Abstract: Methods and systems to produce product compositions comprising caprylate products using chain-elongating bacteria. For example, the caprylate product in the product composition is n-caprylic acid (C8) and the n-caprylic (C8) to n-caproic (C6) acid ratio is higher than 1:1. These methods use chain elongation towards C8 rather than C6. High n-caprylate productivity and specificity was accomplished by: 1) feeding a substrate with, for example, ethanol as the carbon source or alternatively, a high ethanol-to-acetate ratio as the carbon source; 2) extracting caprylate product(s) (e.g., n-caprylate product) from the bioreactor broth; and 3) acclimating an efficient chain-elongating microbiome. The methods can produce caprylate products such as, for example, n-caprylic acid, which is a higher value chemical than C4 and C6.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of making high molecular weight, reduced viscosity starch pastes by enzymatic conversion. The methods provide a process for producing enzyme-thinned starch pastes that have improved molecular weight distributions, i.e., starch pastes having a more mid to high molecular weight content and less low molecular weight sugars than traditional enzyme converted pastes at similar solids and viscosity. In some embodiments, the methods utilize an enzyme capable of producing longer-chain oligosaccharides rather than low-molecular weight sugars. Other embodiments utilize a combination of enzymes to provide low viscosity pastes that are stabilized against setback and retrogradation. Furthermore, the methods may utilize a continuous starch enzyme cooker for the production of the high molecular weight, reduced viscosity starch pastes.

Abstract: Select embodiments of the present invention employ biological means to direct assemble CNT-based nanostructures, allowing for scaling to macrostructures for manufacture. In select embodiments of the present invention, a method is provided for assembling DNA-functionalized SWNTs by phosphodiester bonding catalyzed by ssDNA-ligase to form macroscopic CNT aggregates.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, in some aspects, variant RNA polymerases, the use of which increases transcription efficiency while reducing the number of double-stranded RNA contaminates and run-on transcripts produced during an in vitro transcription reaction.

Abstract: A method for engineering and utilizing large DNA vectors to target, via homologous recombination, and modify, in any desirable fashion, endogenous genes and chromosomal loci in eukaryotic cells. These large DNA targeting vectors for eukaryotic cells, termed LTVECs, are derived from fragments of cloned genomic DNA larger than those typically used by other approaches intended to perform homologous targeting in eukaryotic cells. Also provided is a rapid and convenient method of detecting eukaryotic cells in which the LTVEC has correctly targeted and modified the desired endogenous gene(s) or chromosomal locus (loci) as well as the use of these cells to generate organisms bearing the genetic modification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of reducing serine for asparagine misincorporation in a protein produced by a culture of cells in a cell culture method, the method comprising the addition of asparagine and iron to the cell culture medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for selectively producing ginsenoside F2, compound Mc or compound O, which is originally present in ginseng in a trace amount, from a saponin of ginseng, and more specifically to a method capable of obtaining desired target compounds, that is, ginsenoside F2, compound Mc and compound O, in high yields, by treating saponins, obtained from ginseng, with particular enzymes to structurally convert the saponins.

Abstract: Provided herein are plant/plant pathogen volatile compound electrochemical sensors, plant/plant pathogen volatile detection systems, and methods for detecting stress-induced plant volatile compounds and/or a plant-pathogen emitted volatile compounds.

Abstract: Provided are a cell line PA/PB1 HEK293T (Teton) for screening an influenza virus polymerase assembly inhibitors and a construction method thereof. The PA/PB1 HEK293T (Teton) cell line is constructed by integrating a vector expressing PA-GlucC fusion protein and a vector expressing GlucN-PB1 fusion protein into a HEK293T (Teton) cell via a triple plasmid system of pMDLg/pRRE, pRSV-Rev and pMD2.G. The HEK293T (Teton) cell line is formed by transforming a TOP10 competent cell with a synthesized Teton-3G gene fragment ligated to a lentiviral vector FG.

Abstract: An article for detecting Salmonella microorganisms is provided. The article comprises a highly selective nutrient medium and a plurality of indicator systems. A method of using the article to detect Salmonella microorganisms is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining whether or not a test sample contains at least one phytopathogenic fungus selected from the group consisting of Gibberella fujikuroi, Fusarium avenaceum, and Glomerella tucumanensis. The method according to the present invention comprises: (a) putting the test sample on a front surface of a cellulose film; wherein the cellulose film has a thickness of not less than 0.5 micrometers and not more than 3.7 micrometers; (b) leaving the test sample at rest for not less than 4 hours and not more than 8 hours after the step (a); (c) observing a back surface of the film after the step (b); and (d) determining that the test sample contains at least one phytopathogenic fungus selected from the group consisting of Gibberella fujikuroi, Fusarium avenaceum, and Glomerella tucumanensis, if a fungus is found on the back surface of the film in the step (c).

