Abstract: Methods for differentiating squamous cell carcinoma from pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia in a biological sample using KRT9 and C15orf48, methods of using differentially expressed genes as prognostic markers for squamous cell carcinoma, methods of using molecular pathways as targets for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma, and diagnostic kits therefor.

Abstract: The invention concerns in vitro proteomic analysis of cells to determine the sensitizing potential (including allergic potential) of compounds on said cells. Several protein markers are provided that allow assays to be performed to determine whether a chemical has a sensitizing potential of contact sensitizers.

Abstract: A radioluminescence microscopy system and method for imaging the distribution of radiolabeled molecules in live cell cultures and tissue sections. Cells are grown and incubated with radiolabeled molecules on a scintillator plate or a scintillator plate is placed adjacent to the cells after incubation. Scintillation light produced by decay of radiolabeled molecules inside, bound to, or surrounding the cells, is recorded on an imaging device. Fluorescence microscopy of the same cells with other types of molecules of interest that are labeled with different fluorophores can be conducted concurrently and the biological activity of the labeled molecules can be correlated.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the detection of one or more target molecules emitted from microbial sources are described. The systems and methods may include a molecularly imprinted polymer film; a strain sensitive surface, wherein the molecularly imprinted polymer film comprises a polymer host with one or more binding sites for one or more target molecules. The molecularly imprinted polymer film may be coated upon the strain sensitive surface.

Abstract: The disclosure provides evidence that the abundance of this particular “oncogenic HSP90” species, which is not dictated by HSP90 expression alone, predicts for sensitivity to HSP90 inhibition therapy, and thus is a biomarker for HSP90 therapy. The disclosure also provides evidence that identifying and measuring the abundance of this oncogenic HSP90 species in tumors predicts of response to HSP90 therapy. “Oncogenic HSP90” is defined herein as the HSP90 fraction that represents a cell stress specific form of chaperone complex, that is expanded and constitutively maintained in the tumor cell context, and that may execute functions necessary to maintain the malignant phenotype. Such roles are not only to regulate the folding of overexpressed (i.e. HER2), mutated (i.e. mB-Raf) or chimeric proteins (i.e. Bcr-Abl), but also to facilitate scaffolding and complex formation of molecules involved in aberrantly activated signaling complexes (i.e. STATS, BCL6).

Abstract: Disclosed here are methods and apparatus for target cell magnetic enrichment, isolation, and biological analysis. The target cells are labeled with magnetic nano-particles in a separate tube, container or in a device with soft magnetic collectors but not activated during the labeling period. Labeled biological samples will be used for targets enrichment and isolation using a magnetic device (permanent magnet or electromagnet). The labeled sample passes through a tube/channel within a magnetic field so the magnetic nano-particle labeled targets can be captured. Once the magnetic field is turned off, the captured targets can be released in a container. The labeling of the targets also can be performed in a device with soft magnetic collectors inside. Without magnetic activation, the device is just like a regular biological sample incubator. Thus the targets are labeled during the mixing and incubation.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a system and method to detect low levels of the anthrax protective antigen (PA) exotoxin in biological fluids, wherein the system uses a metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF)-PA assay in combination with microwave-accelerated PA protein surface absorption. Microwave irradiation rapidly accelerates PA deposition onto the surface adjacent to deposited metallic particles and significantly speeding up the MEF-PA assay and resulting in a total assay run time of less than 40 min with an analytical sensitivity of less than 1 pg/ml PA.

Abstract: A bio-sensing device suitable for the detection and/or characterization of target bioparticles and corresponding method is described. The bio-sensing technique is based on the impact on the heat transfer resistivity value of bioparticles binding in binding cavities of a structured substrate. By sensing temperatures and determining a heat transfer resistivity value based thereon, a characteristic of the target bioparticles can be derived.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a probe for iFRET and use thereof. Specifically, the present invention relates to a novel probe for iFRET, a method for preparing the probe for iFRET, a method for searching a target protein-specific binding site or a molecule having the binding site using the probe for iFRET, and a method for imaging the target protein using the probe for iFRET. The probe for iFRET according to the present invention utilizes an amino acid in a protein as a fluorescent donor, unlike the conventional FRET method. Therefore, only one fluorescent material is used, and its emission wavelength is distinct from the intrinsic fluorescence of the protein. Thus, high specificity and sensitivity are ensured, and the quantity, activity and mechanism of various proteins can be analyzed in an easy and accurate manner.

