Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated promoters and constructs, vectors, and fungal host cells comprising such promoters operably linked to polynucleotides encoding polypeptides. The present invention also relates to methods for producing such polypeptides.

Abstract: Specific binding members directed to eotaxin-1, in particular human antibodies and antibody fragments against human eotaxin-1 and especially those which neutralize eotaxin-1 activity. The antibodies VH and/or VL domain of the scFv fragment herein termed CAT-212 and of the IgG4 antibody herein termed CAT 213. One or more complementary determining regions (CDRs) of the CAT-212/-213 VH and/or VL domains, especially VH CRD3 in other antibody framework regions. Compositions containing specific binding members, and their use in methods of inhibiting or neutralizing eotaxin, including methods of treatment of the human or animal body by therapy.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides substantially monodisperse random coil polypeptides, vectors encoding the polypeptides, conjugates containing the polypeptides, methods for their preparation, and their uses in nucleic acid separations, DNA sequencing, and other applications requiring high monodispersity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increased production of a secreted, recombinant protein product through the introduction of molecular chaperones in a mammalian host cell. The present invention also relates to a mammalian host cell with enhanced expression of a secreted recombinant protein product by coexpressing at least one chaperone protein.

Abstract: Kits and methods for the detection of toxins produced by cyanobacteria are disclosed. The methods include preparing a sample that potentially includes cyanobacterial toxins on a solid phase extraction device. In some embodiments, the sample extract can be formed using a weak cationic exchange process and a weak anionic exchange process.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to concentrate cells onto microparticles, to concentrate the microparticles, and to detect the cells. The present invention also includes unitary sample preparation and detection devices to be used in accordance with the methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides fusion proteins as biomarkers specific for chromosomal translocation-based conditions (e.g., cancer), related methods for detecting fusion protein biomarkers associated with chromosomal translocation-based conditions, related methods for quantifying amount of fusion protein expression, and related methods for diagnosing chromosomal translocation-based conditions through detection of such fusion protein biomarkers. Such fusion protein biomarkers and related methods additionally find use in research settings.

Abstract: A real-time portable and rapid detection assay to identify the presence of biologically active toxins such as botulinum toxins. The proteolytic activity of BoNT/A is measured using a peptide cleavage assay, where a fluorescent substrate is cleaved by BoNT/A, resulting in increased fluorescence. This fluorescence can be monitored in real-time using a fluorescence detection instrument, such as a real-time PCR system that has been modified to implement a detection algorithm specific to the identification of the target toxin.

Abstract: Methods for determining thermophilic enzymatic activity include heating a substrate solution in a plurality of closed volumes to a predetermined reaction temperature. Without opening the closed volumes, at least one enzyme is added, substantially simultaneously, to the closed volumes. At the predetermined reaction temperature, the closed volumes are agitated and then the activity of the at least one enzyme is determined. The methods are conducive for characterizing enzymes of high-temperature reactions, with insoluble substrates, with substrates and enzymes that do not readily intermix, and with low volumes of substrate and enzyme. Systems for characterizing the enzymes are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and kits for enzymes involved in post-translational modifications are provided. The methods employ elemental analysis, including ICP-MS. The methods allow for the convenient and accurate analysis of post-translation modifications of substrates by enzymes involved in post-translational modifications, including kinase and phosphatase enyzmes.

Abstract: Methods and kits for enzymes involved in post-translational modifications are provided. The methods employ elemental analysis, including ICP-MS. The methods allow for the convenient and accurate analysis of post-translation modifications of substrates by enzymes involved in post-translational modifications, including kinase and phosphatase enyzmes.

