Abstract: Provided is a method for selective amplification of a variant of a target nucleic acid sequence. Also provided is an oligonucleotide fragment with a particular structure which is used in the the method, the oligonucleotide fragment includes a primer region and a variant recognition region.

Abstract: This disclosure provides chips, systems and methods for sequencing a nucleic acid sample. Tagged nucleotides are provided into a reaction chamber comprising a nanopore in a membrane. An individual tagged nucleotide of the tagged nucleotides can contain a tag coupled to a nucleotide, which tag is detectable with the aid of the nanopore. Next, an individual tagged nucleotide of the tagged nucleotides can be incorporated into a growing strand complementary to a single stranded nucleic acid molecule derived from the nucleic acid sample. With the aid of the nanopore, a tag associated with the individual tagged nucleotide can be detected upon incorporation of the individual tagged nucleotide. The tag can be detected with the aid of the nanopore when the tag is released from the nucleotide.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and materials for rereading individual single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules with a nanopore device. A single strand polymer can be passed through a nanopore in a nanopore sequencing device in a first direction and then passed through the pore of the device in the reverse direction. The method uses adapters ligated to the DNA strand, at either end of the segment to be analyzed. The method also uses an enzyme that can move the strand through the nanopore against the force applied by a voltage. When the enzyme is removed from the stand, the strand moves in the opposite direction through the nanopore, under force from the voltage. The 3? adapter contains a sequence that folds into a secondary structure that inhibits the enzyme from translocating on the strand, such as an intramolecular G-quadruplex (GQ). The 5? adapter contains a sequence that prevents binding of the enzyme to the strand.

Abstract: The invention relates to hetero-oligomeric pores derived from Msp. The invention also relates to polynucleotide characterisation using the hetero-oligomeric pores.

Abstract: The present invention regards a variety of methods and compositions for obtaining epigenetic information, such as DNA methylation patterns, through the preparation, amplification and analysis of Methylome libraries.

Abstract: Technology provided herein relates in part to methods, processes and apparatuses for non-invasive assessment of genetic variations.

Abstract: A paired-end sequencing method for sequencing a string of oligonucleotides is disclosed. The method includes preparing a template that includes a substrate with a plurality of wells. Each well includes a pair of strands, formed of a forward strand and a corresponding reverse strand, from the string of oligonucleotides. Each pair of strands are sequenced simultaneously to obtain a reads pairs set, where each reads pair includes a read and a corresponding read-pair. The reads pairs set is processed by generating a sequences pairs set, where each sequences pair has a read sequence and a read-pair sequence respective to a pair of reads of the set of pairs of reads, mapping the sequences pairs set along a reference genome, and re-sequencing the mapped sequences pairs set to obtain the sequence of the string of oligonucleotides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new method of characterizing a target polynucleotide. The method uses a pore and a Hel308 helicase or amolecular motor which is capable of binding to the target polynucleotide at an internal nucleotide. The helicase or molecular motor controls the movement of the target polynucleotide through the pore.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems and compositions for determining substrate specificity of an enzyme. The disclosed methods, systems and compositions can be used for identifying enzymes capable of modifying substrates of interest and/or quantifying enzymatic activity.

Abstract: Provided are an adaptor element in a bubble shape, a method of constructing a sequencing library with such an adapter element. The adaptor element is a hybrid formed with a long-chain nucleic acid A and a short-chain nucleic acid B. The hybrid is in the bubble shape with paired regions at two terminals and a non-paired region in the middle.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for digital profiling of nucleic acid sequences present in a sample are provided.

Abstract: In some embodiments, methods for obtaining sequence information from a nucleic acid template linked to a support include hybridizing a first primer to a template strand linked to a support, sequencing a portion of the nucleic acid template, thereby forming an extended first primer product that is complementary to a portion of the nucleic acid template, In some embodiments, the method further includes introducing a nick into a portion of the template strand that is hybridized to the extended first primer product, degrading a portion of the template strand from the nick using a degrading agent, where a portion of the extended first primer remains hybridized to an undegraded portion of the template strand, and sequencing at least some of the single-stranded portion of the extended first primer by synthesis.

