Abstract: The present invention provides methods for estimating the breeding value of individuals in populations such as those having small effective population size (Ne) e.g., to identify selection candidates having high breeding values, wherein the methods comprise inferring one or more genotypes for one or more markers at a locus or QTL to be the same as for an ancestor or founder or a subset of ancestors and/or founders from which a corresponding chromosome segment is derived and estimating the breeding value of the individual based on the inferred genotype(s).

Abstract: DNA taggants in which the nucleotide sequences are defined according to combinatorial mathematical principles. Methods of defining nucleotide sequences of the combinatorial DNA taggants, and using such taggants for authentication and tracking and tracing an object or process are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides for methods of sequencing and performing polymerase reactions using an improved generation of nucleic acid polymerases. The improvement is the fusion of a sequence-non-specific nucleic-acid-binding domain to the enzyme in a manner that enhances the processivity of the polymerase.

Abstract: Phytophthora ramorum is currently a devastating disease for many plant species and infection presents significant economic problems, and in particular has lead to devastating effects on many specie of oak trees. The present invention provides methods and kits for selective detection of Phytophthora ramorum by amplification of indole-3-glycerol-phosphate synthase N-5?-phosphoribosyl anthranilate isomerase (trp1) in order to provide a method for detection of the presence of P. ramorum infection in a biological sample.

Abstract: A temperature control device for controlling a temperature of a substance to obtain a first temperature and to change to a second temperature has first and second heating blocks and a heating device. The heating device heats the first and second heating blocks to the first and second temperatures, respectively. The temperature control device has a first material opposing the first heating block to define a first space between them arranged to receive the substance and to define a first temperature zone having substantially the first temperature. The temperature control device has a second material opposing the second heating block such as to define a second space between them arranged to receive the substance and define a second temperature zone having substantially the second temperature, the first and second spaces being arranged such that the substance can be moved from the first temperature zone to the second temperature zone.

Abstract: Biomarkers can be assessed for diagnostic, therapy-related or prognostic methods to identify phenotypes, such as a condition or disease, or the stage or progression of a disease, select candidate treatment regimens for diseases, conditions, disease stages, and stages of a condition, and to determine treatment efficacy. Circulating biomarkers from a bodily fluid can be used in profiling of physiological states or determining phenotypes. These include nucleic acids, protein, and circulating structures such as vesicles, and nucleic acid-protein complexes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to buffers containing polyols for use with affinity-binding and/or magnetically susceptible thermoplastic particles and methods of making and use thereof.

Abstract: A nucleic acid tag comprising a nucleotide-support platform attached to a nucleic acid molecule, a fire retardant, and an encapsulant. Unique nucleic acid-containing tags containing a fire- or heat-protective element are seeded at one or more geographic locations. Using sequence analysis techniques, the person or object of interest is examined for the presence of one or more of the seeded nucleic acids. The geographic location associated with each detected nucleic acid is used to backtrack the item's path or extrapolate a probable point of origin.

Abstract: A nucleic acid tag comprising a nucleotide-support platform attached to a nucleic acid molecule, an odorant, and an encapsulant. Unique nucleic acid-containing tags containing an odorant are seeded at one or more geographic locations. Using odorant-detection systems, the person or object of interest is examined for the presence of one or more of the odorant, thereby revealing the presence of the seeded nucleic acids and eliminating the expense and time associated with unnecessary screening. The geographic location associated with each detected nucleic acid is used to backtrack the item's path or extrapolate a probable point of origin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects. Diffused regions of a segmented flow of multiple, miscible fluid species may be vented off to a waste channel, and non-diffused regions of fluid may be preferentially pulled off the channel that contains the segmented flow. Multiple fluid samples that are not contaminated via diffusion may be collected for analysis and measurement in a single channel. The systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects may be used to minimize or eliminate diffusion effects in a microfluidic system for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules.

