Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel use of regulatory T cell-specific surface protein Lrig-1, and more specifically to an immunosuppressive agent comprising siRNA which inhibits the expression of surface protein Lrig-1. In addition, the invention relates to a method for screening an immunosuppressive agent which inhibits proteins of Lrig-1 or genes encoding the proteins. As a result, an immunosuppressive agent with low side effects and high specificity can be developed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for quantifying subpopulations of exosomes and diagnostic and prognostic methods for neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., Alzheimer's disease). The invention also provides compositions for quantifying subpopulations of exosomes as well as compositions and methods useful for treating Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of separating cellular particles from a tissue sample and then sorting the cellular particles into two or more cellular particle populations.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and their methods of use, for sorting or separating magnetic particles are provided. A magnetic source, e.g., with at least one sharp feature, can be employed to exert a strong magnetic field on magnetic particles in order to separate particles of a desired and predictable property.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to opposables including a body having a plurality of cavities disposed therein. Each cavity can be designed to contain one or more reagents, liquids, or fluids which may be applied to a specimen-bearing surface. In some embodiments, the cavities include one or more reagent chambers, the reagent chambers can have one or more seals such that the reagents, liquids, or fluids contained therein may be stored and released to the specimen-bearing surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods comprising cell surface markers for pluripotent-derived cells, in particular, pancreatic endoderm-type cells, derived from pluripotent stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods which involve specifically antagonizing GDF8 and Activin A. In certain embodiments, compositions are provided which comprise a GDF8-specific binding protein and an Activin A-specific binding protein. For example, the invention includes compositions comprising an anti-GDF8 antibody and an anti-Activin A antibody. In other embodiments, antigen-binding molecules are provided which comprise a GDF8-specific binding domain and an Activin A-specific binding domain. For example, the invention includes bispecific antibodies that bind GDF8 and Activin A. The compositions of the present invention are useful for the treatment of diseases and conditions characterized by reduced muscle mass or strength, as well as other conditions which are treatable by antagonizing GDF8 and/or Activin A activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical formulation comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a polypeptide corresponding to SEQ ID No. 2 and uses thereof for treating at least one of diabetes, hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension in a subject.

Abstract: Methods for identifying compounds that modulate cellular responses stimulated by IgE, which include providing an impedance-based system that monitors cell-substrate impedance of cells on a substrate; introducing cells to the substrate of the system; adding at least one test compound and IgE to the cells, wherein the at least one test compound is suspected of modulating cell responses stimulated by the IgE; adding an antigen to the cells; monitoring the cell-substrate impedance of cells on the substrate; and analyzing the cell-substrate impedance to evaluate whether the at least one test compound alters a cellular response to stimulation with the IgE.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and kits for the diagnosing a neurological disease within primary care settings comprising: obtaining a blood test sample from a subject, measuring IL-7 and TNF? biomarkers in the blood sample, comparing the level of the one or a combination of biomarkers and neurocognitive screening tests with the level of a corresponding one or combination of biomarkers in a normal blood sample and neurocognitive screening tests, and predicting that an increase in the level of the blood test sample in relation to that of the normal blood sample indicates that the subject is likely to have a neurological disease.

Abstract: Flow cytometry is used for diagnosis of infectious diseases by an analysis of cell mediated immune responses to specific infective agent antigens. Apparatus and methods of advanced flow cytometry are utilized to detect cell mediated immune responses to the presence of specific antigens from infective agents, such as bacteria, protozoa, viruses, helminth, prions. In some embodiments, methods as provided herein can be utilized in vitro to diagnose multiple infections within individuals.

Abstract: A method of screening/prognosis/diagnosis for colorectal cancer (CRC) wherein methionine aminopeptidase 2 (MetAP2) levels are detected in a non-tumor sample such as peripheral blood, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) or lymphocytes. Based on the MetAP2 levels, the individual may be selected for further testing.

