Abstract: The present invention provides methods, apparatuses and computer programs for verifying the integrity of a probe by comparing the fluorescence value of a probe to a threshold value. The invention also provides for methods, apparatuses and computer programs for normalizing the fluorescence value of a probe and detecting a target nucleic acid in a sample.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, systems and kits to amplify or improve amplification of target-specific amplification products by reducing non-specific amplification products (e.g., primer-dimers) when amplifying multiple different nucleotide regions. The methods, compositions, systems and kits described herein may include, or include the use of, one or more resolvases that recognize and bind to and/or cut an aberrant DNA structure.

Abstract: Provided are devices comprising multivolume analysis regions, the devices being capable of supporting amplification, detection, and other processes. Also provided are related methods of detecting or estimating the presence nucleic acids, viral levels, and other biological markers of interest.

Abstract: Methods and systems for ordering assays which detect SNPs or gene expression are provided. The methods use PCR and RT-PCR procedures. Collections of stock assays are assembled using pre- and post-manufacturing quality control procedures and made available to consumers via the Internet. In addition, custom assays are prepared upon order from the consumer and these assays are also prepared using pre- and post-manufacturing quality control procedures. The assays are then delivered to the consumer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of specifically detecting IFN-?2 mRNA or IFN-?3 mRNA. There is provided a qRT-PCR method specifically detecting, discriminating and quantifying IFN-?2 and IFN-?3 mRNA in a biological sample obtained from a human. There is provided qRT-PCR methods and primers and probes that specifically detect IFN-?2 mRNA but not IFN-?3 mRNA and vice versa in humans in order to detect, quantify and discriminate IFN-?2 mRNA and IFN-?3 mRNA.

Abstract: The subject technology relates, in part, to a method of treating Alzheimer's Disease (AD), early-stage AD, elevated risk of AD, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or other forms of age-related cognitive decline in a subject in need thereof by administering to the subject a molecule that promotes calcium-release stabilization in ryanodine receptors (RyRs) and/or inosital triphosphate receptors (InsP3Rs) in brain cells. Diagnostic methods using calcium-release stabilizing immunophilins, junctophilins or calmodulin are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for detecting mutations in WD repeat domain 62 (WDR62).

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for determining the prognosis of a subject with an adenocarcinoma in an organ, such as the lung. The methods can include quantitating expression of a plurality of cytokines of interest, such as IL-1a, IL-1b, IL-2, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, IFN-? and TNF-a in the adenocarcinoma and in non-cancerous tissue in the organ. Altered expression of IL-1a, IL-1b, IL-2, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, IFN-? and TNF-a in the adenocarcinoma as compared to a control and in non-cancerous tissue in the organ as compared to a control determines the prognosis for the subject. Methods for determining if a therapeutic agent is effective as an anti-cancer agent are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes, as well as other genes, involved in prostate cancer and their expression products, as well as derivatives and analogs thereof. Provided are therapeutic compositions and methods of detecting and treating cancer, including prostate and other related cancers. Also provided are methods of diagnosing and/or prognosing prostate cancer by determining the expression level of at least one prostate cancer-cell-specific gene, including, for example, the ERG gene or the LTF gene alone, or in combination with at least one of the AMACR gene and the DD3 gene.

Abstract: Toll-like receptors (TLR) are expressed by a variety of cancers, including melanoma and T-ALL. TLR signaling plays an important role in T cell malignancies and melanoma. The effects of stimulating or inhibiting the TLR/IL-1 receptor-associated kinases IRAK-1 and IRAK-4 in melanoma and T-ALL cells were evaluated. Pharmacological treatment with an IRAK-1,-4 inhibitor delays tumor growth and prolongs survival in vitro and in vivo, indicating that TLR signaling contributes to T-ALL and melanoma progression and interfering with this signaling is a novel therapeutic strategy to control T-ALL and melanoma proliferation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for diagnosing nasopharyngeal cancer in a subject by detecting UBR5-ZNF423 fusion polypeptide or polynucleotide, which is in some cases due to a gene fusion of UBR5-ZNF423. A kit useful for such a method is also provided. In addition, the present invention provides a method for treating nasopharyngeal cancer by eliminating UBR5-ZNF423 gene expression or activity.

