Abstract: A method for producing an L-amino acid is provided. An L-amino acid is produced by culturing a coryneform bacterium having an L-amino acid-producing ability, which is modified so that the activity of a phosphate transporter is increased, in a medium, and collecting the L-amino acid from the medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides fungal xylanase and/or beta-xylosidase enzymes suitable for use in saccharification reactions. The present application further provides genetically modified fungal organisms that produce xylanase and/or beta-xylosidases, as well as enzyme mixtures exhibiting enhanced hydrolysis of cellulosic material to fermentable sugars, enzyme mixtures produced by the genetically modified fungal organisms, and methods for producing fermentable sugars from cellulose using such enzyme mixtures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method of producing a plurality of modified polynucleotides having different combinations of various mutations at multiple sites by a tailored multi-site combinatorial assembly, comprising adding at least two or at least three primers to a double stranded template polynucleotide in a single reaction mixture, wherein the primers are not overlapping, and wherein each of the primers comprise at least one mutation different from the other primers, wherein at least one primer is a forward primer that can anneal to a minus strand of the template and at least one primer is a reverse primer that can anneal to a plus strand of the template, and subjecting the reaction mixture to a polymerase extension reaction to yield a plurality of extended modified polynucleotides from the at least three primers. The method can be performed without employing a ligation step prior to transforming the extended modified polynucleotides into a cell.

Abstract: The invention provides improved mutagenic plasmids and a method for making and using them. In one embodiment a cyclic mutagenic nucleic acid is replicated to form interlocking, digestibly separable duplex or simplex rings; and then one or more of the interlocked rings are cleaved selectively by means of a restriction enzyme to liberate an intact duplex or simplex ring. The mutagenic plasmids show substantially improved efficiencies in transforming cellular microorganism that are exposed to them.

Abstract: Novel methods of generating a localized population of immobilized clonal amplicons on a support are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant host cell, wherein the cell is modified to increase the expression levels of Ero1 and XBP1 relative to the expression levels of Ero1 and XBP1 in an unmodified cell. The present invention also relates to a method of producing a recombinant protein of interest comprising expressing the recombinant protein of interest in the recombinant host cell.

Abstract: Yeast strains capable of increased prenyl phosphate production are provided, enabling increased terpenoid molecule production. Heterologous yeast strains with high prenyl phosphate availability are prepared using one or both of two different strategies for increasing the availability of prenyl phosphates for terpenoid production. First, by co-expressing multiple mevalonate pathway gene analogs, a novel heterologous combination of genes results, some of which increases the inherent availability of prenyl phosphates in yeast. Second, by expressing the non-endogenous enzyme ATP citrate lysase (ACL), a buildup of high cytosolic concentration of acetyl-CoA is produced in the cytosol of S. cerevisiae.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a two-dimensional code-type time-temperature indicator the color or shape of which changes in accordance with time and temperature conditions, and to a method for manufacturing the time-temperature indicator, to a quality guarantee system using the time-temperature indicator, and to a quality guarantee method using the quality guarantee system. The time-temperature indicator comprises: nanobeads containing a microorganism for generating lactic acids using nutrient components, an indicating agent for indicating the change in color by means of the generated lactic acids, an immobilization material for immobilizing the microorganism, the indicating agent, and the nutrient components; a base having a bonding layer; and a cover film.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods for enumeration of microorganisms within a freeze-dried powder suspected of containing Lactobacilli or Bifidobacteria.

Abstract: The present invention provides for separation of bacterial species and serotypes using electrophoretic methods.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a strain of bacteriophage specific to a selected strain of bacteria was found as well as bacteriophage strains obtained in this way. Moreover, application of bacteriophages in manufacturing of the preparation for preventing and fighting infections of farm animals, especially poultry, with pathogenic strains of bacteria sensitive to these phages was described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds for and a method of detecting beta-lactamase activity in a sample. The sample is contacted with a nanoparticulate tag. The nanoparticulate tag comprises a metal or a combination of metals, or it comprises a nanotube of a metal, boron nitride and/or carbon. The respective metal is capable of forming one of a covalent bond, a coordinative bond and a non-covalent interaction with a thio or a seleno group. The sample is contacted with a compound of one of general formulas (I)-(III) and (VII)-(IX). At least one beta-lactam moiety of the compound is cleaved by the beta-lactamase activity in the sample. As a result a cleavage moiety Z-A-Z, Z-A-Z—R15, Z-A-Z—R16, Z-A-Z—R17, Z-A-Z—R18 or Z-G-N(R8)R9 is released that is immobilized on the surface of the nanoparticulate tag by a covalent bond via a Z atom. The presence of beta-lactamase activity is determined based on the presence of the cleavage moiety immobilized onto the surface of the nanoparticulate tag.

