Abstract: Composition and methods for the detection of one or more target microbe(s) are provided. Compositions of the disclosure include at least one recombinant phage capable of infecting a target microbe, said phage comprising at least a capsid protein sequence, a ribosome binding site, and a codon-optimized marker. Compositions of the disclosure may further include an aqueous solution that enhances the ability to detect marker expression upon phage infection of the target microbe. In some embodiments the target microbe is Listeria.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes screening cord blood for antibacterial activity against L-form bacteria, methods of treating a patient having an L-form bacterial infection using a cord blood agent, and methods of killing or inhibiting L-form bacteria in an in vitro or ex vivo setting. L-form bacteria underlying an L-form bacterial infection are isolated from a subject having an infection and are altered to a culturable morphology. A set of cord blood agents are screened against the isolated L-form bacteria to identify one or more cord blood agents usable as effective treatment agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting and/or characterizing molecular interactions between two molecules, in particular two proteins and most particular between an antigen and an antibody by using an immobilized single-stranded nucleic acid molecule to which single-stranded nucleic acid molecules having a ligand attached thereto are hybridized.

Abstract: Novel methods of ChIP-seq are disclosed herein. These methods of ChIP-seq employ carrier DNA to prevent loss of DNA samples. The greater DNA yields achieved by this invention permit ChIP-seq of a small number of cells, permitting epigenetic analysis of primary cells of limited quantity.

Abstract: Methods and systems for using encapsulated microbubbles to process biological samples are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method for using encapsulated microbubbles to process a biological sample includes creating a mixture comprising encapsulated microbubbles mixed with a biological sample and adding activation energy to the mixture to cause at least some of the microbubbles to oscillate or burst and thereby process the sample, including effecting cell lysis, shearing DNA, and/or performing tissue dispersion.

Abstract: Novel methods for identification and analysis of mRNA are provided herein. The methods may involve digestion and fingerprinting analysis.

Abstract: Provided are a biomarker composition that includes a nucleotide with a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2 as an active ingredient, a diagnostic kit that includes the biomarker composition, and a method of providing information for diagnosis of atopic dermatitis (AD) that includes detecting a subspecies of F. prausnitzii (F06). By using the present disclosure, whether a subspecies of F. prausnitzii (F06) having a specific nucleotide sequence is present may be usefully determined, and in particular, whether AD is likely to occur may be easily and accurately diagnosed before AD occurs, and thus the present disclosure may be very useful for individuals both before and after AD occurs.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of genotyping a C. gattii sample, which can include forming a plurality of mixtures for nucleic amplification. The method can include amplification of specific sequences within the C. gattii genome that can provide definitive genotype information to distinguish between one or more types or subtypes of C. gattii.

Abstract: Compositions, methods, kits, and uses are provided for detecting or quantifying an Human Parainfluenza virus 1 (HPIV-1), HPIV-2, HPIV-3, and/or HPIV-4 nucleic acid, e.g., using nucleic acid amplification and hybridization assays. In some embodiments, the compositions, methods, kits, and uses target the HN gene of HPIV-1, HPIV-2, and/or HPIV-3 and/or the NP gene of HPIV-4.

Abstract: A method of preparing a metal-organic framework nanosheet is provided. The method includes providing a mixture comprising a metal precursor, a ligand, and a surfactant by at least substantially dissolving the metal precursor, the ligand, and the surfactant in a suitable solvent, and heating the mixture to obtain the metal-organic framework nanosheet. A metal-organic framework nanosheet, methods of preparing a metal-organic framework membrane and a composite material, and applications of the nanosheet and/or membrane in sensing and separation are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods, devices and systems for isolating a nucleic acid from a fluid comprising cells. In various aspects, the methods, devices and systems may allow for a rapid procedure that requires a minimal amount of material and/or results in high purity nucleic acid isolated from complex fluids such as blood or environmental samples.

Abstract: A process for analysing epigenetically active regions of the genome.

Abstract: Methods for predicting palm oil yield of a test oil palm plant are disclosed. The methods comprise determining, from a sample of a test oil palm plant of a population, at least a first SNP genotype, corresponding to a first SNP marker, located in a first QTL for a high-oil-production trait and associated, after stratification and kinship correction, with the high-oil-production trait with a genome-wide ?log10(p-value) of at least 7.0 in the population or having a linkage disequilibrium r2 value of at least 0.2 with respect to a first other SNP marker linked thereto and associated, after stratification and kinship correction, with the high-oil-production trait with a genome-wide ?log10(p-value) of at least 7.0 in the population. The methods also comprise comparing the first SNP genotype to a corresponding first reference SNP genotype and predicting palm oil yield of the test plant based on extent of matching of the SNP genotypes.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein utilized RNA targeting effectors to provide a robust CRISPR-based diagnostic with attomolar sensitivity. Embodiments disclosed herein can detect broth DNA and RNA with comparable levels of sensitivity and can differentiate targets from non-targets based on single base pair differences. Moreover, the embodiments disclosed herein can be prepared in freeze-dried format for convenient distribution and point-of-care (POC) applications. Such embodiments are useful in multiple scenarios in human health including, for example, viral detection, bacterial strain typing, sensitive genotyping, and detection of disease-associated cell free DNA.

