Abstract: Several methods, processes and system for modular tool as an integrated multimedia tool system to explore and study the virtual human body is disclosed. Content and context modules allow for scientific gaming using modular multimedia objects, social media and different configurations. The disclosure allows an individual to travel through the virtual human body in a self guided and interactive tour. It specifically enables the user to learn the structure and function of different organs, different types of cells, intercellular space as well as different cellular organelles etc. Further, the system may be used by the local authority as an electronic study tool for seamless integrated mode of delivering the educational tool suited to the local curriculum. This may also serve as a tool for patients, doctors, focus groups and student to explore and learn about the pathological and physiological conditions in a human body.

Abstract: A novel integrated system and method for visualizing human physiology, disease and treatment options are described in the instant application. The graphical rendering of the human body is in depth and the user can explore the internal workings of the organs and cells by simply performing a pealing like act using a cursor and the layer as a flap opens up to show the details. A user can click on a specific topic and watch a video, narration or text relevant to the topic of choice. The integrated system provides storage of curated data, social media access and interaction, database storage and analytics to calculate user behavior. This technology may used as an application on any mobile and hardware device.

Abstract: A method for education is provided. The method includes providing content about an educational subject and technology skills to a learner via a computer network with feedback and assistance available as the learner acquires knowledge.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an illumination device includes a light source whose emission intensity is controllable; an identifying unit configured to identify an activity of a user; and a light source controller configured to control the emission intensity of the light source so that a level of arousal of the user becomes lower than a predetermined level when the identified activity is a learning activity representing an activity to form a memory in the brain of the user.

Abstract: Various implementations for automatically determining user alignments and recommendations for electronic resources are described. One example implementation includes an assessment module, an alignment module, and a recommender. The assessment module determines performance levels of two or more users of an educational platform. The alignment module determines an alignment between the two or more users of the educational platform based on the performance levels of the two or more users. The recommender generates a recommendation for a social graph connection between the two or more users in a social graph based on the alignment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to provide a more interactive book learning experience. The invention provides an interactive quiz component to book figures. Figures within an electronic document can be enlarged by a user input such as a touch gesture. Selected information from the enlarged figure can be hidden and used as an interactive quiz. Feedback and options for further review or interactions are provided based on user input.

Abstract: An instructional system for placing headgear on an animal such as a horse including a headgear assembly such as a halter or bridle, wherein the headgear assembly further includes multiple interconnected structural components; and a plurality of individual color-coded sleeves releasably mounted on certain of the independent interconnected components, wherein the color of each of the color-coded member corresponds both to a predetermined location on the head of the animal and to a particular step in a predetermined method for placing the headgear assembly on the head of the animal.

Abstract: A wall mount cover comprising a front face; a writing surface disposed on the front face; a writing utensil disposed adjacently to the writing surface; a receiving hook or tray positioned beneath the writing surface; and a set of screw holes on a backside of the wall mount phone cover, where the screw holes enable a user to fasten the cover to a wall mount. The writing surface may be a dry erase board or a notepad with the coordinating writing utensil. Additionally, the front face may include a receiving hook to provide a resting location for a user's smart phone.

Abstract: Methods and solutions for the preservation and procurement of placental stem cells. A method for collecting stem cells from a placenta comprises: draining cord blood from the placenta; perfusing the drained placenta with a perfusion solution comprising 1,1?-[1,4-phenylenebis(methylene)]-bis-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, papaverine, and a placental preservative; and collecting the stem cells and perfusion solution from the placenta.

Abstract: A method for removing a photosensitizer from a platelet preservation composition is disclosed. The method comprises passing the platelet preservation composition through a tangential flow filtration device to separate the photosensitizer from the platelets in the platelet preservation composition.

Abstract: A method of forming a composition includes oxidation of graphene oxide to form holey graphene oxide having defects therein and reduction of the holey graphene oxide.

