Abstract: Systems and methods for characterizing biological specimens, which may involve identifying a cell type or state corresponding to a disease or health condition of a subject. A biological specimen is subjected to electromagnetic radiation for spectroscopic analysis such as Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) to determine the relative abundance of proteins or amino acids in the cells, which is used in a comparison to previously stored relative abundance data of a database to automatically identifies at least one of cell type and/or cell state of the cells (or the disease/health state of the subject with the disease state including the possibility of virus infection, or drug susceptibility of a subject to bacteria or fungus). The method may also be employed with biological entities or cellular structures such as exosomes and even protein or nucleic acid fragments to determine disease states or health states of the subject.

Abstract: In some aspects, the disclosure relates to compositions and methods useful for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases associated with a metabolic imbalance in a subject (e.g., cancer). In some embodiments, the methods comprise administering to a subject an N-acetylaspartate (NAA)-depleting agent or an N-acetylaspartate (NAA)-increasing agent based upon the subject's metabolic profile.

Abstract: A nucleic acid probe, a method of immobilizing the nucleic acid probe to a solid support and the solid support including the immobilized probes using UV light. The nucleic acid probe includes a terminus anchor chain portion, and a capture portion wherein the terminus anchor chain portion includes a sequence of at least 18 nucleotides composed of stretches of up to 5 nucleotides of base type X with intermediate nucleotide(s) of base type Cytosine (C) and optionally one nucleotide of base type Guanine (G) or a sequence with at least 90% similarity thereto, wherein each base type X independently of each other designate base type Thymine (T) or base type Uracil (U).

Abstract: This resin-platinum composite 100 is provided with resin particles 10 and platinum particles 20, and the platinum particles 20 are immobilized on the resin particles 10. In the resin-platinum composite 100, one portion of the platinum particles 20 may be distributed three-dimensionally on surface layer sections 60 of the resin particles 10. In this case, the one portion of the three-dimensionally distributed platinum particles 20 may be partially exposed outside the resin particles 10, and the remaining portion may be enclosed in the resin particles 10. In the platinum particles 20, enclosed particles 30 that are fully enclosed in the resin particles 10, partially exposed particles 40 each having a segment embedded inside the resin particles 10 and a segment exposed outside the resin particles 10, and surface attached particles 50 attached to the surfaces of the resin particles 10 preferably exist.

Abstract: A method and system for sampling a solid sample material can include the step of mounting the sample material on a support. A sample surface is coated with a surface treatment composition in a dry deposition process. A solvent supply conduit for supplying solvent to the sample surface and a solvent exhaust conduit for withdrawing solvent from the sample surface can be provided. Solvent is flowed from the solvent supply conduit to the surface treatment composition and the sample surface such that the solvent contacts the surface treatment composition. A laser beam is directed from a laser source to the sample and the surface treatment composition. The laser beam will ablate the sample and the surface treatment composition in portions intersected by the laser beam. Ablated sample material enters the solvent liquid and will be transported with the solvent away from the sample surface through the solvent exhaust conduit.

Abstract: In various aspects, the present disclosure pertains to sorbents for isolating at least one target protein from a liquid sample, the sorbents comprising a solid support comprising attached at least one attached high affinity reagent with an affinity for the at least one target protein. Other aspects of the present disclosure include kit that contain such sorbents and methods of treating samples using the same.

Abstract: Certain implementations of the subject matter can be implemented to screen demulsifiers. A live emulsion of a live hydrocarbon sample and a water sample is flowed through a capillary viscometer. The live hydrocarbon sample includes dissolved gases retrieved from a hydrocarbon-carrying reservoir. While flowing the live emulsion through the capillary viscometer, a demulsifier sample is flowed through the capillary viscometer. The demulsifier sample is capable of causing breakdown of the live emulsion. Using the capillary viscometer, change in a viscosity of the live emulsion over time resulting from the breakdown of the live emulsion due to the demulsifier sample is measured. Multiple images of the breakdown of the live emulsion over time are captured. A strength of the live emulsion is classified based, in part, on the change in the viscosity of the live emulsion over time and on the plurality of images.

Abstract: Peptides that home, target, migrate to, are directed to, are retained by, or accumulate in and/or binds to the cartilage of a subject are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and uses for peptides or peptide-active agent complexes comprising such peptides are also disclosed. Such compositions can be formulated for targeted delivery of a drug to a target region, tissue, structure or cell in the cartilage. Targeted compositions of the disclosure can deliver peptide or peptide-active agent complexes to target regions, tissues, structures or cells targeted by the peptide.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention provide TiO2 nanoshell particles, methods of fabricating TiO2 nanoshell particles, and methods of enriching peptides in a sample using TiO2 nanoshell particles.

