Abstract: Methods for probing multiple targets in a biological sample are provided. The methods include the steps of providing a sample containing multiple targets, binding at least one probe having a binder coupled to an enzyme to one or more target present in the sample, and reacting the bound probe with an enzyme substrate coupled to a fluorescent signal generator. The methods include the steps of observing a signal from the fluorescent signal generator and applying to the sample a solution containing an oxidizing agent that substantially inactivates both the fluorescent signal generator and the enzyme. The methods further include the steps of binding at least one probe having a binder coupled to an enzyme to one or more target present in the sample of step, reacting the bound probe with an enzyme substrate coupled to a fluorescent signal generator; and observing a signal from the fluorescent signal generator.

Abstract: A method for segmenting a digital image into a plurality of target objects, comprising, generating a plurality of probability maps of the image, wherein each probability map is derived from a different segmentation classifier; generating a combined probability map based on the plurality of probability maps; mapping a plurality of image points based on one or more local object maxima; applying one or more object constraints based at least in part on the mapped points to identify local object information; applying one or more regional thresholds to the combined probability map, given the local object information and a background mask, to segment the image into regions; creating a segmented image at least in part by merging the segmented regions with corresponding local object maxima; and at least temporarily storing or displaying the segmented image on a digital device.

Abstract: Composition of non-radioactive traceable metal isotope-enriched nanoparticles, and methods of their use for determining in-vivo biodistribution are provided. The methods comprise the steps of: (a) introducing the nanoparticles into the biological material, wherein the nanoparticles comprise at least one inorganic core, and the inorganic core comprises at least two metal isotopes in a predetermined ratio; wherein at least one metal isotope is enriched non-radioactive traceable metal isotope and (b) determining the distribution of the nanoparticles in the biological material based on the predetermined ratio of the metal isotopes.

Abstract: A self-adhering sensor for non-invasively attaching to a portion of a skin is provided. The sensor comprises a biocompatible substrate, and an array of solid nanoelectrodes coupled to the biocompatible substrate and configured to self-adhere to the skin. Also provided is a sensor for attaching to a portion of a skin, where the sensor comprises an array of solid electrodes configured to self-adhere to the skin, where each of the solid structures comprises a stem and one or more projections extending out from the stem, where both the stem and the projections are solid. The stem comprises a mechanical stopper to control the extent of penetration of the solid electrodes into the skin. The sensor further comprises an electrolyte coating disposed on one or more of the solid structures.

Abstract: Provided herein are nucleic acid synthesis methods and agents that employ an endonuclease for example, endonuclease V, to introduce a nick into a target DNA including one or more inosine, and uses a DNA polymerase to generate amplicons of the target DNA.

Abstract: A sensor is provided. The sensor comprises at least one sensing device comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, and a gap defined as a distance between one or more facing inner surfaces of the first and second electrodes, wherein the gap distance at least in part determines a threshold of one or more sensed parameters, and an antenna in operative association with the sensing device.

Abstract: A system and methods for co-registering multi-channel images of a tissue micro array, comprising the steps of, providing a biological material on a substrate; applying one or more molecular probes, adapted to provide fluorescent molecular markers, to the biological material; obtaining a first digital image of the biological material and the fluorescent molecular markers; applying a morphological stain to the biological material; obtaining a second digital image of the biological material, computing information common to the first and second images; and co-registering the second image with the first image based on one or more registration metrics.

Abstract: Provided herein are PDGF-R? imaging agents that are polypeptides labeled with a signal generator (e.g., paramagnetic label, a radionuclide, or a fluorophore), wherein the imaging agents bind specifically to PDGFR-?. Also provided are in vivo imaging methods using the imaging agents.

Abstract: The present application discloses a process for the high throughput separation of at least one distinct biological material from a sample using magnetic tags and a magnetic separation set up capable of processing at least about 106 units/second. A magnetic field gradient is used to deflect target material bearing a magnet tag from one laminar flow stream to another so that the magnetically tagged target material exits a separation chamber via a different outlet than the rest of the sample. The process is applicable to isolating several distinct biological materials by directing each via magnetic deflection to its own unique outlet. The application also discloses a system for performing the process and a kit that includes the system and the magnetic tags.

