Abstract: Provided are a method for preparing a mammalian ovum or embryo in which zona pellucida has been thinned or eliminated, and a method for fertilization using the mammalian ovum prepared by the aforementioned method. The method for thinning or eliminating zona pellucida of a mammalian ovum or embryo involves treating or culturing the mammalian ovum or embryo (such as an unfertilized ovum, a fertilized ovum, or an embryo in the early stages of development) in a culture medium containing a reducing agent having SH groups (such as reduced glutathione or DTT). The resulting mammalian ovum or embryo (such as an unfertilized ovum, a fertilized ovum, or an embryo in the early stages of development) in which zona pellucida has been thinned or eliminated is capable of realizing an improved fertilization rate and development rate when used for in vitro fertilization, transplantation of a fertilized ovum, or preparation of an embryo in the early stages of development used in the production of a genetically modified animal.

Abstract: A transportation device, transporting a material to a target, includes an input module, a transmission module and an output module. The input module has a containing unit and at least one filter. The at least one filter is connected to the containing unit, and a carrier fluid and the material are stored in the containing unit. The transmission module is coupled to the at least one filter of the input module. The output module has a guiding unit, a throat portion, a first opening and a second opening. The throat portion is positioned between the first opening and the second opening. One end of the guiding unit is connected to the transmission module. The other end of the guiding unit has a guiding corner for connecting to the first opening. The material will enter the output module through the first opening and reaches the target through the second opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a monoalkene comprising the step of enzymatically converting an alkyl monoester. The conversion preferably makes use of an enzyme which belongs to the group of terpene synthases or to the family of prenyltransferases. Moreover, the present invention relates to the use of a terpene synthase or of a prenyltransferase for enzymatically converting an alkyl monoester into a monoalkene.

Abstract: This invention describes a process for the production of second generation alcohols and/or solvents starting from cellulosic or lignocellulosic biomass wherein the lignocellulosic or cellulosic biomass undergoes a pretreatment before being converted into ethanol after an enzymatic hydrolysis and an ethylic fermentation, wherein glucidic polymers of the pretreated plant are hydrolyzed by cellulases; microorganisms that primarily use hexoses and preferably glucose and mannose are used for the ethylic fermentation; wines, with or without separation of materials in suspension are extracted by distillation; pentoses in the vinasses are fermented by a solventogenic microorganism into a butyl wine, and at least one portion of the butyl wine is recycled upstream from enzymatic hydrolysis.

Abstract: A yeast cell, in which an alcohol dehydrogenase 6 activity is increased and an activity of converting acetaldehyde to ethanol is decreased, a method of decreasing ethanol production by using the yeast cell, and a method of producing lactate.

Abstract: A method of reducing process interruptions in biofuel production systems by reducing the amount of unwanted bacteria in the biofuel production system in which the reduction is effected by the use of an effective amount of one or more types of bacteriophages virulent for at least some strains of the unwanted bacteria.

Abstract: Provided is an aniline-producing transformant constructed by introducing a gene which encodes an enzyme having aminobenzoate decarboxylase activity into a coryneform bacterium as a host. Also provided is a process for producing aniline, which comprises a step of allowing the transformant to react in a reaction mixture containing aminobenzoic acid, an ester thereof, and/or a salt thereof under reducing conditions, and a step of recovering aniline from the reaction mixture.

Abstract: A method for the production of alcohol and other bioproducts hemicelluloses extracted from biomass prior to thermal conversion of the biomass to energy. The process can be integrated with the host plant process to minimize the energy loss from extracting hemicelluloses. Also disclosed is a Stepwise enzymatic break down of cellulose fibers from a pulping operation which is performed with the redeployment of equipment and vessels contained within typical existing pulp and paper manufacturing mills. The preferred feedstock is highly delignified pulp from acid or alkaline pulping process or from bleaching stage.

Abstract: Biomass feedstocks (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) are processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can convert feedstock materials to a sugar solution, which can then be fermented to produce ethanol. Biomass feedstock is saccharified in a vessel by operation of a jet mixer, the vessel also containing a liquid medium and a saccharifying agent.

