Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and compositions for rapidly and reversibly destabilizing a target protein in vitro or in vivo, in the presence or absence of a cell-permeable, synthetic molecule or ligand.

Abstract: A material analysis device for analysing a material sample. The material analysis device is equipped with a—generally temperature-controllable—sample chamber and a sample holder, which, supported by at least one pillar, protrudes into the sample chamber, and a loading shaft, to one end of which force is applied by an exciter, and the other end of which bears a connecting member, with which it transmits force to the sample in a defined manner and loads same thereby.

Abstract: Provided herein are enhanced luciferase enzymes for use with thermostable luciferin analogs for bioluminescent assays. In particular, the present disclosure provides compositions, assays, and methods for performing a bioluminescent assay using enhanced, high-activity luciferase enzymes compatible with thermostable luciferins, such as 5,5-disubstituted luciferin analogs.

Abstract: Compounds that may inhibit Oplophorus-derived luciferases are disclosed as well as compositions and kits comprising the compounds and methods of using the compounds.

Abstract: Disclosed here are kits comprising pre-packed stabilizing solutions for stabilizing combinations of biomarkers at room temperature. Such kits can be better adapted for sample collection at a subject's dwelling, thus easing the burdensome requirement of sample collection.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device including a reagent portion in which a chemiluminescent indicator and a chemiluminescent substrate for the indicator are disposed, and a base on which the reagent portion is formed. The chemiluminescent indicator and the chemiluminescent substrate are disposed independently from each other in the reagent portion in such a manner that the chemiluminescent indicator and the chemiluminescent substrate can react with each other when a sample is supplied to the reagent portion. The present disclosure also relates to a remote diagnosis system including an imaging terminal for detecting a luminescent signal generated when a reagent is supplied to the device and an information processing unit for processing luminescent signal data obtained by the imaging terminal. The imaging terminal and the information processing unit can bi-directionally communicate with each other via a network.

Abstract: A compact explosive detecting system collects explosive residues in the form of vapor powder. The residues are accumulated on a desorber which is subjected to pyrolysis to release a gaseous sample. The sample is pumped to a detecting system through a metering valve. A luminol cell reacts with the gaseous sample to create chemiluminescence, the light output of which is measured by a photo multiplier tube. The light intensity is indicative of the amount of explosive present. Based on the amount of explosive present, a metering valve is adjusted to pass the gaseous sample into a highly sensitive metal oxide sensor array to detect NO2 from nitrogen containing explosive and CO/CO2 from non nitrogen containing explosive. The metal oxide sensor array reliably selects explosives from those compounds indicating chemiluminescence.

Abstract: Provided is a method for depleting host nucleic acid in a biological sample, said sample having been previously obtained from an animal host, said method comprising the steps of (a) adding a cytolysin, or an active variant thereof, to said sample; and (b) carrying-out a process to physically deplete nucleic acid released from host cells within said sample or otherwise render such nucleic acid unidentifiable.

Abstract: Provided is a method for detecting the presence of bacterial spores by measuring adenosine diphosphate (ATP) production over time. Spores are detected by converting adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) to ATP.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are means for the detection and characterization of neurotoxins such as botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) or tetanus neurotoxin. The present disclosure provides methods for determining potency and activity of neurotoxins in vitro and in vivo. Also disclosed are polypeptides comprising N- and C-terminal fragments of a reporter protein that are split by a linker comprising a neurotoxin cleavage site. Cleavage of the linker by a neurotoxin decreases reporter protein activity, thereby indicating activity of the neurotoxin. Compositions and kits comprising the disclosed polypeptides, nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences encoding such polypeptides, and cells expressing such polypeptides are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel compounds in the classes of Imidazo[1,2-?]pyrazines and Imidazo[1,2-?]quinoxalines with a methoxy group modification show unique spectral properties when used as a substrate for luciferases and photo-proteins. Methoxy e-Coelenterazine, an Imidazo[1,2-?] quinoxaline shifts the emission wavelength by 80 nm to blue light compared to e-Coelenterazine, using Renilla reniformis luciferase. The novel analogues described here are useful in combination with fluorescent proteins to create BRET (bioluminescent resonance energy transfer) and for other luminescent assays. In addition these novel compounds can be used to enhance, dazzle, amaze, startle, and otherwise entertain an audience by their direct application on to the audience, surroundings, the actors, or sprayed on settings as in the newer 4D movies.

