Abstract: The process for the hydrolysis of ligno-cellulosic biomass comprises the steps of A) Contacting a ligno-cellulosic feedstock, the feedstock comprised of biomass having a dry content and water with at least a portion of a solvent, the solvent comprised of water soluble hydrolyzed species; wherein at least some of the water soluble hydrolyzed species are the same as the water soluble hydrolyzed species obtainable from the hydrolysis of the biomass in the feedstock; B) maintaining the contact between the feedstock of the feedstock stream and the solvent at a temperature in the range of 20° C. to 200° C. for a time in the range of 5 minutes to 72 hours to create a hydrolyzed product from the biomass in the feedstock.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cultured savory base with increased umami power comprising: up to 80% of naturally derived compounds taken in the group consisting of glutamate, IMP and GMP, naturally food derived compounds such as organic acids, amino acids, peptides and aroma compounds.

Abstract: New strains of protists belonging to the Schizochytrium genus, allow high-yield production of lipids and carotenoids, in particular of astaxanthin and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in mixotrophic mode, and a method for selecting and culturing such strains, using a variable and/or discontinuous light source, in particular a flashing light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for specific and direct detection of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli bacteria in a sample using a selective and differential isolation medium for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli bacteria comprising at least one chromogenic agent and tellurite.

Abstract: A fluorescent probe for detecting pancreatic fluid containing a compound or salt thereof represented by formula (I) below. (In the formula, A represents an amino acid residue or N-substituted amino acid residue, with A forming an amide bond with the adjacent NH in the formula; R1 represents a hydrogen atom or 1 to 4 same or different substituent groups that bond with a benzene ring; R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, and R7 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, an alkyl group, or a halogen atom; R8 and R9 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; and X represents a C1-C3 alkylene group).

Abstract: The invention relates to a procedure for biphasic preparation of liposomes, in the course of which technically simple and cheap mechanical mixing methods are used to commingle non-polar organic phase containing an individual mixture of natural and synthetic phospholipids and polar aqueous (buffer) phase not miscible with it, resulting in a liposome emulsion of a unique structure. Furthermore, the invention comprises embodiments of the procedure related to the in vitro diagnostic use of liposomes prepared in this way, when protein type active components are anchored to the surface of liposome membranes without application of any detergents and non-protein type active components are simply mixed with the liposome emulsion of a unique structure. In one of the possible embodiments of the procedure a Prothrombin Time (PT) reagent is prepared. Another possible embodiment of the procedure is the preparation of an activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) reagent.

Abstract: There has been a demand for a codon-optimized gene for the mutated catalytic domain of Oplophorus luciferase, which is capable of efficiently expressing a protein both in a cultured animal cell and Escherichia coli. There has also been a demand for a substrate coelenterazine analog showing a higher activity than that of native 19 kDa protein. The invention provides a polynucleotide comprising a polynucleotide consisting of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2. According to the invention, bis-coelenterazine is used as a substrate coelenterazine analog suitable for the photoprotein encoded by the polynucleotide comprising the polynucleotide consisting of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2.

Abstract: A method for amplifying a target nucleic acid present in a sample includes introducing, via an entrance opening of a planar fluidic assembly, a sample containing one or more target nucleic acids into a flow channel of the planar fluidic assembly, the flow channel extending from the entrance opening to an exit vent and having a substantially uniform cross-section. A plurality of nucleic acid primers that are complementary to a portion of the one or more target nucleic acids are disposed at locations within and along the flow channel. The method further includes subjecting the sample introduced into the flow channel to a primer-based amplification reaction using the nucleic acid primers, wherein the primer-based amplification reaction produces amplified product of the one or more target nucleic acids, and retaining the amplified product at one or more of the locations within the flow channel during the primer-based amplification reaction.

Abstract: A weight sensor may include a weighing platform and a load cell coupled to the platform to sense a weight applied to the platform. The load cell may include a deformable plate with one or more strain gauges arranged to provide an electrical signal representing the weight applied to the platform, and a base supporting the load cell, wherein the deformable plate is movably mounted to the base at only three contact points, the contact points allowing lateral movement of the plate relative to the base when the plate deforms in response to a weight applied to the platform. The weight sensor makes it possible to independently monitor the weight and weight shifting of two people sharing the same bed. The weight sensor is self-centering when a load is applied off-center to the platform, which is particularly beneficial when such a weight sensor is used underneath a bed, e.g., under a bed leg or other support member which may not be aligned centrally over the weight sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for isolating nucleic acids, particularly genomic desoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from blood.

Abstract: The invention relates to nucleic acid substrates for catalytic nucleic acid enzymes and methods utilizing the substrates.

