Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a sample characterized by binding a substance A containing a hydrazide group to a sugar chain and/or a sugar derivative via hydrazone formation between the hydrazide group of the substance A and the reducing end of the sugar chain and/or the sugar derivative thereby to enable the separation and purification of the sugar chain and/or the sugar derivative for an analytical sample from a biological sample containing the sugar chain and/or the sugar derivative by a simple operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sample device (1) comprising an array of reaction chambers/wells (3) in a titer plate (2) and a two-dimensional array (10) of thin-film-light sensor elements (12), and each light-sensitive element (12) of the sensor array (10) is disposed directly underneath the individual reaction chamber (3) in order to detect chemical and/or biological reactions.

Abstract: Compound tags and shifting agents are provided that find use in ion mobility spectrometry (IMS), mass spectrometry (MS), or a combination of IMS and MS, and which can substantially increase separation of multiple components in complex samples and facilitate quantitative and multiplexed analyses. In some cases, the compounds include a linker and a normalizing group, each including a structural unit and separated by a cleaveable group, and a crown ether. Also provided are methods for analyzing peptides in a sample. In some cases, the method includes coupling the compound to peptides which include a terminal guanidinium moiety capable of forming an intra-molecular complex with the crown ether.

Abstract: What is provided includes a porous sol-gel material whose intrinsic pH is lower than 1 and comprising at least one probe molecule chosen from the group consisting of croconic acid, p-dimethyl-aminobenzaldehyde (DMABA), p-dimethyl aminocinnamaldehyde (DMACA), p-methoxybenzaldehyde (MOB) and 4-methoxy-1-naphtaldehyde (MON). In addition, a detection system containing the porous sol-gel material and a method of preparation and use of the porous sol-gel material for trapping and/or detecting and optionally quantifying at least one chemical compound such as indole and indole compounds are provided.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions that have a light emitting reporter linked to biomolecules, preferably, nucleotide oligomers. The light reporter particles are silylated and functionalized to produce a coated light reporter particle, prior to covalently linking the biomolecules to the light reporter particle. The light reporter particles of the invention can be excited by a light excitation source such as UV or IR light, and when the biomolecule is DNA, the attached DNA molecule(s) are detectable by amplification techniques such as PCR.

Abstract: Sensors and methods for determination of analytes are provided. Analytes including explosives (e.g., RDX or PETN) may be determined by monitoring, for example, a change in an optical signal of a material upon exposure to the analyte. In some embodiments, the analyte and the material may interact via a chemical reaction to form a new emissive species. Embodiments described herein may provide inexpensive sensors with high selectivity and sensitivity.

Abstract: Medical devices are typically sterilized in processes used to manufacture such products and their sterilization by exposure to radiation is a common practice. Radiation has a number of advantages over other sterilization processes including a high penetrating ability, relatively low chemical reactivity, and instantaneous effects without the need to control temperature, pressure, vacuum, or humidity. Unfortunately, radiation sterilization can compromise the function of certain components of medical devices. For example, radiation sterilization can lead to loss of protein activity and/or lead to bleaching of various dye compounds. Embodiments of the invention provide methods and materials that can be used to protect medical devices from unwanted effects of radiation sterilization.

Abstract: A vapochromic gold-copper complex [AuL2(Cu(Y)n)2](X)3 exhibiting luminescence is provided, where L is an N-heterocyclic carbene; Y is a heteroatom-containing ligand; X is an anion, and n is an integer having a value of 1 or 2, and solvates thereof. A reaction of [AuL2(Cu(Y)n)2](X)3 with water vapor or an organic compound vapor, for example, affords a modified complex that yields a change in luminescence color under UV excitation. These tricationic vapochromic materials exhibit large changes in the emission through ligand substitution reactions between the solid complex and vapors, which permit use in luminescent vapochromic sensors.

Abstract: Provided is a gel particle measurement reagent effective in quickly measuring a time point of initiation of production of gel particles. A gel particle measurement reagent R is a gel particle measurement reagent to be used to be agitated continuously with a sample S containing a target substance St as a measuring object to turn the target substance St into gel particles, including: a reagent base material 1 that undergoes a gelation reaction with the target substance St; and a biologically inactive particle formation accelerating factor 2 that is added to the reagent base material, has solubility in the sample S and dissolves therein at a concentration of 0.002 to 1%, and accelerates production of gel particles G whose particle sizes are centered in a predetermined range.