Abstract: A pathogen surrogate, formed by a DNA tag or bar code and a carrier, is described for use in the validation and verification of sanitation, such as in food processing operations and for wash water systems for fresh produce. The carrier material is selected so that the pathogen surrogate mimics the behavior of a pathogen when subjected to a sanitation operation. One or more surrogates can be introduced in to an environment, which is then subjected to sanitation process, followed by a detection process using the DNA tag of the surrogate.

Abstract: This invention provides nucleoside polyphosphate analogs each of which comprises a tag comprising a plurality of Raman-scattering moieties; compounds comprising said nucleoside polyphosphate analogs; and methods for determining the sequence of a single-stranded DNA or RNA using said nucleoside polyphosphate analogs. This invention also provides methods for detecting the interaction of a plurality of predetermined compounds, at least one of which having attached thereto a tag comprising a plurality of Raman-scattering moieties.

Abstract: A sanitation management system maintains records of exemplary locations on an item to be sanitized and indicates those locations to a person or system charged with applying a pathogen surrogate prior to a sanitation process. The sanitation management system maintains records of where the pathogen surrogate was applied prior to the sanitation process. Following the sanitation process, the sanitation management system indicates to an inspector, or an inspection system, locations of where the pathogen surrogate was applied for the purpose of facilitating testing of the sanitation process by checking for the presence of the pathogen surrogate at some or all of those locations. This can ensure that the inspection process is relevant to the sanitation process and less likely to generate false negatives where the inspection finds a lack of the pathogen surrogate not due to cleaning, but due to lack of application of the pathogen surrogate.

Abstract: Described are substituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine compounds, which are coelenterazine analogs, kits comprising the compounds, and methods of using the compounds for the detection of luminescence in luciferase-based assays. Also described are methods for making the compounds, such as a method using aminopyrazine acetophosphonates as synthesis intermediates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioluminescent substrate suitably usable in a series of artificial luciferases (ALuc), and the invention provides a wavelength-shifted spectrum with a selective high intensity luminescence and high luminescence stability obtained by the use of the substrate together with ALuc. The luminescent substrate for ALuc obtained by the invention can be included together with a suitable luminescence solution in a luminescence kit. The bioluminescent substrate for ALuc of the invention can exhibit unprecedented excellent luminescence specificity and functionality in the conventional bioluminescence probe, two-hybrid assay, bioluminescent capsule, and reporter gene assay.

Abstract: A method for determining whether bacteria in a sample obtained from a subject at a point of care in a clinical setting is susceptible to an antibiotic, within a time period associated with a point of care. The method includes measuring a bioluminescent indication from a first test sample based on released ATP to determine a characteristic associated with the bioluminescent indication and comparing the characteristic associated with the bioluminescent indication to a first threshold. The method includes determining whether a bacteria is present by comparing the difference between a characteristic associated with a first confirmatory bioluminescent signal and a characteristic associated with a second confirmatory bioluminescent signal to an confirmatory threshold.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for detection and analysis of intracellular binding of a bioactive agent to a cellular target. In particular, provided herein are bioactive agents tethered to fluorophores, cellular targets fused to bioluminescent reporters, and methods of detecting and analyzing the interaction of bioactive agents with cellular targets therewith.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for detection and analysis of intracellular binding of a bioactive agent to a cellular target. In particular, provided herein are bioactive agents tethered to fluorophores, cellular targets fused to bioluminescent reporters, or portions, components, or subunits of bioluminescent reporters, and methods of detecting and analyzing the interaction of bioactive agents with cellular targets therewith.