Abstract: New polymorphisms in the nucleic acid sequences of the DNA polymerase/reverse transcriptase open reading frame and viral surface antigen open reading frame of the hepatitis B virus are reported. In particular, the present invention relates to the mutation YMDD?YSDD in the HBV reverse transcriptase domain and to the W196V mutation in the small HBV viral surface antigen. Said polymorphisms are affecting the detection of drug resistance mutations by genotypic methods and diagnostic kits based thereon. The present invention relates to methods and diagnostic kits for detection of a HBV virus comprising said nucleic acid polymorphisms. In particular, those methods utilizing oligonucleotides capable of hybridizing to said HBV nucleic acid polymorphisms are envisaged.

Abstract: Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is an important cause of disease in infants and immune-compromised adults. Most infants infected with CMV are not promptly identified because of the absence of symptoms. It has been discovered that an assay based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for testing of saliva specimens for CMV is rapid, accurate, and inexpensive. Some versions of the assay employ primers that are specific for sequences flanking the highly conserved major envelope glycoprotein B or the highly conserved immediate early 2 exon 5 genes. The assay exceeds the standard rapid culture technique in accuracy, speed, and economy. When the assay is performed on dried saliva, it loses no significant amount of accuracy, and is surprisingly much more sensitive than a PCR assay using dried blood. This assay will permit broader testing to detect and intervene in congenital CMV infection, potentially avoiding numerous cases of associated disease.

Abstract: A rapid diagnostic device, assay and multifunctional buffer reagent are provided for the detection of a target analyte in a fluid test sample. The 2-step assay utilizes a dual component flow-through device comprising a test unit and a dried indicator reagent delivery unit for receiving the fluid sample and multifunctional buffer, respectively. The test unit comprises a reaction zone containing immobilized capture reagent that can bind to the target analyte, an absorbent zone supporting the reaction zone, and optionally, a blood separation zone in lateral fluid communication with the reaction zone. The delivery unit comprises a label zone permeated with a dried indicator reagent which can be placed in transient fluid communication with the reaction zone of the test unit during the assay procedure. The rapid diagnostic assay system reduces the number of assay reagents, method steps and time required for performance compared to other conventional assays.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and kits for identifying and characterizing polynucleotide sequences in a sample which may include a heterogeneous sample. Some of the methods and kits are directed to the identification and characterization of a virus in a sample, which may include HIV capable of cause AIDS or AIDS-like symptoms. The virus may be HIV-1, and may also include drug resistant mutations. The methods may include reacting a mixture that includes, in addition to nucleic acid isolated from the sample, at least one oligonucleotide capable of specifically hybridizing to HIV nucleic acid where the oligonucleotide includes at least one non-natural base. In addition, the methods may include detection of one or more mutations in HIV nucleic acid that are associated with drug resistance.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions for isolating populations of nucleic acids from biological, forensic, and environmental samples. Also disclosed are methods for using these compositions as one-step formulations for killing pathogens, inactivating nucleases, and releasing polynucleotides from other cellular components within the sample, and stabilizing the nucleic acids prior to further processing or assay. The disclosed compositions safely facilitate rapid sample collection, and provide extended storage and transport of the samples at ambient or elevated temperature without contamination of the sample or degradation of the nucleic acids contained therein. This process particularly facilitates the collection of specimens from remote locations, and under conditions previously considered hostile for preserving the integrity of nucleic acids released from lysed biological samples without the need of refrigeration or freezing prior to molecular analysis.

Abstract: A test kit detects the presence of a target analyte in a fluid sample. In particular, the test kit includes reagents capable of detecting the target analyte of interest in breast milk. More particularly, the test kit is capable of detecting the presence of alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, drugs of abuse, therapeutic drugs, triglycerides, lactose, capsaicin, and gluten, for example, in breast milk.

Abstract: A monitoring assembly (201) with an intake (213) has at least one pump (210) featuring at least one pump channel mounted in the monitoring assembly (201). A plurality of fluid lines are coupled to the at least one pump (210). At least one filter cartridge (315) is also mounted in the assembly. Each filter cartridge (315) is separately coupled by one of the plurality of fluid lines to one of the pump channels, where each filter cartridge (315) contains material for extracting an analyte, and where the at least one pump operates to separately push fluid through the at least one filter cartridge (315). The filter cartridge (315) operates to separate fluid into constituent parts.