Abstract: Methods and systems for separating and/or quantifying compounds, using differential mobility spectrometry (DMS) are provided herein. In accordance with various aspects of the applicants' teachings, the methods and systems can provide for the quantification of one or more compounds, for example, using isomeric labels that can be less costly to produce relative to conventional tags that incorporate stable-isotope labels. The present teachings can quantify the relative amount of a compound based on the effect of using an easily charged functional group as well as a functional group positioned at a resonant or non-resonant position through a DMS. In some aspects, methods and systems in accordance with various aspects of the present teachings provide for the detection and/or quantification of the analytes labeled with isomeric tags that can be differentiated via a DMS upstream of a first stage mass analyzer and/or prior to fragmentation of the labeled analyte, for example.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides, proteins, nucleic acids and cells for use in immunotherapeutic methods. In particular, the present invention relates to the immunotherapy of cancer. The present invention furthermore relates to tumor-associated T-cell peptide epitopes, alone or in combination with other tumor-associated peptides that can for example serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients of vaccine compositions that stimulate anti-tumor immune responses, or to stimulate T cells ex vivo and transfer into patients. Peptides bound to molecules of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), or peptides as such, can also be targets of antibodies, soluble T-cell receptors, and other binding molecules.

Abstract: A dielectric based metasurface hologram device includes: a substrate layer provided at a lowermost portion of the dielectric based metasurface hologram device; and a dielectric layer forming a geometric metasurface on the substrate layer. The substrate layer includes a plurality of unit cells which are continuous, and the dielectric layer includes a plurality of nano-structures which are disposed with a predetermined distance therebetween. The single nano-structure is disposed on the unit cell, and a hologram image is formed when an incident light from a light source is reflected by the nano-structure so that a phase of the light is controlled.

Abstract: Peptides that home, target, migrate to, are directed to, are retained by, or accumulate in and/or bind to the cartilage or kidney of a subject are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and uses for peptides or peptide-active agent complexes comprising such peptides are also disclosed. Such compositions can be formulated for targeted delivery of an active agent to a target region, tissue, structure or cell in the cartilage. Targeted compositions of the disclosure can deliver peptide or peptide-active agent complexes to target regions, tissues, structures, or cells targeted by the peptide.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides the use of two very long chain ceramides for determining the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to the quantitative measurement of steroidal compounds by mass spectrometry. In a particular aspect, the invention relates to methods for quantitative measurement of steroidal compounds from multiple samples by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of creating a biomarker profile, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining a sample of biofluid from a subject, wherein the sample is stored on a sample collection apparatus; removing the sample from the sample collection apparatus; extracting nucleic acids from the sample; sequencing the extracted nucleic acids to generate sequence data; and analyzing the sequence data using a two-step analytical methodology to create the biomarker profile. The present invention athletic performance in a subject.

Abstract: A method of analyzing molecules using a nanopore array including a plurality of cells included on a chip is disclosed. Nanopores are caused to be formed in at least a portion of the plurality of the cells. A first physical measurement of the nanopores is evaluated. It is determined whether to cause the molecules to interact with the nanopores. At least a portion of the nanopores is caused to interact with the molecules. A second physical measurement of the nanopores that indicates a property of the molecules is evaluated. It is determined whether to cause the nanopores to be reformed so that the cells may be reused to interact with additional molecules.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to method, system and apparatus for synthesizing a target polynucleotide within a droplet. In an exemplary embodiment, the disclosure provides a method of synthesizing a target polynucleotide. The method includes the steps of: contacting a polynucleotide-containing component from a sample with lysis reagents in a droplet, the lysis reagents comprising an enzyme having protease activity, wherein the droplet is encapsulated with an immiscible carrier fluid; moving the droplet into a collection reservoir; incubating the droplet in the collection reservoir for a first duration and then inactivating the enzyme having protease activity; adding to the droplet a nucleic acid synthesis reagent to form a nucleic acid synthesis droplet in the immiscible carrier fluid to form a nucleic acid droplet; and synthesizing the target polynucleotide within the nucleic acid synthesis droplet.

Abstract: A computer-based genomic annotation system, including a database configured to store genomic data, non-transitory memory configured to store instructions, and at least one processor coupled with the memory, the processor configured to implement the instructions in order to implement an annotation pipeline and at least one module filtering or analysis of the genomic data.

