Abstract: Methods, compositions, and systems are provided that allow for reliable sequencing of the initial sequence region of a sequence of interest. The methods of the invention allow for more reliable barcoding of subpopulations of nucleic acids to be sequenced.

Abstract: A method of sequencing nucleic acids, which can include steps of (a) providing a substrate having a surface having a repeating pattern of features, wherein the features are spatially separated from each other on the surface of the substrate; (b) contacting the repeating pattern of features with a solution of different target nucleic acids to seed a subset of the features that contact the solution, wherein no more than the subset of the features that contact the solution is seeded with the target nucleic acids; (c) amplifying the target nucleic acids at the subset of features; (d) repeating steps (b) and (c) to increase the number of features that are seeded with a nucleic acid, thereby making an array of different nucleic acid colonies; and (e) detecting sequencing reactions at the different nucleic acid colonies on the surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions for collecting, storing, and transporting populations of nucleic acids from biological specimens, and clinical, forensic, or environmental samples. Also disclosed are methods for using these compositions as one-step formulations for killing pathogens, inactivating nucleases, and releasing polynucleotides from other cellular components within the sample, and stabilizing the nucleic acids prior to further processing or assay. In particular embodiments, the invention provides a single, one-step, sample collection/transport/storage formulation containing a known quantity of a non-genomic, nucleic acid carrier molecule that serves as an internal reference control to monitor the fidelity of the collection/transportation medium, and measure the integrity of nucleic acids subsequently isolated and purified from the processed sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing a reaction mixture for Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay and a solution set for PCR. The method comprises providing a sample solution comprising a biological sample to be amplified in said PCR assay and first colorant providing the solution a first color, providing a reagent solution comprising at least one other substance required for performing said assay and second colorant providing the solution a second color different from the first color, and mixing the sample solution and the first reagent solution for providing a mixed solution to be subjected to the PCR process, the mixed solution having, due to said first and second colorants, a third color different from the first and second colors. The invention significantly aids in pipetting PCR assays.

Abstract: A biochip used for quantitative analysis of a target DNA contained in a sample. The biochip includes a type I chamber that includes a primer designed to bind to the target DNA, an internal standard DNA of a first amount that has a sequence different from a sequence of the target DNA, and is amplifiable with the primer, and a fluorescent probe that is designed to bind to a part of a PCR product of the target DNA and to a part of a PCR product of the internal standard DNA. The fluorescent probe fluoresces differently for the PCR product of the target DNA and the PCR product of the internal standard DNA. The biochip also includes a type II chamber that includes the internal standard DNA of a second amount, the primer, and the fluorescent probe. The first and second amounts are different.

Abstract: Provided are methods for amplifying a gene or RNA or sets thereof of interest using a tandem PCR process. The primers in the first PCR or set of PCR reactions are locus-specific. The primers in the second PCR or set of PCR reactions are specific for a sub-sequence of the locus-specific primers and completely consumed during the second PCR amplification. For RNA amplification, the first PCR is reverse transcription and the resulting cDNA(s) provide a template for cRNA synthesis, endpoint PCR or real time PCR. Also provided is a tandem PCR method which accepts raw, completely unpurified mouthwash, cheek swabs and ORAGENE™-stabilized saliva as the sample input, the resulting amplicons serving as the substrate for complex, microarray-based genetic testing. Also provided is a method of allelotyping a gene or set thereof by amplifying the gene(s) using tandem PCR on DNA or RNA comprising the sample.

Abstract: There is a need or improved methods for determining the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with conditions, including autoimmune disease and cancer, especially lymphoid neoplasms, such as lymphomas and leukemias. Provided herein are methods for using DNA sequencing to identify personalized, or patient-specific biomarkers in patients with lymphoid neoplasms, autoimmune disease and other conditions. Identified biomarkers can be used to determine and/or monitor the disease state for a subject with an associated lymphoid disorder or autoimmune disease or other condition. In particular, the invention provides a sensitive method for monitoring lymphoid neoplasms that undergo clonal evolutions without the need to development alternative assays for the evolved or mutated clones serving as patient-specific biomarkers.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for research, diagnostic, drug screening, and therapeutic applications related to paroxysmal dystonic choreoathetosis and related conditions. In particular, the present invention provides mutations in the myofibrillogenesis regulator 1 (MR-1) gene associated with such conditions.

