Abstract: The invention relates to a process of fermenting plant material in a fermentation medium into a fermentation product using a fermenting organism, wherein one or more carbonic anhydrases are present in the fermentation medium.

Abstract: A method for production of a dihydrochalcone, especially of phloretin, using a transgenic microorganism, containing a nucleic acid section (a), comprising or consisting of a gene coding for a bacterial chalcone isomerase, and/or a nucleic acid section (a?), comprising or consisting of a gene coding for a plant chalcone isomerase, and a nucleic acid section (b), comprising or consisting of a gene coding for a bacterial enoate reductase, corresponding transgenic microorganisms, containing a nucleic acid section (a), comprising or consisting of a gene coding for a bacterial chalcone isomerase, and/or a nucleic acid section (a?), comprising or consisting of a gene coding for a plant chalcone isomerase, and/or a nucleic acid section (b), comprising or consisting of a gene coding for a bacterial enoate reductase, and host cells, containing one or more identical or different such vectors.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for the production of renewable fatty acids from photosynthetic prokaryotic microorganisms, such as a blue green algae, any specie of the phylum Cyanophyta, a chloroplast of a green algae and/or a Cyanobacterium. Engineered or natural strains of these organisms or organelles can be used to produce both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids with variable chain length specificity from 8-18 carbons. The fatty acids can then be secreted into the culture medium, allowing for rapid, continuous and efficient separation of fatty acid product without harvesting of cell mass.

Abstract: The invention relates to recombinant expression of a taxadiene synthase enzyme and a geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGPPS) enzyme in cells and the production of terpenoids.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing cannabinoids and cannabinoid analogs as well as a system for producing these compounds. The inventive method is directed to contacting a compound according to Formula I or Formula II with a cannabinoid synthase. Also described is a system for producing cannabinoids and cannabinoid analogs by contacting a THCA synthase with a cannabinoid precursor and modifying at least one property of the reaction mixture to influence the quantity formed of a first cannabinoid relative to the quantity formed of a second cannabinoid.

Abstract: A process for producing poly alpha-1,3-glucan with reduced molecular weight is disclosed. The process comprises contacting water, sucrose, a polar organic solvent, and a glucosyltransferase enzyme in a solution to produce poly alpha-1,3-glucan. This contacting step results in the production of poly alpha-1,3-glucan having a reduced molecular weight compared to the molecular weight of a poly alpha-1,3-glucan made in the absence of the polar organic solvent.

Abstract: Provided is an antibody production method whereby it is possible to repeatedly acquire antibodies produced by fish without killing the fish. Specifically provided is an antibody production method whereby it is possible to repeatedly acquire the antibodies produced by a fish, without killing the fish, by administering antigens to fish that have blisters.

Abstract: The present invention provides genetically engineered strains of Pichia capable of producing proteins with reduced glycosylation. In particular, the genetically engineered strains of the present invention are capable of expressing either or both of an ?-1,2-mannosidase and glucosidase II. The genetically engineered strains of the present invention can be further modified such that the OCH1 gene is disrupted. Methods of producing glycoproteins with reduced glycosylation using such genetically engineered stains of Pichia are also provided.

Abstract: Culturing heterologous protein-secreting mammalian cells, such as CHO or BHK cells, at 35.1-36.5° C. and/or at pH 7.15-7.20 and/or at a dissolved CO2 concentration of 10% or lower. Preferred heterologous proteins are Factor VIII, ADAMTS-13, furin or Factor VII.

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: A method for observing a sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a volume (G, V) of a substantially transparent medium having a first refractive index (nint) and having a first surface (S1) that is convex, rounded, or faceted, and a second substantially planar surface (S2), the first surface separating the volume from a surrounding medium (MA) having a second refractive index (nest) that is lower than the first index, the sample to be observed being contained inside the volume or being deposited on the first surface; b) observing the sample through the second substantially planar surface; and c) determining the presence of a substance or an object in the sample by detection during step b), a ring of light that correlates with the volume.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods including a sonicator for sample preparation are provided. A sonicator may be used to mix, resuspend, aerosolize, disperse, disintegrate, or de-gas a solution. A sonicator may be used to disrupt a cell, such as a pathogen cell in a sample. Sample preparation may include exposing pathogen-identifying material by sonication to detect, identify, or measure pathogens. A sonicator may transfer ultrasonic energy to the sample solution by contacting its tip to an exterior wall of a vessel containing the sample. Multipurpose devices including a sonicator also include further components for additional actions and assays. Devices, and systems comprising such devices, may communicate with a laboratory or other devices in a system for sample assay and analysis. Methods utilizing such devices and systems are provided. The improved sample preparation devices, systems and methods are useful for analyzing samples, e.g. for diagnosing patients suffering from infection by pathogens.

