Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing biogas from organic matter including a container (1) which is charged with fermentation substrate by a delivery system (13). At least one stirring mechanism (2) is arranged in the container. The feedback value of at least one measurable variable is detected and transmitted to a control unit (4). A reference variable is also provided to the control unit. The control unit calculates the deviation of the feedback value from the reference value, and actuating variables which modify the power input of the stirring mechanism and/or the composition of the container contents and/or the flow behavior of the container contents are adjusted as a function of the deviation.

Abstract: A method is described for the real-time detection of West Nile Virus in samples taken from humans or potential carriers of the virus such as mosquitoes or birds. Real-time detection of West Nile Virus is performed in a PCR reaction using gene specific primers and a cleavable chimeric fluorescent probe. The method is amenable to medium and high throughput analysis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for early diagnosis of liver cancer. The method comprises the steps of: (A) providing a sample obtained from a subject; (B) assessing the expression level of four subtypes of ?-mannosidase genes consisting of MAN1C1 in the sample; (C) comparing the expression level of ?-mannosidase genes in the sample with a normal control; and (D) determining whether the subject having a risk of suffering liver cancer in accordance with the result of step (C); wherein while the MAN1C1 expression level of the sample is lower than that in the normal control, the subject is determined to have a risk of suffering liver cancer. Additionally, while MAN1A1, MAN1A2 and MAN1B1 expression levels in the sample are higher than those in control group, the subject is determined to suffer from liver cancer and has a risk of metastasis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for medical diagnosis or risk assessment for a patient are provided. A fluid-testing microchip is described which includes a filter compartment configured to receive a fluid sample from an inlet port, wherein the filter compartment comprises a plurality of beads coated with a defoaming agent, a micro-pump configured to transfer the fluid sample from the filter compartment to a test compartment, and the test compartment comprising a test component configured to test the fluid sample. The systems include an instrument for reading or evaluating the test data. These systems and methods are designed to be employed at the point of care, such as in emergency rooms and operating rooms, or in any situation in which a rapid and accurate result is desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of diagnostic measures. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for predicting the risk of mortality in a subject suffering from low viral load HPV (human papillomavirus) positive oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer. The method is based on the determination of the amount of an E6* gene product and the amount an E1?E4 gene product of HPV in a sample from said subject. Moreover, the method is based on determining the presence of absence of an E1C gene product of HPV. The present invention further relates to a method for predicting the risk of mortality in a subject suffering from HPV (human papillomavirus) positive oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer based on the determination of copy number of HPV per cancer cell.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for detecting a biomolecule including: immobilizing a nucleic acid aptamer capable of specifically binding to a biomolecule to be detected on the surface of a bead on which fluorophores are arranged; hybridizing the nucleic acid aptamer with a guard nucleic acid (g-nucleic acid) labeled with a quencher to quench fluorescence; and reacting a sample including the biomolecule to be detected with the nucleic acid aptamer and detecting a fluorescence signal emitted as the biomolecule binds with the nucleic acid aptamer and the g-nucleic acid labeled with the quencher is separated, and a device for detecting a biomolecule for conducting the detection method. The present disclosure allows for effective, convenient and fast detection of the biomolecule to be detected, enables quantitative analysis, and enables detection of even a trace amount of sample.

Abstract: A sample processing device is disclosed, which sample processing device comprises a first substrate and a second substrate, where the first substrate has a first surface comprising two area types, a first area type with a first contact angle with water and a second area type with a second contact angle with water, the first contact angle being smaller than the second contact angle. The first substrate defines an inlet system and a preparation system in areas of the first type which two areas are separated by a barrier system in an area of the second type. The inlet system is adapted to receive a sample liquid comprising the sample and the first preparation system is adapted to receive a receiving liquid. In a particular embodiment, a magnetic sample transport component, such as a permanent magnet or an electromagnet, is arranged to move magnetic beads in between the first and second substrates.

