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: In a first aspect, the invention concerns a method for detecting or quantifying DNA methylation at a locus. In one embodiment, a methylation-sensitive endonuclease is formulated together with a polymerase enzyme in an appropriate reaction mixture such that amplification of DNA occurs in a methylation specific manor. Quantitative DNA amplification at selected loci can be used to determine the level of methylation. Kits and reagents for performing such methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting of a mutant DNA using a probe, comprising: (1) contacting a sample containing a single-stranded DNA which has a substituted nucleotide, a deleted nucleotide region, or an inserted nucleotide region (mutant-type DNA), or/and a wild-type single-stranded DNA (wild-type DNA) corresponding thereto with the probe which hybridizes with both single-stranded DNA, to form a hybrid with the mutant-type DNA (mutant-type hybrid) or/and a hybrid with a wild-type DNA (wild-type hybrid), wherein at least one of the obtained mutant-type hybrid and wild-type hybrid has the stem structure; (2) separating the obtained mutant-type hybrid or/and wild-type hybrid by electrophoresis on the basis of presence or absence of the stem structure or difference in the stem structure; and (3) detecting the presence or absence of the mutant-type DNA in the sample.

Abstract: Provided herein, among other things, are compositions for improving signal-to-noise in hybridization to oligonucleotide arrays. In some embodiments, the composition may comprise a population of indexing oligonucleotides of formula X-Y, where the sequences of region X hybridize to an array and the sequences of region Y hybridize to distinct sites within a genomic region, transcript, set of transcripts, or complement of the same. Use of these oligonucleotides increases signal, reduces background and smoothens array hybridization analyses. Methods and kits that employ the compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for the detection of analytes. In particular, the invention relates to methods for the qualitative and/or quantitative detection of analytes, comprising a microarray on a substrate, onto which probe molecules are immobilized on array elements, said microarray being disposed on a first surface of the device; and a detection chamber formed between the first surface including the microarray disposed thereon and a second surface, wherein the distance between the microarray and the second surface is variable, and wherein the second surface has a displacement structure.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to assemblies for displacing droplets from a vessel that facilitate the collection and transfer of the droplets while minimizing sample loss. In certain aspects, the assembly includes at least one droplet formation module, in which the module is configured to form droplets surrounded by an immiscible fluid. The assembly also includes at least one chamber including an outlet, in which the chamber is configured to receive droplets and an immiscible fluid, and in which the outlet is configured to receive substantially only droplets. The assembly further includes a channel, configured such that the droplet formation module and the chamber are in fluid communication with each other via the channel. In other aspects, the assembly includes a plurality of hollow members, in which the hollow members are channels and in which the members are configured to interact with a vessel.

Abstract: Devices and methods useful for sequencing and characterizing single nucleic acid molecules involve large arrays of nanopore zero-mode waveguides (NZMWs). The methods and devices are made possible by fabrication of nanoporous membranes of appropriate porosity for use in nucleotide sequencing. The fabrication methods eliminate the need for serial nanopore formation and make possible the mass production of highly efficient DNA and RNA single molecule sequencing devices.

Abstract: A nucleic acid sequencing system is provided, including a base provided with a clamping platform, a reagent storage unit, a fluid control unit, a mobile platform and a total reflection microscope thereon; the clamping platform being provided with a gene sequencing chip thereon; the reagent storage unit being configured to store a gene sequencing reagent, the fluid control unit being configured to pump the gene sequencing reagent from the reagent storage unit to the gene sequencing chip, the mobile platform being configured to drive the clamping platform to move toward or away from the total reflection microscope; and the total reflection microscope being configured to detect a gene sequence of a sample in the gene sequencing chip.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides methods and systems for comprehensive genomic analysis that enables the detection of a broad range of genomic variations, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), small insertions or deletions (indels), Tandem Base Mutations (TBM), copy number variations (CNVs), structural variations (SVs), and combination thereof, in a single assay. The invention can be used, for example, to analyze the complicated underlying genomic defects in diseases and conditions such as Autism spectrum disorders (ASD), cancers, Alzheimer's disease, and other neurological disorders.

