Abstract: A method for detecting at least one nucleic acid in a solution, comprising the steps of: providing at least one dye, wherein the solution and/or a reaction vessel, wherein the solution is present, comprises the dye and wherein the at least one dye is adapted to emit emission light due to an optical excitation by excitation light; providing at least one absorber in the solution, wherein the absorber is adapted to cause an attenuation of the emission light and/or the excitation light and wherein the attenuation is influenced by a bonding of the at least one absorber to the nucleic acid; and radiating excitation light into the solution and measuring an intensity of the emission light; wherein the attenuation of the emission light and/or the excitation light by the at least one absorber occurs independently of a quantum yield of the at least one dye.

Abstract: The present invention provides labeled circular plasmid DNA molecules for studying DNA topology and topoisomerases. The molecules of the present invention also provide tools for high throughput drug screening for inhibitors of DNA gyrases and DNA topoisomerases for anticancer drug discovery and antibiotics discovery.

Abstract: Among other things, this disclosure provides a method of detecting a target nucleic acid. Aspects of the method include: (a) obtaining a labeled nucleic acid probe that is complementary to a target nucleic acid, wherein the probe comprises a capture tag; (b) hybridizing the probe with the target nucleic in a fixed cell, in situ, to produce a duplex; (c) linking the probe in the duplex to a peroxidase conjugate via the capture tag to produce a peroxidase-labeled duplex; and (d) incubating the peroxidase-labeled duplex with a peroxidase substrate, wherein the peroxidase activity of the peroxidase conjugate catalyzes deposition of the substrate in the vicinity of the duplex, thereby producing a detectable signal.

Abstract: A method of enhancing signal in detection of nucleic acid sequences utilizes dual-functional capture particles for capturing a target sequence and for binding with enhancement probes coupled to a reporter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for detection and quantification of individual target molecules in biomolecular samples. In particular, the invention relates to coded, labeled probes that are capable of binding to and identifying target molecules based on the probes' label codes. Methods of making and using such probes are also provided. The probes can be used in diagnostic, prognostic, quality control and screening applications.

Abstract: An article such as a biosensor having a nonfouling surface thereon is described. The article comprises: (a) a substrate having a surface portion; (b) a linking layer on the surface portion; (c) a polymer layer comprising brush molecules formed on the linking layer; and (d) optionally but preferably, a first member of a specific binding pair (e.g., a protein, peptide, antibody, nucleic acid, etc.) coupled to the brush molecules. The polymer layer is preferably formed by the process of surface-initiated polymerization (SIP) of monomeric units thereon. Preferably, each of the monomeric units comprises a monomer (for example, a vinyl monomer) core group having at least one protein-resistant head group coupled thereto, to thereby form the brush molecule on the surface portion. Methods of using the articles are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides assays systems and methods for detection of chromosomal abnormalities and status of single loci associated with monogenic or polygenic traits in a sample containing nucleic acids from a maternal and a fetal source.

Abstract: The invention relates to plants, and in particular to virus-resistant plants, and to methods of generating such plants. The invention extends to eukaryotic translation initiation factor variants and isoforms thereof, and to nucleic acids involved in the splicing of such variant factors, and uses thereof in methods for producing plants that are resistant to viral infections.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods of making polymer particles, said methods including the steps of: making an aqueous gel reaction mixture; forming an emulsion having dispersed aqueous phase micelles of gel reaction mixture in a continuous phase; adding an initiator oil comprising at least one polymerization initiator to the continuous phase; and performing a polymerization reaction in the micelles. Further, the initiator oil is present in a volume % relative to a volume of the aqueous gel reaction mixture of between about 1 vol % to about 20 vol %. The disclosure also relates to methods of making nucleic acid polymer particles having the same method steps and wherein the aqueous gel reaction mixture includes a nucleic acid fragment, such as a primer.

