Abstract: The invention concerns a sample handling system and a process for the handling of chemical or biological samples, particularly body fluids such as blood, saliva, secretions, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for characterizing a glatiramer acetate related drug substance or drug product comprising the steps of: a) obtaining a batch of the glatiramer acetate related drug substance or drug product; b) immunizing a mammal with a predetermined amount of a glatiramer acetate related drug substance or drug product; c) preparing a culture of cells from the mammal of step b) at a predetermined time after immunization; d) incubating cells from the culture of step c) with a predetermined amount of the glatiramer acetate drug related substance or drug product of step a); and e) determining the level of expression of at least one gene disclosed herein or determining the level of biological activity of the cells of step c) as disclosed herein, thereby characterizing the glatiramer acetate related drug substance or drug product of step a).

Abstract: The methods described herein enable the evaluation of compounds on subjects to assess their therapeutic efficacy or toxic effects. The target of analysis is the underlying biochemical process or processes (i.e., metabolic process) thought to be involved in disease pathogenesis. Molecular flux rates within the one or more biochemical processes serve as biomarkers and are quantitated and compared with the molecular flux rates (i.e., biomarker) from control subjects (i.e., subjects not exposed to the compounds). Any change in the biomarker in the subject relative to the biomarker in the control subject provides the necessary information to evaluate therapeutic efficacy of an administered drug or a toxic effect and to develop the compound further if desired. In one aspect of the invention, stable isotope-labeled substrate molecules are administered to a subject and the label is incorporated into targeted molecules in a manner that reveals molecular flux rates through one or more metabolic pathways of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies against PrPSc protein. The anti-PrPSc mAbs produced of this invention can specifically detect PrPSc protein from normal mouse brain homogenates without pre-treatment with protease K, which may be used in developing a diagnostic method and kit for prion disease with high specificity and sensitivity.

Abstract: Provided are biosensors, compositions comprising biosensors, and methods of using biosensors in living cells and organisms. The biosensors are able to be selectively targeted to certain regions or structures within a cell. The biosensors may provide a signal when the biosensor is targeted and/or in response to a property of the cell or organism such as membrane potential, ion concentration or enzyme activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of predicting a plant seed trait, such as germination rate, vigour, aging and priming, by determining the presence of a target protein, i.e. diagnostic marker, in its active state in a protein sample derived from a plant seed or plant seed lot. Thereby, the quality of a plant seed or a plant seed lot can be predicted and/or diagnosed and seeds may be distinguished on basis of their characteristics and with respect to the traits described herein. Inter alia, seeds and seed lots having high germination quality may be distinguished from seeds and seed lots having low germination quality.

Abstract: The present invention features novel methods for determining if a subject has prostate cancer. The present invention is based on the development of lectin immunosorbant assays which analyze ?2,6-linked sialylation of total serum PSA by sambucus nigra lectin (SNA) and ?2,3-linked sialylation of total and free serum PSA. These novel assays were used then to conduct a clinical investigation of the potential role of glycoprotein analysis in improving PSA's cancer specificity. The present invention also features kits for determining if a subject has prostate cancer comprising one or more lectins and a PSA specific antibody and instructions for use.

Abstract: Provided are methods of using polycarbonate filters to isolate and detect cancer cells in a biological fluid, particularly biological fluids, such as urine, that contain very low concentrations of cancer cells. The characterization of the isolated cells for the presence or absence of cancer specific proteins is useful for cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

Abstract: Blood-brain barrier permeable peptide compositions that contain variable antigen binding domains from camelid and/or shark heavy-chain only single-domain antibodies are described. The variable antigen binding domains of the peptide compositions bind to therapeutic and diagnostic biomarkers in the central nervous system, such as the amyloid-beta peptide biomarker for Alzheimer's disease. The peptide compositions contain constant domains from human IgG, camelid IgG, and/or shark IgNAR. The peptide compositions include heavy-chain only single-domain antibodies and compositions with one or more variable antigen binding domain, bound to one or more constant domains.

