Abstract: This disclosure provides, among other things, a nanosensor comprising a substrate and one or a plurality of pillars extending from a surface of the substrate, where the pillars comprise a metallic dot structure, a metal disc, and a metallic back plane. The nanosensor comprises a molecular adhesion layer that covers at least a part of the metallic dot structure, the metal disc, and/or the metallic back plane and a capture agent bound to the molecular adhesion layer. The nanosensor amplifies a light signal from an analyte, when the analyte is specifically bound to the capture agent.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to methods of treating emphysema and COPD with a GHK tripeptide. The invention further relates to methods of determining the state of the lungs using biomarkers described herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for identifying one or more polymorphisms in nucleic acid samples, comprising: (a) performing a reproducible complexity reduction on a plurality of nucleic acid samples to provide a plurality of libraries of the nucleic acid samples comprising amplified fragments, wherein the reproducible complexity reduction comprises amplifying fragments of the nucleic acid samples using one or more primers to obtain the amplified fragments, and wherein the amplified fragments in each library comprise a unique identifier sequence to indicate origin of each library obtained by the reproducible complexity reduction; (b) combining the plurality of libraries to obtain a combined library and sequencing at least a portion of the combined library to obtain sequences; (c) aligning the sequences to obtain an alignment; and (d) identifying one or more polymorphisms in the plurality of nucleic acid samples.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to novel particle compositions and methods of making said compositions having applications in nucleic acid analysis, as well as apparatuses and systems for the same.

Abstract: Systems and methods for in situ laser lysis for analysis of biological tissue (live, fixed, frozen or otherwise preserved) at single cell resolution in 3D. For example, a system and method for lysing individual cells in situ, including the steps of capturing a tissue sample comprising a cellular content, subjecting the tissue sample to a stream of continuous fluid flow, lysing a selected area of the tissue sample with a laser, thereby releasing at least a portion of the cellular content from the tissue sample, recovering at least one target molecule from the cellular content in the stream, and processing at least one target molecule is provided. The system collects cellular contents, performs highly multiplexed (RT-qPCR or RNA-seq), and sequentially (cell-by-cell) reconstructs a 3D spatial map of mRNA expression of the tissue with a large number of genes. A 3D spatial map of the DNA, RNA, and/or proteins can be generated for each cell in the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to: a composition for diagnosing pancreatic cancer, containing a preparation for measuring the expression level of a protein or a gene thereof, and capable of being used for determining whether there is a risk of pancreatic cancer; a kit; and a method for diagnosing pancreatic cancer by using the same. The present invention can significantly predict or identify the risk of pancreatic cancer or a precancerous lesion of pancreatic cancer, the early diagnosis thereof and the extent of diseases thereof by providing a diagnostic marker of pancreatic cancer, and can be utilized in the research of pancreatic cancer oncogenesis. In addition, the diagnostic method of the present invention can provide simple and early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer from the blood and the like in a non-invasive manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating ocular inflammatory diseases in a subject in need of such treatment, which comprises administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of at least one agonist of Formyl peptide receptor 2.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to isolating nucleic acids. In particular, the technology relates to methods and kits for extracting nucleic acids from problematic samples such as stool.

