all selected sequence sections using a pair of common primers in a single reaction tube.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are skin analysis methods and assays which objectively identify biological strengths and weaknesses in a patient's genetic coding that affect the health and beauty of their skin. Generated results can be utilized to develop personalized skin care and nutritional regimens to prevent, reduce and treat skin deterioration, disorders and diseases. In some embodiments, a method of characterizing a subject's skin is provided which includes generating a personalized skin profile by determining a subject's genetic potential in at least one area of skin health by analyzing one or more skin health-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms or other genetic marker associated with the particular area of skin health being assessed in a sample obtained from the subject. The generated skin profile reveals the subject's genetic strengths, weaknesses and/or risks related to the one or more areas of skin health allowing a personalized skincare and/or nutritional regimen to be developed and implemented.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method of visualizing an immunological status of an individual, by combining the degree of immunoglobulin and/or TCR diversity and another biological marker linked to the immunological status of said individual in a two- or three-dimensional graph.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and kits for screening a newborn infant for one or more gene variants comprising, obtaining a genomic DNA containing sample from the newborn infant; sequencing at least one target region of each of two or more genes selected from the group consisting of PCCA, PCCB, MUT, MMAA, MMAB, MMADHC, MCEE, IVD, ACAT1, ACADM, ACADVL, HADHA, ASL, BCKDHA, BCKDHB, DBT, DLD, CYP21A2, GALT, and ACAD8 in the genomic DNA; and screening for a gene variant from the sequenced target regions of each gene to identify gene variants present in the genomic DNA, wherein the sequencing does not include whole genome sequencing or whole exome sequencing.

Abstract: Ligation assays for detecting and profiling expression products at transcriptome scale.

Abstract: The invention relates to human homeobox transcription factor VentX and its regulation of differentiation and maturation of human dendritic cells, and related therapeutic and diagnostic compositions and methods of use.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the novel discovery of a number of genes that were identified as systemic markers of pulmonary inflammation. This discovery allows for development of a novel tool for reliable, rapid and efficient assessment of therapeutic responses and enables design of novel therapies targeted against diseases associated with pulmonary inflammation. In one embodiment, the present invention allows quantification of therapeutic response in patients who have a disease associated with pulmonary inflammation.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the identification of genes involved in skin pigmentation and to screening methods for identifying cosmetic active agents that modulate skin pigmentation. The invention also relates to compositions for topical application to the skin that comprise modulators (i.e., downregulators and/or upregulators) of genes involved in skin pigmentation, and to methods for increasing or decreasing skin pigmentation by topically administering compositions of the invention to the skin.

Abstract: A method for a determining of risk for development of cardiovascular disease by measuring levels of the at least gene of interest is disclosed. The method may identify subjects with moderate albuminuria and diagnosis or predict cardiovascular disease several years before either of these outcomes is detectable by present methodologies.

Abstract: The method for determining risk of metastatic relapse in a patient diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) can include detecting a level of at least one indicator of metastatic potential in a biological sample from the patient, comparing the level of the indicator of metastatic potential with a control, and identifying the patient as one who is at risk of metastatic relapse and a candidate for chemotherapy if an aberrant level of the indicator of metastatic potential in the biological sample compared to the control is detected. The at least one indicator of metastatic potential can include at least one metastasis-inducing gene and/or at least one metastasis suppressor gene. An aberrant level of the at least one indicator of metastatic potential can include a copy number gain of the metastasis-inducing gene and/or a copy number loss of the metastasis-suppressor gene.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a method for diagnosing lung cancer in a subject by detecting in a biological sample obtained from that patient a miRNA signature, the presence of which provides an earlier indication of cancer than alternative art-recognized methods, including, but not limited to, low-dose computed tomography (LDCT).

Abstract: The invention relates to novel biological markers for plasma cell disorders, such as multiple myeloma, and in particular to the use of microRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic markers in assays for detecting such disorders. The invention also relates to methods of determining the efficacy of treating a plasma cell disorder with a therapeutic agent, and kits for carrying 5 out the assays and methods. The assays are qualitative and/or quantitative, and are adaptable to large-scale screening and clinical trials.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are kits, compositions, and methods relating to the classification of samples. Methods disclosed herein can also be used to diagnose conditions or to support treatment-related decisions.