Abstract: Monoclonal anti-HPV (human papillomavirus) E7 antibodies are capable of specifically recognizing an epitope of the C-terminal or the N-terminal region of a HPV E7 protein.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems, cartridges, and methods for automated characterization of a nucleic acid molecule, in particular, optical mapping of DNA from an organism. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a cartridge for characterizing a nucleic acid molecule, the cartridge including a reaction chamber having a derivatized bottom surface, at least one reagent reservoir, and a pump, in which the reaction chamber, the reagent reservoir, and the pump are fluidically connected to each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to concentrate cells onto microparticles, to concentrate the microparticles, and to detect the cells. The present invention also includes unitary sample preparation and detection devices to be used in accordance with the methods.

Abstract: A method which can isolate plasma cells and plasmablasts efficiently and with high purity, from mammals and birds, without using a cell surface marker is provided. Further disclosed is a fluorescent probe wherein the staining selectivity for the endoplasmic reticulum of cells is higher than the staining selectivity for cell organelles other than the endoplasmic reticulum. Also disclosed is a method for identifying plasma cells and plasmablasts which includes staining cells derived from lymph node tissue or similar by using this probe, and identifying plasma cells and plasmablasts on the basis of the fluorescence intensity from the stained cells. Also disclosed is a fluorescent probe wherein the staining selectivity for cell nuclei is higher than the staining selectivity for cell organelles other than the cell nuclei.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions, kits and methods employing RNA 5? polyphosphatases, RNA 5? monophosphatases, capping enzymes, decapping enzymes, nucleic acid pyrophosphatases and RNA ligases, as well as other enzymes, for selective 5? ligation tagging of desired classes of RNA molecules that differ with respect to particular chemical moieties on their 5? ends. The 5? tagged RNA molecules can be used for synthesis of tagged first-stand cDNA, double-stranded cDNA, and sense or antisense RNA for a variety of uses.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery of genetic polymorphisms that are associated with liver fibrosis and related pathologies. In particular, the present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules containing the polymorphisms, including groups of nucleic acid molecules that may be used as a signature marker set, variant proteins encoded by such nucleic acid molecules, reagents for detecting the polymorphic nucleic acid molecules and proteins, and methods of using the nucleic acid and proteins as well as methods of using reagents for their detection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a kit for the identification of animals having greater potential for desirable characteristics of meat quality, rib eye area (REA), weaning weight and 18-month weight by means of the analysis of specific markers. The invention also refers to a method and a kit for the early identification of fat deposition in bovines.

Abstract: The invention relates in part to methods of detecting an AAD-12 soybean event. The subject invention provides assays for detecting the presence of the subject event in a sample (of soybeans, for example). Kits and conditions useful in conducting the assays are also provided. More specifically, the present invention relates in part to an endpoint TaqMan PCR assay for the AAD-12 soybean event. Some embodiments are directed to assays that are capable of high throughput zygosity analysis. The subject invention further relates, in part, to the discovery of a preferred reference gene for use in determining zygosity. This invention also relates in part to plant breeding using any of the subject methods. In some embodiments, said event/polynucleotide sequence can be “stacked” with other traits. The subject procedures can be used to uniquely identify soybean lines comprising the event of the subject invention.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of identifying individuals susceptible to familial hypercholesterolemia and which method comprises identifying in a sample from said individual at least one polymorphism at position 1706-2 of the coding region (41902 of the genomic DNA) in the low density lipoprotein receptor gene, and wherein the presence of at least one said polymorphism is indicative of said individual being of a higher susceptibility to familial hypercholesterolemia.

Abstract: The inventors have developed a rapid and sensitive fluorescence-based assay to quantify dNTPs. This assay relies on the principle that incorporation of a limiting dNTP is required for primer-extension and polymerase-mediated 5-3? exonuclease hydrolysis of a quenched fluorophore-labeled probe resulting in fluorescence. The concentration of limiting dNTPs is directly proportional to the fluorescence generated. This assay has important applications in research that investigates the influence of pathological conditions or pharmacological agents on dNTP biosynthesis and regulation.

