Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for analyzing nucleic acid sequences based on real-time detection of DNA polymerase-catalyzed incorporation of each of the four nucleotide bases, supplied individually and serially in a microfluidic system, to a reaction cell containing a template system comprising a DNA fragment of unknown sequence and an oligonucleotide primer. Incorporation of a nucleotide base into the template system can be detected by any of a variety of methods including but not limited to fluorescence and chemiluminescence detection. Alternatively, microcalorimetic detection of the heat generated by the incorporation of a nucleotide into the extending template system using thermopile, thermistor and refractive index measurements can be used to detect extension reactions.

Abstract: In the conventional nucleic acid analysis devices and nucleic acid analyzers, there was no technique available for sequencing a single nucleic acid molecule easily and highly efficiently. The present invention enabled a highly efficient single molecule immobilization of nucleic acid with good reproductivity in a short time at a low price by providing small metallic bonding pads at predetermined positions on a support substrate, firmly fixing a hydrophobic linker on the bonding pads, and bonding on to the linker bulky microparticles onto which a single molecule of a nucleic acid sample fragment is immobilized. According to the present invention, in the nucleic acid analysis device which uses a nucleic acid analyzer, the nucleotide read length can be extended and many types of nucleic acid molecule to be analyzed can be analyzed at one time.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of determining the susceptibility of an individual to statin-induced myopathy, comprising detecting the presence or absence of one or more polymorphisms in the SLCO1B1 gene in a biological sample from an individual, whereby the presence of one or more polymorphisms indicates that the individual has altered susceptibility to statin-induced myopathy.

Abstract: The invention provides a PCR sequencing method, wherein the combination of primer indexes, DNA incomplete shearing strategy and the second generation sequencing technique (Paired-End sequencing technique) can make the length of PCR products that can be sequenced by a sequencer longer than the maximum sequencing length of the sequencer while making full use of the characteristics of the second generation sequencing technique such as high throughput and low cost, thereby greatly broadening its applicable scope. In addition, the present invention also provides primer indexes for the PCR sequencing method and the use of the method in genotyping, particularly in HLA analysis, and also provides the PCR primers used, particularly the PCR primers for HLA-A, B, HLA-C and HLA-DQB1 gene.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the risk of suffering a cardiovascular disease based on the presence of different polymorphisms as well as to kits for practicing the above method. The invention also relates to a method for determining the risk of suffering a cardiovascular disease by combining the absence or presence of one or more polymorphic markers in a sample from the subject with conventional risk factors for CVD as well as computer-implemented means for carrying out said method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or early-stage Alzheimer's disease in the live patient. In particular, the invention provides a screening method which can be used to assist with diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease in live human subjects, or to identify human subjects with a predisposition to Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods for use in polycystic ovary syndrome diagnosis (PCOS). The method involves a sample from a subject for a DENND1A Variant 2 mRNA or DENND1 A Variant 2 protein to make or aid in a diagnosis of PCOS. Also provided are methods for selecting an individual as a candidate for therapy for polycystic ovary syndrome by testing a biological sample from an individual for DENND1 A Variant 2 mRNA or DENND1 A Variant 2 protein and designating the individual as a candidate for the PCOS based on determining DENND1 A Variant 2 mRNA or DENND1 A Variant 2 protein in the sample. Also provided are products for use in aiding diagnosis of PCOS which contain reagents for detecting DENND1 A Variant 2 mRNA or DENND1 A Variant 2 protein, and packaging containing printed material describing use and indications for the product.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for diagnosing mental disorders. The invention also provides methods of identifying modulators of mental disorders as well as methods of using these modulators to treat patients suffering from mental disorders.

