Abstract: This invention relates to the characterization of the bacterial signature associated with atopic dermatitis and the use thereof in in vitro methods for prognosis and/or diagnosis of atopic dermatitis, methods for monitoring response to a treatment, methods for monitoring the development of atopic dermatitis, as well as methods for selecting compounds useful in the prevention and/or treatment of atopic dermatitis.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of multiplexed analysis of oligonucleotides in a sample, including a method of preventing a significant reduction in duplexes detectable in a hybridization assay involving (i) selecting probe lengths for sets of oligonucleotide probes, wherein probes include different subsequences such that at least one subsequence is complementary to a subsequence in a cognate target; wherein probes for longer cognate targets are longer in length than probes for shorter cognate targets, (ii) selecting, for each set of probes, a density of oligonucleotides probes attached per unit area on a solid phase carrier which is below a limit at which the significant reduction in detectable duplexes is predicated to take place, (iii) producing the probes and affixing them to different solid phase carriers at the selected density, and (iv) annealing targets to the probes, wherein signal intensities of probes and targets of different lengths are about the same.

Abstract: Methods, systems and compositions are provided for analyzing one or more nucleic acid molecules. The methods, systems and compositions may comprise one or more target specific-oligonucleotide probes (TSPs). The TSPs may hybridize to nucleic acid molecules that are less than or equal to 200 nucleotides in length. The nucleic acid molecules may be small RNA molecules (e.g., miRNA, ncRNA, siRNA, shRNA). The methods, systems and compositions fmd use in a number of applications, for example, isolation of nucleic acid molecules, analysis of low abundance nucleic acid molecules, and/or enrichment of nucleic acid molecules.

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: A nucleic-acid-sequence determination device equipped with two light sources having different wavelengths, two detectors, and an optical system for irradiating a sample with light from the two light sources and guiding fluorescent light from a nucleic acid in the sample to the two detectors. The optical system is provided with a dichroic mirror for causing the fluorescent light from the nucleic acid in the sample to split, and guiding the split light to the two detectors. The dichroic mirror has a transition wavelength from transmission to reflection in two locations, namely: between light-emitting bands of two types of short-wavelength fluorescent dye and light-emitting bands of two types of long-wavelength fluorescent dye.

Abstract: Flexible and scale methods of genotyping-by sequencing are provided. Typically the methods include the steps of cutting genomic DNA into blunt-ended fragments using a blunt-cutting restriction endonuclease enzyme, dA tailing the fragments and ligating the dA tailed fragments to universal sequencing adapters, enrichment of desired DNA by size-selecting, barcoding and sequencing the size-selected fragments of the genomic DNA. A standard DNA size selection step can be used to capture a small portion of the genome that will be consistent between samples from the same species. The methods improve the efficiency, coverage, data quality and cost over existing methods for reduced representation sequences of genomes.

Abstract: The invention generally provides a sieve valve including: a substrate defining a channel; a flexible membrane adapted and configured for deployment at an intersection with the channel; and one or more protrusions extending into the channel from the substrate or the flexible membrane. The one or more protrusions define a plurality of recesses extending beyond the intersection between the channel and the flexible membrane; A microfluidic circuit including one or more sieve valves. In particular embodiments, the circuit comprises one or more input/output valves. The one or one or more input/output valves can include one or more input valves and one or more output valves. The microfluidic circuit can further include a mixing circuit. At least one of the sieve valves can be positioned between the one or more input/output valves and the mixing circuit. The invention further provides methods of using the device for the analysis of samples comprising cells.

