Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for achieving uniform stretching of polynucleotides in hybrid electrophoretic-gel, micro-constricting microfluidic channels. Polynucleotides in normally relaxed configurations are driven by an electric field along a microfluidic channel. The polynucleotides thread through a porous gel barrier formed in the channel and extend into a constriction where an electric field gradient exists. The combined action of the gel and field gradient acts to extend the polynucleotide configuration fully for direct linear analysis of the molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dyes in general. The present invention provides a wide range of dyes and kits containing the same, which are applicable for labeling a variety of biomolecules such as nucleic acids, cells and microorganisms. The present invention also provides various methods of using the dyes for research and development, forensic identification, environmental studies, diagnosis, prognosis, and/or treatment of disease conditions.

Abstract: A receptacle having a plurality of interconnected chambers arranged to permit multiple process steps or processes to be performed independently or simultaneously. The receptacles are manufactured to separate liquid from dried reagents and to maintain the stability of the dried reagents. An immiscible liquid, such as an oil, is included to control loading of process materials, facilitate mixing and reconstitution of dried reagents, limit evaporation, control heating of reaction materials, concentrate solid support materials to prevent clogging of fluid connections, provide minimum volumes for fluid transfers, and to prevent process materials from sticking to chamber surfaces. The receptacles can be adapted for use in systems having a processing instrument that includes an actuator system for selectively moving fluid substances between chambers and a detector. The actuator system can be arranged to concentrate an analyte present in a sample.

Abstract: Methods and products for detecting in vitro the presence of damage on DNA or the presence of a biological response to damage on DNA at the molecular level. Molecular Combing or other nucleic acid stretching methods are employed together with compounds reacting with DNA, probes binding DNA, or nucleic acid monomers, especially labeled nucleic acid monomers.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for determining potency of RNAi agents. Such methods include, but are not limited to, cell-based and cell-free assays that measure binding of an RNAi agent with Ago2 or that measure Ago2 activity in the presence of such RNAi agents. Also provided are assays that determine potency of RNAi agents by assessing their ability to compete with other RNAi agents, including control RNAi agents, for binding and/or activation of Ago2.

Abstract: Compounds having enhanced oxidation stability are disclosed. The compounds have an aryl boronic acid residue having one or more electron withdrawing groups on the aromatic moiety which contains the boronic acid residue, such that the molecule has enhanced oxidation resistance as compared to a corresponding molecule without the one or more electron withdrawing groups.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of detecting residual amounts of polymers including stimulus responsive polymers, which are used in processes for purifying biomolecules such as, for example, proteins, polypeptides, antibodies, vaccines and the like.

Abstract: Provided is a highly accurate means for analyzing a sugar chain contained in a biological sample by MALDI-TOF MS or such a mass spectrometry method. In the present invention, it was found to be possible to improve the ionization efficiency of a sugar chain by methylating the hydroxyl groups of the sample sugar chain before conducting the MALDI-TOF MS analysis, and by so doing to carry out quantitative analysis and structural analysis of the sample sugar chain with high accuracy.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds of formula (I), a derivative, or a tautomer thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said compound or said tautomer. Also disclosed are methods of preparing compound of formula (I), a derivative, or a tautomer thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said compound or said tautomer. Further disclosed are methods of conducting drug discovery and research comprises applying the compound of formula (I), a derivative, or a tautomer thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said compound or said tautomer in an investigation.

Abstract: The invention relates to quality control of analytical assays, particularly NAT assays of blood samples containing nucleic acids. A control panel containing quantified amounts of substances known to interfere with an analytical assay is used and compared with a reference sample in the analytical assay. A comparison of the assay results interference panel validates the assay and can serve as a periodic quality control check for the analytical assay as well as related methods and protocols. The use of the control panel of the invention can also determine whether interfering substances are present and establish under what conditions the analytical assay reliable.

Abstract: The invention relates to newly discovered nucleic acid molecules and proteins associated with cervical cancer including pre-malignant conditions such as dysplasia. Compositions, kits, and methods for detecting, characterizing, preventing, and treating human cervical cancers are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a group of azo quencher compositions useful as fluorescence quenchers having the general structure of formula 1, methods of making or using the compositions, and kits comprising the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid analysis device in a nucleic acid analysis apparatus, whereby waste of reaction spots on the nucleic acid analysis device is eliminated and leakage of fluorescence excitation light to unobserved nucleic acid measurement regions is minimized. Specifically, the nucleic acid analysis device has a plurality of nucleic acid measurement regions, which are characterized in that one nucleic acid measurement region is disposed at a sufficient distance from the other nucleic acid measurement regions such that the other nucleic acid measurement regions do not enter an irradiation region.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting an aneuploidy in a fetus. These methods can be used to detect trisomy 13, 8 or 21, amongst other aneupoloidies. In some embodiments, the methods include selectively purifying fetal DNA from a maternal biological sample using the methylation status of a CpG containing genomic sequence and genotyping the fetus using the purified fetal DNA, thereby detecting aneuploidy in the fetus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plant of a cucumber breeding line comprising an introgression from cucumber inbred line URS 189, a representative sample of seed of which has been deposited with the NCIMB, Aberdeen, Scotland under accession number NCIMB 41612 and depositors reference URS 189, or a Fusarium-resistant offspring plant of line URS 189, wherein said introgression confers to said plant of said cucumber breeding line resistance to the causal agent of Fusarium stem and root rot Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis cucumerinum (Forc).

