Abstract: Glycans having a branched structure are labeled with a labeling agent, such as 2-aminobenzoic acid, having one site that is easily negatively charged. At this time, reduction which is usually performed in labeling by reduction amination is not performed. A sample for mass spectrometry containing the labeled form of glycans thus obtained is prepared, and is subjected to MS/MS analysis in negative ion mode. In the MS/MS spectra obtained by the MS/MS analysis, peaks of E ions, D ions and the like which reflect the branched structure clearly appear. As a result, structural analysis of an entirety of the glycan including the branched structure can be easily performed.

Abstract: A process for detecting the sensitivity of one or more polymers and/or of one or more, mixtures of polymers to a compound, including the steps of exposing at least one lens-shaped micro-deposit, including the polymer(s) and/or the mixture(s) of polymers, to the compound, and detecting, by illuminating the surface of this micro-deposit, a change in the spatial distribution of the intensity of the light reflected or transmitted by this micro-deposit, linked to a variation in the dimensions and/or refractive index of this micro-deposit, under the effect of an interaction between the polymer(s) and/or the mixture(s) of polymers and the compound.

Abstract: Polymer blends are described that are formed from a transient polymer material, a polymer comprising an acrylonitrile group (e.g., ABS, SAN), and/or one or more polyester polymers. For blends in which two or more polyester polymers are blended with a transient polymer material, at least two of the polyester polymers are immiscible with one another, and one of the polyester polymers has a glass transition temperature less than or equal to 0° C. The polymer blends herein can decompose into liquid phase decomposition products upon exposure to a transience reaction trigger in less than 8 hours even at temperatures of less than ?20° C.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a nitrilase mutant and its construction method and its application in the synthesis of chiral intermediate of pregabalin in the technical field of bioengineering. The present invention, respectively, takes turnip nitrilase BrNIT and arabidopsis nitrilase AtNIT as parent, using peptide fragment displacement method, displaces the sites 226-286 of BrNIT amino acid sequence and sites 225-285 of AtNIT amino acid sequence with sites 225-285 of Arabis alpina L. nitrilase AaNIT, obtain nitrilase mutants BrNIT225-285 and AtNIT225-285 of which the amino acid sequence is as shown in SEQ ID NO.1 or SEQ ID NO.3.

Abstract: In some aspects, the disclosure provides compositions and methods for detecting and monitoring the activity of pro teases in vivo using affinity assays. The disclosure relates, in part, to the discovery that biomarker nanoparticles targeted to the lymph nodes of a subject are useful for the diagnosis and monitoring of certain medical conditions (e.g., metastatic cancer, infection with certain pathogenic agents).

Abstract: Recombinant adenovirus genomes that include an exogenous open reading frame (ORF) and a self-cleaving peptide coding sequence are described. Optimal placement of the exogenous genes for minimal impact on viral kinetics is further disclosed. Therapeutic applications of the recombinant adenoviruses are also described.

Abstract: The disclosed methods are directed to detecting polypeptide fragments (“clips”) of parental polypeptides. Parental polypeptides and clips are optionally denatured and then fractionated using a matrix. After a first elution (high molecular weight fraction), an additional elution step retrieves a low molecular weight fraction containing clips. If the clips are an appropriate size for the targeted detection method, such as mass spectrometry, then analysis of this fraction proceeds separately from the high molecular weight fraction, or the clips fraction is mixed with the proteolyzed high molecular weight fraction before analysis. However, if the clips are too large for the intended analytical method(s), then the clips are also proteolyzed. The digested high molecular weight and low molecular weight fractions can be analyzed separately or combined. Analysis of combined samples favors clip quantitation because the clips are analyzed together with the remaining counterpart of the parental polypeptide.

Abstract: The present application provides stable peptide-based Akt capture agents and methods of use as detection and diagnosis agents and in the treatment of diseases and disorders. The application further provides methods of manufacturing Akt capture agents using iterative on-bead in situ click chemistry.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and instruments for determining the resistances of microbes to antibiotics, in particular those microbes which produce beta-lactamases. The method determines the resistance of the microbes in less than an hour by incubating a tiny quantity of the microbes on a mass spectrometric sample support plate after they have been combined with a dosed quantity of a suitable antibiotic, for example the beta-lactam antibiotic imipenem, and by direct mass spectrometric measurement of the breakdown of the antibiotic by the microbial enzymes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining glycan moiety on a recombinant glycoprotein using condensation nucleation light scattering detection.

