Abstract: A nucleic acid amplification reagent includes a probe which anneals to a target nucleic acid contained in a nucleic acid, and an intercalator which is inserted between base pairs of one strand of the nucleic acid and a complementary strand synthesized on the one strand, and between base pairs of the other strand of the nucleic acid and a complementary strand synthesized on the other strand. The wavelength band of light emitted from the probe and the wavelength band of light emitted from the intercalator at least partially overlap with each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, compositions, devices, systems and kits as described including, without limitation, reagents and mixtures for determining the identity of nucleic acids in nucleotide sequences using, for example, sequencing by synthesis methods. In particular, the present invention contemplates the use of polyphenolic compounds, known as antioxidant additives, to improve the efficiency of Sequencing-By-Synthesis reactions. For example, gallic acid (GA) is shown herein to be one of many exemplary SBS polyphenolic additives.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a plurality of reaction wells; and a plurality of solid supports, and each of the solid supports has a reagent attached thereto. The reagent is attached to the solid support via a labile reagent/support bond such that the reagent is configured to be cleaved from the support via a cleaving operation.

Abstract: This invention features systems and methods for the detection of analytes, and their use in the treatment and diagnosis of disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for detecting the presence of and/or determining the amount of a label-free microRNA using an atomic force microscope. The method is extremely selective and/or ultrasensitive. In particular, the present invention provides a cantilever comprising a probe that selectively binds to a double strand of DNA/RNA hybrid complex. The probe comprises a hybrid binding domain (HBD) or a variant thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides an exonuclease or an enzymatically active fragment thereof, said exonuclease having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID No. 1 or an amino acid sequence which is at least about 50% identical thereto, wherein said exonuclease or enzymatically active fragment thereof (i) is substantially irreversibly inactivated by heating at a temperature of about 55° C. for 10 minutes in a buffer consisting of 10 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.5 at 25° C., 50 mM KCl and 5 mM MgCl2; (ii) is substantially specific for single stranded DNA; and (iii) has a 3?-5? exonuclease activity. The invention further provides a method of removing single stranded DNA from a sample, a method of nucleic acid amplification, a method of reverse transcription and a method of nucleic acid sequence analysis in which the exonuclease or enzymatically active fragment thereof is used.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, reaction mixtures, kits, and/or systems for producing a complementary sequence to a region in a target polynucleotide in a sample are provided. In some aspects, the methods, compositions, reaction mixtures, kits, and/or systems comprise subjecting the sample to a nucleic acid amplification reaction in a reaction mixture under conditions to yield the complete sequence to the region of the target polynucleotide. In some aspects, the complementary sequence produced is amplified.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and systems are provided for characterization of modified nucleic acids. In certain preferred embodiments, single molecule sequencing methods are provided for identification of modified nucleotides within nucleic acid sequences. Modifications detectable by the methods provided herein include chemically modified bases, enzymatically modified bases, abasic sites, non-natural bases, secondary structures, and agents bound to a template nucleic acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for sequencing a heteropolymeric target nucleic acid sequence that involves stochastic sensing. The invention also relates to a method for improving a pore for sequencing a target nucleic acid sequence by modifying one or more sites in the pore.

Abstract: Analysis Of A Polymer A biochemical analysis system analyses polymers by taking measurements of a polymer from a sensor element comprising a nanopore during translocation of the polymer through the nanopore. When a polymer has partially translocated, the series of measurements is analysed using reference data derived from a reference sequence to provide a measure of similarity. Responsive to the measure of similarity, the sensor element may be selectively operated to eject the polymer and thereby make the nanopore available to receive a further polymer. Where the biochemical analysis system comprises an array of sensor elements and is takes measurements from sensor elements selected in a multiplexed manner, responsive to the measure of similarity, the biochemical analysis system ceases taking measurements from the currently selected sensor element and to starts taking measurements from a newly selected sensor element.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, compositions, devices, systems and kits are described including, without limitation, reagents and mixtures, for determining the identity of nucleic acids in nucleotide sequences using, for example, data obtained from sequencing by synthesis methods.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting abnormal karyotypes are disclosed. An example method can comprise determining read coverage data, allele balance distributions of heterozygous SNPs, and chromosomal segments where heterozygosity is not observed. The methods and systems can then determine one or more metrics which can be indicative of abnormal karyotype(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, in particular an in vitro method, for identifying CD3CD4 positive T lymphocytes of a mammal, wherein said method comprises analysing the methylation status of at least one CpG position in the CD3a/b/c/d/g genes, in particular their “upstream” regulatory regions, and in particular the promoter and other conserved regions of the gene cd3, wherein a demethylation of at least one CpG in the analyzed sample to at least 90% is indicative for memory and naive CD4 or/and memory and/or naïve T lymphocytes. Furthermore, the present invention is directed at the use of DNA-methylation analysis of the genes CD3a/b/c/d for the detection and quality assurance and control of T lymphocytes. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a kit for performing the above methods as well as respective uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the identification, of compositions and methods for the identification, assessment, prevention, and treatment of T-cell exhaustion using CD39 biomarkers and modulators.