Abstract: The current invention relates to a method for analysis of a population of micro-organisms (e.g. bacterial population) of different taxonomic groups in an environment suspected to contain said bacteria, primers, primer sets and pair of primer sets suitable for use is such method, and use of such method in determining the effect of external factors like drugs, nutrients and pesticides on bacterial populations of different taxonomic groups.

Abstract: A processing method to trim ends of DNA fragments, exposing the internal DNA part to give original DNA sequence information enabling application of next generation sequencing for DNA samples to be amplified by DOP-PCR or other primer dependent amplification methods. Specifically, nucleic acids are amplified using primers comprising a recognition site for a restriction enzyme, for example Bpml or Mmel. Primer sequences are removed by cleavage with the restriction enzyme.

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 a 3?-terminal nucleotide complementary to only one variant of the target sequence and having at least one nucleotide with a base covalently modified at the exocyclic amino group, wherein the allele-specific oligonucleotide is extended by a nucleotide-incorporating biocatalyst predominantly when hybridized to the variant of the target sequence for which it has said complementary 3?-terminal nucleotide.

Abstract: Methods for increasing multiplex level by externalization of a passive reference in polymerase chain reactions (PCR) are provided. An exemplary method comprises providing a first mastermix including a passive fluorescence dye in at least a first well of a plate; providing a second mastermix including an active fluorescence dye in at least a second well of the plate; wherein the passive fluorescence dye and the active fluorescence dye emit a same spectrum and an intensity of the spectrum is adapted to be measured; and wherein the first mastermix is devoid of an active fluorescence dye emitting the same spectrum and the second mastermix is devoid of the passive fluorescence dye emitting the same spectrum. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for nucleic acid ligation. In particular, the present disclosure provides oligonucleotide adaptors for use in nucleic acid ligation reactions.

Abstract: Methods for the determination of tissue-specific genetic variation are provided. For example, in certain aspects methods for using iPS cell-derived specific cell types for differential molecular analysis of tissue-specific genetic variation are described.

Abstract: An assay for mutations in JAK2 is described. The assay uses selective amplification of mutant alleles with a blocker probe which preferentially hybridizes to wild type alleles. The same probe is then used to detect presence or absence of wild type sequences. It is not necessary to know the specific mutant sequence beforehand.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to detecting neoplasia and particularly, but not exclusively, to methods, compositions, and related uses for detecting premalignant and malignant neoplasms such as pancreatic and colorectal cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and biomarkers for detection of cervical cancer in biological samples, and in particular to markers associated with hypoxia related to the cervical cancer.

Abstract: The described invention comprises methods for predicting recurrence of Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) and poor clinical outcome in a Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) subject. The methods comprise providing a sample from the HL subject and a sample from a good clinical outcome control subject; isolating total RNA comprising Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 (FGF2) and Syndecan-1 (SDC1) RNA from the sample from the HL subject and from the sample from the good clinical outcome control subject; amplifying the total RNA; measuring a level of expression of the FGF2 and the SDC1 RNA in the HL subject and in the good clinical outcome control subject; and comparing the level of expression of the FGF2 and the SDC1 RNA expressed by the HL subject with the level of expression of the FGF2 and the SDC1 RNA expressed by the good clinical outcome control subject.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the use of sequence tags to improve sequence determination of amplicons of related sequences, particularly large and complex amplicons, such as those comprising recombined nucleic acids encoding immune receptor molecules. In one aspect, sequence reads having the same sequence tags are aligned after which final base calls are determined from a (possibly weighted) average base call from sequence read base calls at each position. Similarly, in another aspect, sequence reads comprising series of incorporation signals are aligned by common sequence tags and base calls in homopolymer regions are made as a function incorporation signal values at each “flow” position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for rapidly identifying and ranking nucleases for specific cleavage of a target sequence.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for determining whether a human immunodeficiency virus is likely to be more resistant to a viral entry inhibitor than a reference HIV. In certain aspects, the methods comprise comparing the length of one or more variable regions of an envelope protein of the HIV or a number of glycosylation sites on the envelope protein of the HIV to a length of one or more corresponding variable regions of an envelope protein of the reference HIV or a number of glycosylation sites on the envelope protein of the reference HIV, wherein the HIV is likely to be more resistant to the CD4 binding site entry inhibitor than the reference HIV when the HIV has longer variable regions than the reference HIV or the HIV has more glycosylation sites than the reference HIV.