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 conjugates in nanopore devices and methods.

Abstract: A method for providing a tailored drug recommendation for a patient wherein a plurality of metabolizer genes for the patient may be identified from a DNA sample. The metabolizer genes may relate to the patient's ability to metabolize a drug and indicate a metabolizer gene phenotype for the patient. The method may additionally include comparing a drug to the metabolizer gene phenotype and, based on the comparison, assigning a classification to the drug. Moreover, the method may include providing a recommendation for the patient with respect to the drug, the recommendation based at least in part on the assigned classification of the drug. In some embodiments, the method may further include identifying an event/response gene for the patient, the event/response gene related to the patient's compatibility with the drug and indicating an event/response gene phenotype for the patient; and comparing the drug to the event/response gene phenotype.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a genetic marker for determining meat quality traits of pigs and a use thereof, and specifically, a genetic marker for determining meat quality traits of pigs, comprising a polynucleotide consisting of 5 to 300 consecutive nucleotides comprising the nucleotides from the 1524th to the 1527th positions in the polynucleotide of SEQ ID NO: 1, or a polynucleotide complementary thereto, a composition for determining meat quality traits of pigs comprising an agent capable of detecting the genetic marker, a composition for determining Korean native pigs, a kit, a microarray, a method for determining meat quality traits of pigs, and a method for determining meat quality traits of Korean native pigs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for assessing, evaluating and/monitoring the purity of a mesenchymal stem cells preparation, in particular of an adipose stem cells preparation, comprising measuring the expression level of at least one growth factor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining P1/P2 blood type, including steps of providing a biological sample of a subject, detecting a genotype for single nucleotide polymorphism rs2143918 or rs5751348 in A4GALT gene of the biological sample and determining a phenotype of the subject based on the genotype. Further, the present invention also provides a kit for determining P1/P2 blood type, including a primer pair for detecting a genotype for single nucleotide polymorphisms rs2143918 or rs5751348 in A4GALT gene of a nucleic acid sample of a subject.

Abstract: Described are non-invasive methods of detecting in vivo cell death by measuring levels of ubiquitous and tissue specific miRNA. The method can be applied for detection of pathologies caused or accompanied by cell death, as well as for diagnosis of infectious disease, cytotoxic effects induced by different chemical or physical factors, and the presence of specific fetal abnormalities.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and kits for diagnosing and/or treating appendicitis in a subject, comprising obtaining a biological sample from said subject; detecting RNA expression levels of at least three or more biomarkers in the biological sample and comparing the expression levels of said at least three or more biomarkers to a control sample wherein an increase or decrease in the level of expression of said at least three or more biomarkers as compared to the control sample is indicative of appendicitis.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for determining whether a patient exhibiting cystic fibrosis symptoms, or a patient at risk for cystic fibrosis, will benefit from treatment with one or more anti-cystic fibrosis therapeutic agents. These methods are based on detecting hereditary cystic fibrosis related mutations in small-volume dried biological fluid samples that are collected using a volumetric absorptive microsampling device. Kits for use in practicing the methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for treating Parkinson's Disease (PD), e.g., PD associated with a genetic mutation in a glucocerebrosidase (GBA) gene or a leucine rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene. The methods comprise administering to the subject a modulator, e.g., an inhibitor, of p53-inducible gene 3 (PIG3).

Abstract: Methods of prognosing the outcome of cancer and/or cancer treatment are provided. The methods involve quantitating the level of methylation at a site that regulates expression of the mda-9/Syntenin gene, site cg17197774. High levels of methylation indicate a good prognosis whereas low levels of methylation indicate a poor prognosis and determination of these levels permits risk stratification of patients with cancer.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods for the use of gene expression measurements to classify or identify neuroendocrine cancer in samples obtained from a subject in a clinical setting, such as in cases of formalin fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) samples.

