Abstract: An assembly for preparing a specimen is provided that may be configured to determine the presence of at least one microorganism specie in the specimen. The assembly may include a pipette configured to acquire a specimen from a sample and an imaging cartridge configured to be in fluid communication with the pipette. The imaging cartridge and the pipette may be configured to be irreversibly coupled such that the specimen is bio-contained within the imaging cartridge and the pipette when the imaging cartridge and pipette are coupled together. Associated methods of use are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of cleaving double-stranded DNA that can be recognized and cleaved by a rationally-designed, I-CreI-derived meganuclease are provided. Also provided are recombinant nucleic acids, cells, and organisms containing such recombinant nucleic acids, as well as cells and organisms produced using such meganucleases. Also provided are methods of conducting a custom-designed, I-CreI-derived meganuclease business.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for detecting and identifying strains of mycobacteria, and compositions and kits for performing such methods. In particular, nucleic acid amplification and fluorescence detection methods are provided for the detection and differentiation of mycobacteria based on, for example, pathogenicity, species, and antibiotic resistance or sensitivity. Compositions and methods are provided herein to identify and differentiate mycobacteria in mixtures of different mycobacteria and mycobacteria and non-mycobacteria.

Abstract: The invention relates to nucleic acid substrates for catalytic nucleic acid enzymes and methods utilizing the substrates.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved oligonucleotide detection method based on the nanopore technology with a probe containing a complementary sequence to the target oligonucleotide and a terminal extension at the probe's 3? terminus, 5? terminus, or both termini. The improved nanopore sensor with the probe enables sensitive, selective, and direct detection, differentiation and quantification of target oligonucleotides such as miRNAs. The inventive detection method may also be employed as a non-invasive and cost-effective diagnostic method for cancer detection based on miRNA levels in the patient's blood sample.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for analyte detection and analysis. A system can comprise an open substrate configured to rotate. The open substrate can comprise an array of immobilized analytes. A solution comprising a plurality of probes may be directed, via centrifugal force, across the array during rotation of the substrate, to couple at least one of the plurality of probes with at least one of the analytes to form a bound probe. A detector can be configured to detect a signal from the bound probe via continuous rotational area scanning of the substrate.

Abstract: Methods and assays are provided for isolating factors including polypeptides, ribonucleic acids (RNAs) and polypeptide complexes that are associated with a target nucleic acid sequence. The target nucleic acid sequence may be comprised within chromatin. The methods are suitable for identification and characterisation of factors including non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that associate with specified genomic loci.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to antibodies that bind thermophilic family B DNA polymerases. Related uses, methods, and compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides an ultra-rapid nucleic acid amplification method performed in a flow channel. Specifically, the invention provides a nucleic acid amplification method for performing a PCR reaction by supplying a PCR sample solution to a nucleic acid amplification device comprising a serpentine channel adapted to perform at least one PCR cycle, the nucleic acid amplification device comprising a DNA denaturation temperature zone corresponding to the curved portions at one side, an annealing temperature zone corresponding to the curved portions at the other side, and an extension temperature zone positioned between the annealing and DNA denaturation temperature zones, wherein the PCR sample solution is introduced in the form of sample plugs separated by gas into the serpentine channel using a pump, the sample solution being supplied into the channel in a state such that the solution is separated by gas into a segment corresponding to one PCR cycle or smaller segments.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic response/light measurement device and a method therefor, and the purpose is to effectively and quickly perform an optical measurement relating to a reaction with high reliability without increasing a device size. The device is configured to have: a container group in which a plurality of reaction containers are arranged; a measurement mount provided with a plurality of coupling ends that are joinable with apertures of the reaction containers, and have light guide portions that optically connect with the interior of the joined reaction containers; a mount transfer mechanism; a measuring device having a measuring end having at least one light guide portion that is optically connectable to the light guide portions of the coupling ends, that is able to receive light based on an optical state within the reaction containers; an on-mount measuring end transfer mechanism; and a measurement control portion.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and compositions that provide highly efficient nucleic acid amplification. In some embodiments, this allows a greater than 2-fold increase of amplification product for each amplification cycle and therefore increased sensitivity and speed over conventional PCR.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and devices for amplifying a plurality of targets in a single PCR run while distinguishing between clinically relevant amplification and amplification from other sources such as from background contamination. The methods and devices further enable discrimination between gram-positive, gram-negative and fungal infections as wells as identify antimicrobial resistance genes. When applying the methods and devices of the invention, the species or genus of an infection(s), and genus of a fungal co-infection(s) or category of bacterial (gram-positive or negative) co-infection(s) are identified. Species identification of co-infections can also be achieved. Further, when applying the methods and devices of the invention, organisms which are likely to be contaminating organisms from a blood draw are identified.

