Abstract: Various embodiments include methods and apparatuses to reduce false-particle counts in a water-based condensation particle counter (CPC). In one embodiment, a cleanroom CPC has three parallel growth tube assemblies. A detector is coupled to an outlet of each of the three parallel growth tube assemblies, and is used to compare the particle concentrations measured from each of the three growth tube assemblies with remaining ones of the three growth tube assemblies. An algorithm compares the counts from the three detectors and determines when the particles counted are real and when they are false counts. Any real particle event shows up in all three detectors, while false counts will only be detected by one detector. Statistics are used to determine at which particle count levels the measured counts are considered to be real versus false. Other methods and apparatuses are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides drug delivery compositions that allow for immediate and/or sustained release of a therapeutic agent contained within the system. The present invention also provides drug delivery compositions that preserve the stability of the therapeutic agent contained within during the sustained release. The present invention further provides a method of treating, ameliorating, or preventing an inflammation-related disease or disorder in a subject using the compositions of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for treatment of subjects having or at risk of cancer or other conditions. In some cases, the composition may include nitric oxide and/or peptides such as thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and/or GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone). The nitric oxide and/or peptide may be present within a first phase comprising a lecithin, such as phosphatidylcholine. In certain embodiments, the lecithin is present in liposomes, micelles, or other structures containing nitric oxide. The composition can take the form of a gel, a cream, a lotion, an ointment, a solution, a solid “stick,” etc., that can be rubbed or sprayed onto the skin. Other aspects of the present invention are generally directed to methods of making or using such compositions, methods of promoting such compositions, kits including such compositions, or the like.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for topical or transdermal delivery, treatment of skin, and improving the appearance of skin, e.g., medically or cosmetically. In some cases, the composition may include nitric oxide and/or peptides such as thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and/or GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone). The nitric oxide and/or peptide may be present within a first phase comprising a lecithin, such as phosphatidylcholine. In certain embodiments, the lecithin is present in liposomes, micelles, or other structures containing nitric oxide, peptides, or both. The composition can take the form of a gel, a cream, a lotion, an ointment, a solution, a solid “stick,” etc., that can be rubbed or sprayed onto the skin. Other aspects of the present invention are generally directed to methods of making or using such compositions, methods of promoting such compositions, kits including such compositions, or the like.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for topical or transdermal delivery, e.g., for affecting mood states. In some cases, the composition may include nitric oxide and/or peptides. The nitric oxide and/or peptide may be present within a first phase comprising a lecithin, such as phosphatidylcholine. In certain embodiments, the lecithin is present in liposomes, micelles, or other vesicles containing nitric oxide, peptides, or both. The composition can take the form of a gel, a cream, a lotion, an ointment, a solution, a solid “stick,” etc., that can be rubbed or sprayed onto the skin. Other aspects of the present invention are generally directed to methods of making or using such compositions, methods of promoting such compositions, kits including such compositions, or the like.

Abstract: A substrate mimicking intercellular lipids in stratum corneum consisting of a substrate and a lipid membrane formed on the substrate, wherein the lipid membrane is formed from ceramide, palmitic acid and cholesterol, and the ceramide, palmitic acid and cholesterol are present at a mass ratio of 20-70%:10-60%:20-40% (ceramide:palmitic acid:cholesterol).

Abstract: In various embodiments, players around the casino may predict cards to be dealt in a game of blackjack.

Abstract: A control solution packet for calibrating a bodily fluid sampling device includes a container, a control solution pressurized within the container, and a membrane for covering and sealing the container. The control solution can be pressurized before or during calibration so as to ensure the appropriate amount of control solution is delivered to the bodily fluid sampling device. The control solution is manufactured to have a viscosity that controls delivery of the control solution to the device. The membrane is permeable by a piercing device of the bodily fluid sampling device and seals around the piercing device during calibration. In another aspect, the container is in the form of a capsule or dosing attachment that contains the control solution along with a sponge-like material.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection of DHA and EPA. In a particular aspect, the invention relates to methods for detecting DHA and EPA by mass spectrometry and kits for carrying out such methods.