Abstract: Genetic biomarkers for left side colon cancer (LCC) (such as expression levels of an RNA transcript or expression product of NOX4, MMP3, or a combination) and right side colon cancer (RCC) (such as expression levels of an RNA transcript or expression product of CDCX2, FAM69A, or a combination), are disclosed. Methods for using the biomarkers in providing a prognosis of relapse-free survival probability in patients having LCC or RCC are also presented. Prognostic panels using gene expression values of the biomarkers are also presented. Computer implemented methods employing the biomarkers, and as well as for determining relapse-free survival probability in a patient having RCC or LCC are provided. A genetic method for classifying a colon cancer tissue as a RCC or as a LCC is also disclosed.

Abstract: Portable systems and methods for amplifying nucleotides and for detecting nucleotide sequences in a sample are provided. The portable instruments and methods use RPA techniques for DNA amplification and detect sample fluorescence in response to amplification and/or to the presence of specific DNA sequences.

Abstract: Various methods and compositions are provided for identifying and/or selecting soybean plants or soybean germplasm with improved resistance to soybean cyst nematode. In certain embodiments, the method comprises detecting at least one marker locus that is associated with resistance to soybean cyst nematode. In other embodiments, the method further comprises detecting at least one marker profile or haplotype associated with resistance to soybean cyst nematode. In further embodiments, the method comprises crossing a selected soybean plant with a second soybean plant. Further provided are markers, primers, probes and kits useful for identifying and/or selecting soybean plants or soybean germplasm with improved resistance to soybean cyst nematode.

Abstract: Provided are methods for identifying the presence or absence of a target nucleic acid from a microorganism using direct amplification without a step of extraction of the nucleic acids, but retaining substantially the same specificity and sensitivity of methods assaying extracted nucleic acids. Further provided are reagent mixtures that allow for direct amplification of a sample, without the step of nucleic acid extraction.

Abstract: Provided is an HPV E6, E7 mRNA assay, referenced herein as the “In Cell HPV Assay,” that is capable of sensitive and specific detection of normal cervical cells undergoing malignant transformation as well as abnormal cervical cells with pre-malignant or malignant lesions. The In Cell HPV Assay identifies HPV E6, E7 mRNA via in situ hybridization with oligonucleotides specific for HPV E6, E7 mRNA and quantitates the HPV E6, E7 mRNA via flow cytometry. The In Cell HPV Assay can be carried out in less than three hours directly from liquid-based cervical (“LBC”) cytology specimens. The In Cell HPV Assay provides an efficient and highly sensitive alternative to the Pap smear for determining abnormal cervical cytology.

Abstract: A method of predicting an intein insertion site in a protein that will lead to a switching phenotype is provided. The method includes identifying a plurality of C/T/S sites within the protein; selecting from the plurality of C/T/S/ sites those that are ranked 0.75 or higher by a support vector machine, within ten angstroms of the active site of the protein, and at or near a loop-?-sheet junction or a loop-?-helix junction. A method of controlling protein activity and hosts including proteins with controlled activity are also provided. Also, intein modified proteins and plants containing intein modified proteins are provided.

Abstract: Materials (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) are processed to produce useful intermediates and products, such as energy, fuels, foods or materials. For example, systems equipment, and methods are described that can be used to treat feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, using an array of vaults.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for improving fatigue strength that is capable of improving the fatigue strength of cast iron, specifically spherical graphite cast iron, to the same level as that of carbon steel subjected 10 carburizing and quenching. To this end, this method contains a step for performing first, second and third shot peenings using shot of a prescribed diameter for each on spherical graphite cast iron on which a quenching and tempering heat treatment or austempering heat treatment has been performed and tensile strength made to be 1200 MPa or more, the spherical graphite cast iron containing the following elements in the following mass percentages: C=2.0-4.0%, Si=1.5-4.5%, Mn=2.0% or less, P=O.08% or less, 8=0.03% or less, Mg=0.02-0.1%, and Cu=1.8-4.0%.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a martensitic stainless steel including: 1) heating steel to a temperature higher than austenizing temperature of the steel, then quenching the steel until a hottest portion of the steel is at a temperature less than or equal to a maximum temperature, and greater than or equal to a minimum temperature, a cooling rate being sufficiently fast for austenite not to transform into a ferrito-perlitic structure; 2) performing a first anneal followed by cooling until the hottest portion of the steel is at a temperature less than or equal to the maximum temperature and greater than or equal to the minimum temperature; 3) performing a second anneal followed by cooling to ambient temperature; and at the end of each of 1) and 2), performing: ?) as soon as temperature of the hottest portion of the steel reaches the maximum temperature, immediately heating the steel once more.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high strength steel sheet having excellent hydrogen embrittlement resistance. The steel sheet has a tensile strength of 1180 MPa or more, and satisfies the following conditions: with respect to an entire metallographic structure thereof, bainite, bainitic ferrite and tempered martensite account for 85 area % or more in total; retained austenite accounts for 1 area % or more; and fresh martensite accounts for 5 area % or less (including 0 area %).