Abstract: A method of testing for the presence of a preselected target nucleic acid, protein or antigen in a biological sample by exposing nucleic acids, proteins or antigens to a probe having a catalytic element and binding element. The catalytic element catalyses at least one reaction that results in a physical change such that identifiable elements provide an indication of the presence of the target.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for obtaining a bifunctional complex comprising a display molecule part and a coding part, wherein a nascent bifunctional complex comprising a chemical reaction site and a priming site for enzymatic addition of a tag is reacted at the chemical reaction site with one or more reactants, and provided with respective tag(s) identifying the reactant(s) at the priming site is using one or more enzymes.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for a confocal fluorescence detection system has an input channel defined by a body of the microfluidic device, a sample concentration section defined by the body of the microfluidic device and in fluid connection with the input channel, a mixing section defined by the body of the microfluidic device and in fluid connection with the concentration section, and a detection region that is at least partially transparent to illumination light of the confocal fluorescence detection system and at least partially transparent to fluorescent light when emitted from a sample under observation as the sample flows through the detection region.

Abstract: Provided herein are primers and primer systems having improved specificity and kinetics over existing primers, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an amplification method that inhibits amplification caused by erroneous annealing of a primer. Primers X1 and X2 are used in amplification of a target sequence including a target site showing a polymorphism. The primer X1 includes a sequence A1? and a sequence E1. The sequence A1? is complementary to a partial sequence A1 in a template nucleic acid, and has, in its 3? region, a base x1? complementary to a first base x1 at the target site in a 5? region of the sequence A1. The sequence E1 is noncomplementary to a partial sequence B1 adjacent to the 3? end of the partial sequence A1 in the template nucleic acid, and is bound to the 5? end of the partial sequence A1?. The primer X2 includes a sequence A2?. The sequence A2? is complementary to a partial sequence A2 in the template nucleic acid, and has, in its 3? region, a base x2? complementary to a second base x2 at the target site in a 5? region of the partial sequence A2.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for identifying a cellular nascent RNA transcript are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and devices for detecting, enumerating or identifying target nucleic acid molecules using immobilized capture probes and single molecule sequencing techniques.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high throughput method for the identification and detection of molecular markers wherein restriction fragments are generated and suitable adaptors comprising (sample-specific) identifiers are ligated. The adapter-ligated restriction fragments may be selectively amplified with adaptor compatible primers carrying selective nucleotides at their 3? end. The amplified adapter-ligated restriction fragments are, at least partly, sequenced using high throughput sequencing methods and the sequence parts of the restriction fragments together with the sample-specific identifiers serve as molecular markers.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of multiplex amplification. In particular, the invention relates to methods for assaying a sample for one or more nucleic acid targets in a single reaction based on the distinct melting temperatures or melting profiles of primers and/or probes. The invention also provides probes and kits for use in such methods.

Abstract: A sequencer that measures a nucleic acid sequence in a nucleic acid strand includes: a base material having a surface made of silicon, and a fibrous protrusion that is made of silicon dioxide and is directly joined to the surface of the base material made of silicon, wherein a plurality of the nucleic acid strands are fixed onto the fibrous protrusion.

Abstract: Recurrent gene fusions of androgen regulated genes and ETS family member genes in prostate cancer are described. Compositions and methods having utility in prostate cancer diagnosis, research, and therapy are also provided.

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: The present invention provides a method for diagnosing and determining prognosis of gastric cancer in a subject by detecting suppressed expression of the ZNF545 gene, which in some cases is due to elevated methylation level in the genomic sequence of this gene. A kit and device useful for such a method are also provided. In addition, the present invention provides a method for treating gastric cancer by increasing ZNF545 gene expression or activity.

Abstract: Methods for the fermentative production of isobutanol is provided by the fermentative growth of a recombinant microorganism expressing a highly active ketol-acid reductoisomerase enzyme in addition to other enzymes required for conversion of glucose to isobutanol.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting a target nucleic acid using the quantitative capabilities of real-time nucleic acid amplification systems and the multiplexing capabilities of hybridization systems, comprising: identifying a conservative sequence and a distinctive sequence within each target nucleic acid sequence; simultaneously amplifying the conservative region and the distinctive region; monitoring the amplification of the conservative region in real-time; identifying the distinctive region amplicon via multiplexed identification; and performing quantitative multiplexing analysis of the target by combining the real-time monitoring information with the multiplexed identification of the target nucleic acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to: a pre-treatment method for plant biomass hydrolysis reaction raw materials characterized in comprising a process for mixing a solid catalyst and solid substrate beforehand and grinding same simultaneously (grinding process); a plant biomass hydrolysis reaction raw material pre-treated by said pre-treatment method; and a plant biomass saccharification method comprising a process for hydrolyzing said hydrolysis reaction raw material. The invention provides an efficient and practical pre-treatment method for plant biomass hydrolysis reaction raw materials that can improve the saccharification yield and saccharide concentration of plant biomass hydrolysis reactions, a plant biomass hydrolysis reaction raw material obtained therefrom, and a plant biomass saccharification method.