Abstract: The invention is a process for improved production of a recombinant mammalian protein by expression in a Pseudomonad, particularly in a Pseudomonas fluorescens organism. The process improves production of mammalian proteins, particularly human or human-derived proteins, over known expression systems such as E. coli in comparable circumstances Processes for improved production of isolated mammalian, particularly human, proteins are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for assaying a tumor drug delivery vehicle and or drug can include an idealized microvascular network (IMN) of one or more interconnected idealized flow channels in fluid communication through a porous wall with a tissue space (e.g., idealized tissue space) containing animal cells and means for quantifying drug delivery through the IMN to the animal cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of diagnosing the presence or absence of a bacterial infection in a patient, in particular, a tuberculosis infection, by measuring exhaled, isotopically labeled nitrogen gas after administration of isotopically labeled isoniazid.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for analyzing intracellular BoNT protease activity, and especially BoNT/B, BoNT/G, BoNT/D, and/or BoNT/F protease activity are provided. Most preferably, cells express one or more recombinant hybrid proteins that include one or more fluorescent proteins and at least one BoNT protease recognition and cleavage sequence, and analysis is performed using FRET analysis.

Abstract: A sample analysis chip of the present invention includes a base, a plurality of wells that are disposed on the base, a main channel, a first buffer portion that is in communication with a first end of the main channel and is capable of accommodating a portion of the solution, a second buffer portion that is in communication with a second end of the main channel and is capable of accommodating a portion of the solution, a solution supply channel a first end of which is in communication with the first buffer portion and a second end of which is opened to the atmosphere, an air vent channel a first end of which is in communication with the second buffer portion and a second end of which is opened to the atmosphere, and the channel that is disposed on the base and connected to the plurality of wells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the high throughput identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms by performing a complexity reduction on two or more samples to yield two or more libraries, sequencing at least part of the libraries, aligning the identified sequences and determining any putative single nucleotide polymorphisms, confirming any putative single nucleotide polymorphism, generating detection probes for the confirmed single nucleotide polymorphisms, subjection a test sample to the same complexity reduction to provide a test library and screen the test library for the presence or absence of the single nucleotide polymorphisms using the detection probe.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, compositions and kits to extract and relatively enrich by physical separation or amplification short base pair nucleic acid in the presence of a high background of genomic material (e.g., host or maternal nucleic acids).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for detecting multiple different nucleotides in a sample. In particular, the disclosure provides for detection of multiple different nucleotides in a sample utilizing fewer detection moieties than the number of nucleotides being detected and/or fewer imaging events than the number of nucleotides being detected.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and kits for assessing the endometrial receptivity of a patient after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. More particularly, provided herein is a method for assessing the endometrial receptivity of a patient after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, comprising a step consisting of measuring the expression level of at least one gene selected from fifteen genes in an endometrial biopsy sample obtained from the patient wherein the genes are FGFBP1, MUC20, TMPRSS3, PRUNE2, HES2, MGST1, ERRFI1, EDN1, SLC17A7, MET, CPT1B, DCDC2, LRRC39, IL18RAP, and FOXP1.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of genetic products that are expressed in association with a tumor and the nucleic acid coding therefor. The invention relates to the therapy and diagnosis of diseases in which said genetic products that are expressed in association with a tumor are expressed in aberrant manner. The invention also relates to proteins, polypeptides, and peptides which are expressed in association with a tumor and the nucleic acids coding therefor.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel splicing variants of the genes associated with prostate cancer risk and survival, particularly splicing variants of PIK3CD, FGFR3, TSC2, RASGRP2, ITGA4, MET, NF1 and BAK1. The disclosure also relates risk assessment, detection, diagnosis, or prognosis of prostate cancer. More specifically, this disclosure relates to the detection of certain splicing variants of PIK3CD, FGFR3, TSC2, RASGRP2, ITGA4, MET, NF1 and BAK1.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention herein described relate to multiplex polynucleotide sequence analysis without the use of size separation methods or blotting. In certain particulars the invention relates to multiplex sequencing using massively parallel sequencing methods, such as pyrosequencing methods and sequencing by synthesis. The invention provides increased throughput, increased accuracy of enumerating sample components, and the ability to analyze greater numbers of samples simultaneously or serially on presently available systems, as well as others yet to be developed. In certain of its embodiments the invention relates to the analysis of complex microbial communities, particularly to in-depth analysis thereof in large numbers of samples.