Abstract: The present invention features methods and compositions for identifying markers of minimum residual disease (MRD), as well as markers of metastatic cells. The present invention further provides methods for detecting MRD and metastatic cell in a subject.

Abstract: The invention provides a primer group for detecting CpG island methylation of p16 gene using methylation specific fluorescence technique. The primer group comprises a pair of oligonucleotide primers and a fluorescence-labeled probe. Said oligonucleotide primer pair has base sequence represented by SEQ ID NO.1 and SEQ ID NO.2. Said fluorescence-labeled probe has base sequence represented by SEQ ID NO.3 or SEQ NO.4.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of: identifying pathogens in biological samples from humans and animals, resolving a plurality of etiologic agents present in samples obtained from humans and animals, determining detailed genetic information about such pathogens or etiologic agents, and rapid detection and identification of bioagents from environmental, clinical or other samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process to perform a molecular risk assessment (MRA) upon a sample suspected to contain an enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), comprising the steps: contacting said sample or DNA isolated therefrom with a pair of primers derived from the following target genes stx1, stx2, eae and/or espk; wherein the process is characterized in that if amplification products are detected for each of the target genes in the first step, in a second step said sample or DNA isolated therefrom is contacted with a pair of primers derived from the following target genes nleB, nleH1-2, nleE, ent/espL2, eae subtypes ?, ?, ? and ? and the target genes rfbE (0157), wbdl (0111), wzx (026); ihp1 (0145), wzx (0103); and detecting the presence or the absence of an amplification product for each of the target genes.

Abstract: A region of the Chlamydia trachomatis pmpA gene has been identified which is useful for performing amplification assays to determine specifically whether C. trachomatis is present in the sample being tested. Oligonucleotides useful for detecting this gene by performing the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are disclosed. The disclosed oligonucleotides can be used in an assay which is specific for multiple strains or serovars of C. trachomatis, including the variant E serovar, and which does not show cross reactivity with the genomes of other microorganisms or with human DNA. In addition, the disclosed oligonucleotides can be used to in a multiplex system. This invention also contemplates a kit including oligonucleotides, and optionally other reagents, for the detection of C. trachomatis using PCR.

Abstract: A method for the quantification of a vaccine strain and/or a virulent strain of Marek's Disease Virus Serotype-1 (MDV-1) in a sample from a bird, comprising the steps of: (i) providing a biological sample from the bird and optionally isolating nucleic acid from the biological sample; (ii) subjecting the biological sample of (i) to real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) comprising: (a) amplification of a region of the pp38 gene within the nucleic acid sample of (i), said region containing a consistent single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) difference between vaccine and virulent strains of MDV-1; and (b) contacting the amplified nucleic acid of (a) with a detectable nucleic acid probe specific for the SNP of the vaccine strain of MDV-1 and/or a detectable nucleic acid probe specific for the SNP of the virulent strain of MDV-1; and (iii) Measuring changes in the detectable signal produced by the probe of (ii). Methods are also provided for the absolute quantification of vaccine and virulent viruses.

Abstract: A method for the quantification of a vaccine strain and/or a virulent strain of Marek's Disease Virus Serotype-1 (MDV-1) in a sample from a bird, comprising the steps of: (i) providing a biological sample from the bird and optionally isolating nucleic acid from the biological sample; (ii) subjecting the biological sample of (i) to real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) comprising: (a) amplification of a region of the pp38 gene within the nucleic acid sample of (i), said region containing a consistent single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) difference between vaccine and virulent strains of MDV-1; and (b) contacting the amplified nucleic acid of (a) with a detectable nucleic acid probe specific for the SNP of the vaccine strain of MDV-1 and/or a detectable nucleic acid probe specific for the SNP of the virulent strain of MDV-1; and (iii) Measuring changes in the detectable signal produced by the probe of (ii). Methods are also provided for the absolute quantification is of vaccine and virulent viruses.

