Abstract: A microfluidic system comprising a 1st reaction zone, a 2nd reaction zone, a reagent delivery channel configured to deliver one or more reagents to the 1st reaction zone, a waste channel to remove waste from the 2nd reaction zone, a 1st sample delivery channel configured to deliver a sample to the 1st reaction zone and a 2nd sample delivery channel configured to deliver a sample to the 2nd reaction zone; wherein the microfluidic system comprises a means for retaining one or more reagents in each reaction zone; and wherein the 1st reaction zone and 2nd reaction zone are connected in series by a reaction zone channel.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for stably forming an artificial lipid membrane while suppressing the leakage and evaporation of an electrolytic solution. The present invention is an artificial lipid membrane forming method for forming an artificial lipid membrane using an artificial lipid membrane forming apparatus. The artificial lipid membrane forming apparatus comprises a first chamber, a second chamber, a dividing wall, and an artificial lipid membrane forming portion. Each of the first chamber and the second chamber has a capacity of not smaller than 10 pl and not larger than 200 ?l. The artificial lipid membrane forming method of the present invention comprises the steps of: preparing the artificial lipid membrane forming apparatus; adding to the first chamber a first electrolytic solution having a viscosity of not lower than 1.

Abstract: Disclosed are magnetic nanosensors or transducers that permit measurement of a physical parameter in an analyte via magnetic reasonance measurements, in particular of non-agglomerative assays. More particularly, in certain embodiments, the invention relates to designs of nanoparticle reagents and responsive polymer coated magnetic nanoparticles. Additionally provided are methods of use of nanoparticle reagents and responsive polymer coated magnetic nanoparticles for the detection of a stimulus or an analyte with NMR detectors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monitoring of oxidative metabolism and is, particularly, directed to a method for estimation of the lipid peroxide load or the consequent inflammatory state of a subject by measuring the concentration of the subject's oxidized HDL (high density lipoprotein) lipids. In addition, the invention is also directed to methods for the elimination of lipid peroxidation products, and attenuation of the resulting oxidative stress and inflammatory state in the human body by increasing the lipid peroxide transporting capacity of HDL.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system comprising an array of chemically sensitive sensors based on coated single walled carbon nanotubes, for measuring volatile organic compounds indicative of renal failure. Methods of breath analysis for diagnosing chronic, acute and end-stage renal failure are disclosed.

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: Embodiments of this invention relate to the analysis of mass spectral data in the quiet zones.

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: Drug release means from liposomes and a method for evaluating drug releasability of liposome preparations, which are useful for the quality control of a liposome preparation, are simple, accurate and excellent in reproducibility and are able to achieve in vivo/in vitro correlation (IVIVC), are provided. The drug release means from liposomes by causing the shift of chemical equilibrium in the inside of the liposome and the method for evaluating drug releasability by quantitatively determining the drug released to the outside of the liposome.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detection of 24S-hydroxycholesterol in hair. More specifically, a trace amount of hair is hydrolyzed under basic condition and metabolites including 24S-hydroxycholesterol are purified and extracted by solid-phase extraction (SPE). Then, after derivatization of the resulting extract with trimethylsilyl (TMS), 24S-hydroxycholesterol is detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

Abstract: The present disclosure is related to amplified fluorescence polymers (AFPs) with pendant functional groups, their derivatives and their synthesis. The amplified fluorescence polymers can be used in various biological and chemical sensors.

Abstract: Lumenectomy material is tested to determine the presence or likelihood of a condition of a patient. The lumenectomy material is in the form of at least one continuous tissue strand collected in vivo from an inner surface of a body lumen of the patient. The presence of at least one marker of a disease is determined. The disease may be hypertension, hyperlipidemia, depression, obesity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, kidney damage, or diabetes. The patient is identified as having or as likely to develop the disease if a marker of the disease is identified in the lumenectomy material of the patient.

Abstract: Thiol ester compositions, methods of making the thiol ester compositions, and methods of using the thiol ester compositions are provided. In some embodiments, the thiol ester compositions include thiol esters, hydroxy thiol esters and cross-linked thiol esters. The thiol ester composition can be used to produce cross-linked thiol esters, sulfonic acid-containing esters, sulfonate containing esters and thioacrylate containing esters. The thiol ester compositions can be used to produce polythiourethanes. The polythiourethanes can be used in fertilizers and fertilizer coatings.

Abstract: An analysis of an object dyed with fluorescent coloring agents carried out with the aid of a fluorescent microscope which is modified for improved resolving power and called a nanoscope. The method is carried out with a microscope having an optical system for visualizing and projecting a sample image to a video camera which records and digitizes images of individual fluorescence molecules and nanoparticles at a low noise, a computer for recording and processing images, a sample holder arranged in front of an object lens, a fluorescent radiation exciting source and a set of replaceable suppression filters for separating the sample fluorescent light.