Abstract: Provided is a method of detecting or quantifying a wheat species-specific DNA in a test sample by polymerase chain reaction. The method comprises a step of amplifying a nucleic acid molecule having a partial sequence of a nucleotide sequence identified as SEQ ID NO: 1 using a nucleic acid molecule in the test sample or a nucleic acid molecule extracted from the test sample as the template and using a primer pair capable of amplifying the partial sequence and a step of detecting or quantifying the amplified nucleic acid molecule.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and kits for the quantification of a nucleic acid target present on a solid support. This entails quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction wherein minor groove binders are excluded.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for the differential detection of high risk forms of HPV from a urine sample provided by a patient. Specifically, the invention provides primers and probes that specifically recognize and bind sequences within the E1 gene of HPV. Detection of high risk forms of HPV identifies individuals at risk of developing or in the early stages of cervical carcinoma.

Abstract: A method for shaping animal hide into a desired form that is unlike the shape of the base used to support the animal hide during the shaping process. The process includes the steps of wetting a natural hide side of an animal hide; chemically treating a substantially wetted natural hide side of the animal hide with a sizing and shaping a chemically treated animal hide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for stretching a pelt on a pelt board, by determining a length of the pelt and adjusting the stretch force in accordance with the determined length. In particular, the length may be determined prior to stretching of the pelt, or the length may be determined after the primary stretching of the pelt stretching the pelt, where after the stretching force is reduced before securing the pelt to the pelt board.

Abstract: An apparatus for quenching a ring shaped article includes a heating station for heating the ring shaped article to a quenching temperature; a primary cooling station for cooling the ring shaped article to a deformation correction initiating temperature; and a secondary cooling station for cooling the ring shaped article down to a temperature lower than a martensitic transformation point. The heating station includes a preheating station for heating by induction heating the ring shaped article to a predetermined preheating temperature near to the quenching temperature and a soaking station for heating the ring shaped article, which has been heated to the preheating temperature by the preheating station, to the quenching temperature within a continuous heating furnace. The preheating station includes a rotary table and a heating coil arranged to straddle between inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the ring shaped article.

Abstract: In a hot-rolled steel sheet, an average pole density of an orientation group of {100}<011> to {223}<110>, which is represented by an arithmetic average of pole density of each orientation of {100}<011>, {116}<110>, {114}<110>, {112}<110>, and {223}<110> in a center portion of a sheet thickness which is a range of the sheet thickness of ? to ? from a surface of the steel sheet, is 1.0 or more and 4.0 or less, the pole density of a crystal orientation of {332}<113> is 1.0 or more and 4.8 or less, an average grain size in a center in the sheet thickness is 10 ?m or less, and a microstructure includes, by a structural fraction, pearlite more than 6% and ferrite in the balance.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to PDCs, methods of fabricating PDCs, and applications for such PDCs. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a substrate and a pre-sintered PCD table including an interfacial surface that is bonded to the substrate. The pre-sintered PCD table may be substantially free of leaching by-products in a region at least proximate to the interfacial surface. In an embodiment, a method of fabricating a PDC includes providing an at least partially leached PCD including an interfacial surface. The method includes removing at least some leaching by-products from the at least partially leached PCD table. After removing the at least some leaching by-products, the method includes bonding the interfacial surface of the at least partially leached PCD table to a substrate to form a PDC.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cemented carbide for oil and gas applications comprising a hard phase comprising WC and a binder phase wherein the cemented carbide composition comprises WC and, in wt-%, 3-11 Ni, 0.5-7 Cr, 0.3-1.5 Mo, 0-1 Nb, and 0-0.2 Co, and a method of making thereof.

