Abstract: Methods and reagents suitable for conducing polymerase chain reaction are described. In particular, a nucleic acid amplification design strategy and thermal cycling profile to enable efficient amplification of multiple nucleic acid targets along with improved sensitivity is disclosed. The present disclosure also describes methods and devices for increasing the melting temperature (Tm) of a primer.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods and systems for analysis of melting temperatures, and particularly to analysis of duplex nucleic acids.

Abstract: A fluorescence detection apparatus for analyzing samples located in a plurality of wells in a thermal cycler and methods of use are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support structure attachable to the thermal cycler and a detection module movably mountable on the support structure. The detection module includes one or more channels, each having an excitation light generator and an emission light detector both disposed within the detection module. When the support structure is attached to the thermal cycler and the detection module is mounted on the support structure, the detection module is movable so as to be positioned in optical communication with different ones of the plurality of wells. The detection module is removable from the support structure to allow easy replacement.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for attaching a nucleic acid to a solid surface and for sequencing nucleic acid by detecting the identity of each nucleotide analogue after the nucleotide analogue is incorporated into a growing strand of DNA in a polymerase reaction. The invention also provides nucleotide analogues which comprise unique labels attached to the nucleotide analogue through a cleavable linker, and a cleavable chemical group to cap the —OH group at the 3?-position of the deoxyribose.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method for characterising a template polynucleotide. The method involves using a polymerase to prepare a modified polynucleotide which makes it easier to characterise than the template polynucleotide.

Abstract: A sensing device includes a stack of dielectric layers having conductive materials disposed between the dielectric layers. A nanopore is disposed through the stacks of dielectric layers and separates the conductive materials to provide electrodes on opposite sides of the nanopore. Contacts connect to each of the electrodes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compounds comprising a negatively-charged polymer moiety which is capable of entering a nanopore and upon entering a nanopore in the presence of positive ions results in an increased flow of the positive ions through the nanopore. The present disclosure provides methods of preparing the compounds and for their use as nanopore-detectable tags, in particular, for nanopore-based nucleic acid detection and sequencing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for sequencing a heteropolymeric target nucleic acid sequence that involves stochastic sensing. The invention also relates to a method for improving a pore for sequencing a target nucleic acid sequence by modifying one or more sites in the pore.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for attaching a nucleic acid to a solid surface and for sequencing nucleic acid by detecting the identity of each nucleotide analogue after the nucleotide analogue is incorporated into a growing strand of DNA in a polymerase reaction. The invention also provides nucleotide analogues which comprise unique labels attached to the nucleotide analogue through a cleavable linker, and a cleavable chemical group to cap the —OH group at the 3?-position of the deoxyribose.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods and compositions for sample processing, particularly for sequencing applications. Included within this disclosure are bead compositions, such as diverse libraries of beads attached to large numbers of oligonucleotides containing barcodes. Often, the beads provides herein are degradable. For example, they may contain disulfide bonds that are susceptible to reducing agents. The methods provided herein include methods of making libraries of barcoded beads as well as methods of combining the beads with a sample, such as by using a microfluidic device.

Abstract: Disclosed are: a nucleotide sequence and an amino acid sequence for CDR3 region of T-cell receptor (TCR) gene of WT1-specific cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) for WT1 protein; a method for the detection or treatment of cancer using the nucleotide sequence or the amino acid sequence; and a chip, a primer set, a kit, an apparatus and the like for use in the detection of cancer, each of which comprises the nucleotide sequence or the amino acid sequence.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method to achieve digital quantification of DNA (i.e., counting differences between identical sequences) using direct shotgun sequencing followed by mapping to the chromosome of origin and enumeration of fragments per chromosome. The preferred method uses massively parallel sequencing, which can produce tens of millions of short sequence tags in a single run and enabling a sampling that can be statistically evaluated. By counting the number of sequence tags mapped to a predefined window in each chromosome, the over- or under-representation of any chromosome in maternal plasma DNA contributed by an aneuploid fetus can be detected. This method does not require the differentiation of fetal versus maternal DNA. The median count of autosomal values is used as a normalization constant to account for differences in total number of sequence tags is used for comparison between samples and between chromosomes.

Abstract: Systems are provided for detecting and quantitating short nucleic acid molecules.