Abstract: The identification of mutations that are present in a small fraction of DNA templates is essential for progress in several areas of biomedical research. Though massively parallel sequencing instruments are in principle well-suited to this task, the error rates in such instruments are generally too high to allow confident identification of rare variants. We here describe an approach that can substantially increase the sensitivity of massively parallel sequencing instruments for this purpose. One example of this approach, called “Safe-SeqS” for (Safe-Sequencing System) includes (i) assignment of a unique identifier (UID) to each template molecule; (ii) amplification of each uniquely tagged template molecule to create UID-families; and (iii) redundant sequencing of the amplification products. PCR fragments with the same UID are truly mutant (“super-mutants”) if ?95% of them contain the identical mutation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for detection, analysis, and treatment of nucleic acids. In particular, the present invention relates to compositions and methods for generating and using hybridization probes.

Abstract: A method for predicting the athletic performance potential of a subject comprising the step of assaying a biological sample from a subject for a genetic variant in linkage disequilibrium with MSTN-66493737 (T/C) SNP. The invention also provides an assay for determining the athletic performance potential of a subject.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods, reagents, kits, and compositions for identifying and quantifying target polynucleotide sequences. A linker probe comprising a 3? target specific portion, a loop, and a stem is hybridized to a target polynucleotide and extended to form a reaction product that includes a reverse primer portion and the stem nucleotides. A detector probe, a specific forward primer, and a reverse primer can be employed in an amplification reaction wherein the detector probe can detect the amplified target polynucleotide based on the stem nucleotides introduced by the linker probe. In some embodiments a plurality of short miRNAs are queried with a plurality of linker probes, wherein the linker probes all comprise a universal reverse primer portion a different 3? target specific portion and different stems. The plurality of queried miRNAs can then be decoded in a plurality of amplification reactions.

Abstract: A nucleic acid tag comprising a nucleotide-support platform attached to a nucleic acid molecule, an odorant, and an encapsulant. Unique nucleic acid-containing tags containing an odorant are seeded at one or more geographic locations. Using odorant-detection systems, the person or object of interest is examined for the presence of one or more of the odorant, thereby revealing the presence of the seeded nucleic acids and eliminating the expense and time associated with unnecessary screening. The geographic location associated with each detected nucleic acid is used to backtrack the item's path or extrapolate a probable point of origin.

Abstract: Collections of polynucleotides useful estimating breeding value or detecting likelihood of an increased susceptibility to contracting paratuberculosis are disclosed. The polynucleotides are used to detect genomic sequences quantitatively associated with an increased susceptibility to contracting paratuberculosis trait. Methods for using the collections to estimate breeding value or predict likelihood of an increased susceptibility to contracting paratuberculosis are also provided. Kits comprising the collection of polynucleotides are also provided.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides methods for determining susceptibility to bone damage in a subject. In some embodiments, the methods comprise screening for polymorphisms in the MTHFR and collagen I?1 genes that are associated with susceptibility to bone damage. In some embodiments, the methods comprise screening for elevated levels of homocysteine in a subject, wherein elevated levels of homocysteine are associated with an increased risk of bone damage. The methods of the invention may be used in predicting the response of a patient to treatment. Also provided are methods for prevention or reducing the risk of bone damage in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the detection of a nucleotide variation on a target nucleic acid sequence using an amplification blocker and a VD-PTOCE (Variation Detection by PTO Cleavage and Extension) assay. The present invention is significantly effective in the detection of a minority mutation in an excess of wild-type DNA.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the risk of a subject suffering from chronic kidney disease of suffering a cardiovascular disease based on the presence of different polymorphisms as well as to kits for practicing the above method. The invention also relates to a method for determining the risk of suffering a cardiovascular disease by combining the absence or presence of one or more polymorphic markers in a sample from the subject with clinical/biochemical risk factors for CVD as well as computer-implemented means for carrying out said method.