Abstract: The assessment methods disclosed herein involve exposing cells to two stresses. The first stress (analogous to existing direct screening methods) involves exposing metazoan cells to an external stimulus of interest, such as exposing human cells to ionizing radiation, a chemical, or a set of physical conditions. The cells exposed to the first stress are thereafter exposed to a second stress which, importantly, is calibrated such that non-stressed cells of the same type will exhibit a predictable response to the second stress. By comparing the response to the second stress of i) cells that were exposed to the first stress and ii) cells that were not exposed to the first stress, an observer can assess whether exposure to the first stress caused or induced any change to the cells that affected the cells' ability to respond to the second stress.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of biosensors and, more specifically, to nanoparticle biosensors comprising: a magnetic core, a silica layer, one or more outer metal layers which can be of different types and deposited in an alternating manner and immobilized on the outer surface, and a layer of synthetic or natural organic or inorganic biosensor molecules that can bind to biomolecules. The invention also relates to a method of obtaining the nanoparticle biosensors as well as to the different uses thereof.

Abstract: Methods for determining genotypes and haplotypes of genes are described. Also described are single nucleotide polymorphisms and haplotypes in the ApoE gene and methods of using that information.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to, inter alia, methods and compositions for hybridizing at least one molecule to a target. The invention may, for example, eliminate the use of, or reduce the dependence on formamide in hybridization. Compositions for use in the invention include an aqueous composition comprising at least one nucleic acid sequence and at least one polar aprotic solvent in an amount effective to denature double-stranded nucleotide sequences.

Abstract: A reactor for the quantitative analysis of target nucleic acids using an evanescent wave detection technique and a method for the quantitative analysis of target nucleic acids are provided. The reactor includes a substrate with a cavity, a buffer layer arranged over the substrate, a quartz cover plate arranged over the buffer layer, and inlet and outlet ports. The reactor is thermally and chemically stable for PCR processing and suitable for an evanescent wave detection technique.

Abstract: Method and rapid test device for detection of target molecule from sample with which is performed purification and preprocessing of sample, preparation and modification, amplification, detection and capturing of target molecule, producing, of signal, amplification and visualization of read 5 out signal. For purpose of invention is used a device which includes in a case 1 one or many holes 2 for injection of sample, readout 4, target molecule detection nodal points attached to case 1 which includes one or many analysis chambers 3. Analysis chamber 3 is made of at least one room space 6, dividing wall 7, chamber 8 connected with 10 room space 6 with dividing wall 9 and at least one lever 5.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of cells which are capable of converting arabinose, comprising the following steps: a) Introducing into a host strain that cannot convert arabinose, the genes AraA, araB and araD, this cell is designated as constructed cell; b) Subjecting the constructed cell to adaptive evolution until a cell that converts arabinose is obtained, c) Optionally, subjecting the first arabinose converting cell to adaptive evolution to improve the arabinose conversion; the cell produced in step b) or c) is designated as first arabinose converting cell; d) Analysing the full genome or part of the genome of the first arabinose converting cell and that of the constructed cell; e) Identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP's) in the first arabinose converting cell; and f) Using the information of the SNP's in rational design of a cell capable of converting arabinose; g) Construction of the cell capable of converting arabinose designed in step f).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that two pore K+ channel (2PK) gene expression is increased in tumors and tumor cell lines, especially prostate tumor cells. The present invention encompasses methods for disease diagnosis, drug screening and the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying patients who are likely to develop sepsis in response to infection, a method for monitoring the progress of sepsis in a patient and to an assay kit for identifying patients who are likely to develop sepsis and/or monitoring the progress of sepsis.