Abstract: Recurrent gene fusions in prostate cancer of androgen regulated genes or housekeeping genes and ETS family member genes are described. Compositions and methods having utility in prostate cancer diagnosis, research, and therapy are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of cancer. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of biomarkers to detect colorectal cancer. In one aspect, the present invention provides methods for qualifying colorectal cancer status including, but not limited to, diagnosis, prognosis, and risk stratification, in patients. In one embodiment, a method for diagnosing colorectal cancer (CRC) in a patient comprises the steps of (a) collecting a sample from the patient; (b) measuring the methylation levels of one or more biomarkers in the sample collected from the patient; and (c) comparing the methylation levels of the one or more biomarkers with predefined methylation levels of the same biomarkers that correlate to a patient having CRC and predefined methylation levels of the same biomarkers that correlate to a patient not having CRC, wherein a correlation to one of the predefined methylation levels provides the diagnosis.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the field of the identification of DNA sequences, genes or chromosomes. Methods and composition to obtain Unique Sequence DNA probes are provided. Compositions comprises of and double stranded DNA containing Unique Sequences from which the repetitive sequences are eliminated according to the method described in this invention. The invention also relates to the preservation of cells that have been identified after immunomagnetic selection and fluorescent labeling in order to further interrogate the cells of interest. Furthermore the invention relates to genetic analysis of cells that have been identified after immunomagnetic selection and fluorescent labeling.

Abstract: Clinical management of human cancer is dependent on the accurate monitoring of residual and recurrent tumors. We have developed a method, called personalized analysis of rearranged ends (PARE), which can identify translocations in solid tumors. Analysis of four colorectal and two breast cancers revealed an average of nine rearranged sequences (range 4 to 15) per tumor. Polymerase chain reaction with primers spanning the breakpoints were able to detect mutant DNA molecules present at levels lower than 0.001% and readily identified mutated circulating DNA in patient plasma samples. This approach provides an exquisitely sensitive and broadly applicable approach for the development of personalized biomarkers to enhance the clinical management of cancer patients.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for the diagnosis and evaluation of neoplastic disorders, particularly non-small cell lung cancer. Assays are described in which patient test samples are analyzed for the presence of one or more specific EML4-ALK fusion genes associated with neoplastic disorders.

Abstract: The present invention is based on BCR-ABL1 splice variants which result from insertion and/or truncation of the bcr-abl1 transcript and the finding that these variants provide resistance to kinase domain inhibitors such as imatinib, nilotinib and dasatinib.

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: Methods and kits are provided for determining whether an individual is responsive to an anti-CD47 agent by assaying biological samples for the level or ratio of isoforms of CD47 in the sample.

Abstract: Various compositions and methods are provided for identifying and selecting plants with enhanced resistance to soybean cyst nematode (SCN). Further provided are transgenic plants, plant parts, and seed and methods of their use comprising a heterologous polynucleotide operably linked to a promoter active in the plant are provided, as are methods of making such plants and methods of use, wherein said heterologous polynucleotide comprises at least one, or any combination thereof, of Glyma18g2580, Glyma18g2590, Glyma18g2600, Glyma18g2610; and Glyma18g2570 or an active variant or fragment thereof. Expression of the heterologous polynucleotide enhances the resistance of the plant to cyst nematode.

Abstract: Various compositions and methods are provided for identifying and selecting plants with enhanced resistance to soybean cyst nematode (SCN). Further provided are transgenic plants, plant parts, and seed and methods of their use comprising a heterologous polynucleotide operably linked to a promoter active in the plant are provided, as are methods of making such plants and methods of use, wherein said heterologous polynucleotide comprises at least one, or any combination thereof, of Glyma18g2580, Glyma18g2590, Glyma18g2600, Glyma18g2610; and Glyma18g2570 or an active variant or fragment thereof. Expression of the heterologous polynucleotide enhances the resistance of the plant to cyst nematode.

Abstract: Methods and techniques to increase the reliability of detecting virus infections, particularly lymphotropism, to eliminate false negative reactions in testing blood for the presence of lymphotropic viruses during enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, and to better detect viruses with lymphotropism in biological materials having a concentration of virus particles lower than the sensitivity threshold of existing EIA and PCR methods, thereby making the techniques of the present invention more reliable.