Abstract: Described herein are coated chloride salt particles, including NaCl/TiO2 and NaCl/SiO2 core/shell particles, along with methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: Provided is a culture chamber that includes a plurality of recesses each formed of a bottom portion and an opening portion. The bottom portion has a hemispherical shape or a truncated cone shape. The opening portion is defined by a wall that surrounds an area from a boundary between the opening portion and the bottom portion to an end of each of the recesses, the wall having a taper angle in a range from 1 to 20 degrees. An equivalent diameter of the boundary is from 50 ?m to 2 mm and a depth from a bottom of the bottom portion to the end of each of the recesses is from 0.6 or more times to 3 or less times the equivalent diameter, and the wall defining the opening portion forms a surface continuous to the bottom portion. An inclination of the continuous surface changes at the boundary.

Abstract: A microfluidic device has a cavity in which a functionalized mesh is arranged in a layered configuration to provide a high surface area. The cavity is housed in a body that is easily configured for sample flow to concentrate the analyte, heat release of the analyte from the mesh, and elution of the released analyte. The microfluidic device can be used in a variety of applications by functionalizing the mesh with a suitable affinity media.

Abstract: As demonstrated herein, when composite transcription factor binding sites do not function synergistically, mammalian promoters can be constructed according to simple design rules. Host-cell transcriptional machinery components were analyzed in silico to identify transcription factors with desired expression dynamics. Cognate binding sites were then comprehensively tested in homotypic and heterotypic architectures to assess modularity and determine the transcriptional activity exhibited by a single copy of each site. When elements were specifically selected to prevent combinatorial interactions, heterotypic promoter activities could be accurately modeled simply as a function of constituent binding site copy numbers. As binding site order, spacing, and orientation had minimal effect on promoter activity, blocks could be optimally combined and arranged in silico according to context-specific design-criteria.

Abstract: Methods and kits for preparing re-usable single cells are described. Cell components are anchored using a nano-scale scaffold to create a re-usable single cell. The nano-scale scaffold may be a polyacrylamide nano-scale scaffold. Methods to determine modifications of the genome, transcriptome, or epigenome are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting DHHC3 palmitoyltransferase for treating cancer. Described herein, are methods of inhibiting expression or activity of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in a cell of a subject, e.g., a human subject, in need thereof are carried out by administering to the subject an effective amount of a palmitoyltransferase inhibitor, thereby inhibiting the expression or activity of PD-L1 in the subject. The palmitoyltransferase comprises an Asp-His-His-Cys motif (DHHC)-type protein. Exemplary DHHC-type proteins include DHHC3, DHHC5, DHHC7, and DHHC17.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chimeric protein comprising: a) a single chain variable fragment (scFv) that binds to a mammalian IgE at an epitope within the amino acid sequence VDGQKATNIFPYTAPGTK (SEQ ID NO:1) of canine IgE or at an epitope within the corresponding amino acid sequence of a different mammalian species; b) a linker peptide; and c) an amino acid sequence comprising an IgE high affinity receptor alpha chain, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a specimen measurement system including: a specimen measuring device that measures a specimen; a determination unit that determines whether or not the specimen is to be measured by a flow cytometer, based on a measurement result of the specimen measuring device.

Abstract: The present specification discloses SNAP-25 compositions, methods of making ?-SNAP-25 antibodies that bind an epitope comprising a carboxyl-terminus at the P1 residue from the BoNT/A cleavage site scissile bond from a SNAP-25 cleavage product, ?-SNAP-25 antibodies that bind an epitope comprising a carboxyl-terminus at the P1 residue from the BoNT/A cleavage site scissile bond from a SNAP-25 cleavage product, methods of detecting BoNT/A activity, and methods of detecting neutralizing ?-BoNT/A antibodies.

Abstract: The disclosure provides derivatives of both the oxidized form and the reduced form of nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinic acid riboside (NAR). The NR and NAR derivatives have improved stability and bioavailability compared to NR and NAR, and can increase cellular NAD+ levels and improve mitochondrial function. Therefore, the NR and NAR derivatives are useful for treating mitochondrial diseases, mitochondria-related diseases and conditions, and other disorders and conditions.

