Abstract: A reagent for detecting an analyte comprises a flavoprotein enzyme, a mediator such as a phenothiazine mediator, at least one surfactant, a polymer and a buffer. The reagent may be used with an electrochemical test sensor that includes a plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: The present specification discloses methods of detecting a pathogen of interest, components useful in carrying out these methods, including a pre-enrichment media, and enrichment media and a detection solution and kits thereof.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods for separating and/or purifying one or more molecules released from one or more fluid compartments or partitions, such as one or more droplets. Molecules can be released from a fluid compartment(s) and bound to supports that can be isolated via any suitable method, including example methods described herein. The disclosure also provides devices that can aid in isolating supports bound to molecules.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices and methods for the capture or isolation of a biomarker from a biological sample. In several embodiments, the device comprises a loading region, a filter material, and a receiving region. In particular, in several embodiments, biological fluid is passed from the loading region through the filter material and into the receiving region, thereby resulting in capture or isolation of a biomarker.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for identifying the presence or absence of a target nucleic acid from one or more organisms in a biological sample, said method comprising: (a) spinning the sample at a rotational velocity sufficient to pellet cellular debris and fluorescence inhibitors present within the sample and reduce fluorescence interference or quenching in the sample; and (b) directly amplifying and detecting the target nucleic acid in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a marker for identifying a cucumber plant showing a compact growth phenotype, characterized by a shorter internode length and/or a smaller leaf area. The marker comprises a mutation in the Cullin1 gene, thereby providing cucumber plants with a shorter internode length and/or a smaller leaf area when compared to cucumber plants without the mutation in the Cullin1 gene. A plant that shows the resulting compact growth phenotype is in particular suitable for high-wire cultivation. Furthermore, the invention also relates to the use of a modified cucumber Cullin1 gene or a part thereof for identifying a cucumber plant showing a shorter internode length and/or a smaller leaf area.

Abstract: A method in which a mutant gene present in a gene pool mixedly with a large number of wild-type genes can be simply, inexpensively and sensitively detected is developed and provided. A clamping probe that is connected to a target nucleic acid molecule in two regions of first and second target nucleic acid complementary regions so that a wild-type target nucleic acid molecule and a mutant-type target nucleic acid molecule can be distinguished from each other depending on a difference in complementarity to these target nucleic acid molecules is provided.

Abstract: A method for tracking specific in situ hybridizations in biological samples using molecular barcodes is disclosed. Present invention specifically addresses the in suspension in situ hybridization protocols and makes it possible to track a mixed sample processed on a high throughput flow cytometer. Since the DNA probes selected for the molecular barcodes are naturally existing sequences on the chromosomes, each cell will have two copies of the molecular barcode as opposed to the single barcode provided by the other systems. Tracking is accomplished by following the florescence patterns emitted by the two, three, four or five fluorescent tags attached to the DNA probes. Alternatively, colorimetric system can be used for tracking by employing non-fluorescent tags and subsequent specific enzyme-substrate reactions.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the amplification method may comprise producing a reaction mix comprising: a nucleic acid sample, a polymerase, nucleotides, a forward primer that hybridizes to a sequence in the bottom strand of a fragment in the sample, and a reverse primer. The reverse primer has a hairpin structure comprising a loop, a stem and a 3? overhang of at least 8 nucleotides, wherein the 3? overhang hybridizes to a sequence in the top strand of the fragment. Subjecting the reaction mix at least two rounds of denaturation, renaturation and primer extension conditions results in extension the forward and reverse primers to produce an amplification product that contains: a double stranded region comprising a nick adjacent to the 5? end of the reverse primer, and the loop of the first hairpin primer. Primer sets and kits for performing the methods are also provided.

