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 relates to the technical field of organ and tissue transplantation and specifically to methods allowing rejection of transplanted organs and tissues by a transplant patient. The present invention provides methods for non-invasive and ex vivo or in vitro detection of the presence or absence of transplant rejection, i.e. transplant health or rejection. The present methods allow for effective and continuous monitoring of transplant status with a minimal or absent discomfort for a transplant patent.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus are provided for determining whether a nucleic acid sequence imbalance exists within a biological sample. One or more cutoff values for determining an imbalance of, for example, the ratio of the two sequences (or sets of sequences) are chosen. The cutoff value may be determined based at least in part on the percentage of fetal DNA in a sample, such as maternal plasma, containing a background of maternal nucleic acid sequences. The percentage of fetal DNA can be calculated from the same or different data used to determine the cutoff value, and can use a locus where the mother is homozygous and the fetus is heterozygous. The cutoff value may be determined using many different types of methods, such as sequential probability ratio testing (SPRT).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of detecting preliminary stages of testicular germ cell tumors, more particularly testicular intraepithelial neoplasia (TIN), in a subject and to the use of miR-371a-3p as a biomarker for the detection of TIN. It further relates to the use of miR-371a-3p-specific primers and/or miR-371a-3p-specific probes and of corresponding kits for the detection of TIN.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of biomarker analysis, particularly determining gene expression signatures from urine samples. The disclosure provides compositions, kits and methods for diagnosing a prostate disorder such as prostate cancer in a male subject.

Abstract: Cell-free DNA fragments often include jagged ends, where one end of one strand of double-stranded DNA extends beyond the other end of the other strand. The length and amount of these jagged ends may be used to determine a level of a condition of an individual, a fractional concentration of clinically-relevant DNA in a biological sample, an age of individual, or a tissue type exhibiting cancer. The jagged end length and amount may be determined using various techniques described herein.

Abstract: Biomarkers and methods using the biomarkers for the prediction of the recurrence risk of cancer in a patient are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for and relates to cancer treatment based on the identification of novel biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer or the biochemical reoccurrence of prostate cancer. The biomarkers of the invention show altered methylation levels of certain CpG loci relative to normal prostate tissue, as set forth.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for increasing the purity of a type of tissue cell such as an endothelial cell, a hepatocyte, or an insulin-producing cell. The present invention solves the problem by providing a method comprising a step of introducing, into a cell population, an mRNA comprising a nucleic acid sequence recognized by an miRNA specifically expressed in endothelial cells, hepatocytes, or insulin-producing cells.

Abstract: Provided are methods of detecting replication competent retrovirus in a sample containing a cell transduced with a viral vector particle encoding a recombinant and/or heterologous molecule, e.g., heterologous gene product. The methods may include assessing transcription of one or more target genes, such as viral genes, that are expressed in a retrovirus but not expressed in the viral vector particle. Replication competent retrovirus may be determined to be present if the levels of RNA of the one or more target genes is higher than a reference value, which can be measured directly or indirectly, including from a positive control sample containing RNA from the respective target gene at a known level and/or at or above the limit of detection of the assay.

Abstract: This invention relates to the detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes, particularly genital human papillomavirus genotypes, using PCR related methods.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides engineered modified strains of Enterococcus faecalis (EF) that is able to produce bacteriocin but is inefficient at establishing long-term colonization of the GI track in an animal. Compositions comprising the modified strain and methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of liquefying biomass. The method includes the steps of contacting biomass with a solution comprising an acyl halide and an acid; and then contacting the biomass with a reductant.

