Abstract: The invention relates to an embroidered stick for attaching to and displaying on an article. The embroidered stick comprises a hole for attaching it to an article. The embroidered sticks can be obtained by users as rewards, incentives, to promote certain behaviors, activities, events, messages, logos, mascots, achievements, campaigns, brands, products and/or services, companies, organizations, themes or the like.

Abstract: A method for providing an exercise program according to one embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for enabling a terminal to provide an exercise program, including the steps of: obtaining a trainer information list filtered according to one or more determination elements from a trainer information list received from a server and displaying the filtered trainer information list on a display of the terminal; determining at least one trainer from the filtered trainer information list by an input signal inputted into the terminal; and displaying the exercise program associated with the information of the determined trainer on the display of the terminal, the filtered trainer information list obtained by selecting elements associated with one or more determination elements from the trainer information list or by transmitting the information for one or more determination elements and receiving the filtered list transmitted from the server on the basis of one or more determination elements.

Abstract: A teaching aid is provided for use in swim training. The teaching aid comprises a unitary body that is approximately U-shaped. The body defines an opening adapted to receive a torso of a swimmer. The body further comprises a pair of end portions, each of which is tapered to a rounded tip. The end portions further comprise inward-facing fins. A method using a teaching aid for a variety of swimming techniques including front kick, back kick, starfish, doggy paddle, front crawl, back crawl, elementary back, breaststroke, dolphin kick and eggbeater kick is also provided. A method of using the teaching aid and a method of providing instructions to a swimmer to use the teaching aid are also provided.

Abstract: A hydrogen atom model has a drawing or three-dimensional model which expresses an electric field in a form of electric lines of force and a magnetic field in a form of magnetic lines of force, as an example. The electric field is obtained by a gradient vector operation applied to a wave function of a hydrogen atom and a sign inversion to the result of the vector operation. The magnetic field obtained by multiplication of the wave function by a ?-directed unit vector in polar coordinates (r, ?, ?) and application of a rotational vector operation to the result of the multiplication.

Abstract: A soil behavior simulator is provided that includes a particle recirculation system configured to flow particulate material along an agricultural implement blade, and a drive unit configured to drive the agricultural implement blade in rotation.

Abstract: A computer software product and method are provided that calculate students' time spent interacting with an online homework and grading system. A computer software product and method are also provided for real-time capture of students' interactions with an online homework and grading system to produce timely updates to statistics on time spent answering questions. A computer program product and method are further provided to allow statistical data to be presented from WebAssign's online homework system without significantly increasing the IO requirements of the application database server.

Abstract: A method for placing an absorbent article is provided. The method includes placing an absorbent article in an undergarment in a manner understood by the individual prior to wearing, capturing a still or video image of the absorbent article on the undergarment, and submitting the still or video image of the absorbent article. The consumer then receives output regarding the placement of the absorbent article.

Abstract: A method for determining the proper placement of an absorbent article on an undergarment is provided. The method includes receiving a still or video image of the absorbent article in the undergarment, determining a central axis, a longitudinal axis, and a central point for the undergarment, the absorbent article, and the stains. The distance between the absorbent article longitudinal axis and the stain longitudinal axis is determined The distance between the absorbent article central axis and the stain central axis is determined. The absorbent article is adjusted on the undergarment according to the distances determined between the stain axis and the absorbent article axis so that the center point of the stain is less than about 20 mm from the center point of the absorbent article.

Abstract: A method for purifying leukocytes is disclosed. The method can further include recovering the purified leukocytes, or lysing the purified leukocytes.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for enhancing the storage capabilities of red blood cell preparations. For example, methods and materials for using CO2 to store red blood cells in a manner that (a) reduces the level of glucose or 2,3-DPG consumption of or reduces the level of 2,3-DPG production by a red blood cell preparation, (b) reduces the level of lactate formation by a red blood cell preparation, and/or (c) reduces the pH level of a red blood cell preparation are provided. Such methods and materials can result in prolonging the useful lifespan of the red blood cells of the red blood cell preparation. This document also provides methods and materials involved in prolonging useful storage of platelet preparations. For example, methods and materials for storing platelets in a manner that reduces platelet metabolism, that preserves platelet function, and/or that reduces the risk of bacterial contamination are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for assaying blood samples to quantitate the types of white blood cells present. In addition, the invention includes equipment that can be used for these methods. One feature of the methodology is the use of micro fluidic devices for the separation of white blood cells from red blood cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lyophilized plasma, resulting from a mixture of plasmas originating from selected donors, which is virally attenuated and compatible with all blood groups and to the process for obtaining same.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing and analyzing samples are disclosed. The system may process samples, such as biological fluids, using assay cartridges which can be processed at different processing locations. In some cases, the system can be used for PCR processing. The different processing locations may include a preparation location where samples can be prepared and an analysis location where samples can be analyzed. To assist with the preparation of samples, the system may also include a number of processing stations which may include processing lanes. During the analysis of samples, in some cases, thermal cycler modules and an appropriate optical detection system can be used to detect the presence or absence of certain nucleic acid sequences in the samples. The system can be used to accurately and rapidly process samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for automated, computer-controlled, tracking and manipulation of motile specimen. The systems and methods of the present invention are suited for tracking and manipulating sperm, particularly for Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) procedures. The present invention also relates also to devices for holding motile cells, such as sperm, and non-motile cells, such as oocytes. The device of the present invention comprises a sealed chamber having an air outlet, one well for the motile cells, and another well for non-motile cells.

