Abstract: The invention discloses a detergent-compatible protein assay method, composition and kit based on bio-conjugation reaction between protein and Meldrum's acid activated furfural. The method includes adding MAF in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to a protein sample solution. The amine functionalities present on the amino acid residues reacts with the MAF instantaneously at room temperature to yield deep purple colored solutions of the corresponding conjugated proteins. The reagent composition added to protein may be in the range of 90-450 mM. The intensities of purple colored solutions were proportional to the protein concentration captured by spectrophotometric measurements. The assay is sensitive in the range of 0.125-15 mg/mL, is compatible with commonly used detergents and reducing agents in protein solutions and may be employed for estimation of protein samples in the presence of detergents and reducing agents.

Abstract: A portable monitoring strip reader may include one or more light sensors for reading urine monitoring strips. The monitoring strip reader may collect light intensity information and transmit the information to an application on a portable electronic device for analysis. The application may determine concentrations of analytes and diagnose conditions or illnesses where a concentration is too high or too low. In some aspects, the application may use machine learning models such as an anomaly detection model, diagnosis model, and measurement model.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-EMAP II antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, a nucleic acid molecule for coding the same, or a preparation method thereof. Also, the present invention provides a method for using the anti-EMAP II antibody or the antigen-binding fragment thereof in preventing, treating or diagnosing EMAP II-mediated diseases, for example, TNF-?-mediated disease or Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for using the anti-EMAP II antibody or the antigen-binding fragment thereof in detecting or quantifying an EMAP II antigen. The antibody of the present invention may exhibit a more improved antigen-binding capacity compared to existing anti-EMAP antibodies and may treat the TNF-?-mediated disease more effectively.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide: a method for predicting the prognosis for kidney disease for a subject on the basis of the amount of D- and L-amino acids, from a blood sample; and an analysis system that determines prognosis predictions. This purpose is achieved by using at least one amino acid to predict the prognosis for kidney disease, said amino acid being selected from the group consisting of D-serine, D-asparagine, D-proline, D-alanine, D-leucine, D-lysine, D-allo-isoleucine, L-glutamic acid, L-alanine, L-tryptophan, and L-asparagine.

Abstract: Systems and methods electronic barcoding of particles. The methods comprise: performing operations by a spin coater to spin coat a single layer of particles onto a substrate; performing operations by a heat applicator to apply heat to the substrate so as to evaporate a liquid; and performing operations by at least one material depositor to transform the particles into Electronically Barcoded Particles (“EBPs”). EBPs are fabricated by: coating a portion of each said particle of the particles with a first conductive layer; depositing an insulative layer on the first conductive layer; and/or depositing a second conductive layer on the insulative layer so as to form a parallel plate capacitor on the particle. The parallel plate capacitor is tuned so that the particle has a capacitance that is different than the capacitances of other ones of the electronically barcoded particles.

Abstract: The optical analyte detector is a photonic detector that uses a measured wavelength shift to determine the presence of an analyte. An open cell is formed in an optical layer for receiving a sample to be analyzed. A transition metal dichalcogenide monolayer defines a bottom wall of the open cell, and the transition metal dichalcogenide monolayer is formed directly above a microring resonator. A waveguide is positioned adjacent to the open cell, and is spaced apart therefrom by a gap. The waveguide is coupled to the microring resonator, and the transition metal dichalcogenide monolayer is functionalized with an adsorbed layer for detection of a specific analyte. Molecular binding takes place if a sample of the analyte contacts the adsorbed layer, which induces a wavelength shift in light transmitted through the waveguide. The presence of this measured wavelength shift indicates positive detection of the analyte.