Abstract: A method of bioassay for the quantification of peptide fragments comprising a neo-epitope formed by cleavage of a protein of an atherosclerotic plaque such as lumican, versican, perlecan, decorin, biglycan, collagen type III, CRP, ApoE, or elastin, by a proteinase, said comprises contacting a sample such as urine or serum with an antibody reactive with the neo-epitope and determining the level of binding of said immunological binding partner to peptide fragments in said sample. The assay is predictive of risk of cardiovascular disease events.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for determining an analyte as well as a diagnostic element suitable therefore. In one particular form, a method for determining an analyte includes contacting a sample containing the analyte with a diagnostic element comprising a dry reagent layer. The dry reagent layer contains a mutated dehydrogenase which is specific for the analyte and an artificial coenzyme. The method also includes determining at least one of analyte presence and an amount of the analyte.

Abstract: A modified luciferase protein which is a sensor for molecules including cAMP, cGMP, calcium, chelators thereof, kinases, or phosphatases is provided. Also provided is a circularly permuted anthozoan luciferase protein and a decapod crustacean luciferase protein, optionally containing one or more heterologous amino acid sequences, at least one of which directly or indirectly interacts with a molecule of interest. Further provided is a modified anthozoan luciferase protein and a decapod crustacean luciferase protein containing an insertion of one or more heterologous amino acid sequences, at least one of which directly or indirectly interacts with a molecule of interest.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for fixing an RNA molecule in a biological sample. The method comprises contacting the biological sample with an aldehyde-containing fixative, and subsequently contacting the sample with a solution comprising a carbodiimide and a heterocyclic derivative selected from the group consisting of an imidazole, pyrazole, triazole or tetrazole or a combination thereof. A method for differentiating cells in a biological sample is also provided. A method for quantification of RNA retention in a biological sample is also provided. A kit for fixing RNA in a sample is provided as well.

Abstract: Methods and materials are disclosed relating to an improved method for amplifying a signal in a diagnostic assay for a nucleic acid, comprising the steps of providing an amplification polymer bound to a nucleic acid analyte, wherein the amplification polymer comprises a plurality of amine groups; binding amine groups on the amplification polymer with a detectable label complex; and reacting under high salt conditions an acetylating compound with amine groups not bound with a detectable label complex.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a multi-nucleic-acid amplification reaction tool includes a support and a plurality of types of primer sets. The support is configured to be able to support a reaction field of a liquid phase. A plurality of types of primer sets are fixed in a releasable state, for each type, on mutually independent fixing regions of at least a surface of the support, which is in contact with the reaction field, when the liquid phase forms the reaction field. A plurality of types of primer sets are configured to amplify the respectively corresponding target sequences.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for detecting multiple single nucleotide variations or polymorphisms in a single reaction tube, and the oligonucleotide, the probe, the set of probes, the kit used, as well as the use thereof. Specifically, it relates to a method for identifying the genotype of multiple single nucleotide variation or SNP sites from the melting temperature of a kind of artificial melting temperature tag sequence (AMTS) and the type of fluorescence labels.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and kits are disclosed for synthesizing and amplifying pools of probes using precursor oligonucleotides. In some aspects the precursor is amplified and nicking enzymes are used to separate the full length probes from the amplification products. The methods enable the preparation of single stranded DNA probes of defined sequence and length that are suitable for use in target detection assays.

Abstract: In a genome sequencing system and methodology, a protocol is provided to achieve precise alignment and accurate registration of an image of a planar array of nanoballs subject to optical analysis. Precise alignment correcting for fractional offsets is achieved by correcting for errors in subperiod x-y offset, scale and rotation by use of minimization techniques and Moiré averaging. In Moiré averaging, magnification is intentionally set so that the pixel period of the imaging element is a noninteger multiple of the site period. Accurate registration is achieved by providing for pre-defined pseudo-random sets of sites, herein deletion or reserved sites, where nanoballs are prevented from attachment to the substrate so that the sites of the array can be used in a pattern matching scheme as registration markers for absolute location identification.