Abstract: Method of reclaiming and inhibiting activation of DRI fines is disclosed comprising the steps of forming a moving stream or pile containing DRI pellets and DRI fines, coating the moving stream or the pile of DRI pellets and DRI fines with a coating material comprising an alkane mixture in the C15 to C40 range to form a coating on the DRI pellets and DRI fines and cause DRI fines to adhere together and to the DRI pellets to form a plurality of agglomerates, and moving the agglomerates of coated DRI pellets and coated DRI fines to a facility for use in making steel. The coating material may be applied to coat the DRI pellets and DRI fines at a rate between 0.2 and 2.0 gallons per ton of DRI processed. The coating material may be mineral oil.

Abstract: A process for the inhibition of particulate emission during friction of heat-treated iron ore pellets includes the following steps: a) removal of heat-treated iron ore pellets at a temperature of 200° C.; and b) spraying of an alcohol by-product on pellets. The use of an alcohol by-product as an inhibitor of particulate emission is further described, with the alcohol by-product being sprayed on heat-treated iron ore pellets, which can partially or completely replace water during the handling, stacking, loading, and unloading of materials such as pellets, granules, fines, and other products from iron ore and other minerals. This process significantly reduces the emission of particulates in the an operational area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for recovery of noble metals from long-chain hydrocarbons, oils or tars, comprising a thermal treatment process in the presence of a defoaming agent having an ash fraction of 0.1% by weight or more.

Abstract: A hydrostatic tower whose lower part communicates with a liquid phase space within a flash vessel, and whose upper part communicates with a gas phase space within the flash vessel is provided. A rising liquid level within the hydrostatic tower is detected by at least one maximum liquid level sensor provided at a position at the same level as a predetermined maximum liquid level within the liquid phase space. A dropping liquid level within the hydrostatic tower is detected by at least one minimum liquid level sensor provided at a position at the same level as a predetermined minimum liquid level within the liquid phase space.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a high ductility Ti-, Ti-alloy or NiTi-foam, meaning a compression strain higher than 10%, includes: preparing a powder suspension of a Ti-, NiTi- or Ti-alloy powder, bringing the said powder suspension into a desired form by gelcasting to form a green artifact. The method also includes a calcination step wherein the green artifact is calcined, and sintering the artifact. The calcination step includes a slow heating step wherein said green artifact is heated at a rate lower or equal to 20° C./hour to a temperature between 400° C. and 600° C. and the Ti-, NiTi- or Ti-alloy powder has a particle size less than 100 ?m. A high ductility Ti-, Ti-alloy or NiTi foam, with a compression higher than 10%, with a theoretical density less than 30%, pore size (cell size) between 50 to 1000 ?m can be obtained with such a method.

Abstract: To provide, in producing a large product through casting, a Ni-based alloy with a composition that minimizes variations in strength at different locations even when the solidification rate becomes slow and the amount of micro segregation increases. The Ni-based casting alloy of the present invention has a composition of, in mass %, 0.001% to 0.1% C, 15% to 23% Cr, 0% to 11.5% Mo, 3% to 18% W, 5 or less % Fe, 10 or less % Co, 0.4 or less % Ti, 0.4 or less % Al, and Nb and Ta (where 0.5%?Nb+Ta?4.15%), in which 7%?Mo+1/2W?13% is satisfied, and the composition also contains inevitable impurities and Ni.