Abstract: Diagnostic assays for medically classifying cancer patients are provided. The method comprises assessing a tissue sample of the patient for the presence of a copy number gain of chromosome regions 1q23.3 and/or 1q21.2. Copy number gain of chromosome regions 1q23.3 and/or 1q21.2 is indicative of a less favorable prognosis as compared to the prognosis if there was no copy number gain in the same regions.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for predicting a benefit from inclusion of taxane in a chemotherapy regimen in a patient suffering from or at risk of developing recurrent neoplastic disease, in particular breast cancer. Said method includes the steps of determining the expression levels of the marker genes S1OOP and PCSK6 and mathematically combining the expression level values to yield a combined score and comparing said combined score to a reference-value, wherein a high combined score is indicative of a benefit from including a taxane in a chemotherapy regimen of said patient and a low combined score is indicative of not having a benefit from including a taxane in a chemotherapy regimen.

Abstract: A method for the targeted selection and treatment of patients with a tumor or cancer, comprising (i) determining whether the patient has a RUNX1 pathway impairment; and if so (ii) administering an effective amount of a cortistatin or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt or oxide, optionally in a pharmaceutically acceptable composition.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides rapid and non-invasive methods for determining whether a patient exhibiting cancer symptoms, or at risk for hereditary cancers such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, or skin cancer, will benefit from treatment with one or more therapeutic agents. These methods are based on detecting hereditary cancer-related mutations in small-volume dried biological fluid samples that are collected using a volumetric absorptive microsampling device (e.g., MITRA Tip). Kits for use in practicing the methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method of detecting the presence of a prostate cancer field defect in a human subject comprising the step of (a) obtaining genomic DNA from the human subject and (b) quantitating methylation in at least one target region selected from the group consisting of PLA2G16, CAV1, EVX1, MCF2L, FGF1, NCR2 and WNT2 and EXT1 and SPAG4 target, wherein significant methylation changes indicate the presence of prostate cancer or a prostate cancer field defect, wherein the change is relative to tissue from a second human subject who does not have prostate cancer.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to nucleic acid probes for detecting PTEN, ZBTB20-LSAMP, and LSAMP mutations. The nucleic acid probes are particularly useful for detecting deletions in the PTEN and LSAMP genes as diagnostics for prostate cancer, especially aggressive forms of prostate cancer for which treatment is indicated. The probes are particularly useful for in situ hybridization to chromosomes present in tissue samples.

Abstract: A method for evaluating a health condition, includes: measuring a test amount of cell free DNA per unit amount of a body fluid sample collected from a subject after tumor resection; and comparing the measured test amount of cell free DNA with a reference value so as to evaluate a health condition of the subject. The reference value is one of a predetermined threshold value; an amount of cell free DNA per unit amount of a body fluid sample collected from the subject before tumor resection; an amount of cell free DNA per unit amount of a body fluid sample collected from the subject between 1 week and 3 months after tumor resection; and an amount of cell free DNA per unit amount of a body fluid sample collected from the subject by the time of collecting the body fluid sample for measuring the test amount of cell free DNA.

Abstract: A method for characterizing toxicity of toxic pollutants and a method for characterizing comprehensive toxicity of water bodies. The methods include constructing a reporter gene cell line expressing CHOP gene associated with endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid oligomers, including amplification oligomers, capture probes, and detection probes, for detection of Zika virus 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: An object of the present invention is to provide a constitutive 1,4-dioxane-degrading bacteria offering excellent maximum relative rates of degradation of 1,4-dioxane. As a means for achieving the object, the present invention provides a constitutive 1,4-dioxane-degrading bacteria being strain N23 deposited as Accession No. NITE BP-02032.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a yeast strain with high yield of glutathione, and belongs to the technical field of microorganisms. Saccharomyces cerevisiae tlj2016 provided in the present invention has been deposited in China General Microbiological Culture Collection Center of Microbe Preservation Management Committee, with a preservation number of CGMCC No. 12789. The strain can tolerate glucose with tolerance capability reaching 300 g/L, and has tolerance capability against L-cysteine that is far higher than that of the starting strain, contributing to the production of glutathione at conditions of high concentrations of glucose, with a final concentration of GSH produced through fermentation in a 5-L fermentation tank reaching 3308 mg/L.