Abstract: Improvements on the basic method used for BEAMing increase sensitivity and increase the signal-to-noise ratio. The improvements have permitted the determination of intrinsic error rates of various DNA polymerases and have permitted the detection of rare and subtle mutations in DNA isolated from plasma of cancer patients.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of evaluating transplant rejection in a host comprising determining a heightened magnitude of gene expression of genes in rejection-associated gene clusters. The disclosed gene clusters include genes that are substantially co-expressed with cytotoxic lymphocyte pro-apoptotic genes, cytoprotective genes and several other cytokine and immune cell genes.

Abstract: Methods for producing engineered induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are provided comprising introducing a first nucleic acid into somatic cells for integration into their genome and reprogramming the cells to produce engineered iPS cells having the nucleic acid integrated into their genome. For example, in certain aspects the cells are reprogrammed by introduction of a genetic element that expresses one or more reprogramming factor and culturing of the cells under conditions sufficient to produce reprogrammed cells.

Abstract: Biomarker associated with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and/or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), where the biomarker is an intracellular or circulating microRNA and/or target protein thereof, and use thereof in methods for determining, diagnosing, monitoring AD, mild AD, moderate Ad, severe AD, MCI, early MCI, late MCI, and the like, as well as in methods for selecting candidate therapeutic compounds for treating same.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to genetic manipulation of stem and primary cells and to reprogramming of somatic cells, more specifically, human cells. In particular, compositions and methods are disclosed for the generation and maintenance of such engineered cells.

Abstract: Embodiments herein report compositions, systems and methods for making and using plasmid vectors and nanotube complexes. In certain embodiments, compositions, systems and methods herein include making plasmid vectors having aptamer inserts. In some embodiments, methods disclosed herein may be used to rapidly generate large quantities of plasmid vectors having aptamer inserts directed to a particular target agent. Other aspects concern plasmid constructs associated with organic semiconductors. Yet other aspects concern complexes of nanotubes associated with dsDNA aptamers and tracking molecules.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved optical detection methods comprising multiplexed interferometric detection systems and methods for determining a characteristic property of a sample, together with various applications of the disclosed techniques.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pretreatment of a sample of whole blood in a discrete fluid analyzing instrument comprises automated means for handling and analyzing the sample and means for performing a pretreatment step on the sample or a sub-sample of the sample. The means for pretreatment are used for immobilizing at least one substance or analyte from the sample or sub-sample wherein the substance or analyte is reversibly immobilized. Usually, the apparatus further comprises means for eluting the substance or analyte from the capture means prior to analysis.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, methods, and kits diagnosing, monitoring, and otherwise characterizing a myopathy and for detecting the presence of autoantibodies in a biological sample.

Abstract: The invention includes compositions, methods and kits for the in vivo identification of an enzyme that binds to a substrate. The invention comprises, in part, a photoreactive moiety to aid in identification of such an enzyme.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods and compositions useful for the treatment of cancer and diseases and disorders associated with autophagy.

Abstract: [PROBLEM] To provide a monoclonal antibody against a biomarker which shows high specificity and can be effectively used in detection and diagnosis of various lesions relevant to various kinds of carcinomas and foci of necrosis, and so forth. [MEANS] A monoclonal antibody against a necrosis marker consisting the following amino acid sequence: (1) the amino acid sequence of any of SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 3, or (2) an amino acid sequence having substitution, deletion and/or insertion of one or several amino acid residues in the amino acid sequence of (1) or sharing a homology of 90% or more with the amino acid sequence of (1), and showing the same function, activity or property as that of the amino acid sequence of (1) as a protein.

Abstract: Methods of assessing the ongoing kidney status in a subject afflicted with chronic renal failure (CRF) by detecting the quantity of Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) in fluid samples over time. NGAL is a small secreted polypeptide that is protease resistant and consequently readily detected in the urine and serum as a result of chronic renal tubule cell injury. Incremental increases in NGAL levels in CRF patients over a prolonged period of time are diagnostic of worsening kidney disease. This increase in NGAL precedes and correlates with other indicators of worsening CRF, such as increased serum creatinine, increased urine protein secretion, and lower glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Proper detection of worsening (or improving, if treatment has been instituted) renal status over time, confirmed by pre- and post-treatment NGAL levels in the patient, can aid in designing and/or maintaining a proper treatment regimen to slow or stop the progression of CRF.