Abstract: One aspect of the Invention provides methods for classifying the quality of a repair response after injury to a joint of a subject. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a tissue sample from the injured region of the joint and determining expression levels in the sample of a plurality of genes, including at least those genes listed in Table 1, Table 2 and Table 3. Another aspect of the Invention provides methods of treating a human or veterinary subject having an injury to a joint based on the classification of the quality of the repair response.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of treating cancer in a subject, and methods for inhibiting growth, migration and/or invasion of a cancer cell in the subject, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof that downmodulates Fzd2. The antibody may specifically bind Fzd2, and may promote internalization of the Fzd2 receptor by the cancer cells and/or prevent ligand binding to Fzd2. Specific antibodies, and also specific portions of the Fzd2 molecule for antibody binding are disclosed. In one embodiment the antibody specifically binds to the epitope HGAEQICVGQNHSEDGAPAL (SEQ ID NO: 1). Specific cancers (e.g. late stage hepatocellular carcinoma), intended for treatment are provided, and include cancers that exhibit overexpression of Fzd2, and/or Wnt5a.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward novel methods to identify and treat subjects having inflammatory asthma subphenotypes.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide methods for the detection, the diagnosis, and/or the prediction of disease onset of Alzheimer's disease. Methods for determining a state of Alzheimer's disease are provided. Accordingly, these methods can comprise the steps of placing a sample comprising at least one blood component onto a substrate, labeling the sample to identify at least one epigenetic marker and at least one of an inflammation marker and a cellular stress marker; determining an amount of the markers; performing a multivariate statistical analysis to produce an output value; comparing the output value to a reference value; and determining a state of Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: Biomarkers and methods for screening expression levels of the biomarkers for predicting and tracking suicidality, as well as for monitoring response to a treatment for suicidal risk and for determining suicidal risk as a side-effect of an antidepressant are disclosed.

Abstract: A novel gene (EPM2A) that is deleted or mutated in people with Lafora's disease is described. The EPM2A gene encodes a protein having an active catalytic site of a protein tyrosine phosphatase. Many different sequence mutations as well as several microdeletions in EPM2A have been found that co-segregate with Lafora's disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the utilization of one or more genes selected from the group comprising ZFP64, DPP3, CCDC43, HIST2H4A/B, KDELC2 and MICALL1 as biomarkers for HDAC inhibitor treatment. The expression and/or change of the aforementioned genes are preferably determined via the respective corresponding mRNA or one or more proteins expressed by the aforementioned genes.

Abstract: The application discloses new biomarkers and methods useful in the diagnosis, prognosis and/or monitoring of, or as a therapeutic or research target for, solid tumour cancers, such as colorectal cancer, based on measuring the biomarkers; and related kits and devices.

Abstract: Specific mutations of FGFR3 (S249C) and of TP53 (V272M) are identified as being characteristic of breast cancer, and of having utility in diagnosis and prognosis of an individual with breast cancer. Systems and methods useful for identification of such mutations are also presented.

Abstract: The present technology relates to genetic products the expression of which is associated with cancer diseases. The present technology also relates to the therapy and diagnosis of diseases in which the genetic products are expressed or aberrantly expressed, in particular cancer diseases.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for treating prostate cancer using microRNAs. Also described are methods and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of solid cancers. Methods of identifying inhibitors of tumorigenesis are also provided.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a novel gene translocation, (5q32, 6q22), in human non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) that results in a fusion proteins combining part of CD74 with Proto-oncogene Tyrosine Protein Kinase ROS Precursor (ROS) kinase has now been identified. The CD74-ROS fusion protein is anticipated to drive the proliferation and survival of a subgroup of NSCLC tumors. The invention therefore provides, in part, isolated polynucleotides and vectors encoding the disclosed mutant ROS kinase polypeptides, probes for detecting it, isolated mutant polypeptides, recombinant polypeptides, and reagents for detecting the fusion and truncated polypeptides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the in vitro detection of the presence in a biological sample of at least one rare nucleic acid from a microorganism or a virus, said method comprising the preparation of a sample of nucleic acids comprising a treatment with a double-strand specific nuclease which relatively decreases the amount of predominant double stranded DNA molecules and increases the proportion of rare nucleic acid molecules. The present invention also relates to the use of a double-strand specific nuclease for preparing a sample comprising nucleic acid molecules, and for the characterization of a biological product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and the production of natural leathers from pieces of natural leather torn into different-sized fibers which are sorted and placed, once they have been mixed with a binder, in successive layers (6, 7 and 8) on a support sheet (9) provided with filaments crossing the different layers. The support sheet (9) and filaments (10) are extracted once the binder substance has cured.