Abstract: A martensitic stainless steel alloy is strengthened by copper-nucleated nitride precipitates. The alloy includes, in combination by weight percent, about 10.0 to about 12.5 Cr, about 2.0 to about 7.5 Ni, up to about 17.0 Co, about 0.6 to about 1.5 Mo, about 0.5 to about 2.3 Cu, up to about 0.6 Mn, up to about 0.4 Si, about 0.05 to about 0.15 V, up to about 0.10 N, up to about 0.035 C, up to about 0.01 W, and the balance Fe and incidental elements and impurities. The nitride precipitates may be enriched by one or more transition metals. A case hardened, corrosion resistant variant has a reduced weight percent of Ni, enabling increased use of Cr, and decreased Co.

Abstract: Provided are a cold working tool material with which high hardness can be obtained in a broad range of tempering temperatures, and a cold working tool manufacturing method using same. The present invention is a cold working tool material comprising a steel component composition that contains, in mass %, C: 0.65-2.40%, Cr: 5.0-15.0%, Mo and W alone or combined (Mo+½W): 0.50-4.00%, V: 0.10-1.50%, and N: greater than 0.0300% to 0.0800%, in which martensitic structure can be adjusted by quenching, and in which, in a 90 ?m long 90 ?m wide region of a cross-sectional structure that does not contain carbides with equivalent circle diameters exceeding 5.0 ?m, the number density of carbides A with equivalent circle diameters greater than 0.1 ?m to 2.0 ?m is at least 9.0×105/mm2 and the number density of carbides B with equivalent circle diameters greater than 0.1 ?m to 0.4 ?m is at least 7.5×105/mm2.

Abstract: A heat-treated steel sheet member having a composition including, by mass %: C: 0.05 to 0.50%; Si: 0.50 to 5.0%; Mn: 1.5 to 4.0%; P: 0.05% or less; S: 0.05% or less; N: 0.01% or less; Ti: 0.01 to 0.10%; B: 0.0005 to 0.010%; Cr: 0 to 1.0%; Ni: 0 to 2.0%; Cu; 0 to 1.0%; Mo: 0 to 1.0%; V: 0 to 1.0%; Ca: 0 to 0.01%; Al: 0 to 1.0%; Nb: 0 to 1.0%; REM: 0 to 0.1%; and the balance: Fe and impurities. The steel sheet member has a microstructure comprising mainly martensite and retained austenite of which a volume ratio is 0.2 to 1.0%, a number density of retained carbide in the steel sheet member having circle-equivalent diameters of 0.1 mm or larger is 4.0×103/mm2 or lower, a tensile strength is 1.4 GPa or higher, and a yield ratio is 0.65 or higher.

Abstract: A steel sheet improved in hardenability and material formability having a predetermined chemical composition, characterized in that, in the metal structure of the steel sheet, an average grain size of carbides is 0.4 ?m to 2.0 ?m, an area ratio of pearlite is 6% or less, when a number of carbides in ferrite grains is A and a number of carbides at ferrite grain boundaries is B, B/A>l, and when an X-ray diffraction intensity at {211}<011>at a plane of a part of ½ sheet thickness of the steel sheet is denoted by “I1” and an X-ray diffraction intensity at {100}<011>is denoted by “I0”, I1/I0<1 is satisfied, and the steel sheet has a Vickers hardness of 100 HV to 150 HV.