Abstract: It is intended to find a highly specific epithelial ovarian cancer marker and to provide an antibody capable of specifically recognizing and detecting the marker or a fragment of the antibody. The present invention provides an anti-?1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 5B antibody for diagnosis of epithelial ovarian cancer, i.e., an antibody for detection of a glycosyltransferase ?1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 5B as an epithelial ovarian cancer marker. The antibody recognizes, as an epitope, a part of a polypeptide of the enzyme consisting of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1.

Abstract: The present invention provides serum paraoxonase 1 protein as a biomarker useful for early diagnosis of lung cancer.

Abstract: Methods of detecting, diagnosing, monitoring and treating kidney stones are disclosed. In some embodiments, methods of detecting, diagnosing or monitoring kidney stones comprise contacting a urine sample with anti-Claudin-14 antibody, and detecting quantity of a complex comprising Claudin-14 and the antibody, wherein an increase compared to control levels is diagnostic for kidney stones. In some embodiments, methods further comprise testing a second sample at a second time point to detect increased kidney stones. In some embodiments, methods of treating kidney stone disease comprise administering an miR-9 mimic or an miR-374 mimic. In some embodiments, methods comprise administering an inhibitor of CaSR signaling. In some embodiments, methods comprise administering a HDAC inhibitor. In some embodiments methods of treating hyperparathyroidism and hypercalcemia are disclosed, comprising administering an agonist of CaSR.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides cytometric methods for the detection of rare target cells in a sample. In certain aspects, the methods and compositions may facilitate the detection of rare target cells, such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs), in a biological sample such as blood. Aspects of the methods include contacting the sample with first and second binding members that specifically bind to a marker of the rare target cell, and cytometrically assaying the sample for the presence of cells comprising bound first and second binding members to detect the rare target cell in the sample. Also provided are systems, compositions, and kits for practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for quantifying a protein of interest expressed at the surface of a cell or else present in a tissue sample, said method comprising the use of two ligands capable of binding specifically to a domain of said protein.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a biomarker in a biological sample is provided. A biological sample is loaded onto a microchip and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay specific to the biomarker is performed on the microchip. A color image of the microchip is generated using a mobile device and a color intensity of a selected portion of the color image is determined. The color intensity is correlated with a biomarker concentration using a baseline curve calculation and the concentration of the biomarker is then reported.

Abstract: There is provided a lateral flow assay that can provide an indication of Gram negative (GN) or Gram positive (GP) infection (or both) within 30 minutes, and desirably in less than 15 minutes. The immediate result would signal the presence of Gram negative bacteria, Gram positive bacteria, both Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria, or no bacteria detected. The detection level would be above a specific bacterial concentration threshold that is clinically significant infection source (e.g. 10?3 cfu/ml) versus the presence of a colonizing bacteria that is not a part of the active infection.

Abstract: Provided herein are magnetic aggregating and washing devices. Further provided herein are methods using magnetic aggregation to aggregate and wash sample molecules in an in vitro assay.

Abstract: Methods include determining in a sample an amount of a first isomeric analyte and a second isomeric analyte. A first measurement value and a second measurement value are determined. The first measurement value represents a total amount of the first isomeric analyte and the second isomeric analyte. The second measurement value represents an amount of the second isomeric analyte only. The second measurement value is subtracted from the first measurement value to obtain a resulting value and the resulting value is equated to an amount of the first isomeric analyte in the sample.

Abstract: Uncomplexed neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) is present at increased levels in individuals with atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), a major risk factor for future breast cancer development; in individuals that have ovarian cancer; and in individuals that have breast cancer, both invasive and noninvasive. Accordingly, the present invention is directed to measuring uncomplexed NGAL levels in urine as a primary screen to determine if an individual is either at risk of developing, or has developed cancer, e.g., cancer of epithelial origin including breast and ovarian cancer.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of drug detection and describes antibody-based components methods and kits for the detection and quantification of alkaloids of the plant kratom. The invention is underpinned by novel antibodies which specifically bind to mitragynine alkaloids found in the kratom plant and their metabolites.