Abstract: Conjugates of 1,3-bis(1,4,7-triazacyclonon-1-yl)-2-hydroxypropanes with a variety of conjugating members are used in the formation of dinuclear metal complexes which bind to phosphate esters. By virtue of their conjugated forms, the complexes are incorporated into chromatographic media, affinity binding reagents, and dyes, which make the complexes useful in a wide range of assays, separations, and purifications. In addition, dinuclear metal complexes of 1,3-bis(1,4,7-triazacyclonon-1-yl)-2-hydroxypropanes that are not so conjugated are used in the detection of phosphate esters of biological species by either MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry or by dye displacement.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining the presence of immobilized nucleic acid employing unsymmetrical cyanine dyes that are derivatives of thiazole orange, a staining solution and select fluorogenic compounds that are characterized as being essentially non-genotoxic. The methods comprise immobilizing nucleic acid, single or double stranded DNA, RNA or a combination thereof, on a solid or semi solid support, contacting the immobilized nucleic acid with an unsymmetrical cyanine dye compound and then illuminating the immobilized nucleic acid with an appropriate wavelength whereby the presence of the nucleic acid is determined. The cyanine dye compounds are typically present in an aqueous staining solution comprising the dye compound and a tris acetate or tris borate buffer wherein the solution facilitates the contact of the dye compound and the immobilized nucleic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of colon cancers. In particular, the present invention provides diagnostics and prognostics for colon (including colon adenocarcinoma) cancer patients, wherein the methods related to measuring miR levels can predict poor survival. The invention also provides methods of identifying inhibitors of tumorigenesis.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials involved in assessing a mammal (e.g., a human) for a susceptibility to develop venous thromboembolism. For example, methods and materials for using a genetic variation in an ABO nucleic acid (e.g., rs2519093) to assess an individual's risk for developing venous thromboembolism are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and compositions for the identification and selection of loci modulating transgene performance and expression in plant breeding. In addition, methods are provided for screening germplasm entries for the performance and expression of at least one transgene.

Abstract: A method is herein presented for analyzing nucleobases on a single molecular basis (a single molecule detection), which comprises scanning a molecular tip chemically modified with the complementary nucleobase on the nucleobases, and measuring the tunneling currents between the scanned nucleobases and the molecular tips with scanning tunneling microscopy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antisense oligonucleotides that modulate the expression of and/or function of Dystrophin family, in particular, by targeting natural antisense polynucleotides of Dystrophin family. The invention also relates to the identification of these antisense oligonucleotides and their use in treating diseases and disorders associated with the expression of DMD family.

Abstract: The present invention embraces hybrid Prosthecobacter-eukaryotic tubulin proteins and use thereof for identifying agents that modulate the activity of tubulin.

Abstract: Methods for treating autophagy-related disorders with agents which modulate expression of the gene encoding tyrosine phosphatase receptor type sigma (PTPRS) or which modulate the biological activity of the PTPRS gene product (PTPsigma). Methods for modulating autophagy in a cell with agents which modulate expression of PTPRS or which modulate the biological activity of PTPsigma; and related diagnostic methods, screening methods, and agents.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding a variety of proteins having diagnostic, preventive, therapeutic, and other uses. These nucleic and proteins are useful for diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of a number of human and other animal disorders. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, expression vectors containing the nucleic acid molecules of the invention, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and non-human transgenic animals in which a nucleic acid molecule of the invention has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated polypeptides, fusion polypeptides, antigenic peptides and antibodies. Diagnostic, screening, and therapeutic methods using compositions of the invention are also provided. The nucleic acids and polypeptides of the present invention are useful as modulating agents in regulating a variety of cellular processes.