Abstract: Devices, methods, kits and means for easy, accurate, and fast estimation of soil microbial load, including fungal load, and fungal to bacterial ratio are described. The methods include extracting soil biomass into an extraction fluid to obtain a soil extract and detecting the fungal fraction, the bacterial fraction, and the fungal to bacterial ratio in the soil extract. The devices typically include microBIOMETER®, devices for particle size discrimination, and devices for absorbance and reflectance detection. The difference in microscopic sizes or spectroscopic absorbance of the fungal particles relative to those of the bacterial particles is used to compute the contribution of each type of particle to the biomass. In one example, the relative coverage of the microBIOMETER® device membrane by the fungal and/or bacterial particles can be measured by and then calculated using a cell phone camera and application.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis (PD) fluid line set includes a fluid line configured to carry spent dialysate to a drain receptacle and a chemical testing device disposed along the fluid line. The chemical testing device is configured to detect a presence of a substance in the spent dialysate as the spent dialysate flows past the chemical testing device, and the chemical testing device is configured to provide a visual indicator of the presence of the substance in the spent dialysate.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides molecular sensors. The molecular sensors may be flexible or linear and are oligonucleotide-based and have fluorescent groups. The molecular sensors may be used in methods to measure molecular crowding, identify of binding modes of various substrates, pharmaceutical drug screens, and in high-throughput methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to substances for the prophylaxis and treatment of a neurodegenerative disease which is not based on a protein-folding disorder. It further relates to substances for the stabilization of photoreceptors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a crosslinked unreinforced cellulose hydrate membrane crosslinked using at least two different crosslinking agents, to a method for the production thereof and to the use of the crosslinked unreinforced cellulose hydrate membrane according to the invention.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for collecting and analyzing breath samples to detect one or more target analytes are disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein are related to a one-step surface modification method with 3-aminopropyl trimethoxysilane (APTMS), which was developed and applied for DNA immobilization on a paper-based device via the ionic adsorption.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting enzymatic activity of various lysosomal storage enzymes using substrates that include: a sugar moiety; a linker moiety allowing the conjugation of sugar moiety with the remaining structure of the substrate; and two or more fatty acid chains or derivatives thereof at least one of which is sufficiently structured to provide improved solubility in aqueous or organic solvent systems. Also provided are internal standards, and inhibitors for use in detecting or reducing enzymatic activity using the inventive substrates.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for predicting or diagnosing psychiatric disorders through analyzing skin tissues samples minimally invasive or non-invasively collected. The method disclosed herein makes it possible to diagnose psychiatric disorders through objective biomarkers at a very early age, without giving pain to subjects because of noninvasive or minimally invasive feature of skin sample collection method.

Abstract: A blood glucose measurement reagent includes glucose dehydrogenase; a chromogenic indicator; and an aromatic hydrocarbon having at least one sulfonic acid group.

Abstract: Polymer blends are described that are formed from a transient polymer material, a polymer comprising an acrylonitrile group (e.g., ABS, SAN), and/or one or more polyester polymers. For blends in which two or more polyester polymers are blended with a transient polymer material, at least two of the polyester polymers are immiscible with one another, and one of the polyester polymers has a glass transition temperature less than or equal to 0° C. The polymer blends herein can decompose into liquid phase decomposition products upon exposure to a transience reaction trigger in less than 8 hours even at temperatures of less than ?20° C.

Abstract: The present application provides a composition comprising periodates or persulfates for extracting nucleic acid from a microorganism, and a corresponding method of using the composition for nucleic acid extraction. The composition and method are particularly useful in extracting nucleic acid from microorganisms that are generally resistant to standard nucleic extraction techniques, such as, one or more species of the Mycobacterium genus, one or more species of the M. tuberculosis complex, MDR strains of M. tuberculosis, one or more species of Clostridium, one or more species of Bacillus, and other microorganisms with hardy cell walls.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of mass spectrometry comprising the steps of: providing a library of matrix data, said matrix data comprising one or more physico-chemical properties of one or more matrix components as a function of retention time; chromatographically separating a sample, said sample containing at least some of said matrix components and one or more analyte components; analysing said sample at a plurality of retention times to obtain sample data, said sample data comprising one or more physico-chemical properties of one or more sample components as a function of retention time; and calculating one or more error values as a function of retention time based on a comparison between said sample data and said matrix data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D values in ratio with PTH as a prognostic biomarker. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for predicting or stratifying the risk of worsening renal function (WRF) in a patient at risk of renal injury or affected by renal injury. Levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) are measured in a biological sample and taken together with parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels to provide a ratio indicative of the risk of worsening renal function.