Abstract: Aluminum-zirconium and aluminum-zirconium-lanthanide superalloys are described that can be used in high temperature, high stress and a variety of other applications. The lanthanide is preferably holmium, erbium, thulium or ytterbium, most preferably erbium. Also, methods of making the aforementioned alloys are disclosed. The superalloys, which have commercially-suitable hardness at temperatures above about 220° C., include nanoscale Al3Zr precipitates and optionally nanoscale Al3Er precipitates and nanoscale Al3(Zr,Er) precipitates that create a high-strength alloy capable of withstanding intense heat conditions. These nanoscale precipitates have a L12-structure in ?-Al(f.c.c.) matrix, an average diameter of less than about 20 nanometers (“nm”), preferably less than about 10 nm, and more preferably about 4-6 nm and a high number density, which for example, is larger than about 1021 m?3, of the nanoscale precipitates.

Abstract: This aluminum alloy sheet is a 6000-series aluminum alloy sheet of a specific composition which, after rolling, has undergone solution hardening and reheating as tempering treatments. The aluminum alloy sheet in differential scanning calorimetry gives a curve in which the exothermic-peak heights A, B, and C in respective specific temperature ranges have relationships within specific given ranges to thereby raise the increase in 0.2% proof stress through low-temperature short-time artificial age-hardening to 100 MPa or more.

Abstract: A process for producing a Co-base alloy which has a basic composition including, in terms of mass proportion, 0.1%-10% Al, 3.0-45% W, and Co as the remainder and has an intermetallic compound of the L12 type [Co3 (Al,W)] dispersed and precipitated therein. Part of the Co may be replaced with Ni, Ir, Fe, Cr, Re, or Ru, while part of the Al and W may be replaced with Ni, Ti, Nb, Zr, V, Ta or Hf. The intermetallic compound [Co3 (Al, W)] has a high melting point, and this compound and the matrix are mismatched little with respect to lattice constant. Thus, the cobalt-base alloy can have high-temperature strength equal to that of nickel-base alloys and excellent structure stability.

Abstract: An apparatus for hot dip coating metal strip is disclosed having a dip bath vessel (4), a snout (6) which opens into the dip bath vessel for introducing a metal strip (1) which is heated in a continuous furnace into the dip bath, and a deflecting roller (7) which is arranged in the dip bath vessel for deflecting the metal strip (1) which enters into the dip bath in a direction which points out of the dip bath. The snout (6) is provided with a shaft-shaped snout extension piece (6.1) for increasing the snout dipping depth, the internal width of the snout extension piece (6.1) tapering toward its outlet opening (6.15) at least over a part length of said snout extension piece (6.1). As a result, an increase or maximization of the eddy flow in the molten metal at or close to the metal strip (1) and therefore improved homogenization of the molten metal in the region of the strip is achieved, as a result of which slag-induced surface defects on the surface of the coated metal strip (1) can be avoided.

Abstract: Processes for protecting steel chains from corrosion and steel chains thus protected are provided. The process includes using finite element analysis to determine stress levels within links of a steel chain having a plurality of connected links. Regions of each link of the chain corresponding to high stress levels are identified. Target areas corresponding to the regions identified are indicated for coating each link of the chain with a sacrificial coating. Thermally sprayed alumina can be used as the sacrificial coating.

Abstract: A furnace of heat treatment capable of keeping a stable nitriding quality for a long period of time is provided. The furnace of heat treatment performs a halogenation treatment and a nitriding treatment by heating a steel material under a predetermined atmosphere. An alloy containing Ni ranging between 50 mass % or more and 80 mass % or less and Fe ranging between 0 mass % or more and 20 mass % or less is used as a material of surfaces of core internals exposed to a treatment space where the nitriding treatment is performed. Accordingly, a nitriding reaction is hardly caused on the surfaces of the core internals, and the halogenation treatment and the nitriding treatment to an article to be treated can be stably executed for a long period of time. Further, a nitrided layer can be stably formed according to purposes on any types of steel materials including a steel type hard to be nitride.