Abstract: A Mixture of substances is provided for precise calibration of the mass scale of mass spectrometers equipped with ion sources that operate at atmospheric pressure (AP) with ionization of the analyte molecules, for example by APCI (chemical ionization), or by APPI (photoionization), often at high temperatures of up to 470° C. Out of physical reasons, the mass scale of any time-of-flight mass spectrometer deviates in the lower mass range from the theoretical relation between charge-related mass m/z and flight time t. A closely spaced arrangement of low mass calibration reference points is necessary if high mass accuracy is to be achieved for substances of low molecular weight. APCI and APPI sources are increasingly used in time-of-flight mass spectrometers with orthogonal ion injection (OTOF MS) for the detection of non-polar and weakly polar compounds, in particular, for analyte molecules with relatively low molecular weights.

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-invasive diagnostic method of endometrial receptivity which includes collecting and comparing lipid biomarker patterns to reference lipidomic biomarkers, particularly prostaglandins PGE2 and/or PGF2?. The method is especially applicable for determining status fertility of a mammalian female, preferably, a woman.

Abstract: Methods, reports and systems for generating insulin resistance indexes for assessing decreased insulin sensitivity and/or levels of insulin resistance using a plurality of different measured lipoprotein particle parameters.

Abstract: Methods for accurately comparing the levels of ionizable lipids in two cell populations that differ in some respect from each other using mass spectroscopy and isotopic labeling are provided. The methods can be used to identify a change in a lipid of interest in response to a cellular, chemical, genetic, or environmental change to the cell population (i.e., a lipid response to a cell perturbation). The change in the lipid of interest can be a change in composition, rate of synthesis, and/or location of the lipid.

Abstract: A game of chance is disclosed that looks like a multi-line gaming machine having a matrix of rows and columns of positions for displaying slot symbols or cards to a player. A player wagers to play one or more games but the actual pay lines are dynamically determined by events that occur during the course of game play, not before. Per the teaching of the invention a number of bonus pay lines and their routing are dynamically determined during the course of game play of slots or cards dependent on choices made by a player during game play.

Abstract: A method of screening an antioxidant for potency and/or toxicity in vitro, the method includes contacting the antioxidant with a model system containing a sterol superlattice formation capable of generating a detectable signal, wherein the detectable signal changes in a parameter representative of an integrity of the sterol superlattice formation; and detecting and/or measuring disruption of the sterol superlattice formation, wherein the disruption is caused by the insertion of the antioxidant into membranes and thereby screening the antioxidant for potency and/or toxicity.

Abstract: A method for preparing a composition that includes selecting a pH of the composition; selecting a first buffer with a negative temperature coefficient; selecting a second buffer with a positive temperature coefficient; and forming the composition comprising the first buffer and the second buffer. The composition has an average temperature coefficient, ?pH/?T(Ta,Tb)?1×10?3 pH-unit/K and a ?pH(Ta,Tb)?0.31 pH-unit for Ta=4 K and Tb=313 K.

Abstract: Control and calibration solutions are described that provide control and calibration data that is recognized by a test meter allowing the meter to segregate the control and calibration data from regular test data. Recognition and segregation of the control and calibration data can occur automatically with no additional input from the meter's user. Methods for use of the solutions are also provided.

Abstract: A control solution packet for calibrating a bodily fluid sampling device includes a container, a control solution pressurized within the container, and a membrane for covering and sealing the container. The control solution can be pressurized before or during calibration so as to ensure the appropriate amount of control solution is delivered to the bodily fluid sampling device. The control solution is manufactured to have a viscosity that controls delivery of the control solution to the device. The membrane is permeable by a piercing device of the bodily fluid sampling device and seals around the piercing device during calibration. In another aspect, the container is in the form of a capsule or dosing attachment that contains the control solution along with a sponge-like material.