Abstract: A pressure sensing device that may include a first and second sensing elements that include one or more piezoresistive materials. The first sensing element has a first gradient. The second sensing element has a second gradient. The second gradient differs from the first gradient. The first and second gradients facilitate a determination of a magnitude of and/or a location of pressure applied on the first and second sensing element.

Abstract: Methods for measuring a panel of biomarkers in a subject suspected of having breast cancer are provided. The methods include obtaining a biological sample from the subject and determining a measurement for a panel of biomarkers in the biological sample, the panel comprising at least 5 biomarkers selected from the group comprising LPC(18:3), LPC(20:2), LPC(20:1), LPC(20:0), PC(32:1), PC(34:4), PC(38:3), PC(40:5), PC(40:3), PC(44:11), ePC(32:2), ePC(38:3), C19:1 CE, C19:0 CE, and C20:0 CE, wherein the measurement comprises measuring a level of each of the at least 5 biomarkers.

Abstract: Biomarkers of kidney function and methods for using said biomarkers for assessing kidney function, monitoring kidney function, diagnosing acute kidney injury, and diagnosing chronic kidney disease are provided. Also provided are suites of small molecule entities as biomarkers for chronic kidney disease.

Abstract: A method for screening an anticancer candidate is disclosed. The method includes immobilizing gold nanoparticles onto a substrate; binding a protein involved in carcinogenesis and metastasis to the immobilized gold nanoparticles, recording a spectrum of the protein conjugate, and analyzing the spectrum to obtain reference data; adding a candidate inhibiting the activity of the protein to the protein conjugate, recording a spectrum of the mixture, and analyzing the spectrum to obtain comparative data; and comparing the reference data with the comparative data to determine whether the candidate inhibits the activity of the protein. The method enables screening of a candidate inhibiting the activity of a protein involved in carcinogenesis and metastasis in an accurate and convenient manner.

Abstract: Example implementations relate to an optical biofilm probe. For example, in an implementation, the optical biofilm probe may include a light source to project light towards a substrate disposed within a bypass and a detector to detect light from the substrate. Properties of light detected by the detector may be affected by biofilm formation on the substrate. The bypass may be connected in parallel to a conduit of a fluid system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for entering the structures of assumed sugar chains, assumed ionic numbers, m/z of a common product ion, etc. for calculating, by a precursor m/z calculator the m/z of precursor ions originating from each sugar chain. A method file creator prepares a method file including MRM transitions. A multivalent ion information file creator creates a file which associates a unique ID of each sugar-chain structure with m/z of precursor ions and m/z of a product ion. Then, a chromatogram creator creates a mass chromatogram for each MRM transition. A peak area totalizer adds up peak areas on mass chromatograms obtained for a plurality of MRM transitions corresponding to the same sugar chain. Based on the calculated total values, a quantitative value calculator calculates an abundance ratio of each sugar chain as a quantitative value. A quantitative output information creator displays the quantitative values on a display unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of diagnostic methods. Specifically, the present invention contemplates a method for diagnosing heart failure in a subject, a method for identifying whether a subject is in need for a therapy of heart failure or a method for determining whether a heart failure therapy is successful. The invention also relates to tools for carrying out the aforementioned methods, such as diagnostic devices.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for determining copy number variations (CNV) of a sequence of interest in a test sample that comprises a mixture of nucleic acids that are known or are suspected to differ in the amount of one or more sequence of interest. The method comprises a statistical approach that accounts for accrued variability stemming from process-related, interchromosomal and inter-sequencing variability. The method is applicable to determining CNV of any fetal aneuploidy, and CNVs known or suspected to be associated with a variety of medical conditions. CNV that can be determined according to the method include trisomies and monosomies of any one or more of chromosomes 1-22, X and Y, other chromosomal polysomies, and deletions and/or duplications of segments of any one or more of the chromosomes, which can be detected by sequencing only once the nucleic acids of a test sample.

Abstract: An electrode structure is provided that includes an electrode base having topography located on a surface of the electrode base structure. A biological functionalization layer is located on one or more exposed surfaces of at least the topography of the electrode. A sacrificial layer is located on the biological functionalization layer and is present at least in the physical space located between the individual features of the topography of the electrode.