Abstract: Provided are a method of constructing a nucleic acid library, a method of determining a nucleic acid sequence of a nucleic acid sample, and a kit thereof. The method of constructing the nucleic acid library includes the following steps: subjecting a nucleic acid sample to a DOP-PCR amplification, to obtain a first PCR amplification product; subjecting the first PCR amplification product to a second PCR amplification using a DOP-Amp primer, to obtain a second PCR amplification product; and subjecting the second PCR amplification product to an adaptor-ligation PCR, to obtain a third PCR amplification product, wherein the third PCR amplification product constitutes the nucleic acid library.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting the presence or absence of, or for discriminating between, blood type variants, including RHD*r?s, RHD*DIIIa and RHD*DIVa-2. The method comprises amplifying by PCR a sample obtained from a human subject at intron 3 of the RHD gene locus. The invention also provides products, in particular, probes, primers and kits for use in the method of the invention.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides methods of identifying genetic mutations that are associated with peripheral neurological disease. The methods comprise identifying a difference between a nucleic acid sequence of a small integral protein of the lysosome/late endosome (“SIMPLE”) gene from a mammalian subject exhibiting peripheral neuropathy and a nucleic acid sequence of a SIMPLE gene from a subject which is not exhibiting peripheral neuropathy, wherein the difference is a genetic mutation associated with peripheral neurological disease. In another aspect, isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding SIMPLE missense mutations are provided. In another aspect, a method of screening a subject to determine if the subject has a genetic predisposition to develop Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1C neuropathy is provided. In another aspect, the invention provides kits for determining susceptibility or presence of Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1C neuropathy in a mammalian subject.

Abstract: A method of detecting proliferative diseases causing sclerosis, comprising measuring the expression of at least one substance selected from the group consisting of STAT3, phosphorylated STAT3, Smad1, phosphorylated Smad1, activin receptor-like kinase 1, activin receptor-like kinase 3 and bone morphogenetic proteins in a biological sample. A kit therefor. A prophylactic and/or therapeutic agent for proliferative diseases causing sclerosis, comprising as an active ingredient a substance having an inhibitory effect on the expression of at least one substance selected from the group consisting of STAT3, phosphorylated STAT3, Smad1 and phosphorylated Smad1. A method of identifying substances effective in preventing and/or treating proliferative diseases causing sclerosis, comprising judging whether or not a test substance inhibits the expression of at least one substance selected from the group consisting of STAT3, phosphorylated STAT3, Smad1 and phosphorylated Smad1. A kit therefor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit and nucleic acid chip for diagnosing bladder cancer using a bladder cancer-specific marker gene. More particularly, the invention relates to a kit and nucleic acid chip for diagnosing bladder cancer, which can detect the promoter methylation of a bladder cancer-specific gene, the promoter or exon region of which is methylated specifically in transformed cells of bladder cancer. The use of the diagnostic kit or nucleic acid chip of the invention enables diagnosis of bladder cancer at an early stage of transformation, thus enabling early diagnosis of bladder cancer, and can diagnose bladder cancer in a more accurate and rapid manner compared to a conventional method.

Abstract: A polymorphism-detecting probe, an amplification primer and the use thereof are provided to enable simple and highly reliable determination of different polymorphisms in an EGFR gene.

Abstract: A novel family of human mitochondrial RNAs, referred to as chimeric RNAs, which are differentially expressed in normal, pre-cancer and cancer cells, are described. Oligonucleotides targeted to the chimeric RNAs are provided. The described oligonucleotides or their analogs can be used for cancer diagnostics and cancer therapy as well as for research. In one embodiment of this invention, these oligonucleotides hybridize with the sense or with the antisense mitochondrial chimeric RNAs, and the result of the hybridization is useful to differentiate between normal proliferating cells, pre-cancer cells and cancer cells. In another embodiment of the invention, the compositions comprise oligonucleotides that hybridize with the human chimeric RNAs resulting in cancer cell and pre-cancer cell death, while there is no effect in normal cells, constituting therefore, a novel approach for cancer therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for collecting, storing or transporting liquid suspension of biological specimens containing analytes of interest in a dry state. The dried biological specimens containing analytes of interest are reconstituted and released for subsequent analysis by compressing or centrifuging the matrix. Also provided are method of using kits for collecting, storing, transporting and recovering biological specimens containing analytes of interest.

Abstract: Described is a method of processing biomass to separate it into a liquid fraction enriched in solubilized C5-sugar-containing oligomers and C-5 sugar monomers and a solid fraction enriched in substantially insoluble cellulose and C6-sugar-containing oligomers. The method includes the steps of reacting biomass with a solvent system comprising water, at least one lactone, or at least one furan, or at least one cyclic ether, and at least one acid, for a time and at a temperature to yield the liquid and solid fractions. The liquid and solid fractions may then be separated. Gamma-valeroloactone is a preferred lactone for use in the solvent system. Tetrahydrofuran is a preferred furan species for use in the solvent system.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the continuous treatment of biomass comprising a pretreatment step, wherein said biomass is contacted with a first supercritical, near-critical, or sub-critical fluid to form a solid matrix and a first liquid fraction; and a hydrolysis step, wherein said solid matrix formed in said pretreatment step is contacted with a second supercritical or near-supercritical fluid to produce a second liquid fraction and a insoluble lignin-containing fraction. Also disclosed are apparatuses for the continuous conversion of biomass comprising a pretreatment reactor and a hydrolysis reactor associated with said pretreatment reactor.