Abstract: Collection devices and kits for biological sample collection include a biologic sample collection device having a hydrophilic swab matrix that includes a modified polycaprolactone (PCL). Methods of production and use thereof are also described herein. The biologic sample collection devices, kits and methods described herein are used to collect a biologic sample (e.g., blood, buccal cells, etc.) and to enable extraction of nucleic acids (e.g., DNA) from that biologic sample so that the nucleic acids can be analyzed (e.g., sequencing and subsequent analyses of DNA).

Abstract: Filtering small nucleic acids using permeabilized cells and methods for using the filtering to detect genomic DNA accessibility are described.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods to assemble genomes of eukaryotic or prokaryotic organisms. The disclosure further provides methods for haplotype phasing and meta-genomics assemblies.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel fluorescent dyes with phosphorylated hydroxymethyl groups, a method for preparing the same as well as to their use in imaging techniques. The fluorescent dyes are coumarin, rhodamine or BODIPY dyes having of one of the following general formulae I-III: wherein W=OP(O) Y1Y2 or P(O) Y1Y2, where Y1 and Y2 independently denote any of the following residues: OH, O(?), ORa and ORb, NHRa and NHRb, NRaRb and NRcRd, ORa and NHRb, ORa and NRbRc, NHRa and NRbRc; and any salt thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for the ultrasensitive detection of beta hemolytic Streptococcus, a bacterium implicated in strep throat, using a specific protease marker. Also disclosed is a device as well as a biosensor, both of which are useful for the detection of beta hemolytic Streptococcus. The biosensor and the device can be used in conjunction with other reagents as part of a kit for detecting strep throat.

Abstract: This invention provides benzothiazole derivative compounds, compositions comprising such compounds, methods of preparing such compounds, and methods of using such compounds for detecting amyloid deposit(s) and for diagnosing a disease, disorder or condition characterized by amyloid deposit(s).

Abstract: There is described a method for analyzing ubiquitin polymers using linkage-specific deubiquitinase enzymes. Novel specificities of deubiquitinase enzymes are also provided.

Abstract: The following processes are performed to improve the accuracy of the process of estimating the volume of a cell clump from an image including the cell clump. First, the image including the cell clump is acquired, and the optical density of the cell clump in the image is measured. Cross-section information about the cell clump is acquired by observation using a confocal microscope or by physical cutting. Based on the cross-section information, the vertical height of the cell clump is determined. Thereafter, data representing a relationship between the aforementioned optical density and the height is acquired. This improves the accuracy of the process of converting the optical density into the height to thereby achieve the accurate estimation of the volume of the cell clump.

Abstract: The present invention deals with reagents and compositions capable of effectively inhibiting peroxidase activity. According to the invention, peroxidase enzymatic activity is blocked with an acidic aqueous solution of a protein denaturing agent. Preferred protein denaturing agents are detergents and chaotropic substances.