Abstract: This invention relates to prognostic signatures, and compositions and methods for determining the prognosis of cancer in a patient, particularly for colorectal cancer. Specifically, this invention relates to the use of genetic markers for the prediction of the prognosis of cancer, such as colorectal cancer, based on signatures of genetic markers. In various aspects, the invention relates to a method of predicting the likelihood of long-term survival of a cancer patient, a method of determining a treatment regime for a cancer patient, a method of preparing a treatment modality for a cancer patient, among other methods as well as kits and devices for carrying out these methods.

Abstract: Baboon Adenovirus (BaAdV)-2/4 and BaAdV-3 are disclosed herein. BaAdV-2/4 and BaAdV-3 polynucleotide, polypeptides and antibodies that specifically bind BaAdV-2/4 and/or BaAdV-3 are disclosed. Methods are disclosed for detecting BaAdV-2/4 and BaAdV-3. Methods are also disclosed for treating, preventing, and inducing an immune response to BaAdV-2/4 and/or BaAdV-3. Kits are also provided.

Abstract: Level of fatigue that accompanies everyday life or a disease can be simply, easily, and quantitatively assessed by obtaining a body fluid from a test subject and measuring the amount of human herpesvirus in the body fluid. Furthermore, the anti-fatigue potency of anti-fatigue substances and anti-fatigue food products can be measured.

Abstract: A microorganism co-culture system, comprising: (1) a substrate, comprising a saccharide (2) at least one of a first strain and a second strain, wherein the first strain is able to fix a carbon oxide the second strain is able to fermentatively metabolize an amino acid, and wherein the first strain produces a first metabolite in the fermentation, and the second strain produces a second metabolite in the fermentation; and (3) a third strain, being able to metabolize the saccharide, the first metabolite and the second metabolite in the fermentation to produce butyric acid and/or butanol, wherein, when the second strain is present in the co-culture system, the substrate further comprises an amino acid.

Abstract: Methods and systems for fractionating lignocellulosic biomass including hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin, including exploding the biomass cells to devolatilize the biomass, hydrolyzing the hemicellulose to produce a liquid component including hemicellulosic sugars and a solid component including less than 10% hemicellulose, separating the liquid and solid components, vaporizing the cellulose in the solid component, and condensing the cellulosic sugar vapors. The methods and systems may vaporize the cellulose in a continuous steam reactor at a temperature of about 400-550° C. and a pressure of about 1-3 bara. Electromagnetic and/or electroaccoustic treatment such as ultrasound and/or microwave treatment may be applied to the biomass immediately before or during cellulose hydrolysis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and tool for hardening a hollow profile of a steel workpiece having an interior space. The method includes the steps of providing a workpiece having a hollow profile, heating the hollow profile, placing the hollow profile of the steel workpiece in a hardening tool, and cooling the hollow profile from the inside by way of a cooling core having an exterior shape that is complimentary to that of the structural shape of the interior space of the hollow profile.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are present for manufacturing a part. The part is comprised of a metal alloy and is positioned to form a positioned part. An electromagnetic field is generated that heats the positioned part. A surface of the positioned part is exposed to an inert gas, while the electromagnetic field is generated to create an inverse thermal gradient between an exterior of the positioned part and an interior section of the positioned part to form a heat treated part.

Abstract: Provided is an iron-based amorphous alloy and a method of manufacturing the same. More particularly, provided is an high carbon iron-based amorphous alloy expressed by a general formula Fe?C?Si?BxPyCrz, wherein ?, ?, ?, x, y and z are atomic % of iron (Fe), carbon (C), silicon (Si), boron (B), phosphorus (P), and chrome (Cr) respectively, wherein ? is expressed by ?=100?(?+?+x+y+z) atomic %, ? is expressed by 13.5 atomic %???17.8 atomic %, ? is expressed by 0.30 atomic %???1.50 atomic %, x is expressed by 0.1 atomic %?x?4.0 atomic %, y is expressed by 0.8 atomic %?y?7.7 atomic %, and z is expressed by 0.1 atomic %?z?3.0 atomic %.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for manufacturing a superior 13Cr tool coupler, which method comprises the following steps: manufacturing a blank; forging the blank; heating the forged blank to 600-700° C. for a stress-relief annealing; quenching; and tempering. The present technical solution can produce a superior 13Cr tool coupler which achieves a mechanic feature of 110 ksi.