Abstract: Biomass feedstocks (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) are processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can convert feedstock materials to a sugar solution, which can then be fermented to produce ethanol.

Abstract: A method for refining hot metal in a converter using a top-blowing lance having a refining powder supply channel, a combustion oxidizing gas supply channel, and a refining oxidizing gas supply channel that are separate from each other includes supplying at least one of a lime-based flux, iron oxide, and a combustible material as a refining powder from the refining powder supply channel to a surface of the hot metal using a fuel gas or a mixture of the fuel gas and an inert gas as a carrier gas while supplying a combustion oxidizing gas from the combustion oxidizing gas supply channel to form a flame below a leading end of the top-blowing lance, and supplying a refining oxidizing gas from the refining oxidizing gas supply channel to the surface of the hot metal.

Abstract: A cold-rolled sheet is provided. The cold-rolled sheet includes a steel substrate with a carbon content C0 between 0.07% and 0.5%, expressed by weight, and a metal pre-coating on at least the two principal faces of the steel substrate. The substrate has a decarburized area on the surface of each of the two principal faces. The depth p50% of the decarburized area is between 6 and 30 micrometers, and p50% is the depth at which the carbon content is equal to 50% of the content C0. The sheet does not contain a layer of iron oxide between the substrate and the metal pre-coating.

Abstract: A method for repairing break of a universal connecting rod of a universal coupling includes steps of: cleaning and detecting cracks, providing primary anneal, depositing alloys, providing secondary anneal, manually milling and controlling a quality; wherein depositing the alloys includes forming gradient in an order of a bonding layer, a transition layer, a working layer and a processing layer; wherein the bonding layer: S and P in the depositing area are diluted with an FGM-KM1# material, for removing or reducing the S and P, so as to avoid cold and hot cracks; the transition layer: which is formed by an FGM-KM2# material for improving impact toughness and evacuation stress, and appropriate increasing hardness; the working layer: which is formed by an FGM-KM3# material for improving heat resistance, wear resistance and load capacity; and the processing layer: an FGM-KM4# material is used to reduce surface hardness and improve processing performance.

Abstract: A joined sheet stack and a method and system for forming the stack are disclosed. The stack may include a steel sheet and a second sheet. The steel sheet may include a bulk portion having a first tensile strength and one or more fastener regions having a second tensile strength that is lower than the first tensile strength and a microstructure that includes tempered martensite. A fastener may extend through each fastener region joining the steel sheet to the second sheet. The method may include heat treating one or more regions of a steel sheet to form one or more fastener regions having a tensile strength that is lower than a bulk tensile strength of the steel sheet and a microstructure that includes tempered martensite. A fastener may then be inserted into the one or more fastener regions to join the steel sheet to a second sheet.