Abstract: Disclosed are sterol-modified amphiphilic lipid compounds having two or more hydrophobic tails of which at least one is a sterol. Also disclosed are the processes for the synthesis of these compounds, compositions comprising such compounds, and the use of such compounds in delivery of an agent of interest, e.g., therapeutics, imaging agents, contrast materials for ultrasound applications, vaccines, biosensors, nutritional supplements and skin care products.

Abstract: A method of analyzing vitamin E components in a lipoproteinby subjecting a lipoprotein-containing sample to ion exchange chromatography to separate the lipoprotein, reacting the separated lipoprotein to a pretreating solution containing an organic solvent and a surfactant to liberate vitamin E components, and then subjecting the liberated vitamin E components to reverse phase chromatography. Also described is a method of judging various pathological conditions such as the pathological conditions of diabetes, the risks of coronary artery diseases, and the pathological conditions of myocardial infarction using levels of vitamin E components in the lipoprotein as an index.

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: The invention provides an ELISA assay for the determination of serum mast cell ?-tryptase levels using rabbit anti-tryptase as the capture antibody and alkaline phosphatase conjugated G3 as the detecting antibody. Luminescent substrate CPSD was used to enhance the assay sensitivity. Also provided are methods for aiding in the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome by detecting the serum level of ?-tryptase, histamine and/or prostaglandin E2.

Abstract: The invention provides a porous nanoscale membrane. In one embodiment, the membrane can be used as a filtration device to screen agents that disrupt or prevent molecular interactions. In one embodiment, the membrane allows for screening agents that disrupt or prevent molecular interactions using a small sample volume with efficient high-throughput screening applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides ?2 microglobulin as a biomarker for qualifying or assessing peripheral artery disease in a subject.

Abstract: Methods and kits for diagnosis and prognosis using biomarkers comprising albumin-bound protein/peptide complex (ABPPC).

Abstract: Molecular bioprofiles comprising biologically correlated and relevant analytes that impact the biological state of a human health condition compared to a control population are provided. These molecular bioprofiles are useful in several ways including but not limited to, monitoring a disease or condition's progression, evaluating the impact of an agent or compound on a disease or condition, evaluating the impact of a lifestyle change on a disease or condition and assessing the risk of the disease or condition to a subject. Type II diabetes molecular bioprofiles are of particular interest.

Abstract: Novel chemical compounds, with application in fluorometric analytical methods, for qualitative and quantitative determination of biomolecules. The aim of the invention is to identify and prove the suitability of such compounds. Said aim is achieved with compounds of formula (1) where R? is an antenna function, R2 is a chelate forming agent, containing a coordinated lanthanide(III)ion, X is —OH or a group with affinity for the biomolecule, bonded to a carboxylate group of the chelate forming agent by means of an amide bond and Y is —H or a group with affinity for the biomolecule, coupled to the antenna function.

Abstract: The invention is directed to biomarkers for determining the EGFR kinase activity in a subject, and the use thereof for predicting and monitoring therapeutic intervention in cancer patients. Areas of application are the life sciences: biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, medicine and medical technology. The biomarkers are selected from a first group consisting of Amy 1, Apo Al, Carbx, Casp, AFP, ApoM, SAP, Fib-a, Fib-b, Fib-g, ApoE, A2MG, A2MG isoform, Serpin, Clusterin, MHC-fB, SAP isoform, or from a second group consisting of Gpx3, properidin, MUP1, HMW-K, Lifr-p, Orm 1, MBL-A, MBP-C, wherein the biomarkers are regulated by EGF overexpression in a subject.

Abstract: A method is described for determining the fatty acid composition of phosphoglycerides. In said method, methanol is added to a sample containing phosphoglycerides, the combination is mixed, precipitated material is separated from the methanol phase, an alkali alkoxide is added to the methanol phase as a base in order to catalyze a transesterification process, and the produced methyl esters are extracted from the solution obtained following the transesterification process and are gas-chromatographically separated. A test kit that is suitable for carrying out said method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the field of toxicological as for risk stratification of chemical compounds. Specifically, it relates to methods for (i) diagnosing, (ii) determining whether a compound is capable of inducing, (iii) identifying a drug for treating increased peroxisomal proliferation. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a data collection comprising characteristic values of at least five metabolites, a data storage medium comprising said data collection, and a system and a device for diagnosis. Finally, the present invention pertains to the use of a group of metabolites or means for the determination thereof for the manufacture of diagnostic devices or compositions.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of determining the concentration of total lipoprotein in a sample. The method involves the steps of: (i) adding to an aliquot of the sample a lipophilic dye that binds to lipoproteins in the sample and which when so bound fluoresces under appropriate excitation; and (ii) determining the total lipoprotein concentration in the sample using fluorescence analysis. A method of analysing the lipoprotein content of a sample solution using a dye that discriminates between different types of lipoprotein is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the analysis of modified LDL in the context of immune complexes. In particular, ox-LDL and AGE-LDL are shown to predict the development of coronary artery disease and other micro- and macrovascular disorders, particularly in the context of diabetes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a population model for the analysis of blood lipoprotein physiology in a test subject comprising: a. a submodel for the production of blood lipoproteins; b. a submodel for the lipolysis of blood lipoproteins; c. a submodel for the reabsorption of blood lipoproteins; and d. a submodel relating blood lipoprotein particle size to biochemical composition, more specifically triglyceride content, there-by providing an analysis of the physiological processes underlying a steady state particle population distribution. Each submodel is given as function, using the size of the lipoprotein particle as the independent variable.