Abstract: A pelt board bag for use in combination with a pelt board for the tanning and drying of a pelt applied externally to the pelt board bag comprises a pair of oppositely positioned and substantially coextensively extending, elongated sheets. The pair of sheets are joined together along opposite longitudinal edges and define in a first state a flat two-layer structure and in a second state a basically tubular state. The pair of sheets define opposite first and second ends. The first end constitutes a narrow open end constituting a top end when used in combination with the pelt board, and the second end constitutes a broader bottom end when used in combination with the pelt board. The pair of sheets define in the second state an inner perimeter varying from the first narrow end to the broader second end.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing thin-specification high-Ti wear-resistant steel NM450 comprises the steps of preparing melted iron in a blast-furnace, preprocessing the melted iron, smelting the melted iron in a converter, refining the melted steel in a LF furnace, refining the melted steel in a RH furnace, conventional slab continuous casting, heating the slab in a heating furnace, dephosphorizing the slab by high-pressure water, heating the slab in a hot continuous rolling mill, performing ultra fast cooling, reeling, flattening, heating, quenching, tempering and finishing.

Abstract: A method for producing steel sheets, in particular for body shell sheets of vehicles, in which a steel alloy of a desired composition is melted, poured, and then rolled into sheet form, the steel alloy being an interstitial free steel (IF steel) and after the rolling, the steel sheet being annealed and dressed and then provided with a metallic anti-corrosion coating by means of an electrolytic process or by means of vapor deposition, wherein in order to achieve a low Wsa value with the narrowest possible spread, a niobium content of >0.01% by weight, preferably >0.011% by weight, is added to the alloy of the steel.

Abstract: Provided are: a grain-oriented electromagnetic steel sheet exhibiting excellent coating film adhesion and excellent magnetic characteristics; and a method for producing this grain-oriented electromagnetic steel sheet. This grain-oriented electromagnetic steel sheet is provided with a ceramic coating film arranged on a steel sheet, and an oxide insulating tension coating film arranged on the ceramic coating film. The ceramic coating film contains a nitride and an oxide; the nitride contains at least one element selected from the group consisting of Cr, Ti, Zr, Mo, Nb, Si, Al, Ta, Hf, W and Y; and the oxide has a corundum crystal structure. The Young's modulus of the ceramic coating film as determined by a nanoindentation method is 230 GPa or more; the average film thickness of the ceramic coating film is from 0.01 ?m to 0.30 ?m (inclusive); and the tension of the oxide insulating tension coating film is 10 MPa or more.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a high-strength Fe—Cr—Al—Ni multiplex stainless steel and a manufacturing method therefor. The multiplex stainless steel comprises 35 to 67 wt % of iron (Fe), 13 to 30 wt % of chrome (Cr), 15 to 30 wt % of nickel (Ni), and 5 to 15 wt % of aluminum (Al) and has a multiplex structure in which an austenite phase accounting for high ductility, a ferrite phase accounting for high strength, and an NiAl(B2) phase providing both strength and high-temperature steam oxidation resistance, exist in combination.

Abstract: A method for producing steel sheets, in particular for body shell sheets of vehicles, in which a steel alloy of a desired composition is melted, poured, and then rolled into sheet form, the steel alloy being a bake-hardening steel (BH steel) and the steel sheet being annealed after the tolling and subsequently provided with a metallic anti-corrosion coating and then dressed, wherein in order to achieve a low Wsa value with the narrowest possible spread, a niobium content of >0.01% by weight, preferably >0.011% by weight, is added to the alloy.

Abstract: The invention is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 9,617,610 issued on Apr. 11, 2017. It consists of a process to treat comingled and co-mixed ferrous and non-ferrous scrap by heat from flue gases generated in the hearth of the furnace, charging and melting the treated ferrous scrap after removing contaminants and non-ferrous elements of the scrap through a three step process in a triple chamber furnace (FIGS. 1 and 4). The furnace consists of a first chamber (4) where the scrap is loaded, and treated in an oxygen deficient flue gas atmosphere downstream of a heat recuperator (3), at high temperature to cause the peeling and melting of zinc from galvanized scrap, the melting of non-ferrous components of the scrap and their collection at the bottom of the chamber at a dedicated spout (23) to a crucible (24), the pyrolysis of paints, plastic and used tire contaminants of the scrap.

