Abstract: A novel the Ensifer adhaerens strain isolated from soil and a method of producing psicose using the same are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mutated and/or transformed microorganisms for the synthesis of various compounds. More specifically, the present invention discloses microorganisms mutated in the genes encoding for the regulators ArcA and IclR. The latter mutations result in a significant upregulation of the genes that are part of the colanic acid operon. Hence, said microorganisms are useful for the synthesis of any compound being part of the colanic acid pathway such as GDP-fucose, GDP-mannose and colanic acid, and/or, can be further used—starting form GDP-fucose as a precursor—to synthesize fucosylated oligosaccharides or—starting from GDP-mannose as a precursor—to synthesize mannosylated oligosaccharides. In addition, mutations in the genes coding for the transcriptional regulators ArcA and IclR lead to an acid resistance phenotype in the exponential growth phase allowing the synthesis of pH sensitive molecules or organic acids.

Abstract: A significant fraction of short fibers (fines) is produced while recycling Old Corrugated Containerboards (OCC), which are usually rejected as solid waste stream, requiring landfilling and posing environmental problems. The major component of these fines rejects are primarily cellulose that can be hydrolyzed into sugars for possible fermentation into biofuels, bioplastics or other sugar based products. Use of fines also offers benefits such as negative costs and production of fermentable sugars without requiring complex pretreatment processes, now required to hydrolyze and eliminate inhibitors from hydrolyzate. Enzymatic hydrolysis of reject fines from a recycled OCC mill, employing different strains of cellulases, were investigated. Fillers (up to 30 mass %) in the fines increases the required dosage of enzymes and costs. Enzyme loading can be lowered by addition of surfactants to reduce their inhibitory activity. The nonionic surfactant Triton X-80 improved hydrolysis yields by up to 10 percent points.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for producing fermentation products from starch-containing material, wherein an alpha-amylase and a thermostable endoglucanase is present and/or added during liquefaction. The invention also relates to compositions suitable for use in processes of the invention.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a recombinant gram-negative bacterial cell comprising: a.) a mutant spr gene encoding a spr protein having a mutation at one or more amino acids selected from D133, H145, H157, N31, R62, I70, Q73, C94, S95, V98, Q99, R100, L108, Y115, V135, L136, G140, R144 and G147 and b.) a gene capable of expressing or overexpressing one or more proteins capable of facilitating protein folding, such as FkpA, Skp, SurA, PPiA and PPiD, wherein the cell has reduced Tsp protein activity compared to a wild-type cell, methods employing the cells, use of the cells in the expression of proteins in particular antibodies, such as anti Fc Rn antibodies and proteins made by the methods described herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved cell-free protein synthesis method using a eukaryotic cell lysate in the presence of a caspase inhibitor, to a device for carrying out said method, and to the use of a caspase inhibitor for increasing the protein yield or for increasing the stability of the synthesized proteins in such a cell-free protein synthesis method using a eukaryotic cell lysate. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cell-free protein synthesis method is carried out as a continuous method in a device which comprises at least two compartments separated by a dialysis membrane. The translation reaction takes place in at least one first compartment, the reaction compartment, and during the translation reaction i) reactants are diffused from at least one other compartment, the supply and discharge compartment, into the reaction compartment, and ii) reaction byproducts are diffused from the reaction compartment into the supply and discharge compartment by means of the dialysis membrane.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides activated formylglycine-generating enzymes (FGE), methods of producing activated FGE, and their use in methods of producing a protein comprising a formylglycine (FGly) residue. The methods of producing activated FGE, as well as methods of use of activated FGE in producing FGly-containing proteins, include both cell-based and cell-free methods. Compositions and kits that find use, e.g., in practicing the methods of the present disclosure are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides an inclusion body fusion partner to increase peptide and polypeptide production in a cell.