Abstract: A method of quenching a sheared portion includes a heating process heating a steel product to a temperature equal to or greater than an austenitizing temperature, a shearing process shearing the steel product which is heated in the heating process to form a sheared portion at the steel product while the steel product is maintained at the temperature equal to or greater than the austenitizing temperature, and a cooling process cooling the steel product at which the sheared portion is formed in the shearing process to a temperature equal to or smaller than a martensitic transformation start point.

Abstract: A rolled foil formed of the Fe—Cu alloy according to an embodiment of the present invention is manufactured to consist of 3 to 30 wt % iron and 70 to 97 wt % copper having a thickness of 100 ?m to 10 ?m, by casting a molten metal of a Fe—Cu parent alloy and a metal copper into a slab, heat-treating the slab, and roll-milling the heat-treated slab by using a multi-pass rolling mill with the total reduction ratio of 90% or higher. In this regard, the Fe—Cu alloy rolled foil according to the present invention provides an effect of shielding electromagnetic waves of 80 dB or more within high frequencies ranging between 1 GHz to 1.5 GHz.

Abstract: A non quenched and tempered steel and manufacturing process thereof. The manufacturing process of the non quenched and tempered steel has a cooling step after the finish rolling step, wherein intense cooling and moderate cooling are carried out alternatively. The intense cooling can ensure the surface temperature of the steel to decrease rapidly; and the moderate cooling allows the core temperature of the steel to dissipate gradually to the surface; a further intense cooling is carried out to allow rapid heat dissipation. The intense cooling and the moderate cooling can be carried out alternately several times according to practical requirement. A water cooling mode combining intense cooling and moderate cooling allows the core temperature and the surface temperature of the steel to become the same within a short time, and thus ensures the uniformity of the mechanical properties of the steel and improves production efficiency.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a high-strength stainless steel pipe includes forming a steel pipe having a predetermined size, the steel having a composition comprising by mass % 0.005 to 0.05% C, 0.05 to 1.0% Si, 0.2 to 1.8% Mn, 0.03% or less P, 0.005% or less S, 14 to 20% Cr, 1.5 to 10% Ni, 1 to 5% Mo, 0.5% or less V, 0.15% or less N, 0.01% or less O, 0.002 to 0.1% Al, and Fe and unavoidable impurities as a balance; applying a quenching treatment two times or more to the steel pipe where the steel pipe is quenched by reheating to a temperature of 750° C. or above and cooling to a temperature of 100° C. or below at a cooling rate equal to or higher than an air-cooling rate; and applying a tempering treatment where the steel pipe is tempered at a temperature of 700° C. or below.

Abstract: Methods for producing steel components with well-adhering metallic coatings that provide protection from corrosion offer flexibility in processing qualities. In one example, a flat steel product comprising a steel material that is hardenable by quenching in a hot forming operation and that has a yield point of 150-1100 MPa and a tensile strength of 300-1200 MPa may be coated electrolytically with a thin zinc layer. From the flat steel product, a blank may then be obtained that is heated directly to at least 800° C. and then formed into the steel component. Alternatively, the blank may initially be formed into the steel component and then heated to at least 800° C. Either way, the steel component may then be hardened by sufficiently rapid cooling from a sufficiently high temperature.