Abstract: A steel strip continuous annealing device has a vertical annealing furnace 10 in which a heating zone 14, a soaking zone 16, and a cooling zone 18 are arranged in this order, and anneals a steel strip P passing through the zones 14, 16, and 18 in the order while being conveyed in the vertical direction in the vertical annealing furnace 10. The heating zone 14, the soaking zone 16, and the cooling zone 18 communicate through an atmosphere separation portion 36. One of a gas delivery port 38 and a gas discharge port 40 is positioned in an upper part and the other one of the gas delivery port 38 and the gas discharge port 40 is positioned in a lower part in each of the heating zone 14, the soaking zone 16, and the cooling zone 18.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of using a suspension smelting furnace and to a suspension smelting furnace and to a concentrate burner (4). The concentrate burner (4) comprises a first gas supply device (12) for feeding a first gas (5) into the reaction shaft (2) and a second gas supply device (18) for feeding a second gas (16) into the reaction shaft (2). The first gas supply device (12) comprises a first annular discharge opening (14), which which is arranged concentrically with the mouth (8) of a feeder pipe (7), so that the first annular discharge opening (14) surrounds the feeder pipe (7). The second gas supply device (18) comprises a second annular discharge opening (17), which is arranged concentrically with the mouth (8) of the feeder pipe (7), so that the second annular discharge opening (17) surrounds the feeder pipe (7) opening (14).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for efficiently enriching and recovering noble metals of platinum and palladium based on solvent extraction, wherein isoamyl alcohol is used as extracting agent and 2-methoxyphenyl thiourea is used as extraction-assisted complexing agent. 2-methoxy-phenyl thiourea is added to aqueous phase to react with platinum and palladium, and isoamyl alcohol is used as extracting agent to extract the organic phase, thus realizing the purpose of separating and extracting noble metals from base metals while enriching noble metals of platinum and palladium. The present invention, which can not only realize the separation of noble metals and base metals, but also enhance the enrichment and recovery ratios of noble metals of platinum and palladium, with low cost reagents, small influence on the environment and simple technical process, thus is a new and efficient extraction and enrichment system for noble metals.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the field of metal alloy, and discloses an aluminum-zirconium-titanium-carbon grain refiner for magnesium and magnesium alloys, having a chemical composition of: 0.01%˜10% Zr, 0.01%˜10% Ti, 0.01%˜0.3% C, and Al in balance, based on weight percentage. Also, the present invention discloses the method for preparing the grain refiner. The grain refiner according to the present invention is an Al—Zr—Ti—C intermediate alloy having great nucleation ability and in turn excellent grain refining performance for magnesium and magnesium alloys, and is industrially applicable in the casting and rolling of magnesium and magnesium alloy profiles, enabling the wide use of magnesium in industries.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a copper alloy sheet for terminal and connector materials, which is excellent in terms of tensile strength, proof stress, Young's modulus, electric conductivity, bending workability, stress corrosion crack resistance, stress relaxation characteristics and solderability.

Abstract: A new pre-alloyed metal based powder, intended to be used in surface coating of metal parts. The powder is deposited using e.g. laser cladding or plasma transfer arc welding (PTA), or thermal spray (e.g. HVOF). The powder is useful for reducing friction and improving wear reducing properties of the deposited coating. Such coatings may also improve machinability. As friction or wear reducing component, inclusions of manganese sulphide or tungsten sulphide in the pre-alloyed powder may be used.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy and a vehicle part manufactured from the aluminum alloy are provided. The aluminum alloy includes about 8.5 to 11.0 wt % of Mg, about 3.5 to 5.8 wt % of Si, about 2.0 to 3.0 wt % of Cu and the balance of Al.

Abstract: A tantalum or tantalum alloy which contains pure or substantially pure tantalum and at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir, Pt, Mo, W and Re to form a tantalum alloy that is resistant to aqueous corrosion. The invention also relates to the process of preparing the tantalum alloy.

Abstract: A ductile alloy is provided comprising molybdenum, chromium and aluminum, wherein the alloy has a ductile to brittle transition temperature of about 300 C after radiation exposure. The invention also provides a method for producing a ductile alloy, the method comprising purifying a base metal defining a lattice; and combining the base metal with chromium and aluminum, whereas the weight percent of chromium is sufficient to provide solute sites within the lattice for point defect annihilation.

Abstract: A high strength, high toughness steel alloy is disclosed. The alloy has the following weight percent composition. Element C 0.30-0.55 Mn ?0.6-1.75 Si 0.9-2.8 Cr 0.6-2.5 Ni 2.70-7.0? Mo + ½ W 0.25-1.3? Cu 0.30-1.25 Co ?0.01 max. V + ( 5/9) × Nb 0.10-1.0? Ti ?0.01 max. Al 0.015 max. Ca 0.005 max. The alloy further includes a grain refining element selected from the group consisting of 0.0001-0.01% Mg, 0.001-0.025% Y, and a combination thereof. The balance of the alloy is iron and the usual impurities found in commercial grades of steel alloys produced for similar use and properties. In this regard phosphorus is limited to not more than about 0.01% and sulfur is limited to not more than about 0.001%. Also disclosed is a hardened and tempered article that has very high strength and fracture toughness. The article is formed from the alloy having the weight percent composition set forth above.