Abstract: Some embodiments disclosed herein provide methods of reducing reactive molecular species in a reaction carried out in a digital fluidics device having one or more electrodes by using a reaction mixture comprising an electron acceptor additive. In some embodiments, the presence of the electron acceptor additive reduces the presence of reactive molecular species in the reaction mixture. In some embodiments, the presence of the electron acceptor additive reduces the formation of gas bubbles in the digital fluidic device. Therefore, in preferred embodiments, the electron acceptor additive does not form a gas when reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides biomarkers, methods and kits for diagnosing a Brucellosis, Q-Fever, and/or Lyme Disease, methods and kits for monitoring the effectiveness of treatment for Brucellosis, Q-Fever, or Lyme Disease, as well as methods for identifying a compound that can treat Brucellosis, Q-Fever, and/or Lyme Disease reduce or inhibit the development of complications associated with the disease in a subject, and methods to treat a Brucellosis, Q-Fever, and/or Lyme Disease.

Abstract: Methods for the detection of components from biological samples are provided. In certain aspects, the methods may be used to detect and/or quantify specific components in a biological sample, such as tumor cells (e.g., circulating tumor cells). Systems and devices for practicing the subject methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions, methods, systems, and devices for polynucleotide processing. Such polynucleotide processing may be useful for a variety of applications, including polynucleotide sequencing.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions, methods, systems, and devices for polynucleotide processing. Such polynucleotide processing may be useful for a variety of applications, including polynucleotide sequencing.

Abstract: An optical system is provided for clinical diagnostics that include methods and apparatus for rapidly detecting and characterizing rare circulating cells such as, but not limited to, circulating tumor cells/circulating stems cells (CTC/CSCs) in a biological sample. The sample is processed for analyses, loaded onto a “capture zone” in the optical system where, and subjected to a two stage optical process for very rapid detection and detailed characterization of detected cells. The detected rare cells are characterized with regards to biomarker profiles using fluorescent tags or chromophores for detection and optical imaging. Isolation of the captured rare cells is anticipated for down-stream assessments including, but not limited to, DNA, RNA, proteomic analyses and culture.

Abstract: The présent invention relates to a method for manufacturing an analysis device including torpédo membrane fragments immobilized at the surface thereof, to the resulting analysis device, and to the use of said device for detecting, purifying, and characterizing molécules acting on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The présent invention is useful in the field of monitoring seafood, monitoring neurotoxic phytoplankton for the shellfish industry, monitoring the quality of bathing waters along tourist beaches, the field of monitoring fresh water reserves, the field of médical research, the field of the biological analysis and characterization of molécules, e.g., non-radioactive assays of the movement of the ligand-receptor bond on an ELISA-type microplate, thereby enabling compétitive agonists and antagonists of targets to be detected, e.g., of highly sensitive receptors.

Abstract: A method and kit for detecting a genetic variant associated with a disease or disorder, including incompatibility with a pharmaceutical. The method and kit using a first nano-particle coupled to at least one morpholino nucleic acid probe comprising a target complimentary region base sequence that is a perfect match to a genetic variant sequence.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system and composition for screening drug candidates for cardiotoxicity and for novel drugs that effect cardiomyocyte contractility and function. The invention provides an efficient and reliable screening assay to detect the effect of new and potential drug candidates on cardiomyocyte calcium flux, membrane depolarization, and/or the propagation of action potentials.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the sequence of nucleotide bases in a polynucleotide analyte characterised by the steps of: a. generating a stream of droplets at least some of which contain a single nucleotide and wherein the order of single nucleotides in the droplet stream corresponds to the sequence of nucleotides in the analyte; b. introducing into each droplet a plurality of biological probe types each type (i) comprising a different detectable element in an undetectable state and (ii) being adapted to capture a different complimentary single nucleotide from which the analyte is constituted; c. causing the single nucleotide contained in the droplet to bind to its complimentary probe to create a used probe; and d. causing the detectable element to be released from the used probe in a detectable state.

Abstract: A method of sequencing nucleic acids by probe hybridization and/or ligation is provided using DNA origami as a barcode for a nucleic acid probe.

Abstract: A method of generating an inclusion list for targeted mass spectrometric analysis is disclosed. Experimentally-acquired data for a plurality of isobarically-labeled peptides of interest is received at a computer. The data includes, for each of the isobarically-labeled peptides, a mass-to-charge (m/z) ratio, a charge state, and a chromatographic retention time. Predicted properties for a corresponding unlabeled peptide are determined via the computer. The predicted properties include a predicted m/z, a predicted charge state, and a predicted chromatographic retention time. The predicted properties for each corresponding unlabeled peptide are stored to the inclusion list. The predicted chromatographic retention time for the corresponding unlabeled peptide is determined based on hydrophobicity indices of the isobarically-labeled peptide and the corresponding unlabeled peptide, and chromatographic conditions for the targeted mass spectrometric analysis.