Abstract: The invention provides novel antibodies which specifically bind to the methylphenidate metabolite, ritalinic acid, enabling an immunoassay that can detect methyphenidate in biological samples for an extended period following its ingestion. The invention also describes novel conjugates and kits incorporating the antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of diagnosing a cyathostomin infection, said method comprising the step of identifying a level of anti-cyathostomin larval antigen antibodies in a sample, wherein a level of anti-cyathostomin larval antigen antibodies is indicative of a cyathostomin infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of inhibiting non-specific binding in a step of detecting a substance in a biological sample. The invention provides a method of inhibiting non-specific binding in a step of detecting a substance in a biological sample, the method comprising: bringing a biotin-binding protein monomer not substantially having biotin-binding ability into contact with the biological sample, wherein in the step of detecting, a substance capable of specifically binding to the substance to be detected is immobilized to a carrier through binding between biotin and the biotin-binding protein before or after binding of the substance to be detected to the substance capable of specifically binding to the substance to be detected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the protein Ca-cofactor activity of protein S, wherein the protein Ca-cofactor activity of protein S is measured in a first reaction volume in the absence of a protein S inhibitor and in a second reaction volume in the presence of a protein S inhibitor. The protein Ca-cofactor activity of protein S is determined by calculating the quotient of the assay result of the first reaction volume and the assay result of the second reaction volume.

Abstract: An analytical apparatus is disclosed for detecting at least one analyte in a sample, where in an analyte measurement at least an electrical or optical property changeable by presence of the analyte at least one test chemical of a test element is recorded, and where the analytical apparatus also can perform at least one quality measurement on the at least one test chemical such as an intrinsic luminescence, which is recorded and from the intrinsic luminescence a conclusion is drawn on a quality of the test chemical and thus the test element. Methods also are disclosed for detecting at least one analyte in a sample that include a quality measurement of the at least one test chemical of the test strip.

Abstract: We disclose methods and compositions for preparation of stimuli-responsive plastics that are capable of responding to chemical and/or physical signals in their environment. In one embodiment the plastics consist of patterned mixtures of poly(phthalaldehyde) polymers in which each polymer contains a different end-capping group (also called a “trigger”), responsive to a different signal. Other embodiments use different polymers and different triggers. The plastics may be homogeneous in composition, but each polymer within the plastic is capable of responding to a different signal and depolymerizing once this signal reacts with the trigger. This process of depolymerization enables the plastic to alter its physical features non-linearly to external signals: i.e., the degree of change in physical form is much larger than the intensity of the initial signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for the rapid determination of the intact mass of non-covalently associated antibody heavy chains (HC) and light chains (LC) which result from the attachment of drug conjugates to interchain cysteine residues. By analyzing the antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) using native desalting conditions, the intact-bivalent structure of the ADC, which ordinarily would decompose as a consequence of denaturing chromatographic conditions typically used for LCMS, is maintained. The mass of the desalted ADC is subsequently determined using desolvation and ionization ESI-MS conditions. The methods described herein provide for direct measurement of the intact mass of an ADC conjugated at interchain cysteine residues. The methods described herein also provide for the relative quantitation of the individual ADC species.

Abstract: A method of measuring acidic species generated by degradation of a Fab or Fab? component of a Fab-PEG or a Fab?-PEG is provided. The method involves: a) cleaving PEG and a linker from the Fab-PEG or Fab?-PEG with an enzyme; b) optionally separating the PEG and linker from the Fab or Fab? to provide isolated Fab or Fab?; and c) quantitatively analyzing acidic species associated with the cleaved Fab or Fab? and/or the cleaved PEG.

Abstract: The present invention discloses functional nitrite reductase as a potential drug target for anti-tubercular drug development. The present invention also relates to the development of an easy method for identification of nitrite in clinical samples as well as its correlation with the severity of the disease. Presence of active as well as dormant/latent stages of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) could be identified from nitrite in clinical samples like sputum of potential TB patients.

Abstract: Methods, kits and compositions containing a mixture of D-luciferin and L-luciferin for light generation with luciferase are disclosed that have improved stability when stored over time. The mixture of D-luciferin and L-luciferin can be used to detect the presence or amount of ATP or of luciferase in a sample.