Abstract: This invention provides for an improved method for differentially diagnosing ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome. Current practice for differentially diagnosing ectopic ACTH syndrome and Cushing's Disease measures relative ACTH concentrations from the inferior petrosal venous sinus compared to fluid obtained from a periphery venous sample. This is performed before and after administration of exogenous corticotropin releasing factor, or after administration of metyrapone. This invention uses glucocorticoid receptor antagonists to induce release of endogenous CRH which stimulates ACTH to increase in patients with ectopic ACTH syndrome but not in those with Cushing's Disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compounds that target thrombocyte activity or aggregation capacity through cellular components for the treatment of diseases associated with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). The invention provides these compounds for treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a progressed stage of NAFL (non-alcoholic fatty liver), in order to avoid the development of liver cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). Further provided are pharmaceutical compositions, comprising the compounds of the invention, and methods for screening new NASH therapeuticals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bioconjugates and labeled derivatives of anatoxin-a, at different positions of the molecule, suitable for producing antibodies with high affinity and specificity for anatoxin-a. At the same time, the present invention also relates to the use of bioconjugates of anatoxin-a and labeled derivatives of anatoxin-a as assay antigens. Moreover, the present invention also relates to methods for analyzing, concentrating and extracting anatoxin-a using the antibodies obtained, sometimes together with assay antigens which are bioconjugates or labeled derivatives. This invention also provides a kit for analyzing anatoxin-a which comprises antibodies against this cyanotoxin sometimes together with assay antigens which are bioconjugates or labeled derivatives of anatoxin-a.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tube furnace device for an atomizing furnace and to an analyzing apparatus comprising an atomizing furnace and a tube furnace device, in particular for atomic absorption spectrometry, the tube furnace device comprising a sample carrier means (11) and a bearing means (12) for supporting and forming electrical contact with the sample carrier means, the sample carrier means having a receiving tube (16) forming a tubular receiving space (17) for receiving an analyte, the sample carrier means having two bearing protrusions on the receiving tube for forming a connection with the bearing means, the bearing protrusions extending perpendicularly, preferably orthogonally, in relation to a longitudinal axis of the receiving tube, wherein the tube furnace device has a contact pressure means (13) via which a contact pressure force (14) can be exerted on the bearing protrusions in the direction of a passant line (20) in relation to a circular cross section (21) of the receiving tube.

Abstract: A mobile device reads a test strip to determine a chemical condition of a liquid or a user inputs a treatment plan into the mobile device. The mobile device transmits the determined chemical condition or the input treatment plan to a liquid treatment system which treats the fluid in response to the determined chemical condition or the input treatment plan.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for associating a genetic variant with intraretinal fluid. Also disclosed herein are methods and compositions for associating a genetic variant with visual acuity, anatomic outcomes or treatment frequency.

Abstract: A liquid voltage is applied to a first side of a lipid bilayer. The liquid voltage comprises a tag-reading period with a tag-reading voltage that tends to capture a tag into a nanopore in the lipid bilayer and an open-channel period with an open-channel voltage that tends to repel the tag. A pre-charging voltage source is connected to an integrating capacitor and a working electrode on a second side of the lipid bilayer during a pre-charging time period, such that the integrating capacitor and the working electrode are charged to a pre-charging voltage. The pre-charging voltage source is disconnected from the integrating capacitor and the working electrode during an integrating time period, such that a voltage of the integrating capacitor and a voltage of the working electrode may vary as a current flows through the nanopore. The pre-charging time period overlaps with a beginning portion of the tag-reading period.

Abstract: Systems, techniques and compositions can detect and measure a target substance, such as THC, in a constituent sample from exhaled human breath.

Abstract: A system, device, and method for detecting and quantifying an analyte in a liquid include a vial having one or more pre-dosed reagents disposed in the vial. The vial is configured to hold a volume of a liquid including an analyte. The one or more pre-dosed reagents are dissolvable in the volume of the liquid to form a sample liquid solution comprising chromophores or fluorophores. The analyte and the one or more pre-dosed reagents react to yield the chromophores or fluorophores. The system further includes a detection device including a chamber configured to retain the vial, the detection device configured to quantify the analyte in the sample liquid solution. A device and method may perform the functions of the system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are unique single stranded DNA oligonucleotide products identified as binding with high affinity and specificity to ovarian tumor cells that may be used in the delivery of therapy to and diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of calibrating an in-vitro diagnostic analyzer is disclosed. The method includes executing a multi-point calibration procedure including measuring a plurality of calibrator levels and thereby obtaining a plurality of respective calibration points. The method further includes calculating a result of the multi-point calibration procedure and determining failure or passing of the multi-point calibration procedure based on the calculated result. In case of failure of the multi-point calibration procedure, the method includes determining if failure is related to one or more individual failed calibration point(s), and in the affirmative, triggering a repetition of measuring the calibrator level(s) only with respect to the failed calibration point(s) and re-calculating the result of the multi-point calibration procedure after replacing only the failed calibration point(s) with the newly obtained calibration point(s).