Abstract: Raising the level of Factor I above physiological levels can be used to treat diseases in which the underlying pathology is linked to overactivity of the C3b-feedback cycle and the generation and pro-inflammatory effects of iC3b. Methods, agents, and compositions for treatment of such diseases are described.

Abstract: Provided among other things is a method of applying force to a macromolecule such as dsDNA to make an end more accessible, such as more accessible to ligation.

Abstract: Described are methods of detecting modified nucleotide bases in a DNA sample using specific DNA glycosylases to excise target modified bases. DNA molecules are then labeled using a DNA polymerase lacking 3??5? exo-nuclease activity and strand displacement activity. The methods can be used to detect epigenetic changes and DNA damage. Provided are methods for diagnosing a disease or condition, determining risk of a disease or condition, identifying appropriate treatment, monitoring effectiveness of treatment, and monitoring side effects of treatment in subjects based on detection of modified bases. Also provided are methods for determining environmental exposure, or an environmental exposure time, of a biological sample containing DNA. Also provided are kits, systems, and devices for performing the described methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for detecting a target nucleic acid in a sample by, for example, incubating the target nucleic acid with a detection probe containing a nucleic acid sequence complementary to at least a portion of the target nucleic acid and a nuclease enzyme that specifically cleaves double-stranded nucleic acids. Hybridization between the detection probe and the target nucleic acid thereby leads to cleavage of the detection probe, releasing a portion of the probe attached to a detectable agent. The portions of the digested probes attached to the detectable agent can be separated from unbound probe and detected in order to determine the presence of the target nucleic acid in the sample. Thus, the invention enables rapid and accurate analysis of a sample for the presence of desired nucleic acid biomarkers.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to systems and methods using surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection. More specifically, the present invention describes a system and method of use for SERS detection of sialic (N-acetylneuraminic acid) using citrate-reduced silver nanoparticles.

Abstract: A high-throughput optofluidic device for detecting fluorescent droplets is disclosed. The device uses time-domain encoded optofluidics to detect a high rate of droplets passing through parallel microfluidic channels. A light source modulated with a minimally correlating maximum length sequences is used to illuminate the droplets as they pass through the microfluidic device. By correlating the resulting signal with the expected pattern, each pattern formed by passing droplets can be resolved to identify individual droplets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting the presence of expanded-spectrum ß-lactamase (ß-lactamase hydrolyzing expanded-spectrum cephalosporin)-producing bacteria in a sample, said method comprising the steps of: a) performing cell lysis on a test sample in order to obtain an enzymatic suspension; b) reacting a fraction of the enzymatic suspension obtained in step a) with a reagent kit, said reagent kit comprising —expanded-spectrum ß-lactamase substrate selected from the group consisting of cephalosporins, aztreonam, and cephamycins, —a pH color indicator which will change color when the pH of the reaction mixture is comprised between 6.4 and 8.4, wherein a color change after step b) indicates the presence of expanded-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing bacteria in the test sample. The invention also relates to a reagent kit, to a microtiter plate and to their uses in detecting the presence of expanded-spectrum ß-lactamase producers in a test sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing an anthocyanin oligomer using a coenzyme derived from an Aspergillus sp. strain, and more particularly to a method of preparing an anthocyanin oligomer by fermenting an anthocyanin monomer with a coenzyme of Aspergillus niger, which is a kind of Aspergillus sp. strain. According to the present invention, in order to overcome contamination problems during the culturing process using Aspergillus niger, a coenzyme of Aspergillus niger is extracted and the fermentation process is performed using the same, whereby an anthocyanin oligomer characterized by reduced concern of contamination and superior radical-scavenging effects, compared to existing anthocyanin monomers, can be produced.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating biologic fluids are disclosed. Some disclosed embodiments may be used to filter cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a human or animal subject, heat CSF to a target temperature, cool CSF to a target temperature, apply light treatment to CSF, separate cells via their dielectric properties, apply spiral and/or centrifugal separation, introduce additives to target particles, and/or apply combinations thereof. The method may include the steps of withdrawing fluid comprising CSF, treating the fluid, and returning a portion of the treated fluid to the subject. During operation of the system, various parameters may be modified, such as flow rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the stabilization of specific RNA molecules that can either be the target for detection or the control standard.