Abstract: A polypeptide (8F4 molecule) with a T-cell costimulating biological activity is disclosed, as well as monoclonal antibodies against the 8F4 molecule and hybridoma cells which produce the monoclonal antibodies, the use as medicaments of substances which inhibit the biological activity of the 8F4 polypeptide, in particular monoclonal antibodies, natural or synthetic ligands, agonists or antagonists, in particular for preventing or treating diseases which involve the immune system, the use of the 8F4 molecule or cells containing the 8F4 molecule as medicaments, in particular for preventing or treating diseases which involve the immune system, and the use of substances which specifically recognize the 8F4 polypeptide, in particular monoclonal antibodies, natural or synthetic ligands, agonists or antagonists, for diagnosing diseases which involve the immune system.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for diagnosing rejection in a transplanted subject, monitoring rejection in a transplanted subject at risk thereof, preventing, inhibiting, reducing or treating rejection in a transplanted subject, or identifying agents for use in the prevention, inhibition, reduction or treatment of rejection, based on genes which are differentially expressed in transplanted subjects.

Abstract: A method of observing reaction intermediaries during a chemical reaction and comprising detecting an electrical signal output from an ion sensitive field effect transistor exposed to said reaction, and monitoring the detected electrical signal to discriminate discrete fluctuations in the electrical signal, the discrete fluctuations indicating reaction intermediaries occurring during a chemical reaction.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for collecting samples using hybrid porous materials that include an organic material and an inorganic material. A method for sample collection includes contacting a hybrid porous material and a biological sample to the porous material. The hybrid porous material includes an inorganic material and an organic material. The method includes placing the porous material with the attached sample in a liquid medium, wherein the sample is separated from the porous material in the liquid medium to form a separated sample, and collecting the separated sample in the medium.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for useful for the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease, ETBF-induced colitis, colonic hyperplasia and/or colon carcinogenesis in a subject in biological samples (e.g., stool, urine, blood, serum, tissue). The invention further provides compositions and methods for the treatment or prevention of colitis, colon cancer, or inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical method for detecting a target polynucleotide. An electrode comprising an electrode surface is provided. The electrode surface includes at least one probe molecule reversibly immobilized with respect to the electrode surface. A first electrochemical signal indicative of an amount of probe molecule immobilized with respect to the electrode surface is obtained. The electrode surface is contacted with a liquid comprising the target polynucleotide. Upon the contacting step, at least some of the probe molecule immobilized with respect to the electrode surface dissociates therefrom. A second electrochemical signal indicative of an amount of probe molecule immobilized with respect to the electrode surface is obtained. The presence of the target polynucleotide is determined at least partially on the basis of the first and second electrochemical signals.

Abstract: In order to follow the change in concentration of a redox-active substance, potential suitable for a reducing process or oxidation process are applied to the working electrode of a measuring device. The potential of the working electrode is pulsed and measuring phases and relaxation phases are alternately produced, the pulse lengths of the measuring phase and relaxation phase being predetermined in a suitable manner. In this manner, a rapid relaxation of the concentration gradient is forced electrochemically so that the measurement can be carried out on simple transducer arrays. The device includes a transducer array in addition to a suitable potentiostat. The transducer array may include a planar metal substrate on which at least one flexible insulator having a firm connection between the metal surface and the insulator surface is located. The array is generated by suitably structuring the substrate.

Abstract: Optics collection and detection systems are provided for measuring optical signals from an array of optical sources over time. Methods of using the optics collection and detection systems are also described.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and articles of manufacture for assaying a sample for a target polynucleotide are provided. A sample suspected of containing the target polynucleotide is contacted with a polycationic multichromophore and a sensor PNA complementary to the target polynucleotide. A signaling chromophore absorbs energy from the excited multichromophore and emits light in the presence of the target polynucleotide. The methods can be used in multiplex form. Kits having reagents for performing such methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems, and kits for evaluating multiple sclerosis (MS) in a patient. Particularly, the invention provides convenient miRNA-based tests for evaluating a patient for MS, including for diagnosing MS, for excluding MS as a diagnosis, for determining the presence of disease activity associated with MS, and for monitoring the course of disease or efficacy of treatment for MS.

Abstract: A microfluidic system includes a bubble valve for regulating fluid flow through a microchannel. The bubble valve includes a fluid meniscus interfacing the microchannel interior and an actuator for deflecting the membrane into the microchannel interior to regulate fluid flow. The actuator generates a gas bubble in a liquid in the microchannel when a sufficient pressure is generated on the membrane.

Abstract: Methods, kits, screens, assays, treatments and treatment regimes for treating a patient at risk for or suffering from dementia, and particularly Alzheimer's dementia which are based upon identification of enhanced risk by genotyping APOE and APOJ. In particular, described herein are methods for the prophylactic treatment of dementia based upon results of said genotyping. The systems and methods herein described may be used both to detect and to target the primary genetically mediated pathways associated with amyloid burden. For example, a system for deciding treatment based on previously identified genetic polymorphisms (e.g., APOE4, polymorphism in APOJ) that affect amyloid clearance is described herein; such patients may respond to treatments that modulate glial based GLT-1 (e.g., Tianeptine) and/or enhance HSP expression/activity (e.g., GGA).