Abstract: Provided is a pharmaceutical composition for reducing the risk in a patient at high risk for occurrence and/or recurrence of a cardiovascular event by administering the composition to the patient with a high ratio of oleic acid to stearic acid in plasma. The pharmaceutical composition contains ethyl icosapentate as its effective component. The composition is expected to reduce the risk in the patient at high risk for occurrence and/or recurrence of a cardiovascular event, and particularly to have a preventive effect on occurrence and/or recurrence of a cardiovascular event in the patient with a high ratio of oleic acid to stearic acid in plasma.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample is provided. This method involves combining enhanced chemiluminescence with microchip capillary electrophoresis or microchip liquid chromatography.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of diagnosing, monitoring, and assessing treatment effects for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases and disorders, such as Alzheimer's Disease, early in the course of clinical disease or prior to the onset of brain damage and clinical symptoms. Methods of measuring the in vivo metabolism of biomolecules produced in the CNS in a subject are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising disruptions in PRO227, PRO233, PRO238, PRO1328, PRO4342, PRO7423, PRO10096, PRO21384, PRO353 or PRO1885 genes. Such in vivo studies and characterizations may provide valuable identification and discovery of therapeutics and/or treatments useful in the prevention, amelioration or correction of diseases or dysfunctions associated with gene disruptions such as neurological disorders; cardiovascular, endothelial or angiogenic disorders; eye abnormalities; immunological disorders; oncological disorders; bone metabolic abnormalities or disorders; lipid metabolic disorders; or developmental abnormalities.

Abstract: The invention describes a process for the determination of the concentration distribution and size distribution of lipoprotein classes in body fluids, e.g. blood. For this purpose, NMR spectra of a sample to be analysed are measured by magnetic field gradient intensities and temperatures under different diffusion-weighted measuring conditions selected according to different pulse programs (e.g. PFG-STE, PFG-LED etc) and consequently in a differentiated manner according to the relaxation times. The different effects of these measuring conditions on the intensity/line form of the NMR signals of the individual lipoprotein classes are determined and permit the determination of a concentration distribution/size distribution of the individual lipoprotein classes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing the degree of arteriosclerotic stenosis in a subject including determining the amount of CRP or LPa in a sample of the subject and comparing the determined amount to a reference whereby the degree of arteriosclerotic stenosis is determined. The present invention also contemplates a method for identifying a subject in need of prevention or therapy of arteriosclerosis. Further, devices and kits are encompassed for carrying out the methods.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems effective to evaluate a physical or chemical property of an ion exchange resin-treated biological fluid sample are provided.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems effective to evaluate a physical or chemical property of a surfactant-treated biological fluid sample are provided.

Abstract: Chemically reactive carbocyanine dyes that are intramolecularly crosslinked between the 1-position and 3?-position, their bioconjugates and their uses are described. 1,3?-crosslinked carbocyanines are superior to those of conjugates of spectrally similar 1,1?-crosslinked or non-crosslinked dyes. The invention includes derivative compounds having one or more benzo nitrogens.

Abstract: A method determines or estimates the absorption and partition of substances into brain tissue and parameters derivable therefrom, such as the permeability of substances through the blood-brain barrier and also, more particularly, the proportion of substances freely available in the brain. The partition coefficient of the corresponding substance between an aqueous phase and the lipid phase is determined with the help of lipid membranes which are preferably contained in a test kit and immobilized on a solid body as a carrier material. The partition coefficient can be subsequently used as a parameter in a QSAR model to determine the blood-brain partition coefficient.