Abstract: This specification describes a process of producing a monomeric sugar stream, with little or no acid addition, from an oligomeric sugar solution using the intrinsic features of the mildly pre-treated vegetable or ligno-cellulosic biomass, namely the presence of naturally occurring salts. This is accomplished by lowering the pH of the oligomer sugar solution with little or no addition of an acid and then exposing the biomass with the lowered pH to an elevated temperature greater than 80° C. for a time sufficient to hydrolyze the components of the biomass.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for refining biomass to produce hemicellulose hydrolyzates, cellulose of sugars involving the perforate at least a portion of the cells of the prepared biomass prior to hydrolyzing the biomass, reclaiming the catalysts used in hydrolysis for further hydrolysis, and drying the hydrolysis using reclaimed heat from previous steps in the process.

Abstract: A new alloy, obtained through a new method, which presents the mechanical and physical properties of the gray iron alloy, with a wide interface range of the CGI's tensile strength (TS). This new alloy, flake graphite based, is a High Performance Iron (HPI) alloy. Therefore, besides its high tensile strength, the HPI alloy presents excellent machinability, damping vibration, thermal conductivity, low shrink tendency and good microstructure stability (compatible with gray iron alloys). HPI's characteristics are obtained by a method that defines a specific interaction among five metallurgical fundaments: chemical analysis; oxidation of the liquid metal; nucleation of the liquid metal; eutectic solidification and eutectoidic solidification.

Abstract: A high strength hot-rolled steel sheet with a tensile strength of not less than 590 MPa which exhibits excellent bake hardenability and stretch-flangeability has a chemical composition including, in terms of mass %, C at 0.040 to 0.10%, Si at not more than 0.3%, Mn at 1.7 to 2.5%, P at not more than 0.030%, S at not more than 0.005%, Al at not more than 0.1% and N at 0.006 to 0.025%, and microstructure wherein a bainite phase represents not less than 60%, the total of a ferrite phase and a pearlite phase represents not more than 10%, and the bainite phase includes grains among which cementite grains have been precipitated at not less than 1.4×104 grains/mm2 and the cementite grains have an average grain diameter of not more than 1.5 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for recovering a precious metal from a geologic material. The system and method may include combining a geologic material containing a precious metal present in a non-bulk state with a first stage flux composition. The combination may be milled to provide a first stage mixture. The first stage mixture may be sintered for a first period of time at a first temperature and a second period of time at a second temperature. The second temperature may be greater than the first temperature. Sintering may promote the transition of a portion of the precious metal from a non-bulk state to a bulk state. A first stage sintered material may be recovered with a content of at least about 0.15 weight percent of the precious metal in the bulk state.

Abstract: A method using diglycolamide for increasing the separation factor between americium and curium and/or between lanthanides during an extraction operation. The operation comprising putting an acid aqueous phase, in which are found the americium, curium and/or lanthanides, in contact with an organic phase non-miscible with water, containing at least one extractant in an organic diluent. The aqueous and organic phases are then separated, and the diglycolamide is added to the aqueous phase.

Abstract: A process is provided for stabilizing a sulfate and/or sulfide-rich waste material, comprising metal sulfide minerals, and sequestering CO2 comprises exposing the material to a CO2-enriched gas mixture, reacting the CO2-enriched gas mixture with the metal sulfide minerals and forming a CO2-depleted gas mixture and a carbon-containing compound and at least one product selected from the group consisting of a purified metal or a metal-rich compound suitable for smelting or refining, sulfuric acid, sulfur and sulfurous acid, and system and apparatus therefor.