Abstract: A method of preparing reagents includes inserting a cartridge into an instrument. The cartridge includes a plurality of reagent enclosures disposed in a cavity of the cartridge and exposing a port to an exterior of the cartridge. Each reagent enclosure includes a reagent container including a reagent and an internal cavity defining a compressible volume, an opening defined through the reagent container to the internal cavity. The method further includes connecting a plurality of fluid ports to the openings of the plurality of reagent enclosures; applying a solution through the fluid ports to at least partially fill the plurality of reagent enclosures; and cycling a pressure of the cavity, whereby for each of the reagent enclosures, during increasing pressure, the solution enters the internal cavity of the reagent container, combines with the reagent, and compresses the compressible volume, and during decreasing pressure, the compressible volume decreases and the reagent is ejected through the opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for detecting genomic copy number changes. In particular, the present invention relates to next generation sequencing methods for detection of copy number changes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods based on a fast, efficient chemical reaction for conjugating a pore-forming protein, such as ?-hemolysin, to a biomolecule, such as antibodies, receptors, and enzymes, such as DNA polymerase, and the use of such pore-forming protein conjugates in nanopore devices and methods.

Abstract: Methods describing the use of nanoparticles modified with binding moieties are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are miRNA biomarkers and methods for measuring exposure of a mammalian subject to ionizing radiation using a cell-free biological sample. Also disclosed are dosimeters and methods for triaging and treating a subject exposed to ionizing radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, kits, and methods for detecting, characterizing, preventing, and treating cancer (e.g., hematological malignancies in humans). A variety of biomarker chromosomal number alterations (CNAs) and biomarkers corresponding thereto, are provided, wherein alterations in the copy number of one or more of the biomarker CNAs and/or alterations in the amount, structure, and/or activity of one or more of the biomarkers comprised within the CNAs is associated with cancer status.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of predicting the likelihood of long-term survival without recurrence of breast cancer for a subject having estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer treated with adjuvant endocrine monotherapy. In various embodiments, these methods comprise performing a gene expression profile of a breast tissue sample of substantially all of the genes of the “CADER set” described herein; calculating a risk score using a regression model; and applying a double median cutoff classification to assign the subject to a sensitive, indeterminate or resistant group, wherein assignment to a sensitive group predicts longer relapse-free survival compared to the median relapse-free survival of ER+ breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant endocrine monotherapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a kit for detecting a S. pneumoniae nucleic acid in a sample. The method comprises the steps of isolating said nucleic acid and detecting hybridization between the S. pneumoniae nucleic acid and a labeled probe, wherein the detection of hybridization comprises detecting a change in signal from the labeled probe during or after hybridization relative to the labeled probe signal before hybridization. The method of the present invention is characterized in that said nucleic acid is a ribonucleic acid, which isolation comprises the addition of acidic phenol to said sample and the purification of said ribonucleic acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to method for detecting HPV-induced high-grade precancerous lesions and HPV-induced invasive cancers, said method comprising detection of hypermethylation in the PRDM14 and/or FAM19A4 gene in a cell whereby such hypermethylation indicates the presence of HPV-induced precursor lesions with invasive potential and HPV-induced invasive cancers. The invention further comprises the use of the PRDM14 and/or FAM19A4 gene in such a method and a testkit for the detection of PRDM14 and/or FAM19A4 methylation.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid oligomers, including amplification oligomers, capture probes, and detection probes, for detection of a human papillomavirus (HPV) nucleic acid. Also disclosed are methods of specific nucleic acid amplification and detection using the disclosed oligomers, as well as corresponding reaction mixtures and kits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying a compound that inhibits an activity of a histone lysine demethylase.