Abstract: An apparatus for nucleic acid sequencing includes: a base-detection device in a detection site, the base-detection device being configured to detect bases of a portion of a nucleic acid strand at the detection site; and a conveying device, configured to extend the nucleic acid strand and to cause the extended nucleic acid strand to slide through the detection site along a path. The base-detection device includes a plurality of field-effect nanowire detectors, arranged along the path and each including a respective nanowire and nucleic acid probes, which are defined by respective base sequences and are fixed to the respective nanowire.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for predicting a treatment response to a corticotropin releasing hormone receptor type 1 (CRHR1) antagonist and/or a vasopressin receptor 1B (V1B) antagonist in a patient with depressive and/or anxiety symptoms. The present invention furthermore relates to a V1B receptor antagonist and/or CRHR1 antagonist for use in the treatment of depressive symptoms and/or anxiety symptoms in a patient. Also, kits, diagnostic compositions, devices and microarrays allowing the determination of the presence or absence of at least one polymorphic variant in the AVPR1B gene in combination with the presence or absence of at least one polymorphic variant in the patient's genome excluding the AVPR1B gene in the nucleic acid sample are described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to dihydropyrazolopyrimidinone compounds of formula (I) which are useful as therapeutic agents for the treatment of central nervous system disorders associated with phosphodiesterase 2 (PDE2). The present invention also relates to the use of such compounds for treating neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, psychosis, Parkinson's disease, Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD), or Huntington's disease, and those associated with striatal hypofunction or basal ganglia dysfunction.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for identifying one or more proteins or polypeptides comprised by a sample. The methods comprise determining binding of each polypeptide with respect to each binding pool of a plurality of binding pools, wherein each binding pool comprises one or more probes which bind a structure comprised by a protein or polypeptide. In some aspects, polypeptides can be denatured and separated into individual polypeptide strands and immobilized on a solid support prior to determining binding of the binding pools. A protein, polypeptide or polypeptide strand can be identified by searching, in at least one database, for a protein or polypeptide sequence comprising binding pool targets either identical to or most similar to the binding pool targets comprised by the protein, polypeptide or polypeptide strand to be identified. Kits for identifying proteins, polypeptides and polypeptide strands are also disclosed.

Abstract: Microvesicles play essential roles in disease progression. The present invention provides a microvesicle membrane protein and application thereof. Disclosed is a method comprising phosphorylated CSE1L (cellular apoptosis susceptibility protein)- or CSE1L-binding agents for microvesicle isolation, analysis, or binding for disease diagnosis.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for detecting a neoplasia (e.g., pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer) in a subject sample (e.g., serum, blood, plasma, tissue). In particular embodiments, the invention provides methods for detecting BNC1 and ADAMTS1 promoter methylation in circulating DNA in serum.

Abstract: The claimed invention describes methods to diagnose or aid in the diagnosis of cancer. The claimed methods are based on the identification of biomarkers which are particularly well suited to discriminate between cancer subjects and healthy subjects. These biomarkers were identified using a unique and novel screening method described herein. The biomarkers identified herein can also be used in the prognosis and monitoring of cancer. The invention comprises the use of leptin, prolactin, OPN and IGF-II for diagnosing, prognosis and monitoring of ovarian cancer.

Abstract: A method for labeling target molecules coupled to particles for the detection of the target molecules using a microarray chip, comprises: providing a functionalized microparticle, wherein the microparticle is coated with one or more functional group; providing a modification group on each of the target molecules to be detected to form modified target molecules; contacting the functionalized microparticle with the modified target molecules; coupling a luminophore to the complex between the functionalized microparticle and the modified target molecules, thereby directly or indirectly labeling each modified target molecules with the luminophore. By directly or indirectly labeling the target molecules with the luminophore, the method reduces the cost of fluorescence detection, and avoids PCR inhibition derived from traditional fluorescence labeling molecules.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, compositions, and kits for performing PCR (including multiplex PCR). The methods, compositions and kits provided herein use one or more primer pairs that contain one or more cleavable bases located at a minimal distance away from the 3? termini of the primers, and increase the accuracy of downstream analysis of sequence data.