Abstract: According to a thermomechanical treatment process for a titanium alloy including between 23 and 27% niobium in atomic proportion, between 0 and 10% zirconium, and between 0 and 1% oxygen, nitrogen and/or silicon, the following steps are performed: a) an increase of a sample of the alloy to a temperature higher than 900° C., b) a fast quench, c) a severe cold strain, d) an ageing treatment at a temperature included between 200 and 600° C., the time of the ageing treatment being included between 10 seconds and 10 minutes. Alloy obtained by this process and prostheses made from such an alloy.

Abstract: In conventional Al coated steel sheet, with the Al coating as it is, black discoloration cannot be prevented at 550° C. or more. For this reason, post annealing is used to form a barrier layer and suppress the formation of Fe—Al intermetallic compounds. However, with this method, there were the problems that the steel sheet became poor in workability and, further, high temperature, long time heating was required, so there were problems from the workability, economy, and environmental aspect. The present invention provides steel sheet which has a heat black discoloration resistance even at a 550° C. or more high temperature without additional annealing after Al coating and further is excellent in workability. That is, it is hot dip Al coated steel sheet which comprises steel sheet which contains predetermined ingredients of C, Si, P, S, Al, N, and O plus one or both of furthermore Ni: 0.01 to 0.1% or Cu: 0.01 to 0.1% and satisfies 10×C+Ni+Cu>0.

Abstract: Before the end of the treatment of metal parts in a molten salt bath nitriding/nitrocarburizing station, a chamber, arranged so that the oxygen contained in the chamber can be discharged in order to create an inert atmosphere, is filled with a refrigerant in liquid form and with a strong capacity for volume expansion as it evaporates. All the parts treated are transferred into the chamber. The chamber is closed, and the parts are left in the chamber for a preset length of time to reach a temperature at which the salt congeals and forms a protective barrier. The parts are then removed and subjected to a rinsing operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coating system comprising at least one multi-layered film formed of alternated A- and B-nanolayers deposited one on each other characterized in that the A-nanolayers contain essentially aluminum chromium boron nitride and the B-nanolayers contain essentially aluminum chromium nitride.

Abstract: A method for making a bit-patterned media (BPM) magnetic recording disk by etching the recording layer using a patterned hard mask layer uses glancing angle deposition (GLAD) of additional hard mask material as a capping layer onto the tops of the patterned hard mask pillars while the disk is rotated about an axis orthogonal to the plane of the disk. In one embodiment the capping layer is deposited after the pillars have been only partially eroded during a partial ion-milling of the recording layer. Ion-milling is then again performed to remove the remaining recording layer material. In another embodiment, before ion-milling of the recording layer, the capping layer is deposited onto the tops of the un-eroded hard mask pillars. This increases the lateral dimension of the hard mask pillars so that after ion-milling of the recording layer, the magnetic islands have an increased lateral dimension.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a process kit for use in a physical deposition chamber (PVD) chamber. In one embodiment, the process kit provides adjustable process spacing, centering between the cover ring and the shield, and controlled gas flow between the cover ring and the shield contributing to uniform gas distribution, which promotes greater process uniformity and repeatability along with longer chamber component service life.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing a coating on one or more parts (21) has: a chamber (22); a part holder (64) for carrying the part(s); a bias voltage source (94) coupled to the part(s) to apply a bias voltage to the part(s); a source (34) of the coating material; a plurality of temperature sensors (76); and a plurality of leads (90) passing outputs of the temperature sensors out from the chamber. A temperature monitoring system (150) has a temperature data processor (300). At least one fiber optic link (223) couples the temperature data processor to the temperature sensors so as to electrically isolate the temperature data processor from the bias voltage.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a light-scattering substrate, a light-scattering substrate fabricated by the same method, and an organic light-emitting device (OLED) including the same light-scattering substrate, in which a light-scattering layer of the light-scattering substrate can improve a light extraction efficiency. The method fabricates the light-scattering substrate by chemical vapor deposition, and includes loading a base substrate into a chamber, and forming a light-scattering layer on the base substrate by supplying a Ti source and an oxidizer including H2O into the chamber. In the process of forming the light-scattering layer, the mole ratio of the H2O with respect to the Ti is 10 or greater.