Abstract: Provided are a biomarker composition for the diagnosis of moyamoya disease, including caveolin-1, a kit for the diagnosis of moyamoya disease, a method of providing information for moyamoya disease diagnosis, and a method of screening a moyamoya disease therapeutic agent. According to the present disclosure, specific treatment for moyamoya disease is possible by distinguishing the disease from atherosclerosis, which is a similar cerebrovascular stenosis disease, and thus unnecessary factors or risk factors that may be accompanied by side effects may be avoided and, therefore, may be applied to effective MMD therapies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the proline rich transmembrane protein 2 (PRRT2) gene, and the identification of mutations and variations in PRRT2 that give rise to seizure and movement disorders. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for the diagnosis or prognosis of such disorders by identifying alterations in the PRRT2 gene. Identification of alterations in the PRRT2 gene also enables the identification of subjects with an increased likelihood of having an offspring predisposed to such disorders. The present invention also provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising an alteration in the PRRT2 gene, wherein said alteration produces a seizure and/or movement disorder phenotype. Also provided is an isolated PRRT2 polypeptide that comprises an alteration which produces a seizure and/or movement disorder phenotype.

Abstract: p53-upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA) is a biomarker associated with islet cell health. If PUMA is low, islet cells are typically healthy. If PUMA is high, islet cells are typically unhealthy or dying. PUMA may be measured by either measuring its nucleic or amino acid. PUMA mRNA may be induced by TNF-? stimulation in a time- and dose-dependent manner and ? cell apoptosis is induced through a mitochondrial pathway. TNF-? significantly inhibited glucose-induced preproinsulin precursor mRNA synthesis. Such ? cell stress signaling in human islets indicates overall state of islet health and, ultimately, the risk of onset and/or degree of severity of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the identification of subjects with a predisposition to recurrent depression, predicting a subject's responsiveness to therapy, and determining whether a subject has remitted from depression following therapy. In particular, provided herein are biomarkers, methods, and kits for such uses.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the identification of subjects with a predisposition to recurrent depression, predicting a subject's responsiveness to therapy, and determining whether a subject has remitted from depression following therapy. In particular, provided herein are biomarkers, methods, and kits for such uses.

Abstract: A system for classifying thyroid nodule tissue as malignant or benign is provided that is based on the identification of sets of gene transcripts, which are characterized in that changes in expression of each gene transcript within a set of gene transcripts can be correlated to with either malignant or benign thyroid nodule disease. The thyroid classification system provides for sets of “thyroid classifying” target sequences and further provides for combinations of polynucleotide probes and primers derived there from. These combinations of polynucleotide probes can be provided in solution or as an array. The combination of probes and the arrays can be used for diagnosis. The invention further provides further methods of classifying thyroid nodule tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for predicting sensitivity to treatment with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) inhibitors, by using a biomarker. An effective means and anticancer therapy for cancer treatment of liver cancer are selected by predicting the effect of treatment with VEGFR inhibitors on liver cancer patients through the present invention, thereby increasing the treatment effect and minimizing the side effects of liver cancer treatment.

Abstract: The present application concerns a new in vitro method for assessing the risk that a subject suffers from prostate cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for determining the immunological status of the adaptive immune system of a subject by identifying and quantifying rearranged DNA (and/or subsequently transcribed RNA) sequences encoding T cell receptor (TCR) and/or immunoglobulin (IG) polypeptides, in a lymphoid DNA-containing sample from the subject TCR and/or IG sequence diversity and sequence distribution permit immunocompetence and immune repertoire assessment and reflect the degree of T cell or B cell clonality and clerical exspansion in the sample. Methods for stratifying patient populations on the basis of immunocompetence including likelihood of responding to immunotherapy are also described.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials involved in assessing samples (e.g., cancer cells) for the presence of homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) or an HRD signature. For example, methods and materials for determining whether or not a cell (e.g., a cancer cell) contains an HRD signature are provided. Materials and methods for identifying cells (e.g., cancer cells) having a deficiency in homology directed repair (HDR) as well as materials and methods for identifying cancer patients likely to respond to a particular cancer treatment regimen also are provided.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods and compositions related to detecting neoplasia in ulcerative colitis patients by detection and analysis of the methylation state of miR-1, -9, -124, miR-137 and/or miR-34b/c in samples from UC patients.