Abstract: A cold work tool material has an annealed structure including carbides, and a composition including, in mass %, C: 0.80% to 2.40%, Cr: 5.0% to 15.0%, Mo and W contained alone or in combination in an amount of (Mo+½W): 0.50% to 3.00%, and V: 0.10 to 1.50%, and adjusted such that the material has a martensitic structure by quenching. The material includes a cross sectional region of an annealed structure and a length of 90 ?m and a width of 90 ?m and including no carbides having a circle equivalent diameter exceeding 5.0 ?m. In the cross sectional region, a proportion of a number of carbides B having a circle equivalent diameter of more than 0.1 ?m and not more than 0.4 ?m to a number of carbides A having a circle equivalent diameter of exceeds 0.1 ?m and not more than 2.0 ?m is greater than 80.0%.

Abstract: A cold rolled and hardened martensitic austenitic stainless steel strip for flapper valves in compressors is made from steel combining, in weight %(wt. %), the following elements: C: 0.3-0.5, Si: 0.2-0.8, Mn: 0.2-1.0, Cr: 12.0-15.0, Mo: 0.50-2.00, N: 0.02-0.15, and V: 0.01-0.20. The steel strip has a matrix consisting of tempered martensite and between 5 and 15 volume % austenite and a tensile strength (Rm) of 1970-2300 MPa. The steel strip has a thickness of 0.07-3 mm and a width of ?500 mm.

Abstract: This high-strength steel sheet contains, in mass %, 0.05 to 0.3% of C, 1 to 3% of Si, 0.5 to 3% of Mn, up to 0.1% (inclusive of 0%) of P, up to 0.01% (inclusive of 0%) of S, 0.001 to 0.1% of Al and 0.002 to 0.03% of N with the balance consisting of iron and unavoidable impurities, and has a microstructure which comprises, in area fraction relative to the microstructure, 40 to 85% of bainitic ferrite, 5 to 20% of retained austenite (?R), 10 to 50% (in total) of martensite and ?R, and 5 to 40% of ferrite. The retained austenite (?R) has a C concentration of 0.5 to 1.0 mass %, while the quantity of ?R present in the ferrite grains is 1% or more (in area fraction) relative to the microstructure.

Abstract: An aluminum copper clad material has excellent bonding strength and includes an aluminum layer and a copper layer that are bonded without a nickel layer interposed therebetween. The aluminum layer and the copper layer are diffusion-bonded via an Al—Cu intermetallic compound layer. The copper layer satisfies Dcs?0.5×Dcc, where Dcc represents the average crystal grain size of crystal grains in a central portion in the thickness direction of the copper layer, and Dcs represents the average crystal grain size of an interface adjacent portion C2 in the copper layer that is about 0.5 ?m apart from the interface between the copper layer and the intermetallic compound layer. The intermetallic compound layer has an average thickness of about 0.5 ?m to about 10 ?m.

Abstract: A method for casting cast parts in which a casting mould is provided. The casting mould is enclosed in a housing, forming a filling space between an inner surface section of the housing and an associated outer surface section of the casting mould. The filling space is then filled with a free-flowing filling material and molten metal is poured in the casting mould. As a consequence a binder of the mould material begins to vaporise and combust disintegrating the casting mould. During the filling of the filling space, the filling material has a minimum temperature, starting out from which the temperature of the filling material rises, to beyond a boundary temperature at which the vaporising binder ignites and combusts.

Abstract: Leaf springs, and methods of manufacturing thereof, having first and second sections, spaced apart along the length of said leaf spring, said sections are through hardened and tempered to achieve, respectively different levels of finished through hardness, are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for extraction and recovery of rare earth elements are disclosed. In one aspect, heap leaching with a leach solution comprising sulfuric acid is used to extract rare earth elements including yttrium and light and heavy rare earth elements.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing a metal matrix nanocomposite (MMNC) is an in-situ synthesis technique for preparing a metal matrix with ceramic reinforcements dispersed homogenously therein. The method includes mixing a base metal matrix material with two or more ceramic-forming elements to form a mixture; blending the mixture; drying the mixture; ball milling the mixture with a plurality of milling balls to form a milled mixture; using induction heating to form a melt flow and induce electromagnetic forces; and initiating a plurality of stirring vortexes in the melt flow to form the metal matrix nanocomposite.