Abstract: A biochip for molecular detection and sensing is disclosed. The biochip includes a substrate. The biochip includes a plurality of discrete sites formed on the substrate having a density of greater than five hundred wells per square millimeter. Each discrete site includes sidewalls disposed on the substrate to form a well. Each discrete site includes an electrode disposed at the bottom of the well. In some embodiments, the wells are formed such that cross-talk between the wells is reduced. In some embodiments, the electrodes disposed at the bottom of the wells are organized into groups of electrodes, wherein each group of electrodes shares a common counter electrode. In some embodiments, the electrode disposed at the bottom of the well has a dedicated counter electrode. In some embodiments, surfaces of the sidewalls are silanized such that the surfaces facilitate the forming of a membrane in or adjacent to the well.

Abstract: Real time redox sequencing methods, devices, and systems are described. Arrays of redox devices comprising one or two electrodes are used to provide sequence information about a template nucleic acid in a polymerase-template complex bound proximate to the electrode(s). A sequencing reaction mixture comprising nucleotide analogs comprising redox labels is introduced to the array of redox devices under conditions of polymerase mediated nucleic acid synthesis. The time sequence of incorporation of nucleotide analogs is determined by electrochemically identifying the redox labels of the nucleotide analogs that are incorporated into the growing strand.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel method of error-free sequencing of DNA. Further, the present invention provides for a four-part oligonucleotide, comprising a fixed sequence, a randomized sequence, a restriction nuclease recognition site and/or restriction site, and a primer binding site. The invention also relates to the use of the sequenced DNA fragments obtained by the methods of the invention in methods for DNA sequence analysis, generation of cell lineage trees or assessment of copy numbers.

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: A method of estimating a parameter related to sequencing of a sample nucleic acid template includes: receiving signal data relating to nucleotide incorporation events resulting from a series of flows of nucleotides onto an array of wells including (i) a first well containing the sample nucleic acid template and (ii) a plurality of other sample-containing wells; determining sequence information for the sample nucleic acid template using signal data from the first well; and constructing a phase-state model for a set of nucleotide flows that contributed at least in part to the sequence information, wherein the model includes a signal correction parameter that is determined using signal data from the plurality of other sample-containing wells.

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: Biomarkers predictive of responsiveness to integrin beta7 antagonists, including anti-beta7 integrin subunit antibodies, and methods of using such biomarkers are provided. In addition, methods of treating gastrointestinal inflammatory disorders such as inflammatory bowel diseases including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are provided. Also provided are methods of using such predictive biomarkers for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method for detecting or monitoring a liver disease in a subject that has no indication of any liver pathologies, by measuring the amount of concentration of albumin mRNA in an acellular blood sample from the subject, and then comparing the amount or concentration of albumin mRNA with a standard control.