Abstract: The invention features methods for evaluating the conformation of a polymer, for example, for determining the conformational distribution of a plurality of polymers and to detect binding or denaturation events. The methods employ a nanopore which the polymer, e.g., a nucleic acid, traverses. As the polymer traverses the nanopore, measurements of transport properties of the nanopore yield data on the conformation of the polymer.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of controlling bitumen quality in a process stream within a solvent-assisted bitumen extraction operation, for instance a hydrocarbon stream from a froth separation unit (FSU). Bitumen quality is a measure of the amount of selected contaminants in the process stream. Contaminants may include asphaltenes (comprising metal porphyrins), sulfur, and inorganic solids (comprising inorganic elements, e.g. Si, Al, Ti, Fe, Na, K, Mg, and Ca). First, the amounts of selected contaminants are measured. Next, these measured values are compared to maximum reference values. If one or more of these contaminants is higher than the maximum reference value, at least one variable of the solvent-assisted bitumen extraction is adjusted to improve bitumen quality.

Abstract: As a result of collecting blood from pancreatic cancer patients, esophageal cancer patients, and stomach cancer patients, and conducting mass spectrometry on N-linked sugar chains in the plasmas, sugar chains whose abundances are significantly different from those of healthy subjects have been successfully identified from the blood samples of the cancer patients.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high purity heparin useful to be a pharmaceutical product, cosmetics, research reagent, or the like, and a method for producing the same, more specifically, a heparin which does not substantially contain a nitrous acid degradation-resistant impurity and a method for producing a heparin, comprising mixing an aqueous solution of 5 to 30% by weight of the heparin with ethanol having an amount (volume) 0.2 to 1 times the amount (volume) of the aqueous heparin solution to obtain a colloidal precipitate of heparin.

Abstract: Methods for quantitative determination of the presence of isothiazolone compounds in a solution include controlling pH of the solution in a range from about 3 to about 10, combining a known quantity of the pH-adjusted solution with a known quantity of an aromatic thiolate anion, quantitatively determining color intensity of the resultant combined solution; and correlating the color intensity with amount of isothiazolone compounds. The methods may be used in automated systems, including systems utilizing optical sensor devices.

Abstract: Methods of inhibiting cytochrome P450 enzymes are provided that can be used for improving the treatment of diseases by preventing degradation of drugs or other molecules by cytochrome P450. Pharmaceutical compositions are provided that can act as boosters to improve the pharmacokinetics, enhance the bioavailability, and enhance the therapeutic effect of drugs that undergo in vivo degradation by cytochrome P450 enzymes.

Abstract: Provided are certain benzothiazole, imidazothiazole, imidazopyrimidine and imidazopyridine compounds, including, for example: formula (I) and pharmaceutically and physiologically acceptable salts, hydrates, and solvates thereof. Such compounds can be used as diagnostic ligands or labels of tau protein and PHF.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of detecting uracil. The method comprises reacting uracil with a compound represented by the formula (I) in the presence of an oxidant and a base to produce a fluorescent compound represented by the formula (II).

Abstract: The method of labeling a sugar chain from a biological sample employs a single reaction vessel for the sequential performance of the following steps of (a) isolating a sugar chain from a sample using a sugar-trapping substance; (b) washing the sugar-trapping substance having the sugar chains trapped thereon; (c) releasing the sugar chain from the sugar-trapping substance; and (d) labeling the released sugar chain with UV/visible or fluorescent compound having an amino group forming a stable labeled sugar in fewer steps than a conventional ion exchange based technique.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus may include a substrate having a first side for a sensing element and a second side for electronics, the substrate may have a at least one via from the first side of the substrate to the second side of the substrate, the at least one via may be hermetically sealed with an optically transmissive material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to assays for detection of nicotine metabolites, in particular cotinine, in fluid samples and uses of these assays in quantification of smoking habits. The assays comprise contacting a body fluid sample with a cyanogen halide and a pyrazolone compound and detecting a change in light absorbance of the pyrazolone compound which is associated with the presence of nicotine metabolites. Also provided are assay kits including a cyanogen halide or cyanogen halide-precursor(s) and a pyrazolone compound.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing nucleic acids is presented herein. The system can include a nanowire assembly including a plurality of nanowires. In some embodiments, at least two nanowires can be coupled to a different probe corresponding to a different sequence version of a polymorphism. The system can include a reagent delivery system capable of delivering a template polymorphic nucleotide, an extension nucleic acid, and an enzyme to the nanowire assembly. The system can include an electrical detector configured to measure an electrical characteristic of the nanowire assembly and/or a controller in communication with the reagent delivery system. In some embodiments, the electrical detector can be configured to collect data corresponding to changes in the electrical characteristic in response to contact with the template polymorphic nucleotide, the extension nucleic acid, and the enzyme.