Abstract: In one aspect, methods of detecting tumor cells are described herein. In some embodiments, a method of detecting tumor cells comprises providing a device, the device comprising a substrate surface and a plurality of first aptamer probes attached to the substrate surface. The method further comprises contacting a plurality of cells with the plurality of first aptamer probes attached to the substrate surface; adhering one or more of the plurality of cells to the substrate surface; and measuring a non-uniformity parameter, a Hausdorff distance, a change in the number of pseudopods, and/or a shape of at least one adhered cell. In some cases, the method further comprises using the non-uniformity parameter, Hausdorff distance, change in the number of pseudopods, and/or shape of the adhered cell to identify the adhered cell as a tumor cell or a non-tumor cell.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for inactivating TCR genes, using zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) comprising a zinc finger protein and a cleavage domain or cleavage half-domain in conditions able to preserve cell viability. Polynucleotides encoding ZFNs, vectors comprising polynucleotides encoding ZFNs and cells comprising polynucleotides encoding ZFNs and/or cells comprising ZFNs are also provided. Disclosed herein are also methods and compositions for expressing a functional exogenous TCR in the absence of endogenous TCR expression in T lymphocytes, including lymphocytes with a central memory phenotype. Polynucleotides encoding exogenous TCR, vectors comprising polynucleotides encoding exogenous TCR and cells comprising polynucleotides encoding exogenous TCR and/or cells comprising exogenous TCR are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for identifying a miRNA profile for a particular condition, such as thyroid nodules or thyroid cancer, and using the profile in the diagnosis of a patient for a condition, such as thyroid nodules or thyroid cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of testing a dog to determine the susceptibility of the dog to liver copper accumulation, comprising detecting in a sample the presence or absence in the genome of the dog of one or more polymorphisms selected from: (a) Chr22_3167534 (SEQ ID NO: 144), Chr22_3135144 (SEQ ID NO: 145), Chr20_55461150 (SEQ ID NO: 146), ChrX_120879711 (SEQ ID NO: 147), Chr19_6078084 (SEQ ID NO: 148), Chr15_62625262 (SEQ ID NO: 149), Chr14_39437543 (SEQ ID NO: 150), Chr15_62625024 (SEQ ID NO: 151), Chr3_86838677 (SEQ ID NO: 152), Chr24_4011833 (SEQ ID NO: 153), Chr18_60812198 (SEQ ID NO: 154), Chr10_65209946 (SEQ ID NO: 155), and the CGCCCC repeat at chromosome location 22:3135287; (b) one or more polymorphisms in linkage disequilibrium with a said polymorphism (a); and/or (c) Chr32_38904515 (SEQ ID NO: 156), Chr8_4892743 (SEQ ID NO: 157) and Chr8_4880518 (SEQ ID NO: 158).

Abstract: A method is described for diagnosing eosinophilic esophagitis by studying the levels of expression of novel markers, including ALOX15 or metabolites thereof, TNFAIP6, FLG, SLURP1, or CRISP3. Also described are methods for treating eosinophilic esophagitis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a marker used for detecting colon cancer, and also provides application of said marker in the detection of colon cancer, as well as an associated kit and detection method.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing and characterizing lymphoma, as well as evaluating the disease-free interval following treatment, utilizing patient antibodies bound to peptide microarrays in comparison to an immunosignature characteristic of a lymphoma state or a non-lymphoma state. Characterization includes subtyping of lymphoma utilizing an immunosignature characteristic of a B-cell or T-cell lymphoma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a class of engineered polypeptides having a binding affinity for albumin. It also relates to new methods and uses that exploit binding by these and other compounds to albumin in different contexts, some of which have significance for the treatment of disease in mammals including humans.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for determining the methylation status of the promoter region of the TWIST1 gene in genomic DNA from bladder cells, including bladder cells present in a urine sample. Also disclosed are kits for performing the disclosed methods, such as kits for determining the methylation status of the promoter region of the TWIST1 gene comprising at least one primer pair for determining the methylation status of TWIST1. The kits may contain means for processing a urine sample.

Abstract: Polypeptides including Neurochondrin and autoantibodies binding to polypeptides including Neurochondrin are provided. Methods for diagnosing or treating diseases associated with neurological symptoms or cancers are also provided. The methods of diagnosis may include detecting an autoantibody binding to Neurochondrin in a sample from a patient. The methods of treatment may include administering a polypeptide comprising Neurochondrin to a patient.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery of genetic polymorphisms that are associated with rheumatoid arthritis. In particular, the present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules containing the polymorphisms, variant proteins encoded by such nucleic acid molecules, reagents for detecting the polymorphic nucleic acid molecules and proteins, and methods of using the nucleic acid and proteins as well as methods of using reagents for their detection.