Abstract: Biomarkers predictive of responsiveness to integrin beta7 antagonists, including anti-beta7 integrin subunit antibodies, and methods of using such biomarkers are provided. In addition, methods of treating gastrointestinal inflammatory disorders such as inflammatory bowel diseases including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are provided. Also provided are methods of using such predictive biomarkers for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Abstract: The present inventions relates to methods and assays to predict the response of an individual to an SSRI treatment and to a method to improve medical treatment of a disorder, which is responsive to treatment with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

Abstract: DNA array for detecting canine toll-like receptor gene mutations New mutations in canine toll-like receptor genes are provided. The invention relates further to DNA arrays comprising oligonucleotides capable of hybridizing to at least a TLR gene fragment codifying for at least one of the new mutations leading to non-functional proteins. The invention also includes methods for the analysis of mutations and for the genetic predisposition of an individual of Canis genera to suffer from any disease related with dysfunctions of the innate immunity system. The invention also provides a method for the individual identification of canine subjects.

Abstract: Genotyping methods and compositions for selecting patients with cardiovascular disease who will benefit from treatment with HDL-raising or HDL mimicking agent, in particular with a CETP inhibitor/modulator

Abstract: The invention provides methods for diagnosing eosinophilic esophagitis in a patient using a biomarker based assay directed to KCNJ2/Kir2.1 and related compositions, kits, and computer program products.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of mircoRNAs associated with rosacea and to the uses thereof. More specifically, the invention relates to a method of diagnosing rosacea in a subject, comprising the determination, in a sample from said subject, of the expression of at least the combination of the following seven microRNAs: hsa-miR-3201, hsa-miR-4423-3p, hsa-miR-3128, hsa-miR-3163, hsa-miR-606, hsa-miR-4776-5p and hsa-miR-635.

Abstract: A health-ageing biomarker is provided which has utility in assessing the biological age of an individual. The biomarker has particular utility in the prediction of the likelihood of an individual developing an ageing-related disease, screening for anti-ageing drugs and to assist with the diagnosis of an ageing-related disease, or assessing the likelihood of an organ being successfully used or matched to a donor patient. Also presented are methods utilising the biomarker and methods of identifying such biomarkers.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods for determining if a dendritic cell is a type 2 dendritic cell or a tolerogenic dendritic cell, methods for determining if a patient undergoing immunotherapy, and/or who has been administered with a vaccine, is developing an immune response oriented either towards a regulatory T cell response or towards an effector type 2 cell response, and methods of determining response to immunotherapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of cancer. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions useful in the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. As described herein, and particularly in reference to the figures, the present inventors have discovered that OTUs and several microbial communities at different taxonomic levels discriminates HNSCC from normal control samples, HPV+ and HPV? samples and pre- vs. post-surgical treatment samples. Appropriate diagnostic and treatment strategies can be employed based on the identification of the microbiota in patients' saliva.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an application of a target nucleic acid detection method using a clamping probe and a detection probe. The method of the present invention can effectively detect a small amount of variation or a specific gene sequence contained in a sample by selective amplification and detection of a trace amount of a target gene to be detected while inhibiting amplification of wild-type genes or undesired genes. The method of the present invention comprises a step for evaluating the detection of biomarkers such as EGFR, KRAS, NRAS etc. and the presence of mutations of biomarkers using invasive specimens such as tissues as well as non-invasive specimens (blood, urine, sputum, stool, saliva, and cells). The presence of the biomarker and mutations provides a method used for monitoring of the entire cycle of a related disease, disease prognosis and prediction, decision of disease treatment strategy, disease diagnosis/early diagnosis, disease prevention, and development of disease therapeutics.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for determining the level of risk for development or progression of a hematologic neoplasia in a subject by analyzing the level of a phosphatidylinositol glycan anchor biosynthesis protein, and providing an appropriate treatment or preventive measure, on the basis of this risk.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of pharmacogenomics and in particular to detecting the presence or absence of hypermethylated DNA. The detection of CpG methylation in marker DNA is useful for the diagnosis of cancers and the invention provides improved methods for this purpose. These improved methods allow in particular for a more sensitive detection of methylated marker DNA with high backgrounds of unmethylated marker DNA.