Abstract: The application provides a laboratory. The laboratory (400) comprises a portable casing (404). The portable casing (404) comprises a tray unit (407), an actuator unit (405, 412), an analyzer unit (419), and a communication unit (402, 415, 438). The tray unit (407) is used for receiving a cartridge (409). The cartridge (409) comprises an analyte reservoir (430) for receiving an analyte fluid, one or more chemical reagent reservoirs (432) for storing one or more chemical reagent fluids, and one or more channels (434) connecting the chemical reagent reservoirs (432) with the analyte reservoir (430). The channel (434) comprises a measurement area (436) while the measure measurement area (436) comprises a sensor. The actuator unit (405, 412) is used for reducing the volume of the analyte reservoir (430) and for reducing the volume of the chemical reagent reservoirs (432). The analyzer unit (419) is used for measuring a physical value in the measurement area (436) using the sensor.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a nanochannel. The method comprises providing a microchannel and controlling collapse of the microchannel so that it collapses to form a nanochannel of desired dimensions. The method employs a collapsible, flexible material such as the elastomer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to form the nanochannel. A master is provided that is configured to have geometric conditions that promote a desired frequency of microchannel collapse. A collapsible material having a stiffness that also promotes a desired frequency of microchannel collapse is molded on the master. The molded collapsible material is removed from the master and bonded to a base, thereby forming the microchannel, which then collapses (or is collapsed) to form the nanochannel of desired dimensions. Nanofluidic and microfluidic devices comprising complex nanochannel structures and micro to nanochannel transitions are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method separation analysis of reducing sugars with enhanced sensitivity and an analytical apparatus therefore employing the post-column fluorescence detection/boric acid complex anion exchange method. The method disclosed is a method for analysis of reducing sugars using the post-column fluorescence detection/boric acid complex anion exchange method, and characterized in that a back-pressure generator is installed in the flow path between the heater, which is for causing a reaction by heating a sample separated by column chromatography with a basic amino acid, and a fluorometric detector.

Abstract: Analysis of compositions that include saccharides having mannosamine residues, such as the capsular saccharide of N. meningitidis serogroup A, is facilitated by a method comprising the steps of: (i) hydrolysing polysaccharide in the sample, to give a hydrolysate; (ii) subjecting the hydrolysate to liquid chromatography; and (iii) detecting any mannosamine-6-phosphate separated in step (ii).

Abstract: Sample processing units useful for mixing and purifying materials, such as fluidic materials are provided. A sample processing unit typically includes a container configured to contain a sample comprising magnetically responsive particles, and one or more magnets that are in substantially fixed positions relative to the container. A sample processing unit also generally includes a conveyance mechanism configured to convey the container to and from a position that is within magnetic communication with the magnet, e.g., such that magnetically responsive particles with captured analytes can be retained within the container when other materials are added to and/or removed from the container. Further, a sample processing unit also typically includes a rotational mechanism that is configured to rotate the container, e.g., to effect mixing of sample materials disposed within the container. Related carrier mechanisms, sample processing stations, systems, and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Combinations of PI3K inhibitor compounds having Formulas I and II and chemotherapeutic agents, including stereoisomers, geometric isomers, tautomers, metabolites and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are useful for treating hyperproliferative disorders such as cancer. Methods of using such combinations for in vitro, in situ, and in vivo diagnosis, prevention or treatment of such disorders in mammalian cells, or associated pathological conditions, are disclosed.

Abstract: An ultrasensitive method for detecting non-aromatic non-planar nitroamine analytes in a sample is provided.

Abstract: A method of detecting melamine which includes providing a quantity of SERS-active particles and mixing the SERS-active particles with a solution containing melamine. The method further includes detecting a surface enhanced Raman spectrum of the melamine. The foregoing method may optionally include aggregating the SERS-active particles. Aggregation may occur before or after the SERS-active particles are mixed with a solution containing melamine. The method of detecting melamine may optionally include concentration of the SERS-active particles. The method may further include mixing a chaotropic agent having a higher affinity for a selected binding site than melamine into the solution containing melamine. The method may further include mixing a quantity of a SERS-active standard having a known SERS spectrum with the solution containing melamine and SERS-active particles. Assay apparatus and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing hemolytic anemia or a predisposition thereof. It also relates to a method of determining whether a compound is capable of inducing hemolytic anemia in a subject and to a method of identifying a drug for treating hemolytic anemia. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a data collection comprising characteristic values of metabolites, a data storage medium comprising said data collection, and a system and a device for diagnosing hemolytic anemia. Finally, the present invention pertains to the use of a group of metabolites or means for the determination thereof for the manufacture of a diagnostic device or composition for diagnosing hemolytic anemia in a subject.