Abstract: The methods described herein, referred to as PCR-Activated Sorting (PAS), allow nucleic acids contained in biological systems to be sorted based on their sequence as detected with nucleic acid amplification techniques, e.g., PCR. The nucleic acids can be free floating or contained within living or nonliving structures, including particles, viruses, and cells. The nucleic acids can include, e.g., DNA or RNA. Systems and devices for use in practicing methods of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods, compositions, systems, and kits for the concurrent detection and analysis of different structural and chemical forms of nucleic acids in a sample.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to sequencing nucleic acids, but not exclusively, to compositions, methods, systems, and kits related to nucleotides comprising an electrochemically detectable moiety and one or more photolabile synthesis-inhibiting moieties.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for single-cell sequencing. In some examples, the methods include enriching a sample comprising a plurality of cells for cells of interest to produce an enriched cell sample; isolating one or more cells of interest in the enriched cell sample; and obtaining sequence information of one or more polynucleotides from each of the one or more isolated cells. Obtaining sequence information may include generating a molecularly indexed polynucleotide library from the one or more isolated cells. Enriching the sample may include focusing cells of interest in the sample using acoustic focusing.

Abstract: An apparatus with a transducer having a first output signal and arranged to receive an electrical input. The transducer switches the first output signal between an ON and OFF state. The apparatus has a chemical sensing surface coupled to the transducer arranged to receive a chemical input. A signal generator oscillates one or more of said inputs to vary the switching point of the transducer. The oscillating input may be the chemical input and/or the electrical input. The output signal may be a pulse whose period ON or OFF is determined by the oscillating input modulated by the chemical input.

Abstract: This invention provides substrates for use in various applications, including single-molecule analytical reactions. Methods for propagating optical energy within a substrate are provided. Devices comprising waveguide substrates and dielectric omnidirectional reflectors are provided. Waveguide substrates with improved uniformity of optical energy intensity across one or more waveguides and enhanced waveguide illumination efficiency within an analytic detection region of the arrays are provided.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention include analyzing nucleic acids from single cells using methods that include using tagged polynucleotides containing multiplex identifier sequences.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for selecting milk-producing livestock with a preferred phenotype. In one embodiment, the method includes detecting methylation status of one or more genes and gene regulatory regions in a sample to identify the preferred phenotype.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of genotyping for selecting an animal with a desired trait such as the level monounsaturated fats in muscle tissue, the types and/or ratio of different monounsaturated fats in muscle tissue, marbling, carcass weight, meat quality, speed of finishing, feedlot efficiency and/or consumer preference. In particular the invention relates to methods of selecting an animal with a desired trait by analysing the M-RIP, NT5M and/or TCAP genes for one or more polymorphisms.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for the detection of silent carriers of chromosomal deletion alleles in a human subject using haploid cells (e.g., sperm cells or egg cells) derived from the subject. The methods provided herein allow for the detection of silent (2+0) carriers of SMA, where the individual has a deletion of the SMN1 gene on one chromosome 5 homolog and two or more copies of the SMN1 gene on the other chromosome 5 homolog.

Abstract: The invention describes epistatic interactions between single nucleotide polymorphisms on genes associated with blood pressure and provides an application for their use in a method to determine an individual's susceptibility to hypertension and hence whether anti-hypertensive treatment will be beneficial for said individual. In addition gene expression levels are also linked to blood pressure and may also be used to determine susceptibility to hypertension.

Abstract: A method for assessing the predisposition of a subject to weight loss attainable by applying one or more dietary interventions to a subject and/or the predisposition of a subject to maintenance of weight loss following one or more dietary interventions which method comprises determining the nucleotide of the subject at one or more polymorphic positions selected from: (i) position 101 of SEQ ID NO:1 (rs953211) (ii) position 101 of SEQ ID NO:2 (rs1509290) (iii) position 101 of SEQ ID NO:3 (rs1509289) and/or detecting one or more biomarkers genetically linked to said polymorphic positions.

