Abstract: A disposable safety needle assembly and safety enclosure for internally shielding a used or contaminated needle includes a needle assembly having a needle cannula slidably disposed within a safety enclosure. An angular orientation to the needle within the enclosure maintains an insertion angle allowing the safety enclosure to remain substantially flush with a dermal surface during and while the needle is inserted. The safety enclosure also includes an internally disposed flexible safety member. The flexible safety member has face portion transversely situated and having a safety feature disposed to the needle and that slides thereon. Retracting the needle within the safety enclosure to a point wherein the sharp tip of the needle is beyond the needle protection section of the flexible member causes the protection section to travel transversely to the direction of motion of the needle. As a result, the safety feature receives the sharp tip of the needle.

Abstract: A disposable safety needle assembly and safety enclosure for internally shielding a used or contaminated needle includes a needle assembly having a needle cannula slidably disposed within a safety enclosure. An angular orientation to the needle within the enclosure maintains an insertion angle allowing the safety enclosure to remain substantially flush with a dermal surface during and while the needle is inserted. The safety enclosure also includes an internally disposed flexible safety member. The flexible safety member has face portion transversely situated and having a safety feature disposed to the needle and that slides thereon. Retracting the needle within the safety enclosure to a point wherein the sharp tip of the needle is beyond the needle protection section of the flexible member causes the protection section to travel transversely to the direction of motion of the needle. As a result, the safety feature receives the sharp tip of the needle.

Abstract: Methods of isolating membrane vesicles from a biological fluid sample are provided. In some embodiments, the methods comprise providing a biological fluid sample comprising membrane vesicles; filtering the biological fluid sample through a filtration module comprising a filter having an average pore diameter of between about 0.01 um and about 0.15 um; and collecting from the filtration module a retentate comprising the membrane vesicles, thereby isolating the membrane vesicles from the biological fluid sample.

Abstract: Methods and kits are provided for diagnosing a kidney disease, or the risk thereof, in a subject. The methods include determining an amount of at least one peptide biomarker disclosed herein in a biological sample from the subject and comparing the amount of the at least one peptide in the sample with a control level, wherein if the amount determined is different than the control level, the subject is diagnosed as having, or at an increased risk of developing, the kidney disease.

Abstract: Techniques disclosed herein include a disposable safety needle assembly and safety enclosure for internally shielding a used or contaminated needle. The needle assembly has a needle cannula slidably disposed within a safety enclosure. The safety enclosure includes an internally disposed flexible safety member. The flexible safety member has face portion transversely situated and having a safety feature disposed to the needle and that slides thereon. Retracting the needle within the safety enclosure to a point wherein the sharp tip of the needle is beyond the needle protection section of the flexible member causes the protection section to travel transversely to the direction of motion of the needle. As a result, the safety feature receives the sharp tip of the needle and prevents the needle from exiting the enclosure, thereby maintaining the needle safely after use.

Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter provides methods for diagnosing a kidney disease, or the risk thereof, in a subject. The methods comprise determining an amount of at least one peptide biomarker disclosed herein in a biological sample from the subject and comparing the amount of the at least one peptide in the sample with a control level, wherein if the amount determined is different than the control level, the subject is diagnosed as having, or at an increased risk of developing, the kidney disease.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing a kidney disease, or the risk thereof, in a subject are provided. The methods comprise determining an amount of at least one peptide biomarker disclosed herein in a biological sample from the subject and comparing the amount of the at least one peptide in the sample with a control level, wherein if the amount determined is different than the control level, the subject is diagnosed as having, or at an increased risk of developing, the kidney disease.

Abstract: A disposable safety needle assembly and safety enclosure means for internally shielding a used or contaminated needle is disclosed. The needle assembly has a needle cannula which is disposed and slidably within a safety enclosure. The safety enclosure includes an internally disposed flexible safety member situated substantially longitudinally within said flexible safety member, having a face portion transversely having a safety feature and being disposed to the needle and cooperatively sliding thereon. Retraction of the needle within the safety enclosure to a point wherein the sharp tip of the needle is beyond the needle protection section of the flexible member causes the protection section to travel transversely to the direction of motion of the needle and the safety feature receiving the sharp tip of the needle and preventing it from exiting the enclosure, thereby maintaining the needle safely after use.

Abstract: Methods of isolating membrane vesicles from a biological fluid sample are provided. In some embodiments, the methods comprise providing a biological fluid sample comprising membrane vesicles; filtering the biological fluid sample through a filtration module comprising a filter having an average pore diameter of between about 0.01 um and about 0.15 um; and collecting from the filtration module a retentate comprising the membrane vesicles, thereby isolating the membrane vesicles from the biological fluid sample.

Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter provides methods for diagnosing a kidney disease, or the risk thereof, in a subject. The methods comprise determining an amount of at least one peptide biomarker disclosed herein in a biological sample from the subject and comparing the amount of the at least one peptide in the sample with a control level, wherein if the amount determined is different than the control level, the subject is diagnosed as having, or at an increased risk of developing, the kidney disease.

Abstract: Methods for collecting accurate perception data points related to a given item from a set of respondents by offering an incentive that benefits the respondent or respondents who submit data points that match most closely to a calculated value of the data points collected. Provides methods for collecting perception data points by a market research service provider that offers considerably greater information and convenience to prospective initiators of market research service who desire to have a given item be assessed and offer the chances to win incentives to encourage accurate assessment and participation by respondents. Helps one to understand how others perceive the value of a given item so that one may make an educated judgment on how to price such item. The object of the invention is that the more accurate the perception data given by respondents, the more likely the respondents will win the incentive.

Abstract: A multiple region convolver includes tapering between successive models of a physical system. The tapering is performed during a transition period.

Abstract: A multiple region convolver includes tapering between successive models of a physical system. The tapering is performed during a transition period.