Abstract: A method of distinguishing a brown adipose cell from a white adipose cell. In one embodiment the method includes measuring the expression level of one or more genes in an adipose cell; comparing the measured expression levels to a control, and correlating the expression level of the one or more genes to an identity as a white adipose cell or a brown adipose cell. In one embodiment the one or more genes are selected from the genes listed in FIG. 4C. In another aspect the invention relates to a method of differentiating an adipose stem cell. In one embodiment the method includes inducing differentiation of an adipose stem cell in vitro; and distinguishing the differentiated stem cell. In another embodiment the inducing is performed by contacting the adipose stem cell with a brown adipose cell differentiation media.

Abstract: Serine 350 has been identified as the site of O-GlycNAcylation of c-Rel. Methods are provided for identifying compositions capable of blocking c-Rel activation. The methods generally involve identifying compounds that inhibit O-GlcNAcylation of c-Rel at the serine 350 residue, thereby preventing c-Rel activation and production of c-Rel-dependent cytokines.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for improving a maize linkage drag and genome analysis process. Some embodiments produce a significant cost and time reduction in plant breeding projects. Particular embodiments concern a method to determine one amount of linkage drag flanking a desired, introgressed trait and to determine a recurrent parent percentage performed at a same stage of plant growth. This disclosure also concerns selecting plants containing the desired, introgressed trait based on results of genome analysis.

Abstract: A method of sample analysis is provided. In certain embodiments, the method involves: a) amplifying a product from a sample that comprises both wild type copies of a genomic locus and mutant copies of the genomic locus that have a point mutation relative to said wild type copies of the genomic locus, to produce an amplified sample, where: i. the amplifying is done using a first primer and a second primer; and ii. the first primer comprises a 3? terminal nucleotide that base pairs with the point mutation and also comprises a nucleotide sequence that is fully complementary to a sequence in the locus with the exception of a single base mismatch within 6 bases of the 3? terminal nucleotide; and b) detecting the presence of said product in said amplified sample using a flap assay that employs an invasive oligonucleotide. A kit for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: Provided are an oligonucleotide which realizes specific and highly sensitive detection of toxigenic C. difficile, and a method for detecting toxigenic C. difficile, the method employing the oligonucleotide. 1) A primer pair containing an oligonucleotide having a nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1, and an oligonucleotide having a nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2; or a primer pair having complementary sequences to the nucleotide sequences. 2) A primer pair containing an oligonucleotide having a nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 4, and an oligonucleotide having a nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 5; or a primer pair having complementary sequences to the nucleotide sequences.

Abstract: This invention relates to flat solid media for the storage of samples of biological materials and methods of analysing biomolecules contained within the samples following storage. In particular, the invention relates to the storage and further analysis of biomolecules present in the biological materials, such as proteins, enzymes and nucleic acids. The invention finds particular utility in the dry, room temperature storage of biological materials.

Abstract: A system and method for capturing and analyzing a set of cells, comprising: an array including a set of parallel pores, each pore including a chamber including a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet, and configured to hold a single cell, and a pore channel fluidly connected to the chamber outlet; an inlet channel fluidly connected to each chamber inlet of the set of parallel pores; an outlet channel fluidly connected to each pore channel of the set of parallel pores; a set of electrophoresis channels fluidly coupled to the outlet channel, configured to receive a sieving matrix for electrophoretic separation; and a set of electrodes including a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the set of electrodes is configured to provide an electric field that facilitates electrophoretic analysis of the set of cells.

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes an input port for inputting a particle-containing liquidic samples into the device, a retention member, and a pressure actuator. The retention member is in communication with the input port and is configured to spatially separate particles of the particle-containing liquidic sample from a first portion of the liquid of the particle containing fluidic sample. The pressure actuator recombines at least some of the separated particles with a subset of the first portion of the liquid separated from the particles. The device can also include a lysing chamber that receives the particles and liquid from the retention member. The lysing chamber thermally lyses the particles to release contents thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are mutant DNA polymerases having increased 3?-mismatch discrimination relative to a corresponding, unmodified polymerase. The mutant polymerases are useful in a variety of disclosed primer extension methods. Also disclosed are related compositions, including recombinant nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells, which are useful, e.g., for production of the mutant DNA polymerases.