Abstract: A method for forming an oxide film by plasma-assisted cyclic processing, includes: (i) supplying a precursor to a reaction space wherein a substrate is placed; (ii) applying a first RF power to the reaction space for a first period of time without supplying a precursor; and (iii) applying a second RF power to the reaction space for a second period of time without supplying the precursor, wherein the first RF power is lower than the second RF power, and/or the first period of time is shorter than the second period of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substrate processing apparatus: including a chamber comprising a body having an inner space and a top lid provided on an upper part of the body, the top lid having at least one gas input port; a substrate supporting unit rotatably installed inside the chamber to support a plurality of substrates; and a gas injection device comprising a central injection unit provided on an upper part of the substrate supporting unit to inject a gas into a central region of the substrate supporting unit, a source gas injection unit provided around the central injection unit to inject a source gas into the substrate supporting unit, a reaction gas injection unit provided around the central injection unit to inject a reaction gas into the substrate supporting unit and a purge gas injection unit disposed between the source gas injection unit and the reaction gas injection unit; wherein at least one of the source gas injection unit and the reaction gas injection unit comprises a main injection un

Abstract: Tool with optional wear-protection coating has, as an outer layer arranged on top of the substrate body or wear-protection coating, a single-layer wear-recognition layer (A) or a multilayer wear-recognition layer (B) comprising at least 4 individual layers arranged one above another, said layer or layers being produced by depositing elemental metals, metal alloys or electrically conductive metal compounds with a PVD process. Individual layer of (A) or at least one individual layer of (B) contain at least two different metals, the wear-recognition layer comprises a region produced by anodic oxidation from the upper surface down to a penetration depth that does not extend over the entire thickness of the wear-recognition layer, and the individual layer of (A) or the at least one individual layer of (B) has at least two different phases before the anodic oxidation and in the regions of the wear recognition layer that are not anodically oxidized.

Abstract: Provided is a colored rigid decorative member in which scratch resistance is improved, and deterioration of appearance quality due to a flaw, abrasion, or the like is suppressed, and which has various color variations with a high quality feel. An alloy adhesion layer having a high adhesion effect, an alloy gradient adhesion layer of which the content of a reactant gas is increased in a gradient manner, an abrasion-resistant layer having high hardness, an alloy recolored gradient layer of which the content of a reactant gas is decreased in a gradient manner, and a colored decorative layer having high decorativeness and color variations on the outermost layer are formed on a base using a film with an alloy of a metal having the high effect of adhering to a metal and high brightness (metal having poor corrosion resistance; Mo, W), a metal having high film hardness and high corrosion resistance (metal having poor adhesion; Nb, Ta), and a metal improving corrosion resistance performance (Cr, Ti, Hf, Zr).

Abstract: Among other things, a device for use in electrolyzing water is described. The device comprises an electrolysis unit that includes a chamber, an ion exchange structure in the chamber, a cathode, an anode, a high pressure chamber, and a reservoir. The chamber is separated by the ion exchange structure into a first compartment and a second compartment. The cathode is in the first compartment and the anode in the second compartment. The reservoir is disposed in the high pressure chamber for storing water to be supplied to the chamber of the electrolysis unit. In some implementations, the ion exchange structure is a proton exchange membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a high-pressure electrolysis system (2), wherein a hydrogen stream (6) and an oxygen stream (8) are produced in a high-pressure electrolyzer (4), and these are passed out of the high-pressure electrolyzer (4) under high pressure. In order to increase the efficiency of the high-pressure electrolysis system (2) with respect to cooling of the hydrogen produced in the high-pressure electrolysis system (2), the oxygen stream (8) is passed into a vortex tube (20) for decompression, in which the pressure energy of the oxygen is converted to refrigeration. This produces a cold oxygen stream (22) which is used to cool the hydrogen stream (6).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method, system and equipment for the elaboration of electrolytic chlorine oxidants, hypochlorous acid and sodium hypochlorite substances, using elements that result in an ecological process and confers a high efficiency in the production of these substances, permitting the generation of a product of very high performance and efficiency.

Abstract: Electrochemical devices comprising electrocatalyst mixtures include at least one Catalytically Active Element and, as a separate constituent, one Helper Catalyst. The electrocatalysts can be used to increase the rate, modify the selectivity or lower the overpotential of chemical reactions. These electrocatalysts are useful for a variety of chemical reactions including, in particular, the electrochemical conversion of CO2. Chemical processes employing these catalysts produce CO, HCO?, H2CO, (HCO2)?, H2CO2, CH3OH, CH4, C2H4, CH3CH2OH, CH3COO?, CH3COOH, C2H6, (COOH)2, or (COO?)2. Devices using the electrocatalysts include, for example, a CO2 sensor.