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition includes polymer units ? and ?, each having a hydrophilic polymer chain bound to a cationic polymer chain, and a drug. The polymer units ? and ? are radially arranged such that the cationic polymer chains are directed inward and the hydrophilic polymer chains are directed outward, thereby forming a micelle with the drug encapsulated in the micelle. The cationic polymer chain of the polymer unit ? has a phenylboronic acid group in a side chain, and the cationic polymer chain of the polymer unit ? has a phenylboronic acid binding site in a side chain. The phenylboronic acid group and the phenylboronic acid binding site form a cross-linked structure that can dissociate in an acidic environment and/or in the presence of a substance capable of competitive binding.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to lanthanide nanocrystals as ultraviolet downconverters.

Abstract: Method and system for compensating intensity biases in a plurality of digital images. Each digital image of the plurality of digital images contains a plurality of objects and each of the plurality of objects is configured to receive at least one molecule comprising genetic information, wherein the at least one molecule is configured to receive one of at least a first fluorescent compound and a second fluorescent compound. A first digital image of the plurality of digital images is taken by an optical imaging system during emission of electromagnetic radiation by the first fluorescent compound, and a second digital image of the plurality of digital images is taken by the optical imaging system during emission of electromagnetic radiation by the second fluorescent compound.

Abstract: An inorganic nanoparticle is provided (step A) having the size of the aggregate of the protein misfolding disease. Free amino groups or free carboxyl groups are formed (step B) on the surface of the nanoparticle (for functionalizing the nanoparticle surface into an amine- or carboxy-functionalized nanoparticle. Maleinimido spacer carboxylic acid is bound to the free amino groups in step (B). Or, free carboxyl groups in step (B) are converted into NHS esters. Monomers of the protein aggregate are bound i) to the maleinimido spacer carboxylic acids by way of a sulfhydryl group at the free end of the monomers, or ii) to the NHS esters by way of the amino group at the free end of the monomer. A standard is provided for use in the detection of protein aggregates occurring with protein misfolding diseases.

Abstract: A method of determining suitability of a pregnant woman to be a candidate for induction of labor can include: obtaining a vaginal fluid sample from a pregnant woman; contacting the vaginal fluid sample with a PAMG-1 antibody that binds with PAMG-1; detecting whether the PAMG-1 antibody binds with PAMG-1 in the vaginal fluid sample to form a PAMG-1-antibody complex; and providing the determination of suitability for induction of labor to the pregnant woman. When the PAMG-1-antibody complex forms, the pregnant woman is determined to be in a condition that is not suitable for induction of labor because PAMG-1 is detected in the vaginal sample. When the PAMG-1-antibody complex does not form, the pregnant woman is determined to be in a condition that is suitable to be a candidate for induction of labor because the PAMG-1 is not detected in the vaginal sample.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein provides a method and a device for detection of one or more bacteria in a sample.

Abstract: A composition comprising submicron particles covered by a monolayer of nucleic acid wherein the nucleic acid may be recovered from the submicron particles is claimed. Methods of attaching a nucleic acid to an object for authentication and methods of authenticating an object are also claimed.

Abstract: A microarray carrier assembly including a scan tray and a plurality of microarray blocks detachably disposed on the scan tray is provided. The scan tray includes a frame including an opening and a slot, and a transparent substrate covering the opening of the frame. Each of the microarray blocks includes a main body, a probe array distributed on the main body and facing towards the transparent substrate of the scan tray, and a plurality of guiding pins disposed on the main body and surrounding the probe array, wherein a top surface area of the guiding pin opposite to the main body is less than a bottom surface area of the guiding pin connected to the main body, and the guiding pins are detachably inserted into the slot of the frame of the scan tray.