Abstract: The present invention is in the fields of molecular biology. The present invention is directed to novel compositions, methods and kits useful for the generation of nucleic acids from an RNA template and further nucleic acid replication. Specifically, the invention is directed to the generation and amplification of nucleic acids by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract: The application provides a method of reducing the DNA content of a protein preparation or a culture broth from a filamentous fungal host cell using an endogenous filamentous fungal host DNase activity.

Abstract: A vector that allows for easy accomplishment of a variety of cloning, and use of the vector for measurement of the transcription-inducing activity of a promoter or production of a desired gene product in Corynebacterium.

Abstract: The use of salt-inducible kinase 3 allows screening for a substance having an effect of increasing cartilage volume and/or an effect of normalizing chondrocyte differentiation. A modified chondrocyte in which the expression or function of salt-inducible kinase 3 gene is inhibited or enhanced can be used to ameliorate a disease associated with reduced cartilage volume and/or a disease associated with impaired cartilage growth.

Abstract: A method has been developed to efficiently proliferate and culture a CTL specific to WT1 peptides under limiting dilution conditions. Utilizing this method, CTLs capable of recognizing both a state where a wildtype WT1 specific peptide is presented by HLA-A*24:02 and a state where a mutant WT1 specific peptide is presented by HLA-A*24:02 have been successfully obtained.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a tissue staining method that makes it possible to observe both information on the morphology of a tissue and information on a biological substance such as an antigen molecule to be detected on a single section and in a single view field. The present invention provides a tissue staining method, including carrying out (A) a HE (hematoxylin-eosin) staining, and (B) a histochemical staining, serially on a single tissue section, wherein the histochemical staining is defined as a histochemical technique for detecting a biological substance to be detected in a tissue in a visible manner by use of a binding reaction between the biological substance to be detected and a probe biological substance capable of binding specifically to the biological substance to be detected.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for detecting, monitoring, measuring, and/or characterizing the activity of phosphoproteins, such as tyrosine kinases (TKs) and downstream proteins in TK signal transduction pathways (e.g., TK pathway proteins). In various embodiments, the methods, apparatuses, and systems may use nanoparticles, such as quantum dots (QD), to detect and/or characterize the abnormally overactive TK signaling pathways that underlie tumorgenesis and tumor progression. In various embodiments, the QD-based methods, apparatuses, and systems may have a sufficiently high degree of sensitivity to enable the identification of new TK signaling pathway markers, for example for use in diagnosing, staging, monitoring, and/or prognosing cancers, or in evaluating the efficacy of cancer therapeutics.

Abstract: Certain embodiments include methods of assessing male fertility.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method for identifying and interpreting tissue specimens and/or cells derived from tissue specimens. A panel of cell-based reagents provides a number of readouts of cellular states or biomarkers that together define a profile of a diversity of cellular states or biomarkers in a tissue specimen representing the ‘systems” nature of biology. This cellular profile is interpreted using informatics tools, to identify similarities between specimens, in vivo medical conditions, and suggest options for treating medical conditions.

Abstract: L-serine, L-serine precursors, L-serine derivatives and L-serine conjugates for treatment, amelioration and/or prevention of protein aggregation/tangles/plaques and diseases associated with protein aggregation/tangles/plaques. In particular, treatments and uses for L-serine, L-serine precursors, L-serine derivatives and L-serine conjugates include Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), and Huntington disease (HD).

Abstract: A marker useful in diagnosing surgical site infections is provided. In the method of the present invention for detecting surgical site infections, sCD14-ST in a sample is measured.

Abstract: The invention provides for detecting target subpopulations of cells that have high proliferative and renewal properties in animals, including circulating tumor cells, cancer stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells and endothelial progenitor cells. The invention utilizes a defined substrate and media of known property to enrich target cell subpopulations which can be used for future genetic, proteomic and morphological analyses. The method can use image-capture and analysis software to characterize cells based on physical properties, such as size, morphology and kinetic properties.

