Abstract: A polypeptide conferring an acid-tolerant property on a yeast cell, a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide, a yeast cell including an increased amount of the polypeptide, a method of producing a product by using the yeast cell, and a method of producing an acid-tolerant yeast cell are provided.

Abstract: Provision of a composition stably comprising a high concentration of sulfur amino acid derived from a plant belonging to the genus Allium. A method for producing a sulfur amino acid-comprising composition comprising: heating a plant belonging to the genus Allium; treating the plant belonging to the genus Allium thus heated with a ?-glutamyl bond cleaving enzyme; and subjecting the resulting enzyme-treated product to ion exchange chromatography.

Abstract: A DNA molecule comprising a fungal gene encoding an enzyme protein capable of converting L-galactonic acid into L-threo-3-deoxy-hexulosonic acid has been cloned and heterologously expressed. The enzyme is involved in the metabolic conversion of sugar acids, which are present in biological waste material such as sugar beet pulp and other pectin comprising material. A microorganism genetically modified to effectively express said enzyme may be used in fermenting biomaterial to desired end products such as ethanol. Alternatively, microorganisms in which the gene has been inactivated may be used to produce L-galactonic acid, which accumulates when the expression of the gene is prevented.

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

Abstract: The objects of the present invention are to provide a cellulase that has activity to produce glucose by hydrolyzing crystalline cellulose and which is suitable for saccharification of crystalline cellulose, such as wood, by enzymatic method; and a method of producing glucose and alcohol from crystalline cellulose by utilizing the cellulase. The objects are solved by cellulase having exo-cellulase activity to produce glucose as a main product and cellobiose as a by-product by hydrolyzing crystalline cellulose; and a method of producing glucose and alcohol from crystalline cellulose by utilizing the cellulase.

Abstract: A novel UDP-Gal regeneration process and its combined use with a galactosyltransferase to add galactose to a suitable acceptor substrate. Also described herein are synthetic methods for generating Globo-series oligosaccharides in large scale, wherein the methods may involve the combination of a glycosyltransferase reaction and a nucleotide sugar regeneration process.

Abstract: The present specification discloses expression constructs comprising single-chain proteins comprising a di-chain loop region comprising an exogenous protease cleavage site and a protease that can cleave the exogenous protease cleavage site located within the di-chain loop, cell compositions comprising such expression construct, and intracellular methods of converting the single-chain protein into its di-chain form.

Abstract: A method for producing a recombinant protein includes steps of: (a) culturing a transformed cell in a protein-free and lipid-free medium containing no exogenous growth factors, in which the transformed cell is produced by transfecting a cell of a cell line derived from Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells, the cell line is adapted to a protein-free and lipid-free medium, and the cell is capable of proliferating in a suspended state in a protein-free and lipid-free medium containing no exogenous growth factors, with a vector containing a gene coding for the protein to be produced under the control of a promoter operable in the cell, and (b) recovering the protein produced by the transformed cell.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a spontaneously immortalized avian cell line, designated ZS-1. Immortalized avian cell line, ZS-1 is derived from primary chicken embryo fibroblasts (CEF). The ZS-1 cell line is free of endogenous retroviruses, including Avian Leukosis Viruses (ALV), and particularly ALV sub-group E. Moreover, the ZS-1 cell line susceptible to all subgroups of ALV, including subgroup E. Cells of the ZS-1 cell line and sub-clones thereof may be used for inter alia the production of viral agents, including recombinant viral agents, expression of recombinant proteins, and diagnostic assays.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a gene (polynucleotide) encoding an FAD-conjugated glucose dehydrogenase which can be characterized by reactivity to glucose, thermal stability, substrate-recognition performance, and low activity for maltose; a process for the production of the enzyme using a transformant cell transfected with the gene; a method for the determination of glucose; a reagent composition for use in the determination of glucose; and a biosensor for use in the determination of glucose. An embodiment is a polynucleotide encoding an FAD-conjugated glucose dehydrogenase, comprising a polypeptide whose amino acid sequence comprises X1-X2-X3-X4-X5-X6, wherein X1 and X2 independently represent an aliphatic amino acid residue; X3 and X6 independently represent a branched amino acid residue; and X4 and X5 independently represent a heterocyclic amino acid residue or an aromatic amino acid residue.