Abstract: A casing of an electronic device including a casing body and a sensing assembly is provided. The casing body includes a button portion. The sensing assembly includes a first conductive line and two first contacts. The first conductive line is disposed on an inner surface of the casing body, and the first conductive line forms a strain sensing pattern on the button portion. The first contacts are disposed on the inner surface of the casing body, and connected to two ends of the first conductive line, respectively. The strain sensing pattern is adapted to result a resistance variation accompanied with a deformation of the button portion when the button portion is deformed, so as to generate an electrical signal.

Abstract: Described are apparatus and methods for electroplating one or more metals onto a substrate. Embodiments include electroplating apparatus configured for plating highly uniform metal layers. In specific embodiments, the apparatus includes a flow-shaping element made of an ionically resistive material and having a plurality of channels made through the flow shaping element. The channels allow for transport of the electrolyte through the flow shaping element during electroplating. The channel openings are arranged in a spiral-like pattern on the substrate-facing surface of the flow shaping element such that the center of the spiral-like pattern is offset from the center of the flow shaping element.

Abstract: A wafer plating jig system comprising an electrically insulating wafer plating jig base having a plurality of overlapping cavities of different depths, each cavity configured to receive a semiconductor wafer of a different size and an electrically conductive cover plate comprising an open center surrounded by a support, the cover plate comprising an electrical conductor surrounding the open center and with at least one of the overlapping cavities of the wafer plating jig base.

Abstract: A method for repairing a blade forming a cathode and having a surface to be coated defining a critical area, utilizing an anode, an electrolyte bath including insoluble particles, and a mounting on which the blade is mounted in a working position relative to a reference wall. The mounting is placed in the bath, and the particles and the metal of the anode are co-deposited to form the coating on the surface to be coated. The anode is typically placed facing the critical area and the mounting includes a mechanism for monitoring current lines to obtain a coating with a relatively constant, predetermined thickness for the critical area, that gradually falls to a value of substantially zero along edges of the coating.

Abstract: An apparatus for growing a silicon crystal substrate comprising a heat source, an anisotropic thermal load leveling component, a crucible, and a cold plate component is disclosed. The anisotropic thermal load leveling component possesses a high thermal conductivity and may be positioned atop the heat source to be operative to even-out temperature and heat flux variations emanating from the heat source. The crucible may be operative to contain molten silicon in which the top surface of the molten silicon may be defined as a growth interface. The crucible may be substantially surrounded by the anisotropic thermal load leveling component. The cold plate component may be positioned above the crucible to be operative with the anisotropic thermal load leveling component and heat source to maintain a uniform heat flux at the growth surface of the molten silicon.

Abstract: A sapphire substrate includes a generally planar surface having a crystallographic orientation selected from the group consisting of a-plane, r-plane, m-plane, and c-plane orientations, and having a nTTV of not greater than about 0.037 ?m/cm2, wherein nTTV is total thickness variation normalized for surface area of the generally planar surface, the substrate having a diameter not less than about 9.0 cm.

Abstract: A method for reducing/eliminating basal plane dislocations from SiC epilayers is disclosed. An article having: an off-axis SiC substrate having an off-axis angle of no more than 6°; and a SiC epitaxial layer grown on the substrate. The epitaxial layer has no more than 2 basal plane dislocations per cm2 at the surface of the epitaxial layer. A method of growing an epitaxial SiC layer on an off-axis SiC substrate by: flowing a silicon source gas, a carbon source gas, and a carrier gas into a growth chamber under growth conditions to epitaxially grow SiC on the substrate in the growth chamber. The substrate has an off-axis angle of no more than 6°. The growth conditions include: a growth temperature of 1530-1650° C.; a pressure of 50-125 mbar; a C/H gas flow ratio of 9.38×10?5-1.5×10?3; a C/Si ratio of 0.5-3; a carbon source gas flow rate during ramp to growth temperature from 0 to 15 sccm; and an electron or hole concentration of 1013-1019/cm3.