Abstract: A reagent for fractional measurement of small, dense LDLs without pretreatment of a specimen, which is adaptable to a rapid and convenient autoanalyzer, is provided. A method for quantitatively determining cholesterol in small, dense LDLs in a sample is further provided. The method includes first step of eliminating lipoproteins other than small, dense LDLs in a sample in the presence of cholesterol esterase and 0.05 g/L to 1.0 g/L of a surfactant that acts on the lipoproteins other than small, dense LDLs, and a second step of quantitatively determining cholesterol in small dense LDLs that remain after the first step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the early detection or monitoring of neurodegenerative diseases and neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease. The invention provides biomarkers based on lipid profiles of biological samples and methods for using the biomarkers for the detection of neurodegenerative diseases and neurological disorders.

Abstract: The invention provides an accurate, economical, automatable, high throughput method for the determination of the concentration of glycosaminoglycan anticoagulants, including low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) anticoagulants, in aqueous solutions. A method for cleaning a unit of manufacturing equipment used in the preparation of a LMWH to obtain an acceptable residual concentration of LMWH is further provided.

Abstract: Compositions related to the quantitative trait locus 6 (QTL6) in maize and methods for their use are provided. The compositions are novel molecular marker loci that are genetically linked with QTL6 and which are associated with increased oil content and/or increased oleic acid content and/or an increased oleic acid/linoleic acid ratio of a plant or plant part thereof. These novel markers are characterized by the presence of at least one polymorphism relative to the corresponding marker locus from the QTL6 region of non-high-oil, non-high-oleic acid maize plants. In some embodiments, the novel marker loci comprise coding sequence for a maize DGAT1-2 polypeptide or biologically active variant thereof.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic method and instrumentation system for analyzing noncovalently bonded agglomerated biological particles is described. The method and system comprises: a method of preparation for the biological particles; an electrospray generator; an alpha particle radiation source; a differential mobility analyzer; a particle counter; and data acquisition and analysis means. The medical device is useful for the assessment of human diseases, such as cardiac disease risk and hyperlipidemia, by rapid quantitative analysis of lipoprotein fraction densities. Initially, purification procedures are described to reduce an initial blood sample to an analytical input to the instrument. The measured sizes from the analytical sample are correlated with densities, resulting in a spectrum of lipoprotein densities. The lipoprotein density distribution can then be used to characterize cardiac and other lipid-related health risks.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for lipoprotein uptake assay. These compositions and methods may be used for lipoprotein uptake assays, including high-throughput assays. The disclosed compositions and method may further be used to characterize the activity agents that inhibit or stimulate lipoprotein uptake.

Abstract: A method of screening an antioxidant for potency and/or toxicity in vitro, the method includes contacting the antioxidant with a model system comprising a sterol superlattice formation capable of generating a detectable signal, wherein the detectable signal changes in a parameter representative of an integrity of the sterol superlattice formation; and detecting and/or measuring disruption of the sterol superlattice formation, wherein the disruption is caused by oxidation of sterol upon contacting sterol with a prooxidant and the antioxidant and thereby screening the antioxidant for potency and/or toxicity.