Abstract: Provided is a biological sensing system, including a nanowire field-effect transistor and a sensing chip. A gate terminal of the nanowire FET surrounds a gate of a silicon nanowire or a gate of a silicon nanobelt, diameter of the silicon nanowire is less than 20 nm. A sensing electrode of the sensing chip is coupled to the gate terminal of the nanowire FET. An area ratio of an electrode area of the sensing electrode to a total sensing chip area, a thickness ratio of an oxide thickness of sensing electrode to a bulk oxide dielectric film thickness of the sensing chip and a capacitance ratio of an electrode capacitor of the sensing electrode to a gate capacitor of the silicon nanowire or a gate capacitor of the silicon nanobelt are optimized by means of an equivalent circuit so that potential coupling efficiency between sensing electrode and gate is optimized.

Abstract: A method for distinguishing prostate cancer from prostatic hypertrophy using the method for analyzing PSA and an analysis kit of PSA are provided. An object of the present invention can be solved by being brought into contact a lectin having an affinity for p-N-acetylgalactosamine residues and/or a lectin having an affinity for fucose a(I, 2) galactose residues with a sample possibly containing PSA, to determine an amount of PSA having an affinity for the lectin. A method for distinguishing prostate cancer from prostatic hypertrophy can be provided by this method.

Abstract: This invention provides Degronimers that have carbon-linked E3 Ubiquitin Ligase targeting moieties (Degrons), which can be linked to a targeting ligand for a protein that has been selected for in vivo degradation, and methods of use and compositions thereof as well as methods for their preparation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for assessing whether a patient suffers from cancer, such as hepatocellular carcinoma, or is prone to suffering from cancer, such as hepatocellular carcinoma, wherein said method comprises determining the amount of soluble AXL in a sample from the patient. The patient is assessed to suffer from cancer or to be prone to suffering from cancer when the amount of soluble AXL is increased in comparison to a control. The present invention relates to the use of soluble AXL for assessing whether a patient suffers from cancer, such as hepatocellular carcinoma, or is prone to suffering from cancer, such as hepatocellular carcinoma. Also a kit for use in the methods of the present invention is provided.

Abstract: A method of determining the concentration of at least one analyte in a plurality of samples by sequentially subjecting each sample to an analysis cycle comprises contacting the sample or a sample-derived solution with a sensor surface supporting a species capable of specifically binding the analyte or an analyte-binding species, detecting the amount of binding to the sensor surface, and regenerating the sensor surface to prepare it for the next analytical cycle, and based on the detected binding to the sensor surface determining the concentration of analyte in each sample using virtual calibration data calculated for each analysis cycle from real calibration data obtained by contacting the solid phase with samples containing known concentrations of analyte.

Abstract: A fluorescence reader includes a base frame having an open part formed at the front thereof so that a diagnostic cartridge is inserted therein and having an inner space therein, an optical module disposed in the inner space of the base frame, and disposed to be positioned above the diagnostic cartridge inserted through the open part to irradiate a light to the diagnostic cartridge; a driving module for moving the optical module; and a sensor module for sensing the insertion of the diagnostic cartridge and the position of the optical module. The fluorescence signal reader automatically calculates a measurement time when a user loads a solution, thus improving detection accuracy and shortening a detection time.

Abstract: In methods of separating, moving, and detecting a vesicle of the present invention, either a vesicular-shaped lipid membrane structure containing a membrane-fusogenic lipid capable of being fused with a vesicle having a lipid bilayer membrane, or a lipid-membrane-structure-immobilization carrier, in which a lipid membrane structure containing a membrane-fusogenic lipid capable of being fused with a vesicle having a lipid bilayer membrane is immobilized on a carrier, is brought into contact with a sample containing the vesicle such that membrane fusion occurs between the lipid membrane structure and the vesicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides bis-polymer lipid-peptide conjugates containing a hydrophobic block and headgroup containing a helical peptide and two polymer blocks. The conjugates can self-assemble to form helix bundle subunits, which in turn assemble to provide micellar nanocarriers for drug cargos and other agents. Particles containing the conjugates and methods for forming the particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measuring the cholesterol uptake capacity of lipoproteins. The present invention also relates to a reagent kit for measuring the cholesterol uptake capacity of lipoproteins. The present invention further relates to a tagged cholesterol which can be used in the method and the reagent kit.