Abstract: A device designed to receive a biological sample and methods of using the same are disclosed. The device includes a leak-proof container, a sampler, and a receptacle. The container includes an enclosure, a filler and a closing mechanism that hermetically closes the filler. The sampler is positioned inside the enclosure. The sampler samples biological and/or physiochemical information from a sample and analyzes the information. The receptacle includes a disinfecting agent that is released when the receptacle is opened. An analysis restrictor inhibits analysis by the sampler. A portion of the sampler and/or the analysis restrictor is designed to shift from a first position that prevents analysis of the sampler to a second position that allows analysis of the sampler. A receptacle opening is mechanically induced when shifting from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A chemical indicating composition. The composition can include an aqueous resin in a form of polymer emulsion or polymer dispersion, the aqueous resin comprising a first aqueous resin composition and a second aqueous resin composition; a film-forming agent; a color changing composition; and water as a solvent. The chemical indicating composition of this disclosure can be used in an autoclave process indicator.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to the biological process of protein ubiquitination and particularly, but not exclusively, to compositions and methods for studying protein ubiquitination and developing therapeutics to modulate protein ubiquitination.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds and methods for assaying redox state of metabolically active cells and methods for assaying enzyme activity and/or metabolite level by coupling to redox defining co-factor NAD(P)/NAD(P)H measurement.

Abstract: An isolated polynucleotide encoding a modified luciferase polypeptide and substrates. The OgLuc variant polypeptide has at least 60% amino acid sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 and at least one amino acid substitution at a position corresponding to an amino acid in SEQ ID NO: 1. The OgLuc variant polypeptide has at least one of enhanced luminescence, enhanced signal stability, and enhanced protein stability relative to the corresponding polypeptide of the wild-type Oplophorus luciferase.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for cell transfection and regulating cellular behavior. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to methods of non-viral cell transfection and regulating cellular behavior using mineral coatings that allow for the enhanced transfection of cells. The mineral coatings bind polynucleotides and provide a source of calcium and phosphate ions to enhance transfection. The present disclosure also provides a high throughput platform for screening non-viral transfection of cells. The methods of the present disclosure also provide an advantageous polynucleotide delivery platform because the mineral coatings may be deposited on various medical device materials after being specifically developed using the high throughput screening platform.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for handling sample liquids, encapsulating liquids and magnetic particles are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods for selecting aptamers. More specifically, the invention provides methods for the selection of at least one aptamer for use in combination with another epitope binding agent such as another aptamer, an antibody, or a double stranded nucleic acid. The invention also encompasses methods for simultaneously selecting at least two aptamers that each recognize distinct epitopes on a target molecule.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods, kits, non-nucleotide probes as well as other compositions pertaining to the suppression of binding of detectable nucleic acid probes to undesired nucleotide sequences of genomic nucleic acid in assays designed to determine target genomic nucleic acid.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to compositions, methods and kits for amplifying target nucleic acids while reducing non-specific amplification and undesired amplification products using a dual hot start reaction mixture that comprise at least two different hot start mechanisms.

Abstract: Provided herein are nucleic acid synthesis methods and agents that employ an endonuclease for example, endonuclease V, to introduce a nick into a target DNA including one or more inosine, and uses a DNA polymerase to generate amplicons of the target DNA.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions, kits, systems and apparatus that are useful for multiplex PCR of one or more nucleic acids present in a sample. In particular, various target-specific primers are provided that allow for the selective amplification of one or more target sequences. In one aspect, the invention relates to target-specific primers useful for the selective amplification of one or more target sequences associated with cancer or inherited disease. In some aspects, amplified target sequences obtained using the disclosed methods, kits, systems and apparatuses can be used in various downstream processes including nucleic acid sequencing and used to detect the presence of genetic variants.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, chips, and methods of performing a large number of simultaneous chemical reactions are provided herein. The chips of the invention comprise addressable units that can be addressed according to the temperature of the reaction to be run. The subject apparatus, systems, and chips are particularly suited for performing polymerase chain reactions on thousands of nucleic acid sequences, up to and including sequences of an entire genome of an organism of interest.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in hydrogen ion concentration (pH), changes in other analyte concentration, and/or binding events associated with chemical processes relating to DNA synthesis.

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. Methods are provided that include linking forward and reverse strands of a double stranded segment to form circular template molecules, and obtaining sequence data from the circular template molecule to identify modified bases, for example including the use of bisulfite treatment. 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: Provided herein is technology relating to genotyping and particularly, but not exclusively, to methods for genotyping one or more organisms by genome sequencing.