Abstract: Method as well a kit for the performance of the method for the investigation of biological samples from a mammal for at least one component, wherein the method includes the following steps: (a) Administering at least one marker substance to a mammal; (b) Waiting for a length of time which is sufficient for the at least one marker substance to reach the location of sample removal; (c) Removing a biological sample from the mammal; (d) Investigating the biological sample for the presence and/or amount of at least one marker substance or a derivative thereof; and, if the at least one marker substance or the derivative thereof is detectable in the biological sample; (e) Investigating the biological sample for an analyte.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for monitoring drug compliance by detecting markers, such as odors, upon exhalation by a patient after medication is taken, wherein such markers result either directly from the medication itself or from an additive combined with the medication. In the case of olfactory markers, the invention preferably utilizes electronic sensor technology, such as the commercial devices referred to as “artificial noses” or “electronic noses,” to non-invasively monitor compliance. The invention further includes a reporting system capable of tracking compliance (remote or proximate) and providing the necessary alerts.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to quantitate with good accuracy, furthermore, quantitate absolutely, one or a plurality of biological molecules in a sample such as a tissue, a biological fluid, a cell, a cell organ or protein complex. By adding a metabolically isotope labeled biological molecule as an internal standard substance and measuring with a mass spectrometer, quantitating with good accuracy one or a plurality of target molecules in a sample has become possible. In addition, by performing waveform separation processing during mass analysis, a highly accurate quantitative analysis method of mass analysis is provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for automatically differentiating between a sample liquid and a control liquid especially within the context of analytical measuring systems, wherein the presence of a special property of the control liquid and/or at least two criteria are used for the differentiation. In addition the invention concerns appropriate control liquids that are suitable for the new method.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic method and instrumentation system for analyzing noncovalently bonded agglomerated biological particles is described. The method and system comprises: a method of preparation for the biological particles; an electrospray generator; an alpha particle radiation source; a differential mobility analyzer; a particle counter; and data acquisition and analysis means. The medical device is useful for the assessment of human diseases, such as cardiac disease risk and hyperlipidemia, by rapid quantitative analysis of lipoprotein fraction densities. Initially, purification procedures are described to reduce an initial blood sample to an analytical input to the instrument. The measured sizes from the analytical sample are correlated with densities, resulting in a spectrum of lipoprotein densities. The lipoprotein density distribution can then be used to characterize cardiac and other lipid-related health risks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assay for determining the levels of sterols, stanols, steryl esters, fatty acid derivatives and combinations thereof in a starch-containing food product. The assay is particularly useful in supporting product health and/or nutritional claims in manufacturing products intended for human or animal consumption. The present invention describes a method for extracting sterols related compounds and uses as an internal standard a steryl ester, preferably cholesteryl oleate. By using the present extraction technique the process enables the recovery of substantially all of the sterol related compound in the sample.

Abstract: A method having clinically sufficient degree of diagnostic accuracy for detecting the presence of coronary artery disease in a human patient from the general population and for distinguishing between the stages of the disease in that patient is disclosed. The stages are, first, the non-acute stage, which is either asymptomatic coronary artery disease or stable angina, second, the acute stage known as unstable angina, and, third, the acute stage known as acute myocardial infarction. The diseased state (as opposed to the non-diseased state) is indicated by the clinically significant presence of a first marker in a sample from the patient. The presence of one of the two acute stages, unstable angina or acute myocardial infarction, is indicated by the clinically significant presence of a second marker in a sample from the patient. The presence of the more severe acute stage known as acute myocardial infarction is indicated by the clinically significant presence of a third marker in a sample from the patient.