Abstract: New 6xxx aluminum alloys are disclosed. The new 6xxx aluminum alloys may include 1.05-1.50 wt. Mg, 0.60-0.95 wt. % Si, where the (wt. % Mg)/(wt. % Si) is from 1.30 to 1.90, 0.275-0.50 wt. % Cu, and from 0.05 to 1.0 wt. % of at least one secondary element, wherein the secondary element is selected from the group consisting of V, Fe, Cr, Mn, Zr, Ti, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Provided are a steel for a mechanical structure for cold working, and a method for manufacturing the same, whereby softening and variations in hardness can be reduced even when a conventional spheroidizing annealing process is performed. A steel having a predetermined chemical composition, the total area ratio of pearlite and pro-eutectoid ferrite being at least 90 area % with respect to the total metallographic structure of the steel, the area ratio (A) of pro-eutectoid ferrite satisfying the relationship A>Ae with an Ae value expressed by a predetermined relational expression, the average equivalent circular diameter of bcc-Fe crystal grains being 15-35 ?m, and the average of the maximum grain diameter and the second largest grain diameter of the bcc-Fe crystal grains being 50 ?m or less in terms of equivalent circular diameter.

Abstract: A steel for an induction hardening including, by mass %, C: more than 0.75% to 1.20%, Si: 0.002 to 3.00%, Mn: 0.20 to 2.00%, S: 0.002 to 0.100%, Al: more than 0.050% to 3.00%. P: limited to 0.050% or less, N: limited to 0.0200% or less, O: limited to: 0.0030% or less, and the balance composing of iron and unavoidable impurities, wherein an Al content and a N content satisfy, by mass %, Al?(27/14)×N>0.050%.

Abstract: The invention concerns a zirconium and/or hafnium based, beryllium free, solid, amorphous alloy, with the addition of silver and/or gold and/or platinum to increase its critical diameter.

Abstract: This relates to an aluminum alloy product, in particular an age-hardenable Al—Zn—Mg type alloy product for structural members, the alloy product combining a high strength with high toughness and reduced quench sensitivity, and having a chemical composition including, in wt. %: Zn about 3 to 11%, Mg about 1 to 3%, Cu about 0.9 to 3%, Ge about 0.03 to 0.4%, Si max. 0.5%, Fe max. 0.5%, balance aluminum and normal and/or inevitable elements and impurities. Furthermore, this relates to a method of producing such aluminum alloy products.

Abstract: A method of making an MgO barrier layer for a TMR sensor, the method including depositing a first Mg layer in a first chamber, depositing a second Mg layer on the first Mg layer using a reactive oxide deposition process in the presence of oxygen in the first chamber or in a second chamber different than the first chamber, depositing a third Mg layer on the second MgO layer in either the first chamber, the second chamber, or a third chamber, and annealing the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer to form an MgO barrier layer.

Abstract: A coating method based on gas phase deposition by arc evaporation, with the steps: selecting a first target as a material source for the coating; providing a coating chamber with an arc evaporation source including the selected target; loading the chamber with substrates to be coated; pumping down the chamber to a process pressure suitable for the arc evaporation; and igniting and operating the arc such that material is evaporated from the first target and is then deposited on the substrates to be coated, optionally after reaction with a reactive gas admitted into the coating chamber. The first target includes at least one matrix component and one doping component such that the doping component has a melting point at least 500° C. lower than the matrix component, and a melted drop of the doping component on a solid surface of the matrix component assumes a contact angle of a least 90°.

Abstract: A tubular target formed of molybdenum or a molybdenum alloy has an oxygen content of less than 50 ?g/g, a density of greater than 99% of the theoretical density, and an average grain size of less than 100 ?m. The molybdenum or molybdenum alloy tube may be produced by extrusion. In one embodiment, the molybdenum tube has a backing tube of titanium or titanium alloy. In an embodiment, the molybdenum tube has a varying wall thickness with an increase towards its ends.

