Abstract: Provided are methods of analyzing a capillary microsample obtained from a subject. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise assessing a test mixture for one or more capillary microsample analytes, wherein the test mixture comprises the capillary microsample diluted into a stabilizing buffer comprising isopropanol, ethanol, methanol, or a combination thereof. Such methods further comprise analyzing capillary microsample nucleic acids purified from the test mixture. According to some embodiments, analyzing the capillary microsample nucleic acids comprises genotyping the subject. Methods of determining one or more alleles of a subject are also provided, as are kits that find use in practicing the methods of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing a population of hepatocyte-like cells (iHeps) from a population of adipocyte-derived stem cells (ASCs). Aspects of the methods include placing a population of ASCs into a three dimensional culture (e.g., hanging drop suspension culture, high density culture, spinner flask culture, microcarrier culture, etc.), and contacting the cells with a first and second culture medium. Also provided are methods of treating an individual, which include producing a population of iHeps from a population of ASCs, and administering an effective number of iHeps into the individual. Kits for practicing the methods are also described herein.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing a population of hepatocyte-like cells (iHeps) from a population of adipocyte-derived stem cells (ASCs). Aspects of the methods include placing a population of ASCs into a three dimensional culture (e.g., hanging drop suspension culture, high density culture, spinner flask culture, microcarrier culture, etc.), and contacting the cells with a first and second culture medium. Also provided are methods of treating an individual, which include producing a population of iHeps from a population of ASCs, and administering an effective number of iHeps into the individual. Kits for practicing the methods are also described herein.

Abstract: Methods, kits and systems described herein provide collecting, preparing, processing and/or analyzing a clinical sample, such as a blood. The methods, kits and systems may use a biocompatible solution comprising water and a stabilizing solvent, such as isopropanol, for accurate testing of the presence and/or amount of dmg, nutrient, or metabolite.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing a population of hepatocyte-like cells (iHeps) from a population of adipocyte-derived stem cells (ASCs). Aspects of the methods include placing a population of ASCs into a three dimensional culture (e.g., hanging drop suspension culture, high density culture, spinner flask culture, microcarrier culture, etc.), and contacting the cells with a first and second culture medium. Also provided are methods of treating an individual, which include producing a population of iHeps from a population of ASCs, and administering an effective number of iHeps into the individual. Kits for practicing the methods are also described herein.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing a population of hepatocyte-like cells (iHeps) from a population of adipocyte-derived stem cells (ASCs). Aspects of the methods include placing a population of ASCs into a three dimensional culture (e.g., hanging drop suspension culture, high density culture, spinner flask culture, microcarrier culture, etc.), and contacting the cells with a first and second culture medium. Also provided are methods of treating an individual, which include producing a population of iHeps from a population of ASCs, and administering an effective number of iHeps into the individual. Kits for practicing the methods are also described herein.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing a population of hepatocyte-like cells (iHeps) from a population of adipocyte-derived stem cells (ASCs). Aspects of the methods include placing a population of ASCs into a three dimensional culture (e.g., hanging drop suspension culture, high density culture, spinner flask culture, microcarrier culture, etc.), and contacting the cells with a first and second culture medium. Also provided are methods of treating an individual, which include producing a population of iHeps from a population of ASCs, and administering an effective number of iHeps into the individual. Kits for practicing the methods are also described herein.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and pharmaceutical compositions for preventing or treating physical dependence and/or withdrawal associated with narcotic use, in particular by modulating a 5-HT3 receptor. Using a computational genetic approach in mice, a gene conserved between mice and humans was identified as candidate as a modulator of physical dependence to morphine. Administration of compounds that modulate 5-HT3 receptors was found to control withdrawal from morphine in mice and humans.