Abstract: Provided is a device for collecting biological material from a microbe, the device including: a collection container that is used to collect a microbe from a liquid sample containing the microbe and to extract the biological material from the microbe; and a temperature control mechanism that controls a temperature of the collection container. Herein, the temperature control mechanism controls a temperature of the collection container so that the microbe is collected at a first temperature and the biological material is extracted from the microbe at a second temperature higher than the first temperature.

Abstract: Described are substituted imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine compounds, which are coelenterazine analogs, kits comprising the compounds, and methods of using the compounds for the detection of luminescence in luciferase-based assays. Also described are methods for making the compounds, such as a method using aminopyrazine acetophosphonates as synthesis intermediates.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for stabilizing a luminogenic substrate such as coelenterazine or a functional analog thereof. The functional analog may be furimazine. The composition may include the luminogenic substrate, a thionucleoside, and an organic solvent, in which the thionucleoside is present in an amount effective to stabilize the luminogenic composition against decomposition. The method provided herein stabilizes the luminogenic substrate against decomposition by contacting the luminogenic substrate with an effective amount of the thionucleoside in the presence of the organic solvent. Also provided herein is a kit containing the composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a chimeric protein comprising or consisting of, from N-terminal to C-terminal, (a) a N-terminal part of a Bordetella CyaA protein (b) a heterologous polypeptide, and (c) a C-terminal part of a Bordetella CyaA protein. The invention also relates to a polynucleotide encoding a deleted version of a Bordetella CyaA, as well as a polynucleotide encoding this chimeric protein. A composition comprising at least one chimeric protein(s) of the invention and the prophylactic and/or therapeutic uses of said composition are also part of the invention.

Abstract: Novel red-shifted luciferin derivatives and uses of those compounds are provided.

Abstract: Methods and kits for determining if one or more animals have mastitis and for monitoring animals and the quality of the milk they produce are disclosed. Kits and test assays disclosed are used to determine the quantity of proteasomes and proteins thereof, the activity of proteasome enzymes, the quantity of proteasome bound and regulating proteins, and the quantity of ubiquinated protein. Components and reagents for use in the kits and assays are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for isolating cells from a complex sample comprising the steps of: a) providing a complex sample, b) incubating said sample with: at least one chaotrope, a buffer and at least one detergent, c) isolating said cells from the resulting mixture by centrifugation or filtration.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds and methods for assaying redox state of metabolically active cells and methods for assaying enzyme activity and/or metabolite level by coupling to redox defining co-factor NAD(P)/NAD(P)H measurement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a luciferase derived from a star-worm belonging to genus Diplocladon, the luciferase inducing luminescence such that a maximum luminous wavelength falls within a range of 557 to 562 nm over the entire pH range of 5.5 to 8.0, or the luciferase inducing luminescence having 1.5 times the luminous intensity of luminescence induced by Photinus pyralis firefly luciferase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying compounds that modulate the activity of p300/CBP. Compounds of the invention are identified by designing or screening for a compound which binds to at least one amino acid residue of the newly identified lysine-CoA inhibitor binding site, L1 loop, electronegative pocket, or electronegative groove of the HAT domain of p300/CBP and testing the compound for its ability to modulate the activity of p300/CBP. Compositions and methods for preventing or treating diseases or disorders associated with p300/CBP are also provided as is a method for producing a semi-synthetic HAT domain.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a sustained release composition containing SDF-1. The present invention provides a sustained release composition containing (1) SDF-1 and (2) a hydrogel containing modified gelatin having a carboxyl group and/or a sulfo group. Since the composition can release SDF-1, a chemokine which is a capable of promoting accumulation of vascular progenitor cells in vivo, in the sustained manner, it can be useful for treatment and/or suppression of symptom progression of ischemic disease or bone disease, as pharmaceutical preparations in various formulations.