Abstract: Described and illustrated herein are systems and exemplary methods of operating an analyte measurement system having a meter and a test strip. In one embodiment, the method may be achieved by applying a first test voltage between a reference electrode and a second working electrode and applying a second test voltage between the reference electrode and a first working electrode; measuring a first test current, a second test current, a third test current and a fourth test current at the second working electrode after a blood sample containing an analyte is applied to the test strip; measuring a fifth test current at the first working electrode; estimating a hematocrit-corrected analyte concentration from the first, second, third, fourth and fifth test currents; and annunciating the hematocrit-corrected analyte concentration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of making linear nucleic acid probes using rolling circle amplification methods. In one aspect, an oligonucleotide template sequence is contacrted with one or more first primers, a first polymerase and first nucleotides under conditions that extend one or more hybridize primers to make a strand complementary to the oligonucleotide template sequence thereby forming a double stranded oligonucleotide. The double stranded oligonucleotide is circularized. A rolling circle template is obtained from the circularized double stranded oligonucleotide. The rolling circle template is contacted with one or more second primers, a second polymerase and second nucleotides under conditions that form a single stranded nucleic acid, and the single stranded nucleic acid is cleaved to form the plurality of nucleic acid probes.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a structured polynucleotide, devices that include the structured polynucleotide, and methods involving the structured polynucleotide and/or devices. Generally, the structured polynucleotide includes five domains. A first domain acts as a toehold for an input DNA logic gate to initiate binding to an SCS biomolecule. A second domain acts as a substrate recognition sequence for an upstream DNA logic gate. A third domain acts as a toehold for a output DNA logic gate to initiate binding of the SCS biomolecule to the gate. A fourth domain acts as an effector sequence to alter the state of the output logic gate. A fifth domain acts as a cage sequence to lock the effector sequence in an inactive state until an input gate binds to the structured polynucleotide.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of allele-specific amplification, utilizing an allele-specific oligonucleotide, at least partially complementary to more than one variant of the target sequence, but having at least one selective nucleotide complementary to only one variant of the target sequence and incorporating at least one “G-clamp” nucleotide.

Abstract: A non-symmetric polymerize chain reaction (PCR) amplification method employing a limiting primer in low concentration whose concentration-adjusted melting point at least equals, and preferably exceeds, that of the excess primer, the latter in turn not being more than 25° C. below the melting temperature of the amplicon. Assays employing such amplification and labeled hybridization probes, including assays that include a detection step following primer extension or a low-temperature probe, or both. Kits for performing such assays and primer or primer-and-probe sets for performing the foregoing amplifications and assays.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods of performing activation by polyphosphorolysis (APP) reactions using at least one of the polyphosphorylating agents triphosphate, polyphosphate, imidodiphosphate, thiodiphosphate (or ?-monothiopyrophosphate), and related compounds.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method for determining the sequence of a polynucleotide comprising the steps of (i) contacting a polynucleotide processive enzyme immobilised in a fixed position, with a target polynucleotide under conditions sufficient to induce enzyme activity; (ii) detecting an effect consequent on the interaction of the enzyme and polynucleotide, wherein the effect is detected by measurement of a non-linear optical signal or a linear signal coupled to a non-linear signal.

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

Abstract: Provided herein are kits, compositions and methods for cancer diagnosis, research and therapy, including but not limited to, cancer markers. In particular, the present invention relates to recurrent gene fusions as diagnostic markers and clinical targets for hemangiopericytoma.