Abstract: A method for cross-talk correction of intensities measured on mutually separate detection wavelength bands is presented. Each detection wavelength band relates to one of analyte-specific probe-populations contained by a sample to be analyzed. Each probe-population is capable of emitting a first signal component and a second signal component whose spectra have maxima at different wavelengths and at least the first signal component is dependent on presence of analyte detectable with that probe-population. Cross-talk corrected intensities are computed on the basis of a) the intensities measured on the detection wavelength bands, b) a value indicative of intensity occurring on an auxiliary wavelength band outside the detection wavelength bands and at least partially caused by the second signal components, and c) pre-determined cross-talk parameters.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for pretreatment of a sample containing microbial cells. In some embodiments, the pretreatment of the sample is performed via the initial selective lysis, within a sample pretreatment vessel, of non-microbial cells (such as blood cells) and the subsequent centrifugal separation of the sample to remove the resulting debris and concentrate the microbial cells. An immiscible and dense cushioning liquid may be included for collecting the microbial cells adjacent to the liquid interface formed by the cushioning liquid upon centrifugation of the pretreatment vessel. After removal of a substantial quantity of the supernatant, resuspension of the collected microbial cells, and re-establishment of the cushioning liquid interface, at least a portion of the remaining suspension may be removed without substantially removing the cushioning liquid. One or more intermediate wash cycles may be performed prior to extraction of the remaining suspension, which provides a “pretreated” sample.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for identifying and treating patients having altered capacity for LC-PUFA production are disclosed.

Abstract: A non-invasive method of detecting or screening for lung cancer in a subject specimen is provided. The method includes detecting elevated levels of one or more carbonyl-containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are biomarkers for lung cancer in exhaled breath from the subject specimen. The method may further include obtaining exhaled breath from the subject specimen; forming adducts of the carbonyl-containing VOCs with a reactive chemical compound; quantifying the adducts of the carbonyl-containing VOCs to establish a subject value for each of the adducts; and comparing each subject value to a threshold healthy specimen value for each of the adducts of the carbonyl-containing VOCs. One or more subject values at quantities greater than threshold healthy specimen values are also useful for screening for lung cancer in the subject specimen.

Abstract: The invention provides methods to assess protein stability and to obtain sizing information. In one aspect, the screen comprises a 94 detergent panel and a series of MWCO filtered microplates. A protein of interest is bound to an affinity matrix and aliquoted into a 96-well microplate. Wells containing the immobilized protein are washed in the new detergent and then eluted in the new detergent into a collection plate. Protein not stable in the new detergent is precipitated on the resin and not present in the elutions. Half of the elution is passed through a high (i.e., 300 kDa) MWCO microplate and the other half through a low (i.e., 100 kDa) MWCO microplate. Elutions from the microplates are spotted on a nitrocellulose membrane, visualized by Western analysis (or by some other method), and quantified. The high MWCO provides stability readout and the ratio of low/high kDa provides sizing information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for analysis of the AT/GC ratio of DNA by stretching the DNA in nanochannels and performing melting mapping of the AT/GC ratio along the DNA molecule.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods for preparing high optical density solutions of nanoparticle, such as nanoplates, silver nanoplates or silver platelet nanoparticles, and to the solutions and substrates prepared by the methods. The process can include the addition of stabilizing agents (e.g., chemical or biological agents bound or otherwise linked to the nanoparticle surface) that stabilize the nanoparticle before, during, and/or after concentration, thereby allowing for the production of a stable, high optical density solution of silver nanoplates. The process can also include increasing the concentration of silver nanoplates within the solution, and thus increasing the solution optical density.

Abstract: Digital assay system, including methods and apparatus, for calculating a level of one or more targets. In an exemplary method, data for amplification of a plurality of targets including a first target may be collected from partitions. A level of the first target may be calculated from only a subset of the data that excludes partitions according to target content.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing contaminants such as hydrocarbons in soil and ground water utilizes a reaction device comprising a catalyst encapsulated in a permeable material and processes that device in contact with a contaminant in an analytical device in order to generate a spectrogram indicative of the contaminants in the soil and ground water.

Abstract: Pigment based inks are provided. The inks include a non-polar carrier fluid; and a surface-functionalized pigment particle including a nitrogen-inked moiety to the surface of the pigment particle through a nitrogen link at one end of the nitrogen-linked moiety and a segment copolymer having at least two blocks attached at another end, the pigment particle suspended in the non-polar carrier fluid. A combination of an electronic display and an electronic ink employing the pigment and a process for making the pigment-based inks are also provided.