Abstract: A hot-press molding method of the present disclosure includes a first heating process in which a steel plate is heated and the entire steel plate becomes austenite, a first cooling process in which a cooling rate of the steel plate after the first heating process is partially changed, a first region which is a part of the steel plate is transformed into martensite, and a second region other than the first region remains as austenite, a second heating process in which the entire steel plate is reheated and the first region becomes tempered martensite, and a second cooling process in which the entire steel plate after the second heating process is cooled. At least one of the first cooling process and the second cooling process is performed during a molding process in which the steel plate is press-molded on a molding die.

Abstract: This application pertains to methods of recovering metals from metal sulfides that involve contacting the metal sulfide with an acidic sulfate solution containing ferric sulfate and a reagent that has a thiocarbonyl functional group, wherein the concentration of reagent in the acidic sulfate solution is sufficient to increase the rate of metal ion extraction relative to an acidic sulfate solution that does not contain the reagent, to produce a pregnant solution containing the metal ions.

Abstract: This method for producing a vanadium compound has an alkaline leaching step for immersing incineration ash in an alkaline solution to cause vanadium to leach from the incineration ash into the alkaline solution and obtain a leachate slurry, a solid-liquid separation step for separating the leachate slurry obtained in the alkaline leaching step into a solid and liquid followed by removing insoluble matter to obtain a leachate, a pH adjustment step for adding acid to the leachate following solid-liquid separation to make the leachate acidic, an aging step for aging the leachate following pH adjustment until a precipitate forms in the leachate, and a separation step for separating the precipitate from the leachate following the aging step.

Abstract: Device and method for melt treatment of aluminium alloys having excessive inclusions, impurities and unwanted gases to be removed, by (a) cooling the melt at an appropriate cooling rate to a temperature below the liquidus by shearing the melt associated with the introduction of at least one type of inert gases into the melt to form fine bubbles and high shear in the melt, and (b) purifying inclusions in the melt by floating them to the top surface, degassing the undesirable gases by reacting with the inert gas, and forming solid intermetallics containing impurity elements and transferring the melt mixture by the shearing device into a holding furnace, and (c) maintaining the melt in the holding furnace at a temperature below the liquidus and above the solidus temperature to settle the solid intermetallics formed by impurity elements as sediment at the bottom of the holding furnace while flowing the melt with much reduced inclusions, impurities and unwanted gases out of the holding furnace as applicable materi

Abstract: An amorphous alloy corresponding to the formula: CoaNibMoc(C1-xBX)dXe wherein X is one or several elements selected from the group consisting of Cu, Si, Fe, P, Y, Er, Cr, Ga, Ta, Nb, V and W; wherein the indices a to e and x satisfy the following conditions: 55?a?75 at. % 0?b?15 at. % 7?c?17 at. % 15?d?23 at. % 0.1?x?0.9 at. % 0?e?10 at. %, each element selected from the group having a content ?3 at. % and preferably ?2 at. %, the balance being impurities.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an aluminum alloy for a cylinder head. The aluminum alloy according to an embodiment comprises, by weight, Si: 4.5˜5.0%, Cu: 3.0˜4.0%, Fe: 0.2˜0.5%, Mn: 0.02% or less (exclusive of 0%), Mg: 0.1˜0.3%, Zr: 0.1% or less (exclusive of 0%), Cr: 0.1˜0.2%, and a balance of Al and inevitable impurities to form 100%, with a reinforcing phase of Al(Fe,Cr)Si ranging from to to 2.3%.

Abstract: The use of a specific molybdenum-silicon-boron alloy and a particular production process in which powder is used makes it possible to achieve components which have a particular fiber-matrix structure and can be used for high-temperature applications and can also be produced inexpensively.

Abstract: The low alloy steel for oil country tubular goods according to the present invention has a chemical composition containing, by mass percent, C: 0.56 to 1.00%, Si: 0.05 to 0.50%, Mn: 0.05 to 1.00%, P: at most 0.025%, 5: at most 0.010%, Al: 0.005 to 0.100%, Mo: 0.40 to 1.00%, V: 0.05 to 0.30%, and O: at most 0.010%, the balance being Fe and impurities, wherein the yield stress thereof is at least 862 MPa, and the half-value width of a [211] crystal surface obtained by X-ray diffraction is at most 0.50°.