Abstract: A method for determination of at least one of the lipid species in a biological sample comprising subjecting the sample to lipid extraction to obtain a lipid extract and subjecting the resulting lipid extract to multidimensional electrospray ionization mass spectrometry using either precursor ion or neutral loss scanning (or both) of all naturally occurring aliphatic chains, lipid fragments and precursor ions leading to observed fragments to generate a multidimensional matrix whose contour densities provides structural and quantitative information directly without chromatography. A method for determination of lipid content and/or lipid molecular species composition and quantity directly from lipid extracts of a biological sample comprising subjecting said lipid extract to electrospray ionization multidimensional mass spectrometry by comparisons to standards and algorithms described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the early detection or monitoring of neurodegenerative diseases and neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease. The invention provides biomarkers based on lipid profiles of biological samples and methods for using the biomarkers for the detection of neurodegenerative diseases and neurological disorders.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, a method is provided that comprises determining a first strategy for play of a game and a second strategy for play of the game, selecting at least one final outcome of the game that cannot result from the first strategy, and increasing a payout ratio associated with the selected at least one final outcome.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a data base which contains data for HDL2b, LDL IIIa & LDL IIIb and LDL IVb subclasses all in mg/Dl and which is correlated to cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: The present invention is a composition comprising a plant sterol and a soy protein material and/or and isoflavone selected from genistein, daidzein, glycitein, biochanin A, formononetin, and their naturally occurring glycosides, where the plant sterol comprises at least 0.49% of the composition, by weight. The present invention is also a method for decreasing the blood concentration of total and LDL cholesterol in a human in which a plant sterol and a soy protein material and/or an isoflavone are co-administered to the human, where the plant sterol comprises at least 0.49%, by weight, of the combined weight of the plant sterol and the soy protein material and/or the isoflavone. The present invention is also a method for preventing or minimizing the development of atherosclerosis in a human in which a plant sterol and a soy protein material and/or an isoflavone are co-administered to the human, where the plant sterol comprises at least 0.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic method and instrumentation system for analyzing noncovalently bonded agglomerated biological particles is described. The method and system comprises: a method of preparation for the biological particles; an electrospray generator; an alpha particle radiation source; a differential mobility analyzer; a particle counter; and data acquisition and analysis means. The medical device is useful for the assessment of human diseases, such as cardiac disease risk and hyperlipidemia, by rapid quantitative analysis of lipoprotein fraction densities. Initially, purification procedures are described to reduce an initial blood sample to an analytical input to the instrument. The measured sizes from the analytical sample are correlated with densities, resulting in a spectrum of lipoprotein densities. The lipoprotein density distribution can then be used to characterize cardiac and other lipid-related health risks.

Abstract: The invention describes materials useful for calibrating methods, and standards, calibration verification, linearity, and quality control materials for any method used to detect lipids and/or lipoproteins. This invention describes methods for producing, and compositions produced thereby, stable lipid controls, standards, and reagents including a stabilizing amount of TDPA, and further including a known amount of a substantially pure constituent of interest, including total cholesterol (CHOL), triglycerides (TRIG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), APO lipoprotein A (APO-A), APO Lipoprotein B (APO-B), low density lipoprotein (LDL), apolipoprotein a Lp(a) and other lipoprotein moieties useful for calibrating, standardizing, verifying, quality control, and the like, relating to use of an instrument for assessing the level of such constituents in a sample.

Abstract: A method having clinically sufficient degree of diagnostic accuracy for detecting the presence of coronary artery disease in a human patient from the general population and for distinguishing between the stages of the disease in that patient is disclosed. The stages are, first, the non-acute stage, which is either asymptomatic coronary artery disease or stable angina, second, the acute stage known as unstable angina, and, third, the acute stage known as acute myocardial infarction. The diseased state (as opposed to the non-diseased state) is indicated by the clinically significant presence of a first marker in a sample from the patient. The presence of one of the two acute stages, unstable angina or acute myocardial infarction, is indicated by the clinically significant presence of a second marker in a sample from the patient. The presence of the more severe acute stage known as acute myocardial infarction is indicated by the clinically significant presence of a third marker in a sample from the patient.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel protein having a lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase-like activity, etc. or its salt, a precursor protein of the protein or its salt, a partial peptide of the protein or its salt; a DNA coding for the protein; a recombinant vector; a transformant; a method for producing the protein, a pharmaceutical composition comprising the protein, the partial peptide or its salt; and an antibody to the protein or the partial peptide. The protein, the partial peptide or its salt, and the DNA are useful as an agent for treating or preventing arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, hypercalorism, obesity or hypertriglyceridemia. The antibody can be used in assay of the protein, the partial peptide or its salt. The protein, the partial peptide or its salt is useful as a reagent for the screening for candidate medical compounds.