Abstract: It was the object of the present invention to provide RNA with increased stability and translation efficiency and means for obtaining such RNA. It should be possible to obtain increased grades of expression by using said RNA in gene therapy approaches.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods for providing improvements in genome-scale metabolic models are described. The methods identify and optimize metabolic flux states that minimize the cost of enzyme production while maximizing a desired cellular phenotype. The computer-implemented methods may maximize cellular phenotypes such as growth (biomass) or production of a metabolite, such as a commercially valuable chemical compound, through the selection of metabolic pathways that maximize these phenotypes while minimizing metabolic costs associated with production of the proteomic constituents of individual metabolic pathways. The computer implemented methods may be useful for computationally designing microbial strains for the production of chemicals.

Abstract: A mutant hydrolase optionally fused to a protein of interest is provided. The mutant hydrolase is capable of forming a bond with a substrate for the corresponding nonmutant (wild-type) hydrolase which is more stable than the bond formed between the wild-type hydrolase and the substrate and has at least two amino acid substitutions relative to the wild-type hydrolase. Substrates for hydrolases comprising one or more functional groups are also provided, as well as methods of using the mutant hydrolase and the substrates of the invention. Also provided is a fusion protein capable of forming a stable bond with a substrate and cells which express the fusion protein.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and kits for diagnosing, prognosing, and treating patients having psychiatric disorders. The methods may include assessing whether a patient has a treatment resistant psychiatric disorder or assessing whether the patient is likely to develop a treatment resistant psychiatric disorder. The methods may include detecting genetic markers such as the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in genes present in a genomic nucleic acid sample from the patient, and/or receiving, as a caregiver, the results of tests indicating whether the genetic markers are present in the genomic nucleic acid sample from the patient. The methods may include administering treatment to the patient, for example, based on the detected genetic markers, and administering treatment may include administering new antipsychotic drugs (APDs) that are trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) agonists.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to detecting and identifying nucleic acids and particularly, but not exclusively, to compositions, methods, kits, and systems for detecting, identifying, and quantifying target nucleic acids with high confidence at single-molecule resolution.

Abstract: A data manager determines an appropriate number of clusters for continuous data using unsupervised learning. The data manager selects an appropriate number of clusters based on at least one temporal stability measure between continuous data from at least two time intervals.

Abstract: The method for determining risk of metastatic relapse in a patient diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) can include detecting a level of at least one indicator of metastatic potential in a biological sample from the patient, comparing the level of the indicator of metastatic potential with a control, and identifying the patient as one who is at risk of metastatic relapse and a candidate for chemotherapy if an aberrant level of the indicator of metastatic potential in the biological sample compared to the control is detected. The at least one indicator of metastatic potential can include at least one metastasis-inducing gene and/or at least one metastasis suppressor gene. An aberrant level of the at least one indicator of metastatic potential can include a copy number gain of the metastasis-inducing gene and/or a copy number loss of the metastasis-suppressor gene.

Abstract: A single photons communication method and system is provided. In an example, an information loading module in a transmitting terminal of the single photons communication system may code to-be-sent target information as a corresponding target modulation frequency according to a pre-saved relationship between information and modulation frequency, and perform frequency modulation on a quantum state of communication light generated by a light source by using the target modulation frequency so that the transmitting terminal may send out modulated target communication light.

Abstract: A system and method of generating electricity from the salinization of freshwater is provided. In one embodiment, the diffusion of cations and anions from saline to freshwater is rapidly alternated in order to generate electrical power in the form of alternating current. To create pathways for the rapidly alternating diffusion of cations and anions, rhodopsins (light-activated ion channels and pumps) are expressed in bacteria that are growing as a biofilm on a membrane that separates the saline and freshwater. Illumination of the biofilm with blue light permits cation diffusion through cation-permeable channelrhodopsins. Illumination of the biofilm with yellow light permits diffusion of anions through halorhodopsins.