Abstract: A method for extracting and separating Gold, Silver, Copper, Zinc and/or Lead from an Arsenic-containing ore, concentrate or tailings characterized in that the extraction is carried by roasting in the presence of a calcium-containing material and at least one of an alkali metal halide and alkaline metal halide. In the method, Arsenic remains immobilized in the extraction residue.

Abstract: Provided is a device for continuously decomposing a rare earth concentrate ore. The device includes a body, a bidirectional propeller and a driving assembly. The body has a material inlet, two liquid inlets and two exhaust gas outlets disposed at the top of the body, two material outlets disposed at the bottom of the body and a heat preservation chamber provided inside a side wall of the body. The bidirectional propeller is provided in the body and extends along a length direction of the body. The driving assembly is connected to the rotating shaft.

Abstract: In a method for producing a metal or alloy by forming pellets from an oxide ore, a method for smelting an oxide ore, wherein a high-quality metal can be produced. Provided is a method for smelting an oxide ore to produce a metal or alloy by heating for reducing a mixture containing an oxide ore and a carbonaceous reducing agent, wherein the carbonaceous reducing agent is composed of particles (reducing agent particles), the number of reducing agent particles which are contained in the carbonaceous reducing agent and have a maximum particle length of 25 ?m or less is 2% or more and 25% or less of the total number of reducing agent particles contained in the carbonaceous reducing agent, and the average maximum particle length of reducing agent particles having a maximum particle length greater than 25 ?m is 30 ?m or more and 80 ?m or less.

Abstract: A method for generating alkali metal in a zero oxidation state includes reacting an alkali metal compound having a —S-M substituent, where M is an alkali metal and S is sulfur, with gold in a zero oxidation state to release the alkali metal in the zero oxidation state. For example, an alkali metal alkylthiolate can be reacted with a gold in a zero oxidation state to release the alkali metal in the zero oxidation state. As another example, an alkali metal sulfide can be reacted with gold in a zero oxidation state to release the alkali metal in the zero oxidation state. The alkali metal may be used in various applications including vapor cells, magnetometers, and magnetic field measurement systems.

Abstract: A system and method for the recovery and separation of rare earth elements (REEs) are provided. The system and method include the supported membrane solvent extraction of REEs and the separation of light and heavy REEs that have been recovered from scrap permanent magnets and other electronic waste. In supported membrane solvent extraction, an organic phase consisting of an extractant and an organic solvent is immobilized in the pores of hollow fibers. An aqueous feed solution and a strip solution flow along the shell side and lumen side of the hollow fibers, respectively. The extractant functions as a carrier to selectively transport certain rare earth metal ions from the feed side to the strip side. The rare earth metals are concurrently back extracted in the strip solution, allowing processing to proceed continuously without equilibrium limitations.

Abstract: Provided are a method and a system for processing a rare earth concentrate ore. The method comprises (1) mixing the rare earth concentrate ore and concentrated sulfuric acid, thereby obtaining a mixed slurry and a first fluorine-containing gas; (2) mixing the mixed slurry and an initiator liquid for acidolysis, thereby obtaining a clinker and a second fluorine-containing gas; (3) subjecting the clinker to leaching with water, thereby obtaining a leached slurry; (4) subjecting the leached slurry to a solid-liquid separation, thereby obtaining a filtrate and a leached slag, and recycling the leached slag to step (2) for acidolysis again.

Abstract: The invention discloses a preparation method of a WC cemented carbide with adjustable alignment of plate-shape grains. According to the theoretical composition of the cemented carbide, the weighed W powder is composed of two raw W materials with significantly different particle sizes in a certain mass ratio. Also graphite powder and Co powder are weighed. W—C—Co powder is subjected to planetary ball milling with controlled process parameters; then, after plasma-assisted ball milling, W—C—Co composite powder composed of small-sized lamellar W sheets and large-sized lamellar W sheet is obtained; Finally dense cemented carbide containing plate-shape WC grains is obtained by press molding of the ball milled power and in-situ carbonization through sintering at a high temperature. The invention not only provides simple preparation process with low energy consumption, but also can regulate the degree of orientated alignment of the plate-shape WC in the sintered block.