Abstract: An assay system designed to detect a protein biomarker in urine that is diagnostic for interstitial cystitis (IC). The presence of a 9 amino acid glycopeptide, antiproliferative factor (APF), in urine is unique to patients with IC. Urine samples from patients who exhibit symptoms consistent with IC are added to the assay system. Binding of APF to the cytoskeletal associated protein 4 (CKAP4) is positive for the presence of APF in urine and diagnostic for IC. The diagnostic system is a significant and surprising advance in diagnosis of IC and has commercial applications relevant to women and men who suffer from symptoms consistent with IC.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for selecting dopaminergic neuron progenitor cells, which comprises detecting any one or more of markers selected from the group consisting of CD15 (SSEA-1), CD24, CD46, CD47, CD49b, CD57, CD58, CD59, CD81, CD90, CD98, CD147, CD184, Disalogangliosid GD2, SSEA-4, CD49f, SERINC4, CCR9, PHEX, TMPRSS11E, HTR1E, SLC25A2, Ctxn3, Cc17, Chrnb4, Chrna3, Kcnv2, Grm2, Syt2, Lim2, Mboat1, St3ga16, Slc39a12, Tacr1, Lrtm1, Dscam and CD201.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed which is capable of being used for detection, comprising a noble metal nanoparticle. The inventive compositions exhibit little interaction with serum proteins while exhibiting pH-dependent adsorption onto live cell membranes. The nanoparticles of the claimed invention are capable of interacting with cell membranes, which in turn permits the advantages of nanoparticle bio-imaging to be extended to many pH dependent biological processes such as targeting acidic tumor microenvironment.

Abstract: A method for measuring the amount of sialic acid in immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin G anti-ds DNA antibodies is disclosed. The method for measuring the amount of sialic acid in immunoglobulin G in the present invention uses culture fluid, blood, plasma, or serum to directly measure the amount of sialic acid in immunoglobulin G. Also, using a mouse monoclonal antibody immunoglobulin G as a standard, which is diluted from 1000 ng/ml to 15.625 ng/ml in phosphate buffered saline (PBS), produces good results. The method for measuring the amount of sialic acid in immunoglobulin G anti-ds DNA antibodies has never been done and the present invention produces good results as well.

Abstract: A mobile computing device that includes an image sensor may be used to detect the result of a biomolecular assay. The biomolecular assay may be performed in an optical assay medium that provides an optical output in response to light from a light source, with the optical output indicating result. A wavelength-dispersive element may be used to disperse the optical output into spatially-separated wavelength components. The mobile computing device may be positioned relative to the wavelength-dispersive element such that different wavelength components are received at different locations on the image sensor. With the mobile computing device positioned in this way, the image sensor may be used to obtain one or more images that include the separated wavelength components of the optical output. A wavelength spectrum of the optical output may be determined from the one or more images, and the result may be determined from the wavelength spectrum.

Abstract: A chromatography filter paper-based ELISA includes following steps: providing a chromatography filter paper plate provided with a plurality of independent hydrophilic regions defined by at least one hydrophobic region; immobilizing an antigen of a sample onto one of the hydrophilic regions of the chromatography filter paper plate; and detecting the antigen with an ELISA process, wherein an antibody used in the ELISA process is a monoclonal antibody. The present invention has advantages in lower amount of loaded sample, higher sensitivity and rapid analysis in comparison to conventional ELISA.

Abstract: Fluorogenic semiconductor nanocrystals and compositions thereof are provided herein, including kits, assay systems and methods for their preparation and use.

Abstract: Provided is a non-specific reaction inhibitor for achieving the accurate detection and quantitation of a trace component (a target substance) contained in a sample, in an immunoassay, by simply and effectively inhibiting a non-specific reaction associated with the measurement. The non-specific reaction inhibitor comprises a substance of the formula I: wherein R1 and R2 together form a double bond between carbons, to which they are respectively bonded directly, or R1 is a hydrogen atom and R2 is a group formed by removing H from an SH-group-containing compound, B is a support, and L is a spacer arm portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of Basic Prolin-rich Lacrimal protein (BPLP) gene products, such as Opiorphin, for establishing a prognosis, a diagnosis or the monitoring of a pathological state or of treatment efficacy in a subject and the related method of use.