Abstract: An assay is provided for detecting the activity of a reporter kinase comprising (i) adding said reporter kinase to an assay mixture wherein said reporter kinase is contacted with bioluminescent reagent no more than 5 minutes after being contacted with ADP, and wherein, prior to contacting the reporter kinase with ADP, the assay mixture is substantially free from kinase other than reporter kinase; and (ii) detecting light output from the assay mixture. Methods for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample and methods for validating a treatment process using the above assay are also provided. Further provided are devices for conducting these assays and methods.

Abstract: A bioluminescence imaging-based high-throughput assay for inhibitors of ABCG2 is described. Compositions of inhibitors of ABCG2 and methods of using ABCG2 inhibitors are also described.

Abstract: A rapid, sensitive method of separating and detecting microorganisms from a sample containing microorganisms, such as but not limited to bacteria, fungi, yeast, viruses, and the like. The method relies on separation techniques to separate and concentrate the cells from the sample, together with chemical techniques to amplify the amount of detectable signal from low numbers of cells to provide a rapid and sensitive method of detecting microorganisms. This detection method may utilize: a filtration device; a centrifugation device; a system; a swab device; and kit comprising one or more of the devices and components to perform the present method of separating and detecting microorganisms in a sample containing microorganisms. The sample may be a chemical, cosmetic, personal care, pharmaceutical, or consumable good in its raw material, in-process, and/or finished product states that needs to be tested for any contaminating microorganisms prior to shipment to the consumer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel biosensors that are based on bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET). These biosensors may be used to monitor rapid interaction and conformational changes within G protein-coupled receptor/G protein complexes and, in this way, reflect the activation status of the receptor. Advantageously, the biosensors may be used as a highly sensitive and quantitative assay for the identification of ligands (agonists, antagonists, inverse agonists, partial agonists, etc.) targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) as well as for the analysis of the activation status of these receptors. Moreover, multiplexing different biosensors within receptors/G protein complexes allows for mapping ligand textures. Additionally, the biosensors permit the direct, real-time examination of interactions between receptors and G protein in their natural environment, the living cell.

Abstract: The invention provides diagnostic and prognostic methods and methods of evaluating treatment protocols for disorders such as obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cancer and vascular disease by detecting the levels of a novel isoform of ChREBP, termed ChREBP ?. The invention also provides nucleic acids, proteins, reporter constructs based on ChREBP ? and methods of identifying one or more agents that modulate the expression of a ChREBP ? target gene.

Abstract: It is intended to identify a substance inhibiting an odor caused by 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone. The present invention provides a method for searching for an inhibitor of an odor caused by 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone, comprising: adding a test substance and 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone to an olfactory receptor OR5K1 or a polypeptide having at least 80% amino acid sequence identity thereto; measuring the response of the olfactory receptor or the polypeptide to 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone; and identifying a test substance inhibiting the response of the olfactory receptor or the polypeptide, on the basis of the measured response.

Abstract: Luciferases which are different from those known heretofore have been desired. A luciferase mutant comprising an amino acid sequence in which at least one amino acid selected from the group consisting of valine at the position of 44, alanine at the position of 54 and tyrosine at the position of 138 is substituted with other amino acid(s) in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for determining the amount or activity of one or more luciferases and methods for measuring the luminescent signal generated by one or more luciferases in a sample, the methods comprising incubating the sample with a reactive substrate(s) of the luciferase(s) to be analyzed and a reducing agent to inactivate a first luciferase, wherein the first luciferase, in its native form, is a secreted luciferase.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for packaging reporter nucleic acid molecules into non-replicative transduction particles for use as reporter molecules. The non-replicative transduction particles can be constructed from viruses and use viral transduction and replication systems. The reporter nucleic acid molecules include a reporter gene, such as a reporter molecule or selectable marker, for detecting target genes or cells. Methods and systems are provided for detection of cells and target nucleic acid molecules using the non-replicative transduction particles as reporter molecules.