Abstract: Methods for improving the specificity of assays for botulinum neurotoxins are described. Reporting constructs are provided that include cleavable linker sequence with genetically modified recognition and/or cleavage sites. These linker sequences act as a substrate for a botulinum neurotoxin, with cleavage of the reporting construct providing a detectable signal. When first and second neurotoxins have activity with the same substrate protein, mutation and/or deletion of a recognition and/or cleavage site associated with the second neurotoxin improves the specificity of the detectable signal for the first neurotoxin.

Abstract: Methods and composition related to the engineering of a novel protein with methionine-?-lyase enzyme activity are described. For example, in certain aspects there may be disclosed a modified cystathionine-?-lyase (CGL) comprising one or more amino acid substitutions and capable of degrading methionine. Furthermore, certain aspects of the invention provide compositions and methods for the treatment of cancer with methionine depletion using the disclosed proteins or nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of analysis of the three-dimensional structure of the genome, i.e., for genome architecture mapping (GAM). The invention provides a method of determining spatial proximity of a plurality of nucleic acid loci in a compartment such as the cell nucleus, by exploiting their co-segregation amongst fractions of that compartment, identified upon separation of the nucleic acid loci from each other depending on their localization in the compartment to obtain a collection of fractions, e.g., by cryo-sectioning or cryo-milling the compartment; determining the presence or absence of the plurality of loci in the fractions; and determining the co-segregation of the plurality of loci. Co-segregation may then be analysed with statistical methods to determine spatial proximity. The method can be used e.g., for determining physical distance between a plurality of loci; and mapping loci and/or genome architecture, e.g.

Abstract: A method for retrieving nucleic acid fragments, including: providing reduced DNA libraries during sequencing; amplifying nucleic acid fragments from the reduced DNA libraries; and retrieving the amplified nucleic acid fragments. The method further includes acquiring desired nucleic acid fragments among the retrieved nucleic acid fragments. The desired nucleic acid fragments are acquired using sequences having a homology to the barcode sequences, when the amplified nucleic acid fragments are tagged with specific barcode sequences.

Abstract: Various approaches for generating long-distance contiguity information to facilitate contig assembly and phase determination are disclosed. Nucleic acids are assembled into complexes using binding moieties such that, when the nucleic acid backbones are cleaved, the ensuing fragments remain bound. Exposed ends are tagged and ligated either to one another or to tagging moieties such as oligo labels. Ligated junctions are sequenced, and the sequence information is used to assemble contigs into common scaffolds or to assign phase information. Various approaches to tagging the exposed ends are presented.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to nucleic acid molecules in respect of which changes to DNA methylation levels are indicative of the onset or predisposition to the onset of a neoplasm. More particularly, the present invention is directed to nucleic acid molecules in respect of which changes to DNA methylation levels are indicative of the onset and/or progression of a large intestine or breast neoplasm, such as an adenoma or adenocarcinoma. The DNA methylation status of the present invention is useful in a range of applications including, but not limited to, those relating to the diagnosis and/or monitoring of colorectal or breast neoplasms, such as colorectal or breast adenocarcinomas. Accordingly, in a related aspect the present invention is directed to a method of screening for the onset, predisposition to the onset and/or progression of a neoplasm by screening for modulation in DNA methylation of one or more nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: Described herein is a new approach in which a nucleic acid species of interest (e.g. a chromosome) containing multiple unique target sequences is detected using multiple specific probes that are amplified by rolling circle amplification and detected. Multiple probes are used to provide a detectable signal, where the magnitude of the signal is proportional to the number of probes recognising their target sequences. Individual signals from the plurality of probes are converted into a single cumulative detectable signal, amplifying the individual signals through the multiplex probing. Ten or more probes produce a signal amplification of ten-fold or more. The generated signals depend on correctly reacted probes upon target recognition, using sequence specific hybridisation and enzymatic catalysis to generate specific products from which the signal is obtained.

Abstract: A detection method for detecting a detection target substance is provided. The method includes a first application step of applying a magnetic field a liquid suspension to link a plurality of magnetic particles in a row from an interior surface of a liquid receiving member that receives the liquid suspension of magnetic particles to which a detection target substance is bound, a second application step of bringing the linked magnetic particles near the interior surface while the magnetic field is applied to the liquid suspension, and a detection step of detecting the detection target substance bound to the magnetic particles brought near the interior surface by the second application step, wherein the direction of the magnetic field applied to the liquid suspension is altered so the linked magnetic particles approach the interior surface in the second application step.