Abstract: A method of measuring Gadd45? expression comprising the step of measuring Gadd45? expression levels in a sample of cells, for example CD 138 expressing cells, obtained from a subject known to have or suspected of having a haematological malignancy. Expression levels may be used in diagnosis, for example of multiple myeloma, in providing a prognosis, for example in a patient having multiple myeloma or in guiding selection of an appropriate treatment agent, especially a treatment agent comprising Gadd45? and or MKK7 inhibitors. Also datasets comprising measured expression levels from multiple subjects.

Abstract: The current disclosure describes methods for identifying subjects that would benefit from treatment with a chemotherapeutic agent. The disclosure is based in part on the observation that miR-129 expression levels are reduced in colorectal cancer. Accordingly, the current disclosure provides therapeutic compositions and methods for altering the expression of a miR-129 effector. Described herein are methods for characterizing the stage of colorectal cancer in a subject, based on the levels of miR-129 expression. The disclosure also identifies miR-129 as a predictive biomarker for cancer diagnosis and the subsequent treatment with directed therapeutic agents including but not limited to miR-129 nucleic acid molecules and/or a chemotherapeutic agent. The current disclosure also identifies novel therapeutic agents that modulate the level of BCL2, TS and/or E2F3 expression, as well as sensitize a subject to treatment with a chemotherapeutic agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of diagnosing a breast cancer central nervous system (CNS) metastasis in a subject, comprising determining the expression level of at least one biomarker in a subject-derived brain or breast tissue comparing the subject-derived expression level with a normal control level obtained from normal brain or breast cells; and correlating an increase or decrease of the subject-derived expression level as compared to the normal control level to a diagnosis of a breast cancer CNS metastasis. The present invention also provides a method for the treatment of a breast cancer CNS metastasis in a subject comprising administering to the subject an inhibitor of an overexpressed gene associated with CNS metastasis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a kit for detecting drug resistance of cetuximab in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. The kit comprises a substance used for detecting gene mutations in Exon 19 of the PIK3CA gene, and may further comprise a specification recording the following contents: if Exon 19 in the PIK3CA gene of a patient with metastatic colorectal cancer as a subject to be tested, who is intended to receive cetuximab treatment or is receiving cetuximab treatment and does not have drug resistance, has at least one of K944N, F930S, V955G, V955I, and K966E mutations, the subject to be tested will develop drug resistance or will be a candidate to develop drug resistance when receiving or continuing to receive cetuximab for treating metastatic colorectal cancer.

Abstract: An example method of treating a subject having a tumor is described herein. The method can include determining a radiosensitivity index of the tumor, deriving a subject-specific variable based on the radiosensitivity index, and obtaining a genomic adjusted radiation dose effect value for the tumor. The radiosensitivity index can be assigned from expression levels of signature genes of a cell of the tumor. Additionally, the genomic adjusted radiation dose effect value can be predictive of tumor recurrence in the subject after treatment. The method can also include determining a radiation dose based on the subject-specific variable and the genomic adjusted radiation dose effect value.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining immunomodulatory derivatives (IMiDs) resistance in a subject having a plasma cell disorder.

Abstract: The invention provides methods that define cellular populations that are sensitive to RARA agonists and identify patient subgroups that will benefit from treatment with RARA agonists. The invention also provides packaged pharmaceutical compositions that comprise a RARA agonist and instructions for determining if such agonist is suitable for use in treatment.

Abstract: As described below, the present invention provides quantitative homologous recombination assays developed to characterize the pathogenicity DNA repair polypeptides (e.g., BRCA1, BRCA2, Rad51) and provide urgently needed functional information on the significance of DNA repair variants of uncertain significance (VUS) alleles. The invention also provides a method of generating site-specific recombination at a genomic locus or site-specific genome editing by inhibiting replication at the genomic locus, e.g., involving contacting the genomic locus with polypeptides that specifically bind target sequences at the genomic locus.