Abstract: A method of nucleic acid detection including (a) contacting a primed template with a polymerase, nucleotide cognate of a first base type and nucleotide cognate of a second base type under ternary complex stabilizing conditions; (b) contacting the primed template nucleic acid with a polymerase, nucleotide cognate of the first base type and nucleotide cognate of a third base type under ternary complex stabilizing conditions; (c) examining products of (a) and (b) for signals produced by a ternary complex that includes the primed template nucleic acid, polymerase and next correct nucleotide, wherein signals for the product of (a) are ambiguous for the first and second base type, and signals for the product of (b) are ambiguous for the first and third base type; (d) disambiguating signals acquired in (c) to identify the next correct nucleotide.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions, methods, systems, and devices for polynucleotide processing. Such polynucleotide processing may be useful for a variety of applications, including polynucleotide sequencing.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the detection or diagnosis of depressive disorders, and provides methods and compositions useful for this purpose. In particular, the present invention provides biomarkers for the detection or diagnosis of major depressive disorder, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: In general, the presently disclosed technology relates to identification of cancer subtypes. More specifically, the technology relates to methods for determining molecular drivers of cancer and/or progression using a multivariate image data and statistical analysis of in-situ molecular markers and morphological characteristics in the same cells of a biological sample suspected of b cancer. This analysis takes place after a single acquisition that obtains the molecular and anatomic morphology data in parallel. The analysis compares specific morphological and molecular markers to known samples exhibiting particular genetic drivers of the cancer. This method provides statistical information that allows for an increased confidence in the identification of specific molecular drivers of the cancer.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for identifying individuals diagnosed with a cell proliferative disorder that will benefit from treatment with a telomerase inhibitor compound. Also provided herein are methods for treating these individuals with telomerase inhibitor compounds.

Abstract: Described herein are method, compositions and kits for prognosis of prostate cancer. The methods include determining the ratio of PCA3 and of a prostate-specific marker expression in a urine sample and correlating the value of the PCA3/prostate-specific marker ratio with the aggressiveness and mortality risk of prostate cancer in the subject. The method for prognosing prostate cancer in a sample of a patient includes assessing the amount of a prostate cancer specific PCA3 mRNA and the amount of prostate-specific marker in the sample; determining a ratio value of this amount of prostate cancer specific PCA3 mRNA over the amount of prostate-specific marker; comparing the ratio value to at least one predetermined cut-off value, wherein a ratio value above the predetermined cut-off value is indicative of a higher risk of mortality of prostate cancer as compared to a ratio value below the predetermined cut-off value.

Abstract: Molecular markers associated with soybean reproductive stage, methods of their use, and compositions having one or more marker loci are provided. Methods comprise detecting at least one marker locus, detecting a haplotype, and/or detecting a marker profile. Methods may further comprise crossing a selected soybean plant with a second soybean plant. Isolated polynucleotides, primers, probes, kits, systems, etc., are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and kits are provided for calibrating a cell-free protein synthesis reaction for optimal activity. The method includes the steps of providing an extract competent for cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS); performing cell-free protein synthesis with the extract; measuring a first reaction end-point where in vitro protein synthesis plateaus; measuring a second reaction end-point where Energy Charge of the extract declines to a level in a range from about 0.40 to about 0.80 of Energy Charge of a control extract; and adjusting Energy Charge of the extract to a level in a range from about 0.80 to about 1.0 of the control extract.

Abstract: A method of producing a sugar liquid includes filtering a cellulose-derived sugar liquid through one or more separation membranes selected from the group consisting of an ultrafiltration membrane, a nanofiltration membrane and a reverse osmosis membrane and washing the separation membrane(s) after filtration with washing water containing an alkaline substance and an aromatic compound at 10° C. or more and less than 50° C.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing raw animal hides into leather are provided. In particular, one or more embodiments comprise a tanning manager that directs the routing of hides to a plurality of tanning drums. This allows the tanning manager to efficiently use the capacity of the plurality of tanning drums and provides improved consistency in the tanning of the hides. Furthermore, one or more embodiments enable the tanning manager to route hides to tanning drums based on various factors, such as hide type, hide weight, and hide size. In addition, one or more embodiments provide the tanning manager with greater control over the processing of hides into leather by customizing the tanning recipes applied to each batch of hides.