Abstract: A microarray assembly for detection of a target molecule is disclosed. The microarray assemblies comprise an array chamber having a microarray located therein and features that facilitate liquid movement within the array chamber. Also disclosed are methods for making the microarray assembly using rollable films and methods for detecting microarray spots using an internal control fluorophore in the array spot.

Abstract: Chromogenic conjugates for color-based detection of targets are described. The conjugates comprise a chromogenic moiety such as rhodamine, rhodol or fluorescein. The chromogenic moiety is linked to a peroxidase substrate. The chromogenic conjugates can be used in immunohistochemical analysis and in situ hybridization. The conjugates can be used to detect 1, 2, 3 or more targets in a sample by color.

Abstract: This disclosure provides chips, systems and methods for sequencing a nucleic acid sample. Tagged nucleotides are provided into a reaction chamber comprising a nanopore in a membrane. An individual tagged nucleotide of the tagged nucleotides can contain a tag coupled to a nucleotide, which tag is detectable with the aid of the nanopore. Next, an individual tagged nucleotide of the tagged nucleotides can be incorporated into a growing strand complementary to a single stranded nucleic acid molecule derived from the nucleic acid sample. With the aid of the nanopore, a tag associated with the individual tagged nucleotide can be detected upon incorporation of the individual tagged nucleotide. The tag can be detected with the aid of the nanopore when the tag is released from the nucleotide.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to new nucleotide and oligonucleotide compounds and their use in nucleic acid sequencing applications.

Abstract: The invention provides in situ nucleic acid sequencing to be conducted in biological specimens that have been physically expanded. The invention leverages the techniques for expansion microscopy (ExM) to provide new methods for in situ sequencing of nucleic acids in a process referred to herein as “expansion sequencing” (ExSEQ).

Abstract: The invention is directed to sequence-based profiling of populations of nucleic acids by multiplex amplification and attachment of one or more sequence tags to target nucleic acids and/or copies thereof followed by high-throughput sequencing of the amplification product. In some embodiments, the invention includes successive steps of primer extension, removal of unextended primers and addition of new primers either for amplification (for example by PCR) or for additional primer extensions. Some embodiments of the invention are directed to minimal residual disease (MRD) analysis of patients being treated for cancer. Sequence tags incorporated into sequence reads provide an efficient means for determining clonotypes and at the same time provide a convenient means for detecting carry-over contamination from other samples of the same patient or from samples of a different patient which were tested in the same laboratory.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for modulating expression of genes that function at the step of ER to Golgi trafficking. Compounds that modulate expression of these genes or activity of the encoded proteins can be used to inhibit alpha-synuclein mediated toxicity and used to treat or prevent synucleinopathies such as Parkinson's disease. Also disclosed are methods of identifying inhibitors of alpha-synuclein mediated toxicity.

Abstract: Modified nucleotides, and methods to modify nucleotides with a moiety or label, such as biotin, that permits their detection and results in a modified nucleotide, and methods of use of the modified nucleotide in quantitative and qualitative assays.

Abstract: Methods of determining the risk of ASD in an individual are provided which comprise identifying the presence of one or more genomic mutations in one or more of the genes, PTCHD1, SHANK3, NFIA, DPP6, DPP10, DYPD, GPR98, PQBP1, ZNF41 and FTSJ1.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for detecting a modification present in RNA using a small amount of RNA sample. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for detecting a modification present in tRNA, for example, thiomethylation. Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method for detecting the thiomethylation of tRNA, thereby diagnosing human type 2 diabetes or the risk thereof. The present invention is characterized in that, with respect to a modification present in RNA in an RNA sample, cDNA is produced by reverse transcription of RNA using a first primer, and the resulting amount of cDNA is compared with the amount of cDNA produced by reverse transcription of RNA using a second primer, thereby detecting a modification (e.g., thiomethylation) present in RNA.