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 endotoxi-induced 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 level of endotoxin present in the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and kits which are useful for detecting presence of an enzyme and the relative amount of glycan associated with the enzyme in a test sample based upon the enzyme's ability to competitively inhibit the binding of a ligand in such test sample. The present invention provides the ability to evaluate cell culture conditions and optimize the desired glycoform content of recombinantly prepared enzymes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method of screening an agent for preventing or treating cancer using glycyl-tRNA synthetase (GRS) and cadherin (CDH). More particularly, it relates to a method of screening and test agent which modulates the binding level of GRS or their fragment with CDH. As can be seen foregoing, the present invention relates to a novel use of GRS and CDH and provides a method of screening an agent for preventing or treating cancer. The method may be used for developing novel agent for treatment of various cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the prognosis, therapeutic stratification and treatment of colorectal cancer. More in particular, the present invention discloses that significantly increased levels of transmembrane type 1 neuregulin-1 in tumor-associated mesenchymal cells present in a sample of a patient indicate that the patient has a worse prognosis when compared to patients having low levels of transmembrane type 1 neuregulin-1 in tumor-associated mesenchymal cells. Moreover, the present invention relates to the usage of transmembrane type 1 neuregulin-1 expression in tumor-associated mesenchymal cells to predict resistance to HER1 inhibitors during colorectal cancer therapy and/or to predict whether a patient would benefit from a therapy based on the prevention of neuregulin-1 and/or HER3 activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biological substance detection method for specifically detecting a biological substance from a pathological specimen, by which method, when immunostaining using a fluorescent label and staining for morphological observation using a staining agent for morphological observation are simultaneously performed, the results of fluorescence observation and immunostaining can be assessed properly even if the fluorescent label and/or the staining agent is/are deteriorated by irradiation with an excitation light. The biological substance detection method according to the present invention is characterized in that the brightness retention rate of an immunostained part is in a range of 80% to 120% in relation to the brightness retention rate of apart stained for morphological observation when the fluorescent label used for the immunostaining is observed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the in vitro diagnosis of active tuberculosis, comprising a step of contacting lymphocytes of a patient suspected to have active tuberculosis with at least one protein of mycobacteria, said protein being an enzyme having a lipolytic activity, and a step of detecting the presence of specific activated lymphocytes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to reagents useful for generating immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and for diagnosing infection and disease in a subject that has been exposed to M. tuberculosis.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to the field of immunological-based diagnostic assays including an assay to measure cell-mediated immunoresponsiveness. The present disclosure teaches diagnosis of a subject's exposure to an antigen based on cell-mediated immunoresponsiveness with enhanced sensitivity. Lymphocytes from a subject are contacted with at least a first set of peptides comprising at least one peptide of from 7 to 14 amino acid residues in length and a second set comprising at least one peptide of 16 amino acid residues or greater and the presence or elevation of an immune molecule is detected. The assay contemplated herein is capable of integration into standard pathology architecture to provide a diagnostic reporting system and to facilitate point of care clinical management.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to polypeptides present in a vaccinia virus (e.g., polypeptides that can be isolated from naturally processed and presented class I polypeptides originating from vaccinia virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus family). For example, methods for generating a vaccine comprising one or more of vaccinia virus polypeptides disclosed herein for preventing or treating Orthopoxvirus infection are provided. In addition, kits related to the use of vaccinia polypeptides are provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are vaccine compositions for control of Trypanosoma cruzi infection and Chagas disease. The compositions comprise plasmids encoding o GPI-anchored genes ASP-2, TcG-1, TcG2 and TcG4 from Trypanosoma cruzi; plasmids encoding cytokines IL12 and GM-CSF; and plasmids encoding a gene expression system. Certain vaccine compositions comprise recombinant proteins, selected from TcG-1, TcG2 and TcG4 from Trypanosoma cruzi. In another vaccination strategy, the recombinant proteins are replaced by lysates comprising Trypanosoma rangeli cells. Further provided herein are diagnosis compositions comprising 1) recombinant proteins, selected from TcG-1, TcG2 and TcG4 from Trypanosoma cruzi; 2) antibodies that specifically binds the TcG-1, TcG2 and TcG4 proteins; 3) sense and antisense polynucleotide sequences that encode the the TcG-1, TcG2 and TcG4 proteins. Said compositions can be used in diagnosing and/or evaluating efficacy of treatments against Trypanosoma cruzi infection.

Abstract: Method for early differentiation of whether a subject suffers from cardioembolic stroke or from non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke based on the determination of the amount of a cardiac Troponin in a sample from a subject who is suffering from ischemic stroke, the sample obtained not more than 24 hours after the onset of symptoms of ischemic stroke. Kits and devices adapted to carry out the methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to DNA sequences encoding Vmp-like polypeptides of pathogenic Borrelia, the use of the DNA sequences in recombinant vectors to express polypeptides, the encoded amino acid sequences, application of the DNA and amino acid sequences to the production of polypeptides as antigens for immunoprophylaxis, immunotherapy, and immunodiagnosis. Also disclosed are the use of the nucleic acid sequences as probes or primers for the detection of organisms causing Lyme disease, relapsing fever, or related disorders, and kits designed to facilitate methods of using the described polypeptides, DNA segments and antibodies.