Abstract: The present invention belongs to the field of titanium alloy materials, and disclosed are a high-strength and low-modulus ?-type Si-containing titanium alloy, a preparation method therefor and the use thereof. The preparation method involves: preparing an alloy component with, in atomic percentage, 60-70% of Ti, 10-20% of Nb, 5-15% of Zr, 1-10% of Ta and 1-5% of Si and using sponge titanium, sponge zirconium, a tantalum-niobium intermediate alloy and silicon as raw materials, and then uniformly smelting the alloy component to obtain a solidified ingot; then, subjecting the resulting ingot to high temperature plastic deformation with a deformation temperature of 800-900° C.

Abstract: New aluminum alloys having iron and one or more rare earth elements are disclosed. The new alloys may include from 1 to 15 wt. % Fe and from 1 to 20 wt. % of the rare earth element(s), the balance aluminum and any optional incidental elements and impurities. The new aluminum alloys may be produced via additive manufacturing techniques.

Abstract: Provided is a high-strength aluminum alloy including 2.0 to 13.0% by weight of copper (Cu), 0.4 to 4.0% by weight of manganese (Mn), 0.4 to 2.0% by weight of iron (Fe), 6.0 to 10.0% by weight of silicon (Si), greater than 0.0% by weight and 7.0 or less % by weight of zinc (Zn), greater than 0.0% by weight and 2.0 or less % by weight of magnesium (Mg), greater than 0.0% by weight and 1.0 or less % by weight of chromium (Cr), greater than 0.0% by weight and 3.0 or less % by weight of nickel (Ni), greater than 0.0% by weight and 0.05 or less % by weight of production-induced impurities, and the balance of aluminum (Al).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-formed magnesium alloy sheet and a method of manufacturing the same. One embodiment of the present invention provides a magnesium alloy sheet comprising: 3.0 wt % or less (excluding 0 wt %) of Zn, 1.5 wt % or less (excluding 0 wt %) of Ca, 1.0 wt % or less (excluding 0 wt %) of Mn, balance of Mg and inevitable impurities, for a total of 100 wt %, wherein, the magnesium alloy sheet further comprises 0.3 wt % or less of Al, based on 100 wt % of the entire magnesium alloy sheet, and the magnesium alloy sheet satisfies the following formulas (1) and (2): [Zn]/[Ca]?4.0??formula (1) [Zn]+[Ca]>[Mn]??formula (2) [Zn], [Ca], and [Mn] refer to weight percent of each component.

Abstract: A non-heat treated steel bar according to the present disclosure has a chemical composition consisting of, in mass percent, C: 0.39 to 0.55%, Si: 0.10 to 1.00%, Mn: 0.50 to 1.50%, P: 0.010 to 0.100%, S: 0.040 to 0.130%, Cr: 0.05 to 0.50%, V: 0.05 to 0.40%, Ti: 0.10% to 0.25%, Al: 0.003 to 0.100%, and N: 0.020% or less, with the balance being Fe and impurities, and satisfying Formula (1). A number density of Al2O3-based inclusions in each of which Al2O3 is contained at 70.0% or more in mass % and ?AREA is not less than 3 ?m is 0.05 to 1.00/mm2. 0.60?C+0.2Mn+0.25Cr+0.75V+0.81Mo?1.

Abstract: A high entropy steel in which twinning and phase transformation are simultaneously performed, and a method of manufacturing the same, are provided.

Abstract: A method comprises providing a molten aluminum alloy selected from the group consisting of 6000 series aluminum alloys. The molten aluminum alloy is formed into a formed body having beta-AlFeSi particles. The formed body is solution heat treated at a temperature in a range of 1,025-1,070° F. to form a heat treated body. The solution heat treating transforms substantially all of the beta-AlFeSi particles into alpha-AlFeSi particles such that the heat treated body is substantially free of the beta-AlFeSi particles.