Abstract: The invention in some aspects provides methods of determining the likelihood that a subject has COPD based on the expression of informative-genes. In other aspects, the invention provides methods for determining an appropriate diagnostic intervention plan for a subject based on the expression of informative-genes. Related compositions and kits are provided in other aspects of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to in vitro methods for the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), wherein the expression of the marker gene TMSB15A is determined. In particular, the invention relates to an in vitro diagnostic method of assessing the susceptibility of a subject to develop progressive COPD involving the appearance of irreversible lung damage, wherein the expression of the marker gene TMSB15A and optionally one or more further marker genes selected from DMBT1, KIAA1 T99, DPP6, SLC51 B, NUDT1 1, ELF5, AZGP1, PRRX1, AQP3, SFN, GPR1 10, GDF15, RASGRF2, RND1, PLA1A, FGG, CEACAM5, HYAL2, AHRR, CXCL3, CYP1A1, CYP1 B1, CYP1A2, CST6, NTRK2, COMP, ITGA10, CTHRC1, TAL1, FIBIN, BEX5, BEX1, ESM1 and GHRL is determined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the therapy, prophylaxis and diagnosis of disorders that are associated with aberrant bone mineral density, in particular osteoporosis; wherein the level of selected microRNAs in samples of patients are detected and wherein an increase or decrease of said level compared to the level of healthy individuals is indicative of the disorder.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for simultaneously amplifying multiple nucleic acid regions of interest in one reaction volume as well as methods for selecting a library of primers for use in such amplification methods. The invention also provides library of primers with desirable characteristics, such as minimal formation of amplified primer dimers or other non-target amplicons.

Abstract: Biomarkers and methods related to microbiota for predicting the risk of a disease, particularly colorectal cancer (CRC), are described.

Abstract: Methods for evaluating and treating Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia are provided.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a novel gene translocation, (5q32, 6q22), in human non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) that results in a fusion proteins combining part of CD74 with Proto-oncogene Tyrosine Protein Kinase ROS Precursor (ROS) kinase has now been identified. The CD74-ROS fusion protein is anticipated to drive the proliferation and survival of a subgroup of NSCLC tumors. The invention therefore provides, in part, isolated polynucleotides and vectors encoding the disclosed mutant ROS kinase polypeptides, probes for detecting it, isolated mutant polypeptides, recombinant polypeptides, and reagents for detecting the fusion and truncated polypeptides.

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 a method of detecting a microorganism, in particular Staphylococcus aureus, in a sample, comprising the steps of a) incubating the sample with a slow off-rate modified aptamer (SOMAmer) comprising a fluorescent label, b) optionally washing the sample, c) analyzing the sample by a fluorescence-based detection method. The invention further relates to a slow off-rate modified aptamer comprising a fluorescent label, wherein the SOMAmer comprises a nucleotide sequence specific for Staphylococcus aureus, its use for detecting Staphylococcus aureus cells in a sample, and to a microarray or biosensor and a kit comprising at least one of such SOMAmers comprising a fluorescent label.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for diagnosing and characterizing tuberculosis infection. In particular, provided herein are compositions and methods for identifying drug resistant tuberculosis.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for diagnosing an active mycobacterium tuberculosis infection by detecting certain RNA biomarkers present in secreted extracellular vesicles isolated from a bodily fluid. The RNA biomarkers in the secreted extracellular vesicles may include a certain mycobacterium RNAs as well as certain host cell RNAs. Also provided is an RNA signature of certain mycobacterium and host cell RNA present in secreted extracellular vesicles indicative of an active tuberculosis infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a marker associated with resistance to smut which is a quantitative trait of sugarcane. Specifically, a marker associated with resistance to sugarcane smut, which consists of a continuous nucleic acid region existing in a region sandwiched between the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 14 or a different similar region, is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, kits, and oligonucleotides for detecting and analyzing the nucleotide sequence of a reverse transcriptase (RT) region of the polymerase (Pol) gene of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). In certain embodiments, a target RT region is amplified and subjected to DNA sequencing. The sequence obtained is compared to one or more DNA sequences characteristic of an HBV genotype or serotype, and/or one or more DNA sequences characteristic of an HBV mutation that confers resistance to a drug or vaccine, to determine the HBV genotype or serotype of the amplified product and/or the presence or absence of one or more DNA sequences characteristic of an HBV mutation that confers resistance to a drug or vaccine.

Abstract: Provided are a Streptomyces (Streptomyces hygroscopicus) HS7522 and a method for preparing milbemycin A4 by culturing the Streptomyces. The Streptomyces (Streptomyces hygroscopicus) HS7522 of the present invention is deposited in “China General Microbiological Culture Collection Center” with an accession number of CGMCC No. 9671 on Sep. 16, 2014.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for recovering carbonate from steel slag, in which it is possible to extract carbonate from steel slag and reuse the extracted carbonate, and to recycle steel slag and make use of CO2 gas without emission to the atmosphere. Since unreacted metal ions and an acidic solvent are reused in the method and system, it is possible to increase carbonate extraction efficiency and reduce an amount of waste.