Abstract: Microfluidic microplate devices and methods for assay systems such as immunoassays, to achieve improvements particularly of higher sensitivity and more repeatable performance, are disclosed. In preferred embodiments, also disclosed are the use of a range of coating buffers for the capture antibody and the use of coating buffers with specific formulations within very narrow ranges to achieve optimal results in the use of the devices and methods.

Abstract: In sandwich-type immunoassays that capture a protein analyte between a capture antibody, typically bound to a solid phase, and a detection antibody that is coupled to a reporter group, the number of reporter groups associated with each molecule of analyte is increased by a variety of methods that utilize avidin-biotin-type binding in conjunction with such features as immunological binding to the reporter group on the detection antibody or multiple biotin-avidin-type binding sites.

Abstract: A colorimetric reagent in the form of nanoparticles, composite nanoparticles, and nanoparticle coatings, including methods of use, methods of preparation, deposition, and assembly of related devices and specific applications. The colorimetric reagent comprises cerium oxide nanoparticles which are used in solution or immobilized on a solid support, either alone or in conjunction with oxidase enzymes, to form an active colorimetric component that reacts with an analyte to form a colored complex. The rate of color change and the intensity of the color are proportional to the amount of analyte present in the sample. Also described is the use of ceria and doped ceria nanoparticles as an oxygen storage/delivery vehicle for oxidase enzymes and applications in biocatalytic processes in anaerobic conditions of interest in biomedicine and bioanalysis.

Abstract: Methods, processes, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for predicting minoxidil response in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia based on colorimetric assay for sulfotransferase activity. In particular, SULT1A1 activity may be used as an indicator of minoxidil response. A genetic test for alleles of the SULT1A1 gene may be performed to provide a more personalized therapy.

Abstract: A thin film culture device for detecting yeast and mold microorganisms in a sample is provided. The culture device comprises a body comprising a self-supporting substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface; a first adhesive composition disposed on a portion of the first major surface of the substrate; a substantially dry, cold-water-soluble first hydrogel-forming composition adhered to the first adhesive composition; and a plurality of indicator agents. The plurality of indicator agents comprises three indicator agents for detecting distinct glycosidase enzyme activities, an indicator agent for detecting an alkyl esterase enzyme activity, and an indicator agent for detecting a phosphatase enzyme activity, wherein each of the plurality of indicator agents comprises a detectable reporter group. A method of using the culture device is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting at least one direct thrombin inhibitor in a sample other than citrate plasma, comprising the step of mixing a sample containing a thrombin inhibitor with a composition containing thrombin under conditions which allow the thrombin to release a detectable substance from a chromogenic substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides novel fluorinated resorufin compounds that are of use in a variety of assay formats. Also provided are methods of using the compounds and kits that include a compound of the invention and instructions detailing the use of the compound in one or more assay formats.

Abstract: In general, the present invention relates to identification of lipidome biomarkers for cancer analysis and it provides prognostic and predictive methods and kits for cancer diagnosis and subtyping and for diagnosing and/or predicting the evolution of a tumor and its response to lipid metabolism-targeted or other types of therapy in a subject, by making use of phospholipid (PL) profiling, wherein changes in the combined acyl chain length of intact body fluid-derived or tumor-derived phospholipid species is indicative of an elongation phenotype.

Abstract: Prenatal gender testing apparatus, system and method for a fetus. The gender testing utilizes organic wheat seeds and organic barley seeds in a nutrient-rich soil, all contained within clay pots. A prospective mother supplies each soil-seed mixture with her own urine (diluted with water at an approximate 1:1 ratio) over the course of several days with a plurality of applications of said diluted urine. As the seeds begin to sprout, the strength, speed, and height of growth determines whether the fetus is male or female. Whichever seed (wheat or barley) results in the higher strength, speed, and height determines gender of the fetus. Thus, if the wheat seeds have the greater growth, then the fetus is identified as female. If the barley seeds have the greater growth, then the fetus is identified as male.