Abstract: Methods for prognosis and diagnosis of pancreatic cysts are disclosed. In particular, the invention relates to the use of biomarkers from pancreatic cyst fluid to aid in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of pancreatic cysts. More specifically, differential expression of certain metabolites, including glucose and kynurenine, and the protein, amphiregulin, is used to distinguish benign, pre-malignant, and malignant pancreatic cysts.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and pharmaceutical compositions for preventing or treating physical dependence and/or withdrawal associated with narcotic use, in particular by modulating a 5-HT3 receptor. Using a computational genetic approach in mice, a gene conserved between mice and humans was identified as candidate as a modulator of physical dependence to morphine. Administration of compounds that modulate 5-HT3 receptors was found to control withdrawal from morphine in mice and humans.

Abstract: Methods and reagents for determining sequence variants present at the FRZB locus, which facilitate identifying individuals at risk for obesity and/or osteoporosis, are provided. In particular, methods for detecting an individual's risk for obesity and/or osteoporosis by detecting at least one polymorphism (e.g., at least one single nucleotide polymorphism) in the FRZB gene in a nucleic acid sample from the individual are provided. Related kits, arrays and systems are also described.

Abstract: Methods and reagents for determining the genotoxicity of a compound based on genomic responses to contact therewith are provided.

Abstract: Methods of treating and preventing bone loss and/or enhancing bone formation are disclosed. The methods utilize 15-lipoxygenase inhibitors. These molecules can be delivered alone or in combination with agents which inhibit bone resorption or additional agents that regulate calcium resorption from bone or enhances bone accumulation. The invention additionally provides methods of diagnosing a predisposition to bone loss.

Abstract: Computer systems, computer program products and methods for processing an input nucleic acid chromatogram having a plurality of substantially simultaneous traces. Each trace in the plurality of traces has a plurality of datapoints. Each respective datapoint in each of the plurality of datapoints represents a signal amplitude at a position in the trace corresponding to the respective datapoint. A first peak is identified in a first trace that is substantially overlapping a second peak in a second trace in the plurality of traces. The first peak is outputted to a first output homozygous representation and the second peak is outputted to a second output homozygous representation. The first output homozygous representation is a first homozygous sequence representation or a first homozygous nucleic acid chromatogram corresponding to the input nucleic acid chromatogram.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymorphic Plasminogen genes and polypeptides. In particular, the present invention provides assays for the detection of Plasminogen polymorphisms and mutations associated with disease states and provides screening assays for the identification and use of compounds that alter Plasminogen activity and/or biological pathways involving Plasminogen.

Abstract: The current invention is based on the discovery that the Prol2Ala and VN102 single nucleotide polymorphisms in the PPAR?2 provides a method of determining a susceptibility to osteoporosis by detecting the presence of PPAR? of the alleles.

Abstract: Soluble and membrane-bound forms of human Fc&ggr;RIII are provided, together with nucleic acids capable of encoding the same. Soluble Fc&ggr;RIIIs are useful in ameliorating the serum platelet deficiency associated with immune thrombocytopenic prupura. Cells expressing membrane-bound Fc&ggr;RIIIs are useful components in assays for serum immune complexes.

Abstract: This invention provides novel cationic lipids, particularly guanidino lipids, and methods for their preparation. Also provided are polyanionic-lipid complexes comprising the lipids of the invention, their preparation and use to deliver biologically active substances, particularly nucleic acids to cells.

Abstract: Soluble and membrane-bound forms of human Fc.gamma.RIII are provided, together with nucleic acids capable of encoding the same. Soluble Fc.gamma.RIIIs are useful in ameliorating the serum platelet deficiency associated with immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Cells expressing membrane-bound Fc.gamma.RIII are useful components in assays for serum immune complexes.

Abstract: Soluble and membrane-bound forms of human FC.gamma.RIII are provided, together with nucleic acids capable of encoding the same. Soluble Fc.gamma.RIIIs are useful in ameliorating the serum platelet deficiency associated with immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Cells expressing membrane-bound Fc.gamma.RIIIs are useful components in assays for serum immune complexes.