Abstract: An ultra-sensitive, specific methodology for detecting PIK3CA mutations in biological samples of cancer patients, comprises a combination of allele-specific, asymmetric rapid PCR and melting analysis in a DNA sample from Circulating Tumor Cells, cell-free DNA in plasma/serum, or Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded tissues. Using the allele-specific primers for hotspot mutations in exons 9 and 20 (E545K and H1047R), detection can enhance amplification of mutant PIK3CA allele sequence, whereas presence of corresponding competitive blocking unlabeled probes for each exon can avoid non-specific amplification of wild-type PIK3CA sequence increasing the sensitivity and the specificity of method. The mutational detection is completed with melting curve analysis of the unlabeled probe and DNA template of the mutant PIK3CA sequence.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of determining the likelihood of a subject having or developing a gastric cancer. The methods comprise measuring the expression level of at least one miRNA having at least 90% sequence identity with an miRNA as described herein in a non-cellular biofluid sample obtained from the subject, wherein differential expression of miRNA expression in the sample obtained from the subject, as compared to a control, may be indicative of the subject having gastric cancer and wherein the miRNA may be either an miRNA listed as “up-regulated” or an miRNA listed as “down-regulated”. Also disclosed is a method of determining the likelihood of a subject having or developing a stage of a gastric cancer.

Abstract: A theranostic composition and method for determining the cell-specific potency of drugs is provided. Further, compositions and methods useful for studying the therapeutic profile of one or more drugs within a cell microenvironment, including but not limited to a tumor, are provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and kits for the detection of solid tumor cancers by measuring expression levels of at least one biomarker of solid tumor microenvironment potential or solid state tumor mass potential.

Abstract: A multi-gene-based assay for analysis of the following: (a) oncogene expression; (b) DNA methylation of tumor suppressor genes; (c) non-coding RNA expression (microRNA profiling); and (d) long non-coding RNA expression in cancer samples is disclosed. The assay method and device for conducting the assay are applicable to diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of various cancers such as lung, breast, colorectal, prostate, liver, bladder; kidney, cervix, pancreatic, gastric, brain, oral, endometrium, and ovary. The assay methods find use in avoidance or postponement of surgical removal of cancer tissue.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing a resistance against a therapeutic agent in a patient, which includes measuring an amount of ERCC1 isoform 3 protein and/or an amount of ERCC1 isoform 3 mRNA, which present in a liquid sample or a tissue sample obtained from the patient, and comparing the measured amount to a predetermined value, wherein an amount above the predetermined value indicates resistance against said therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Methods for generating a prognostic and/or subtype signature for a subject with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are provided. In some embodiments, the methods include determining expression levels for one or more genes listed in Tables 2-5, 9, 10, or 11, and/or the DE-S and/or DE-T subset of genes in PDAC cells obtained from the subject, wherein the determining provides a prognostic and/or subtype signature for the subject. Also provided are methods for classifying a subject diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) as having an activated stroma subtype or a normal stroma subtype of PDAC and/or a basal subtype or a classical subtype of PDAC; and methods for identifying a differential treatment strategy for a subject diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of classification of cancer type or subtype in a subject by detecting glycosyltransferase gene expression in a sample from the subject. In particular, where the method is for classification of cancer subtype in the subject the glycosyltransferase genes may be survival associated glycosyltransferase genes. The invention further relates to a kit comprising glycosyltransferase gene biomarkers for use with the method, and a method of treatment of cancer in a subject with the use of the method or kit of the invention.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus determine whether a first chromosomal region exhibits a deletion or an amplification associated with cancer in a sample from a subject (e.g., where the sample includes a mixture of cell-free DNA from tumor cells and non-malignant cells. Nucleic acid molecules of the biological sample are sequenced. Respective amounts of a clinically-relevant chromosomal region and of background chromosomal region(s) are determined from results of the sequencing. A parameter derived from these amounts (e.g. a ratio) is compared to one or more cutoff values, thereby determining a classification of whether first chromosomal region exhibits a deletion or an amplification associated with cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods and kits for diagnosing trichomoniasis.