Abstract: There is described herein methods and peptides for detecting autoantibodies to NOG and/or SOST in a patient sample in order to diagnose of prognosticate Ankylosing Spondylitis in the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for assessing heart failure in vitro including the steps of measuring in a sample the concentration of the marker SFRP-3, of optionally measuring in the sample the concentration of one or more other marker(s) of heart failure, and of assessing heart failure by comparing the concentration determined in for SFRP-3 and the concentration(s) determined for the optionally one or more other marker to the concentration of this marker or these markers as established in a reference population. Also disclosed are the use of SFRP-3 as a marker protein in the assessment of heart failure, a marker combination comprising SFRP-3 and a kit for measuring SFRP-3.

Abstract: Novel isoforms of apolipoprotein C-I (apoC-I), namely apolipoprotein C-I1 (apoC-I1) and apolipoprotein C-I1? (apoC-I1?), both of which have a molecular weight of approximately 90 daltons greater than native apolipoprotein C-I (SEQ ID NO:6) and native apolipoprotein C-I? (SEQ ID NO:7), are shown to be both biomarkers for diagnosing atherosclerotic disease as well as risk factors for subjects having increased risk of developing an atherosclerotic disease.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a novel isotope-labeled compound that can be used as a trapping agent and that is useful for picking out drug-candidate compounds that produce reactive metabolites. [Solution] Provided is a glutathione alkylester isotopologue represented by general formula (1). In formula (1), R1 represents a linear or branched alkoxy group in which at least one of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms contained therein is isotope-labeled and which has 1 to 8 carbon atoms or a cycloalkoxy group in which at least one of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms contained therein is isotope-labeled and which has 3 to 8 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A cap configured for use with a specimen container includes a cap body having a top surface defining an opening therethrough, a torque pattern disposed on the top surface of the cap body, and a pierceable and self-resealing membrane disposed across the opening, where, when the membrane is intact or resealed, the membrane forms a fluid-tight seal across the opening.

Abstract: There is provided a glucose-PEG conjugate comprising a PEG moiety conjugated to a linear glucose moiety at the C1 position of the glucose moiety. The glucose-PEG conjugate may be used to reduce glucose transport into a cell and may be used to treat a proliferative disorder.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for analyzing a liquid cell sample, comprising the steps of: a) providing at least one liquid cell sample in a sample vial; b) obtaining data linked to the cells in the sample by performing differential digital holographic microscopy on said liquid cell sample in said sample vial. In a second aspect, the invention also provides for a system for analyzing a liquid cell sample, comprising (i) a differential digital holographic microscope comprising illumination means, a differential interferometer and a digital recording device connected to a processing device such as a computer; (ii) at least one exchangeable sample vial comprising a liquid cell (iii) a movable sample vial holder; characterized in that (iv) said sample vial holder is adapted to receive said sample vial; (v) said sample vial holder is adapted to position said sample vial such that the focal plane of the objective lens of said differential digital holographic microscope lies in the vial.

Abstract: In a magnetic flow measurement, such as flow cytometry, individual analytes are detected in the through-flow. The analytes (e.g., cells) are marked with magnetic labels directly in the medium surrounding the analytes. The analytes are transported through the flow channel of a measuring device including at least one magnetic sensor. Using the magnetic marking of the analytes, the magnetic analyte diameter (rmag) is detected rather than the optical or hydrodynamic size (ropt) of the analytes. The analyte diameter is determined by the stray field maximum. The analyte diameter is smaller than the analyte size, such that individual analytes may be detected at high analyte concentrations.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for pre-processing tissue samples containing cells of interest for various therapeutic procedures. Fibrous material may be extracted from the tissue sample through a shredding and separating device, resulting in a non-fibrous sample containing the cells of interest, which may then be washed and centrifuged to remove fluids, oil, and contaminants. The sample may then be digested in a large-volume container, and a piston within the container may push the resulting liberated cell suspension through a cell concentrator such as a hollow-fiber separation module.