Abstract: Provided is a tantalum sputtering target, which is characterized that an average crystal grain size of the target is 50 ?m or more and 200 ?m or less, and variation of a crystal grain size in the target plane is 40% or higher and 60% or less. This invention aims to provide a tantalum sputtering target capable of improving the uniformity of the film thickness and reducing the variation of the resistance value (sheet resistance).

Abstract: A method for vapor phase deposition of a metal coating onto parts made of superalloys, which includes arranging the parts in a chamber in a presence of grains of a donor of the coating metal and an activator capable of together forming a halide of the coating metal, and heating the chamber under an inert gas or reducing gas atmosphere to a temperature at which the coating metal halide reacts with the alloy of the parts. A bed of the grains is arranged on the bottom of at least one box, then a mounting for the parts is placed on the bed of grains, the mounting including support columns that keep the parts separate from the bed of grains, and the gas is injected into the box, when the box is closed, via a side located above the bed of grains.

Abstract: An atomic layer deposition apparatus includes: a substrate support supporting a substrate; a first divider including a plurality of first division modules provided on the substrate support and selectively spraying a source gas, a reaction gas, and a purge gas to each of predetermined areas; and a second divider including a plurality of second division modules provided on the first divider and supplying the gases to the respective first division modules, wherein each of the plurality of second division modules is formed of a first through-hole and a second through-hole, and the gas passed through the first and second through-holes moves to the first division modules.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relates to apparatus for use in film depositions. The apparatus generally include pre-heat rings adapted to be positioned in a processing chamber. In one embodiment, a pre-heat ring includes a ring having an inner edge and an outer edge. The outer edge has a constant radius. The inner edge is oblong-shaped and may have a first portion having a constant radius measured from a center of a circle defined by an outer circumference of the ring. A second portion may have a constant radius measured from a location other than the center of the outer circumference. In another embodiment, a processing chamber includes a pre-heat ring positioned around the periphery of a substrate support. The pre-heat ring includes an inner edge having a first portion, a second portion, and one or more linear portions positioned between the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A system and method for providing intermediate reactive species to a reaction chamber are disclosed. The system includes an intermediate reactive species formation chamber fluidly coupled to the reaction chamber to provide intermediate reactive species to the reaction chamber. A pressure control device can be used to control an operating pressure of the intermediate reactive species formation chamber, and a heater can be used to heat the intermediate reactive species formation chamber to a desired temperature.

Abstract: Microwave plasma assisted reactors, for example chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) reactors, are disclosed. The disclosed reactors operate at high pressures (>180-320 Torr) and high power densities (>150 W/cm3), and thereby enable high deposition rate CVD processes that rapidly deposit materials. In particular, reactor design examples are described that, when operating in the 180-320 Torr pressure regime, rapidly CVD synthesize high quality polycrystalline (PCD) and single crystal diamond (SCD). The improved reactors include a radial contraction in the vicinity of the plasma chamber (and optionally a combined expansion in the vicinity of the electromagnetic wave source, followed by the contraction) in the main microwave chamber as electromagnetic energy propagates from an electromagnetic wave source to a plasma/deposition chamber.

Abstract: A technique includes forming a film containing a first element, a second element, and carbon on a substrate by performing a cycle a predetermined number of times. The cycle includes non-simultaneously performing: forming a first solid layer containing the first element and carbon, and having a thickness of more than one atomic layer and equal to or less than several atomic layers, by supplying a precursor gas having a chemical bond of the first element and carbon to the substrate and confining the precursor gas within the process chamber, under a condition in which the precursor gas is autolyzed and at least a part of the chemical bond of the first element and carbon is maintained without being broken; and forming a second solid layer by supplying a reaction gas containing the second element to the substrate to modify the first solid layer.