Abstract: Methods of detecting target bacteria are provided. In some embodiments the methods comprise exposing the sample to a phage capable of infecting a set of target bacteria and comprising a heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding a marker. In some embodiments the target bacteria comprise Listeria. In some embodiments the target bacteria are all Listeria. Recombinant Listeria phage comprising a heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding a marker are also provided as are useful combinations of such phage and articles of manufacture comprising such phage, among other things.

Abstract: Provided is a diagnostic apparatus. The diagnostic apparatus includes a microfluidic chip including first and second measurement parts for respectively measuring an amount of hemoglobin and an active degree of an enzyme within a blood sample. The second measurement part of the microfluidic chip analyzes the active degree of the enzyme within the blood sample using voltammetry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting the presence of carbapenemase-producing bacteria in a sample, said method comprising the steps of: a) performing cell lysis on a test sample in order to obtain an enzymatic suspension; b) reacting a fraction of the enzymatic suspension obtained in step a) with a reagent kit, said reagent kit comprising —a carbapenemase substrate selected from the group consisting of carbapenems and cephamycins, —a pH color indicator which will change color when the pH of the reaction mixture is comprised between 6.4 and 8.4, wherein a color change after step b) indicates the presence of carbapenemase-producing bacteria in the test sample. The invention also relates to a reagent kit, to a microtiter plate and to their uses in detecting the presence of carbapenemase producers in a test sample.

Abstract: Alternative methods for the detection and measurement of proteases in biological samples and compounds which allow for such detection are required to allow for rapid and selective identification of these enzymes. Compounds which allow for selective identification of these enzymes are provided with assays and kits for their use.

Abstract: A pseudo-esterase activity-based fluorescent probe for specific detection of albumin, which has a carboxylic ester bond that can be selectively cleaved by human serum albumin (HSA), therefore forming a hydrolysate, which has a fluorescence emission spectrum significantly different from that of the fluorescent probe. According to the fluorescence intensity of the fluorescent probe and hydrolysate, we can detect the content of HSA in a biological sample.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of diagnosing or monitoring the treatment of abnormal glycan accumulation or a disorder associated with abnormal glycan accumulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for classification of kidney tumors through the analysis of the expression patterns of specific microRNAs and nucleic acid molecules relating thereto. Classification according to a microRNA expression framework allows optimization of treatment, and determination of specific therapy.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for the detection of targets in a sample; in particular, an immunohistochemistry (IHC) sample. Probes and detectable labels may be provided in multiple layers in order to increase the flexibility of a detection system, and to allow for amplification to enhance the signal from a target. The layers may be created by incorporating probes and detectable labels into larger molecular units that interact through nucleic acids base-pairing, including peptide-nucleic acid (PNA) base-pairing. Optional non-natural bases allow for degenerate base pairing schemes. The compositions and methods are compatible with immunohistochemistry (IHC), but also could be used in immunocytochemistry (ICC), in situ hybridization (ISH), flow cytometry, enzyme immuno-assays (EIA), enzyme linked immuno-assays (ELISA), blotting methods (e.g.

Abstract: This disclosure describe three related novel methods for Recombinase-Polymerase Amplification (RPA) of a target DNA that exploit the properties of the bacterial RecA and related proteins, to invade double-stranded DNA with single stranded homologous DNA permitting sequence specific priming of DNA polymerase reactions. The disclosed methods has the advantage of not requiring thermocycling or thermophilic enzymes. Further, the improved processivity of the disclosed methods allow amplification of DNA up to hundreds of megabases in length.

Abstract: Provided is a method of preparing nucleic acid molecules comprising: (a) a step of providing nucleic acid fragments constituting at least a portion of the complete sequence of a target nucleic acid; (b) tagging the nucleic acid fragments with barcode sequences; (c) identifying the sequence of the nucleic acid fragments tagged by the barcode sequences; and (d) recovering desired nucleic acid fragments among the sequence-identified nucleic acid fragments using the barcode sequences.