Abstract: A blast furnace installation includes a blast furnace and a chute transmission gearbox; the blast furnace having a top cone with a top cone ring arranged thereon for receiving a connection flange of the chute transmission gearbox. The connection flange is directly fixed onto the top cone ring by fixing means for establishing a firm connection between the top cone ring and the connection flange. According to an aspect of the present invention, the connection flange is fixed to the top cone ring in three separated fixation regions (30, 30?, 30?), each fixation region including one or more fixing means. According to a further aspect of the present invention, the blast furnace installation also includes a flexible sealing element arranged around the perimeter of the connection between the top cone ring and the chute transmission gearbox.

Abstract: A refractory device, such as a replacement purge plug containing a refractory material, is configured to be inserted in the bottom of a ladle for introducing purging gas through a heat of molten metal in a ladle. One or more geometrical features on the lateral surface of the purge plug facilitate the installation of the purge plug into a housing block that has been subjected to erosion.

Abstract: A converter comprising a container (2) defining a first axis X; a support ring (3), coaxial to the container and spaced therefrom, provided with two diametrically opposed supporting pins (6), defining a second axis Y orthogonal to the first axis X, adapted to allow a rotation of the converter about the axis Y; suspension elements, connecting said container to said support ring, clamped at a first end to the container and at a second end to the support ring so as to not require any maintenance as compared to traditional systems which use spherical joints and pins which are subject to wear, thus saving hours of maintenance and plant standstill.

Abstract: The present invention provides a maraging steel containing: 0.10?C?0.30 mass %, 6.0?Ni?9.4 mass %, 11.0?Co?20.0 mass %, 1.0?Mo?6.0 mass %, 2.0?Cr?6.0 mass %, 0.5?Al?1.3 mass %, and Ti?0.1 mass %, with the balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities, and satisfying 1.00?A?1.08, in which A is 0.95+0.35×[C]?0.0092×[Ni]+0.011×[Co]?0.02×[Cr]?0.001×[Mo], where [C] indicates a content (mass %) of C, [Ni] indicates a content (mass %) of Ni, [Co] indicates a content (mass %) of Co, [Cr] indicates a content (mass %) of Cr, and [Mo] indicates a content (mass %) of Mo, respectively. The maraging steel has a tensile strength of 2,300 MPa or more and is also excellent in the toughness/ductility and fatigue characteristics.

Abstract: Austenitic stainless steel having high temperature strength and excellent nitric acid corrosion resistance is provided. The austenitic stainless steel according to the present embodiment including, in mass percent, C: at most 0.050%, Si: 0.01 to 1.00%, Mn: 1.75 to 2.50%, P: at most 0.050%, S: at most 0.0100%, Ni: 20.00 to 24.00%, Cr: 23.00 to 27.00%, Mo: 1.80 to 3.20%, and N: 0.110 to 0.180%, the balance being Fe and impurities, a grain size number of crystal grains based on JIS G0551 (2005) is at least 6.0, and an area fraction of a ? phase is at most 0.1%.

Abstract: We propose a method for leaching nickel, cobalt and iron from a nickel laterite ore, characterized in that the nickel laterite ore is brought into contact with a solution of sulphuric acid and urea mixture. In this way, there is provided a method for efficient recovery of nickel and cobalt from nickel laterite ores where leaching in sulphuric acid/urea mixture can be completed in about less than 1 hour.

Abstract: A device for dispersing gas into molten metal includes an impeller, a drive shaft having a gas-transfer passage therein, and a first end and a second end, and a drive source. The second end of the drive shaft is connected to the impeller and the first end is connected to the drive source. The impeller includes a first portion and a second portion with a plurality of cavities. The first portion covers the second portion to help prevent gas from escaping to the surface without entering the cavities and being mixed with molten metal as the impeller rotates. When gas is transferred through the gas-transfer passage, it exits through the gas-release opening(s) in the bottom of the impeller. At least some of the gas enters the cavities where it is mixed with the molten metal being displaced by the impeller. Also disclosed are impellers that can be used to practice the invention.

Abstract: A steel, namely for marine applications, comprises by weight percent: carbon: 0.05 to 0.20; silicon: 0.15 to 0.55; manganese: 0.60 to 1.60; chromium: 0.75 to 1.50; aluminum: 0.40 to 0.80; niobium and/or vanadium: 0.01<[Nb]+[V]<0.60; sulphur: up to 0.045; and phosphorous: up to 0.045.