Abstract: All neoplastic cells express one or more members of a unique family of cell surface ubiquinone (NADH) oxidase proteins with protein disulfide-thiol interchange activity (ECTO-NOX proteins) that are characteristically inhibited by quinone site inhibitors with anti-cancer activity and a common amino acid sequence disclosed herein that allows for cancer-specific antibody recognition as well as for detection of certain critical reference proteins that provide loading controls. Cancers of different cellular or tissue origins express different ENOX2 cancer isoforms or combinations of isoforms and shed these proteins into the circulation. Herein are disclosed methods both for cancer detection and diagnosis of particular origin, based on the patterns and molecular weights of the isoforms which allow the identification of the cell type and or tissue of origin of the neoplasm. Relative ENOX2 amounts are proportional to tumor burden and provide a reliable measure of response to therapy and disease progression.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of predicting pregnancy outcome in a subject by determining the amount of an early pregnancy associated molecular isoform of hCG in a sample. The present invention further provides a method for determining the amount of early pregnancy associated molecular isoforms of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in a sample. The present invention also provides a diagnostic kit for determining the amount of early pregnancy associated hCG in a sample. The present invention additionally provides an antibody which specifically binds to an early pregnancy associated molecular isoform of human chorionic gonadotropin. Finally, the present invention provides methods for detecting trophoblast or non-trophoblast malignancy in a sample.

Abstract: The invention provides peptide compositions and mixtures useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Ehrlichia antigens. The peptide compositions and mixtures comprise polypeptide sequences based on an immunogenic fragment of the Ehrlichia Outer Membrane Protein 1 (OMP-1) protein. The invention also provides devices, methods, and kits comprising such peptide compositions and mixtures useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Ehrlichia antigens and the diagnosis of monocytic and/or granulocytic ehrlichiosis.

Abstract: Provided is a method for noninvasive prediction or diagnosis of inflammation and/or infection in amniotic fluid leaked through the cervix into the vagina to predict the concentration of inflammatory markers in the amniotic fluid inside uterus by measuring the concentration of inflammatory markers (various cytokines). Further provided is a method for prediction or diagnosis of inflammation and/or infection in amniotic fluid by measuring the concentration of markers (IL-6, IL-1? IL-8, MCP-1, GRO-?) in the amniotic fluid leaked through the cervix into the vagina in patients with premature rupture of membranes. The method can be performed more stably on pregnant women, as compared to the conventional method for prediction or diagnosis of inflammation and/or infection using invasively collected amniotic fluid.

Abstract: The invention features a method of monitoring a clotting process by measuring a signal characteristic of the NMR relaxation of water in a sample undergoing clotting to produce NMR relaxation data and determining from the NMR relaxation data a magnetic resonance parameter of water in the sample characteristic of the clots being formed.

Abstract: The application provides heat-treated Limulus amebocyte lysates useful for detecting ?-glucans.

Abstract: Azo compounds are disclosed that do not form azoxy dimers and that do not have any reactive nitroso groups. Also disclosed are use of the azo compounds as mediators in optical and electrochemical diagnostic methods, as well as detection reagents, kits and test elements that include such azo compounds and that can be used in the diagnostic methods.

Abstract: An assay to detect ghrelin O-acyltransferase activity using an acrylodan-labeled peptide mimic of ghrelin that provides for high-throughput screening for ghrelin O-acyltransferase inhibitors and detection via high performance liquid chromatography. Alternatively, the assay for ghrelin acylation may be based on a synthetic peptide substrate that mimics the N-terminal sequence of ghrelin and has an environmentally-sensitive fluorophore attached to its C-terminal amino acid through chemoselective ligation.

Abstract: A method for detection of beta-D-glucuronidase activity in a sample that comprises the steps of (i) providing a glucuronic acid ester compound of the general formula (I) wherein R1 is a C1-4 alkyl group, OR2 is a dye moiety, which is liberated after cleavage of the glycosidic bond; (ii) contacting said glucuronic acid ester compound with a material of said sample exhibiting hydrolytic activity towards glucuronic acid esters, thereby removing R1 and thus forming a sample containing an indicator compound suitable for the detection and/or measurement of beta-D-glucuronidase activity, and (iii) using said indicator to perform an assay requiring detection or measurement of beta-D-glucuronidase activity.