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: This invention relates to a novel approach for the identification and stratification of subtypes of cancer, particularly pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The invention furthermore relates to a novel approach with respect to the treatment of cancer, particularly pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and reagents for determining the responsiveness of cancer to an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeting treatment. The detection of these mutations will allow for the administration of gefitinib, erlotinib and other tyrosine kinase inhibitors to those patients most likely to respond to the drug.

Abstract: The invention provides PIK3CA (phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase, catalytic subunit alpha) gene fusions, and fragments of those gene fusions. The invention further provides methods of diagnosing and treating diseases or disorders associated with PIK3CA fusions, such as conditions mediated by PIK3CA aberrant expression or activity, or overexpression of PIK3CA.

Abstract: A process for detecting Haemophilus influenzae nucleic acid in a sample includes producing an amplification product by amplifying a Haemophilus influenzae nucleotide sequence and measuring the amplification product to detect Haemophilus influenzae in the sample. Some embodiments allow direct serotype determination in a single step assay. Also provided are reagents and methods for detecting and distinguishing Haemophilus influenzae from other infectious agents. A kit is provided for detecting and quantifying Haemophilus influenzae in a sample.

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: Methods, compositions, and kits for predicting and controlling fruit color in palm.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods useful to the determination of whether a microbial contaminant is present in a biological therapeutic production process. Specifically, an artificial positive amplification control plasmid and unique quantitative PCR detection probe are provided, which enables the rapid and real-time detection of a false positive result.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide primer useful for synthesizing a cDNA copy of HIV-1 nucleic acids from a broad range of HIV-1 subtypes, including M group and O group variants.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for inducing cell cycle reentry of postmitotic cell. The present disclosure further provides cells and compositions for treating diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, neural disorders, hearing loss, and diabetes.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise the optional application of concentrations of an aqueous permanganate solution, such as an approximately 0.01% A to approximately 50% liquid permanganate solution and preferably comprising approximately 20% sodium permanganate dosed at approximately 1 ppm to approximately 100 ppm to harvested sugar crops, such as sugarcane, sugar beets, and sweet sorghum, at one or more of the sugar processing steps for the crops. The steps where the liquid sodium permanganate may optionally be applied include at a sugar crop cutting step, a sugar crop conveying step, a sugar juice extraction step, a sugar juice clarifying step, and a clarifier muds filtration step.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for catalytically converting biomass to oxygenated compounds suitable for use in bioreforming processes.

Abstract: A decarburized self-piercing rivet is provided that can join dissimilar sheets of material while reducing the likelihood of forming cracks during the riveting process. The decarburized self-piercing rivet has requisite hardness and column strength to pierce the sheets of material and also has a ferrite layer that improves ductility and performance of the rivet. The increase ductility reduces the likelihood of cracks forming during the riveting process. A manufacturing process is also provided that austentizing and decarburizes the rivet simultaneously in a salt pot furnace to reduce the need for any post-austentizing localized heat treatments.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a grain-oriented electrical steel sheet including: a heating process of heating a slab having a predetermined chemical composition at T1° C. of 1150° C. to 1300° C., retaining the slab for 5 minutes to 30 hours, lowering the temperature of the slab to T2° C. of T1?50° C. or lower, heating the slab at T3° C. of 1280° C. to 1450° C., and retaining the slab for 5 minutes to 60 minutes; a hot-rolling process of hot-rolling the slab that is heated to obtain a hot-rolled steel sheet; a cold-rolling process; an intermediate annealing process of performing intermediate annealing with respect to the hot-rolled steel sheet at least one time before the cold-rolling process or before a final pass of the cold-rolling process after interrupting the cold-rolling; an annealing separating agent applying process; and a secondary film applying process. In the cold-rolling process, a retention treatment is performed during a plurality of passes.

Abstract: The post forging solution anneal step normally carried out on hot forgings made from highly alloyed metals can be eliminated while still avoiding the formation of deleterious intermetallic phases by adopting a number separate features in connection the way the forging is made.

Abstract: A manufacturing process includes depositing a clad layer having a thickness greater than about 0.5 mm (0.02 in) on a surface of the component by hardfacing, and creating a heat affected zone directly below the clad layer due to the depositing. The heat affected zone may be a region of the component where a lowest hardness is lower than a base hardness of the component below the heat affected zone. The method may also include heat treating the component after the deposition such that the lowest hardness in the heat affected zone is restored to within about 15% of the base hardness of the component.