Abstract: High-grade gliomas are the most common brain tumors in humans and are essentially incurable. The defining hallmark of these high-grade gliomas is the presence within the tumor mass of highly tumorigenic cellular subpopulations that fuel tumor aggressiveness. Identification of the molecular mechanisms remains elusive. Therefore, there is a need for diagnostic markers to accurately determine the type of glioma and appropriate treatment. Gene delivery vehicles are provided that comprise an oncogene, IRES-Cre-ER cassette and a gene encoding an oligonucleotide that inhibits p53 including shp53. Methods are also provided for determining a diagnosis and for treatment of non-aggressive and aggressive gliomas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for early detection of non-small cell lung cancer based on the abundance of RNAs from blood samples as well as diagnostic tools such as kits and arrays suitable for such method.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of treating a subject having a cancer, methods of selecting a treatment for a subject having a cancer, methods of selecting a subject having a cancer for a treatment that does not include a Trk inhibitor, methods of determining the likelihood that a subject having a cancer will have a positive response to a treatment with a Trk inhibitor, methods of predicting the efficacy of a Trk inhibitor in a subject having cancer, methods of determining a subject's risk for developing a Trk inhibitor-resistant cancer, and methods of determining the presence of a Trk inhibitor-resistant cancer in a subject, based on the detection of a cell from a sample from the subject that has at least one of the point mutations in NTRK1 and/or NTRK2 and/or NTRK3.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of treating a subject having a cancer, methods of selecting a treatment for a subject having a cancer, methods of selecting a subject having a cancer for a treatment that does not include a Trk inhibitor, methods of determining the likelihood that a subject having a cancer will have a positive response to a treatment with a Trk inhibitor, methods of predicting the efficacy of a Trk inhibitor in a subject having cancer, methods of determining a subject's risk for developing a Trk inhibitor-resistant cancer, and methods of determining the presence of a Trk inhibitor-resistant cancer in a subject, based on the detection of a cell from a sample from the subject that has at least one of the point mutations in NTRK1 and/or NTRK2 and/or NTRK3.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to methods and compositions for identifying soybean plants that having increased Phytophthora root and stem rot resistance. The methods use molecular markers to identify and to select plants with increased Phytophthora root and stem rot resistance or to identify and deselect plants with decreased Phytophthora root and stem rot resistance. Soybean plants generated by the methods disclosed are also a feature of the present subject matter.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods, compositions and kits for the detection of a plurality of analytes in a sample. In some examples, this disclosure provides methods, compositions, and kits for detecting analytes, genetic variations, monitoring reaction process, and monitoring analyte-analyte interactions by measuring signals. In some examples, the presence of signals or changes in signals may be used to construct signal profiles which can be used to detect analytes.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an assay for detecting and differentiating multiple analytes, if present, in a single fluid sample, including devices and methods therefore.

Abstract: Gene-modified, lymphoid-tissue-homing dendritic cells that comprise a 1-alpha-hydroxylase gene and a retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene, where the 1-alpha-hydroxylase gene is expressed to produce functional 1-alpha-hydroxylase enzyme and the retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene is expressed to produce functional retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene enzyme. A method for treating one or more than one inflammation-related condition or disease, the method comprising administering gene-modified, lymphoid-tissue-homing dendritic cells that comprise a 1-alpha-hydroxylase gene and a retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene, where the 1-alpha-hydroxylase gene is expressed to produce functional 1-alpha-hydroxylase enzyme and the retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene is expressed to produce functional retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene enzyme.

Abstract: Without limitation, the disclosure provides processes for (a) dissolving biomass in ionic liquids, (b) deconstructing cellulose, hemicellulose and/or lignin into derivatives including fermentable sugars, (c) separating the biomass derivatives from the ionic liquid, and (d) converting the biomass derivatives to useful fuels or chemicals, either dissolved within or separated from the ionic liquid. It should be understood that processes described herein can be used in isolation or in combination with each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved process for separating lignin and monomeric sugars from a liquor comprising lignin and monomeric sugars in a solvent mixture of water and at least one organic solvent, which employs membrane filtration techniques such as nanofiltration and selective water removal, preferably by permeation through a membrane which is selective for water molecules. The invention further relates to a modular system for executing the process according to the invention. The process and system according to the invention are particularly suitable to be incorporated with pre-treatment of lignocellulosic biomass, in particular by organosolv fractionation or solvolysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an elongated pelt board for accommodating an animal pelt. The pelt board comprises a first wall element, a second wall element being spaced apart from the first wall element in the first radial direction, a third wall element and a fourth wall element being spaced apart from the third wall element in a second radial direction. The wall elements together define a cavity along a longitudinal direction. The wall elements defining a contracted state in which the first and second radial distances are reduced, and an expanded state in which the first and second radial distances are increased. The pelt board further comprising an elongated core element being movable in relation to each of the wall elements. The elongated core element allows the wall elements to selectively define the contracted state or the expanded state by moving the elongated core element in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Provided is a high-strength electric resistance welded steel pipe having excellent bendability and which includes a composition containing, on a mass % basis, C: 0.04% to 0.15%, Si: 0.10% to 0.50%, Mn: 1.0% to 2.2%, P: 0.050% or less, S: 0.005% or less, Cr: 0.2% to 1.0%, Ti: 0.005% to 0.030%, and Al: 0.010% to 0.050%, the balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities, and a microstructure including polygonal ferrite with a volume fraction of 70% or more and retained austenite with a volume fraction of 3% to 20%, the balance being at least one selected from martensite, bainite, and pearlite, wherein the polygonal ferrite has an average grain size of 5 ?m or more and an aspect ratio of 1.40 or less.