Abstract: A Sidt1 gene controlling a determinate growth habit of sesame, the gene having a length of 1809 bp and including four exons and three introns. The Sidt1 gene is located on the fourth chromosome of sesame and in an 18.0-19.2 cM interval of the eighth linkage group on an SNP genetic map of sesame. The DNA sequence of the Sidt1 gene is represented by SEQ ID NO. 1. A cDNA sequence of the Sidt1 gene has a length of 531 bp and encodes 176 amino acids, and the cDNA sequence is represented by SEQ ID NO. 2. An SNP molecular marker Sidt27-1 of the Sidt1 gene has a length of 92 bp and is located at a base sequence from 378 to 469 of the Sidt1 gene, and a DNA sequence of the SNP molecular marker Sidt27-1 is represented by SEQ ID NO. 3.

Abstract: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection results in the entry of viral genomic DNA into host liver cells. This viral relaxed circular DNA (rcDNA) is transported into the nucleus and converted into covalent closed-circular DNA (cccDNA), which serves as a template for viral transcription. Elimination of cccDNA is needed to cure HBV infection, which remains a major therapeutic challenge. A robust and sensitive method to measure cccDNA described here is useful to facilitate drug development and to monitor efficacy of therapy. A set of primers were designed in combination with sodium bisulfite treatment of viral DNA, allowing specific amplification of cccDNA without interfering amplification of rcDNA. This method can be used to further guide therapeutic development, and to provide a non-invasive alternative to monitoring of HBV-infected patients undergoing antiviral treatments.

Abstract: A process for leather production from a raw animal hide includes the steps of pre-soaking, soaking, unhairing and liming, re-liming, deliming and bating, pickling and tanning, degreasing, re-tanning, neutralizing, dyeing and fatliquoring, and washing the processed hide. Waste liquid is collected from at least one of the foregoing steps is recycled to at least one of the foregoing steps. The collected waste liquid can be recycled to the same step, to a different step, or to two of more steps in the process.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for producing a biofabricated material from collagen or collagen-like proteins which are recombinantly produced and which contain substantially no 3-hydroxyproline. The collagen or collagen-like proteins are isolated from animal sources, or produced by recombinant DNA techniques or by chemical synthesis. The collagen or collagen-like proteins are fibrillated, crosslinked, dehydrated and lubricated thus forming the biofabricated material having a substantially uniform network of collagen fibrils.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a heat-resistant hexavalent chromium removal agent, which is capable of remaining in a leather or leather article for a long period of time and stably detoxifying hexavalent chromium over the long term even when a leather or leather article contains hexavalent chromium, and a leather or leather article, in which the hexavalent chromium content is less than 3 ppm. The leather or leather article of the present invention contains at least: an organic compound (A) having a structure shown in chemical formula (1) and hydroxyphenyl but not aldehyde and carboxyl, which organic compound has a property to reduce hexavalent chromium to trivalent chromium; and trivalent chromium, and the hexavalent chromium content determined in accordance with ISO 17075: 2008-02 is less than 3 ppm.

Abstract: Biofabricated leathers made by electrocompaction and/or electrospsinning. Described herein are biofabricated leather materials derived from electrospun or electrocompacted collagen networks. These electrospun or electrocompacted leathers may have leather-like properties following and are may be processed as native leather and used to form leather goods.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a composite material comprising a biofabricated material and a secondary component. The secondary component may be a porous material, such as a sheet of paper, cellulose, or fabric that has been coated or otherwise contacted with the biofabricated material. The biofabricated material comprises a uniform network of crosslinked collagen fibrils and provides strength, elasticity and an aesthetic appearance to the composite material.