Abstract: A flat steel product for hot forming may be produced from a steel substrate that includes a steel comprising 0.1-3% by weight Mn and up to 0.01% by weight B, along with a protective coating that is applied to the steel substrate. The protective coating may be based on Al and may contain up to 20% by weight of other alloy elements. Also disclosed are methods for producing such flat steel products, steel components, and methods for producing steel components. Absorption of hydrogen is minimized during heating necessary for hot forming. This is achieved at least in part through an alloy constituent of 0.1-0.5% by weight of at least one alkaline earth or transition metal in the protective coating, wherein an oxide of the alkaline earth or transition metal is formed on an outer surface of the protective coating during hot forming of the flat steel product.

Abstract: A bolt is provided that has high strength and excellent hydrogen embrittlement resistance characteristics. A bolt according to an embodiment of the present invention consists of, in mass %, C: 0.32 to 0.39%, Si: 0.15% or less, Mn: 0.40 to 0.65%, P: 0.020% or less, S: 0.020% or less, Cr: 0.85 to 1.25%, Al: 0.005 to 0.060%, Ti: 0.010 to 0.050%, B: 0.0010 to 0.0030%, N: 0.0015 to 0.0080%, O: 0.0015% or less, Mo: 0 to 0.05%, V: 0 to 0.05%, Cu: 0 to 0.50%, Ni: 0 to 0.30%, and Nb: 0 to 0.05%, with the balance being Fe and impurities. The bolt satisfies Formula (1) and Formula (2), and has a tensile strength of 1000 to 1300 MPa and satisfies Formula (3). 4.9?10C+Si+2Mn+Cr+4Mo+5V?6.1??(1) Mn/Cr?0.55??(2) [dissolved Cr]/Cr?0.

Abstract: A method is provided including heating a workpiece beyond a transformation temperature. The workpiece has at least one internal surface that has a nominal diameter, and a transformation diameter that corresponds to the start of a transformation from a first state to a second state. The method includes inserting a quench plug assembly into the workpiece. The quench plug assembly includes at least one contact surface. The at least one contact surface has a diameter that is larger than the nominal diameter and at least as large as the transformation diameter. The method includes quenching the workpiece with the quench plug assembly disposed in the bore of the workpiece. The at least one internal surface is contacted and restrained by the at least one contact surface while the workpiece transforms from the first state to the second state. Also, the method includes removing the quench plug assembly from the workpiece.

Abstract: A stainless steel exhibiting an excellent brazeability includes in mass %: C: from 0.001% to 0.1%; Si: from more than 1.5% to 4.0%; Mn: from 0.05% to 4.0%; Cr: from 10.5% to 30%; Ni: 35% or less; N: from 0.001% to 0.4%; one or both of Ti: 0.002% to 0.030% and Al: 0.002% to 0.10%; and a balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, in which an Si content, a Ti content and an Al content satisfy Formula 1, and an oxide film with a composition satisfying Formula 2 is formed on a surface of the stainless steel, Sim/(Tim+Alm)?40??Formula 1 1.2×SimFem?Sif/Fef?5×Sim/Fem??Formula 2 in Formula 1 and Formula 2, a suffix “f” expresses the oxide film in a unit of atom %, and a suffix “m” expresses a base material in a unit of mass %.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sheet or pre-coated blank comprising a steel substrate for heat treatment, overlaid on at least a part of at least one of its principal faces, by a pre-coating having, at least one layer of aluminum or aluminum alloy overlaid, on at least a part of the above-mentioned pre-coating, by a polymerized layer having a thickness between 2 and 30 ?m composed of a polymer that does not contain silicon, and the nitrogen content of which, is greater than 1% by weight expressed in relation to the above-mentioned layer, wherein the above-mentioned polymerized layer contains carbon pigments in a quantity between 3 and 30% by weight, expressed in relation to said layer.

Abstract: Provided is a process for recovery of gold from gold-bearing raw materials comprising (a) leaching said gold-bearing raw material in a chloride containing leaching solution containing a total concentration of less than 120 g/L of halide ions, whereby the total concentration of chloride ions is less than 120 g/L of to dissolve gold and to obtain a leach solution comprising gold in solution; and simultaneously contacting the leach solution comprising gold in solution with a re-sorptive material to obtain a leach solution comprising gold-bearing re-sorptive material; and (b) recovering gold and optionally silver from the said gold-bearing re-sorptive material.