Abstract: A carburized alloy steel includes, based on a total weight of the carburized alloy steel, 0.1 to 0.35 wt % carbon, 0.1 to 2.0 wt % silicon, 0.1 to 1.5 wt % manganese, 1.5 to 3.0 wt % chromium, 0.2 to 0.5 wt % molybdenum, greater than 0 to 0.07 wt % niobium, and a balance of iron.

Abstract: Ni—Fe, Ni—Co, and Ni—Cu-based bulk metallic glass forming alloys are provided. The alloys have critical rod diameters of at least 1 mm and in some instances at least 11 mm. The alloys have composition according to Ni(100-a-b-c-d-e)XaCrbNbcPdBe, wherein X is at least one of Fe, Co, and Cu, the atomic percent X (Fe and/or Co and/or Cu) ranges from 0.5 to 30, the atomic percent of Cr ranges from 2 to 15, the atomic percent of Nb ranges from 1 to 5, the atomic percent of P ranges from 14 to 19, the atomic percent of B ranges from 1 to 5, and the balance is Ni.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing the surface of a substrate (100) for the purpose of accepting and holding a coating sprayed by a plasma torch. Said method includes a machining phase and is characterized that it includes the following phases: producing, by means of a machining tool (200), at least one groove having at least one angled edge; offsetting the tool (200) by moving the tool relative to the surface of the substrate (100) in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the groove and along a path shorter than the projected length of the angled edge; and using said tool (200) on the angled edge of the groove such as to subject said edge to stress and create another offset groove, and so on and so forth, such that the tool (200) irreversibly changes the shape of the ribs (111, 112, 113, 114) finally obtained between each groove, and said ribs adopt undercut surfaces.

Abstract: A coated article is disclosed including a substrate, a bond coating, and a thermally insulating top coating. The substrate includes a substrate surface and a substrate material at the substrate surface. The bond coating is disposed on and contacts the substrate surface, and includes the substrate material and a bond coating surface distal from the substrate surface. The bond coating surface includes a greater surface roughness than the substrate surface. The thermally insulating top coating is disposed on and contacts the bond coating surface. A method for forming the coated article includes applying the bond coating to the substrate surface, and applying the thermally insulating top coating to the bond coating surface.

Abstract: Powder compositions are described having, as constituents: an aluminum donor powder, an aluminum-containing activator powder comprising at least 50 wt. % KAlF4, and an inert filler powder. Related methods and coatings are also described.

Abstract: A method for performing reactive sputtering processes while maintaining the sputtering characteristic at the target as well as the deposition rate constant, or at least in an acceptable range for the industrial production context, independent of the target age.

Abstract: Apparatus for physical vapor deposition are provided herein. In some embodiments, a shield for use in a physical vapor deposition chamber, comprises an annular one-piece body having an inner volume, a top opening and a bottom opening, wherein a bottom of the annular one-piece body includes an inner upwardly extending u-shaped portion, an annular groove formed in an inner wall of the one-piece body, and a plurality of gas distribution vents disposed along the annular feature and formed through the one-piece body, wherein the plurality of gas distribution vents are spaced apart from each other to distribute gases into the inner volume in a desired pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing thermoelectric layers by depositing thermoelectric material on a substrate by means of sputter deposition. In order to create a method for producing thermoelectric layers that are better suited for use in thermogenerators, and in particular have higher Seebeck coefficients, the production of a target made of thermoelectric material is proposed by mixing at least two powdered starting materials having a particle size from 0.01 ?m-5000 ?m, while coupling in energy and depositing the thermoelectric material from the target on the substrate by way of magnetron sputter deposition.