Abstract: Diagnostic and therapeutic applications for Noonan Syndrome are described. The diagnostic and therapeutic applications are based on certain mutations in a RAS-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor gene SOS1 or its expression product. The diagnostic and therapeutic applications are also based on certain mutations in a serine/threonine protein kinase gen RAF1 or its expression product thereof. Also described are nucleotide sequences, amino acid sequences, probes, and primers related to RAF1 or SOS1, and variants thereof, as well as host cells expressing such variants.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a magnetic bead (MB) quantum dot (QD) nanoparticle assay for detecting, capturing, separating, and/or quantifying a target in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for assessing the likelihood or for detecting the presence of liver perturbation in an individual. The method is particularly useful for detecting drug-induced liver injury (DILI) or other forms of hepatotoxicity or hepatic perturbation. The method comprises measuring the level of at least one RNA biomarker comprising mRNA and comparing the measured level to an appropriate reference value for the sample type and RNA biomarker type, and wherein a significant difference between the measured level and the reference value is indicative of liver perturbation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule containing a repeat region of an isolated spinocerebellar ataxia type 8 (SCA8) coding sequence, the coding sequence located within the long arm of chromosome 13, and the complement of the nucleic acid molecule. Diagnostic methods based on identification of this repeat region are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides oligonucleotide primers or probes for the detection of a mutation of the KRAS gene. The invention also provides a method for detecting a mutation in the KRAS gene using the oligonucleotide primers or probes disclosed therein. Furthermore, the present invention encompasses a method for predicting the sensitivity of a tumor in a patient to epidermal growth factor receptor-directed chemotherapy, comprising obtaining DNA from the tumor; and determining whether there is a mutation in codon 12 and/or a mutation in codon 13 in exon 2 of the KRAS gene in the DNA using a method utilizing at least one of the oligonucleotide primers and/or probes of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fields of genetics and oncology and provides methods for predicting and identifying tumors of epithelial origin. Specifically, the present invention relates to a novel method of predicting tumor initiation, tumor progression and/or carcinomas, the method comprising detecting genetic abnormality associated with tumors of epithelial origin. The present invention further relates to a novel method of identifying an individual with potential for developing carcinoma, the method comprising detection of genetic abnormalities. The present invention also relates to a method of predicting the progression of carcinomas and the transformation thereof to an aggressive variant, the method comprising detection of genetic abnormalities, which indicate the probability to develop carcinoma. The present invention also relates to a use of specific chromosomal region, a gene or a fragment thereof, and/or genetic markers for predicting tumor initiation, tumor progression and/or carcinoma.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the interfacing of microchips to various types of modules are disclosed. The technology disclosed can be used as sample preparation and analysis systems for various applications, such as DNA sequencing and genotyping, proteomics, pathogen detection, diagnostics and biodefense.

Abstract: Microvesicles are small membrane vesicles that either shed or bud off eukarotic cells. Analysis of the nucleic acid content of microvesicles may be useful in detecting the presence or absence of genetic aberrations. This invention discloses novel methods of diagnosing, prognosing, monitoring, or treating a disease, such as cancer, or other medical condition in a subject involving analyzing one or more nucleic acids contained within an isolated microvesicle for the presence or absence of one or more Kras genetic aberrations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting more than one target with sequence-specific probes and to distinguish these targets at the same time during melting point analysis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for the identification of the species, serotype, and strain of a microorganism. Also disclosed are primers for use in detecting such microorganisms and kits comprising such primers.