Abstract: A method for optimization of a response of a biological system includes: (1) obtaining measurements of a biological system in response to varying concentrations of drugs in a drug combination; (2) fitting the measurements into a model of the biological system; and (3) using the model of the biological system, predicting concentrations of the drugs in the drug combination to yield an optimized response of the biological system.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a furnace having a furnace chamber (14), a port (16) in fluid communication with the furnace chamber having an inclined lower wall (18), and a bi-directional induction unit (24) mounted to the inclined lower wall for inducing flow in molten material in the port. A retractable channel plate assembly (26) is selectively positionable in the port to define an extraction flow channel (28) for the molten material between the channel plate assembly and the inclined lower wall. A drive arrangement (64) moves the channel plate assembly into and out of the port and the control of a control system (74) which includes a sensor system (78) for measuring the level of the molten material in the port and a feedback system for providing information regarding the position of the channel plate assembly. A method of operating the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for treating a feedstock is provided. The feedstock comprises a mineral and/or a metal oxide/silicate derived from or associated with a mineral. The process comprises treating the feedstock by reacting, in a reaction step, the mineral and/or the metal oxide/silicate derived from or associated with a mineral, with an ammonium acid fluoride having the generic formula NH4F.xHF, wherein 1<x?5. An ammonium fluorometallate compound is produced as a reaction product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a leaching method of rare-earth metals using a hydrochloric acid from a manganese nodule, and more particularly, to a leaching method of rare-earth metals using a hydrochloric acid from a manganese nodule, in which a manganese nodule is mixed with a hydrochloric acid, then stirred and heated to leach the rare-earth metal included in the manganese nodule.

Abstract: Provided is a lead frame made of a Cu—Fe-based copper alloy strip to improve the heat dissipation in an LED package. An Ag plating reflective film formed on the lead frame enhances the brightness of the LED package. In the Cu—Fe-based copper alloy strip, arithmetic mean roughness Ra is 0.2 ?m or less, ten-point mean roughness RzJIS is 1.2 ?m or less, and maximum height roughness Rz is 1.5 ?m or less and depressions having an average length in a rolling parallel direction of 2 to 100 ?m, an average length in the rolling vertical direction of 1-30 ?m, and a maximum depth along the rolling parallel direction of 400 nm or less. The Cu—Fe-based copper alloy strip contains 1.8-2.6 mass % of Fe, 0.005-0.20 mass % of P, and 0.01-0.50 mass % of Zn or contains 0.01-0.5 mass % of Fe, 0.01-0.20 mass % of P, 0.01-1.0 mass % of Zn, and 0.01-0.15 mass % of Sn.

Abstract: Provided is a high-toughness coating film having excellent wear resistance, in particular, resistance to cracking and peeling. A high-toughness coating film (2) includes a composition containing a mixture of metallic chromium, in which nitrogen is dissolved, and Cr2N. A content of the nitrogen in the high-toughness coating film is 2.0 to 8.5 mass %, and IP, which is expressed by total of each diffraction peak intensity of Cr2N/(total of each diffraction peak intensity of metallic chromium+total of each diffraction peak intensity of Cr2N), is 3 to 40% when 2? is in a range of 30° to 90°, where ? is an incident angle in X-ray diffraction of the high-toughness coating film.

Abstract: Getter devices with improved sorption rate, based on powders of quaternary alloys particularly suitable for hydrogen and carbon monoxide sorption, are described. Quaternary alloys having a composition comprising zirconium, vanadium, titanium and aluminum as main constituent elements are also described.

Abstract: The present invention aim at providing a steel for steam turbine blades which is excellent in terms of strength and toughness. The steel of the present invention has a composition which contains, in terms of % by mass, 0.02-0.10% of C, up to 0.25% of Si, 0.001-0.10% of Mn, up to 0.010% of P, up to 0.010% of S, 8.5-10.0% of Ni, 10.5-13.0% of Cr, 2.0-2.5% of Mo, 0.001-0.010% of N, 1.15-1.50% of Al, less than 0.10% of Cu, up to 0.20% of Ti, and the remainder being incidental impurities and Fe, and which satisfies 6.0?Ni/Al?8.0, 9.0?Nieq?11.0 and 17.0?Creq?19.0, in which Nieq=[Ni]+0.11[Mn]?0.0086([Mn]2)+0.44[Cu]+18.4[N]+24.5[C] Creq=[Cr]+1.21[Mo]+0.48[Si]+2.2[Ti]+2.48[A1].