Abstract: The present blast furnace and method for operating a blast furnace are able to reduce CO2 production and the amount of applied additives and heating material. The method for metal production of metal ores comprising the following steps: reducing a metal ore, particularly a metal oxide, and thereby producing furnace gas containing CO2 in a blast furnace shaft; discharging the furnace gas from the blast furnace shaft; directing at least a portion of the furnace gas into a CO2 converter and reducing the CO2 in the furnace gas into CO; directing at least a portion of the CO from the CO2 converter into the blast furnace shaft. The method produces CO as a gaseous reduction agent which may be easily introduced into the blast furnace shaft. Further, a blast furnace for metal production by reducing a metal ore designed for operating according to the method is described.

Abstract: A high-strength cold-rolled steel sheet having excellent ductility and stretch flangeability includes: a chemical composition consisting, in mass %, C: 0.06 to 0.3, Si: 0.6 to 2.5%, Mn: 0.6 to 3.5%, P: at most 0.1%, S: at most 0.05%, Ti: 0 to 0.08%, Nb: 0 to 0.04%, total of Ti and Nb: 0 to 0.10%, sol.Al: 0 to 2.0%, Cr: 0 to 1%, Mo: 0 to 0.3%, V: 0 to 0.3%, B: 0 to 0.005%, Ca: 0 to 0.003%, REM: 0 to 0.003% and the remainder of Fe and impurities; a microstructure having a main phase including at least 40 area % in total of martensite and/or bainite; and a texture in which proportion of an average X-ray intensity in an {100}<011> to {211}<011> orientations relative to an average X-ray intensity of a random structure not having a texture is less than 6.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an electrical steel sheet with an insulating coating excellent in both punchability and powdering resistance, without any chromium compound being contained in the insulating coating. The electrical steel sheet with an insulating coating includes an electrical steel sheet and an insulating coating formed on the electrical steel sheet. The insulating coating contains Si and particulate organic resin. The organic resin contains primary particles having an average primary particle size of 1.0 ?m or less, and 5% or more and 50% or less of the primary particles of the organic resin are agglomerated particles.

Abstract: A non-oriented electrical steel sheet is obtained by subjecting a slab containing C: not more than 0.005 mass %, Si: 1.0-5.0 mass %, Mn: 0.04-3.0 mass %, sol. Al: not more than 0.005 mass %, P: 0.03-0.2 mass %, S: not more than 0.005 mass %, N: not more than 0.005 mass %, B: not more than 0.001 mass %, and Se: not more than 0.001 mass % and satisfying sol. Al+C+5B+5Se?0.005 mass % to hot rolling, cold rolling and finish annealing. A sheet temperature at the outlet side of the rolling machine in at least one pass of the final cold rolling is set to a range of 100-300° C. to provide S/2M of not less than 1.0 and S/5C of not less than 1.0 when X-ray intensity ratios of {001}<250>, {111}<112> and {001}<100> in a central layer in a thickness direction are S, M and C, respectively.

Abstract: A stress-relief heat treatment method for stress-relief heat-treating a rail which is welded includes arranging at least one pair of an induction heating coil to face the rail at both sides of a welding center along the longitudinal direction of the rail while being separated from the welding center of the rail by 20 mm to 300 mm in a longitudinal direction of the rail and being an axial direction of the induction heating coil parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rail. The method further includes flowing a current to the induction heating coil arranged at one side of the welding center and to the induction heating coil arranged at the other side of the welding center being opposite to each other, and induction heating the rail to a heating temperature of 400° C. or higher and 750° C. or lower.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing steel, by quenching and tempering a seamless pipe for use as a material of a hollow spring, where the seamless pipe including predetermined components is subjected to a heat treatment which is performed to satisfy quenching conditions (1) and tempering conditions (2), (1) quenching conditions: 26,000?(T1+273)×(log(t1)+20)?29,000 900° C.?T1?1,050° C., 10 seconds?t1?1,800 seconds,??formula (1) where T1 is a quenching temperature (° C.), and t1 is a holding time (seconds) in a temperature range of 900° C. or higher, and (2) tempering conditions: 13,000?(T2+273)×(log(t2)+20)?15,500 T2?550° C., and t2?3,600 seconds,??formula (2) where T2 is a tempering temperature (° C.), and t2 is a total time (seconds) from start of heating to completion of cooling.