Abstract: The disclosure provides materials and methods related to using biomarkers for prediction of duration of response to prostate cancer treatment and for treating prostate cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, in particular an in vitro method, for identifying CD8 positive subpopulations of a mammal, wherein said method comprises analyzing the bisulfite convertibility of at least one CpG position in the CD8 beta and CD8 alpha cell specific bisulfite convertibility gene region according to SEQ ID No. 1 and 2, wherein a bisulfite convertibility of at least one CpG position in said gene regions is indicative for a CD3+CD8+ and/or CD3+/?CD8+ cell. The analyzes according to the invention can identify CD3+CD8+ and/or CD3+/?CD8+ cells on an epigenetic level and distinguish them from all other cells in complex samples, such as, for example, other blood cells.

Abstract: Methods, pharmaceutical formulations and medicaments for treating prostate cancer or preventing the progression of a nonaggressive form of prostate cancer to an aggressive form, in a mammal, include a therapeutically effective amount of one or more active agents that reduce the expression or biological activity of both Forkhead box protein M1 (FOXM1) and Centromere protein F (CENPF) or biologically active fragments thereof or biologically active fragments thereof selected from the group consisting of an isolated shRNA, siRNA, antisense RNA, antisense DNA, Chimeric Antisense DNA/RNA, microRNA, and ribozymes that are sufficiently complementary to either a gene or an mRNA encoding either FOXM1 or CENPF proteins. A method is also presented for discovering synergistic master regulators of other phenotype transitions, wherein the master regulators are conserved among different species.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for detecting multiple citrus pathogens using a multiplex branched DNA signal amplification reaction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Bacillus anthracis (B. anthracis) in which more than one secreted protease is inactivated by genetic modification. Such a protease-deficient B. anthracis has an improved ability to produce recombinant secreted proteins compared to other bacteria, particularly other Bacillus. Improvements include production of intact (i.e., mature full-length) proteins, often at high yield. The disclosure provides a B. anthracis that comprises a genetic modification that inactivates a protease of the M4 family of metalloproteases and a genetic modification that inactivates a protease of the M6 family of metalloproteases. Also provided is a modified B. anthracis comprising such genetic modification transformed with a recombinant molecule encoding a product, as well as methods to prepare and use such B. anthracis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are synthetic leathers, artificial epidermal layers, artificial dermal layers, layered structures, products produced therefrom and methods of producing the same.

Abstract: An ultrasound-assisting quenching process includes: S1) connect the workpiece with the ultrasonic unit tightly; S2) heat the workpiece to the quenching temperature and then hold for a period of time; S3) start the ultrasonic unit, then the ultrasound energy can be injected into the workpiece directly; and S4) put the workpiece into the coolant quickly to make the workpiece to be quenched. The device for this process mainly includes the ultrasonic unit and a heating unit. This invention inputs the ultrasound energy into the workpiece during the quenching process. Under the action of the ultrasound, the grain size of the workpiece after quenching process will be much smaller compared with the conventional quenching process. Therefore, the ultrasound-assisting quenching process can improve the strength and plasticity of the material, and extend the life of the workpiece.

Abstract: In the case of a method for the heat treatment of erected, preferably large-area tube wall regions or tube wall segments, in particular of a diaphragm wall, of a steam generator, in particular of a power plant, in the installed state, it is sought to provide a solution which permits the use of steel types which are more problematic with regard to power plant operation with elevated steam parameters, in particular the steels T23 and T24, in the erection of steam generators. This is achieved in that the tube wall regions or tube wall segments for heat treatment are subjected, in the installed state in the steam generator, and in particular over a large area, to a stress-relief annealing process.

Abstract: In a process for producing a cold- or hot-rolled steel strip from an ultrahigh-strength multiphase steel having a particular composition the required multiphase microstructure is generated during continuous heat treatment. The cold- or hot-rolled steel strip is heated in the continuous heat treatment furnace to a temperature in the range from 700 to 950° C. and the heat-treated steel strip is subsequently cooled from the heat treatment temperature at a cooling rate of from 15 to 100° C./s to a first intermediate temperature of from 300 to 500° C. followed by cooling at a cooling rate of from 15 to 100° C./s to a second intermediate temperature of from 200 to 250° C.; the steel strip is subsequently cooled at a cooling rate of from 2 to 30° C./s in air to room temperature or the cooling at a cooling rate of from 15 to 100° C./s is maintained from the first intermediate temperature to room temperature.