Abstract: A method includes receiving an image data set of an examination volume including a tumor. A tumor region is segmented in the image data set. Furthermore, a texture distribution of the tumor region is determined, the texture distribution in each case assigning a texture parameter to image points in the tumor region, and each of the texture parameters being based on a spatial distribution of first intensity values of the image data set. Furthermore, a biopsy position within the tumor region is determined by applying an optimized position-determining algorithm to the texture distribution, the optimized position-determining algorithm being based on training texture distributions and first training positions, and one of the first training positions being assigned to each of the training texture distributions. In embodiments, the use of an optimized position-determining algorithm enables all relevant influencing variables for the determination of the biopsy position to be taken into account.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for modulating the expression of a HLA locus or for selectively deleting or manipulating a HLA locus or HLA regulator.

Abstract: An interface is provided for storing microfluidic samples in a nanoliter sample chip. A fluid access structure provides a fluid access region to a selected subset of sample wells from an array of sample wells. A fluid introduction mechanism introduces a sample fluid to the fluid access region so that the sample wells in the selected subset are populated with the sample fluid without the unselected sample wells being populated with the sample fluid.

Abstract: Systems and methods of fixing biological cells by laser irradiation. A method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes positioning a sample (of the cell or tissue) in a light pathway of a fixation source. The fixation source configured to emit electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength along the light pathway. The sample is exposed to the electromagnetic radiation for an exposure time.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for miRNA profiling for the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of melanoma and differentiation of melanoma from nevi.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for predicting the outcome of anthracycline treatment of cell proliferative disorder patients. This is achieved by determining the expression level of at least one gene selected from the group consisting of PITX2; TFF1 and PLAU. The invention also relates to sequences, oligonucleotides and antibodies which can be used within the described methods.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to isolating nucleic acids. In particular, the technology relates to methods and kits for extracting nucleic acids from problematic samples such as stool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lung cancer biomarker for diagnosing early stage lung cancers or predicting prognosis of lung cancers, which comprises a GM2AP protein. The present invention also relates to a method for diagnosing early stage lung cancers or predicting prognosis of lung cancers in vitro by detection of the biomarker.

Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting a target molecule are provided herein. The methods entail contacting a sample with a polymer scaffold, the polymer comprising at least one association site configured to associate with the target molecule. The sample is brought into contact with the polymer to determine whether the target molecule is present in the sample under conditions allowing the target molecule, if present, to associate with the polymer scaffold. The methods further involve loading the polymer into a device comprising a pore or channel that connects two volumes, configuring the device to pass the polymer through the pore or channel from one volume to the other volume, and determining, with a sensor configured to detect objects passing through the pore or channel, whether the target molecule is associated with the association site, and thereby detecting the presence or absence of the target molecule in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits for identifying, diagnosing, prognosing, and monitoring cervical cancer. These methods include determining the methylation status or the expression levels of particular genes, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of plant molecular biology and provides methods for production of high expressing seed-specific and/or seed-preferential promoters and the production of plants with enhanced seed-specific and/or seed-preferential expression of nucleic acids wherein nucleic acid expression enhancing nucleic acids (NEENAs) are functionally linked to the promoters and/or introduced into plants.

Abstract: The instant invention provides compositions and methods for inhibiting the JC Virus (JCV), and that can be used, for example, for treating progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Antisense oligonucleotides are provided which are effective in inhibiting JCV replication or multiplication, alone or in a combination. In preferred embodiments, the oligonucleotides contain modifications.

Abstract: Isolated peptides and compositions comprising same are provided. Further, methods for targeting mitochondria in a cell, methods for assessing mitochondrial function in a cell and methods for diagnosing mitochondria associated diseases are provided.