Abstract: Disclosed are mutant DNA polymerases having increased 3?-mismatch discrimination relative to a corresponding, unmodified polymerase. The mutant polymerases are useful in a variety of disclosed primer extension methods. Also disclosed are related compositions, including recombinant nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells, which are useful, e.g., for production of the mutant DNA polymerases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a simple and efficient method to isolate and purify nucleic acids, preferably genomic DNA, from complex samples compared with available methods, by using a ligand which relies on hydrogen bonding to purify the nucleic acids. Preferably the ligand is bound to magnetic beads/particles. More closely the method comprises adding a sample comprising nucleic acid to a polymer having neutral charge; reversibly binding said nucleic acid to said polymer by hydrogen bonding under pH conditions <5; washing said polymer; and eluting said nucleic acid from said polymer under conditions of pH >5. The method is very suitable for sample preparation of nucleic acids, for example for PCR applications.

Abstract: A method of detecting a target material (3) includes: a step of preparing a complex (11), the complex including an aptamer (1) to which a target material (3) in a specimen specifically binds, a first nucleic acid fragment (2) that has a base sequence complementary to the aptamer (1), and a fixing member (4) to which a part of the aptamer (1) and a part of the first nucleic acid fragment (2) are fixed, in which the aptamer (1) has a double strand-forming site (5) capable of forming a double strand with the first nucleic acid fragment (2); a step of separating the first nucleic acid fragment 92) from the double strand-forming site (5) of the aptamer (1) by binding the target material (3) to the aptamer (1); and a step of detecting the cleavage of the double strand.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a tumor sample comprising: (a) acquiring a library comprising a plurality of tumor members from a tumor sample; (b) contacting the library with a bait set to provide selected members; (c) acquiring a read for a subgenomic interval from a tumor member from said library; (d) aligning said read; and (e) assigning a nucleotide value (e.g., calling a mutation) from said read for the preselected nucleotide position, thereby analyzing said tumor sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surface-patterned microgels to which molecular beacon probes are immobilized. The immobilized molecular beacon probes exhibit both low non-specific background and high specific fluorescence. Also disclosed are related arrays, related detection methods, and preparation methods.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and kits for enriching and/or detecting a nucleic acid with at least one variant nucleotide from a nucleic acid population in a sample. Methods employ the use of enriching primers and bridge-probes for enriching and detecting target nucleic acids. Extension of the enriching primer permits amplification of the target nucleic acid having the variant nucleotide.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for adjusting the amplification efficiency of a target polynucleotide in the amplification of the target polynucleotide by PCR using primers (i) to (iii) below, the method comprising adjusting the amplification efficiency of the target polynucleotide by changing the quantity ratio of the primers (i) to (iii) below: (i) a first primer which is able to be base-paired with the target polynucleotide; (ii) a second primer which is able to be base-paired with the target polynucleotide in competition with the first primer and from which extension reaction by PCR less occurs as compared to the first primer; and (iii) a third primer designed to allow for the amplification of the target polynucleotide in pairs with the first primer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of designing a plurality of capture oligonucleotide probes for use on a support to which complementary oligonucleotide probes will hybridize with little mismatch, where the plural capture oligonucleotide probes have melting temperatures within a narrow range. The present invention further relates to an oligonucleotide array comprising of a support with the plurality of oligonucleotide probes immobilized on the support, a method of using the support to detect single-base changes, insertions, deletions, or translocations in a plurality of target nucleotide sequences, and a kit for such detection, which includes the support on which the oligonucleotides have been immobilized.

Abstract: The invention includes methods and apparatus for separating heteroduplexed nucleic acids from homoduplexed nucleic acids having similar sequences and being at a much higher concentration. The heteroduplexed nucleic acids may be separated through the application of a time varying driving field and a time-varying mobility field to a sample of heteroduplexed and homoduplexed nucleic acids in a separation medium. Once the heteroduplexed nucleic acids are isolated and recovered, it is straightforward to analyze the sequences of the heteroduplexed nucleic acids, e.g., using sequencing or hybrid assays.

Abstract: The present invention provides assays, methods and kits that may be used to detect and differentiate MRSA isolates, e.g., USA100, USA300 and USA600 strains.

Abstract: The invention pertains to sequences, methods, and kits useful in the identification of and differentiation between Burkholderia pseudomallei and Burkholderia mallei. The methods generally involve the addition of oligonucleotides to mixtures containing nucleic acid isolated from a sample and performing nucleic acid amplification on the mixture.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for detecting, identifying, and quantifying Brassica A genomic DNA are described. The methods are specific to the Brassica A genome and do not cross-react with other Brassica species, crops or weedy relatives that could contribute to contamination of a canola field.