Abstract: Antigen binding constructs that bind to desired targets are disclosed, for example antibodies, including antibody fragments (such as scFv and minibodies) that bind to a target molecule, and have one or more of the disclosed hinges are described herein. Methods of use are described herein.

Abstract: A battery control device capable of obtaining an allowable charge/discharge current value can further accurately reflect a polarization state of a battery. A battery controller includes a first allowable current value calculation unit, a battery equivalent circuit model, and a correction amount calculation unit. Assuming a non-polarization state, a current limit value of the battery based on an open circuit voltage and upper and lower limit voltages set in the battery, the first allowable current value calculation unit calculates a first allowable current value Imax1. The battery equivalent circuit model estimates a polarization state of the battery when the current limit value is being calculated. The correction unit calculates an allowable current value correction value based on the estimated polarization state for correcting Imax1. A second allowable current value Imax2 which is the corrected first allowable current value is output as an allowable charge/discharge current value of the battery.

Abstract: Antigen binding constructs that bind to desired targets are disclosed, for example antibodies, including antibody fragments (such as scFv and minibodies) that bind to a target molecule, and have one or more of the disclosed hinges are described herein. Methods of use are described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for assessing, evaluating and/monitoring the purity of a mesenchymal stem cells preparation, in particular of an adipose stem cells preparation, comprising measuring the expression level of at least one growth factor.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for automated cellular analysis of a body fluid sample are disclosed. The methods, devices, and systems apply watershed transform to data, generated by flowing a body fluid sample through a flow cytometer, to determine threshold(s) to be used for analysis of the data.

Abstract: A peptide and a peptide complex of the present invention exhibit an anti-obesity effect by inhibiting fat accumulation and decomposing already accumulated fat, and exhibit an excellent effect with respect to diabetes by effectively reducing blood sugar. The peptide and the peptide complex of the present invention decrease the expression of PPAR?, ACC, and aP2, which are adipogenic markers, increase the expression of pHSL, AMPK-?1, CGI-58, and ATGL, which are lipolytic factors, and reduce the size of fat cells and blood cholesterol values. The peptide and the peptide complex of the present invention, which have excellent activity and safety, can be advantageously applied to drugs and quasi-drugs.

Abstract: A mobile phone-based system for ELISA (MELISA). The MELISA system can perform all steps of ELISA procedure and output hormone concentration values. The system includes a heater that keeps the temperature required for sample incubation, illumination system for sample image capturing, and a digital camera system. All components are enclosed in a dark box to create optimal light conditions for image capturing. After sample images are captured, they are digitally processed, and hormone concentration values are reported based on colorimetric data from the samples. The system can be used to complete all steps of the assay, including incubation and reading. It is lightweight, can be fabricated at low cost, is portable, and can transfer test results via mobile phone. MELISA can be calibrated for accurate measurements of progesterone and has demonstrated successful measurements with the calibrated system.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in part, to isolated antibodies that specifically interact with and show measurable binding affinity to an epitope of the amyloid-beta (A?) protein. Such antibodies may be used for the modulation of A? activity and/or aggregation or amyloidosis, to study the effects of the A? protein on cell function and, in certain embodiments, for the treatment and/or prevention of a disease or condition associated with A? activity, aggregation, and/or amyloidosis.

Abstract: This current invention provides methods and agents for preventing and treating autoimmune and lymphoproliferative disease by targeting pathogenic age-associated B cells as well as methods of detecting these pathogenic age-associated B cells as a method of diagnosing and predicting autoimmune disease and other lymphoproliferative and chronic inflammatory disorders. The current invention also provides targets for drug development and basic research for autoimmune diseases and other lymphoproliferative and chronic inflammatory disorders.