Abstract: In the production of a non-oriented electrical stress sheet by hot rolling a steel slab containing, by mass %, C: not more than 0.005%, Si: not more than 8.0%, Mn: 0.03-3.0%, P: not more than 0.2%, S: not more than 0.005%, Al: not more than 3.0%, N: not more than 0.005%, Ni: not more than 3%, Cr: not more than 5%, Ti: not more than 0.005%, Nb: not more than 0.003%, As: not more than 0.005% and O: not more than 0.005%, subjecting to one cold rolling or two or more cold rollings interposing an intermediate annealing therebetween after conducting a hot band annealing or without conducting a hot band annealing and subjecting to a finish annealing, an average heating rate from 600° C. to 700° C. during the heating process in the finish annealing is set to not less than 50° C./sec.

Abstract: In a grain-oriented electrical steel sheet including: a steel substrate; a ceramic base film; and an insulating coating, critical damage shear stress ? between the base film and the steel substrate is 50 MPa or more. Thus, a grain-oriented electrical steel sheet having excellent insulation property, stacking factor, and magnetic property is provided without coating damage even when magnetic domain refining treatment by thermal strain is performed.

Abstract: A fixture for supporting articles in an industrial process includes a plurality of elongate members having a plurality of first elongate members, a plurality of second elongate members, and a plurality of third elongate members. Each of the plurality of first elongate members includes a rod member having a riveted portion at an end thereof. The rod member of one of the plurality of first elongate members extends through an aperture of one of the plurality of second elongate members and an aperture of one of the plurality of third elongate members and is movably coupled thereto by the riveted portion of the rod member.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hollow element which has an internal space and of which the internal space is cryogenically used, the method comprising a base material forming step of forming a base material which has a space to serve as the internal space; a filling step of filling the internal space of the formed base material with fluid having a temperature equal to or lower than a temperature at which the base material is subjected to solid-phase transformation and causing the base material to be subjected to the solid-phase transformation; and a finishing step of finishing the base material after the base material is subjected to phase transformation.

Abstract: A heat treatment process for a non-quench hardened steel article or friction-welded steel article including normalizing and annealing steps whereby uniformity of microstructure and hardness are significantly improved.

Abstract: A case hardening steel having excellent fatigue resistance is provided at relatively low production cost. A case hardening steel has a chemical composition containing C: 0.10% to 0.30%, Si: 0.10% to 1.20%, Mn: 0.30% to 1.50%, S: 0.010% to 0.030%, Cr: 0.10% to 1.00%, B: 0.0005% to 0.0050%, Sb: 0.005% to 0.020%, and N: 0.0150% or less in a predetermined range, and further containing Al: 0.010%?Al?0.120% in the case where B?(10.8/14)N ?0.0003%, and 27/14[(N?(14/10.8)B+0.030]?Al?0.120% in the case where B?(10.8/14)N<0.0003%.

Abstract: A high-strength galvanized steel sheet and method for producing the same. The high-strength galvanized steel sheet including a specified chemical composition and a microstructure comprising, in terms of area fraction, a tempered martensite phase: 30% or more and 73% or less, a ferrite phase: 25% or more and 68% or less, a retained austenite phase: 2% or more and 15% or less, and other phases: 10% or less (including 0%), the other phases comprising a martensite phase: 3% or less (including 0%) and a bainitic ferrite phase: less than 5% (including 0%), the tempered martensite phase having an average grain size of 8 ?m or less, the ferrite phase having an average grain size of 5 ?m or less, and the retained austenite phase having a C content less than 0.7% by mass.