Abstract: A deposition device that deposits material particles includes an ionization section that ionizes the material particles utilizing a photoelectric effect in a reaction chamber to which the material particles are supplied, and an electrode section that guides the ionized material particles to a given area utilizing a Coulomb force.

Abstract: A method may include providing a substrate having a surface that defines a substrate plane and a substrate feature that extends from the substrate plane; directing an ion beam comprising angled ions to the substrate at a non-zero angle with respect to a perpendicular to the substrate plane, wherein a first portion of the substrate feature is exposed to the ion beam and wherein a second portion of the substrate feature is not exposed to the ion beam; directing molecules of a molecular species to the substrate wherein the molecules of the molecular species cover the substrate feature; and providing a second species to react with the molecular species, wherein selective growth of a layer comprising the molecular species and the second species takes place such that a first thickness of the layer grown on the first portion is different from a second thickness grown on the second portion.

Abstract: A film deposition apparatus includes a turntable having a substrate mounting area, a first plasma gas supplying part, a second plasma supplying part, a first plasma gas generating part to convert the first plasma generating gas to first plasma, and a second plasma generating part provided away from the first plasma generating part in a circumferential direction and to convert the second plasma generating gas to second plasma. The first plasma generating part includes an antenna facing the turntable so as to convert the first plasma generating gas to the first plasma, and a grounded Faraday shield between the antenna and an area where a plasma process is performed, and to include plural slits respectively extending in directions perpendicular to the antenna and arranged along an antenna extending direction to prevent an electric field from passing toward the substrate and to pass a magnetic field toward the substrate.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for patterning of substrates using charged particle beams without photomasks and without a resist layer. Material can be deposited onto a substrate, as directed by a design layout database, localized to positions targeted by multiple, matched charged particle beam columns. Reducing the number of process steps, and eliminating lithography steps, in localized material addition has the dual benefit of reducing manufacturing cycle time and increasing yield by lowering the probability of defect introduction. Furthermore, highly localized, precision material deposition allows for controlled variation of deposition rate and enables creation of 3D structures. Local gas injectors and detectors, and local photon injectors and detectors, are local to corresponding ones of the columns, and can be used to facilitate rapid, accurate, targeted, highly configurable substrate processing, advantageously using large arrays of said beam columns.

Abstract: A thin film deposition apparatus includes: a deposition source that discharges a deposition material; a deposition source nozzle unit disposed at a side of the deposition source and including a plurality of deposition source nozzles arranged in a first direction; a patterning slit sheet disposed opposite to the deposition source nozzle unit and including a plurality of patterning slits arranged in the first direction; a position detection member that detects a relative position of the substrate to the patterning slit sheet; and an alignment control member that controls a relative position of the patterning slit sheet to the substrate by using the relative position of the substrate detected by the position detection member, wherein the thin film deposition apparatus and the substrate are separated from each other, and the thin film deposition apparatus and the substrate are moved relative to each other.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a nanowire includes: forming a silicon oxide layer by performing deposition of a silicon oxide on a substrate; forming a metal layer by performing deposition of a metal on the silicon oxide layer; forming a metal agglomerate by performing heat treatment on the substrate where the metal layer is formed; and growing a nanowire in an area where the metal agglomerate is formed by performing plasma treatment on the substrate where the metal agglomerate is formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for chemically modifying, within its thickness, a polymer matrix chosen from matrices made of fluoropolymers and matrices made of aliphatic polymers, said process comprising at least one step consisting in irradiating said matrix with UV light having a wavelength of less than 300 nm in order to generate, within the thickness of said matrix, zones that have short polymer chains, formed by scission of the existing chains during the passage of the UV radiation and that have free radicals denoted hereinbelow as “activated zones”. The present invention also relates to the polymer matrix capable of being chemically modified by such a process.

