Abstract: A method is provided for probabilistically assigning a tissue of origin to a nucleic acid in a sample, e.g., DNA in a cell-free fluid sample obtained from a human subject. A hydroxymethylation profile is generated for the sample DNA and then compared across a reference data set of hydroxymethylation profile vectors, where each hydroxymethylation profile vector identifies the hydroxymethylation profile at a specific reference locus, the tissue-specific gene associated with the reference locus, and the tissue with which the gene and reference locus are associated. A tissue of origin can be probabilistically assigned to the sample nucleic acid using the results of the comparison. Other methods of use are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the analysis of a biological sample to determine multiple types of information therefrom in a streamlined, combined workflow, where all information is obtained in a sequencing-based analysis. The information includes the presence and concentration of specific plasma proteins in a blood sample: the number, location, and types of histone modifications associated with cell-free DNA obtained from the same sample: the sequence of cfRNA and cfDNA in the cell-free DNA sample; and epigenetic information pertaining to the cell-free DNA, such as hydroxy methylation and methylation profiles, i.e., the distribution of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and 5-methylcy tosine (5mC) residues, respectively. The invention additionally pertains to a classical sequencing-based method for analyzing a biological sample to determine one or more non-classical sequence features of the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for monitoring a lung cancer patient during lung cancer therapy to determine whether the patient is responding to the therapy, and for predicting whether a lung cancer patient, prior to beginning lung cancer therapy, is likely to respond to the therapy. The methods involve generation and analysis of hydroxymethylation signatures, wherein, in monitoring efficacy, a patient 5hmC signature obtained during therapy is compared to a baseline 5hmC signature, while in predicting efficacy, the patient 5hmC signature is compared to a reference 5hmC profile. Analysis of 5hmC levels at certain hydroxymethylation biomarker loci indicate whether the patient is likely to benefit from or continue benefitting from a particular lung cancer therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting pancreatic cancer in a cell-free DNA sample obtained from a patient's plasma, without need for a surgical biopsy or other invasive means. The method involves consideration of multiple feature types, including at least the following: 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC)-containing fragment counts in each of a plurality of genomic regions; cfDNA fragment size analysis; and copy number variation (CNV) determination. A probability score is calculated for each of a plurality of base models, with each base model corresponding to a feature set, and the probability scores are combined in an ensemble model to generate an overall probability score that a patient has pancreatic cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting, assessing, and monitoring pancreatic cancer without need for a surgical biopsy or other invasive means.

Abstract: Methods for analyzing peripheral blood samples are provided, wherein buffy coat gDNA is analyzed to provide a buffy coat gDNA hydroxymethylation signature. The buffy coat gDNA hydroxymethylation signature is correlated with the presence of cancer in a patient. Combining the buffy coat gDNA hydroxymethylation signature with another feature value related to the patient increases the predictiveness of the process. In some embodiments, an additional feature value is the cell-free DNA (cfDNA) hydroxymethylation signature in a peripheral blood sample obtained from the same patient. The combination of feature values may be carried out using an ensemble-type analysis such as a stacked ensemble analysis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for identifying patients with pancreatic cancer and subjects at risk for developing pancreatic cancer, methods for monitoring a patient with an identified pancreatic lesion, methods for evaluating the effectiveness of a treatment used for a patient with pancreatic cancer, and methods for selecting a therapy for treating pancreatic cancer in a particular patient. The invention makes use of hydroxymethylation biomarkers, which in combination with one or more clinical parameters and optionally one or more additional types of biomarkers and/or patient-specific risk factors, exhibit a hydroxymethylation level that correlates with pancreatic cancer. Kits and other methods of use are also provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for probabilistically assigning a tissue of origin to a nucleic acid in a sample, e.g., DNA in a cell-free fluid sample obtained from a human subject. A hydroxymethylation profile is generated for the sample DNA and then compared across a reference data set of hydroxymethylation profile vectors, where each hydroxymethylation profile vector identifies the hydroxymethylation profile at a specific reference locus, the tissue-specific gene associated with the reference locus, and the tissue with which the gene and reference locus are associated. A tissue of origin can be probabilistically assigned to the sample nucleic acid using the results of the comparison. Other methods of use are also provided.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein generally relates to methods of assessing and monitoring tumor load through analysis of tumor DNA in cancer patients. Quantitative measures derived from cell-free DNA and germline DNA are used to assess and monitor tumor load. By assessing and monitoring tumor load, cancer may be detected in a subject. The tumor load of a subject may be assessed at a number of different time points to monitor a progression, regression, or recurrence of cancer in a subject.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein generally relates to methods of assessing and monitoring tumor load through analysis of tumor DNA in cancer patients. Quantitative measures derived from cell-free DNA and germline DNA are used to assess and monitor tumor load. By assessing and monitoring tumor load, cancer may be detected in a subject. The tumor load of a subject may be assessed at a number of different time points to monitor a progression, regression, or recurrence of cancer in a subject.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the analysis of a biological sample to determine multiple types of information therefrom in a streamlined, combined workflow, where all information is obtained in a sequencing-based analysis. The information includes the presence and concentration of specific plasma proteins in a blood sample; the number, location, and types of histone modifications associated with cell-free DNA obtained from the same sample; the sequence of cfRNA and cfDNA in the cell-free DNA sample; and epigenetic information pertaining to the cell-free DNA, such as hydroxymethylation and methylation profiles, i.e., the distribution of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and 5-methylcytosine (5mC) residues, respectively. The invention additionally pertains to a classical sequencing-based method for analyzing a biological sample to determine one or more non-classical sequence features of the sample.