Abstract: Bioreactors are provided that include a vessel and a jet mixer disposed in the vessel. Methods that utilize the bioreactors are provided, involving placing a microorganism or cells and a fluid medium in the bioreactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for mass-producing an antifreeze protein derived from a polar yeast, and more particularly, to a method for mass-producing an antifreeze protein derived from Leucosporidium sp., which is the polar yeast, for synthesizing a recombinant polynucleotide by optimizing and altering a gene, which codes the antifreeze protein derived from the polar yeast, for a yeast expression system, and for expressing same using the yeast expression system.

Abstract: This application describes an antibody that specifically binds to a synthetic oligomer (e.g., an oligonucleotide or oligopeptide) having a organic protecting group covalently bound thereto, which antibody does not bind to that synthetic oligomer when the organic protecting group is not covalently bound thereto. Methods of making and using such antibodies are also disclosed, along with cells for making such antibodies and articles carrying immobilized oligomers that can be used in assay procedures with such antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method of modifying gene expression and to synthetic genes for modifying endogenous gene expression in a cell, tissue or organ of a transgenic organism, in particular a transgenic animal or plant. More particularly, the present invention utilizes recombinant DNA technology to post-transcriptionally modify or modulate the expression of a target gene in a cell, tissue organ or whole organism, thereby producing novel phenotypes. Novel synthetic genes and genetic constructs which are capable of repressing delaying or otherwise reducing the expression of an endogenous gene or target gene in an organism when introduced thereto are also provided.

Abstract: A centrifuge tube droplet generator includes a centrifugally generated droplet system which accommodates a sample volume of below 20 microliters and below. The system has virtually no dead volume, is simple and inexpensive and can therefore be realized in a disposable unit. The system can be tailored to fit the format of standard desktop centrifuges which are ubiquitous in biological laboratories.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the production of viral vectors. In particular, the present invention provides methods and compositions for faster, higher titer and higher purity production of viral vectors (e.g. adenoviral vectors). In some embodiments, the present invention provides gutted and helper viruses with identical or similar termini. In other embodiments, the present invention provides terminal protein linked adenoviral DNA. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides template extended adenoviral DNA.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods and reagents for insertion of genetic material into genomic DNA.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for ligating single stranded nucleic acids wherein the ligation is based on fast, efficient, and low-sequence bias hybridization of an acceptor molecule with a donor molecule. In one embodiment, the structure of the donor molecule comprises a stem-loop intramolecular nucleotide base pairing (i.e., hairpin) and a 3?-overhang region such that the overhang is able to hybridize to nucleotides present in the 3? end of the acceptor molecule.

Abstract: This document describes biochemical pathways for producing pimelic acid, 7-aminoheptanoate, 7-hydroxyheptanoate, heptamethylenediamine, or 1,7-heptanediol by forming two terminal functional groups, comprised of carboxyl, amine or hydroxyl group, in a C7 aliphatic backbone substrate produced from chorismate or benzoate. These pathways, metabolic engineering and cultivation strategies described herein rely on the anaerobic benzoyl-CoA degradation pathway enzymes.

Abstract: This document describes biochemical pathways for producing pimelic acid, 7-aminoheptanoic acid, 7-hydroxyheptanoic acid, heptamethylenediamine or 1,7-heptanediol by forming two terminal functional groups, comprised of carboxyl, amine or hydroxyl group, in a C7 aliphatic backbone substrate. These pathways, metabolic engineering and cultivation strategies described herein rely on the carbon chain elongation enzymes or homologs thereof associated with the cyclohexane carboxylate biosynthesis from Syntrophus aciditrophicus or 2-aminoadipate lysine biosynthesis.

Abstract: This document describes biochemical pathways for producing pimelic acid, 7-aminoheptanoic acid, 7-hydroxyheptanoic acid, heptamethylenediamine or 1,7-heptanediol by forming one or two terminal functional groups, each comprised of carboxyl, amine or hydroxyl group, in a C7 aliphatic backbone substrate. These pathways, metabolic engineering and cultivation strategies described herein rely on the C1 elongation enzymes or homolog associated with coenzyme B biosynthesis.