Abstract: A biological detection method for dioxin compounds in serum and its diagnostic use in predicting metabolic syndrome and related conditions are disclosed. The method of detecting dioxin compounds include obtaining a serum sample by heat-inactivating total serum obtained from a subject, preparing a transformed cell line by introducing a recombinant vector comprising a gene construct in which at least one dioxin-responsive element is operably linked to a promoter and a reporter gene into a host cell, culturing the transformed cell line with the serum sample, detecting the activation of the reporter gene in the transformed cell line, and determining that the dioxin compound is included in the serum sample when the activation of the reporter gene is detected. The serum detected by the method can be used as a surrogate serum biomarker to correlate serum content with disease factors and to predict the occurrence of disease and determine treatability.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of detecting HIV-1 nucleic acids in a sample (such as from a sample containing or suspected to contain HIV-1 nucleic acid). In some examples, the methods include loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) or reverse transcription-LAMP (RT-LAMP). In some examples, the methods include contacting a sample with one or more sets of LAMP primers specific for HIV-1 (such as LAMP primers specific for an HIV-1 integrase nucleic acid or LAMP primers specific for an HIV-1 reverse transcriptase nucleic acid) under conditions sufficient to produce an amplification product and detecting the amplification product. Sets of LAMP primers for detection of HIV-1 integrase nucleic acids (such as SEQ ID NOs: 8-14 or 8-27) and HIV-1 reverse transcriptase nucleic acids (such as SEQ ID NOs: 1-7) are provided herein.

Abstract: A method ensuring excellent chemical resistance to a chemical cleaning solution, excellent filtration performance and an enhanced life in a saccharified solution production method including a cleaning step and filtration using a porous filtration membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plant complex for steel production comprising a blast furnace for producing pig iron, a converter steel mill for producing crude steel, a gas-conducting system for gases that occur in the production of pig iron and/or in the production of crude steel, and a power-generating plant for electricity generation. The power-generating plant is operated with a gas that comprises at least a partial amount of the blast-furnace top gas that occurs in the production of pig iron and/or a partial amount of the converter gas. According to the invention, a chemical or biotechnological plant is provided and connected to the gas-conducting system and arranged in parallel with the power-generating plant with respect to the gas supply. Externally obtained electricity and power-generating plant electricity are used to cover the electricity demand of the plant complex.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plant complex for steel production comprising a blast furnace for producing pig iron, a converter steel mill for producing crude steel, a gas-conducting system for gases that occur when producing the pig iron and/or the crude steel, and a power-generating plant for electricity generation. The power-generating plant is designed as a gas-turbine power-generating plant or gas-turbine and steam-turbine power-generating plant and is operated with a gas that comprises at least a partial amount of the blast-furnace top gas that occurs in the blast furnace and/or a partial amount of the converter gas. The plant complex additionally comprises a chemical plant and a biotechnological plant, the power-generating plant, the chemical plant and the biotechnological plant being arranged in a parallel setup with regard to the gas supply. The gas-conducting system comprises an operationally controllable gas-distributing device for dividing the streams of gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing syngas in combined operation with a metallurgical plant which comprises at least one blast furnace for producing crude iron, a converter steel mill and a coke-oven plant. Part of the blast-furnace top gas that is produced in the production of crude iron and/or part of the converter gas that occurs in the converter steel mill and/or part of the coke-oven gas that is produced in the coke-oven plant are mixed. By choosing the gas streams that are brought together to form a mixed gas and/or by changing the mixing ratios of the gas streams that are brought together, at least two streams of useful gas are produced, differing with regard to their composition and respectively prepared to form streams of syngas.

Abstract: A delivery device for delivering filler material into a blast furnace, comprising: a housing provided with a transition channel for the filler material which defines a first axis X; a chute for the filler material arranged underneath said transition channel; first actuating means, defining a respective second axis A parallel to the first axis X, to actuate a tilt of the chute with respect to the first axis X; second actuating means, defining a respective third axis B parallel to the first axis X, to actuate a rotation of the chute about said first axis X; a first annular body inside said housing and coaxial to the first axis X, adapted to translate along the first axis X by means of said first actuating means; a second annular body inside said housing and coaxial to said first axis X, adapted to translate along the first axis X being coupled to the first annular body and/or adapted to rotate about the first axis X by means of said second actuating means; a mechanism coupled to the second annular body and t

Abstract: System and methods relating to in-line heat-treating, hardening and tempering of material, such as for example, coiled steel into a roll-formed, hardened and tempered structural member having uniform or different targeted properties in selected zones of the structural member. The different targeted properties may be achieved by heating and/or cooling the material subject to certain parameters.

Abstract: A hot stamping die includes a body having a stamping surface, and cooling channels within the body. The cooling channels are positioned to transfer heat from region(s) of the surface to the channels. The hot stamping die also includes a heating element within the body, separate and apart from the channels. The heating element is positioned to heat region(s) of the body different from the region(s) of the surface at a rate greater than heat transfer from the channels to the region(s) of the surface.

Abstract: Steel material for composite pressure vessel liners that, when used as raw material for manufacturing a composite pressure vessel liner, yields a liner having sufficient strength and a high fatigue limit and enables the manufacture of an inexpensive composite pressure vessel is provided. Steel material for composite pressure vessel liners comprises: a chemical composition containing, in mass %, C: 0.10% to 0.60%, Si: 0.01% to 2.0%, Mn: 0.1% to 5.0%, P: 0.0005% to 0.060%, S: 0.0001% to 0.010%, N: 0.0001% to 0.010%, and Al: 0.01% to 0.06%, with a balance being Fe and incidental impurities; and a metallic microstructure in which a mean grain size of prior austenite grains is 20 ?m or less, and a total area ratio of martensite and lower bainite is 90% or more.

Abstract: An inductor for an induction hardening system includes a heating element for heating a heating zone of a workpiece, and the heating element includes a first induction coil and a second induction coil and a gas escape device disposed between the first induction coil and the second induction coil. The gas escape device is configured to substantially prevent a liquid from a quenching device from reaching the heating zone while the heating zone is being heated by the first and second inductors.

Abstract: A grain oriented electrical steel sheet comprising a grain oriented electrical steel sheet having a surface and a forsterite film formed on the surface of the steel sheet, wherein a total area percentage of defective parts scattered on the forsterite film is less than 1.5% relative to a surface area of the forsterite film when viewed from above the surface, and methods for evaluating a grain oriented electrical steel sheet comprising a grain oriented electrical steel sheet having a surface and a forsterite film formed on the surface of the steel sheet.

Abstract: Provided are a high-strength steel sheet and a method for manufacturing the steel sheet. The high-strength steel sheet has a specified chemical composition with the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, a microstructure including, in terms of area ratio, 25% or less of a ferrite phase, 75% or more of a bainite phase and/or a martensite phase, and 5% or less of cementite, in which, in a surface layer that is a region within 50 ?m from the surface in the thickness direction, the area ratio of a ferrite phase is 5% to 20%, and a tensile strength is 1180 MPa or more.

Abstract: A continuous annealing method for low coercive force cold-rolled electromagnetic pure iron plate and strip. Control parameters of each stages in a continuous annealing process are as follows: 750-850° C. at a heating stage; 750-850° C. at a soaking stage, the soaking time is 100-150 s; an outlet temperature of 575-675° C. at a slow-cooling stage, the cooling speed in slow-cooling stage is 2.5-10° C./s; an outlet temperature of 380-420° C. at a fast-cooling stage, the cooling speed of the fast-cooling stage is 15-25° C./s; and 270-310° C. at an overaging stage. The annealing medium is a non-oxidizing atmosphere composed of H2 and N2. After annealing, the cold-rolled electromagnetic pure iron plate and strip is leveled and pressed such that the leveling elongation rate of the plate and strip is controlled within the range of 0.2±0.1%.

Abstract: The present invention provides a manufacturing method of crude copper from low-grade copper sludge, one embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of: (1) calcining a low-grade copper sludge (step 1); (2) producing a mixture by adding at least one selected from a group consisting of binder, flux and combinations thereof to the calcined low-grade copper sludge (step 2); (3) producing a briquette by compression molding the mixture (step 3); (4) melting and reducing by charging the briquette into a submerged arc furnace with adding flux (step 4); and (5) separating crude copper and slag produced by melting and reducing (step 5).

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described in which amine-based compounds are utilized in the recovery of rare earth elements from solution. The rare earth elements are recovered selectively and sequentially.

Abstract: In separating scandium and thorium from a leachate obtained by adding sulfuric acid to a nickel oxide ore containing scandium and thorium, scandium is recovered from only one system. The method according to the invention comprises: an extraction step S1 for treating a nickel oxide ore containing scandium and thorium with sulfuric acid to give an acidic solution (a feed solution for extraction), and then solvent-extracting the feed solution with the use of a scandium extractant containing an amide derivative to thereby divide the feed solution into an organic extract (a first organic phase) containing scandium and thorium and a liquid extract (a first aqueous phase) containing impurities; and a washing step S2 for adding sulfuric acid to the organic extract (the first organic phase) and thus dividing the same into washed organic matters (a second organic phase) containing thorium and a washed liquid (a second aqueous phase) containing scandium.

Abstract: An improved sterling silver alloy. Like all sterlings, the improved alloy is at least 92.5 percent silver by weight. It has less copper than traditional sterlings: 3.0 percent versus the traditional 7.5 percent. Additionally, the improved alloy includes about 2.75 percent palladium, about 1.0 percent tin, and about 0.75 percent zinc, all by weight. A grain refiner, such as ruthenium, may also be provided. The components of the preferred alloy are melted, degassed, remelted, and then formed into casting grains, wire, and etc. The resulting alloy is significantly harder, as cast, than traditional sterlings: 95-120 Vickers versus 65 Vickers for traditional sterlings. The improved alloy also exhibits improved corrosion resistance. Other than a slightly higher (<200° F.) liquidus temperature, the improved alloy may be worked in substantially the same manner as traditional sterlings. Pieces cast from the improved alloy may be age hardened to about 160 Vickers, if desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lead-free easy-cutting high-strength corrosion-resistant silicon-brass alloy and the preparation method and use thereof. The mass percent composition of the alloy is: 56˜60% Cu, 38˜42% Zn, 0.003˜0.01% B, 0.03˜0.06% Ti, and 1.0˜1.5% Si and 0.5˜0.9% Al or 0.5˜0.8% Si and 1˜1.5% Al, and the zinc equivalent of all components is between 48% and 50%. In the present invention, the phase composition and the distribution state of the alloy can be regulated by controlling the contents of Si and Al elements, as well as by adding a B and Ti composite grain refiner, in order to obtain a copper alloy with the advantages of excellent comprehensive performance of strength, process ability and dezincification resistance, a high production yield, and low costs, which can replace lead brass and bismuth brass for plumbing, bathroom and a variety of corrosion-resistant parts, and has a bright prospect of popularization and application.

Abstract: 5000 series aluminum wrought alloys with high strength, high formability, excellent corrosion resistance, and friction-stir weldability, and methods of making those alloys.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy extruded material in relation with the present invention is with high strength by die quench air cooling and excellent in SCC resistance. The aluminum alloy extruded material is an Al—Zn—Mg-based aluminum alloy extruded material for structural member for automobiles such as a bumper reinforce, a door guard bar and the like which satisfies three expressions of 5.0?[Zn]?7.0, [Zn]/5.38<[Mg]?[Zn]/5.38+0.7, and [Zn]+4.7[Mg]?14, where [Mg] represents mass % of Mg and [Zn] represents mass % of Zn, and contains at least either one element of Cu: 0.1-0.6 mass % and Ag: 0.01-0.15 mass %, Ti: 0.005-0.05 mass %, and at least one element out of Mn: 0.1-0.3 mass %, Cr: 0.05-0.2 mass %, Zr: 0.05-0.2 mass %.