Abstract: Embolic materials, suspensions, kits and related methods useful for embolization are disclosed. An embolic material can comprise a resorbable microsphere including cross-linked gelatin as its primary ingredient and having a substantially spherical shape with a diameter of about 50 micrometers to about 1,500 micrometers, inclusive. The microsphere can optionally include one or both of a marker or an active agent. The microsphere can be cross-linked, such as with glutaraldehyde or formaldehyde, which can affect the microsphere's in vivo degradation profile and ability to withstand a sterilization process at certain temperatures. In an embodiment, the microspheres can resorb during an in vivo time period of between about 24 hours and about 15 weeks, inclusive. An embolization suspension can include a plurality of resorbable microspheres and a liquid carrier, and the suspension can be disposed in a syringe, vial or other applicator for administration to a patient.

Abstract: A computer-based system to determine whether patients should be treated as inpatients or outpatients. The invention makes personalized predictions about the risk and timing of adverse outcomes for the patient, and further assesses how this risk and timing may vary if the patients are treated as inpatients or outpatients. This information informs how patients are assigned to an appropriate therapy. The invention includes logic relevant to predicting patient risk, decoupling patient risk into components inherent to the patient as well as additions/subtractions associated with the choice of treatment, and predicting the timing of adverse outcomes given censored data. The invention can be extended to use in a broad range of other application domains (e.g., matching learners to courses either offered in-classroom or online for education).

Abstract: A method of measuring efficacy of test treatment of an autoimmune disease in an animal in a vivarium is described. Animal activity data is collected at multiple times during the night. Sequential time regions of the night are identified as high-activity, activity-drop, or low-activity regions. Embodiments are described to quantify a drop, during the night, of an animal's activity level. These quantified activity-drop scalars for consecutive nights are accumulated in an animal health dataset. This dataset is compared to healthy animals, a standard of care or a reference treatment for the first disease to determine efficacy of the test treatment. One embodiment quantifies an activity-drop by fitting straight-line curves through the data in the three nightly regions. Other embodiment uses a Fourier transform on a circle, LASSO, RANSAC or regression analyses for curve fitting. Another embodiment compares areas under data curves in the regions. Animals may be housed in cages with other animals.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the use of biomarkers to determine responsiveness of an individual with wet AMD to treatment with a VEGF antagonist, to diagnose and distinguish dry and wet AMD and to determine the risk of conversion of a dry AMD disease to a wet AMD disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to biosensors for detecting odorants, especially a biosensor that mimics odorant detection by a mammal, for example, humans, dogs or cats. The field of the invention also related to the standardization of odors for scent, smell and taste using the biosensor of the invention, and the discovery of agonists, antagonists, and mixtures of odorants for creating new odors, masking odors, enhancing odors, and designing odors.

Abstract: The present application relates to tumor-associated dendritic cell (TADC) preparations and their use in treatment of tumor metastasis.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods for treating pregnant patients at risk of adverse pregnancy outcome, including, in some embodiments, by measuring one or more of a level of iC3b, intact C3, and total C3.

Abstract: A cell information acquisition method may include: binding a binding substance to a receptor on a cell membrane surface of a cell, the binding substance being bindable to the receptor; permeabilizing a cell membrane of the cell after the binding; labeling a receptor in an intracellular area of the cell with a binding substance labeled with a first labeling substance after the permeabilizing; causing a specimen including the cell to flow through a flow path after the labeling; irradiating the cell included in the specimen flowing through the flow path with light; and acquiring a signal based on light generated from the first labeling substance in the cell irradiated with light.

Abstract: An improved method for the preparation of tetrameric antibody complexes directly on the surface of target entities in a sample is described. In particular, this method involves linking, in the sample, a first target entity with a second target entity in a sample using antibodies with specificity for the first and second target entities.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the first time the identification of fetal neural exosomal biomarkers isolated from maternal plasma useful in diagnosing fetal neurodevelopmental outcomes. The invention also provides the identification of neonatal neural exosomal biomarkers isolated from neonatal plasma useful in diagnosing neonatal neurodevelopmental outcomes The present invention therefore provides methods, kits and systems for diagnosing fetal neurodevelopmental outcomes, by examining relevant proteins and RNA in fetal neural exosomes isolated from a maternal plasma and neonatal neural exosomes isolated from neonatal plasma.