Abstract: A method of producing a steel product includes heat treating a mechanically worked steel product and maintaining or increasing the ductility and maintaining or increasing the yield stress of the steel. A mechanically worked and heat treated steel product made by the method.

Abstract: Method of combining industrial processes having inherent carbon capture and conversion capabilities offering maximum flexibility, efficiency, and economics while enabling environmentally and sustainably sound practices. Maximum chemical energy is retained throughout feedstock processing. A hybrid thermochemical cycle couples staged reforming with hydrogen production and chlorination. Hydrogen generated is used to upgrade feedstocks including bitumen, shale, coal, and biomass. Residues of upgrading are chlorinated, metals of interest are removed, and the remainder is reacted with ammonia solution and carbon dioxide to form carbonate minerals. The combination provides emissions free production of synthetic crude oil and derivatives, as well as various metals and fertilizers. Sand and carbonate minerals are potentially the only waste streams. Through this novel processing, major carbon dioxide reduction is afforded by minimizing direct oxidation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a gold-containing solution by chloride leaching from gold-bearing raw materials. A further object of the invention is to provide a method for recovering gold and optionally silver from the prepared gold-containing solution. The invention relates also to a process arrangement for recovering gold and optionally silver.

Abstract: An environmentally friendly (e.g. no acid, base, or cyanide) system and process for large scale extraction of metal ion into aerobic molten salt (or ionic liquid) and the electrodeposition of metal (e.g. copper, gold, silver, etc.) from the metal ion dissolved in the molten salt. The non-volatile low vapor pressure liquid salt is reusable, and heat from the molten slag can heat the molten salts or ionic liquids. Another embodiment comprises a one-pot apparatus for the extraction of metal (e.g. copper) from metal earths and electrodepositing the metal using a low melting (209° C.) aerated Na—K—Zn chloride salt in which copper metal oxidizes and is converted to soluble copper chloride. When an electrical power supply is connected to the graphite vessel (cathode) and to copper rods in the melt (anodes), then the copper chloride is deposited as copper metal by electroreduction on the bottom of the graphite reaction vessel.

Abstract: Sulfuric acid baking allows for the selective extraction of rare earth metals from scrap Nd2Fe14B magnets. This process has the advantage of making the high-value rare earth metals water soluble while converting the contained iron, around 70% of the magnet's mass, into stable and insoluble iron (III) oxide, eliminating the need for separating and precipitating iron from solution. The process also has the advantage of safely disposing of metalworking fluid contained in rare earth magnet machine waste, a troublesome contaminate from technical and environmental perspective.

Abstract: The inventive extraction/separation method involves the step of contacting an organic phase containing a dialkyldiglycol amic acid extractant: R1R2NCOCH2OCH2COOH with an aqueous solution containing scandium and zirconium and/or hafnium for thereby extracting zirconium and/or hafnium into the organic phase. The purity of scandium can be efficiently increased by the simple step of solvent extraction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lead-free easy-to-cut corrosion-resistant brass alloy with good thermoforming performance. The brass alloy contains: 74.5-76.5 wt % of Cu, 3.0-3.5 wt % of Si, 0.11-0.2 wt % of Fe, 0.04-0.10% wt % of P, Zn and inevitable impurities. The alloy provided by the present invention has good cold-working and hot-working forming performance, and good dezincification corrosion-resistant and stress corrosion-resistant performance, applies to parts that require cutting and grinding forming in water-heating sanitaryware, electronic appliances, automobiles and the like, and especially applies to production and assembling of complex forging products for which stress is inconvenient to eliminate, such as water taps, values and the like.