Abstract: An evaporating device comprises a gas guiding element, an evaporating boat received in the gas guiding element to define a receiving space between the evaporation tray and the gas guiding element, and a gas channel. The evaporation tray comprises a bottom wall and two opposing first sidewalls and two opposing second sidewalls extending from the periphery of the first bottom wall. At least one of the first sidewalls and/or at least one of the second sidewalls defines a number of gas holes. The gas holes communicate with the receiving space. One end of the gas channel connects the gas guiding element and communicates with the receiving space to feed gas into the receiving space. A vacuum evaporation device using the evaporating device is also provided.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for the production of coatings by physical vapor deposition (PVD), wherein a binary target or a target with more than two constituents is evaporated in a curvilinear cathodic arc discharge, causing the ions with different masses (elements) to be splitted and the ion splitting results in variations for the ratio of the different masses (elements) at different positions in the deposition chamber.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a sputtering target is provided. The method includes preparing a first powder material, wherein the first powder material includes tin oxide; preparing a mixture by mixing the first powder material and a second powder material, wherein the second powder material includes carbon; and fabricating the sputtering target by compressing and sintering the mixture simultaneously in a reducing atmosphere.

Abstract: A process and a device for coating a substrate (22) are described. In a vacuum chamber (10), a first magnetron cathode (24) is provided with a sputtering target (28) of a first metal composition comprising predominantly aluminium. A second magnetron cathode (26) is provided with a sputtering target (30) of a second metal composition comprising at least 50 at-% of a second metal selected from groups IVA-VIA of the periodic table. In order to obtain coatings with improved properties, electrical power is supplied to the cathodes (24, 26) such that the targets (28, 30) are sputtered, where electrical power is supplied to the first cathode (24) as pulsed electrical power according to high power impulse magnetron sputtering with a first peak current density, and to the second cathode (26) with a second peak current density lower than the first peak current density. The substrate (22) is arranged within the vacuum chamber such that particles from the plasma deposit onto the substrate forming a coating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the vapor deposition of PVD layer systems by means of sputtering on at least one substrate, wherein the layer system comprises at least a first layer, characterized in that, at least in one step of the method, a HiPIMS method is used with a power density of at least 250 W/Cm2, wherein a pulse length with a duration of at least 5ms is used while a substrate bias is applied to the substrate.

Abstract: Systems and methods for strengthening a sapphire part are described herein. One method may take the form of orienting a first surface of a sapphire member relative to an ion implantation device, selecting an ion implantation concentration and directing ions at the first surface of the sapphire member. The ions are embedded under the first surface to create compressive stress in the sapphire surface.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of ruthenium containing precursors having the formula (1) wherein R1, R2 . . . R10 are independently selected from H, C1-C4 linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl group, C1-C4 linear, branched, or cyclic alkylsilyl group (mono, bis, or trisalkyl), C1-C4 linear, branched, or cyclic alkylamino group, or a C1-C4 linear, branched, or cyclic fluoroalkyl group (totally fluorinated or not); for the deposition of a Ru containing film on a substrate.

Abstract: Raw material gas supply nozzles are arranged within a virtual concentric circle having its center at the center of a disk-like base plate (having an area half as large as an area of the base plate). Raw material gas is ejected at a flow velocity of 150 m/sec or more into a bell jar from the gas supply nozzles. In addition to one gas supply nozzle provided in a center portion of the base plate, three gas supply nozzles can be arranged at the vertex positions of a regular triangle inscribed in a circumscribed circle having its center at the gas supply nozzle in the center portion. With the gas supply nozzles so arranged, a smooth circulating flow is formed within a reactor.

Abstract: Provided is a method for treating the inner surface of a chlorine trifluoride supply passage that enables reliable prevention of the reduction in the concentration of ClF3 in a reaction chamber during process operation. The method includes: integrally connecting a gas supply passage (2) and a gas discharge passage (3) to a processing chamber (1) of a processing apparatus in which chlorine trifluoride is used as an etching gas; and applying chlorine trifluoride gas having a concentration equal to or higher than the concentration of chlorine trifluoride gas supplied during etching process operation on inner surfaces of at least the processing chamber (1) and the gas supply passage (2) among the processing chamber (1), the gas supply passage (2), and the gas discharge passage (3), which are integrally formed, to coat the inner surfaces of at least the processing chamber (1) and the gas supply passage (2) with a fluoride film.

Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor device manufacturing method of forming a film of less than one atomic layer on a substrate. The method includes (a) supplying a source gas into a processing chamber accommodating the substrate to adsorb the source gas on the substrate; (b) supplying a reactive gas different from the source gas into the processing chamber to cause a reaction of the reactive gas with the source gas adsorbed on the substrate before the source gas is saturatively adsorbed on the substrate; (c) removing an inner atmosphere of the processing chamber; and (d) supplying a modifying gas into the processing chamber to modify the source gas adsorbed on the substrate.

