Abstract: A system for detecting analytes in a test sample, and a method for processing the same, is provided. The system includes a cartridge reader unit that has a control unit and a pneumatic system, and a cartridge assembly that prepares the samples with mixing material(s) through communication channels. The assembly has a memory chip with parameters for preparing the sample and at least one sensor. The assembly, pneumatic system, and control unit operate together to prepare the sample and provide the prepared sample to the sensor for detecting analytes, and also process measurements from the sensor to generate test results.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions, methods and uses that relate to or result from providing separation media having at least one flocculant ligand covalently attached to a base surface or support, and the separation and/or purification of biological molecules using the separation media of the present disclosure. Certain embodiments provide separation media which under certain modes of operation, enhance the separation of the molecule of interest from impurities.

Abstract: Methods for evaluating microsatellite instability (MSI) analyze nucleic acid sequence reads corresponding to a plurality of marker regions for MSI. The marker regions may include long homopolymers and/or short tandem repeats (STRs). For a target homopolymer, a histogram of homopolymer signal values is calculated based on flow space signal measurements for the homopolymer region in the sequence reads. A score per marker based on features of the histogram of homopolymer signal values is determined for each marker region corresponding to the target homopolymers. For a target STR, the method includes calculating a histogram of repeat lengths for sequence reads corresponding to the marker region of the target STR. A score per STR marker is calculated based on features of the histogram of repeat lengths. A plurality of per marker scores may be combined to form a total MSI score for the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are modified polymerase compositions exhibiting altered polymerase activity, which can be useful in a variety of biological applications. Also disclosed herein are methods of making and using such compositions. In some embodiments, the compositions exhibit altered properties that can enhance their utility in a variety of biological applications. Such altered properties, can include, for example, altered nucleotide binding affinities, altered nucleotide incorporation kinetics, altered photostability and/or altered nanoparticle tolerance, as well as a range of other properties as disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a Raman spectral signature for detection of plant metabolites, specifically carotenoids, in tissue of a plant leaf. Carotenoids are used as a biomarker for an early, real-time diagnosis of shade avoidance syndrome (SAS) in growing plants in a non-invasive or non-destructive way in order to detect the adverse effect of the SAS upon their health, and ultimately their yield. The early, real-time diagnosis of SAS provides a window period within which further adverse effects of SAS may be slowed or prevented without negatively affecting the yield of growing plants or leafy vegetables.

Abstract: Provided herein is an electrophoresis separation medium comprising: (a) a non-crosslinked or sparsely cross-linked polymer or copolymer; (b) one or more denaturant compounds, in an amount sufficient to inhibit re-naturation of single stranded polynucleotides; (c) an aqueous solvent; (d) optionally, a wall-coating material suited to inhibition of electroosmotic flow; and (e) optionally, an organic water miscible solvent such as DMSO or acetonitrile, wherein the electrophoresis separation medium exhibits functional stability for at least seven days at 23° C. Also provided herein are sieving compositions, including polymer-based sieving compositions, for molecular sieving as well as related kits, devices and methods of use. Such compositions can be useful for separation of biomolecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, glycoproteins and glycans.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to non-naturally occurring peptides containing a membrane-penetrating amino acid sequence and further at least one polycationic moiety or peptide sequence. The peptides are suitable for use in delivery a cargo to the interior of a cell. Suitable cargo includes nucleic acid molecules (including DNA, RNA or PNA), polypeptides, or other biologically active molecules. The present invention is further directed to transfection complexes containing the non-naturally occurring peptides of the present invention in non-covalent association with at least one cationic lipid and a cargo to be delivered to the interior of a cell. The invention further relates to methods for the preparation and use of the non-naturally occurring peptides for the formation of transfection complexes and the delivery of a cargo to the interior of a cell in culture, an animal or a human. The invention also relates to compositions and kits useful for transfecting cells.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions for coupling nucleic acid to a functionalized surface or support. In particular, the present invention provides an improved process for coupling aminated nucleic acid to a support functionalized with carboxylic acid groups, wherein the coupling reaction is conducted in the presence of an organic solvent. The invention further relates to compositions and kits for performing the coupling reaction and uses of nucleic acid-loaded supports for various applications.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and systems for use in polymerase-dependent, nucleotide transient-binding methods. The methods are useful for deducing the sequence of a template nucleic acid molecule and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analyses. The methods rely on the fact that the polymerase transient-binding time for a complementary nucleotide is longer compared to that of a non-complementary nucleotide. The labeled nucleotides transiently-binds the polymerase in a template-dependent manner, but does not incorporate. The methods are conducted under any reaction condition that permits transient binding of a complementary or non-complementary nucleotide to a polymerase, and inhibits nucleotide incorporation.