Abstract: The present specification discloses methods of detecting a contaminant of interest in a sample, components useful in carrying out these methods, including PCR primers and a detection solution and kits thereof.

Abstract: A PCR reaction vessel includes: a substrate; a channel formed on the substrate; a pair of filters, a first filter and a second filter, provided at respective ends of the channel; a pair of air communication ports, a first air communication port and a second air communication port, that communicate with the channel through the first filter and the second filter; a thermal cycle region formed between the first filter and the second filter in the channel; a branch point formed between the first filter and the second filter in the channel; a branched channel whose one end is connected to the branch point; and a sample introduction port formed at the other end of the branched channel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for rapid assessment of whether a microorganism present in a sample is susceptible or resistant to a treatment.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for activated amplification of a single template polynucleotide molecule, such as for cell barcoding and DNA sequencing.

Abstract: In general, according to one embodiment, a method containing, reverse-transcribing the first sequence in the target RNA, to obtain a reverse-transcription product containing a first? sequence complementary to the first sequence, dissociating the reverse-transcription product from the target RNA, hybridizing an elongation primer and the reverse-transcription product to elongate both, thereby obtain an elongation product, and maintaining the amplification reaction liquid containing the elongation product, a primer set and Tin(exo-) DNA polymerase and/or Bsm DNA polymerase under an amplification reaction condition, to amplify the first? sequence.

Abstract: Methods and systems for analysis of image data generated from various reference points. Particularly, the methods and systems provided are useful for real time analysis of image and sequence data generated during DNA sequencing methodologies.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, inter alia, are compounds, compositions, and methods of use thereof in the sequencing of a nucleic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions, mixtures and kits utilizing deoxynucleoside triphosphates comprising a 3?-O position capped by a group comprising methylenedisulfide as a cleavable protecting group and a detectable label reversibly connected to the nucleobase of said deoxynucleoside. Such compounds provide new possibilities for future sequencing technologies, including but not limited to Sequencing by Synthesis.

Abstract: Substrates comprising dual functional polymer layered surfaces and the preparation thereof by using UV nano-imprinting processes are disclosed. The substrates can be used as flow cells, nanofluidic or microfluidic devices for biological molecules analysis.

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: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for detection and discrimination of optical signals from a densely packed substrate. These have broad applications for biomolecule detection near or below the diffraction limit of optical systems, including in improving the efficiency and accuracy of polynucleotide sequencing applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of target nucleic acid amplification and uses thereof in methods of sequencing, or other down-stream applications such a genotyping or cloning. More specifically, the methods relate to methods of target nucleic acid amplification through the use of a universal hairpin primer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-invasive, simple, inexpensive, quick method to assess embryo competence in vitro by detecting nucleic acid-containing extracellular vesicles in the culture medium of the embryo. The culture medium may be fixed before being stained with propidium iodide and analysed by flow cytometry.

Abstract: Biomarkers and methods of using them for aiding diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of critically ill patients are disclosed. In particular, the invention relates to the use of biomarkers for prognosis of mortality in critically ill patients with sepsis, severe trauma, or burns.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the detection and treatment of neurological disorders, including ASD, are provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method, kits, and assays for identifying a human subject as having an increased risk of developing an autoimmune disease, or a human subject with multiple sclerosis caused by elevated soluble Interleukin 7 receptor (sIL7R), by obtaining a biological sample and detecting or measuring in the biological sample an amount of a soluble Interleukin-7 receptor (sIL7R) and an amount of an RNA Helicase DDX39B, whereby a lower expression of DDX39B and a higher secretion of sIL7R identifies the subject from which the biological sample was obtained as having an increased risk of developing an autoimmune disease, when compared to a human subject not having an autoimmune disease. The present invention also includes a method of modifying a treating of subjects based on the lower expression of RNA Helicase DDX39B alone or in combination with an increase in sIL7R.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a real-time PCR primer pair and probe for diagnosing Avellino corneal dystrophy, and more particularly to a real-time PCR primer pair and probe for diagnosing Avellino corneal dystrophy, which can accurately diagnose the presence or absence of a mutation in exon 4 of BIGH3 gene, which is responsible for Avellino corneal dystrophy. The use of the primer pair and probe according to the invention can diagnose Avellino corneal dystrophy in a more rapid and accurate manner than a conventional method that uses a DNA chip or PCR.