Abstract: The invention provides an assay method for the detection of a primary amine analyze in an aqueous body fluid, which method comprises contacting a sample of said body fluid at a pH below 9.5 with a thiol and an unsaturated cis-dialdehyde and testing for the presence of a pyrrole reaction product.

Abstract: Disclosed are field effect transistor-based (FET-based) sensors for the rapid and accurate detection of analytes both in vivo and in vitro. The FET-based sensors can include a substrate, a channel disposed on the substrate, a source electrode and a drain electrode electrically connected to the channel, and a recognition element for an analyte of interest immobilized on the surface of the channel via a linking group. The distance between the recognition element and the channel can be configured such that association of the analyte of interest with the recognition element induces a change in the electrical properties of the channel. In this way, an analyte of interest can be detected by measuring a change in an electrical property of the channel. Also provided are devices, including probes and multi-well plates, incorporating the FET-based sensors.

Abstract: This invention is related to the field of the prevention and treatment of kidney disease. The treatment of kidney disease may be tailored depending upon the need for, or expectation of, long-term dialysis. For example, prediction of long-term dialysis treatment can be determined by monitoring urine biomarkers related to the development of chronic kidney disease. For example, a normalized time course of hyaluronic acid can be used to determine whether a patient having suffered acute kidney injury will require long-term dialysis.

Abstract: Polymeric sequence probes and methods are described that enhance the speed and sensitivity of detection of target analytes by combining a multiplicity of binding moieties specific for analyte, at least two of which are linearly arranged and optionally a multiplicity of detectable labels.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for confirming the nucleotide sequence of an oligonucleotide is provided. In certain embodiments, the method comprises: a) inputting the nucleotide sequence of an oligonucleotide; b) executing an algorithm that provides the predicted molecular formulas of fragments of the oligonucleotide; c) comparing the predicted m/z values of the predicted molecular formulas to experimentally-obtained m/z values obtained by analysis of the oligonucleotide by tandem mass spectrometry to determine if the predicted masses correspond with the experimentally-obtained masses. The method may be used, for example, to confirm the identity of an oligonucleotide after it is synthesized.

Abstract: A surface grafted conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE) is formed by coupling a CPE by a coupling moiety to the surface of a substrate. The substrate can be of any shape and size, and for many uses of the surface grafted CPE, it is advantageous that the substrate is a nanoparticle or microparticle. Surface grafted CPEs are presented that use silica particles as the substrate, where a modified silane coupling agent connects the surface to the CPE by a series of covalent bonds. Two methods of preparing the surface grafted CPEs are presented. One method involves the inclusion of the surface being modified by the coupling agent and condensed with monomers that form the CPE in a grafted state to the substrate. A second method involves the formation of a CPE with terminal groups that are complimentary to functionality that has been placed on the surface of the substrate by reaction with a coupling agent. The surface grafted CPEs are also described for use as biosensors and biocides.

Abstract: A method for determining a sequence of a biomolecule, the method including binding a plurality of uniform probes to a biomolecule fragment, creating a collection of binding signatures for the fragment with each binding signature representing a series of distances between binding sites within the fragment, and grouping the binding signatures into a plurality of signature clusters based at least in part on distances between the binding sites in each binding signature. For each binding signature in a first cluster, a potential successor binding signature is selected from signature clusters other than the first signature cluster, and one of the potential successor binding signatures is identified as a successor binding signature. The last two steps are repeated until the successor signature represents a terminal signature, resulting in a sequence of signatures representing at least a portion of the biomolecule.