Abstract: The present application relates to a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof, or a radionuclide complex comprising a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof, and one or more radionuclides, and to compositions thereof. The present application also includes methods of using the compounds, complexes and compositions for targeting neurotensin receptors, and further to their use in the imaging, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, disorders or conditions such as cancer. The present application relates to a compound of Formula (II) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and/or solvate thereof, and to compositions and uses thereof, for example, in the treatment of diseases, disorders or conditions such as cancer.

Abstract: A method for sequencing a polynucleotide sample having a barcode sequence includes: introducing a series of nucleotides to the polynucleotide sample according to a predetermined order of nucleotide flows; obtaining a series of signals resulting from the introducing of nucleotides to the polynucleotide sample; and resolving the series of signals over the barcode sequence to render a flowspace string, wherein the flowspace string is a codeword of an error-correcting code that is (i) designed based on and adapted for use with the predetermined order of nucleotide flows, and (ii) capable of distinguishing any codeword in the error-correcting code from the other codewords in the error-correcting code in the presence of zero, one, and two errors.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to FET arrays for monitoring chemical and/or biological reactions such as nucleic acid sequencing-by-synthesis reactions. Some methods provided herein relate to improving signal (and also signal to noise ratio) from released hydrogen ions during nucleic acid sequencing reactions.

Abstract: A mixing system for mixing a liquid includes a first impeller segment having a first mount and a first mixing blade secured to the first mount and a second impeller segment having a second mount and a first mixing blade secured to the second mount, the second impeller segment being separate and discrete from the first impeller segment. One or more drive members are secured to the first impeller segment and the second impeller segment for concurrently rotating the first impeller segment and the second impeller segment about a rotational axis. The first impeller segment and the second impeller segment are secured to the one or more drive members so that a plane extending normal to the axis of rotation intersects with the first mixing blade of the first impeller segment and the first mixing blade of the second impeller segment.

Abstract: A biological analysis system can include an excitation module and an emission module. The excitation module can include a collimator element for receiving excitation light from the excitation light source and transmitting collimated excitation light in a first direction, and a plurality of excitation mirrors arrayed along the excitation light path, each excitation mirror disposed at an acute angle relative to the first direction and configured to reflect collimated excitation light along a second direction. The emission module can be positioned to receive excitation light transmitted along the second direction and can include a sample block comprising a plurality of sample receptacles positioned to receive a beam of collimated excitation light, and a plurality of photodetectors configured to receive emission light transmitted from a respective sample receptacle in a direction transverse to the second direction of the excitation light path.

Abstract: A method for detecting a gene fusion includes amplifying a nucleic acid sample in the presence of primer pool to produce a plurality of amplicons. The primer pool includes primers targeting a plurality of exon-exon junctions of a driver gene. The amplicons correspond to the exon-exon junctions. The amplicons are sequenced and aligned to a reference sequence. The number of reads corresponding to each amplicon is normalized to give a normalized read count. A baseline correction is applied to the normalized read counts for the amplicons to form corrected read counts. A binary segmentation score is calculated for each corrected read count. A predicted breakpoint for the gene fusion is determined based on the amplicon index corresponding to the maximum absolute binary segmentation score. Gene fusion events may be detected in a partner agnostic manner, i.e. without prior knowledge of the specific fusion partner genes or specific breakpoint information.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a sensor includes etching an insulator layer disposed over a substrate to define an opening exposing a sensor surface of a sensor disposed on the substrate, a native oxide forming on the sensor surface; sputtering the sensor surface with a noble gas to at least partially remove the native oxide from the sensor surface; and annealing the sensor surface in a hydrogen atmosphere.

Abstract: An electroporation apparatus comprising an elongated hollow member in order to provide a uniform electric field during electroporation, wherein specifically, electroporation is carried out by applying electric pulses through a couple of electrodes from both end parts of the elongated hollow member, after the hollow member is charged with fluid specimen including cells and material which would be injected into the cells.