Abstract: Thermal treatment method for a micromechanical horological component derived from the LIGA method and exhibiting very low thermal inertia, said method including the step which consists in locally heating one area of the micromechanical horological component to increase hardness by local phase modification, the component being heated for a sufficiently short time that only the locally heated area is affected by the thermal treatment, the phase of the untreated portions of the component remaining unchanged.

Abstract: A secondary hardening steel alloy substantially lacking Cobalt is disclosed. In spite of the substantial lack of Cobalt, a steel alloy of the present disclosure has a low Stage II crack growth, and a high fracture toughness. Applications of a steel alloy of the present disclosure include structural applications, including aircraft landing gear.

Abstract: The mist cooling apparatus (3) includes: a cooling system (30) which includes a nozzle (35, 35A) that sprays cooling liquid in a form of a mist onto a treatment object which has been heated and provided in a cooling furnace (10), and a pump (33) that is driven by a drive source and thereby makes the cooling liquid flow toward the nozzle (35, 35A); and a second cooling system (40) which operates in response to a stoppage of the drive source, and thereby cools the treatment object.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pelletizing feed containing chromite ore, at least one nickel salt, and silicon carbide as the only carbonaceous material and the only reducing agent. The invention also relates to process for manufacturing the pelletizing feed comprising the steps providing chromite, at least one nickel salt and silicon carbide, and mixing chromite, at least one nickel salt and silicon carbide. The invention also relates to use of the pelletizing feed as a starting material for the manufacture of sintering feed. The invention also relates to a sintering feed in the form of pellets containing the pelletizing feed. The invention also relates to sintered pellets containing the sintering feed. The invention also relates to process for manufacturing the sintered pellets. The invention also relates to use of the sintered pellets as a component of smelting feed. The invention also relates to smelting feed comprising sintered pellets.

Abstract: A molten bath-based process for direct smelting metalliferous material and producing molten metal in a direct smelting vessel that contains a molten bath that has a metal layer that is at least 900 mm deep. The process includes selecting operating parameters of the process so that feed material (solid material and carrier gas) is injected from above the metal layer into the metal layer via at least one solids injection lance with sufficient momentum to penetrate to a depth of at least 100 mm below a nominal quiescent surface of the metal layer to cause upward movement of molten material and gas from the metal layer.

Abstract: A method for leaching a sulfidic metal concentrate in hydrometallurgical production of metal in a leaching process from which hot water vapor containing off-gas is conducted out and to which an acid solution warmed up to an elevated temperature is conducted. The acid solution is warmed up to an elevated temperature by bringing off-gas of the leaching step into direct contact with the acid solution.

Abstract: A nickel-based superalloy particularly suitable for the fabrication of mechanical components for a piece of turbomachinery that it comprises the following elements in percentage by weight: chromium between 3% and 7%; tungsten between 3% and 15%; tantalum between 4% and 6%; aluminum between 4% and 8%; carbon less than 0.8%; the remaining percentage of nickel plus impurities.

Abstract: A method for recovering a valuable material from a lithium-ion secondary battery, the method contains: roasting a lithium-ion secondary battery containing a valuable material in a metal battery case thereof to obtain a roasted material; stirring the roasted material with liquid to separate contents containing the valuable material from the inside of the metal battery case; and sorting the contents separated by the separation and the metal battery case to obtain a recovered material containing the valuable material.

Abstract: New 6xxx aluminum alloy bodies and methods of producing the same are disclosed. The new 6xxx aluminum alloy bodies may be produced by preparing the aluminum alloy body for post-solutionizing cold work, cold working by at least 25%, and then thermally treating. The new 6xxx aluminum alloy bodies may realize improved strength and other properties.

Abstract: A bearing steel material which contains 0.8-1.1 mass % C, 0.15-0.8 mass % Si, 0.1-1.0 mass % Mn, 1.3-1.8 mass % Cr, up to 0.05 mass % P (0 mass % is excluded), up to 0.015 mass % S (0 mass % excluded), 0.0002-0.005 mass % Al, 0.0002-0.0020 mass % Ca, 0.0005-0.010 mass % Ti, up to 0.0080 mass % N (0 mass % is excluded), and up to 0.0025 mass % O (0 mass % is excluded). The steel material contains oxide inclusions which have an average composition that comprises, in terms of mass %, 20-50% CaO, 20-50% Al2O3, 20-70% SiO2, and 3-10% TiO2.