Abstract: A method of identifying a substance that affects the biological activity of a Trypanosome cruzi proline racemase (TcPRAC) protein comprises providing a purified TcPRAC protein, providing a substance to be tested, combining the TcPRAC protein with the substance, and determining the effect of the substance on the biological activity of the TcPRAC protein.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions and methods or the detection of immunodeficiency virus infection, especially immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection. The invention particularly concerns compositions and methods that may be used in HIV vaccine recipients whose sera may contain vaccine-generated anti-HIV-1 antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, kits and methods for rapid identification and quantification of adventitious contaminant viruses by molecular mass and base composition analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the in vivo localization of double-strand breaks in a host cell, comprising incubating a host cell suspected to comprise DNA double-strand breaks and a linear polynucleotide comprising a known sequence, detecting the in vivo insertion sites of said polynucleotide in the genome of said host cell, and assessing the in vivo localization of double-strand breaks. Further envisaged by the present invention is a method for obtaining an endonuclease with altered in vivo specificity. Finally, the present invention is directed to a kit for determining in vivo specificity of an endonuclease.

Abstract: Methods for detecting polynucleotides, especially the DNA replicated from samples obtained from subjects infected with pathogenic viruses such as human immunodefiency virus, by detecting electromagnetic signals (“EMS”) emitted by such polynucleotides, and methods for improving the sensitivity of the polymerase chain reaction (“PCR”).

Abstract: An analytical assembly within a unified device structure for integration into an analytical system. The analytical assembly is scalable and includes a plurality of analytical devices, each of which includes a reaction cell, an optical sensor, and at least one optical element positioned in optical communication with both the reaction cell and the sensor and which delivers optical signals from the cell to the sensor. Additional elements are optionally integrated into the analytical assembly. Methods for forming and operating the analytical system are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, compositions, and kits for identifying biomarkers useful in characterizing biological states. In particular, the invention relates to methods and compositions for molecular characterization of biological states by gene expression profiling. The invention also relates to assessing effects of DNA polymorphisms on regulation of transcription. The biomarkers and polymorphisms identified find use in diagnostic and treatment approaches, e.g., some embodiments of the invention provide methods and kits for detecting bronchogenic carcinoma and risks thereof.

Abstract: Novel methods and compositions for identifying one or more factors associated with a nucleic acid sequence (e.g., DNA and/or RNA) of interest are provided.

Abstract: Analyte supports such as Western blots, gels, and the like is processed for purposes of detection and analysis, by placing the blot or gel on a plate and causing process fluids to oscillate across the blot or gel by intermittently rotating the plate. The plate can be inclined or flat, divided into sectors to accommodate multiple sheets, and multiple plates can be mounted to a single rotating shaft to process a large number of blots or gels simultaneously under the same protocol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining prognosis of subjects with ovarian carcinoma using a biological sample comprising genomic tumor DNA isolated from the subject. According to the invention, the method comprises the steps of: determining the methylation status of a CpG dinucleotide in a target sequence that is selected from the group consisting of the target sequences as referred to by name in Table 1 in a biological sample isolated from a subject; and deducing from the determined methylation status of the target sequence the prognosis of subject with ovarian carcinoma. The improved prognosis determination of the subject with ovarian carcinoma enables the improved treatment of the said patient.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and processes that utilize genomic regions differentially methylated between a mother and her fetus to separate, isolate or enrich fetal nucleic acid from a maternal sample. The compositions and processes described herein are useful for non-invasive prenatal diagnostics, including the detection of chromosomal aneuploidies.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of measuring gene abundance, including obtaining at least two types of amplification product, each of which contains a single additional base sequence and corresponds to each of at least two genes, by amplifying, in one reaction solution, nucleic acids encoding the at least two genes, whose abundances in nucleic acids contained in a subject sample may be different, using a first primer set, which includes at least two types of first primer, each of which is capable of introducing the single additional base sequence to a resulting amplification product and corresponds to each of the at least two genes, and a second primer for amplifying a nucleic acid containing the single additional base sequence; and determining the abundances of the at least two genes based on detected signals corresponding to the abundances of the at least two types of amplification product.