Abstract: There are provided a steel sheet for resistance to composite corrosion from sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid, having excellent wear resistance and surface quality, and a method of manufacturing the same. The steel sheet having excellent surface qualities may be provided by improving resistance to erosion occurring due to coal cinders to increase a lifespan thereof and securing excellent resistance to composite corrosion from sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid. Wear resistance may be significantly increased by adding P, and in order to solve a problem in that wear resistance is deteriorated due to the addition of P, a component system and a hot rolling process condition may be controlled, thereby forming a corrosion resistant layer having excellent corrosion resistance.

Abstract: A laser shock peening method and device for a bottom surface of a tenon groove of an aircraft blade. During the laser shock peening process, according to geometric characteristics of the bottom surface of a tenon groove, a circular facula of a laser beam is changed into a strip-shaped facula, at the same time as a flow-guiding injection device and a water pumping device are respectively arranged at two end surfaces of the bottom surface of the tenon groove to ensure the stability of a water confinement layer.

Abstract: Provided is a backflow cascade novel process for producing a lithium-7 isotope. The process comprises an upper backflow section, an extraction section, an enrichment section, a lower backflow section, and a product acquiring section. Upper backflow phase-conversion liquid and lower backflow phase-conversion liquid are respectively added to the upper backflow section and the lower backflow section, and upper backflow phase-conversion liquid and lower backflow phase-conversion liquid of the lithium material are controlled; the product is precisely acquired in the product acquiring section; an organic phase is added to the upper backflow section, and is recycled in the lower backflow section. By means of cascade connection with a high-performance liquid separator, environmental protection, high efficiency, and multi-level enrichment of the lithium-7 isotope are achieved, and a high-abundance lithium-7 isotope product is obtained.

Abstract: Method for forming an oxide dispersion strengthened alloy. An alloy material (24) is melted with an energy beam (28) to form a melt pool (30) in the presence of a flux material (26), and particles (36) of a metal oxide are directed into the melt pool such that the particles are dispersed within the melt pool. Upon solidification, an oxide dispersion strengthened alloy (44) is formed as a layer bonded to an underlying substrate (20) or as an object contained on a removable support.

Abstract: A precious metal alloy includes palladium and rhodium for manufacturing jewelry pieces like jewelry, jewelry articles, bijouterie, watches and watch cases and/or writing utensils and/or a component thereof. The precious metal alloy used includes palladium in an amount of 40-60% by weight and rhodium in an amount of 40-60% by weight, and that the precious metal alloy used may include gold, platinum, ruthenium and/or iridium in an amount of between greater than 0 and 10% by weight, or alternatively in an amount of between 2% by weight and 5% by weight, or alternatively in an amount of 3% by weight. The corresponding amount of rhodium and/or palladium is then replaced by the aforementioned secondary alloy components, wherein the amounts of rhodium and palladium as well as of the provided aforementioned secondary alloy components complement substantially to 100% by weight.

Abstract: Disclosed is a brass having reduced amounts of lead and nickel or not containing them, and having improved castability and corrosion resistance. The brass, comprising Sn in the range of 0.05% to 0.2% by mass, at least one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Sb, As, and P with total amount thereof in the range of 0.05% to 0.32% by mass, Al in the range of 0.1% to 0.5% by mass, Zn in the range of 33.0% to 40.0% by mass, at least one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Pb and Bi with total amount thereof in the range of 0.005% to 0.25% by mass, Ni in the range of 0.5% or less by mass, Si in the range of 0.5% or less by mass, at least one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Fe and B with total amount thereof in the range of 0.0001% to 0.3% by mass, and the balance substantially consisting of Cu and unavoidable impurities, and also an apparent content of Zn in the range of 36% to 41%, is excellent in castability and corrosion resistance.

Abstract: There is provided a Ni-based alloy excellent in hot forgeability, high-temperature oxidation resistance, and high-temperature halogen gas corrosion resistance that is suitable as constituent materials, such as a baking tray for chip capacitor, a baking tray for lithium battery cathode material, a CVD apparatus member, a PVD apparatus member, an LCD apparatus member, and a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus member. The Ni-based alloy contains, by weight, 2.0 to 5.0% Al, 0.1 to 2.5% Si, 0.1 to 1.5% Mn, 0.001 to 0.01% B, 0.001 to 0.1% of Zr, and the balance of Ni with inevitable impurities and excels in hot forgeability, high-temperature oxidation resistance, and high-temperature halogen gas corrosion resistance. The Ni-based alloy may further contain 0.8 to 4.0% Cr.