Abstract: This document describes biochemical pathways for producing one or more of pimelic acid, 7-aminoheptanoic acid, 7-hydroxyheptanoic acid, heptamethylenediamine and 1,7-heptanediol by forming one or two terminal functional groups, comprised of carboxyl, amine or hydroxyl groups, in a C7 aliphatic backbone substrate produced from succinate semialdehyde or pyruvate. These pathways, metabolic engineering and cultivation strategies described herein rely on the aldol condensation of succinate semialdehyde and pyruvate.

Abstract: This document describes biochemical pathways for producing pimelic acid, 7-aminoheptanoic acid, 7-hydroxyheptanoic acid, heptamethylenediamine or 1,7-heptanediol by forming two terminal functional groups, comprised of carboxyl, amine or hydroxyl group, in a C7 aliphatic backbone substrate. These pathways, metabolic engineering and cultivation strategies described herein rely on the fatty acid synthesis pathway and oxidative cleavage of long chain acyl-[acp] intermediates by a monooxgenase (e.g., cytochrome P450) such as that encoded by BioI from microorganisms such as Bacillus subtillis.

Abstract: The invention provides novel methods for making or modifying oils, e.g., plant animal or microbial oils, such as vegetable oils or related compounds, that are low in a particular fatty acid(s), for example, low linoleic oils, linolenic oils, low palmitic oils, low stearic oils or oils low in a combination thereof.

Abstract: Engineered bacteria that produce a predominance of odd-chain free fatty acids.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of biosynthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). The invention relates to a genetically engineered microorganism having at least one gene involved in the metabolism, preferably in the production, of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). This microorganism is useful in commercial production of polyhydroxyalkanoates. The present invention further relates to a method for the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in some aspects, to cell-free methods and systems for large-scale conversion of methane to isobutanol, comprising combining, in a bioreactor at elevated pressure, methane, oxygen, and cell lysates containing methane monooxygenase, methanol dehydrogenase, and enzymes that catalyze the conversion of formaldehyde to isobutanol, to form a cell-free reaction mixture, and incubating under suitable conditions the cell-free reaction to convert methane to isobutanol.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to hydrolysis of hexose-?-lactones by use of an S. thermophile extracellular aldonolactonase. In particular the present disclosure relates to compositions including a S. thermophile extracellular aldonolactonase and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: At least one product chosen from acids and alcohols is produced by a microbial fermentation process comprising: providing a gaseous substrate and a liquid medium to a microorganism, wherein the liquid medium comprises lactic acid and/or salts thereof, and wherein the gaseous substrate comprises at least one carbon source chosen from CO and CO2, and allowing the microorganism to produce at least one product chosen from acids and alcohols.

Abstract: A process for converting a cellulosic feedstock to chemical compound, such as an alcohol, or mixture of chemical compounds, wherein one or more process streams can be used in one or more of the other process steps.

Abstract: A method for preparing a hydrocarbon comprising contacting a fatty acid substrate with at least one fatty acid reductase and at least one fatty aldehyde synthetase and at least one fatty acyl transferase, wherein the fatty acid substrate is a fatty acid, a fatty acyl-ACP, or a fatty acyl-CoA or a mixture of any of these, to obtain a fatty aldehyde; and contacting the fatty aldehyde with at least one aldehyde decarbonylase enzyme.

Abstract: Disclosed are a composition for diagnosis of lung cancer including an antibody specific to GPI specific phospholipase D1 (GPLD1) protein, which is an effective biomarker for early diagnosis of lung cancer, and a composition for diagnosis of lung cancer including a primer or probe specific to a nucleic acid encoding the GPLD1 protein. The lung cancer diagnostic marker may be effectively used in early diagnosis of lung cancer and also, is very useful for evaluating progression of a disease and prognosis before and after treatment of the same.

Abstract: Porous polymeric resins, reaction mixtures and methods that can be used to prepare the porous polymeric resins, and uses of the porous polymeric resin are described. More specifically, the polymeric resins typically have a hierarchical porous structure plus reactive groups that can be used to interact with or react with a variety of different target compounds. The reactive groups can be selected from an acidic group or a salt thereof, an amino group or salt thereof, a hydroxyl group, an azlactone group, a glycidyl group, or a combination thereof.