Abstract: Screening assays that allow for the identification of agents that modulate the activity of N-terminal acetylation of a polypeptide and the Doa10 branch of the N-end rule pathway are provided. Also provided are methods of using an agent that modulates the activity of N-terminal acetylation of a polypeptide and the Doa10 branch of the N-end rule pathway to increase or decrease protein degradation in a cell, and to modulate physiologic and pathologic associated with N-terminal acetylation of a polypeptide and the Doa10 branch of the N-end rule pathway.

Abstract: Provided is a method of detecting infection in a wound caused by an infecting organism at a wound site. Also provided is a system for detecting an infection in a wound at a wound site. Additionally, a porous pad comprising luciferase is provided.

Abstract: A luminescence detecting apparatus and method for analyzing luminescent samples is disclosed. Luminescent samples are placed in a plurality of sample wells in a tray, and the tray is placed in a visible-light impervious chamber containing a charge coupled device camera. The samples may be injected in the wells, and the samples may be injected with buffers and reagents, by an injector. In the chamber, light from the luminescent samples pass through a collimator, a Fresnel field lens, a filter, and a camera lens, whereupon a focused image is created by the optics on the charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. The use of a Fresnel field lens, in combination with a collimator and filter, reduces crosstalk between samples below the level attainable by the prior art. Preferred embodiments of the luminescence detecting apparatus and method disclosed include central processing control of all operations, multiple wavelength filter wheel, and robot handling of samples and reagents.

Abstract: The present disclosure encompasses embodiments of nucleic acid minicircle vectors most advantageous for the detection of tumor cells. In particular, the minicircles of the disclosure incorporate a tumor-specific promoter operably linked to a nucleotide sequence desired to be selectively expressed in a tumor cell or a tissue comprising a population of tumor cells. In embodiments of the disclosure, the minicircle vectors comprise a tumor-specific promoter operably linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide useful as a reporter. Accordingly, when expressed by a recipient tumor cell, the reporter may be detectable, thereby providing information such as a visual image of the tumor cell and/or its location in a tissue of the subject human or non-human animal.

Abstract: This disclosure describes methods of screening for compounds that disrupt the interaction between DNMT1 and the gamma-globin promoter or between LSD-1 and the gamma-globin promoter. This disclosure describes methods of screening for compounds that de-repress the gamma-globin gene.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, imidazo[1,2-?]pyrazine derivatives according for Formula (Ia) or Formula (Ib). The derivatives are useful in any method which other coelenterazines have been used. For example, the derivatives may be used in a bioluminogenic method to detect the presence of certain compounds or molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for diagnosing a disease or disorder in a subject by introducing into cells of the subject a diagnostic gene switch construct and monitoring expression of a reporter gene. The invention further relates to methods and compositions for monitoring the progression of a disease or disorder or the effectiveness of a treatment for a disease or disorder.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and devices for detecting oxygen in various samples such as environmental and biological samples.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with test systems for determining the activity of neurotoxin polypeptides. Specifically, it relates to a polynucleotide encoding a single chain luciferase fusion polypeptide comprising: (i) a LuxB subunit, (ii) a linker comprising a neurotoxin cleavage site, and (iii) a LuxA subunit and a polypeptide encoded by the polynucleotide. Further provided in accordance with the invention are a vector and a host cell comprising the polynucleotide. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method for determining a proteolytically active neurotoxin polypeptide in a sample and a kit for carrying out the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition useful for the diagnosis of diseases associated with aberrant expression of the genes encoding the secreted proteins Futrin 1, 2, 3 and/or 4 (=R-Spondin 2, 3, 1 and 4, respectively), e.g. in connection with tumors or diseases of the muscle, kidneys or bones. The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing a compound which is capable of modifying (a) the expression of the gene encoding Futrin 1, 2, 3 and/or 4 or (b) the activity of the Futrin 1, 2, 3 and/or 4 protein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include triple-fusion human embryonic stem cells, methods of imaging triple-fusion human embryonic stem cells, triple-fusion polynucleotides, triple-fusion proteins, methods of monitoring the progression of human embryonic stem cells, methods of making isolated triple-fusion human embryonic stem cells, and the like.