Abstract: A method for screening for variant peptides uses mass spectrometry (MS). A system and a kit may be used for performing the method. Proteins in a sample are digested to form a defined series of peptides. The defined series of peptides are ionized. The ionized species are subjected to collision induced dissociation. Species of known mass/charge ratio are detected to confirm the presence of the protein variant in the original sample.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the measuring toxicity, antioxidant capacity, and oxidative stress are provided.

Abstract: Isolated mixed populations of fetal pulmonary cells, engineered three-dimensional tissue constructs of these cells, and uses thereof in identifying therapeutic agents which augment, repair, and/or replace dysfunctional native lung and to perform in vitro studies such as pharmaceutical screening, models for lung development and disease and characterization of chemical or mechanical injury are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, apparatus, devices and methods, including a method that includes determining traction forces exerted by a cellular monolayer on a substrate on which the monolayer is placed, and determining internal forces within and between cells of the monolayer based on the determined traction forces. In some embodiments, determining the internal forces of the cellular monolayer may include determining internal stresses within the cellular monolayer that act to balance the determined traction forces over at least part of the cellular monolayer. In some embodiments, determining of the internal stresses may also include setting boundary conditions at a boundary determined based on an optical field of view of an observed section of the monolayer.

Abstract: The present invention features microgels and microtissues for use in tissue engineering. Featured is a microencapsulation device for making microgels and/or microtissues via an emulsion technology. Also featured are methods of making higher ordered structures that mimic in vivo tissue structures. Methods of us are also featured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system arranged for assisting secure handling of cells in order to minimize the risk of handling mistakes resulting in mix-up of cell samples. The system allows for one to one identification of cells during a whole culturing period. This is obtained by providing a culturing system with loading/exit control means which ensures that only one device is capable of being loaded/removed at a time.

Abstract: A purified solution of human plasma, MNCs and platelets isolated from whole blood, bone marrow, or stromal vascular fraction cells separated from adipose tissue wherein said purified solution comprises at least 90% by number of the MNCs in said whole blood, bone marrow, or stromal vascular fraction cells separated from adipose tissue, said purified solution comprises at most 10% by number of the red blood cells and granulocytes in said whole blood, bone marrow, or stromal vascular fraction cells separated from adipose tissue, and said purified solution is isolated and separated from said whole blood, bone marrow, or stromal vascular fraction cells separated from adipose tissue during a single centrifugation run.

Abstract: The present invention provides an embedding resin composition for electron microscopy having satisfactory performance as an embedding medium, including embedding performance and sectioning quality, and exhibiting excellent antistatic performance; and a method for observing a sample with an electron microscope using the composition. The embedding resin composition for electron microscopy of the present invention having antistatic performance comprises an ionic liquid and an embedding medium comprising an epoxy-based resin, a methacrylate resin or an unsaturated polyester resin. Preferably, the ionic liquid comprising a quaternary ammonium compound based on the formula (I): and an anion selected from the group consisting of BF4?, PF6?, (CF3SO2)2N?, a halide ion, a conjugate base of carboxylic acid, a conjugate base of sulfonic acid and a conjugate base of an inorganic acid.

Abstract: A method for purifying and harvesting certain cell populations in blood or bone marrow by depleting at least one of red blood cells, granulocytes, or platelets from a sample comprising blood, bone marrow, or stromal vascular fraction cells separated from adipose tissue is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a sterile, single use rigid, self-supporting cartridge within which the automated depletion, purification and harvesting of target cell populations occurs and all components may be distributed.