Abstract: A high-strength Ni-base alloy having favorable corrosion resistance, high strength, and high ductility, around room temperature is provided. A high-strength Ni-base alloy includes: in % by mass, less than 0.01% of C, not more than 0.5% of Si, not more than 0.5% of Mn, 15 to 25% of Cr. 1.0 to 5.0% of Mo or Mo+0.5W, 0.2 to 0.8% of Al, 1.0 to 2.0% of Ti, 3.00 to 3.80% of Nb, not more than 30% of Fe, and 0.0007 to 0.010% of Mg; Ni; and impurities. A value represented by Mg/S is not less than 0.7, and an A value is not less than 0.015 and less than 0.027, the A value being represented by A value=Al/(Al+1.77(Ti?1.36C)+3.44(Nb?5.1C)).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a flame-retardant magnesium alloy having mechanical properties of a long period stacking ordered magnesium alloy and having an ignition temperature of 800° C. or more is provided. The method of manufacturing a flame-retardant magnesium alloy comprises a step of melting a flame-retardant magnesium alloy which contains a atomic % of Zn, b atomic % of Y, x atomic % of Ca and a residue of Mg, and a, b and x satisfy formulae 1 to 4 below. 0.5?a<5.0??(Formula 1) 0.5<b<5.0??(Formula 2) ?a???b??(Formula 3) 0<x?0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal matrix composite (MMC). The MMC includes a preform formed from a composition having ceramic particles and ceramic fibers and defining a plurality of voids. The metal matrix composite also includes a support element, such as a metal, disposed within the voids of the preform. The MMC has a wear surface defined by both the preform and the support element.

Abstract: Provided is a corrosion-resistant and wear-resistant member where a thermal-sprayed layer having corrosion resistance and wear resistance is formed on a surface of a metallic member which is brought into contact with a resin which generates a highly corrosive gas. Also provided is a thermal-spraying powder. The highly corrosion-resistant and wear-resistant member having a thermal-sprayed layer is one obtained by thermally spraying metallic powder on a metallic base material to form a thermal-sprayed layer on a surface of the metallic base material. The member is characterized in that the thermal-sprayed layer is a composite boride cermet of a tetragonal Mo2 (Ni,Cr) B2-type or a tetragonal Mo2 (Ni, Cr, V) B2-type. The powder for forming a thermal-sprayed layer is made of a composite boride cermet of a Mo2 (Ni, Cr) B2-type and comprises 4.0 to 6.5 mass % of boron, 39.0 to 64.0 mass % of molybdenum, and 7.5 to 20.0 mass % of chromium, a balance being 5 mass % or more of nickel and unavoidable elements.

Abstract: An austenitic heat-resistant cast steel includes 0.1 to 0.6% by mass of C, 1.0 to 3.0% by mass of Si, 0.5 to 1.5% by mass of Mn, 0.05% by mass or less of P, 0.05 to 0.3% by mass of S, 9 to 16% by mass of Ni, 14 to 20% by mass of Cr, 0.1 to 0.2% by mass of N, and the balance of iron and inevitable impurities, in which a matrix structure of the austenitic heat-resistant cast steel is configured of austenite crystal grains, and a ferrite phase is dispersed and interposed between the austenite crystal grains so as to cover the austenite crystal grains.

Abstract: A steel slab having a composition containing C: more than 0.07% and 0.2% or less, Si: 2.0% or less, Mn: 1.0% to 3.0%, Al: 0.1% or less, Ti: 0.05% to 0.3%, and V: 0.05% to 0.3% on a mass percent basis is heated to 1100° C. or more and is subjected to rough rolling and finish rolling. In the finish rolling, the total rolling reduction of two final passes is 30% or more, and the finish rolling temperature ranges from (Ar3 transformation temperature) to (Ar3 transformation temperature+120° C.). Cooling is started within 2 seconds after the finish rolling. Coiling is performed at an average cooling rate of 40° C./s or more at a coiling temperature in the range of 300° C. to 500° C. The resulting high-strength hot-rolled steel sheet has a microstructure in which a bainite phase constitutes more than 90% by volume, the average lath interval of bainite is 0.