Abstract: Element tags based on novel metal-polymer conjugates are provided for elemental analysis of analytes, including ICP-MS. A polymer backbone is functionalized to irreversibly bind metals that are selected prior to use by the user. The polymer is further functionalized to attach a linker which allows for attachment to antibodies or other affinity reagents. The polymer format allows attachment of many copies of a given isotope, which linearly improves sensitivity. The metal-polymer conjugate tags enable multiplexed assay in two formats: bulk assay, where the average biomarker distribution in the sample is diagnostic, and single cell format to distinguish a rare (for example a diseased) cell in a complex sample (for example, blood).

Abstract: A device for sorting of rare target cells in a biological sample comprises a first row of at least two laminar-flow fluidic chambers, each comprising an inlet connected to a reservoir of a biological solution and an outlet and a last row of laminar-flow fluidic chambers equal in number to the number of chambers of the first row. Each last row fluidic chamber comprises an inlet connected to an outlet of a chamber of the first row and an outlet. A reservoir for collecting solution is connected to each outlet of the fluidic chambers of the second row, at least one pump causing a sample of the solution to circulate in the fluidic chambers of the first row then of the last row, wherein the fluidic chambers include a surface functionalized with molecules, at least some of which able to bond with a receptor molecule borne by the target cells.

Abstract: A metal oxide/silicon dioxide-coated quantum dot and a preparation method thereof are provided. The metal oxide/silicon dioxide is selected from aluminum oxide/silicon dioxide, zirconium dioxide/silicon dioxide, titanium dioxide/silicon dioxide or zinc oxide/silicon dioxide, and the content of the metal oxide/silicon dioxide in the metal oxide/silicon dioxide-coated quantum dot is 1 wt % to 98 wt %. The metal oxide/silicon dioxide-coated quantum dot is prepared by one of a sol-gel method and a pyrolysis method.

Abstract: A method for optically reading information encoded in a microfluidic device, the microfluidic device including an input microchannel, microfluidic modules, and sets of nodes. Nodes of a first set connect the input microchannel to one of the microfluidic modules, and nodes of a second set connect the one of the microfluidic modules to another to form an ordered pair of the microfluidic modules, where the nodes of the first and second sets have different liquid pinning strengths. A liquid loaded into the input microchannel causes an ordered passage of the liquid through each of the microfluidic modules in an order determined by the liquid pinning strengths of the nodes. The passage of the liquid produces an optically readable dynamic pattern which evolves in accordance with the ordered passage of the liquid through the device.

Abstract: The subject invention provides methods, assays, and products for detecting small molecules in a sample, in particular, in both clinical and field settings. The method for detecting a small-molecule target, preferably, a synthetic cathinone in a sample comprises contacting the sample with an aptamer-based sensor selective for the small-molecule target, and detecting the small-molecule target in the sample. Specifically, the method utilizes an aptamer-based sensor comprising a dye binding to a three-way junction binding domain of an aptamer. Binding of small-molecule target to the aptamer displaces the dye, generating a spectroscopic signal that can be used for detection of the small-molecule target and quantitative measurement of the target concentration.

Abstract: A system for magnetic detection includes a magneto-optical defect center material including at least one magneto-optical defect center that emits an optical signal when excited by an excitation light; a radio frequency (RF) exciter system configured to provide RF excitation to the magneto-optical defect center material; an optical light source configured to direct the excitation light to the magneto-optical defect center material; and an optical detector configured to receive the optical signal emitted by the magneto-optical defect center material.