Abstract: The present invention provides assay systems and related methods for determining genetic abnormalities in mixed samples comprising cell free DNA from both normal and putative genetically atypical cells. Exemplary mixed samples for analysis using the assay systems of the invention include samples comprising both maternal and fetal cell free DNA and samples that contain DNA from normal cells and circulating cancerous cells.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and reagents for diagnosing prostate cancer that are based on the detection of biomarkers in the circulating nucleic acids from a patient to be evaluated.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for analyzing genetic and/or metabolite biomarkers to individualize methotrexate (MTX) therapy. For example, the assay methods of the present invention are useful for predicting whether a patient will respond to MTX and/or has a risk of developing toxicity to MTX based upon the genotype of one or more folate pathway genes. The assay methods of the present invention are also useful for optimizing the dose of MTX in a patient already receiving the drug to achieve therapeutic efficacy and/or reduce toxic side-effects based upon the genotype of one or more folate pathway genes. In addition, the assay methods of the present invention are useful for predicting or optimizing the therapeutic response to MTX in a patient based upon the methotrexate polyglutamate and/or folate polyglutamate levels in a sample from the patient.

Abstract: A cleavage-based real-time PCR assay method is provided. In general terms, the assay method includes subjecting a reaction mixture comprising a) PCR reagents for amplifying a nucleic acid target, and b) flap cleavage reagents for performing a flap cleavage assay on the amplified nucleic acid target to two sets of thermocycling conditions. No additional reagents are added to the reaction between said first and second sets of cycles and, in each cycle of the second set of cycles, cleavage of a flap probe is measured.

Abstract: A kit to execute a method of simultaneously performing comparative transcript analysis in a multitude of samples. The kit includes a blocking adapter. The blocking adapter includes an inert 3? end.

Abstract: A device for amplifying a target nucleic acid in a sample containing one or more target nucleic acids may include a substrate assembly comprising a flow channel and an inlet, wherein the inlet is in flow communication with the flow channel and is configured to introduce sample containing one or more target nucleic acids into the flow channel. The device may further include a plurality of moieties disposed at inner surface regions of the flow channel along at least a portion of a length of the flow channel, each of the plurality of moieties being sufficient to respectively hybridize to the one or more target nucleic acids in the sample to facilitate amplification of the one or more target nucleic acids when hybridized. The device is further configured to retain amplified product of the one or more hybridized target nucleic acids at discrete locations proximate the inner surface regions after amplification.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for amplifying nucleic acids. Included in the present invention are methods and compositions that amplify nucleic acids with high yield with the formation of unstable target extension products, preferably with minimal or no introduction of allelic bias. Also included in the present invention are high yield, instability primers for use in amplification methods, as multiplexed amplification methods.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for processing samples. In a method, a reaction card is provided that has a channel network, a valve, and a micropump, all disposed within the card. The reaction card also has a collection well disposed on a surface of the card and a tubular member extending out from the card. A reaction vessel is provided and affixed to the reaction card such that the tubular member is inserted into the reaction vessel. Amplification reaction reagents and a sample are delivered into the reaction vessel, and an amplification reaction is initiated within the reaction vessel, resulting in an amplification product being disposed within the reaction vessel. The valve is opened to atmosphere, and the first micropump is activated to pump an aliquot of reaction product from the reaction vessel into the tubular member, through the channel network, and into the collection well.

Abstract: In one implementation, a method for operating an apparatus is described. The method includes applying a bias voltage to place a transistor of a reference sensor in a known state. The reference sensor is in an array of sensors that further includes a chemical sensor coupled to a reaction region for receiving at least one reactant. The method further includes acquiring an output signal from the reference sensor in response to the applied bias voltage. The method further includes determining a defect associated with the array if the output signal does not correspond to the known state.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for treating Barrett's metaplasia and esophageal adenocarcinoma and methods for determining mutational load as a predictor of the risk of disease progression from Barrett's metaplasia to esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining an individual's transplantation tolerance by determining the level of a number of biomarkers. The present invention also relates to a kit comprising reagents for detecting the levels of the biomarkers. The present invention also relates to a sensor for detecting the expression levels of a plurality of genes that can be used to determine an individual's transplantation tolerance.

Abstract: A method and a device or kit for detecting a nucleic acid, which enable simple and precise visual detection of a nucleic acid amplified by an nucleic acid amplification method, without necessity of special devices are provided. The method for detecting a nucleic acid in a sample comprises: contacting a sample with a dye to react with each other; and observing a substance produced by the reaction with visible light, and evaluating the presence or absence of a nucleic acid by eye. The device or kit for detecting a nucleic acid in a sample comprises: a carrier that holds a dye which can bind to a nucleic acid; a path for passing a sample through the carrier; and an evaluation part for observing a substance produced by the reaction between the sample and the dye with visible light, and evaluating the presence or absence of a nucleic acid by eye.