Abstract: A method comprises providing a molten aluminum alloy selected from the group consisting of 6000 series aluminum alloys comprises chromium (Cr) in a range of between 0.001 wt % to 0.05 wt %. The molten aluminum alloy is formed into a formed body having beta-AlFeSi particles. The formed body is solution heat treated at a temperature in a range of 1,025-1,050° F. to form a heat-treated body. The solution heat treating transforms substantially all of the beta-AlFeSi particles into alpha-AlFeSi particles such that the heat-treated body is substantially free of the beta-AlFeSi particles.

Abstract: This method for manufacturing a high-temperature component formed of a Ni-based alloy includes a step of subjecting a workpiece of the Ni-based alloy to hot die forging using predetermined dies to form a forge-molded article, the step including: a die/workpiece co-heating substep of heating the workpiece interposed between the dies to a forging temperature; and a hot forging substep of taking out the workpiece and the dies into a room temperature environment and immediately performing hot forging on the workpiece using a press machine. The predetermined dies are formed of another Ni-based superalloy comprising ? and ?? phases, and have features in that: a solvus temperature of the ?? phase is 1050-1250° C.; and the ?? phase precipitates at least 10 vol. % at 1050° C. and has two kinds of forms of intra-grain ?? phase precipitations within the ? phase grains and inter-grain ?? phase precipitations between/among the ? phase grains.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a thermal spray alloy system that is more resistant to wear and/or corrosion than conventional alloy compositions. The disclosed alloys minimize or eliminate micro-cracks within the formed coating on the tool. The alloy comprises carbon, boron, and a fluxing agent selected from the group of aluminum, magnesium, or lithium. The alloy may also comprise titanium, silicon, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, and chromium, as well as other elements. The object to be coated may be any downhole component used in the oil and gas industry, or may be applied to any object or tool that needs an increased wear and/or corrosive protection layer including in diverse fields such as marine, chemical processing, and refining. A thermal spray coating with the disclosed alloy composition provides increased strength and resistance to spalling, breaking, cracking, deforming, and crack formation, as well as metallurgical bonding between the coating and the substrate.

Abstract: Provided is a method for increasing anti-galling of parts using a coating material comprising an amorphous alloy. The parts may be a vehicle or machine component, for example, that are subject to frictional and sliding forces. The disclosed coating reduces galling and friction between surfaces, and increases the lift of such parts.

Abstract: A sprayed coating having a multilayer structure including a lower layer made a sprayed coating containing a rare earth oxide, and a surface layer made of another sprayed coating containing a rare earth fluoride and/or a rare earth oxyfluoride, the multilayered sprayed coating having a volume resistivity at 23° C. and a volume resistivity at 200° C., the volume resistivity at 23° C. being 1×109 to 1×1012 ?·cm, and a temperature index of the volume resistivities defined by the ratio of the volume resistivity at 200° C. to the volume resistivity at 23° C. being 0.1 to 10.

Abstract: A deposition mask in which deformation of long sides is restrained is manufactured. A manufacturing method of a deposition mask includes a step of preparing a metal plate; a processing step of processing the metal plate into an intermediate product comprising: a plurality of deposition mask portions each including a pair of long sides and a pair of short sides, and having a plurality of through-holes formed therein; and a support portion that surrounds the plurality of deposition mask portions, and is partially connected to the short sides of the plurality of deposition mask portions; and a separation step of separating the deposition mask portions from the support portion to obtain the deposition mask. In the intermediate product, the long sides of the deposition mask portions are not connected to the support portion.

Abstract: A hood for depositing vaporized metals on glass container surfaces includes a vaporized metal source that produces vaporized metal; an enclosure, receiving one or more glass containers, comprising at least one side wall and at least one center section having a top above the glass containers; and one or more conduits that fluidly communicate the vaporized metal to an opening in at least one of the top of the center section and the side wall using one or more conduit fans.

Abstract: A sputtering system may include a substrate. The sputtering system may include at least one target. The at least one target may include at least one coating material to coat at least one layer onto the substrate. The at least one coating material may be sputtered onto the substrate in a presence of an inert gas. The inert gas may include argon gas and helium gas.