Abstract: Provided is a method for strengthening a steel plate member employing a heating and quenching treatment. The method includes a first heating step, a partial cooling step, a second heating step and an entire cooling step, each step conducted in the written order.

Abstract: A quench system includes an enclosure defining a quench chamber sized to receive hot castings, and bulk air fans in fluid communication with the quench chamber and configured to establish a bulk flow of cooling air that surrounds and extracts heat from the hot castings at a first cooling rate. The quench system also includes a pressurized cooling system in fluid communication with a plurality of nozzles within the quench chamber and configured to spray a plurality of a directed flows of cooling fluid onto the hot castings to extract heat at a second cooling rate. The quench system further includes a programmable controller configured to sequentially activate the bulk air fans to cool the casting at the first cooling rate for a first predetermined period of time, and then activate the pressurized cooling system to cool the casting at the second cooling rate for a second predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming a sheet metal component using an electric current passing through the component. The process can include providing an incremental forming machine, the machine having at least one arcuate tipped tool and at least electrode spaced a predetermined distance from the arcuate tipped tool. The machine is operable to perform a plurality of incremental deformations on the sheet metal component using the arcuate tipped tool. The machine is also operable to apply an electric direct current through the electrode into the sheet metal component at the predetermined distance from the arcuate tipped tool while the machine is forming the sheet metal component.

Abstract: Methods are provided for characterizing samples containing chemical elements such as rare earth elements, actinides, and heavy transition metals by treating the samples to form volatile complexes of the elements (e.g., ?-diketonate complexes or other organic ligand complexes of the elements) and then analyzing the complexes, for example, via gas-phase thermochromatography. Also provided are methods for separating and/or recovering such chemical elements. The methods produce less waste and can be performed more rapidly than conventional liquid extraction methods and can provide separated elements of high purity (e.g., 99.9999% purity).

Abstract: Protactinium, actinium, radium, radiolanthanides and other radionuclide fission products were separated and recovered from a proton-irradiated thorium target. The target was dissolved in concentrated HCl, which formed anionic complexes of protactinium but not with thorium, actinium, radium, or radiolanthanides. Protactinium was separated from soluble thorium by loading a concentrated HCl solution of the target onto a column of strongly basic anion exchanger resin and eluting with concentrated HCl. Actinium, radium and radiolanthanides elute with thorium. The protactinium that is retained on the column, along with other radionuclides, is eluted may subsequently treated to remove radionuclide impurities to afford a fraction of substantially pure protactinium. The eluate with the soluble thorium, actinium, radium and radiolanthanides may be subjected to treatment with citric acid to form anionic thorium, loaded onto a cationic exchanger resin, and eluted.

Abstract: A wrought machinable low copper, silicon, zinc alloy having a copper content between about 66 weight percent and about 70 weight percent and wherein the silicon content is between about 1.3 weight percent and about 2.0 weight percent.

Abstract: This boron-containing aluminum material is obtained by carrying out the following: a mixed powder, obtained by mixing a boride powder containing first boride particles, second boride particles and particles of unavoidable impurities with an aluminum powder or aluminum alloy powder that forms a matrix, is filled into in a square aluminum pipe having a prescribed shape and then rolled by using pressure rolls the gap between which is adjusted.

Abstract: Hard particles are incorporated as a starting material in a sintered alloy. The hard particles contain 20 to 60 mass % Mo and 3 to 15 mass % Mn, the balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities.

Abstract: A rolled steel bar for hot forging consisting, by mass percent, of C: 0.25-0.50%, Si: 0.40-1.0%, Mn: 1.0-1.6%, S: 0.005-0.035%, Al: 0.005-0.050%, V: 0.10-0.30%, and N: 0.005-0.030%, and the balance of Fe and impurities, i.e., P: 0.035% or less and O: 0.0030% or less, wherein Fn1=C+Si/10+Mn/5+5Cr/22+1.65V?5S/7 is 0.90 to 1.20. The predicted maximum width of nonmetallic inclusions at the time when a cumulative distribution function obtained by extreme value statistical processing by taking the width of nonmetallic inclusion in an R1/2 part of a longitudinal cross section of the steel bar as W (?m) is 99.99% is 100 ?m or narrower. The number density of sulfides each having a circle-equivalent diameter of 0.3 to 1.0 ?m observed per unit area of the R1/2 part of a transverse cross section of the steel bar is 500 pieces/mm2 or higher.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to low-alloy steels exhibiting high hardness and an advantageous level of multi-hit ballistic resistance with minimal crack propagation imparting a level of ballistic performance suitable for military armor applications. Certain embodiments of the steels according to the present disclosure have hardness in excess of 550 HBN and demonstrate a high level of ballistic penetration resistance relative to conventional military specifications.