Abstract: A method for preparing neoplastically transformed cells from human-derived cells, including the step of introducing human telomerase catalytic subunit (hTERT) gene, SV40 small T antigen (SV40ST) gene, and an antisense oligonucleotide derived from human 28S rRNA into the human-derived cells. The method for preparing neoplastically transformed cells from human-derived cells can be utilized when a variety of human normal cells are induced to be neoplastically transformed in order to elucidate cancer onset mechanisms, so that the method can be effectively utilized in search of target molecules for a new medicament.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of isotopically labeled citrulline for gnosing the presence or absence of a bacterial infection in the lungs of a patient.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting, characterizing, and compensating motion-related error of moving micro-entities are described. Motion-related error may occur in streams of moving micro-entities, and may represent a deviation in and expected arrival time or an uncertainty in position of a micro-entity within the stream. Motion-related error of micro-entities is observed in a flow cytometer, e.g., as pulse jitter, and is found to have a functional dependence on a parameter of the system. The pulse jitter can be compensated, according to one embodiment, by adjusting data acquisition observation windows. For the flow cytometer, a reduction of pulse jitter can improve measurement accuracy, resolution of doublets, system throughput, and enable an increase in an interrogation region for probing the micro-entities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methods for identifying a compound for de-fatting and functional recovery of macrosteatotic hepatocytes.

Abstract: Provided is a method of protein synthesis. The method of protein synthesis according to the present invention uses an automatic biological material purification apparatus including: a well plate kit; a heating part; and a magnetic field applying part, such that a plurality of target proteins may be more quickly and simply obtained as compared to target proteins obtained by using the existing method for expressing/purifying proteins through conventional cell culture, and a reproducible synthesis efficiency on the same proteins may be obtained due to no deviation between reaction wells.

Abstract: A method for producing ?-Glu-Val-Gly comprising the step of reacting Val-Gly with a ?-glutamyl group donor in the presence of a ?-glutamyltransferase, a microorganism containing the enzyme, or a processed product thereof to generate ?-Glu-Val-Gly, wherein the ?-glutamyltransferase consists of a large subunit and a small subunit, and the small subunit has a specific mutation.

Abstract: A cell cuture media for plasmid production is provided for increased production of a recombinant GDF-5 (rhGDF-5) protein. Also provided herein is a method of making a cell culture media for plasmid production and a method for growing a plasmid vector. The methods of enhancing production and protein expression of rhGDF-5 protein as disclosed are cost-effective, time-saving and are of manufacturing quality.

Abstract: Reverse engineering has offered new ways of studying the pathology of RNA viral infections, new more efficient devices of synthesizing recombinant viruses and developing vaccines and also demonstrated the versatility and efficiency of RNA dependent RNA polymerase RDRP system as an expression system. However, the currently used methods require a repertoire of complex, difficult-to-use tools. Present invention describes, a simpler plasmid based mammalian expression system that uses the RDRP enzyme activity for expression of recombinant proteins or RNA from viral minigenomes and rescue of recombinant viruses from cDNAs encoding entire genome(s) of negative stranded RNA viruses. This system will be useful for expression of recombinant proteins, therapeutic RNA molecules including anti-sense and/or selecting interfering RNA and Ribozymes. This system can also be used for gene therapy and producing recombinant viruses for production of new vaccines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a genetically modified yeast cell comprising: —at least one recombinant promoter operably linked to at least one gene encoding a polypeptide or protein supporting the biosynthesis of polypeptides or proteins within said cell, said at least one gene being located at the native genomic locus of the genetically unmodified wild-type yeast cell, wherein the naturally occurring promoter of the at least one gene encoding the biosynthesis supporting polypeptide or protein is inactivated by at least one mutation within said naturally occurring promoter and, —a secretion cassette comprising a recombinant nucleic acid molecule encoding a protein or polypeptide of interest and a method for producing a recombinant protein or polypeptide of interest using such a cell.

Abstract: Expression vector systems are provided for increased production of a recombinant GDF-5 (rhGDF-5) protein. Also provided are transformed host cells that were engineered to produce and express high levels of rhGDF-5 protein. Methods for production and high expression of rhGDF-5 protein are disclosed herein. The methods of enhancing production and protein expression of rhGDF-5 protein as disclosed are cost-effective, time-saving and are of manufacturing quality.

Abstract: Proteins that bind IL-1? and IL-1? are described along with their use in compositions and methods for treating, preventing, and diagnosing IL-1-related disorders and for detecting IL-1? and IL-1? in cells, tissues, samples, and compositions.