Abstract: Block copolymers (BCPs) and synthetic infiltration synthesis (SIS) are used to double the line density on a substrate. The BCP comprises first and second interconnected BCP components with a functional group at the junction or interface of the components. After deposition of the BCP on the substrate and annealing, a pattern of parallel stripes of first and second BCP components is formed with a pattern of functional group interfaces between the components. Each of the BCP components is non-reactive with atomic layer deposition (ALD) precursors, while the functional group is reactive with the ALD precursors. The ALD results in the infiltration of inorganic material into the interfaces where the reactive functional groups are located but without affecting the BCP components. After removal of the organic material, a pattern of parallel lines of inorganic material remains with a pitch half that of the stripes of BCP components.

Abstract: There is disclosed a film deposition apparatus and a film deposition method for depositing a film on a substrate by carrying out cycles of supplying in turn at least two source gases to the substrate in order to form a layer of a reaction product, and a computer readable storage medium storing a computer program for causing the film deposition apparatus to carry out the film deposition method.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a substrate with a patterned layer of deposited material, the patterned layer being deposited from a processing head, the method comprising applying bearing gas from the processing head to keep the processing head hovering over the substrate on a gas bearing; moving the substrate and the hovering processing head relative to each other; applying a primer material for selective deposition of a deposition material to the substrate, the primer material being applied from a first area of a surface of the processing head that faces the substrate, and spatially patterning the primer on the substrate after or during application; applying the deposition material to the substrate from a second area of the surface of the processing head that faces the substrate, the second area lying downstream of the first area in a direction of the movement of the substrate relative to the processing head.

Abstract: Embodiments of process chambers and methods for performing HWCVD processes within such process chambers and depositing a thin film from two or more source compounds on a surface of a substrate are provided. In some embodiments, the process chamber includes a showerhead assembly disposed between a metal filament assembly and a substrate processing zone. The showerhead assembly includes a showerhead body and a dual-zone face plate with a plurality of first channels and second channels therein. A first source compound is delivered through the metal filament assembly to form radicals of the first source compound and pass through the first channels into the substrate processing zone without forming any plasma. A second source compound is delivered through the showerhead body into the second channels of the dual-zone face plate without passing through the metal filament assembly and without contacting the radicals until reaching the substrate processing zone.

Abstract: Provided is a substrate processing apparatus. The substrate processing apparatus includes a chamber where processes with respect to a substrate are carried out, a substrate support on which the substrate is placed, the substrate support being disposed within the chamber, and an antenna disposed in an upper portion of the chamber to form an electric field within the chamber. The antenna includes a first antenna and a second antenna, which are disposed in rotational symmetry with respect to a preset center. The first antenna includes a first inner antenna and a first intermediate antenna which respectively have semi-circular shapes and first and second radii and are respectively disposed on one side and the other side with respect to the preset center line and a first connection antenna connecting the first inner antenna to the first intermediate antenna.

Abstract: A method comprises transporting a first stream of a carrier gas to a delivery device that contains a solid precursor compound. The first stream of carrier gas is at a temperature greater than or equal to 20° C. The method further comprises transporting a second stream of the carrier gas to a point downstream of the delivery device. The first stream and the second stream are combined to form a third stream, such that the dewpoint of the vapor of the solid precursor compound in the third stream is lower than the ambient temperature. The flow direction of the first stream, the flow direction of the second stream and the flow direction of the third stream are unidirectional and are not opposed to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electroless gold plating liquid, which may form gold plating without corrosion of a base metal by performing substitution and reduction reactions in the same bath, and satisfy both weldability of lead-free soldering and wire bonding characteristics, and has excellent stability such that a gold deposition rate may be continuously maintained.

Abstract: A method for conversion treating a surface of a magnesium alloy workpiece includes the following steps: providing a magnesium alloy workpiece, degreasing the magnesium alloy workpiece, acid pickling the magnesium alloy workpiece in a first acid pickling treatment step, surface conditioning the magnesium alloy workpiece in a first surface conditioning treatment step, acid pickling the magnesium alloy workpiece in a second acid pickling treatment step, surface conditioning the magnesium alloy workpiece in a second surface conditioning treatment step, pre-phosphating the magnesium alloy workpiece in a pre-phosphating treatment step, and phosphating the magnesium alloy workpiece in a phosphating treatment step to form a phosphating film on the surface of the magnesium alloy workpiece.