Abstract: A system and method for heat-treating a titanium part. The system may include foil, adhesive tape, and a localized heat source. The foil may include two sheets of foil made of a material more reactive (more prone to oxidize) than the titanium part, and the localized heat source may include a heating element mostly surrounded by insulation. The method may include taping the foil to opposing sides of the titanium part, thus sealing a portion of the titanium part to be heat treated from external atmosphere. The method may also include heating and placing the localized heat source near or against the foil until heat treating is complete. A small amount of air remaining between the heated foil and the titanium part has a preferential reaction with the foil, since it is more reactive than the titanium part. This prevents oxidation of the titanium part during localized heat treating.

Abstract: A primary alloy includes: nickel; copper; zinc; an electrical conductivity from 5.2% International Annealed Copper Standard (IACS) to 5.6% IACS measured in accordance with ASTM E1004-09 (2009); and a disordered crystalline phase wherein atoms of the nickel, cooper, and zinc are randomly arranged in the disordered crystalline phase at room temperature in a post-annealed state. A process for making the primary alloy includes heating a secondary alloy to a first temperature that is greater than or equal to an annealing temperature to form an annealing alloy, the secondary alloy including a secondary phase; and quenching, by cooling the annealing alloy from the first temperature to a second temperature that is less than the annealing temperature, under a condition effective to form the primary alloy including the disordered crystalline phase, wherein the disordered crystalline phase is different than the secondary phase of the secondary alloy.

Abstract: The present invention reduces the amount of gas consumed, edge-overcoating and splashing and adjusts plating thickness with high precision by providing a wiping nozzle with: thin plates, which are each inserted into a lip from the entrances to the lip for a specified distance to the inside of the two ends of the lip in the sheet width direction in order to seal the gas jet where the thin plates are inserted, and which are movable in the sheet width direction of the lip; and ropes extending in the sheet width direction of the lip so as to track the movements of the thin plates and seal the gas jet in a specified range.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for preventing oxidation or contamination during a circuit printing operation. The circuit printing operation can be directed to OLED-type printing. In an exemplary embodiment, the printing process is conducted at a load-locked printer housing having one or more of chambers. Each chamber is partitioned from the other chambers by physical gates or fluidic curtains. A controller coordinates transportation of a substrate through the system and purges the system by timely opening appropriate gates. The controller may also control the printing operation by energizing the print-head at a time when the substrate is positioned substantially thereunder.

Abstract: A system and method of fabricating a percussion tool that includes one or more surfaces modified using the ferritic nitrocarburization process. The percussion tool includes a piston positioned in sliding contact within a casing. The piston includes an inner wall and an outer wall, where the inner wall defines a passageway extending longitudinally therethrough. The outer wall is positioned in close fitting relationship with an internal surface of the casing. One or more surfaces of at least one of the casing's internal surface and/or the piston's outer wall are modified using the ferritic nitrocarburization process.

Abstract: An infrared surface light source generating device includes a substrate layer and a carbon material layer formed on a surface of the substrate layer and having a sheet resistance value ranged between 0.01 and 1000?/?. The carbon material layer is able to emit far infrared rays when it is heated by an amount of external low-power energy to a temperature above 36° C. A method of manufacturing the above infrared surface light source generating device is also disclosed. The method includes the steps of (A) providing a substrate layer and (B) forming a carbon material layer that is located on a surface of the substrate layer and has a sheet resistance value ranged between 0.01 and 1000?/?. Since the method involves only a simplified manufacturing process, the infrared surface light source generating device can be manufactured at reduced cost.