Abstract: A microfluidic detection device is disclosed, which includes a porous membrane, a wicking pad, and an optical sensor. The porous membrane has a first end and an opposite second end, and the first end has a sample-loading area for receiving sample molecules. The wicking pad is connected with the second end of the porous membrane to move the sample molecules from the sample-loading area of the porous membrane to the second end thereof. The optical sensor has a detection zone which faces the porous membrane for sensing the sample molecules. Also, a method for detecting molecules is disclosed, which uses the aforesaid device. The method and the device can achieve the purpose of real-time detection and fast-screening for molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a substance-immobilizing substrate for immobilizing a substance to be detected by chemiluminescence. The substance-immobilizing substrate of the present invention comprises a metal portion composed of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of chromium and molybdenum, or an alloy of the metal on at least a portion of a surface of the substrate. The present invention further relates to a substance-immobilized substrate wherein a substance is immobilized on the substance-immobilizing substrate. The substance is immobilized on the metal portion and the substrate is used for detecting the immobilized substance by chemiluminescence. The present invention further relates to an analysis method comprising directly or indirectly detecting by chemiluminescence a substance that is immobilized on a substrate.

Abstract: A fluorescence detection system for measuring biomolecules is disclosed, which includes a fluorescence detection device, a light source, a sample-loading unit, and an analysis-reading device. The fluorescence detection device has a substrate and plural phototransistors arranged on the substrate, and each phototransistor contains an emitter, a collector locating on the substrate, and a base between the emitter and the collector. The base-collector diode junction functions as an absorber to convert fluorescence to photocurrent. The light source serves to excite a fluorescent dye contained in a biomolecule sample. The sample-loading unit is used to load or transport the excited biomolecule sample onto a sensing zone of the fluorescence detection device. The analysis-reading device is to measure photocurrent output from the fluorescence detection device under a bias. Hence, the biomolecule content can be easily determined by the fluorescence detection system.

Abstract: Provided are methods for determining the presence or amount of testosterone in a test sample, comprising ionizing all or a portion of the testosterone present in the sample to produce one or more testosterone ions that are detectable in a mass spectrometer. All or a portion of the testosterone present in the sample is ionized to produce one or more testosterone ions, which may be isolated and fragmented to produce precursor ions. A separately detectable internal testosterone standard can be provided in the sample. In a preferred embodiment, the reference is 2,2,4,6,6-d5 testosterone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel target to control the apoptotic process, and to the use of this target to identify compounds capable of affecting the apoptotic process, The invention also relates to the use of such identified compounds in the treatment of cancer, stroke, neurodegenerative diseases, viral diseases and other diseases and conditions involving apoptosis.

Abstract: A method for measuring LAM and a method for detecting an acid-fast bacterium, which comprise at least a step of allowing a Limulus reagent to contact with a LAM-containing sample; a method for removing reactivity of LAM with a Limulus reagent, which comprises at least a step of allowing a predetermined substance to coexist with a LAM-containing sample; a method for measuring Et in a LAM-containing sample and a method for detecting an Et-related disease, which each is a method for measuring an endotoxin using a Limulus reagent, which comprises at least a step of removing reactivity of LAM with a Limulus reagent by the above-described removing method; a method for measuring BG in a LAM-containing sample and a method for detecting mycosis, which is a method for measuring BG using a Limulus reagent, which comprises at least a step of removing reactivity of LAM with a Limulus reagent by the described-described removing method; and the like.

Abstract: Nanotubes and nanotube array structures comprise (a) a nanotube having an inner wall portion; and (b) a bilayer coating formed on the inner wall portions, with the bilayer coating comprised of surfactants. A secondary compound such as a protein, peptide or nucleic acid may be associated with the bilayer coating. The structures are useful for, among other things, affinity purification, catalysis, and as biochips.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for determining an amount of an analyte in a test sample. The methods involve preparing a calibration curve using standard samples containing an isotopically-labeled standard in a biological matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isolated complex comprising a first protein comprising or consisting of a classical transient receptor potential channel (TRPC) or a functionally active variant thereof and a second protein comprising or consisting of the first spectrin (Spec 1) domain of SEC14 and spectrin domains 1 (SESTD1), a test system comprising the first protein and the second protein as well as means for detecting interaction of the first and the second protein, a method for screening for a TRPC modulator using the system and the use of the test system for the identification of a TRPC modulator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for fabricating air-stable supported lipid bilayer membranes. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to methods of producing supported lipid bilayer membranes stabilized by sterol groups that are covalently tethered to a solid surface. In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to air-stable supported lipid bilayer membranes produced by the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for predicting the risk of a substance exhibiting phospholipidosis inducing properties, the method comprising adding the said substance to an anionic surfactant to form a mixture of said substance and said surfactant, and determining the effect of said substance on the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the anionic surfactant by determining the CMC of the mixture, whereby a decrease in the CMC as compared to the CMC of the surfactant prior to the addition of the substance is indicative of a risk of said substance exhibiting phospholipidosis inducing properties.