Abstract: A purpose of the present invention is to provide a diagnosis and risk evaluation method for cancer brain metastasis and a treatment and prevention method therefor by clarifying the mechanism of blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption in brain metastasis. Another purpose of the present invention is to provide a drug delivery system to the brain. Still another purpose of the present invention is to provide a medicine, composition and kit to be used in these methods. Therefore, the present invention relates to a method for diagnosing brain metastasis or evaluating the risk of the occurrence of brain metastasis. The method includes the step of determining miR-181c level in a specimen. Further, the present invention relates to a method for treating or preventing brain metastasis. The method includes the step of inhibiting the expression or activity of miR-181c in a cancer patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for reducing the risk of cancer relapse in a subject who has received cancer treatment. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that a restricted fraction of the gut microbiota, including the bacteria Streptococcus anginosus, Parvimonas micra, Acidaminococcus intestini, Eubacterium limosum, Clostridium glycyrrhizinilyticum, Desulfosporosinus lacus, Eubacterium biforme, Anaerofustis stercorihominis, Pseudoramibacter alactolyticus, Peptococcus niger, Armatimonas rosea, Saccharofermentans acetigenes, Finegoldia magna, Levyella massiliensis, Gallicola barnesae, Murdochiella asaccharolytica, and Eubacterium brachy are associated with a reduced risk of cancer relapse.

Abstract: The present invention relates to miRNA biomarkers for use in the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases, in particular pancreatic cancers and pre-cancerous diseases, such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), in particular the early detection of PDAC. The miRNA biomarkers are miR-143, miR-223, miR-204, miR-30e, miR-26a, miR-30a, miR-30b and miR-106b. They may be combined with protein biomarkers. The present invention also provides methods of diagnosis and treatment of PDAC and related diseases, and kits for the early detection of PDAC based on the expression levels of the biomarkers in biological samples, in particular urine samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to means and methods for determining whether a patient is in need of a PD-L1 inhibitor cotherapy. A patient is determined to be in need of the PD-L1 inhibitor cotherapy if a low or absent ER expression level and an expression level of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) that is increased in comparison to a control is measured in vitro in a sample from the patient. The patient is undergoing therapy comprising a modulator of the HER2/neu (ErbB2) signaling pathway (like Trastuzumab) and a chemotherapeutic agent (like dodetaxel) or such a therapy is contemplated for the patient. Also provided herein are means and methods for treating a cancer in a cancer patient for whom therapy comprising a modulator of the HER2/neu (ErbB2) signaling pathway (like Trastuzumab) and a chemotherapeutic agent (like dodetaxel) is contemplated, wherein the patient is to receive PD-L1 inhibitor cotherapy.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, are methods and kits for diagnosing a subject as having hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or lung cancer. In some instances, also described herein are methods of determining the prognosis of the subject having HCC or lung cancer. In additional instances, described herein are methods of determining the specific staging of HCC or lung cancer in a subject.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and kits for detecting the presence or absence of gene dysregulations such as those arising from gene fusions and/or chromosomal abnormalities, e.g. translocations, insertions, inversions and deletions. The methods, compositions and kits are useful for detecting mutations that cause the differential expression of a 5? portion of a target gene relative to the 3? region of the target gene. The average expression of the 5? portion of the target gene is compared with the average expression of the 3? portion of the target gene to determine an intragenic differential expression (IDE). The IDE can then be used to determine if a dysregulation or a particular disease (or susceptibility to a disease) is present or absent in a subject or sample.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods for predicting and/or determining whether a subject has cancer based on the level of expression of BPTF. The disclosure also provides methods for determining whether a cancer in a subject is progressing or regressing based upon the change of expression levels of BPTF between two time points. The disclosure further provides methods to treat a subject with a cancer by administering a polynucleotide comprising an inhibitory BPTF nucleic acid and/or an agent that inhibits the expression or activity of BPTF.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of cancer. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions useful for treating thyroid cancer. In certain embodiments, the method comprises the steps of (a) treating DNA isolated from a sample collected from the patient using bisulfate; (b) measuring the DNA methylation level of the promoter region of the RASAL1 gene from the bisulfate-treated DNA using methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP), wherein the MSP creates a methylation and unmethylation band; (c) normalizing the measured DNA methylation level using an internal reference gene; (d) calculating the percentage of allelic methylation using the formula [M/(M+U]×100%, wherein M and U represent the density of the methylation and unmethylation band; and (e) predicting an increased risk of thyroid cancer in the subject if the percentage of allelic methylation is at least 40%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cell-based assays involving HER2. The assays use assay cells that are transfected with cassettes containing the HER2 gene of interest and measure the effect of mutations on the activity of HER2, and on their response to inhibitors.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods useful for determining levels of HCMV infection in host cells and, by extension, determining levels of neutralizing antibodies present in a sample. The present disclosure encompasses the recognition that HCMV viruses that have a fluorescent moiety permit detection of viral infection (e.g., by assessing fluorescence in cells after contacting the host cell with the virus). In some embodiments, levels of HCMV infection are determined by fluorescence detection where the virus has been preincubated with a test sample (e.g., a serum sample) from a subject. In some embodiments, the subject has been administered a candidate HCMV vaccine.