Abstract: A cooling device configured to cool an article to be processed by spraying a coolant includes a cooling chamber configured to accommodate the article to be processed, a header pipe having a connecting pipe protruding from a main body section to which a nozzle is attached and into which the coolant supplied into the main body section is supplied, and disposed in the cooling chamber, and an attachment section formed at the cooling chamber and into which the connecting pipe is inserted from an inside of the cooling chamber to an outside of the cooling chamber.

Abstract: A hot-rolled steel sheet has a chemical composition containing, by mass %, C: 0.030% or more and 0.120% or less, Si: 0.05% or more and 0.50% or less, Mn: 1.00% or more and 2.20% or less, P: 0.025% or less, S: 0.0050% or less, N: 0.0060% or less, Al: 0.005% or more and 0.100% or less, Nb: 0.020% or more and 0.100% or less, Mo: 0.05% or more and 0.50% or less, Ti: 0.001% or more and 0.100% or less, Cr: 0.05% or more and 0.50% or less, Ca: 0.0005% or more and 0.0050% or less, and the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, and has a microstructure including bainitic ferrite as a main phase and martensite and retained austenite as second phases, wherein a volume fraction of the main phase is 90% or more, an average grain diameter of the main phase is 10 ?m or less, a volume fraction of the martensite is 0.5% or more and 9.5% or less, and a volume fraction of the retained austenite is 0.5% or more and 9.

Abstract: A hot-pressed steel sheet member includes a specific chemical composition and further includes a steel structure in which an area ratio of ferrite in a surface layer portion ranging from a surface to 15 ?m in depth is greater than 1.20 times an area ratio of ferrite in an inner layer portion being a portion excluding the surface layer portion, and the inner layer portion contains a steel structure represented, in area %, ferrite: 10% to 70%, martensite: 30% to 90%, and a total area ratio of ferrite and martensite: 90% to 100%. A tensile strength of the hot-pressed steel sheet member is 980 MPa or more.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lightweight steel sheet and a method of manufacturing the same, wherein high strength and ductility can be achieved in the lightweight steel sheet even when a small amount of carbon and manganese is added, by preventing loss of austenite due to decarburizing through inhibiting decarburization, which occurs during a heat treatment step of a steel sheet containing austenite.

Abstract: A steel-strip production apparatus adapted to produce a hot-dip-plated steel strip and a cold-rolled steel strip includes a continuous annealing furnace, a snout connected to the continuous annealing furnace, a contact-type seal plate device and a noncontact-type seal roll device, a hot-dip-plating tank that is movable, and a roll configured to turn the path direction of the steel strip after passing through the snout, wherein a hot-dip-plated steel strip production unit configured to produce a hot-dip-plated steel strip by bringing the steel strip continuously annealed in the continuous annealing furnace into the hot-dip-plating tank; and a cold-rolled steel strip production unit configured to produce a cold-rolled steel strip by transferring the steel strip continuously annealed in the continuous annealing furnace without causing the steel strip to pass through the hot-dip-plating tank, are configured to be switchable with one another.

Abstract: Provided is a hydrometallurgical process for nickel oxide ore effectively reducing the amount of sulfuric acid used in the leaching step and the amount of a neutralizer such as slaked lime used in the final neutralization step without reducing nickel yield. The present invention is a method for pre-treating ore slurry to be submitted for leaching treatment in a hydrometallurgical process for nickel oxide ore, the method comprising: a separating step for separating the ore slurry into a coarse particle fraction, in which particles having a particle diameter of less than 45 ?m are 30 mass % of the solids or less, and a fine particle fraction, and feeding said fine particle fraction to the leaching process; and a vibration sieving step for separating the separated coarse particle fraction into oversize particles and undersize particles using vibration sieving and feeding the ore slurry of said undersize particles to the leaching process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to reclaim metals from scrap material such as automobile shredder residue (ASR) that, after separating out light density components, separates out friable material such as rock and glass by crushing and screening operations to generate a high metal content product.