Abstract: Immune-potentiating compositions include cells exhibiting enhanced antigen-presenting functions. The compositions are generally useful in facilitating the stimulation of host immune cell responses, including selective and targeted immune cell responses, and are particularly useful in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of cancers, tumors and pathogenic infections.

Abstract: Disclosed in this application are compositions which include digestive enzymes and which are formulated to reduce one or more symptoms of Schizophrenia or a Schizophreniform Disorder. Also disclosed is a method for treating an individual with Schizophrenia or a Schizophreniform Disorder using digestive enzymes and their derivatives to alleviate the symptoms of Schizophrenia or a Schizophreniform Disorder. The method comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of digestive enzymes that are either naturally or recombinantly derived, or their derivatives, in an amount effective to reduce one or more symptoms of Schizophrenia or a Schizophreniform Disorder.

Abstract: A system for analyzing biological data, comprising: a storage configured to store a plurality of data files containing biological data obtained from a plurality of devices; a server configured to: host a plurality of applications, each configured to be implemented on the server and to provide analysis, manipulation, comparison, visualization, or a combination thereof, of the biological data included in the data files, wherein the plurality of applications allow a user to analyze different data files related to the same sample and compare the results of the analysis.

Abstract: Described herein are chemically defined, adherent culture protocols for generating functional motor neurons characteristic of diverse hindbrain and spinal cord regions, with high efficiency.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of the diagnosis and prognosis methods of molecular pathologies. In particular, the invention relates to methods for determining the diagnosis of an ectatic disease of the cornea in a subject, for determining the risk of developing an ectatic disease of the cornea in a subject, for determining the clinical outcome of a subject suffering from an ectatic disease of the cornea and for selecting a subject to be treated with a therapy for an ectatic disease of the cornea based on the determination of the expression levels of TLR2 and/or TLR4 markers. The invention also relates to the use of the TLR2 and/or TLR4 as diagnosis and prognosis markers for an ectatic disease of the cornea.

Abstract: Described herein are kits and methods for identifying the likelihood of having a food sensitivity or intolerance, and determining dietary modifications accordingly. For example, the likelihood of having sensitivities, intolerances or allergies to gluten, lactose, FODMAPs and others tested and calculated. Additionally, diet modifications can be determined according to the likelihood of particular sensitivities, and the effectiveness of diet modifications can be evaluated by monitoring of meals and subsequent symptoms, and evaluating the monitoring information. Through application of the methods herein, dietary intake and symptom data may be collected and aggregated to evaluate the effect or desirability of particular foods on a population of interest.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pharmaceutical formulation comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a polypeptide corresponding to one or more of SEQ ID No(s) 1, 2, 3 or 4. The therapeutically effective amount of polypeptide may be formulated for administration to a subject in need of treatment as an oral formulation, a parenteral formulation, a topical formulation, an aqueous formulation, a solid formulation, a lyophilized formulation, or a trans-dermal formulation. Also disclosed are methods for treating at least one of diabetes, hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a polypeptide according to SEQ ID Nos. 1-4.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for more accurately modeling the in vitro environment in which cancer occurs is disclosed. The microfluidic device includes a surface defining one or more microfluidic channels, a first three dimensional scaffold comprising one or more cancer cells that is spatially separated from the one or more microfluidic channels, a second three dimensional scaffold, at least a portion of which is contacting and in fluid communication with the first three dimensional scaffold, and that is spatially separated from the one or more microfluidic channels, and a third three dimensional scaffold, at least a portion of which is contacting and in fluid communication with the one or more microfluidic channels and the second three dimensional scaffold. The device can be used to assay anti-cancer agents, or as a system for modeling the growth, behavior, or metastasis and tumor formation of cancer cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods to separate and concentrate target protein species at a microliter scale and to generate reagents to those variants with exquisite selectivity for specific protein isoforms using only picograms of target material.