Abstract: Biological and chemical sensors based on surface charge changes in a pore or channel, such as a nanopore or nanochannel, are employed to detect targeted analytes in an electrolyte solution having a low ion concentration. Receptors within the pore or channel capture a targeted analyte, causing a change in surface charge that affects ionic conductance. The change in ionic conductance is detected, evidencing the presence of the targeted analyte. A secondary tag may be introduced to the pore or channel for binding with a captured analyte in certain circumstances for causing a change in the surface charge.

Abstract: A measuring method by which carboxymethylarginine can be measured with ease and with a high degree of precision is disclosed. The measuring method is a method of measuring carboxymethylarginine in a sample. The method includes treating the sample with a pretreatment agent including urea; and measuring carboxymethyl arginine in the pretreated sample by an immunological method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated human cells that are precursors of endothelial cells other than embryonic stem cells, to isolated murine cells that are precursors of endothelial cells, and to methods using same, In particular, the present invention relates to established cell lines of isolated human cells that are precursors of endothelial cells other than embryonic stem cells and established cell lines of isolated murine cells that are precursors of endothelial cells. The present invention can be used in particular in the medical and/or veterinary fields, in particular in the field of therapeutics and/or in the field of studies of cellular mechanisms.

Abstract: Provided herein are cell lines and assays that can be utilized to identify taste receptor modulators.

Abstract: Provided herein are cell lines and assays that can be utilized to identify taste receptor modulators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the diagnostic and/or prognostic of a neurological disease characterized by an inflammation process in a subject comprising measuring the amount of myeloid derived microvesicles in a cerebrospinal fluid sample obtained from the subject. The invention further relates to a method for predicting and/or monitoring the efficacy of a treatment for a neurological pathology or for monitoring a neurological disease progression.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and compositions for the detection of infectious proteins or prions in samples, including the diagnosis of prion related diseases. One embodiment is an ultrasensitive method for detecting PrP-res (PrPSc) that allows the use of recombinant PrP-sen (rPrP-sen) as a substrate for seeded polymerization. A sample is mixed with purified rPrP-sen to make a reaction mix which is incubated to permit aggregation of the rPrP-sen with the PrP-res that may be present in the sample. Any aggregates are intermittently disaggregated by agitation and the reaction allowed to proceed to amplify target substrate. Any rPrP-res(Sc) in the reaction mix is detected to indicate the presence of PrP-res in the original sample. In the QUIC method in, the reaction mixture is shaken intermittently. The surprising speed and efficiency of the method permits the rapid identification and diagnosis of prion disease.

Abstract: The invention concerns an in vitro method for determining if an individual is infected by a gram-negative bacterium preferably on prosthesis comprising: (i) detection of antibodies directed against a polypeptide of sequence SEQ ID NO: 2 and antibodies directed against a polypeptide of sequence SEQ ID NO: 4, in a biological sample of the individual, and (ii) deduction therefrom that the individual is infected by a gram-negative bacterium. The invention further concerns the kit for diagnosing of such an infection.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method to determine if an individual is infected by a bacterium selected from the group consisting Streptococcus, Enterococcus and Peptostreptococcus genera comprising: (i) detection of antibodies directed against at least one protein of sequence SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6 or SEQ ID NO: 8, in a biological sample of the individual, and (ii) deducing therefrom that the individual is infected by a bacterium selected from the group consisting of Streptococcus, Enterococcus and Peptostreptococcus genera. The invention further concerns the kit for diagnosing of such an infection.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for determining whether an individual has Sjögren's disease (SD). The method entails determining in a biological sample from the individual the presence of antibodies directed to salivary gland protein 1 (SP-I), parotid secretory protein (PSP), carbonic anhydrase 6 (C A6), or determining a combination of the antibodies. Determining that the individual has SD is based on the presence of the antibodies. The method provides for detection of early SD. Kits for antibody detection containing the antigens to which the antibodies of SD patients are directed are also provided.