Abstract: Provided is a recovery method of useful resources in seawater and brine, and more particularly, a recovery method of useful resources in seawater and brine capable of improving adsorption efficiency and recovery efficiency of trace amounts of useful resources such as strontium, lithium, boron, or the like, present in brine at low cost by using a magnetic adsorbent composite and a solid-liquid separation process which uses magnetic force.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, is a process for recovering valuable metals and/or their oxides from red mud bauxite residues or similar. The process comprises: calcining a red mud residue having a pH of less than about 10 to provide a calcinated red mud residue; acid leaching the calcinated red mud residue to provide a silica rich solid component and an acid leachate; separating the silica rich solid component and the acid leachate; precipitating an iron rich solid component from the acid leachate; and separating the precipitated iron rich solid component from the acid leachate to provide an aluminium rich liquor.

Abstract: The invention provides hydrometallurgical processes for the recovery of rare earth values from ore, using simple crushing without beneficiation to produce an enriched and purified mixed rare earth concentrate. Ore is crushed to a relatively coarse particle size, and then treated with relatively small amounts of acid, at a relatively modest elevated temperature, to render the rare earth elements extractable in a subsequent water leach.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a housing configured to be placed into a subterranean environment and a mixer disposed in the housing. The mixer includes a first inlet configured to receive a fusible metal or alloy component and a second inlet configured to receive a solid metal or semi-metal component. Additionally, the mixer includes a mixing chamber configured to mix the fusible metal or alloy component and the solid metal or semi-metal component to form a liquid or partially liquid alloy. Further, the mixer includes an outlet configured to discharge the liquid or partially liquid alloy into the subterranean environment. The liquid or partially liquid alloy is configured to harden into a solid alloy over time.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to aluminum based alloys and a method for producing the aluminum based alloys. The method comprises acts of, casting of the aluminum based alloy in a chilled casting mold. Then, aging the cast aluminum based alloy at a first predetermined temperature for a first predetermined time. The aging results in the formation of a first precipitate. Followed by this, solutionizing the aluminum based alloy at a second predetermined temperature for a second predetermined time such that the major alloying element is dissolved in aluminum matrix without much affecting the first precipitate. Then, aging the aluminum based alloy at a third predetermined temperature for a third predetermined time. The aging results in the formation of a second precipitate.

Abstract: Provided is a corrosion-resistant and wear-resistant member where a thermal-sprayed layer having corrosion resistance and wear resistance is formed on a surface of a metallic member which is brought into contact with a resin which generates a highly corrosive gas. Also provided is a thermal-spraying powder. The highly corrosion-resistant and wear-resistant member having a thermal-sprayed layer is one obtained by thermally spraying metallic powder on a metallic base material to form a thermal-sprayed layer on a surface of the metallic base material. The member is characterized in that the thermal-sprayed layer is a composite boride cermet of a tetragonal Mo2 (Ni,Cr) B2-type or a tetragonal Mo2 (Ni, Cr, V) B2-type. The powder for forming a thermal-sprayed layer is made of a composite boride cermet of a Mo2 (Ni, Cr) B2-type and comprises 4.0 to 6.5 mass % of boron, 39.0 to 64.0 mass % of molybdenum, and 7.5 to 20.0 mass % of chromium, a balance being 5 mass % or more of nickel and unavoidable elements.