Abstract: A controller for a compost system comprises a plurality of control outputs in communication with a plurality of compost devices. The control outputs are configured to identify an error condition of at least one of the plurality of compost devices. The controller is configured to control a first compost device configured to control a first environmental condition and control a second compost device configured to control a second environmental condition of a compost chamber. The controller is further configured to deactivate the first compost device in response to an error condition during a compost cycle. The controller controls the second compost device in response to the first compost device being deactivated preserving the compost cycle by compensating for the error condition in the first compost device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to an entomopathogenic fungi, Metarhiziuim spp, and its use to control invertebrate pests of agricultural crops, in particular, invertebrate pests which affect cotton crops.

Abstract: A method for the production of cast iron starting from pre-reduced iron ore (DRI) with an electric arc furnace includes the steps of preparing a charge of pre-reduced iron ore DRI having a metallization higher than 90% and containing over 2.8% by weight of carbon, wherein at least 80% of the carbon is combined with the iron to form iron carbide Fe3C; charging the charge of pre-reduced iron ore into the electric arc furnace; and melting the DRI charge to form liquid cast iron having at least 80% by weight of actual carbon content deriving from the carbon in the charge of pre-reduced iron ore, the melting step being in a reducing atmosphere and in a melting chamber of the electric arc furnace subjected to a positive internal pressure generated by the gases produced by reduction reactions that develop during melting.

Abstract: Disclosed is heat treatment equipment and process that facilitates heat treatment process by introducing focused high intensity infrared heating to components on a conveyorized system for maximizing the throughput of heat treated components.

Abstract: A cooling device cools a workpiece using a mist-like coolant and includes a heat transfer coefficient switching device that switches a heat transfer coefficient of the mist-like coolant from a relatively low state to a relatively high state during cooling the workpiece.

Abstract: A metal article including an at least partially heat treated metal composition, and a method for treating the metal article are provided. The method for treating the metal article may include heating the metal article to a first holding temperature of about 690° C., and holding the metal article at the first holding temperature for at least about 10 hours. The method may also include cooling the metal article from the first holding temperature to a first cooling temperature of about 65° C. or less. The method may further include heating the metal article to a second holding temperature of about 615° C., and holding the metal article at the second holding temperature for at least about 10 hours. The method may also include cooling the metal article from the second holding temperature to a second cooling temperature of about 65° C. or less.

Abstract: A method for producing a semifinished material for the production of metallic components having regions of different strength may involve, in a first step, providing thermal energy to a first region of the semifinished material that is uncoated such that the first region is heated and a material structure in the first region is converted at least partially into austenite. Meanwhile, thermal energy may prevented from being supplied to a second region of the semifinished material. In a second step following the first step, the first region may be cooled such that the material structure in the first region is converted at least partially into martensite.

Abstract: Systems and methods for locally softening high strength steel are disclosed. One method may include heat treating one or more local regions of a steel component having a hardness of at least 450 HV to soften the local region(s) to a hardness of at most 250 HV. The heat treating may include heating only the local region(s) to a target temperature above an AC1 temperature of the component and below an AC3 temperature of the component. In another method, the heat treating may include heating only the local region(s) to a first target temperature above an AC3 temperature of the component, cooling the local region(s) to below an AC1 temperature of the component, and isothermally holding the local region(s) at a second target temperature below the AC1 temperature. The locally softened region(s) may allow for improved joining and/or trimming of the component.

Abstract: An objective of the invention is to provide an austenitic stainless steel article having superior irradiation resistance and stress corrosion cracking resistance than before while maintaining mechanical properties equivalent to those of conventional ones. There is provided a dispersion strengthened austenitic stainless steel article, including: 16-26 mass % of Cr; 8-22 mass % of Ni; 0.005-0.08 mass % of C; 0.002-0.1 mass % of N; 0.02-0.4 mass % of O; at least one of 0.2-2.8 mass % of Zr, 0.4-5 mass % of Ta, and 0.2-2.6 mass % of Ti; and a balance consisting of Fe and inevitable impurities. The Zr, Ta and Ti components form inclusion particles in the stainless steel article by combining with the C, N and O components. The stainless steel article has an average grain size of 1 ?m or less and a maximum grain size of 5 ?m or less.