Abstract: A biofabricated material containing a network of crosslinked collagen fibrils is disclosed. This material is composed of collagen which is also a major component of natural leather and is produced by a process of fibrillation of collagen molecules into fibrils, crosslinking the fibrils and lubricating the crosslinked fibrils. Unlike natural leathers, this biofabricated material exhibits non-anisotropic (not directionally dependent) physical properties, for example, a sheet of biofabricated material can have substantially the same elasticity or tensile strength when stretched or stressed in different directions. Unlike natural leather, it has a uniform texture that facilitates uniform uptake of dyes and coatings. Aesthetically, it produces a uniform and consistent grain for ease of manufacturability. It can have substantially identical grain, texture and other aesthetic properties on both sides distinct from natural leather where the grain increases from one side (e.g.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blast furnace plant (1, 1a-1c) with a blast furnace (2) and a charging device (3) for the blast furnace (2). In order to provide an economical way of providing clean gas to the charging device, the invention provides that the blast furnace plant (1, 1a-1c) further comprises: at least one nozzle (6) for introducing a clean gas into said charging device (3); a cleaning device (7) which is connected for receiving gas from the blast furnace (2) and arranged for removing dust from the gas; at least one compressor (9) arranged for receiving gas from the cleaning device (7), compressing the gas and feeding the gas to the at least one nozzle (6); and at least one turbine (8) connected for receiving and being driven by gas from the blast furnace (2), the at least one turbine being mechanically coupled to drive the at least one compressor (9).

Abstract: Described are solid agglomerates of fine metal particles and methods for manufacturing same. A liquid oily lubricant is used in the manufacture of the solid agglomerates. The manufacturing comprises blending fine metal particles with the liquid oily lubricant and compacting the oily metallic mixture obtained to desired solid form. Advantageously, the solid agglomerates possess a desirable density, a suitable resistance to crumbling and dusting during handling, and they can resist to high temperature and to humidity. Solid agglomerated metal products, according to the invention, may be useful for different purposes such as quality charge material for steel plants, blast furnaces and foundries.

Abstract: Austempered steel for components requiring high strength and high ductility and/or fracture toughness, which has a silicon content of 3.1 weight-% to 4.4 weight-% and a carbon content of 0.4 weight-% to 0.6 weight-%. The microstructure of the austempered steel is ausferritic or superbainitic.

Abstract: A grain-oriented electrical steel sheet includes a steel layer and an insulation coating arranged in directly contact with the steel layer thereon. The steel layer includes, as a chemical composition, by mass %, 2.9 to 4.0% of Si, 2.0 to 4.0% of Mn, 0 to 0.20% of Sn, and 0 to 0.20% of Sb. In the steel layer, a silicon content and a manganese content expressed in mass % satisfy 1.2%?Si-0.5×Mn?2.0%, and a tin content and an antimony content expressed in mass % satisfy 0.005%?Sn+Sb?0.20%.

Abstract: A manufacturing method and a manufacturing apparatus for a head hardened rail to which various alloy elements are added and which is excellent in hardness and toughness of a head portion surface layer. The method includes, when forcibly cooling at least a head portion of a hot-rolled rail or a heated rail, starting the forcible cooling from a state where a surface temperature of the head portion of the rail is not less than an austenite range temperature, and performing the forcible cooling at a cooling rate of 10° C./sec or more until the surface temperature reaches 500° C. or more and 700° C. or less after the forcible cooling is started.

Abstract: A stainless steel spring with excellent corrosion resistance and fatigue strength is provided by performing: a process of drawing a steel wire at a specific degree of drawing ?, the steel wire containing, in percentage by mass, C in an amount of 0.08% or lower, Si in an amount of 0.3% to 2.0%, Mn in an amount of 3.0% or lower, Ni in an amount of 8.0% to 10.5%, Cr in an amount of 16.0% to 22.0%, Mo in an amount of 0.5% to 3.0%, and N in an amount of 0.15% to 0.23%, with a remainder being made up of Fe and impurities; a process of obtaining a coiled steel wire; a process of heat treatment at from 500° C. to 600° C., and from 20 minutes to 40 minutes; a process of nitriding to form a nitride layer having a thickness of from 40 ?m to 60 ?m on a surface of the steel wire; a process of shot peening; and a process of heat treatment.