Abstract: A method of melting an aluminum charge having no more that 4% salt by mass, including during a melting phase, introducing fuel and oxidant via a burner operating at a first firing rate, the fuel and oxidant reacting to form a combustion zone above the aluminum charge, terminating the melting phase and commencing a transition phase when the aluminum charge is nearly completely molten, during the transition phase, reducing the firing rate of the burner to a second firing rate lower than the first firing rate, introducing a non-oxidizing gas at a first velocity to form a non-oxidizing zone between the combustion zone and the aluminum charge, and allowing the aluminum charge to become completely molten, and terminating the transition phase and commencing a tapping phase after the aluminum charge has become completely molten, and during the tapping phase, pouring the molten aluminum charge out of the furnace.

Abstract: A method includes contacting a coal feedstock with an acidic solution to form residual coal and a leachate. The method further includes separating the residual coal from the leachate where the leachate contains rare earth elements and where the residual coal has preserved organic content and reduced inorganic content. Another method includes contacting a coal feedstock with a basic solution to form residual coal and a leachate. The method further includes separating the residual coal from the leachate where the leachate contains rare earth elements.

Abstract: A calcium-free lead alloy comprises lead and 0.003 wt %-0.025 wt % of at least two rare-earth metals. The rare-earth metals are at least a lanthanide and yttrium. Uses of the lead alloy include an electrode with an electrode structure, which is at least partly formed of the lead alloy and a lead-acid accumulator with the electrode.

Abstract: A titanium alloy includes 15 to 27 atomic % (at %) of tantalum (Ta) and 0 to 8 at % of tin (Sn), the balance being titanium (Ti) and unavoidable impurities, when the entire 5 amount of the titanium alloy is taken as 100 at %. Therefore, the titanium alloy provided has characteristics suitable for medical device materials, biocompatible materials, etc.

Abstract: A sputtering target material, wherein the strength of a sputtering target material can be enhanced without using pure Ta to prevent cracking during sputtering and generating particles and to suppress an irregular composition of a sputtered film, is provided. The present invention provides a sputtering target material containing, in at %, 35% to 50% of Ta with the balance being Ni and an inevitable impurity, wherein the sputtering target is composed only of a Ni2Ta compound phase and a NiTa compound phase, and a microstructure in each of the Ni2Ta compound phase and the NiTa compound phase has a maximum inscribed circle diameter of not more than 10 ?m.

Abstract: An aluminium, magnesium and silicon-based die casting alloy having 5.0-7.0 wt. % magnesium, 1.5-7.0 wt. % silicon, 0.3-0.8 wt. % manganese, 0.03-0.5 wt. % iron, 0.01-0.4 wt. % molybdenum, 0.01-0.3 wt. % zirconium, 0-0.25 wt. % titanium, 0-0.25 wt. % strontium, 0-250 ppm phosphorus, 0-4 wt. % copper and 1-10 wt. % zinc, the remainder being aluminium and inevitable impurities.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy composition includes, in weight percent: 0.7-1.10 manganese; 0.05-0.25 iron; 0.21-0.30 silicon; 0.005-0.020 nickel; 0.10-0.20 titanium; 0.014 max copper; and 0.05 max zinc, with the balance being aluminum and unavoidable impurities. The alloy may tolerate higher nickel contents than existing alloys, while providing increased corrosion resistance, as well as similar extrudability, strength, and performance. Billets of the alloy may be homogenized at 590-640° C. and controlled cooled at less than 250° C. per hour. The homogenized billet may be extruded into a product, such as an aluminum alloy heat exchanger tube.

Abstract: Methods for processing bonded dual alloy rotors are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes obtaining a bonded dual alloy rotor including rotor blades bonded to a hub disk. The rotor blades and hub disk are composed of different alloys. A minimum processing temperature (TDISK_PROCESS_MIN) for the hub disk and a maximum critical temperature for the rotor blades (TBLADE_MAX) is established such that TBLADE_MAX is less than TDIsK_PROCESS_MIN. A differential heat treatment process is then performed during which the hub disk is heated to processing temperatures equal to or greater than TDISK_PROCESS_MIN, while at least a volumetric majority of each of the rotor blades is maintained at temperatures below TBLADE_MAX. Such a targeted differential heat treatment process enables desired metallurgical properties (e.g., precipitate hardening) to be created within the hub disk, while preserving the high temperature properties of the rotor blades and any blade coating present thereon.