Abstract: A steel sheet for heat treatment having a chemical composition including, by mass %: C: 0.05 to 0.50%; Si: 0.50 to 5.0%; Mn; 1.5 to 4.0%; P: 0.05% or less; S: 0.05% or less; N: 0.01% or less; Ti: 0.01 to 0.10%; B: 0.0005 to 0.010%; Cr: 0 to 1.0%; Ni: 0 to 2.0%; Cu: 0 to 1.0%; Mo: 0 to 1.0%; V: 0 to 1.0%; Ca: 0 to 0.01%; Al: 0 to 1.0%; Nb: 0 to 1.0%; REM: 0 to 0.1%; and the balance: Fe and impurities, wherein a maximum height roughness Rz on a surface of the steel sheet is 3.0 to 10.0 ?m, and a number density of carbide being present in the steel sheet and having circle-equivalent diameters of 0.1 ?m or larger is 8.0×103/mm2 or lower.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for changing the temperature of a metal strip including means for changing the temperature of the metal strip by heating or cooling. By using means for conveying the metal strip, the metal strip is moved in the strip direction relative to the means for changing the temperature of the metal strip. The object of providing a device for changing the temperature of metal strips, which allows improved process control and improved flatness of the treated metal strip, is achieved according to the invention by a device in that means for changing the temperature of the metal strip include a plurality of individual temperature-control means which each heat or cool the metal strip only in some regions, and at least the position of a plurality of the temperature-control means can be individually changed translationally and/or rotationally relative to the metal strip.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a plasma resistant coating film and a fabricating method thereof, more particularly a plasma resistant coating film and a fabricating method thereof which can secure chemical resistance by means of, after thermally spraying the first rare earth metal compound, double sealing through aerosol deposition and hydration, thereby minimizing open channels and open pores in the coating layer and plasma corrosion resistance by means of the dense rare earth metal compound coating film.

Abstract: The invention provides an evaporation apparatus, which is able to improve an efficiency of evaporation materials, uniformity of deposited films, and throughput of the evaporation process. Disclosed is an evaporation source holder, which is installed in an evaporation chamber and configured to hold an evaporation material, and a moving mechanism, which is configured to move the evaporation source holder during evaporation of the evaporation material. The evaporation apparatus is further characterized by a shutter over the evaporation source holder, a filter over the shutter, and a heater surrounding the filter.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for the improvement of surface properties via deposition of a film. A typical film may comprise at least three, including at least four components, and typically includes at least one of, including both of, Nitrogen and Oxygen. A film may include at least one of Silicon, Phosphorous, and Boron, and one or more modifiers. For some films, a modifier may include an element having a cationic field strength greater than 10 ??-2. A film may have a high hardness and/or modulus. A film, may be substantially transparent to visible light. Some films have high refractive indices. Some films have low refractive indices. Some films have very low ultraviolet extinction coefficients.

Abstract: A method for controlling a gas supply to a process chamber is provided. The method includes: measuring a gas parameter by each of two or more sensors provided in the process chamber; determining a combined gas parameter from the measured gas parameters; and controlling the gas supply to the process chamber based on the determined combined gas parameter.

Abstract: A film formation apparatus for forming a self-assembled monomolecular film on a film formation surface of a substrate includes: a chamber for accommodating the substrate, the chamber including a facing inner wall surface facing the film formation surface of the substrate, the facing inner wall surface being a ground potential surface; a source gas supply part for supplying a source gas for the self-assembled monomolecular film into the chamber; and an electrode positioned between the film formation surface of the substrate accommodated in the chamber and the facing inner wall surface of the chamber, and configured to form an electric field in a direction extending from the film formation surface of the substrate accommodated in the chamber toward the facing inner wall surface of the chamber or in a direction extending from the facing inner wall surface of the chamber toward the film formation surface of the substrate.