Abstract: Methods and compounds useful to treat drug-induced diseases and conditions are provided. Methods of administering one or more MCJ-inhibiting compounds to decrease MCJ polypeptide activity in cells, tissues, and/or subjects as a treatment for a drug-induced disease or condition are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for constructing a single-stranded nucleic acid molecule for nucleic acid sequencing by means of a nanopore sequencer, said method including: a step in which at least one hairpin primer including a single-stranded region on the 3? side and a pair of primers are used to synthesize a complementary strand of template DNA that includes the target sequence; and a step in which the synthesized complementary strand forms a hairpin structure inside a molecule and a template extension reaction is carried out. The obtained nucleic acid molecule includes both the target sequence and the complementary strand thereof in the sequence. Single strand construction enables analysis by nanopore sequencing, and the sequence of only the target nucleic acid, which does not include information of the complementary strand, is repeatedly analyzed, thus enabling analysis to be conducted with greater precision by addressing the problem of sequence errors.

Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter includes labels for use in the identification of shed ALCAM in s sample from a subject. Further included are methods for characterizing, monitoring, evaluating treatment efficacy, or evaluating the progression of cancer in a subject that comprise providing a biological sample from the subject, determining the presence or amount of shed ALCAM in the biological sample, and then comparing the presence or the amount of the shed ALCAM to a reference. Differences between the presence or amount of shed ALCAM relative to the reference can be used to diagnose, prognosticate, treat, monitor, or otherwise characterize a cancer in a subject. Further provided are kits comprising a reagent and/or antibody for diagnosing, prognosticating, monitoring, or otherwise characterizing a cancer in a subject.

Abstract: The subject invention provides methods, assays and products for detecting small-molecules in a sample, in particular, in both clinical and field settings. The method for detecting a small-molecule target in a sample comprises providing a sample, contacting the sample with an aptamer-based sensor selective for the small-molecule target, and sensitively and rapidly detecting the small-molecule target in the sample. Specifically, the method utilizes EATR-amplified small-molecule sensors based on cooperative binding split aptamers (CBSAs).

Abstract: Methods, devices, and reagents are described for performing assays for hemoglobin Ale, glycated albumin, and other glycated proteins. The methods involve a ratio determination between glycated protein and non-glycated protein. In some applications, the assay utilizes LOCI for signal generation. This invention is directed to assays and corresponding devices and reagents for detection of glycated protein, particularly including glycated hemoglobin. As is generally understood, such detection is useful in the management of blood glucose levels in diabetic patients and for monitoring the status of pre-diabetic individuals.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in part, to methods and kits for rapidly determining antimicrobial susceptibility of microorganisms.

Abstract: A problem of the present invention is to provide an immunochromatographic test strip avoiding agglutination of colloidal gold while red blood cells in whole blood are agglutinated and then separated and removed in the case of using polybrene as a hemagglutinating agent and the colloidal gold conjugates as a detection reagent, and to provide immunochromatography using the test strip. To solve the problem, the present inventors reviewed the composition of the existing reagent itself from a completely different viewpoint rather than the selection of type or amount of polyanions, and as a result of extensive study on each element, the inventors surprisingly found that agglutination of colloidal gold may be suppressed by using a particular additive without neutralization by polyanions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes and devices for use in the electrochemical detection of a target in a sample. For example, silicon or glass surfaces are treated with silanes functionalized with various side chains to tune the surface wetting characteristics.

Abstract: A chemical analysis apparatus that quantitatively determines an object of detection rapidly with high sensitivity, and a pretreatment apparatus and a chemical analysis method used for the chemical analysis apparatus, are provided. The chemical analysis apparatus includes a pretreatment unit that accommodates a molecularly imprinted polymer capable of capturing a polar group-containing molecule included in a specimen. A quantification unit quantitatively determines a component included in the specimen that has been passed through the pretreatment unit.

Abstract: Microfluidic methods of assaying molecule switching are provided. Aspects of the methods include microfluidically separating a sample containing the molecule of interest and then employing the resultant separation pattern to determine a switching characteristic of the molecule. Also provided are microfluidic devices, as well as systems and kits that include the devices, which find use in practicing embodiments of the methods. The methods, devices, systems and kits find use in a variety of different applications, such as analytical and diagnostic assays.