Abstract: A method for providing a surface finish to a metal part includes both diffusion hardening a metal surface to form a diffusion-hardened layer, and oxidizing the diffusion-hardened layer to create an oxide coating thereon. The diffusion-hardened layer can be harder than an internal region of the metal part and might be ceramic, and the oxide coating can have a color that is different from the metal or ceramic, the color being unachievable only by diffusion hardening or only by oxidizing. The metal can be titanium or titanium alloy, the diffusion hardening can include carburizing or nitriding, and the oxidizing can include electrochemical oxidization. The oxide layer thickness can be controlled via the amount of voltage applied during oxidation, with the oxide coating color being a function of thickness. An enhanced hardness profile can extend to a depth of at least 20 microns below the top of the oxide coating.

Abstract: There is provided a titanium alloy member including a base metal portion, and an outer hardened layer formed on an outer layer of the base metal portion, the cross sectional hardness of the base metal portion is 330 HV or higher and lower than 400 HV, the cross sectional hardnesses at positions 5 ?m and 15 ?m from the surface of the outer hardened layer are 450 HV or higher and lower than 600 HV, the outer hardened layer includes an oxygen diffusion layer and a nitrogen diffusion layer, the oxygen diffusion layer is at a depth of 40 to 80 ?m from the surface of the outer hardened layer, and the nitrogen diffusion layer is at a depth of 2 to 5 ?m from surface of the outer hardened layer. This titanium alloy member includes an outer hardened layer, is high in cross sectional hardness of the base metal portion, and is excellent in fatigue strength and wear resistance.

Abstract: A vapor deposition apparatus disclosed by an embodiment comprises: a vacuum chamber (8); a mask holder (15) for holding a deposition mask 1; a substrate holder (29) for holding a substrate for vapor deposition (2); an electromagnet (3) disposed above a surface; a vapor deposition source 5 for vaporizing or sublimating a vapor deposition material; and a heat pipe (7) including at least a heat absorption part (71) and a heat dissipation part (72), the heat absorption part being in contact with the electromagnet (3), and the heat dissipation part being derived to an outside of the vacuum chamber (8). The heat pipe (7) and the electromagnet (3) are in intimate contact with each other at an area of a contact part between the heat pipe (7) and the electromagnet (3), the area being equal to or more than a cross-sectional area within an inner perimeter of a coil (32).

Abstract: According to the embodiment, a vaporization system includes a vaporizer, a body, a sensor, a moving mechanism, and a supplier. The vaporizer includes a plurality of containers which can store powdered solid materials. The body in a vacuum state can house the vaporizer. The sensor detects a residue of the solid materials stored in a plurality of the containers respectively. The moving mechanism, on the basis of a detection result of the sensor, moves the plurality of the containers respectively between a first position located inside the vaporizer, and a second position located outside of the vaporizer. A supplier supplies the solid material to the container located in the second position among the plurality of the containers.

Abstract: A coated cutting tool includes a body and a hard and wear resistant coating on the body. The coating has at least one metal based nitride layer, wherein the layer is a nitrogen deficient (Ti1-xAlx)Ny layer with 0<x<0.7 and 0.4<y<1 and a layer thickness between 0.5 ?m and 15 ?m.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a fixing apparatus for fixing a substrate to be processed below a bearing base during an evaporation process, the substrate to be processed includes a base substrate, a ferromagnetic material is formed on a front surface or a back surface of the base substrate, and a magnetic field generator is disposed on a back surface of the bearing base at a location corresponding to the ferromagnetic material; the magnetic field generator is configured to generate a magnetic field so that the ferromagnetic material and the magnetic field generator are approaching to each other under an effect of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator to fix a front surface of the bearing base with the back surface of the base substrate. An evaporation method is further disclosed.

Abstract: In an amorphous carbon film of a sliding member, provided that a number of nitrogen atoms each singly bonded to three carbon atoms is A, and a number of nitrogen atoms each singly and doubly bonded to two carbon atoms, respectively, is B, a value A/B of the amorphous carbon film obtained through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis is 10 to 18. The method includes irradiating the surface of the substrate with nitrogen ion beams and irradiating a carbon target with electron beams, thereby forming an amorphous carbon film on the surface of the substrate while vapor-depositing a part of the carbon target onto the surface of the substrate. The output of the electron beams that irradiate the carbon target is 30 to 50 W.