Abstract: A roof-mounted automobile surveillance apparatus for creating a surveillance network on streets to improve public safety includes a base to attach to a roof of a vehicle. A dome cover is coupled to the base outer edge and extends above the base top side. The dome cover is transparent and weatherproof. A camera housing is coupled to the base. The camera housing is coupled to the base top side within the dome cover. A camera is coupled within the camera housing. The camera has a plurality of lenses extending through the camera housing. A CPU, a battery, a memory card slot, a GPS transceiver, and a cellular transceiver are coupled to the base within the base inside.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for identifying patients likely to have pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and patients likely to be at risk for developing PDAC. Related methods are also provided that pertain to patient monitoring, treatment evaluation, and an improved multi-cancer test., as are kits that are suitable for carrying out the aforementioned methods. The invention makes use of hydroxymethylation biomarkers, which in combination with one or more clinical parameters and optionally one or more additional types of biomarkers and/or patient-specific risk factors, exhibit a hydroxymethylation level that correlates with the presence of or risk of developing PDAC.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for identifying patients with pancreatic cancer and subjects at risk for developing pancreatic cancer, methods for monitoring a patient with an identified pancreatic lesion, methods for evaluating the effectiveness of a treatment used for a patient with pancreatic cancer, and methods for selecting a therapy for treating pancreatic cancer in a particular patient. The invention makes use of hydroxymethylation biomarkers, which in combination with one or more clinical parameters and optionally one or more additional types of biomarkers and/or patient-specific risk factors, exhibit a hydroxymethylation level that correlates with pancreatic cancer. Kits and other methods of use are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for incorporating transcript chromosomal locus information for identification of biomarkers of disease recurrence risk.

Abstract: A method is provided for probabilistically assigning a tissue of origin to a nucleic acid in a sample, e.g., DNA in a cell-free fluid sample obtained from a human subject. A hydroxymethylation profile is generated for the sample DNA and then compared across a reference data set of hydroxymethylation profile vectors, where each hydroxymethylation profile vector identifies the hydroxymethylation profile at a specific reference locus, the tissue-specific gene associated with the reference locus, and the tissue with which the gene and reference locus are associated. A tissue of origin can be probabilistically assigned to the sample nucleic acid using the results of the comparison. Other methods of use are also provided.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein generally relates to methods of assessing and monitoring tumor load through analysis of tumor DNA in cancer patients. Quantitative measures derived from cell-free DNA and germline DNA are used to assess and monitor tumor load. By assessing and monitoring tumor load, cancer may be detected in a subject. The tumor load of a subject may be assessed at a number of different time points to monitor a progression, regression, or recurrence of cancer in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for incorporating transcript chromosomal locus information for identification of biomarkers of disease recurrence risk.

Abstract: The technology described herein provides methods for addressing obesity by introducing a device into the stomach. Embodiments of a device for treating obesity may comprise a shaped membrane construct that contains a swellable material. The construct may be contained within a capsule which is ingested by a patient. When the capsule dissolves in the stomach, the gastric secretions may diffuse through the membrane and spontaneously swell the internal material, which swells and stiffens the construct sufficiently to create a sensation of satiety by both filling gastric volume and by distending the walls of the stomach. The volume of the construct may be sufficient to prevent passage through the pyloric sphincter. After a set period of time or after the administration of a degradation formulation, the device may structurally degrade to allow passage through the pyloric sphincter and eventual passage from the body.

Abstract: An improved portable hand powered scooter and method of operating the same is disclosed in which the rider's hands move in unison to propel the scooter forward and to steer. The scooter is slowed and stopped when the rider reverses the hand rotation. The scooter is propelled, directed, slowed and stopped using the rider's hands and is thus suited for use by those with limited lower body mobility. The drive mechanism includes a hinge assembly that permits the steering column/drive system to fold back on the scooter so as to reduce the scooter's overall height and increase the scooter's portability.