Abstract: Provided herein are diagnostic markers and methods for identifying a subject having an increased susceptibility for developing or having dilated cardiomyopathy. The method comprises determining if the subject has a mutation in the TTN nucleic as acid or titin polypeptide. Further provided herein are methods of treating subjects having or at risk of having dilated cardiomyopathy.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for providing a prognosis for lung cancer using a panel of eleven molecular markers that includes BAG1, BRCA1, CDC6, CDK2AP1, ERBB3, FUT3, IL11, LCK, RND3, SH3BGR, and WNT3A, which are differentially expressed in lung cancer. The eleven markers are related to patient prognosis to 5-year overall survival outcomes, and are particularly useful in providing a prognosis for non-squamous NSCLC.

Abstract: The present invention is a gene expression panel of chemotherapeutic drug-resistant cancer stem cells comprising RIN1, SOX15 and TLR4. In one embodiment the cancer stem cells are testicular cancer germ cells. The present invention provides for a kit and method for determining response to treatment with decitabine at low doses.

Abstract: Methods and kits for identification of bladder cancer in a subject based on alterations in DNA methylation at selected genomic loci are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, methods and systems for characterizing multifunctional objects using a flow-through device, such as, a flow cytometer. In some embodiments, an inventive method according to the present invention includes one more steps of (a) interrogating a plurality of objects (e.g., particles), wherein each individual object (e.g., particle) comprises one or more interrogation regions detectable as a sequence of events; (b) recording multiple events, wherein each individual event corresponds to each individual interrogation region detectable above a pre-determined triggering threshold; (c) grouping the recorded multiple events, and (d) characterizing the plurality of objects based on the grouped events.

Abstract: Provided are devices adapted to isolate, amplify, and detect nucleic acids that may be present in a biological sample. The devices can, in some embodiments, isolate, amplify, and detect nucleic acid in a single chamber. In other embodiments, the devices are adapted to isolate and amplify nucleic acids in a reaction chamber, after which the nucleic acids may be communicated to a pervious medium—such as a lateral flow strip—where the user may label and detect the nucleic acids.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions including primers and probes, which are capable of interacting with the disclosed nucleic acids, such as the nucleic acids encoding the reverse transcriptase or protease of HIV as disclosed herein. Thus, provided is an oligonucleotide comprising any one of the nucleotide sequences set for in SEQ ID NOS:1-89, and 96-104. Also provided are the oligonucleotides consisting of the nucleotides as set forth in SEQ ID NOS:1-89, and 96-104. Each of the disclosed oligonucleotides is a probe or a primer. Also provided are mixtures of primers and probes and for use in RT-PCR and primary PCR reactions disclosed herein. Provided are methods for the specific detection of several mutations in HIV. Mutations in both the reverse transcriptase and the protease of HIV can be detected using the methods described herein.

Abstract: A process for cold clarification of juice is described. A sugar cane or beet juice clarification process to clarify raw juice by means of deaeration of fresh raw juice, addition of milk or lime, anionic and/or cationic flocculants, particularly together with a carbonating process, addition of phosphoric acid and then passing the juice through activated carbon bed is described. The process eliminates the need to heat the juice at any stage thus making it more cost effective, energy saving and gives better yield in terms of quality and quantity both. The recycling of defecated, carbonated and phosphated filtered juice and carbonated and phosphated mud that reduces the consumption of lime, CO2 and phosphoric acid up to some extent is described.

Abstract: A method for improving the yield during the production of crystalline alpha lactose is suggested, wherein (a) An aqueous lactose solution is adjusted to a temperature of between about 62 and 67° C., (b) The solution is cooled down to between about 20 and 30° C., (c) The solution is held at this temperature for a period of from 0.5 to 5 h, (d) Subsequently, the solution is re-heated to between about 35 and 40° C., (e) The solution is held at this temperature for a period of from 0.5 to 5 h, (f) Subsequently, the solution is cooled down to about 10° C., and (g) Eventually, the precipitated alpha-lactose crystals are separated from the mother liquor.