Abstract: A hot-rolled steel sheet includes, as a chemical composition, by mass %, C: 0.030% to 0.10%, Mn: 0.5% to 2.5%, and Si+Al: 0.100% to 2.5%, in which the steel sheet has a microstructure including, by area fraction, ferrite: 80% or more, martensite: 3% to 15.0%, and pearlite: less than 3.0%, in which a number density of martensite having an equivalent circle diameter of 3 ?m or more at a position which is at a depth of ¼ of the steel sheet thickness from the surface of the steel sheet, is 5.0 pieces/10000 ?m2 or less, and the following Expression (1) is satisfied. R/DM2?1.00??Expression (1) Here, R is an average martensite interval (?m) defined by the following Expression (2), and DM is a martensite average diameter (?m). R={12.5×(?/6VM)0.5?(?)0.5}×DM??Expression (2) Here, VM is a martensite area fraction (%) and DM is the martensite average diameter (?m).

Abstract: A method for the production of iron-based alloy powders, or particulate materials, through rotating or centrifugal atomization (CA) is disclosed. The invention is suitable for obtaining steel powder, especially tool steel powder, high strength steels and other iron-based alloys of similar properties by means of centrifugal atomization, particularly conducted by means of a rotating element atomization technique. The fine, smooth, low oxygen content and low satellite, or even satellite-free, powder is atomized by a cooled rotating atomization device (e.g. disk, cup, . . . ) with various geometries in an atomization chamber under a preferably non-oxidizing atmosphere.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to the use of cellulosic materials, such as wood, paper, etc., or synthetic polymeric materials, such as a thermoplastic, rubber, etc., or a composite containing one or more of these materials as feedstock barrels for the process of injection molding of metallic glasses by rapid capacitor discharge forming (RCDF) techniques.

Abstract: A metal mask substrate includes a metal surface to which a resist is to be disposed. A specular reflectance of incident light to the surface is 45.2% or more.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating a substrate is provided that includes a racetrack-shaped plasma source having two straight portions and at least one terminal turnaround portion connecting said straight portions. A tubular target formed of a target material that forms a component of the coating has an end. The target is in proximity to the plasma source for sputtering of the target material. The target is secured to a tubular backing cathode, with both being rotatable about a central axis. A set of magnets are arranged inside the cathode to move an erosion zone aligned with the terminal turnaround toward the end of the target as the target is utilized to deposit the coating on the substrate. Target utilization of up to 87 weight percent the initial target weight is achieved.

Abstract: A film forming system includes a camera having a field of view in a region through which an edge of a film-formed workpiece rotated by a rotational stage and an edge of the film of the film-formed workpiece pass. Based on three or more images obtained by the camera during the rotation of the film-formed workpiece, widths between the edge of the film-formed workpiece and the edge of the film of the film-formed workpiece at circumferentially different locations are obtained. Based on the widths obtained by the first unit, a first positional deviation of a central position of the film of the film-formed workpiece with respect to a central position of the film-formed workpiece is obtained. By using the first positional deviation of the film-formed workpiece, a transfer position of a transfer modules transferring the workpiece to a film forming apparatus used for producing the film-formed workpiece is corrected.

Abstract: A heating chamber and a semiconductor processing apparatus are provided. The heating chamber includes: a heating barrel (17) disposed in the heating chamber and located above a substrate transferring window; an annular heating device (15) disposed around an inner side of the heating barrel and configured to radiate heat from a periphery to an interior of the heating barrel; a substrate cassette (14) configured to bear multiple layers of substrates and allow the multiple layers of substrates to be arranged at intervals in an axial direction of the heating barrel; and a substrate cassette lifting device (13) configured to drive the substrate cassette to move up into an internal spare defined by the annular heating device, or move down to a position corresponding to the substrate transferring window.

Abstract: A method of depositing coating onto both sides of a substrate is provided, which includes steps of upwardly sputtering one or more lower targets to deposit a sacrificial coating onto a second surface and downwardly sputtering one or more upper targets to deposit a first functional coating onto a first surface, washing the substrate with one or more washers to remove the sacrificial coating from the second surface while leaving intact the first functional coating on the first surface, and downwardly sputtering the one or more upper targets to deposit a second functional coating onto the second surface.