Abstract: A system and methods for protecting a metal surface from corrosion are provided herein. The method includes injecting particles comprising a sacrificial anodic material into a fluid proximate to the metal surface.

Abstract: The novel photoelectrochemical nano-hybrid film fabricated by blending regioregular polyhexylthiophene (RRPHTh) with titanium oxide (TiO2), Zinc oxide (ZnO) and nanodiamond (ND) nanoparticles on ITO coated glass plate, n-type silicon, and gold coated glass surfaces. The photoelectrochemical study reveals photoinduced electron transfer in nano-hybrid RRPHTh with donor and ND as acceptor providing a molecular approach to high-efficiency photoelectrochemical conversion properties. The ND-RRPHTh has shown promising morphological and photoelectrochemical properties than RRPHTh as well as TiO2-RRPHTh and ZnO-RRPHTh nano-hybrid films.

Abstract: System and method for sustainable economic development which includes hydrogen extracted from substances, for example, sea water, industrial waste water, agricultural waste water, sewage, and landfill waste water. The hydrogen extraction is accomplished by thermal dissociation, electrical dissociation, optical dissociation, and magnetic dissociation. The hydrogen extraction further includes operation in conjunction with energy addition from renewable resources, for example, solar, wind, moving water, geothermal, or biomass resources.

Abstract: The instant disclosure is directed towards methods of determining green electrode quality via electrical resistivity measurements on green electrode forms (e.g. prior to baking) The instant disclosure is directed towards methods of making electrodes, utilizing the electrical resistivity measurement(s) from green anodes to monitor and if necessary, adjust electrode processing parameters (e.g. composition, mixing parameters, forming parameters, or baking parameters).

Abstract: An electrical chemical plating process is provided. A semiconductor structure is provided in an electrical plating platform. A pre-electrical-plating step is performed wherein the pre-electrical-plating step is carried out under a fixed voltage environment and lasts for 0.2 to 0.5 seconds after the current is above the threshold current of the electrical plating platform. After the pre-electrical-plating step, a first electrical plating step is performed on the semiconductor structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a steel sheet for containers that maintains excellent corrosion resistance even when a surface treatment that replaces a chromate treatment has been conducted, and that has excellent film adhesion qualities and appearance. This steel plate for containers has, on at least one surface thereof, a chemical conversion coating including at least two coatings selected from a zirconium coating that contains zirconium and has a metal zirconium content of 0.1-9 mg/m2, a phosphate coating that contains phosphoric acid and has a phosphorous content of 0.1-8 mg/m2, and a phenolic resin coating that contains phenolic resin in an amount of 0.5-8 mg/m2 in terms of carbon, the percentage of the area of the surface of the chemical conversion coating layer having particles Of a prescribed size being 0.1-50%.

Abstract: A mold includes an anodized porous alumina layer over its surface. The anodized porous alumina layer has a plurality of first and second recessed portions. The plurality of second recessed portions have a two-dimensional size of not less than 190 nm and not more than 50 ?m when viewed in a direction normal to the mold surface and have a plurality of minute recessed portions over its inner surface. The plurality of minute recessed portions have a two-dimensional size of not less than 10 nm and not more than 200 nm; and have a two-dimensional size of not less than 10 nm and not more than 200 nm. The plurality of first recessed portions are provided between the plurality of second recessed portions. The average value of the two-dimensional size of the plurality of second recessed portions is greater than that of the plurality of first recessed portions.

Abstract: A machining system for machining a workpiece is provided. The machining system comprises a machine tool, a plurality of cutting tools, a CNC controller. The plurality of cutting tools comprises an electrode and a conventional cutting tool exchangeably disposed on the machine tool. The machining system further comprises a power supply, a process controller, and an electrolyte supply, wherein the machine tool, the electrode, the CNC controller, the power supply, the process controller and the electrolyte supply are configured to cooperate to function as an electroerosion machining device, wherein the machine tool, the CNC controller, the conventional cutting tool and the electrolyte supply are configured to cooperate to function as a conventional machining device, and wherein the machining system is configured to function alternately as the electroerosion machining device and the conventional machining device.

Abstract: Provided is a vitreous silica crucible having a reference point, which is capable of accurately detecting the location of a defect in the vitreous silica crucible used for pulling silicon single crystal, determining a defect generating site of silicon single crystal, and investigating the cause of the defect. The reference point used for specifying the position relationship with respect to a particular part is formed in at least one site of an end portion, an inner wall and an outer wall of the crucible.