Abstract: A method comprising: (a) providing a partially processed sucrose crop product containing at least 2% optionally at least 5% of the sucrose content of said crop at harvest on a dry solids basis, cellulose and lignin; (b) hydrolyzing said partially processed crop product with HCl to produce an acid hydrolyzate stream and a lignin stream; and (c) de-acidifying said hydrolyzate stream to produce a de-acidified sugar solution and an HCl recovery stream. Additional, methods, systems and sugar mixtures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making a high strength head-hardened crane rail and the crane rail produced by the method. The method comprises the steps of providing a steel rail having a composition comprising, in weight percent: C 0.79-1.00%; Mn 0.40-1.00; Si 0.30-1.00; Cr 0.20-1.00; V 0.05-0.35; Ti 0.01-0.035; N 0.002 to 0.0150; and the remainder being predominantly iron. The steel rail is cooled from a temperature between about 700 and 800° C. at a cooling rate having an upper cooling rate boundary plot defined by an upper line connecting xy-coordinates (0 s, 800° C.), (40 s, 700° C.), and (140 s, 600° C.) and a lower cooling rate boundary plot defined by a lower line connecting xy-coordinates (0 s, 700° C.), (40 s, 600° C.), and (140 s, 500° C.).

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, and apparatuses for preventing the formation of scale in heap leach process solution distribution systems comprised of piping, spray nozzles, or emitter tubes. Solution distribution system components often become fouled by scale because of local hot spots more prone to form scale than other locations along the systems length. Positioning sensors that detect periods of high temperature stress and adjusting scale control reagent dosage to send the right amount to inhibit hot spot deposition allows for the control of scale without using wasteful excessive amounts of scale control reagents. This can vastly improve scale control performance under high temperature stress conditions while minimizing scale control reagent waste under less severe stress conditions to reduce the total operating cost of running heap leach mining operations which depend upon well-functioning solution distribution systems.

Abstract: A Cu—Ni—Si—Co system alloy having an improved spring bending elastic limit is provided. The alloy is a copper alloy for electronic materials, which contains 1.0% to 2.5% by mass of Ni, 0.5% to 2.5% by mass of Co, and 0.3% to 1.2% by mass of Si, with the balance being Cu and unavoidable impurities, wherein from the results obtainable by an X-ray diffraction pole figure analysis using a rolled surface as a base, among the diffraction peak intensities of the {111}Cu plane with respect to the {200}Cu plane obtained by ? scanning at ?=35°, the peak height at a ? angle of 90° of the copper alloy is at least 2.5 times the peak height of a standard copper powder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nickel-chromium-aluminum-iron alloy, comprising (in wt %) 12 to 28% chromium, 1.8 to 3.0% aluminum, 1.0 to 15% iron, 0.01 to 0.5% silicon, 0.005 to 0.5% manganese, 0.01 to 0.20% yttrium, 0.02 to 0.60% titanium, 0.01 to 0.2% zirconium, 0.0002 to 0.05% magnesium, 0.0001 to 0.05% calcium, 0.03 to 0.11% carbon, 0.003 to 0.05% nitrogen, 0.0005 to 0.008% boron, 0.0001 to 0.010% oxygen, 0.001 to 0.030% phosphorus, max. 0.010% sulfur, max. 0.5% molybdenum, max. 0.5% tungsten, the remainder nickel and the common contaminants resulting from the process, wherein the following relations must be satisfied: 7.7C?x·a<1.0, wherein a=PN if PN>0 or a=0 if PN?0. Here, x=(1.0 Ti+1.06 Zr)/(0.251 Ti+0.132 Zr), PN=0.251 Ti+0.132 Zr?0.857 N, and Ti, Zr, N, and C are the concentration of the respective element in mass percent.

Abstract: A hot dip galvanized steel sheet includes a steel sheet, a hot dip galvanizing layer, and an intermetallic compound, in which the steel sheet has a chemical composition containing, by mass %, C: 0.03% or more and 0.70% or less, Si: 0.10% or less, Mn: 0.5% or more and 0.9% or less, P: 0.020% or more and 0.050% or less, S: 0.010% or less, Nb: 0.010% or more and 0.035% or less, N: 0.005% or less, Al: 0.10% or less, and the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, in which the hot dip galvanizing layer contains 0.3% or more and 0.6% or less of Al, and in which the intermetallic compound contains 0.12 gm?2 or more and 0.22 gm?2 or less of Al and Fe2Al5 having an average grain diameter of 1 ?m or less.