Abstract: An iron-carbon master alloy is described, with a C content of 0.3 to 8 wt % and an upper limit of alloying metals Ni<10 wt %, P<4 wt %, Cr<5 wt %, preferably<1 wt %, Mn<5 wt %, preferably<1 wt %, Mo<3 wt %, W<3 wt %, Cu<1 wt %, a particle size of >20 ?m and a hardness of <350 HV 0.01, and a method for the manufacture of said master alloy.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a hot press formed steel member that has high strengths, an excellent balance between strength and ductility, and good deformation properties upon crush on collision (crashworthiness). The manufacturing method is highly efficient and allows a high degree of freedom with respect to the shape to be formed. The method manufactures a steel member by heating a steel sheet having a specific chemical composition and subjecting the steel sheet to at least one time of hot press forming. In the method, the heating temperature is equal to or higher than the Ac3 transformation temperature, and a starting temperature of the hot press forming is in the range from the heating temperature to martensite start (Ms) temperature. Cooling from [(Ms temperature)?150° C.] down to 80° C. is performed so that a tempering parameter (?) specified by Expression (1) is in the range from 7100 to 8030.

Abstract: A family of iron-based, phosphor-containing bulk metallic glasses having excellent processibility and toughness, methods for forming such alloys, and processes for manufacturing articles therefrom are provided. The inventive iron-based alloy is based on the observation that by very tightly controlling the composition of the metalloid moiety of the Fe-based, P-containing bulk metallic glass alloys it is possible to obtain highly processable alloys with surprisingly low shear modulus and high toughness.

Abstract: A swage mount is manufactured for attaching a head suspension assembly to a head actuator arm for a hard disk drive. A conductive material is deposited on a predetermined part of the swage mount. A coating material is deposited on the swage mount including the predetermined part. Heat is applied to the swage mount, forming a mixture of the conductive material and the coating material. The mixture is conductive and supports a reliable connection between the swage mount and other disk drive components. Furthermore, the mixture enhances cleanliness by reducing particles shed from the swage mount. The conductive material is preferably gold, and the coating material is preferably nickel-based.

Abstract: A method of making a doped metal oxide comprises heating a first doped metal oxide with a laser, to form a crystallized doped metal oxide. The crystallized doped metal oxide has a different crystal structure than the first doped metal oxide.

Abstract: A low temperature deposition device according to the present invention includes: a thermal deposition source unit spraying a deposition beam; a differential pumping unit connected to the thermal deposition source unit and passing the deposition beam; and a cooling gas inlet connected to the differential pumping unit and inserting a cooling gas inside the differential pumping unit to cool the deposition beam. According to the present invention, the inorganic deposition beam of low temperature is deposited on the substrate to form the inorganic metal layer of low temperature so that the damage to the organic layer may be minimized when forming the inorganic metal layer of low temperature on the organic layer.

Abstract: An improved feeder system and method for a vapor transport deposition system that includes a carrier gas bypass flow line to allow for continuous carrier gas flow to a vaporizer unit when a vibratory unit which supplies powdered material and carrier gas to the vaporizer unit is out of service. A process gas flow line to the vibratory unit may be included when the powdered material contains a powdered dopant in the material mix.

Abstract: A method of forming targets for cathodic arc deposition of alloy bond coats for turbine engines components consists of melting a base alloy containing aluminum and other metals, adding grain boundary strengthening alloy additions, and casting the melt to form a cylindrical billet that is subsequently sectioned into puck shaped targets. The grain boundary strengthening additions minimize intergranular fracture of the targets during high current operation of the arc coating process.

Abstract: A device and a method of facing target sputtering are provided, which can easily change magnetic flux line patterns between facing targets, thereby enabling to conveniently perform a plurality of kinds of sputtering such as facing target sputtering with facing mode, facing target sputtering with mixed mode composed of facing mode and magnetron mode. Thus, the device and the method of facing target sputtering effective for each material is provided. The sputtering device for forming a thin film in which a pair of target holders 2 having targets 1 arranged thereon is provided so as to arrange targets faced to each other. A pole group including a plurality of pole elements having at least a different pole direction is arranged at the back side of the target holders opposite to surfaces on which the targets are arranged. The pole elements are any of a permanent magnet 4, a yoke 7, 8 and an electromagnet 13 or a combination of them.