Abstract: A reaction system is disclosed that may be used to prevent formation of contaminants. The reaction system includes a showerhead that may be configured with a gated nanochannel grid to prevent particular gaseous precursors from passing through depending on whether a voltage is applied. The gated nanochannel grid may allow for both polar and non-polar molecules to pass, or may be configured to allow just non-polar or just polar molecules to pass.

Abstract: Herein disclosed are systems and methods related to solid source chemical sublimator vessels and corresponding deposition modules. The solid source chemical sublimator can include a housing configured to hold solid chemical reactant therein. A lid may be disposed on a proximal portion of the housing. The lid can include a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and define a serpentine flow path within a distal portion of the lid. The lid can be adapted to allow gas flow within the flow path. The solid source chemical sublimator can include a filter that is disposed between the serpentine flow path and the distal portion of the housing. The filter can have a porosity configured to restrict a passage of a solid chemical reactant therethrough.

Abstract: A wafer carrier has a plurality of built-up pockets connected by raised interstitial spaces on a base. Top cover plates are affixed to the base by fasteners and separated from direct thermal contact by spacers.

Abstract: A film forming apparatus includes: process container to generate vacuum atmosphere; mounting part to mount substrate; heating part to heat the substrate mounted on the mounting part; gas supply part installed at rear side of the substrate mounted on the mounting part and configured to supply film forming gas toward front side of the substrate along surface of the substrate and flow rate of the film forming gas becomes uniform in width direction of flow of the film forming gas; rotation mechanism to rotate the mounting part about axis orthogonal to the substrate when the film forming gas is supplied to the substrate; film thickness adjustment part to adjust film thickness distribution of film on the substrate in flow direction of the film forming gas when viewed in state where the mounting part is stopped; and exhaust port provided at the front side of the substrate.

Abstract: A reactor having a housing that encloses a gas delivery system operatively connected to a reaction chamber and an exhaust assembly. The gas delivery system includes a plurality of gas lines for providing at least one process gas to the reaction chamber. The gas delivery system further includes a mixer for receiving the at least one process gas. The mixer is operatively connected to a diffuser that is configured to diffuse process gases. The diffuser is attached directly to an upper surface of the reaction chamber, thereby forming a diffuser volume therebetween. The diffuser includes at least one distribution surface that is configured to provide a flow restriction to the process gases as they pass through the diffuser volume before being introduced into the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A film-forming method for forming a metal nitride film on a substrate includes: forming the metal nitride film on the substrate by repeating a cycle a predetermined number of times, the cycle including: a first process of supplying a metal-containing gas into a process container configured to accommodate the substrate therein; a second process of supplying a purge gas into the process container; a third process of supplying a nitrogen-containing gas into the process container; and a fourth process of supplying the purge gas into the process container, wherein the fourth process includes: a first step of supplying a first purge gas having a first flow rate equal to or larger than a flow rate of the metal-containing gas of the first process; and a second step of supplying the first purge gas having a second flow rate smaller than the first flow rate.

Abstract: A gas delivery system for a processing chamber includes a first channel for delivering a first chemistry and a second channel for delivering a second chemistry. The first channel includes a first outlet valve and the second channel includes a second outlet valve. A trickle gas source is connected to both the first and the second channels. A first junction is coupled to the first outlet valve and a second junction is connected to the second outlet valve. A common conduit connects between the first junction and the second junction. The first junction includes an input to provide a push gas from a push gas source and the second junction includes an output to a processing chamber. During operation, one of the first channel or the second channel is active at one time. A trickle gas from a trickle gas source is flowed into an active one and a non-active one of the first or second channels.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell comprising a semiconductor photoelectrode configured with at least two light-harvesting faces; a catalyst layer deposited on at least one light-harvesting face and in contact with an electrolyte; a reference electrode deposited on at least another light-harvesting face; and a counter electrode in contact with the electrolyte.