Abstract: A steel wire rod or steel bar as hot-rolled, including: by mass %: C: 0.1 to 0.6%, Si: 0.01 to 1.5%, Mn: 0.05 to 2.5%, Al: 0.015 to 0.3%, and N: 0.0040 to 0.0150%, and P: limited to 0.035% or less and S: limited to 0.025% or less, and the balance substantially consisting of iron and unavoidable impurities, wherein a depth of d (mm) from the surface of the surface layer region with 20 HV 0.2 or more higher, relative to HV 0.2 that is the average hardness in the region where the depth from the surface is from sectional radius R×0.5 (mm) to the center satisfies the formula (1); the steel structure of the surface layer region has a ferrite fraction of 10% or less by area ratio, with the balance being one or two or more of martensite, bainite and pearlite; the steel structure where the depth from the surface is from the sectional radius R×0.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for stabilizing the strain-temperature response for a shape memory alloy are provided. To perform stabilization of a second sample of the shape memory alloy, a first sample of the shape memory alloy is selected for isobaric treatment and the second sample is selected for isothermal treatment. When applying the isobaric treatment to the first sample, a constant stress is applied to the first sample. Temperature is also cycled from a minimum temperature to a maximum temperature until a strain on the first sample stabilizes. Once the strain on the first sample stabilizes, the isothermal treatment is performed on the second sample. During isothermal treatment, different levels of stress on the second sample are applied until a strain on the second sample matches the stabilized strain on the first sample.

Abstract: Tool comprising a base body made of hard metal, cermet, ceramics, steel or high-speed steel and a single-layer or multi-layer anti-wear protective coating applied thereon in the PVD process, at least one layer of said anti-wear protective coating being a titanium-aluminum-nitride layer, TixAlyN where x+y=1, which layer can contain, according to the process, up to 5% by weight of further metals, characterized in that the TixAlyN layer is a multi-coat substructure having a plurality of periodically alternating Tix(A)Aly(A)N coats (A) where x(A)+y(A)=1 and Tix(B)Aly(B)N coats (B) where x(B)+y(B)=1, the Al concentration y(B) in coats (B) amounting at most to 70 at. % (y(B) 0.70) and the Al concentration y(B) in coats (B) being from 10 to 25 at. % higher than the Al concentration y(A) in coats (A) (y(B)=(y(A)+0.10) to (y(A)+0.25)).

Abstract: A multilayer solar selective coating on metallic and non-metallic substrates suitable for high temperature solar thermal power applications. The optimized solar selective coating of the present invention on stainless steel substrate exhibits absorptance of 0.954 and emittance of 0.07. A five layer coating is deposited using the sputtering process, and includes tungsten (W), titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN), titanium aluminum silicon nitride (TiAlSiN), titanium aluminum silicon oxy-nitride (TiAlSiON), and titanium aluminum silicon oxide (TiAlSiO) layers. The first layer (W) acts an infrared reflector, the second layer (TiAlN), the third layer (TiAlSiN) and the fourth layer (TiAlSiON) act as the absorber layer and the fifth layer (TiAlSiO) acts as the anti-reflection layer. The high-temperature solar selective coating exhibits average emittance of 0.10 at 400° C. on stainless steel substrate in the wavelength range of 2.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a plastic component with a coating system, wherein the coating system comprises a basecoat of paint which has been applied to the surface of the plastic and on which a coating applied by means of vapor phase deposition is provided, for its part covered by a top coat of paint, characterized in that the coating applied by vapor phase deposition comprises multiple layers.

Abstract: A method of sputter coating a glass substrate includes providing a glass substrate and providing a sputtering assembly for sputtering a coating onto the glass substrate in a vacuum deposition chamber. The sputtering assembly includes a backing plate and a separating element disposed on the backing plate. At least one target element is provided and disposed at and in contact with a surface of the separating element. The target element is not bonded the separating element when disposed at and in contact with the surface of the separating element. An expansion gap is provided at or adjacent to the target element to allow for expansion of the target element during the sputtering process. Material from the target element is sputtered and the target element is heated to a substantially elevated temperature during the sputtering process. The sputtering process coats a surface of the glass substrate with the target element material.