Abstract: A high-strength galvanized steel sheet having a chemical composition containing, by mass %, C: 0.07% to 0.25%, Si: 0.01% to 3.00%, Mn: 1.5% to 4.0%, P: 0.100% or less, S: 0.02% or less, Al: 0.01% to 1.50%, N: 0.001% to 0.008%, Ti: 0.003% to 0.200%, B: 0.0003% to 0.

Abstract: This high-strength austenitic stainless steel having excellent hydrogen embrittlement resistance characteristics includes, by mass %, C: 0.2% or less, Si: 0.3% to 1.5%, Mn: 7.0% to 11.0%, P: 0.06% or less, S: 0.008% or less, Ni: 5.0% to 10.0%, Cr: 14.0% to 20.0%, Cu: 1.0% to 5.0%, N: 0.01% to 0.4%, and 0: 0.015% or less, with the balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities, wherein an average size of Cr-based carbonitrides is 100 nm or less, and an amount of the Cr-based carbonitrides is 0.001% to 0.5% in terms of % by mass.

Abstract: A steel sheet used for hot stamping includes, by weight percent, 0.18˜0.42% of C, 4˜8.5% of Mn and 0.8˜3.0% of Si+Al with the balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities. The alloy elements of the steel sheet enable the actual measured value of the martensitic transformation start temperature after hot stamping to be ?280° C. The method for manufacturing the component includes: heating the material to 700˜850° C. and then stamping; cooling it to the temperature that is 150˜260° C. below the martensitic transformation start temperature by cooling in a die, cooling by air, water, or other methods; heating the component to a temperature ranging from 160 to 450° C. and maintaining the temperature for 1 to 100000 seconds for heat treatment, and then cooling the component to room temperature. The formed component has a yield strength of ?1200 MPa, a tensile strength of ?1600 MPa and a total elongation of ?10%.

Abstract: A hot-pressed member is formed using a tailored blank material obtained by butt joining respective ends of two or more coated steel sheets. The hot-pressed member has two or more sites formed by the respective coated steel sheets and at least one joining portion between the sites. Depending on a type of a coated layer of each of the coated steel sheets, tw/t0 is appropriately controlled where tw is a thickness of a thinnest portion in the joining portion and t0 is a thickness of a thinnest site of the sites. A tensile strength of each of the sites is 1180 MPa or more.

Abstract: Provided are a sulfuric acid adding facility and an operation method therefor which enable an increase in the maximum capacity and the operation rate of a sulfuric acid supply pump provided in the sulfuric acid adding facility. In a sulfuric acid adding facility, sulfuric acid is added to an autoclave used in a leaching step of a high pressure acid leaching (HPAL) method for a nickel oxide ore. The sulfuric acid adding facility is provided with the same number (n+1) (n is an integer, at least 1) of each of the following: a plurality of sulfuric acid adding pipes for adding sulfuric acid into the autoclave; and a plurality of sulfuric acid supply pumps for supplying sulfuric acid to the sulfuric acid adding pipes. Each of the first through n+1th sulfuric acid supply pumps includes at least three diaphragms and discharge ports of the same number as that of the diaphragms.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating and recovering the components of an alloy, particularly a noble alloy, including a high vacuum chamber housing at least one crucible for the alloy to be separated; at least one heating element arranged, during use, around the crucible; at least one condensation device, which faces, during use, an upper mouth of the crucible. The particularity of the present invention resides in that the condensation device includes at least one cold element and at least one deflector that is adapted to divert the flow of the aeriform substances derived from the melting and evaporation of the alloy toward the cold element. The invention also relates to a process for separating and recovering the components of an alloy, particularly a noble alloy.

Abstract: A method and system are provided in which a gold and/or silver-collecting resin-in-leach circuit comprises both co-current and counter-current sections.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to pre-treatment of precious metal-bearing oxide ores, prior to precious metal leaching by thiosulfate. The process comprises mixing oxide ore in oxygenated water in the presence of a carbon-based material (e.g., activated carbon or other type of carbon). The carbon-based material can be separated from the ore slurry, and, the gold is thereafter leached by a thiosulfate lixiviant.