Abstract: The present invention provides a versatile mutant reverse transcriptase with high thermal stability, a nucleic acid thereof and a method for producing a mutant reverse transcriptase, a versatile kits for reverse transcription and detection, a method for improving thermal stability of a nucleic acid-related enzyme, which significantly improves thermal stability of a nucleic acid-related enzyme, and a reverse transcription method, which efficiently performs a reverse transcription. An amino acid residue in a nucleic acid interaction region of a wild-type enzyme is substituted with a positively-charged amino acid residue or a nonpolar amino acid residue, to form a nucleic acid interaction region having a positive effective charge larger than the nucleic acid interaction region of a wild-type enzyme.

Abstract: An apparatus for sampling and storing biological fluids from a human or animal subject is provided. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the apparatus includes a main body, lancet carrier or hub, lancet, lancet trigger, capillary tube, and sample compartments for collecting and storing dried blood and other bodily fluids. The lancet hub supports a lancet and provides for moving the lancet longitudinally between a first retracted position and a second extended position. The device includes a capillary tube having an internal diameter sized to draw and retain fluid from a contacted source using capillary action. The main body of the apparatus further includes a sample compartment for holding sampling and storage materials. In at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sample compartment can be accessed by lifting sample compartment lid. Also included is a new “fan” or “daisy” shaped collection material format for use in collecting and preserving samples.

Abstract: A composition and method for detecting the ability of a compound to modulate the activity of LGR4, LGR5, or LGR6 receptors in a cell. LGR4, LGR5, and LGR6 are capable of activating the Wnt/?-catenin signaling system which plays essential roles in embryonic development and in the self-renewal and maintenance of adult stem cells.

Abstract: An activity based probe (ABP) comprising a glycosidase inhibitor, and a detection-group. The ABPs of the inventions are used for diagnosing storage disorder for screening of compounds suitable for preventing and/or treating a storage disorder, for monitoring of therapeutic enzymes for lysosomal storage disorders, and for ultra-sensitive visualization of glycosidase-fusion proteins in molecular imaging.

Abstract: To provide a reagent for assaying anti-Treponema pallidum antibody which reagent contains a polypeptide antigen and which reagent provides high assay sensitivity and high specificity, and to provide an assay method employing the assay reagent. The reagent for assaying anti-Treponema pallidum antibody, for use in an assay of anti-Treponema pallidum antibody on the basis of antigen-antibody reaction is characterized in that the reagent contains, as an antigen, a recombinant polypeptide containing at least domain C and domain D of Treponema pallidum 47 kDa antigen but containing no domain A1 of the 47 kDa antigen.

Abstract: A microfluidic-based platform with cultured three-dimensional tissues simulates major human physiological systems for rapid evaluation of individual drugs prior to clinical testing or for personalized medical applications. The platform integrates the circulatory and lymphatic systems in a physiologically correct manner. The physiological systems may be simulated in the platform by microfluidic tissue culture devices which accommodate various tissues and provide integrated microvascular and lymphatic systems. Biomimetic nanofiber meshes or microfiber structures may be used to provide the cells with a physiologically relevant substrate. Each device may have an on-board detection system utilizing optical fiber bundles for microarray multiplexing of biomarkers, label-free SERS measurement of drugs, and microendoscopic confocal imaging of cells and tissues.

Abstract: The present invention relates to prostate cancer (PCa). More specifically, the invention provides a MST1 phosphothreonine (pMST1-T120) antibody that can be used in various assays to study correlations between Mst1 function and T120 site phosphorylation. The present invention can also be used to determine disease development and/or progression of prostate cancer in a subject using the antibodies disclosed herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of detecting and/or prognosing myocardial infarction by detecting a proteolytic fragment of caspase-3 such as the p17 fragment or the p12 fragment. The myocardial infarction can be STEMI or NSTEMI.

Abstract: The fusion protein comprising (1) a first region comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18 and (2) a second region comprising an amino acid sequence for a polypeptide containing at least one cysteine residue for binding to other useful compound via the thiol group can be modified by chemical modification, and thus has a high catalytic ability for a luminescence activity and is highly available for general purposes.

Abstract: This invention provides a sample analyzing device and sample analyzing method designed to suppress nonuniform capture of magnetic particles (10) and detect a desired substance with higher accuracy.

Abstract: Compositions that include isolated, functionally active, recombinantly produced class I HLA trimolecular complexes that include epitopes unique to breast cancer cells are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining sensitivity of tumor cells to dasatinib by evaluating inhibitory capacity of a predetermined tyrosine kinase inhibitor in a measurement sample which is prepared from a biological sample containing tumor cells and a computer program.