Abstract: This invention describes an advanced cooling system for a laboratory instrument to maintain laboratory samples at a predetermined temperature. The advanced cooling system uses an algorithm that incorporates information from at least one sensor and other operational parameters including thermal effects from the operation of the instrument.

Abstract: The invention herein provides certain strains of lactic acid bacteria selected for their capability of promoting production of IL-10 and consequently proliferation of CD4+CD25+ TR cells, for prophylaxis and/or treatment of infant colic, a method of selecting such strains, and products containing such strains.

Abstract: The invention relates to control of pathogen caused diseases on leaves, fruits and ears in plants, such as apple scab (Venturia inaequalis by treatment of plant with an isolate of Cladosporium cladosporioides. The treatment is effective in both prevention and treatment of the fungal infection.

Abstract: A reactor system, for electroporation includes a reactor chamber having a length and a width, whereby the reactor chamber contains a central section along its length. A first pulse generator to which two electrodes (A1) and (A2) are connected are located in the reactor chamber in the central section of the reactor chamber such that they are, when measured in the length direction of the reactor chamber, at least a distance equalling half the width of the reactor chamber apart. A second pulse generator to which two electrodes (B1) and (B2) are connected are located in the reactor chamber in the central section of the reactor chamber such that they are, when measured in the length direction of the reactor chamber, at least a distance equalling half the width of the reactor chamber apart.

Abstract: A molten metal refining wire is disclosed which comprises a metal sheath encapsulating a core of refining material, wherein the core is sealed within the sheath in a fluid-tight manner and wherein the thickness of the sheath is greater than about 0.6 mm. The core refining material apparent density ratio is at least about 95% of the theoretical solid core equivalent. The core refining material comprises calcium metal and silicon metal. A method of manufacturing a molten refining wire is also disclosed.

Abstract: An induction hardening apparatus and methods are provided. The induction hardening apparatus includes a feed line having first and second ends. A coil assembly is positioned between the first and second ends. The feed line includes a support arrangement for supporting two workpieces against one another and transferring the workpieces simultaneously through the coil assembly along a feed axis defined by the feed line.

Abstract: A method for surface processing at least a portion of a component of zirconium or hafnium alloy, including at least one operation of nanostructuring a surface layer of the alloy so as to confer on the alloy over a thickness of at least 5 ?m a grain size which is less than or equal to 100 nm, the nanostructuring being carried out at a temperature which is less than or equal to that of the last thermal processing operation to which the component was previously subjected during its production. Component of zirconium or hafnium alloy processed in this manner.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for improving fatigue strength that is capable of improving the fatigue strength of cast iron, specifically spherical graphite cast iron, to the same level as that of carbon steel subjected 10 carburizing and quenching. To this end, this method contains a step for performing first, second and third shot peenings using shot of a prescribed diameter for each on spherical graphite cast iron on which a normalizing heat treatment has been performed at 800-950° C. and tensile strength made to be 850 MPa or more, the spherical graphite cast iron containing the following elements in the following mass percentages: C=2.0-4.0%, Si=1.5-4.5%, Mn=2.0% or less, P=0.08% or less, 8=0.03% or less, Mg=0.02-0.1%, and Cu=1.8-4.0%.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to methods of manufacturing steel tubes that can be used for mining exploration, and rods made by the same. Embodiments of the methods include a quenching of steel tubes from an austenitic temperature prior to a cold drawing, thereby increasing mechanical properties within the steel tube, such as yield strength, impact toughness, hardness, and abrasion resistance. Embodiments of the methods reduce the manufacturing step of quenching and tempering ends of a steel tube to compensate for wall thinning during threading operations. Embodiments of the methods also tighten dimensional tolerances and reduce residual stresses within steel tubes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a screw having a head, an adjoining retaining section and a functional tip for use as a self-tapping screw. The functional tip is of greater hardness than the retaining section. The entire screw is made of hardened low-alloy carbon steel. The special feature of this screw is that its functional tip has a higher carbon and/or nitrogen content than its retaining section.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a process roasting a metal bearing material under oxidizing conditions to produce an oxidized metal bearing material, roasting the oxidized metal bearing material under reducing conditions to produce a roasted metal bearing material, and leaching the roasted metal bearing material in a basic medium to yield a pregnant leach solution.