Abstract: Riboswitches are structural elements in mRNA that change state when bound by a trigger molecule, and are thus able to regulate gene expression. They can be dissected into two separate domains: one that selectively binds the target (aptamer domain) and another that influences genetic control (expression platform domain). Bacterial glycine riboswitches consist of two tandem aptamer domains which cooperatively bind glycine to regulate the expression of downstream genes. These natural switches are targets for antibiotics and other small molecule therapies. Modified versions of these natural riboswitches can be employed as designer genetic switches that are controlled by specific effector compounds. Disclosed are isolated and recombinant riboswitches, and compositions and methods for selecting and identifying compounds that can activate, inactivate, or block a riboswitch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiwell strip comprising a frame portion consisting of a first stiff material, and a plurality of wells arranged in a line and consisting of a second material, which is not as stiff as the first material. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a multiwell-frame for obtaining a multiwell strip according to the present invention and methods for producing a multiwell strip according to the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleic acid amplification systems and methods that desirably reduce or eliminate false positive amplification signals resulting from contaminating biological material, e.g., nucleic acid, that may be present in one or more reagents used in an amplification reaction and/or that may be present in the environment in which an amplification reaction is performed. The invention offers the further advantage of requiring less stringent purification and/or sterility efforts than conventionally needed in order to ensure that enzymes and other reagents used in amplification reactions, and the environment in which an amplification reaction is performed, are free of bacterial or other nucleic acid contamination that may yield false positive results.

Abstract: This invention features systems and methods for the detection of analytes, and their use in the treatment and diagnosis of disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in part, to the discovery of cis-regulatory regions for the expression of CD44 in normal cells and/or and over-expression in cancer cells or cancer stem cells. To this end, the present invention provides isolated DNA, vectors, kits, and methods that may be used for the evaluation and/or screening one or more therapeutic agents for the treatment of a CD44 expressing carcinoma.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices and methods for immobilizing nucleic acids on a substrate. In certain embodiments, devices of the invention include a voltage source, and a substrate coupled to the voltage source, in which hydrophobicity of the substrate changes in response to an applied electric field and a surface of the substrate is coated with a substance that retains nucleic acids.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for elongating nucleic acid, such as DNA, on a charged substrate. In certain embodiments, methods of the invention involve contacting an applicator to a sample including a nucleic acid, and swabbing the applicator on a charged substrate, thereby elongating the nucleic acid on the substrate.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and kits are provided herein for the accurate and rapid detection of disease causing microbes in a sample by the detection of microbial components of which correlate to the presence of the microbe. Kits include a first binding agent operatively coupled to an immobilized support; and a second binding agent operatively coupled to one or more pH indicating moieties wherein the first and second binding agents bind with sufficient specificity to the microbial component to permit detection of that component which correlates to the presence of the microbe in the sample.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a bi-stable oscillator circuit for detecting a load imparted to a surface. The bi-stable oscillator comprises an electrical amplifier, at least one resonator comprising an electrical transducer having a resonant frequency, a surface of the resonator forming the surface on which the load is to be detected and an impedance network having a resonant frequency.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification, sequencing, and isolation of an A25 bacteriophage lysin gene that expresses a protein involved in the lysis of bacterial cells during the phage life cycle. The invention further relates to methods for lysing certain bacteria using lysin, which are useful for example in a diagnostic procedure designed to detect these bacteria.

Abstract: Methods for measuring c-Met levels in urine and blood samples are provided. Methods for diagnosis and prognosis evaluation for cancer are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides immunoassays and kits for detection or quantification of an analyte of interest in a test sample that potentially contains endogenously produced autoantibodies reactive with the analyte

Abstract: Provided are a multiple separation device and a method of separating cancer cells in blood using the device. In this device and method, twice magnetophoresis separation steps are performed. At a second magnetophoresis separation step, shapes of ferromagnetic patterns are changed to separate cancer cells into cancer kinds.

Abstract: Provided are a multiple analysis device and a method of analyzing cancer cells in blood using the device. In this device and method, it can analyze the cancer cells along cancer kinds by using the magnetic nanoparticles combined to the markers of the cancer cells and the difference of the magnetic fields of them.