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: An optical sensor and method for use with a visible-light laser excitation beam and a Raman spectroscopy detector, for detecting the presence chemical groups in an analyte applied to the sensor are disclosed. The sensor includes a substrate, a plasmon resonance mirror formed on a sensor surface of the substrate, a plasmon resonance particle layer disposed over the mirror, and an optically transparent dielectric layer about 2-40 nm thick separating the mirror and particle layer. The particle layer is composed of a periodic array of plasmon resonance particles having (i) a coating effective to binding analyte molecules, (ii) substantially uniform particle sizes and shapes in a selected size range between 50-200 nm (ii) a regular periodic particle-to-particle spacing less than the wavelength of the laser excitation beam. The device is capable of detecting analyte with an amplification factor of up to 1012-1014, allowing detection of single analyte molecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of detecting unamplifed genomic nucleic acid anchored to a solid support. The methods are useful for the detecting genetic abnormalities associated with various diseases, diagnosis, and prognosis.

Abstract: Provided is a method for the analysis of breast cancer disorders, comprising determining the genomic methylation status of one or more CpG dinucleotides. Furthermore, a computer program product stored on a computer-readable medium comprising software code adapted to perform the steps of the method when executed on a data-processing apparatus is provided. A device comprising means for supporting a clinician is also provided.

Abstract: The present application discloses an analyte detection apparatus having at least one reservoir area and a wicking membrane, wherein a labeled specific binding partner is impregnated on the reservoir area; and a region on the wicking membrane where at least one chemical component is immobilized.

Abstract: Isolated polypeptides comprising or consisting essentially of specific structural motifs (e.g., three ?-sheets and two ?-helices) are provided, wherein the polypeptides exhibit at least one cell signaling and/or other non-canonical activity of biological relevance. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding such polypeptides, binding agents that bind such polypeptides, analogs, variants and fragments of such polypeptides, etc., as well as compositions and methods of identifying and using any of the foregoing.

Abstract: When assessing the start time of the limulus reaction between biogenous biologically active substances and LAL and using the reaction start time to determine the concentration of the biogenous biologically active substances, in order to exclude the influence of progressive changes which occur regardless of the conditions of the limulus reaction, the strength of transmitted light or scattered light in the liquid mixture of the measurement sample and LAL is detected, the variation (delta) in the transmittance or number of gel particles is acquired at set intervals, and the time when the variation (delta) crosses a threshold value is taken as the reaction start time. Furthermore, the time intervals when acquiring the abovementioned delta are not uniform, and either change over time from the start of measurement as defined by a time function, or multiple sequences with differing time intervals are prepared in advance.

Abstract: A method of predicting an efficacy of an oncolytic virus treatment for a tumor comprises calculating a single-gene predictor score for each of a plurality of genes; calculating a predictor score from the sum of the single-gene predictor scores for the plurality of genes; and predicting, if the predictor score is greater than a predictor score threshold, that the treatment would have efficacy, and if the predictor score is less than a predictor score threshold, that the treatment would lack efficacy. Also, methods of predicting an efficacy of a treatment for a tumor comprise identifying the type and subtype of the tumor, wherein the efficacy of the treatment for the type and subtype of the tumor is known.

Abstract: Spectroscopic analysis systems and methods for analyzing samples are disclosed which exploit inelastically scattering radiation to amplify optical signals from an irradiated sample. Samples are irradiated in a chamber having a resonant cavity containing a plurality of affixed reflectors, where selective Stokes scattered radiation is transmitted to a detector for determination of sample identity. Coupling the spectroscopic analysis system and method with a nucleic acid sequencing system is also disclosed for determining nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of compounds as new chiral selectors for separating the optical or enantiomeric isomers of a compound, wherein the chiral selector comprises at least one compound of formula (I): and at least one metal ion, for example Cu2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, Cd2+ or Co2+.

Abstract: The present invention relates the use of broad range primer (e.g., as broad range capture olignucleotides) immobilized in a SCODA method gel to allow, for example, selective concentration of target nucleic acids. Such concentrated target nucleic acids may, for example, be: i) eluted from the gel and analyzed (e.g., by broad range primer methods); ii) subject to in situ (e.g., in gel) PCR methods; and/or iii) analyzed in the gel (e.g., by fluorescent detection methods).

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide for an alternative for analyzing fluids. To this end a device for analyzing fluids comprising magnetic particles is provided, the device comprising magnetic means for generating a magnetic field designed for exerting a magnetic force to the magnetic particles creating a movement of the fluid comprising targets and a membrane with an array for moving the fluid through or along the array.

Abstract: The application relates to a method of depositing a patterning species from a nanoscopic tip to a substrate surface. The method is carried out at a sufficiently high humidity to facilitate the deposition. The deposition of the patterning species is facilitated by a polysaccharide carrier as well as an additional additive.