Abstract: The timing of the reaction of moisture-sensitive reagents for detecting the presence of analytes, e.g. leukocytes in urine samples, is used to detect when the reagents have been compromised by excess humidity. The ratio of light reflectance at wavelengths characteristic of the products of reaction between the reagents and the analyte and an infra-red reference dye is measured at two preset times after a urine sample has been applied to a test strip and used to determine whether the reagents have been compromised by excessive humidity. The presence of unusually dark samples is determined from the reflected light at 470 and 625 nm in order to confirm that the test strips are humidity-compromised.

Abstract: A genetically modified organism comprising: at least one nucleic acid sequence and/or at least one recombinant nucleic acid isolated from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius and encoding a polypeptide involved in at least partially degrading, cleaving, transporting, metabolizing, or removing polysaccharides, cellulose, lignocellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, starch, sugars, sugar oligomers, carbohydrates, complex carbohydrates, chitin, heteroxylans, glycosides, xylan-, glucan-, galactan-, or mannan-decorating groups; and at least one nucleic acid sequence and/or at least one recombinant nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide involved in fermenting sugar molecules to a product. Additionally, enzymatic and/or proteinaceous extracts may be isolated from one or more genetically modified organisms. The extracts are utilized to convert biomass into a product.

Abstract: A display device may include a display panel including a substrate that includes a display area and a pad area adjacent to the display area, and a first pad and a second pad on the pad area of the substrate, and a chip-on-film package over the pad area of the substrate with the first pad and the second pad in between, the chip-on-film package including an insulation layer, a first wiring on an upper surface of the insulation layer and electrically connected to the first pad, and a second wiring on a lower surface of the insulation layer and electrically connected to the second pad. A first signal having alternating voltage levels may be applied to the first wiring, and a second signal having a constant voltage level may be applied to the second wiring.

Abstract: Methods that may be used for the manufacture of the chemical compound (S)-norcoclaurine, (S)-norlaudanosoline, and (S)-norcoclaurine or (S)-norlaudanosoline synthesis intermediates are provided. (S)-Norcoclaurine, (S)-norlaudanosoline, and (S)-norcoclaurine or (S)-norlaudanosoline synthesis intermediates are useful as precursor products in the manufacture of certain medicinal agents.

Abstract: A thin film culture device for detecting yeast and mold microorganisms in a sample is provided. The culture device comprises a body comprising a self-supporting substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface; a first adhesive composition disposed on a portion of the first major surface of the substrate; a substantially dry, cold-water-soluble first hydrogel-forming composition adhered to the first adhesive composition; and a plurality of indicator agents. The plurality of indicator agents comprises three indicator agents for detecting distinct glycosidase enzyme activities, an indicator agent for detecting an alkyl esterase enzyme activity, and an indicator agent for detecting a phosphatase enzyme activity, wherein each of the plurality of indicator agents comprises a detectable reporter group. A method of using the culture device is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mutant polypeptide having creatine amidinohydrolase activity, where the polypeptide both retains thermostable activity in the presence of reagents that modify thiol groups. The invention further relates to methods for producing the mutant polypeptide; and to a sensor comprising the mutant polypeptide for use in the measurement of creatinine in samples of physiological fluids. Additionally, the invention teaches how to use the mutant polypeptide to enhance the life-time of a creatinine sensor, and a method for producing the sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating biologic fluids are disclosed. Some disclosed embodiments may be used to filter cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a human or animal subject, heat CSF to a target temperature, cool CSF to a target temperature, apply light treatment to CSF, separate cells via their dielectric properties, apply spiral and/or centrifugal separation, introduce additives to target particles, and/or apply combinations thereof. The method may include the steps of withdrawing fluid comprising CSF, treating the fluid, and returning a portion of the treated fluid to the subject. During operation of the system, various parameters may be modified, such as flow rate.