Abstract: A steel sheet containing C: 0.02% or more and 0.10% or less, Si: 0.01% or more and 0.5% or less, P: 0.001% or more and 0.100% or less, S: 0.001% or more and 0.020% or less, N: 0.007% or more and 0.025% or less, Al: 0.01% or more and {?4.2×N (%)+0.11}% or less, Mnf: 0.10% or more and less than 0.30% where Mnf is defined by equation Mnf=Mn?1.71×S, and the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, in which the steel sheet has a thickness of 0.35 (mm) or less, the product of the lower yield point (N/mm2) of the steel sheet and the thickness (mm) is 160 (N/mm) or less, and the product of the upper yield point (N/mm2) of the steel sheet is 52.0 (N) or more.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a heavy wall steel pipe includes a cooling step in which a steel pipe, with a wall thickness of ½ inch or more, that has been heated to the gamma range is dipped in water while supporting and rotating the steel pipe about the axis of pipe, an axial stream which is a water flow in the direction of axis of pipe is applied to the inside surface of the steel pipe under rotation in the water, and an impinging stream which is a water flow impinging on the outer surface of the pipe is applied to the outer surface of the steel pipe under rotation in the water.

Abstract: A bulk metallic glass forming alloy having the following composition x(aZr bHf cM dNb eO) yCu zAI and its preparation from an alloy L=(aZr bHf cM dNb eO), Cu, and Al as well as the use thereof is described.

Abstract: Methods for producing alloy strips that demonstrate improved formability are disclosed. The strips have a crystalline microstructure suitable for improved formability in the manufacture of various articles such as panels for plate heat exchangers and high performance tower packing components.

Abstract: A method of coating an iron-based article includes a first heating step of heating a substrate that includes an iron-based material in the presence of an aluminum source material and halide diffusion activator. The heating is conducted in a substantially non-oxidizing environment, to cause the formation of an aluminum-rich layer in the iron-based material. In a second heating step, the substrate that has the aluminum-rich layer is heated in an oxidizing environment to oxidize the aluminum in the aluminum-rich layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a steel product for gas carburizing used for manufacturing a carburized steel part. In the above steel product for gas carburizing, a composition of a base metal contains, in mass %, C: 0.1 to 0.4%, Si: exceeding 1.2 to 4.0%, Mn: 0.2 to 3.0%, Cr: 0.5 to 5.0%, Al: 0.005 to 0.1%, S: 0.001 to 0.3%, N: 0.003 to 0.03%, and O: limited to 0.0050% or less, and P: limited to 0.025% or less, and when the contents of Si, Mn, and Cr (mass %) are set to [Si %], [Mn %], and [Cr %], Expression (1) below is satisfied, and an alloy shortage layer satisfying Expression (2) below exists in a range from its surface to 2 to 50 ?m in depth. 32?3.5[Si %]+[Mn %]+3[Cr %]>9??(1) 3.

Abstract: The second compression ring is formed such that the outer peripheral surface shape has a tapered face, and the radial cross-sectional shape is a rectangular ring, a scraper ring, or a Napier ring, and has a piston ring base and a hard film provided at least on an outer peripheral sliding surface thereof. The piston ring base is composed of a low-alloy steel or carbon steel having a Vickers hardness of Hv 350 Hv 550. The outer peripheral sliding surface is formed so that the axial length is from 0.01 to 0.30 mm between the outer edge end part of the tapered outer peripheral sliding surface and an imaginary line contacting with a lower end surface where a curved surface having a diameter that decreases gradually inward from the outer edge end part toward the lower end in the axial direction is parallel to a ring underside.

Abstract: A wear resistant coating system including a tantalum-containing multilayered film having n A layers and m B layers, where n and m are integral numbers larger than I, deposited alternating one on each other. The multilayered film exhibits crystalline cubic structure, and is characterized in that the B layers include tantalum and the A layers exhibit a higher defect density than the B layers.

Abstract: A coated article has: a metallic substrate (22); a bondcoat (30); and a thermal barrier coating (TBC) (28). The bondcoat has a first layer (32) and a second layer (34), the first layer having a lower Cr content than the second layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a molybdenum sputtering target for a back electrode of a CIGS solar cell is provided to minimize thermal activating reaction by employing an electric discharge plasma sintering process. The method for manufacturing a molybdenum sputtering target for a back electrode of a CIGS solar cell comprises the steps of: charging molybdenum powder in a mold of graphite material, mounting the mold in a chamber of an electric discharge sintering apparatus, making a vacuum in the chamber, forming the molybdenum powder to the final target temperature while maintaining constant pressure on the molybdenum powder, heating the molybdenum powder in a predetermined heating pattern when reaching the final target temperature, maintaining the final target temperature for 1 to 10 minutes, and cooling the inside of the chamber while maintaining a constant pressure.