Abstract: A system for analyzing tissue samples, that generally comprises, a storage device for at least temporarily storing one or more images of one or more cells, wherein the images comprise a plurality of channels; and a processor that is adapted to determine the extent to which a biomarker may have translocated from at least one subcellular region to another subcellular region; and then to generate a score corresponding to the extent of translocation.

Abstract: The systems and methods enhance, or increase the strength of, signals collected from a target object, to facilitate identification of the object, by removing or suppressing signal variations or aberrations associated with the object or its surroundings.

Abstract: A method for linear filtering of noise in a SPR sensorgram generated from a surface plasmon resonance apparatus is provided. The method includes providing a linear filter of variable length to filter an output signal in the sensorgram. The method further includes determining an optimal length of the linear filter based on a slope of the signal in the sensorgram and multiple timing of occurrences of events during measurement of refractive index in the apparatus to reduce noise in the sensorgram.

Abstract: A microfluidic device with a vertical injection aperture is provided. The microfluidic device comprises a separation channel, an injection aperture disposed adjacent to and in fluid communication with the separation channel. The microfluidic device further comprises a semi-permeable filter disposed adjacent to the injection aperture, wherein the filter is configured to preconcentrate a sample in the injection aperture to form a preconcentrated sample plug during an injection operation, and wherein the sample plug flows downwardly from the injection aperture to the separation channel during an electrophoresis operation.

Abstract: Method and systems for removing any inherent autofluorescence associated with a biological material, comprising: acquiring a first reference image of the biological material; acquiring a first set of one or more images of the biological material using one or more filters corresponding to one or more information dyes; applying the one or more additional dyes to the biological material and then acquiring a second set of one or more images comprising a separate image of the biological material with each of the filters corresponding to the information dyes and a second reference image of the biological material; coregistering the first and second reference images; and then removing any inherent autofluorescence exhibited in the informational images acquired.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for imaging an optically labeled target cell implanted in vivo using a reporter construct that encodes an enzyme that is not endogenous to the target cell. The disclosed methods include the steps of: (a) introducing target cell transformed with non-endogenous enzyme into a mammalian subject; (b) contacting the transformed target cell with a cell-permeable soluble fluorescent dye; and (c) observing a fluorescent signal generated by the target cell present in the mammalian subject. In some embodiments, the non-endogenous enzyme comprises a nitroreductase. In some embodiments, the methods may also include the step of tracking the fluorescent target cells in the mammalian subject over time.

Abstract: A sensing device adapted to detect environmental changes and/or an analyte is provided. The sensing device comprising radio frequency sensor circuitry, a protection material disposed on the radio frequency sensor circuitry, and a metallic layer disposed on the protection material. A detection system for detecting an environmental change or an analyte in an article is provided.

Abstract: Methods and kits for efficient amplification of nucleic acids are provided. The methods comprise in-vitro amplification of a nucleic acid template employing partially constrained primers having terminal mismatch primer-dimer structure. The methods also comprise in-vitro amplification of a nucleic acid template employing partially constrained primers having nucleotide analogues. The methods enhance efficiency of nucleic acid amplification reaction by reducing non-specific amplification reactions.

Abstract: An isolated polypeptide, Z domain, derived from B domain of Staphylococcal protein A, comprising a pair of anti-parallel alpha helices that are capable of binding a target, is provided herein. Introduction of different natural amino acid mutations in the polypeptide are provided here. Also provided are methods of using the two-helix binders.

Abstract: An isolated polypeptide, Z domain, derived from B domain of Staphylococcal protein A, comprising a pair of anti-parallel alpha helices that are capable of binding a target, is provided herein. Introduction of a covalent bridge between two modified amino acids in the polypeptide is provided here. Also provided are methods of using the two-helix binders.

Abstract: An isolated polypeptide, Z domain, derived from B domain of Staphylococcal protein A, comprising a pair of anti-parallel alpha helices that are capable of binding a target, is provided herein. Introduction of an un-natural amino acid in the polypeptide is provided here. Also provided are methods of using the two-helix binders.