Abstract: A process for preparing an aqueous solution of N-ethyl-2-methylpyridinium bromide (2-MEPy), comprising reacting 2-picoline and ethyl bromide in a pressure reactor at a temperature above the melting point of the reaction mixture, combining the reaction product with water, wherein said reaction product consists essentially of 2-MEPy in a liquid form, and recovering an aqueous solution of 2-MEPy.

Abstract: There is described a method for determining single cell current efficiency in an electrolyzer, the method comprising: measuring voltage of a plurality of single cells in the electrolyzer; measuring electrolyzer current feeding the single cells; detecting one of a shutdown period and a start-up period; and for each single cell: determining a time t taken for a voltage level to reach a predetermined occurrence in a voltage curve after a polarization current has been triggered; and calculating cell current efficiency as a function of the time t.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inlaid ceramic decoration (10) including a ceramic body (11) that has at least one recess (12) forming the pattern for a decoration (13). According to the invention, said at least one recess is entirely filled by first and second electrically conductive layers (14, 15) of approximately 50 nm and a metallic galvanic plating (16) so as to form a ceramic element (10) inlaid with at least one metallic decoration (13) with improved visual rendering. The invention also relates to the method of manufacturing the inlaid ceramic element. The invention concerns the field of decorated ceramic parts.

Abstract: A method for improving wear properties of a torque wrench includes electroplating one or more components of the torque wrench with zinc. In an aspect, one or more of an interior surface of a tube component, a surface of a secondary arm, a surface of a cam, and a surface of a pawl components may be electroplated with zinc. These components may interact to provide a click mechanism. For example, the pawl component may be seated between the secondary arm and the cam components, and the cam is adapted to move against a bias force when the secondary arm shifts the pawl in response to a preset torque level being achieved. The electroplated zinc layer provides a corrosion-resistant, softer and smoother surface for these components, and serves as a frictional reducer when the zinc oxidizes to form zinc oxide, which improves the accuracy life of the tool.

Abstract: A ceramic, metal, or cermet according to one embodiment includes a first layer having a gradient in composition, microstructure and/or density in an x-y plane oriented parallel to a plane of deposition of the first layer. A ceramic according to another embodiment includes a plurality of layers comprising particles of a non-cubic material, wherein each layer is characterized by the particles of the non-cubic material being aligned in a common direction. Additional products and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of fluid processing a semiconductor workpiece, including disposing a workpiece holder with a housing capable of containing a fluid, the workpiece holder retaining the workpiece, providing an agitation system connected to the housing and comprising a member disposed within the housing adjacent the workpiece holder, and agitating the fluid by moving the member substantially parallel to a surface of the workpiece with a non-uniform oscillatory motion, the non-uniform oscillatory motion being a series of substantially continuous geometrically asymmetric oscillations wherein each consecutive oscillation of the series is geometrically asymmetric having at least two substantially continuous opposing strokes wherein reversal positions of each substantially continuous stroke of the substantially continuous asymmetric oscillation are disposed asymmetrically with respect to a center point of each immediately preceding substantially continuous stroke of the oscillation.

Abstract: A single crystal pulling apparatus (1) has a quartz crucible (2) for accommodating silicon melt (3), a graphite crucible (4) for retaining the quartz crucible (2), a tray (5) for securing and holding the graphite crucible (4) from below, and a crucible rotating shaft (6) for supporting the tray (5) from below and for elevating and lowering the tray (5) and the crucibles (2), (4) while rotating them. A low heat conductive member (10) is interposed on a joint surface between the tray (5) and the crucible rotating shaft (6). The low heat conductive member (10) is formed in a substantially tubular shape, and is interposed in such a manner that a protruding portion of the crucible rotating shaft (6) is inserted through a center hole of the low heat conductive member (10). Thereby, a gap portion (11) is formed below a bottom portion of the tray (5).