Abstract: Novel method and reagents for generating reversibly tagged saccharides, aldehydes, carboxyl acids, or orthoacetates useful in analytical and diagnostic applications are disclosed. Saccharides are coupled at the reducing end to tagging moieties comprising a reagent selected from a ortho-diaminobenzoic(DAB)-peptide, an aldo-imidazole or N-methylated aldo-imidazole, or an ortho-phenyldiamine (OPD) or substituted OPD. The tagged saccharide further comprising detectable or functional groups coupled to the tagging moiety are provided. Kits and reagents for chromatography and mass spectrometry are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention pertains to methods for authenticating an article comprising tagging the article with light emitting optical reporter particles, and more specifically tagging the articles with up-converting phosphor particles (UCP), linked to nucleic acids of detectable sequence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to providing improved hydrogen peroxide assays, as well as droplet actuators for conducting such assays. The droplet actuators of the invention may be used to conduct droplet-based hydrogen peroxide assays. They may also be associated with detectors for analyzing the results of the hydrogen peroxide assays of the invention. They may be provided as components of systems which control droplet operations and/or detection for conducting the hydrogen peroxide assays. Measurement by the detector may be used to quantify the presence of an analyte in a sample.

Abstract: System and method for capturing, concentrating, and detecting a diagnostic target in a liquid, comprising applying a magnetic field to a mixture comprising a co-aggregate in the liquid to provide a collected co-aggregate in the liquid, wherein the co-aggregate comprises a magnetic particle having a stimuli-responsive polymer attached thereto and a non-magnetic particle having a stimuli-responsive polymer and a diagnostic target attached thereto.

Abstract: A method for authenticating and verifying a pharmaceutical item to be genuine is described. The method for authenticating a tablet comprises applying a particular nucleic acid material associated with a particular sequence of nucleic acid bases to a tablet or capsule. The method also comprises collecting a sample of the tablet and verifying the tablet is genuine by detecting the particular nucleic acid material.

Abstract: A method for authenticating and verifying an item to be genuine is described. The method for authenticating the item comprises applying a particular nucleic acid material associated with a particular sequence of nucleic acid bases to ink within an ink cartridge or a toner compound within a toner housing. The method also comprises collecting a sample of either the ink or toner compound and verifying the ink or toner is genuine by detecting the particular nucleic acid material.

Abstract: A method for authenticating and verifying garment to be genuine is described. The method for authenticating a garment comprises applying a particular nucleic acid material/marker associated with a particular sequence of nucleic acid bases to a dye or paint and applying the marker to the garment. The method also comprises collecting a sample from the garment and verifying the garment is genuine by detecting the particular nucleic acid material on or within the garment.

Abstract: The invention features methods for evaluating the conformation of a polymer, for example, for determining the conformational distribution of a plurality of polymers and to detect binding or denaturation events. The methods employ a nanopore which the polymer, e.g., a nucleic acid, traverses. As the polymer traverses the nanopore, measurements of transport properties of the nanopore yield data on the conformation of the polymer.

Abstract: The present application relates to copolymers having at least one optionally substituted fluoranthene as a first monomer unit and at least one optionally substituted pyrrole as a second monomer unit. The copolymer may, for example, emit green light when exposed to a blue or ultraviolet radiation. Methods of making the copolymer are also disclosed, as well as methods and apparatuses for producing light and detecting nitroaromatics using the copolymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and process for detection and/or qualitative and quantitative identification of the biological material, such as specific sequences of nucleic acids or proteins as antibodies, present in biological samples. The system is composed by one or more light sources (1) combined with one or more integrated optical photo sensors, or not, and various electronic components (4), necessary for obtaining/processing of the signal emitted by the metal nanoprobes functionalized with a solution of biological composite, as well as also a micro-controller and a microprocessor, fixed or portable. This photosensor structure is able to detect and to quantify the color variations produced by metal nanoprobes, being this preferentially gold, functionalized by oligonucleotides complementary to specific DNA/RNA sequences, proteins, as for instance antibodies and/or antigens related with certain disease, or other sample or solution of biological composite, that are to be investigated.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions that have a light emitting reporter linked to biomolecules, preferably, nucleotide oligomers. The light reporter particles are silylated and functionalized to produce a coated light reporter particle, prior to covalently linking the biomolecules to the light reporter particle. The light reporter particles of the invention can be excited by a light excitation source such as UV or IR light, and when the biomolecule is DNA, the attached DNA molecule(s) are detectable by amplification techniques such as PCR.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided that utilize measured isotopic abundance data to correlate a product to the synthesis process by which it was made. By utilizing the principles described herein, isotopic process profiles for synthetic products can be constructed, products of unknown origin can be inferentially identified to the processes by which they were made, and synthesis processes can be monitored for consistency of process parameters.

Abstract: The discovery that alterations in methylation, which can cause one or more genes on the single X chromosome in males to be partially silenced or overexpressed, constitute a predisposition to autism spectrum disorders is generally disclosed herein. These alterations provide the rationale and basis for methods to diagnose autism spectrum disorders.