Abstract: A microwave plasma generation apparatus (4) includes: a rectangular waveguide (41) that transmits a microwave; a slot antenna (42) that has a slot (420) through which the microwave passes; and a dielectric portion (43) that is arranged so as to cover the slot (420) and of which a plasma generating region-side front face is parallel to an incident direction in which the microwave enters from the slot (420). The microwave plasma generation apparatus (4) is able to generate microwave plasma (P1) under a low pressure of lower than or equal to 1 Pa. A magnetron sputtering deposition system (1) includes the microwave plasma generation apparatus (4), and carries out film deposition using magnetron plasma (P2) while radiating microwave plasma (P1) between a base material (20) and a target (30). With the magnetron sputtering deposition system (1), it is possible to form a thin film having small asperities on its surface.

Abstract: The problems in accordance with the present invention are: to provide a DLC film, wherein a protective film having a segmented shape is easily formed, quality control of the protective film is improved, segmented shapes with a high degree of freedom (that are complicated) are possible, and the application of the DLC film is possible not only to two-dimensional shapes but also to three-dimensional shapes; and to provide a method for forming the DLC film. As solutions to the problems, there are provided a protective film and a method for producing the protective film, characterized by, when forming on a substrate the protective film having a segmented shape formed by depositing a film so that the film is formed divided into segments, masking the substrate using a drawing material so that segments having predetermined shapes are obtained, thereafter depositing the protective film, and then removing the masked part to form a spacing between segments.

Abstract: A method for atomic layer deposition includes providing a substrate in a reaction chamber; and performing at least one atomic layer deposition cycle to form a film on a surface of the substrate. The atomic layer deposition cycle includes passing first precursors into the reaction chamber to let first atoms included in the first precursors combine with reaction sites of the substrate; and passing second precursors into the reaction chamber to let second atoms included in the second precursors combine with the reaction sites uncombined with the first atoms or substitute at least part of the first atoms to combine with the reaction sites of the substrate. The above-mentioned method for atomic layer deposition is capable of preparing large area and uniformity of doping film without annealing process or with low temperature annealing process.

Abstract: A cleaning method for a UV chamber involves providing a first cleaning gas, a second cleaning gas, and a purge gas to one or more openings in the chamber. The first cleaning gas may be an oxygen containing gas, such as ozone, to remove carbon residues. The second cleaning gas may be a remote plasma of NF3 and O2 to remove silicon residues. The UV chamber may have two UV transparent showerheads, which together with a UV window in the chamber lid, define a gas volume proximate the UV window and a distribution volume below the gas volume. A purge gas may be flowed through the gas volume while one or more of the cleaning gases is flowed into the distribution volume to prevent the cleaning gases from impinging on the UV transparent window.

Abstract: Provided is a thin film vapor deposition method capable of implementing ALD or cyclic CVD without the need for operating a valve and vapor depositing a thin film with higher productivity over the conventional method. A thin film vapor deposition apparatus includes a substrate supporting portion having a plurality of substrate mounting portions; and a gas jetting portion comprising a source gas supplier, a reaction gas supplier, and a mixture gas supplier, provided at the upper portion of the substrate supporting portion in which the source gas supplier, the reaction gas supplier and the mixture gas supplier are radially placed, wherein the substrate supporting portion and the gas jetting portion are provided so as to be able to relatively rotate.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing a thin film on a substrate using atmospheric pressure atomic-layer deposition includes a chamber having an atmosphere and a moveable substrate. A stationary support is located in the chamber that supports the moveable substrate. A pressurized-fluid source provides a compound fluid flow including an inert fluid surrounding a reactive fluid that flows simultaneously through the stationary support and impinges on at least a portion of the moveable substrate to fluidically levitate the moveable substrate and expose the moveable substrate to the compound fluid flow to deposit a thin film on the moveable substrate.

Abstract: A method for forming a flexible transparent conductive film includes steps of: (a) electrospinning a first solution, which contains a polymer, a solvent and a metal ion-containing precursor, to form an polymeric fiber onto a soluble substrate; (b) providing energy to reduce the metal ion-containing precursor of the polymeric fiber, so as to form metal seeds on the polymeric fiber; and (c) placing the polymeric fiber together with the soluble substrate into a second solution, such that the soluble substrate dissolves in the second solution to form an electroless-plating bath and such that the polymeric fiber is subjected to electroless plating to form a metal coating from the metal seeds.

Abstract: A process for depositing a metal includes disposing a liquid deposition composition on a substrate, the liquid deposition composition including a metal cation; a reducing anion; and a solvent; evaporating the solvent; increasing a concentration of the reducing anion increases in the liquid deposition composition due to evaporating the solvent; performing an oxidation-reduction reaction between the metal cation and the reducing anion in response to increasing the concentration of the reducing anion when the reducing anion is present at a critical concentration; and forming a metal from the metal cation to deposit the metal on the substrate.