Abstract: Methods and systems for using drugs as biomarkers to investigate the status of biological systems are disclosed. A drug is conjugated with a light emitting dye that emits light in a channel of the electromagnetic spectrum when an appropriate stimulus is applied. In one aspect, a suspension suspected of containing target particles is added to a tube along with the conjugated drug/dye complex and a float. Centrifugation of the tube, float, and suspension causes various components to separate along the axial length of the tube. Binding of the drug/dye complex to the target particles can be assessed by applying an appropriate stimulus to the tube, which, in turn, causes the fluorescent dyes to emit light in the channel. The level of fluorescence of the target particles located between the float and the inner wall of the tube can be used to assess use of the drug in therapy.

Abstract: The present invention enables to realize a convenient determination of a therapeutic effect of an anticancer agent on a cancer.

Abstract: Immunostimulatory NY-ESO-1 epitopes recognized by MHC-DRB3*0202 (DR52b) or DRB1*0101 (DR1) restricted T cells are described. Methods for their use in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are also provided. Further, methods for the generation and isolation of MHC class II molecules, either “empty” or peptide-loaded, are provided. Methods for the assembly of MHC class II multimers, for example, tetramers, are also provided. Methods for the detection of T cells binding to specific peptide-loaded MHC class II molecules are also described herein.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to antibodies to the preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME), and the synovial sarcoma X breakpoint 2 (SSX-2) antigens, methods of use, and diagnostic kits thereof. In exemplary embodiments, the disclosure relates to monoclonal antibodies to specific epitopes of the PRAME and SSX-2 antigens and methods of using such antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanoparticle dimer in which Raman-active molecules are located at a binding portion of the nanoparticle dimer, and more particularly, to a core-shell nanoparticle dimer comprising: a gold or silver core having a surface to which oligonucleotides are bonded; and a gold or silver shell covering the core. In addition, the present invention relates to the core-shell nanoparticle dimer, to a method for preparing same, and to the use thereof.

Abstract: A disc-shaped analysis chip has an internal space. The internal space includes: a first reservoir for accommodating a first liquid; a second reservoir and a third reservoir arranged nearer to an outer peripheral portion of the analysis chip than the first reservoir; a fourth reservoir, a fifth reservoir and a sixth reservoir for accommodating a second liquid, a third liquid and a fourth liquid, respectively, and being arranged nearer to the outer peripheral portion of the analysis chip than the second and the third reservoir; a seventh reservoir arranged nearer to the outer peripheral portion of the analysis chip than the fourth to the sixth reservoir; an eighth reservoir arranged nearer to the outer peripheral portion of the analysis chip than the seventh reservoir; and a first to an eighth flow path for appropriately interconnecting the first to the eighth reservoir.

Abstract: A process and assay for diagnosing neurotoxicity in a subject is provided. The extent of a neurotoxic insult to a subject is assessed through the measurement of one or more biomarkers in a biological fluid, such as CSF or serum. Other uses and advantages afforded include pre-market drug discovery, monitoring, drug neurotoxicity screening and post market assessment of safety and monitoring for drug of known potential neurotoxicity.

Abstract: To provide a method and a diagnostic kit for determining the presence of a malignant tumor or the severity thereof, a method for selecting a therapeutic method therefor or evaluating the effect of the therapeutic method, or a method for estimating the risk of recurrence of the malignant tumor or determining the presence or absence of the recurrence. The method for determining the presence of a malignant tumor or the severity thereof, method for selecting a therapeutic method therefor or evaluating the effect of the therapeutic method, or method for estimating the risk of recurrence of the malignant tumor or the presence or absence of the recurrence is characterized by including 1) a step of measuring the concentration and/or quantity of soluble LR11 in a sample originating from a subject and 2) a step of comparing the value measured above with a measurement value of soluble LR11 obtained from a healthy subject group.

Abstract: Provided are a method for increasing an amount of glucose oxidase to be immobilized on the self-assembled monolayer and a sensor which comprises glucose oxidase immobilized with the method. The method of the disclosed technology is characterized by that one molecule of an amino acid is interposed between the self-assembled monolayer and the molecule of the glucose oxidase.