Abstract: A high temperature oxidation resistant nickel-aluminide alloy composition and furnace rolls formed therefrom. The inventive nickel-aluminide alloy composition comprises 0.08-0.1 wt. % Zr, 2.5-3.0 wt. % Mo, 7.5-8.5 wt. % Al, 7.5-8.5 wt. % Cr, about 0.01 wt. % B and the balance being substantially nickel.

Abstract: Nickel-base composite niobium bearing alloys including delta and/or eta strengthening phases in addition to gamma prime precipitates in a gamma matrix.

Abstract: The aluminum alloy product of an embodiment of the present invention includes a pair of outer regions and an inner region positioned between the outer regions. A first concentration of eutectic forming alloying elements in the inner region is less than a second concentration of eutectic forming alloying elements in each of the outer regions. Further, the aluminum alloy product has a delta r value of 0 to 0.10. The delta r value is calculated as follows: Absolute Value [(r_L+r_LT?2*r_45)/2] and the r_L is an r value in a longitudinal direction of the aluminum alloy product, the r_LT is an r value in a transverse direction of the aluminum alloy product, and the r_45 is an r value in a 45 degree direction of the aluminum alloy product.

Abstract: New heat treatable aluminum alloys having magnesium and zinc are disclosed. The new aluminum alloys generally contain 3.0-6.0 wt. % Mg, 2.5-5.0 wt. % Zn, where (wt. % Mg)/(wt. % Zn) is from 0.60 to 2.40.

Abstract: A magnesium alloy includes a rare earth element alloy component comprising yttrium, a rare earth element (REE) other than yttrium, and a balance of magnesium. The rare earth element other than yttrium may comprise two or more rare earth elements other than yttrium. The rare earth element other than yttrium may include a heavy rare earth element and a light rare earth element. The alloy may include about 4-10 wt-% yttrium, 0-9 wt-% heavy REE, 0-7 wt-% light REE, 0-7 wt-% zinc, 0-0.7 wt-% zirconium, and a balance of magnesium. The balance of magnesium may be in an amount up to 90 wt-%.

Abstract: An example of a wear resistant alloy consists essentially of from 0.15 wt. % up to 0.30 wt. % C; up to 0.50 wt. % Mn; up to 0.02 wt. % P; up to 0.015 wt. % S; up to 0.50 wt. % Si; from 30.25 wt. % up to 35 wt. % Ni; from 15.0 wt. % up to 17.0 wt. % Cr; from 1.60 wt. % up to 3.20 wt. % Ti; from 1.60 wt. % up to 2.50 wt. % Al; from 2.10 wt. % up to 3.20 wt. % Nb(Ta); up to 0.015 wt. % B; Mg present in an amount up to 0.030 wt. %; up to 0.50 wt. % Cu; up to 0.25 wt. % of Mo; up to 0.25 wt. % of W; up to 0.020 wt. % Ca; and a balance of Fe and inevitable impurities. The Ti+Nb(Ta) is greater than or equal to (>) 4.40 wt. %.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steel powder having a composition containing, in mass %, 0.10?C<0.25, 0.005?Si?0.600, 2.00?Cr?6.00, ?0.0125×[Cr]+0.125?Mn??0.100×[Cr]+1.800 in which the [Cr] represents the value of Cr content in mass %, 0.01?Mo?1.80, ?0.00447×[Mo]+0.010?V??0.1117×[Mo]+0.901 in which the [Mo] represents the value of Mo content in mass %, 0.0002?N?0.3000, and the balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities.