Abstract: Disclosed is nucleic acid preserving compositions and methods of manufacturing and using the same. Compositions include a carrier, a chaotropic agent, a buffering agent, a chelating agent, a surfactant, an alcohol, an acid, and a mucolytic agent. Compositions as aqueous solutions can include water as a carrier. Preferred embodiments include water, guanidine thiocyanate, Tris, EDTA, SLS, SDA 3C, HCl, and N-acetyl-L-cysteine. Some embodiments include a colored dye as a visual indicator. Methods of manufacturing include combining the components into a mixture, such as an aqueous solution. Methods of use include providing a biological sample that includes nucleic acid and contacting the biological sample with the composition. Kits include the composition disposed in a portion of a biological sample collection apparatus.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for determining patterns of modification to a genome of a subject by representing the genome using a graph, such as a directed acyclic graph (DAG) with divergent paths for regions that are potentially subject to modification, profiling segments of the genome for evidence of epigenetic modification, and aligning the profiled segments to the DAG to determine locations and patterns of the epigenetic modification within the genome.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro diagnostic method with regard to the presence of bacterial vaginosis, characterized in that the presence of bacterial vaginosis is determined if the archaea Methanobrevibacter smithii is present in a patient vaginal secretion sample by detecting therein the presence of at least one nucleic acid sequence specific to said methanogenic archaea Methanobrevibacter smithii.

Abstract: Disclosed is a probe for use in biological assays. The probe includes a fluorescent dye bound to a quencher compound through an oligonucleotide linker. Also disclosed are methods of using the probe, such as for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR), such as in a quantitative PCR reaction (qPCR), as well as kits including the probe.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to materials and methods for spatially analyzing nucleic acids that have been fragmented with a transposase enzyme, alone or in combination with other types of analytes.

Abstract: Methods of detecting multiple nucleic acid targets in single cells through indirect capture of labels to the nucleic acids are provided. Methods of assaying the relative levels of nucleic acid targets through normalization to levels of reference nucleic acids are also provided. Methods of detecting individual cells, particularly rare cells from large heterogeneous cell populations, through detection of nucleic acids are described. Related compositions, systems, and kits are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasensitive assay platform for the detection of nucleic acids such as microRNAs (miRNAs), which are important biomarker for diseases including cancer. The platform allows high throughput detection of multiple nucleic acid sequences miRNAs on the single-molecule level using fluorescence labeling, molecular barcoding, and flow based detection and multiparametric data analysis.

Abstract: Embodiments disclose methods, systems, and computer-readable media for accelerated base calling of sequencing data. These methods may be adapted to accelerate sequence determination for data arising from a variety of different nucleic acid sequencing platforms. In various embodiments, configurable logic circuits such as FPGAs and GPUs may be adapted to perform raw signal processing, basecalling, and/or sequence determination operations providing further enhancements to the sequence analysis methods.

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 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: A method for sequencing a biological molecule, such as a nucleic acid molecule, and a method for detecting and/or correcting sequencing error(s) in the sequencing results are provided. Kits and systems based on the above methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for non-invasive prenatal paternity testing are disclosed herein. The method uses genetic measurements made on plasma taken from a pregnant mother, along with genetic measurements of the alleged father, and genetic measurements of the mother, to determine whether or not the alleged father is the biological father of the fetus. This is accomplished by way of an informatics based method that can compare the genetic fingerprint of the fetal DNA found in maternal plasma to the genetic fingerprint of the alleged father.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods, reagents, kits, and compositions for identifying and quantifying target polynucleotide sequences. A linker probe comprising a 3? target specific portion, a loop, and a stem is hybridized to a target polynucleotide and extended to form a reaction product that includes a reverse primer portion and the stem nucleotides. A detector probe, a specific forward primer, and a reverse primer can be employed in an amplification reaction wherein the detector probe can detect the amplified target polynucleotide based on the stem nucleotides introduced by the linker probe. In some embodiments a plurality of short miRNAs are queried with a plurality of linker probes, wherein the linker probes all comprise a universal reverse primer portion a different 3? target specific portion and different stems. The plurality of queried miRNAs can then be decoded in a plurality of amplification reactions.

Abstract: A process for analysing chromosome regions and interactions relating to ALS and Huntington's disease.

Abstract: By a genome-wide gene analysis of expression profiles of known or putative gene sequences in kidney biopsy samples, the present inventors have identified a consensus set of gene expression-based molecular biomarkers for distinguishing kidney transplantation patients who have Acute Rejection (AR), Acute Dysfunction No Rejection (ADNR), Chronic Allograft Nephropathy (CAN), or Transplant Excellent/Normal (TX). These molecular biomarkers are useful for diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of transplantation patients.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for accurately estimating the absorbed dose of radiation indicated by a subject based on the expression pattern of a panel of radiation-modulated (RM) genes at various time points following exposure of the subject to ionizing radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods to detect an amount of DNA that originates from cells of a given type, where the sample comprising such DNA in admixture with DNA that does not originate from such cells. Such methods are based on differential methylation, at certain regions, of the DNA that originates from the given type of cells compared to the admixed DNA. Such methods have particular application in the detection, from a biological fluid from a pregnant female, of cell free DNA that originates from a foetus or the placenta of a foetus, or the detection, from a biological fluid from an individual, of cell free DNA that originates from cells of a tumour.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and compositions for evaluation of nucleic acid size distribution and genetic abnormalities. The disclosed methods may be useful in determining size distribution of nucleic acids in a sample, for example, fetal fraction in a plasma sample. The disclosed methods may be useful in identifying or detecting genetic abnormalities from a subject, for example, fetal aneuploidy (e.g., trisomy 21).

Abstract: A method for evaluating or monitoring metabolic effects of exercise or injury by detecting and/or quantifying microR-NAs in saliva. Compositions and methods of treatment based on detection of microRNAs.

Abstract: Provided herein are, inter alia, methods and kits for detecting epoxide hydrolase genes. In embodiments, methods and kits for detecting the risk of developing atopy or asthma are included. Also included are methods for preventing or treating atopy or asthma.

Abstract: The invention features panels of genes associated with Sudden Unexpected Death in Pediatrics (SUDP), and methods of using such panels to identify a cause of death, and to select children at risk of SUDP for therapies to treat pathologies that predispose them to SUDP.

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: Techniques are provided for analyzing circular DNA in a biological sample (e.g., including cell-free DNA, such as plasma). For example, to measure circular DNA, cleaving can be performed to linearize the circular DNA so that they may be sequenced. Example cleaving techniques include restriction enzymes and transposases. Then, one or more criteria can be used to identify linearized DNA molecules, e.g., so as to differentiate from linear DNA molecules. An example criterion is mapping a pair of reversed end sequences to a reference genome. Another example criterion is identification of a cutting tag, e.g., associated with a restriction enzyme or an adapter sequence added by a transposase. Once circular DNA molecules (e.g., eccDNA and circular mitochondrial DNA) are identified, they may be analyzed (e.g., to determine a count, size profile, and/or methylation) to measure a property of the biological sample, including genetic properties and level of a disease.

Abstract: Described herein are methods, systems, and compositions for non-invasively diagnosing or detecting a skin disease or disorder. Diagnosing or detecting a non-melanoma skin cancer as provided herein comprises detecting gene expression levels of a set of identified genes and in some instances further detecting mutations in a gene of interest.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for generating a profile of DNA repair capacities of tumor cells and uses thereof for cancer prognosis, choice, monitoring and/or the prediction of the therapeutic efficacy of a cancer treatment in a patient, and also for screening anticancer drugs. The invention also relates to a reference library comprising profiles of DNA repair capacities for various subtypes of a cancer, obtained by the method of the invention, and to uses thereof for the classification of cancers.

Abstract: Provided are methods for measuring replication-associated genomic DNA methylation loss, using a Solo-WCGW DNA sequence motif (n(x)WCpGWn(x); wherein W=A or T, n=A or G or C or T and excludes any CG dinucleotides, and x?9) to filter the methylation data. Certain methods provide for measuring the mitotic/replicative history/age of a cell or tissue sample (e.g.

Abstract: Disclosed are genetic methods and tools for colon cancer disease classification in disease subtypes, CMS1, CMS2, CMS3, CMS4, as well as improved methods for rapid, more accurate, and more reliably reproducible disease subtype determination. Tailored treatment protocols are also provided, employing the predicted CMS of the subject sample. Genetic sequence binding targets for some or all of these gene panels may be affixed to a solid substrate, and included as part of a screening tool and/or diagnostic kit. The expression levels of the genes may be assessed to provide a genetic signature for a subtype or lack of subtype (CMS1, CMS2, CMS3, CMS4, combination subtype). The methods employ a scoring system, wherein a score is derived from the genetic expression profile/signature of the panel of selected genes, and a qualifying continuous score for each CMS subtype is determined against a predictive threshold for each colon cancer subtype.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of determining a cancer treatment prognosis for a subject in need thereof by evaluating epigenetic and genetic changes within a tumor sample from the subject. The present invention further provides methods of treating cancer in a subject by evaluating epigenetic and genetic changes within a tumor sample from the subject. In addition, the present invention provides methods of screening test agents to identify agents that decrease tumor cell plasticity.

Abstract: The invention relate to SNP and InDel markers associated with a cucumber male sterility gene and a screening method thereof. The cucumber male sterility gene is acquired by screening according to the markers. Specifically, the screening method includes following steps: (1) configuring groups; (2) building a library and sequencing; (3) adopting bulked segregation analysis (BSA); and (4) performing competitive allele specificity PCR (KASP), finely mapping a sterility gene, and acquiring SNP or InDel locus in close linkage with sterility character. The acquiring of the male sterility gene provides an effective tool for quick identification of cucumber male sterility plants and efficient production of cucumber hybrid species.

Abstract: The invention relates to an SNP molecular marker tightly linked to weeping trait of Mei (Prunus mume Sieb.et Zucc.), and a detection method and use thereof. The present invention provides an SNP molecular marker tightly linked to weeping trait of Mei, which is located at 11182911 bp of chromosome 7 of Mei with a polymorphism of A/C. The present invention develops an SNP molecular marker tightly linked to weeping trait of Mei through the combination of GWAS analysis with the population selection method. The SNP molecular marker has good reproducibility and high accuracy in the identification of weeping/upright traits in the segregation population of filial generation of Mei, and achieves an accuracy of 96% or more in the single-molecule marker identification of weeping/upright traits.

Abstract: An isolated bacterial strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 298 is provided. A sample of the strain having been deposited as KCTC 13469BP at the Korean Collection for Type Cultures or a functional homolog of same wherein said isolated microbial strain is purified to a level of at least 99%. Also provided are compositions and articles comprising the bacterial strain and methods of using same.

Abstract: An isolated bacterial strain Bacillus subtilis 281 or a functional homolog of same is provided. A sample has been deposited as KCTC 13468BP at the Korean Collection for Type Cultures, wherein the isolated microbial strain is purified to a level of at least 99%. Also provided are methods of using the isolated bacterial strain or the functional homolog of same.

Abstract: An isolated bacterial strain Bacillus subtilis 3 or a functional homolog of same is provided. A sample has been deposited as KCTC 13467BP at the Korean Collection for Type Cultures, wherein the isolated microbial strain is purified to a level of at least 99%. Also provided are methods of using the isolated bacterial strain or the functional homolog of same.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis CCFM1018 and application thereof in preparation of food and medicine for excreting a plasticizer, and belongs to the technical field of microorganisms. The Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis CCFM1018 not only is significantly better than the intestinal resident bacteria Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis in terms of the effect of promoting the excretion of DEHP and MEHP, but also is better than the commercial strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus LGG. Therefore, the Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis CCFM1018 of the disclosure can be used as an effective means to prevent and alleviate body damage caused by DEHP and MEHP, and does not have toxic or side effects of drugs. Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis CCFM1018 can be used to prepare pharmaceutical compositions and fermented food for alleviating and preventing the toxicity of DEHP and metabolites thereof, and has a very broad application prospect.

Abstract: An inoculant for the manufacture of cast iron with spheroidal graphite is disclosed, the inoculant has a particulate ferrosilicon alloy having between 40 and 80% by weight of Si; 0.02-8% by weight of Ca; 0-5% by weight of Sr; 0-12% by weight of Ba; 0-15% by weight of rare earth metal; 0-5% by weight of Mg; 0.05-5% by weight of Al; 0-10% by weight of Mn; 0-10% by weight of Ti; 0-10 by weight of Zr; the balance being Fe and incidental impurities in the ordinary amount, wherein the inoculant additionally contains, by weight, based on the total weight of inoculant: 0.1 to 15% of particulate Bi2S3, and optionally between 0.1 and 15% of particulate Bi2O3, and/or between 0.1 and 15% of particulate Sb2O3, and/or between 0.1 and 15% of particulate Sb2S3, and/or between 0.1 and 5% of particulate Fe3O4, Fe2O3, FeO, or a mixture thereof, and/or between 0.1 and 5% of one or more of particulate FeS, FeS2, Fe3S4, or a mixture thereof, a method for producing such inoculant and use of such inoculant.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for forming one or more nanoparticles. The methods include depositing a solution comprising a block copolymer and a metal salt into one or more square pyramidal nanoholes formed in a substrate, and annealing the substrate to provide a single nanoparticle in each of the one or more square pyramidal nanoholes.

Abstract: A roller chain having at least one pair of offset links wherein the offset link plates are made with a steel having a high chromium content and are through-hardened using an austempering heat treatment (such as a salt bath quench). The resulting offset link plates may have a hardness in range of 44-50 HRC on the Rockwell hardness scale and a bainite metallurgical microstructure. The offset link plates may also have a greater fatigue strength than at least one of the inner link plates and the outer link plates. The inner and outer link plates may be formed out of a plain carbon steel which is heated, quenched and tempered to produce a martensite microstructure.

Abstract: The invention provides a martensitic stainless steel seamless pipe for oil country tubular goods having a yield stress of 758 MPa (110 ksi) or more, and excellent sulfide stress corrosion cracking resistance and a method for manufacturing the same. The martensitic stainless steel seamless pipe for oil country tubular goods having a yield stress of 758 MPa or more has a composition that contains, in mass %, C: 0.010% or more, Si: 0.5% or less, Mn: 0.05 to 0.24%, P: 0.030% or less, S: 0.005% or less, Ni: 4.6 to 8.0%, Cr: 10.0 to 14.0%, Mo: 1.0 to 2.7%, Al: 0.1% or less, V: 0.005 to 0.2%, N: 0.1% or less, Ti: 0.06 to 0.25%, Cu: 0.01 to 1.0%, and Co: 0.01 to 1.0%, in which C, Mn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Mo, W, Nb, N, and Ti satisfy the predetermined relations, and the balance is Fe and incidental impurities.

Abstract: Steel according to one embodiment of the present invention has predetermined chemical components, wherein in a region where a distance r from the center of a cross-section perpendicular to the length direction satisfies 0.7R?r?0.9R, structures include ferrite and bainite, the average fraction of the ferrite is in the range of 40 to 70% in terms of area ratio, the total average fraction of the structures other than the ferrite and the bainite is 0% or more and 3% or less on average, and the balance includes bainite; and the standard deviation of a ferrite fraction in the region is 4% or less.

Abstract: A bearing steel part having a predetermined chemical composition, in which the number density of oxide particles having an equivalent circle diameter of 5 ?m or more, and containing CaO, Al2O3 and SiO2, such that the content ratio of Al2O3 with respect to the total mass of CaO, Al2O3, and SiO2 is 50% by mass or more, is 3.0/cm2 or less in an arbitrary cross section of the part, and in which the Vickers hardness at a depth of 50 ?m from a rolling surface is 750 or more, and in which the compressive residual stress at the rolling surface is 900 MPa or more. Also provided is a steel bar for a bearing steel part that is suitable for obtaining the foregoing bearing steel part.

Abstract: A cold rolled and heat treated steel sheet, the steel having a composition with, in weight percentage, 0.18%?carbon?0.24%, 1.5%?manganese?2.5%, 1.2%?silicon?2%, 0.01%?aluminum?0.06%, 0.2%?chromium?0.5%, phosphorus?0.02%, sulfur?0.03%, and optionally one or more of the following elements niobium?0.06%, titanium?0.08%, vanadium?0.1%, calcium?0.005% and the balance including iron and unavoidable impurities, the steel sheet having a microstructure having 0% to 15% of tempered martensite, 10% to 15% of residual austenite and optionally up to 30% of ferrite in area fractions, the balance being made of bainite, bainite content being at least 55% and having an internal oxide layer of 3 microns or less on both surfaces of the steel sheet. A manufacturing method and with use of such grade for making vehicle parts is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-strength steel sheet which satisfies a specific chemical component composition, and which is configured such that: when the metal structure thereof is observed with a scanning electron microscope, polygonal ferrite is 30 to 60% by area; when the metal structure thereof is observed with an optical microscope, MA mixed structure is 21% by area or less; when the metal structure thereof is measured by an X-ray diffraction method, retained austenite is 8% by volume or more; an area ratio of polygonal ferrite having a circle equivalent diameter of 35.0 ?m or more is 0% and an area ratio of polygonal ferrite having a circle equivalent diameter of 10.0 ?m or more and less than 35.0 ?m is 10% or less in the polygonal ferrite; and connectivity as defined by a specific relational expression is 10% or more.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of material surface peening, and more particularly to an energy compensated equipower density oblique laser shock method. The method includes: acquiring a radius of curvature of a peening region of a part to be processed, and judging a range of a laser incident angle; determining laser parameters, such as laser pulse width, a spot diameter, and required laser energy under a vertical incidence condition; calculating the required laser energy at the minimum incident angle, and judging whether the energy falls within the technical indexes of a laser; and performing laser shock peening on the part by pulse laser beams with different energies. According to the present invention, the laser power or energy is compensated according to changes in the incident angle and the radius of curvature of the part to be processed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of copolymers as binders for pelletizing metal containing ores such as iron containing ores. The copolymers comprise monomer units derived from at least one monomer C of formula (I).

Abstract: The present invention relates to use of alkysulfonic acids, with optionally an oxidant peroxide to leach copper from copper sulfide minerals or copper concentrates, a dichromate oxidant or a nitrate oxidant, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the composition and production of an engineered degradable metal matrix composite that is useful in constructing temporary systems requiring wear resistance, high hardness, and/or high resistance to deformation in water-bearing applications such as, but not limited to, oil and gas completion operations.

Abstract: The aim of the present invention is to provide a metal powder for an electroconductive paste with which a low-resistance electrode film can be formed. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a platinum-containing or platinum-alloy-containing metal powder for an electroconductive paste, the metal powder including a metal element or metal elements other than Pt, wherein the metal elements other than Pt include at least Ca, and may further include Al and Zr, and the total content of the Ca, Al and Zr among the metal elements other than Pt is 10-900 mass ppm.

Abstract: There are provided an inexpensive copper alloy plate having excellent bending workability, excellent stress corrosion cracking resistance and excellent stress relaxation resistance while maintaining the high strength thereof, and a method for producing the same. The copper alloy plate has a chemical composition which contains 17 to 32% by weight of zinc, 0.1 to 4.5% by weight of tin, 0.5 to 2.0% by weight of silicon, 0.01 to 0.3% by weight of phosphorus and the balance being copper and unavoidable impurities, wherein the total of the content of silicon and six times as much as the content of phosphorus is 1% by weight or more and wherein the copper alloy plate has a crystal orientation satisfying I{220}/I{420}?2.0 assuming that the X-ray diffraction intensity on {220} crystal plane on the plate surface of the copper alloy plate is I{220} and that the X-ray diffraction intensity on {420} crystal plane thereon is I{420}.

Abstract: Provided are a Ni-based heat resistant superalloy for aircraft engine cases excellent in high-temperature characteristic such as tensile characteristics and low-cycle fatigue characteristics in a high-temperature range and also excellent in workability, and an aircraft engine case formed of the same. The Ni-based heat resistant superalloy has composition containing, by mass, Co: 4.0 to 11.0%, Cr: 12.0 to 17.0%, Al: 2.0 to 4.0%, Ti: 2.0 to 4.0%, Al +Ti: 4.6 to 6.7%, Mo: more than 5.5 to 10.0%, W: more than 0 to 4.0%, B: 0.001 to 0.040%, C: 0.02 to 0.06%, Zr: 0 to 0.05%, Mg: 0 to 0.005%, P: 0 to 0.01%, Nb: 0 to 1.0%, Ta: 0 to 1.0%, and Fe: 0 to 2.0%, and the balance of Ni with inevitable impurities, and is suitable for aircraft engine cases.

Abstract: The invention provides an aluminum casting alloy which has the potential for an optimized combination of high mechanical properties and high electric conductivity and which has a high castability as well. This is achieved in accordance with the invention in that the aluminum casting alloy consists of (in % by mass), Ce: 0.2-3.0%, Si: 0.5-1.5%, Fe: 0.1-1.2%, Mg: 0.2-1.0%, optionally one or more elements taken from the group “Zn, Sr” the content of the respective optional element being, Zn: 0.8%, Sr: 0.1%, the remainder being Al and unavoidable impurities, said impurities optionally including elements from the group “Ti, Cr, Mn, V” the content of which is restricted in sum to less than 0.025%. The invention also provides an aluminum cast component which has an optimized combination of high mechanical properties and high electric conductivity and a method which allows the reliable production of such aluminum components from an aluminum alloy according to the invention.