Abstract: High purity tin and tin alloy are provided in which the respective contents of U and Th are 5 ppb or less, the respective contents of Pb and Bi are 1 ppm or less, and the purity is 5N or higher, provided that this excludes the gas components of O, C, N, H, S and P. A cast ingot of the tin or alloy has an ? ray count of 0.001 cph/cm2 or less. Since recent semiconductor devices are densified and of large capacity, there is risk of a soft error occurring due to ? ray from materials in the vicinity of the semiconductor chip. Thus, there are demands for purifying soldering material used in the vicinity of semiconductor devices, and materials with fewer ? rays. The disclosed tin, alloy, and method reduce ? dose of tin so as to be adaptable as the foregoing material.

Abstract: Provided are a device and a method for preprocessing metallic magnesium. The device includes a chamber, a heating device mounted in the chamber, a gas inlet port mounted on the chamber, and a gas evacuation port mounted on the chamber. The gas inlet port is connected to external inert gas supply equipment for supplying an inert gas into the chamber. The gas evacuation port is connected to an external vacuum evacuation device to evacuate the chamber to vacuum. The heating device functions to heat metallic magnesium having an oxidized surface so as to sublimate a layer of magnesium oxide formed on the surface of the metallic magnesium in a vacuum environment to thereby obtain pure metallic magnesium.

Abstract: An elevated refractory alloy with ambient-temperature and low-temperature ductility and the method thereof is disclosed, that is, at least four high-melting point metal elements are composed with at least four carbides of the high-melting point metal elements through a high-temperature alloy process, the carbides is dissolved in the high-melting point metal elements, therefore the high-melting point metal elements are wet and composed with the carbides, consequently the crystallographic structure composed by the high-melting point metal elements and the carbides is changed from a body-centered cubic structure to a face-centered cubic structure. Therefore, at least four high-melting point metal elements are composed with corresponding carbides of the four high-melting point metal elements and an alloy material is made through high-temperature, wherein the crystallographic structure of the alloy material is a face-centered cubic structure so as to let that the alloy material is convenient machined.

Abstract: The invention relates to an alloy permitting to replace the current CuBe alloy, soon to be prohibited by the various environmental directives because of the presence of Be and for which there is currently no substitution alloy with similar desired thermal and mechanical properties for measuring physical parameters, notably in aeronautics. This alloy is a Cu—Al—Ni—Fe alloy and the balance is copper. It contains from 3.8 to 4.4 wt % aluminum, from 4.2 to 5 wt % nickel, from 1.7 to 5 wt % iron, additives including silicon, manganese, chromium and titanium, silicon being present at less than 0.8 wt %, manganese being present at less than 0.15 wt %, chromium being present at less than 0.3 wt %, titanium being present at less than 0.1 wt %, the other chemical elements having contents by weight of less than 1%, each being present at less than 0.05 wt % and the balance is copper.

Abstract: A drilling motor and method of making a drill motor are disclosed. The drilling motor includes a stator having a bore therethrough and inner surface and a rotor having an outer surface configured to be disposed in the stator. The outer surface of the rotor comes in contact with the inner surface of the stator. At least one of the inner surface of the stator and the outer surface of the rotor includes a coating of a diamond-like carbon material.

Abstract: Iron-based metallurgical powders comprising vanadium are described, as well as compacted articles made thereof These articles have improved mechanical properties.

Abstract: A hard-facing alloy having impact resistance, wear resistance and hot corrosion resistance and containing Fe which is a bountiful resource and inexpensive is provided. Provided are: a Ni—Fe—Cr alloy containing 0 to 20.0 mass % of Mo, 8.0 to 40.0 mass % of W, 20.0 to 40.0 mass % of a total amount of Mo and W, 20.0 to 50.0 mass % of Fe, 12.0 to 36.0 mass % of Cr and 1.0 to 2.5 mass % of B, and the remainder being Ni and unavoidable impurities; and an engine valve welded with the same alloy. The above Ni—Fe—Cr alloy can further contain 15 mass % or less of a total amount of elements selected from Co, Mn, Cu, Si and C, in such cases, 15.0 mass % or less of Co, 5.0 mass % or less of each of Mn and Cu, 2.0 mass % or less of Si and 0.5 mass % or less of C are preferred.