Abstract: A device and a method for removing impurities in an aluminum melt are provided, in which the device includes an upper furnace body, a lower furnace body, an intermediate partition plate, a crucible, heating elements and a charging opening. The intermediate partition plate is mounted between the upper furnace body and the lower furnace body. The upper furnace body, a mixing chamber and a heating element are above the intermediate partition plate. The crucible is mounted in the lower furnace body. A heating element is provided around the lower furnace body. The mixing chamber and the crucible are connected by a jet pipe passing through the intermediate partition plate. For the device and the method, impurity removal is quick, efficiency is high and the process is closed, so there is no environmental pollution, and the aluminum melt after impurity removal may be directly cast.

Abstract: The present invention enables simple production of osmium tetroxide having comparable performance to that sold in reagents from a solution containing osmium. The present invention relates to a method for producing osmium tetroxide solution, the method comprising a step for using ozone or a similar oxidizing gas to oxidize a solution containing osmium and produce osmium tetroxide gas and a step for introducing the resulting osmium tetroxide gas into a recovery solution; the present invention further relates to a production apparatus therefor.

Abstract: A process for recovering zinc from a zinc containing material, the process including the steps of: leaching the zinc containing material with an alkaline lixiviant comprising an aqueous mixture of NH3 and NH4Cl, or ionic equivalent, having a NH4Cl concentration of between about 10 g/L and about 150 g/L H2O and a NH3 concentration of between 20 g/l H2O and 250 g/L H2O, to produce a zinc containing leachate; stripping ammonia from the leachate to produce a stripped liquor which includes a zinc containing precipitate, the stripped liquor having a NH3 concentration of between 7 and 30 g/L H2O; and recovering the zinc from the stripped liquor.

Abstract: A hyperbranched polyglycerol is employed as a process stabilization aid of pregnant liquor of a Bayer process of producing alumina from bauxite. The hyperbranched polyglycerol has a molecular weight of from about 1,000 to about 1,000,000.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purifying impure lithium bicarbonate by means of a cation exchange resin. In addition to solution purification by ion exchange, the treatment stages include the regeneration of impurity metals bound to the resin. Regeneration consists of washing the resin with water, elution with acid solution, washing with water, neutralization with alkali solution and washing with water. It is characteristic of the method that neutralization is performed with sodium hydroxide solution.

Abstract: An improved method for treating manganese-containing materials, such as nodules recovered by undersea mining, including reacting the materials with ammonia, and leaching with a mineral acid, and to methods for recovering valuable constituents from such nodules, especially manganese, cobalt, nickel, iron, copper, titanium, vanadium, cerium, and molybdenum. A method for the production of nitrate products is also disclosed.

Abstract: A copper alloy sheet has a chemical composition containing 0.1 to 5 wt % of nickel, 0.1 to 5 wt % of tin, 0.01 to 0.5 wt % of phosphorus and the balance being copper and unavoidable impurities, and has a crystal orientation satisfying 2.9?(f{220}+f{311)+f{420})/(0.27·f{220}+0.49·f{311}+0.49·f{420}) 4.0, assuming that the degree of orientation of a {hkl} crystal plane measured by the powder X-ray diffraction method on the rolled surface of the copper alloy sheet is f{hkl}.

Abstract: Articles, such as tubing or strips, which have excellent corrosion resistance to water or steam at elevated temperatures, are produced from alloys having 0.2 to 1.5 weight percent niobium, 0.01 to 0.6 weight percent iron, and optionally additional alloy elements selected from the group consisting of tin, chromium, copper, vanadium, and nickel with the balance at least 97 weight percent zirconium, including impurities, where a necessary final heat treatment includes one of i) a SRA or PRXA (15-20% RXA) final heat treatment, or ii) a PRXA (80-95% RXA) or RXA final heat treatment.

Abstract: A negative active material for a rechargeable lithium battery and a rechargeable lithium battery including the negative active material have a negative active material including either Si or Sn active metal grains and a metal matrix composed of at least two metal elements that surrounds the active metal grains but does not react therewith.