Abstract: An adjustable shunt assembly for use with a sputtering magnetron having at least two magnets spaced from one another and disposed with respect to a sputtering target having a sputtering surface. The magnets define a longitudinal axis and the adjustable shunt assembly moves a shunt between the two magnets for altering the magnetic field therebetween. A transporter is used for moving the shunt so that such movement may be occurred without disassembling the components of the magnetron and such movement may also be done remotely. A method for moving such shunts is also disclosed.

Abstract: An arrangement for vapor phase coating an internal surface of hollow articles comprises a part plate, at least one spud site and at least one manifold. The part plate defines a portion of a chamber for supplying a vapor coating. Each spud site has a tube and a first moldable sealant is arranged around the tube. Each manifold has at least one supply tube extending from the manifold to supply vapor into a respective hollow article. Each manifold has a feed tube extending from the manifold to supply vapor into the manifold. The tube of each spud site is inserted into the feed tube of the respective manifold and an end of the feed tube remote from the manifold locates in the first moldable sealant. A second moldable sealant is arranged around the at least one supply tube of the respective manifold and between the respective manifold and hollow article.

Abstract: A temperature controlled showerhead for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) chambers enhances heat dissipation to enable accurate temperature control with an electric heater. Heat dissipates by conduction through a showerhead stem and fluid passageway and radiation from a back plate. A temperature control system includes one or more temperature controlled showerheads in a CVD chamber with fluid passageways serially connected to a heat exchanger.

Abstract: A showerhead for chemical vapor deposition includes: a plurality of reactive gas showerhead modules separated each other and having the same number as the number of kinds of reactive gases injected from the showerhead, each having a mixing zone in the reactive gas showerhead module to induce a mixing of a reactive gas and an injection support gas used to regulate the injection velocity of the reactive gas and a plurality of reactive gas injection tubes connected to the bottom surface of the reactive gas showerhead module for injecting the reactive gas mixed with the injection support gas over the substrate; and a purge gas showerhead module mounted under the reactive gas showerhead modules, with a purge gas supply port for supplying a purge gas to the purge gas showerhead module.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to components for a semiconductor processing chamber, a process kit for a semiconductor processing chamber, and a semiconductor processing chamber having a process kit. In one embodiment a lower shield for encircling a sputtering target and a substrate support is provided. The lower shield comprises a cylindrical outer band having a first diameter dimensioned to encircle the sputtering surface of the sputtering target and the substrate support, the cylindrical band comprising a top wall that surrounds a sputtering surface of a sputtering target and a bottom wall that surrounds the substrate support, a support ledge comprising a resting surface and extending radially outward from the cylindrical outer band, a base plate extending radially inward from the bottom wall of the cylindrical band, and a cylindrical inner band coupled with the base plate and partially surrounding a peripheral edge of the substrate support.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention describe a method for continuous manufacture of a gel material comprising the steps of: forming a gel sheet by dispensing a gel precursor mixture onto a moving element at a rate effective to allow gelation to occur to the gel precursor mixture on the moving element; and cooling the formed gel thereby reducing the rate of solvent evaporation therefrom.

Abstract: A method for selectively depositing a ferromagnetic layer on a conducting layer, includes providing a substrate including a conducting layer; preparing a solution including a metal salt; adding a complexing agent to the solution; adding a reducing agent to the solution; while a temperature of the solution is less than 75° C., immersing the substrate in the solution for a predetermined period to deposit a ferromagnetic layer on the conducting layer by electroless deposition, wherein the ferromagnetic layer comprises one of cobalt (Co), iron (Fe) or CoFe; and after the predetermined period, removing the substrate from the solution.

Abstract: A chromium-free conversion coating is prepared by the addition of inorganic metallic salts and one or more silanes to dispersions of conducting polymers which are then exposed to alloys of aluminum or other metals. Advantageously, the performance of the coating is comparable to that of conventional chromium-based methods for a number of aluminum alloys having particular significance in the manufacture of aircraft.