Abstract: A roll-to-roll electroless plating system including a reservoir containing a plating solution. A web advance system advances a web of substrate though the plating solution in the reservoir along a web advance direction, wherein a plating substance in the plating solution is plated onto predetermined locations on a surface of the web of substrate. A pump circulates plating solution from an output of the reservoir to an inlet of the reservoir located below the web of substrate. A spreader duct includes a channel that is in fluidic communication with the inlet of the reservoir, wherein the channel is positioned below the web of substrate and includes at least one outlet disposed beyond the first edge or the second edge of the web of substrate and has no outlets disposed immediately below the web of substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides a self-peening feedstock material for cold spray deposition comprising a higher ductility matrix material and a hardened particle.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a chemically treated zinc-based plated steel sheet that is superior in weather resistance, water resistance, blackening resistance and film adhesion. A chemical conversion film having a thickness 0.5-10 ?m is formed by coating and drying a chemical treatment solution on a surface of an aluminum-containing zinc-based alloy plated steel sheet. The chemical treatment solution contains a fluororesin containing 0.05-5% by weight of a hydrophilic functional group selected from the group consisting of a carboxyl group and a sulfonic acid group and 7-20% by weight of a fluorine atom, the fluororesin in which a number-average molecular weight is 1,000-2,000,000, and an oxoate, a fluoride, a hydroxide, an organic salt, a carbonate or a peroxygenated salt of a group 4A metal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a corrosion-protection system suitable for producing aqueous metal treatment and metal processing fluids, particularly corrosion-protection, cleaning and cooling lubricant emulsions. The corrosion-protection system comprises carbonic and/or phosphonic acids, as well as at least one amine with at least one oxybis(alkylamine) unit. Such corrosion-protection systems effectively protect metal surfaces from corrosion and have a high level of water solubility, which is essential for formulating aqueous concentrates for metal treatment and metal processing fluids. The present invention further relates to an aqueous surface-active and corrosion-protecting preparation containing the corrosion protection system and an emulsifier system, as well as an oil-containing water-miscible emulsion concentrate, which supplies the ready-to-use corrosion-protection, cleaning and cooling lubricant emulsions by dilution with water.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrolytic copper alloy foil having large mechanical strength in an ordinary state and showing resistant to heat deterioration even when it is heated to 300° C. or more. That electrolytic copper alloy foil, which contains tungsten copper, preferably incorporates tungsten into copper foil as a copper alloy, has a tensile strength at ordinary temperature of 650 MPa, has a tensile strength after heat treatment at 300° C. for 1 hour of 450 MPa or more, and has a conductivity of 80% or more. Further preferably, the electrolytic copper foil has an elongation at ordinary temperature of 2.5% or more and an elongation after treatment at 300° C. for 1 hour of 3.5% or more. The electrolytic copper foil is produced by adding a thiourea compound, tungsten salt, and chloride ions to a sulfuric acid-copper sulfate electrolyte and performing electrolytic deposition.

Abstract: A solid electrolyte is formed by blending a coating chemical with metal ions and fatty acid. Filling molds and drying the material in the molds forms the solid electrolyte. The solid electrolyte is mounted on an electrode and attached to a handle. The solid electrolyte is moved over a surface of a substrate with the handle. DC current is passed between the electrode and substrate and ions are transferred to the wetted substrate from the solid electrolyte.

Abstract: This disclosure enables high-productivity controlled fabrication of uniform porous semiconductor layers (made of single layer or multi-layer porous semiconductors such as porous silicon, comprising single porosity or multi-porosity layers). Some applications include fabrication of MEMS separation and sacrificial layers for die detachment and MEMS device fabrication, membrane formation and shallow trench isolation (STI) porous silicon (using porous silicon formation with an optimal porosity and its subsequent oxidation). Further, this disclosure is applicable to the general fields of photovoltaics, MEMS, including sensors and actuators, stand-alone, or integrated with integrated semiconductor microelectronics, semiconductor microelectronics chips and optoelectronics.