Abstract: A method for preparing a high-performance tantalum target, a high-performance target prepared by the method, and a use of the high-performance target. The method for preparing the high-performance tantalum target comprises: firstly, preparing a tantalum ingot into a forging blank by a method of cold forging in conjunction with hot forging; then, rolling the forging blank by a hot rolling method; and finally, performing leveling, and performing discharging, milling and surface treatment according to a size of a finished product, so as to obtain the tantalum target. The tantalum target prepared by the method has uniform crystallization, with a grain size between 50 ?m and 120 ?m. A texture component where a texture (110) dominants in the thickness direction of the target is obtained. A total proportion of three textures (111), (110) and (100) is between 40% and 50%, ensuring a consistent sputtering rate of the tantalum target during use.

Abstract: There is provided an oxide sintered body including indium, tungsten and zinc, wherein the oxide sintered body includes a bixbite type crystal phase as a main component and has an apparent density of higher than 6.5 g/cm3 and equal to or lower than 7.1 g/cm3, a content rate of tungsten to a total of indium, tungsten and zinc is higher than 1.2 atomic % and lower than 30 atomic %, and a content rate of zinc to the total of indium, tungsten and zinc is higher than 1.2 atomic % and lower than 30 atomic %. There are also provided a sputtering target including this oxide sintered body, and a semiconductor device including an oxide semiconductor film formed by a sputtering method by using the sputtering target.

Abstract: A substrate fixing apparatus includes a metal frame body. A central portion of the metal frame body is provided with a through hole; a recess configured for bearing a substrate is formed on the metal frame body along an edge of the through hole; the recess is recessed towards an inside of the metal frame body along a thickness direction of the metal frame body; and a first insulating pad is disposed at the bottom of the recess.

Abstract: A circular PVD chamber has a plurality of sputtering targets mounted on a top wall of the chamber. A pallet in the chamber is coupled to a motor for rotating the pallet about its center axis. The pallet has a diameter less than the diameter of the circular chamber. The pallet is also shiftable in an XY direction to move the center of the pallet beneath any of the targets so all areas of a workpiece supported by the pallet can be positioned directly below any one of the targets. A scanning magnet is in back of each target and is moved, via a programmed controller, to only be above portions of the workpiece so that no sputtered material is wasted. For depositing a material onto small workpieces, a cooling backside gas volume is created between the pallet and the underside of sticky tape supporting the workpieces.

Abstract: An evaporation method in this disclosure is adapted for performing an evaporation process upon a surface of an evaporation target substrate. In an embodiment, an evaporation source plate is arranged to be heated by a heater so as to evaporate an evaporation material to its gaseous state, and then enable the gaseous evaporation material to travel passing through holes of a shutter device and thus spread toward the surface of the evaporation target substrate for depositing a film. Moreover, the evaporation method uses a transmission device for controlling the opening/closing of the holes, and there is a heating area formed at a position between the shutter device and the evaporation source plate for allowing the evaporation source plate, the plural holes, the heating area, the evaporation material and the heater to be arranged parallel to one another from the top to bottom.

Abstract: A composite shield assembly is for use in deposition apparatus defining a work piece location. The assembly includes a first shield element for position circumjacent the work piece location and a second shield element for extending around and carrying the first element. The thermal conductivity of the first element is greater than that of the second element, and the elements are arranged for intimate thermal contact.

Abstract: A process in which both an optical coating, for example, an AR coating, and an ETC coating are deposited on a glass substrate article, in sequential steps, with the optical coating being deposited first and the ETC coating being deposited second, using the same apparatus and without exposing the article to the atmosphere at any time during the application of the optical coating and ETC coating.

Abstract: A high-frequency wave supplying structure includes a center conductor that extends in a specified direction, an outer conductor that is coaxial with the center conductor and grounded, and a cylindrical insulating member that is provided between the center conductor and the outer conductor. The distal end of the center conductor is a support portion that supports a workpiece W. A shield member is provided outward of the outer conductor to be coaxial with the outer conductor and the center conductor. The distal end of the shield member is located closer to the support portion in the specified direction than the distal end of the outer conductor. The insulating member includes a protruding portion that protrudes toward the support portion from an opening of the outer conductor. The protruding portion is opposed to the distal end of the outer conductor in the specified direction.