Abstract: Engineered fusion proteins comprising photochromic protein domains are disclosed. In particular, the inventors have constructed fusion proteins containing photoswitchable photochromic fluorescent protein domains linked to selected proteins and shown that such fusion proteins can be used to control the activity or localization of selected proteins with light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inoculating at least one agar culture medium, contained in a Petri dish, with at least one sample likely to contain microorganisms. The method includes the steps of: providing at least one agar culture medium contained in a Petri dish; providing the sample likely to contain microorganisms in liquid form; performing at least one deposition of the liquid sample onto the lid of the Petri dish such that the liquid sample can be transferred from the lid to the agar culture medium; and spraying the liquid sample, initially deposited onto the cover, onto the agar culture medium by vibrating the Petri dish.

Abstract: A dialysis like therapeutic (DLT) device is provided. The DLT device includes at least one source channel connected at least one collection channels by one or more transfer channels. Fluid contacting surface of the channels can be an anti-fouling surface such as slippery liquid-infused porous surface (SLIPS). Fluids can be flown at high flow rates through the channels. The target components of the source fluid can be magnetic or bound to magnetic particles using an affinity molecule. A source fluid containing magnetically bound target components can be pumped through the source channel of the microfluidic device. A magnetic field gradient can be applied to the source fluid in the source channel causing the magnetically bound target components to migrate through the transfer channel into the collection channel. The collection channel can include a collection fluid to flush the target components out of the collection channel. The target components can be subsequently analyzed for detection and diagnosis.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits for determining the developmental potential of one or more embryos are provided. These methods, compositions and kits find use in identifying embryos in vitro that are most useful in treating infertility in humans.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits for determining the developmental potential of one or more embryos are provided. These methods, compositions and kits find use in identifying embryos in vitro that are most useful in treating infertility in humans.

Abstract: A multi-channel system and methods for sorting particles according to one or more characteristics of the particles. The system includes multiple flow cytometry units, each unit can have a nozzle for producing a fluid stream containing a desired population of particles in a mixture of particles. Each of the units may be operable to sort said desired population of particles by interrogating the fluid stream with a beam of electromagnetic radiation and classifying particles based on one or more characteristics of the particles. The system also includes a common fluid delivery system for delivering sheath fluid to each flow cytometer unit for producing respective fluid streams.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting and characterizing 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. 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 related to a system clock. The motion-related error may be characterized by correlating measurements of micro-entities moving within a fluid stream.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and apparatus for hematology analysis comprising using a holographic microscope, in one embodiment a transmission-type holographic microscope. In one aspect, laser light is provided and split into first and second sample beams, the first sample beam for imaging with a first magnification, the second sample beam for imaging with a second magnification. The first and second sample beams are passed through a sample volume requiring hematology analysis. The first and second sample beams are combined with a reference beam and captured for digital analysis. The present invention enables adequate blood cell type differentials with a single, easily implemented, cost-effective holographic technique.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the preparation of soil samples and the determination of the number of microbes within a soil sample are disclosed. The methods include measuring, solubilizing, bleaching and filtering soil samples and measuring the turbidity of the filtered solution. The turbidity of the sample can be determined by visual inspection of a Secchi disk viewed through the column liquid sample in a transparent tubular cylinder, or by using a cell phone camera and application. Devices and kits for the rapid, cost efficient determination of microbial numbers in the field setting are disclosed. The disclosed devices and methods can also be used for applications other than determination of microbial numbers.

Abstract: A protein retrieval treatment system used for activating proteins contained in a deparaffinized tissue section obtained by removing paraffin from a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue section. The protein retrieval treatment system includes: a dispensing unit for dispensing a retrieval treatment solution over a dispensing area including a measurement area on the deparaffinized tissue section; and a moist-heat treatment unit for heating, in a saturated water vapor, the deparaffinized tissue section with the dispensing area covered with the retrieval treatment solution.