Abstract: A method for treating a material comprising: applying energy to a predetermined portion of the material in a controlled manner such that the local chemistry of the predetermined portion is altered to provide a predetermined result. When the material is a shape memory material, the predetermined result may be to provide an additional memory to the predetermined portion or to alter the pseudo-elastic properties of the shape memory material. In other examples, which are not necessarily restricted to shape memory materials, the process may be used to adjust the concentration of components at the surface to allow the formation of an oxide layer at the surface of the material to provide corrosion resistance; to remove contaminants from the material; to adjust surface texture; or to generate at least one additional phase particle in the material to provide a nucleation site for grain growth, which in turn, can strengthen the material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a strip made of an AlMgSi alloy in which a rolling ingot is cast of an AlMgSi alloy, the rolling ingot is subjected to homogenization, the rolling ingot which has been brought to rolling temperature is hot-rolled, and then is optionally cold-rolled to the final thickness thereof. The problem of providing a method for producing an aluminum strip made of an AlMgSi alloy and an aluminum strip, which has a higher breaking elongation with constant strength and therefore enables higher degrees of deformation in producing structured metal sheets, is solved in that the hot strip has a temperature of no more than 130° C. directly at the exit of the last rolling pass, preferably a temperature of no more than 100° C., and the hot strip is coiled at that or a lower temperature.

Abstract: A primary alloy includes: nickel; copper; zinc; an electrical conductivity from 5.2% International Annealed Copper Standard (IACS) to 5.6% IACS measured in accordance with ASTM E1004-09 (2009); and a disordered crystalline phase wherein atoms of the nickel, cooper, and zinc are randomly arranged in the disordered crystalline phase at room temperature in a post-annealed state. A process for making the primary alloy includes heating a secondary alloy to a first temperature that is greater than or equal to an annealing temperature to form an annealing alloy, the secondary alloy including a secondary phase; and quenching, by cooling the annealing alloy from the first temperature to a second temperature that is less than the annealing temperature, under a condition effective to form the primary alloy including the disordered crystalline phase, wherein the disordered crystalline phase is different than the secondary phase of the secondary alloy.

Abstract: A process for producing a coating includes preparing at least one feedstock liquid precursor by dispersing at least one powder into a solution of at least one salt in at least one solvent, injecting the liquid precursor into a plasma jet to form a residue, and depositing the residue onto a surface. The powder includes at least one chemical compound including at least a first chemical element. The salt includes at least a second chemical element.

Abstract: An Al-based alloy plated steel material includes: a steel material and a coating layer formed on a surface of the steel material, wherein the coating layer includes an Al-based alloy plating layer containing, in mass %, not less than 10% nor more than 50% Fe and not less than 3% nor more than 15% Si, and formed on the surface of the steel material; a layer containing ZnO and formed above a surface of the Al alloy plating layer; and a ZnAl2O4 layer with a thickness of not less than 0.05 ?m nor more than 2 ?m, formed between the Al alloy plating layer and the layer containing ZnO.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sputtering target of a multi-component single body, a preparation method thereof, and a method for fabricating a multi-component alloy-based nanostructured thin film using the same. The sputtering target according to the present invention comprises an amorphous or partially crystallized glass-forming alloy system composed of a nitride forming metal element, which is capable of reacting with nitrogen to form a nitride, and a non-nitride forming element which has no or low solid solubility in the nitride forming metal element and does not react with nitrogen or has low reactivity with nitrogen, wherein the nitrogen forming metal element comprises at least one element selected from Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Y, Mo, W, Al, and Si, and the non-nitride forming element comprises at least one element selected from Mg, Ca, Sc, Ni, Cu, Ag, In, Sn, La, Au, and Pb.

Abstract: Methods of forming chemically pure metal films are provided. The methods use electron beam deposition at a high mean deposition rate to form high purity metal films on deposition substrates. By using a high mean deposition rate, the melting point of the metal to be deposited is reached at the metal source surface during the deposition. As a result, the rate of transfer of impurities present in the metal source to the surface of the deposition substrate is so small that the deposited metal films are substantially free of impurity elements.