Abstract: Disclosed are a hypereutectic white iron alloy and articles such as pump components made therefrom. Besides iron and unavoidable impurities the alloy comprises, in weight percent based on the total weight of the alloy, from 2.5 to 6.5 C, from 0.04 to 1.2 N and from 18 to 58 Cr and, optionally, one or more of Mn, Ni, Co, Cu, Mo, W, V, Mg, Ca, Si, rare earth elements, Nb, Ta, Ti, Zr, Hf, Al, B.

Abstract: Steel for nitrocarburizing includes, by mass %, C: 0% to less than 0.15%; Si: 0.01% to 1.00%; Mn: 0.01% to 1.00%; S: 0.0001% to 0.050%; Al: 0.0001% to 0.050%; Ti: more than 0.50% to 1.50%; N: 0.0005% to 0.0100%; and the balance consisting of Fe and inevitable impurities, in which P is limited to 0.050% or less; O is limited to 0.0060% or less; and the amount of Ti [Ti %], the amount of C [C %], the amount of N [N %], and the amount of S [S %] satisfy 0.48<[Ti %]?47.9×([C %]/12+[N %]/14+[S %]/32)?1.20.

Abstract: A heat resistant cast steel containing, in mass %, C: 0.05-0.15, Si: 0.03-0.2, Mn: 0.1-1.5, Ni: 0.1-1, Cr: 8-10.5, Mo: 0.2-1.5, V: 0.1-0.3, Co: 0.1-5, W: 0.1-5, N: 0.005-0.03, Nb: 0.01-0.2, B: 0.002-0.015, Ti: 0.01-0.1, Fe and unavoidable impurities. A method for manufacturing a heat resistant cast steel, the method including melting raw materials to obtain a molten metal, refining and degassing the molten metal, pouring the molten metal into a predetermined mold to form a shape, performing an annealing treatment at a temperature of 1000 to 1150° C., performing a normalizing treatment at a temperature of 1000 to 1200° C., performing a first stage tempering treatment at a temperature of 500 to 700° C., and performing a second stage tempering treatment at a temperature of 700 to 780° C.

Abstract: A purpose of the present invention is to provide a martensitic stainless steel applicable in environments involving both wet carbon dioxide gas and wet hydrogen sulfide and excellent in weldability, manufacturability, and resistance to strain age hardening. Provided is a martensitic stainless steel having excellent corrosion resistance and resistance to strain age hardening comprising, in percent by mass, 0.02% or less of C, 0.02% or less of N, 0.1 to 0.5% of Si, 0.1 to 0.5% of Mn, 10 to 13% Cr, Ni exceeding 5.0% but 8% or less, 1.5 to 3% of Mo, 0.01 to 0.05% of V, 0.16 to 0.30% of Zr, 0.01 to 0.05% of Ta, and the balance of Fe and unavoidable impurities, wherein the martensitic stainless steel satisfies the condition that the sum of the carbon and the nitrogen exceeds 0.02% but 0.04% or less.

Abstract: This disclosure deals with a class of metal alloys with advanced property combinations applicable to metallic sheet production. More specifically, the present application identifies the formation of metal alloys of relatively high strength and ductility and the use of one or more cycles of elevated temperature treatment and cold deformation to produce metallic sheet at reduced thickness with relatively high strength and ductility.

Abstract: A method for transforming a cast component made of modified aluminum alloy by increasing the impact toughness coefficient using minimal heat and energy. The aluminum alloy is modified to contain 0.55%-0.60% magnesium, 0.10%-0.15% titanium or zirconium, less than 0.07% iron, a silicon-to-magnesium product ratio of 4.0, and less than 0.15% total impurities. The shortened heat treatment requires an initial heating at 1,000° F. for up to 1 hour followed by a water quench and a second heating at 350° F. to 390° F. for up to 1 hour. An optional short bake paint cycle or powder coating process further increases the impact toughness coefficient of the cast component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable endoluminal graft having a microporous thin-film covering with a plurality of openings and a structural support element underlying and physically attached to the microporous thin-film covering, the microporous thin-film covering having shape memory properties.