Abstract: Heart and brain fatty acid binding proteins (H-FABP, B-FABP) are markers for stroke. The invention provides a diagnostic assay for either of these markers, preferably by ELISA using anti-H-FABP or B-FABP antibody. Since H-FABP is also a marker for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), to distinguish stroke from AMI requires an assay specific to AMI, e.g. using troponin-I or creatine kinase-MB as a marker, also to be carried out.

Abstract: A novel monoclonal antibody which specifically binds to apo-B-48 is disclosed. The monoclonal antibody specifically binds to apo-B-48 but does not bind to apo-B-100.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of infant respiratory distress syndrome and acute lung injury (including adult respiratory distress syndrome) which contains C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH) and lung surfactant which comprises a lung surfactant protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assay for determining the levels of sterols, stanols, steryl esters, fatty acid derivatives and combinations thereof in a starch-containing food product. The assay is particularly useful in supporting product health and/or nutritional claims in manufacturing products intended for human or animal consumption. The present invention describes a method for extracting sterols related compounds and uses as an internal standard a steryl ester, preferably cholesterol oleate. By using the present extraction technique the process enables the recovery of substantially all of the sterol related compound in the sample.

Abstract: A game machine is provided with first, second and third reel rows, and each of the reel rows executes slot game independent from each other. The number of reel rows to be actuated is increased in proportion to the number of bet coins. When less than three coins are betted, a first privilege providing section is operated to judge whether the first winning is generated. The first and a second privilege providing sections are operated to judge whether the first winning and a second winning are generated when four coins are betted. Dividend coins are provided in the first winning and a free game in the second winning. A player may play slot game without betting a coin in the free game.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a lipid membrane whose permeability to substances is high and strongly correlated with the permeability of biomembranes to drugs and which therefore is suitable for rapid measurement. The present invention provides a membrane comprising an unsaturated C7-C9 hydrocarbon and a lipid.

Abstract: Novel nitric-oxide releasing lipid molecules are provided which comprise a lipid molecule selected from (a) phosphoglycerides, (b) lipids having a sphingosine base as a backbone, (c) monoacylglyerols, (d) diacylglycerols, (e) glycosylacylglycerols, wherein the lipid molecole is provided with a nitric-oxide contianing group which comprises a (a) a —S—N═O moiety, (b) a —O—N═O moiety, or (c) a moiety. Also provided are methods of forming such nitric oxide releasing lipid molecules. Various pharmaceutical compositions, topical liquids and drug delivery systems comprising the ntric-oxide releasing lipid molecules are also described. Further provided are methods for therapeutically administering nitric oxide to patients, methods for treating or preventing various conditions, methods for promoting wound healing and methods for reducing the cells present in an atherosclerotic lesion which methods utilize the nitric-oxide releasing lipid molecules.

Abstract: Aqueous solutions of steroid compounds which have biological activity and have a tendency to oxidative degradation at temperatures between 2 and 8° C. on storage in excess of several months are stabilized by the addition of chelators. Aqueous solutions of particular interest are protein containing solutions which mimic the behavior of human bodily fluids such as serum and are therefore suitable as standards for immunoassays for steroids in such bodily fluids. Chelators of particular interest are transition metal chelators especially those which efficiently sequester iron.

Abstract: The invention provides a data base of LDL, I, Ia, IIb, IIIa, IIb, IVa, IVb and HDL2a, HDL2b, HDL 3a, HDL 3b and HDL 3c together with patient data such as HDL-C, LDL-C, Apo A, ApoB, Lp(a) and patient personal data useful for treatment, diagnosing, and monitoring cardiovascular disease. The data base contains the LDL and HDL subfraction data in quantitative mg/dl values and permits deriving relationship amongst the LDL and HDL values and cardiovascular disease. Quantitative data permits more effective treatment and monitoring of cardiovascular disease. For example, quantitative differences in LDL and HDL subclass levels can determine the need for more or less aggressive treatment. The data base which includes patient events, procedures, interventions which is correlated to LDL and HD1 quantitative subclass data permits development of personalized patient treatment plans and monitoring the effectiveness of such treatment.