Abstract: There is disclosed an assay method for selectively detecting 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D in a biological fluid sample. According to the method, the pH of the test sample is adjusted to 6-9 and a receptor protein comprising the Ligand Binding Domain of Vitamin D Receptor (VDR-LBD) is added to the test sample, thereby obtaining the formation of a VDR-LBD/1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D complex in which the VDR-LBD portion is conformationally changed with respect to unbound VDR-LBD. The VDR-LBD/1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D complex is then detected by means of a capture moiety which is capable of specifically binding to VDR-LBD bound to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Also disclosed are an assay kit and an antibody for carrying out the method. The assay is preferably a sandwich immunoassay.

Abstract: Provided is a process for producing a substrate solution for measuring lipase activity including, as a substrate for measuring lipase activity, 1,2-o-dilauryl-rac-glycero-3-glutaric acid (6?-methylresorufin) ester, wherein the production process does not necessitate cumbersome or special processing such that skill is required, or does not necessitate a special apparatus, instruments, or other items. This production process is a process for producing a substrate solution for measuring lipase activity, and is characterized by including the steps of (1) mixing the substrate for measuring lipase activity and a side-chain-type nonreactive polyether-modified-type modified silicone oil or a polyoxyethylene/polyoxypropylene condensate to prepare a mixture, and (2) mixing all or a portion of the mixture of step (1) with water or an aqueous solution.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a system for measuring soil element concentration in a field in real time is disclosed. The system comprises an extraction apparatus coupled to a mobility component configured to move the system in the agricultural field. The extraction apparatus configured to receive a plurality of soil samples successively from a soil probe coupled to the mobility component, when the mobility component is operating. The extraction apparatus containing an extractant solution that is a solvent of the soil samples. In addition, the extraction apparatus comprising a mixer that is configured to mix the soil samples with the extractant solution, thereby forming a solution mix. The system also comprises a chemical sensor coupled to the extraction apparatus, the chemical sensor configured to measure a concentration level of a soil element in the solution mix.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions, systems, and methods for extracting and detecting at least one HDL-associated protein (e.g., ApoA1) from a sample (e.g., plasma or serum sample). In certain embodiments, a strong organic acid and hydrophilic organic solvent are mixed with the sample; after centrifugation, the supernatant is transferred to a second container where it is mixed with a non-polar organic solvent; after centrifugation, the lower aqueous layer is transferred to a third container; and then at least a portion of the transferred aqueous layer is subjected to a detection assay such that at least one HDL-associated protein is detected.

Abstract: A reagent kit used for detecting lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, and a preparation method for the reagent kit. The reagent kit comprises one or a plurality of first anti-lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 antibodies used for binding lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 to be measured, and one or a plurality of second anti-lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 antibodies marked with a trace marker and binding with the lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 to be measured at another site, different from the binding site of the lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 to be measured and the first anti-lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 antibodies. The reagent kit also comprises a displacing agent, so as to further increase the detection accuracy of the reagent kit.

Abstract: A method may comprise: exposing a substituted chromone dissolved in a solvent to a sample; taking a fluorescence measurement of the sample after exposure to the substituted chromone; and determining a presence or absence of one or more ions in the sample, a concentration of the one or more ions in the sample, or both based on the fluorescence measurement.

Abstract: This invention relates to phytases, polynucleotides encoding them, uses of the polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention, as well as the production and isolation of such polynucleotides and polypeptides. In particular, the invention provides polypeptides having phytase activity under high temperature conditions, and phytases that retain activity after exposure to high temperatures. The invention further provides phytases which have increased gastric lability. The phytases of the invention can be used in foodstuffs to improve the feeding value of phytate rich ingredients. The phytases of the invention can be formulated as foods or feeds or supplements for either to, e.g., aid in the digestion of phytate. The foods or feeds of the invention can be in the form of pellets, liquids, powders and the like.

Abstract: This invention relates to substrates and methods for the visualization of intracellular organelles, such as the lysosome, peroxiosome, nucleus, Endoplasmic Reticulum and Golgi Apparatus, based upon organelle enzyme activity. Such compounds represent a novel combination of chemically distinct enzyme substrates with targeting and detection substrates which are activated by enzyme activity inside target organelles to produce a detectable signal. The organelle targeted enzyme substrates of this invention are designed to provide high fluorescence at lower pH values found in some organelles and can be used for monitoring enzyme activity inside cells at very low concentrations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to GH Family 11 xylanase variants. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of using the variants.