Abstract: Analytical methods and devices according to the present disclosure may be used to assay the concentration of malic acid, or related species, in a sample, e.g., preparations of fruit, vegetables, juice, and/or wine. Liquid samples are combined with a reaction mixture, incubated, and a parameter characteristic of the resulting incubated mixture is measured. During the incubation, the reaction mixture generally reacts with the liquid sample to transform malic acid or related species that is present in the liquid sample. The measured parameter may be pressure, pH, an amount (e.g., volume, mass) of CO2 generated during the incubation, a parameter related to the foregoing, and/or any other parameter related to the amount of malic acid or related species transformed.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating pathological conditions that can be improved by providing angiogenesis. The invention is generally directed to provide angiogenesis by administering cells that express and/or secrete one or more pro-angiogenic factors. The invention is also directed to drug discovery methods to screen for agents that modulate the ability of the cells to express and/or secrete one or more pro-angiogenic factors. The invention is also directed to cell banks that can be used to provide cells for administration to a subject, the banks comprising cells having desired levels of expression and/or secretion of one or more pro-angiogenic factors.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated laser microdissection are disclosed. In one variation, targeted biological material is manually or automatically selected and a transfer film is placed in juxtaposition to the location of an interior of a cut path. In another variation, a sample of biological material is mounted onto a polymer membrane which is then placed onto a substrate. Targeted biological material is manually or automatically selected and a transfer film is placed in juxtaposition with the targeted biological material on the side of the biological material. In yet another variation, a sample of biological material is mounted onto a polymer membrane which is then inverted onto a substrate. Targeted biological material is manually or automatically selected and a transfer film is placed in juxtaposition with the targeted biological material on the side of the polymer membrane.

Abstract: Novel Mn2+-doped quantum dots are provided. These Mn2+-doped quantum dots exhibit excellent temperature sensitivity in both organic solvents and water-based solutions. Methods of preparing the Mn2+-doped quantum dots are provided. The Mn2+-doped quantum dots may be prepared via a stepwise procedure using air-stable and inexpensive chemicals. The use of air-stable chemicals can significantly reduce the cost of synthesis, chemical storage, and the risk associated with handling flammable chemicals. Methods of temperature sensing using Mn2+-doped quantum dots are provided. The stepwise procedure provides the ability to tune the temperature-sensing properties to satisfy specific needs for temperature sensing applications. Water solubility may be achieved by passivating the Mn2+-doped quantum dots, allowing the Mn2+-doped quantum dots to probe the fluctuations of local temperature in biological environments.

Abstract: Provided are a hydrogel-encapsulated cell patterning and transferring method comprising: preparing a substrate having a hydrogel-encapsulated cell patterning comprising a first cell and an alginate hydrogel; preparing an agarose hydrogel substrate comprising agarose hydrogel and any one of a second cell and a physiological active substance; and disposing the substrate having the hydrogel-encapsulated cell patterning on the agarose hydrogel substrate and transferring the cell patterning and a biosensor comprising: a first substrate having a hydrogel-encapsulated cell patterning comprising a first cell and an alginate hydrogel; and an agarose hydrogel second substrate comprising agarose hydrogel and any one of a second cell and a physiological active substance.

Abstract: A urine analyzer capable of operating in a urine measurement mode and a body fluid measurement mode, the urine analyzer includes a specimen preparing section configured to prepare a measurement specimen and a detecting section configured to derive signals of particles in the measurement specimen supplied from the specimen preparing section. A computer and a memory including programs on a computer-readable medium that enable the computer to execute operations to control the specimen preparing section and the detecting section in the urine measurement mode and in the body fluid measurement mode.

Abstract: The present invention provide for solutions of a defined composition useful in a staining protocol, such as a hematoxylin and eosin staining protocol, when used at certain points of the staining protocol. The formulations of these defined solutions are such that carry-over of the solutions will not negatively impact, or preferably, will stabilize or favorably modify staining reagent solutions coming in contact with the solutions. In certain embodiments of the invention, solutions are buffered to maintain a specific pH that when carried-over—such as carried-over into hematoxylin—will not significantly influence the pH of the next staining reagent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fermentation process comprising a fermentation step of growing a strain of Corynebacterium diphtheriae in medium in a fermenter under conditions of agitation sufficient to maintain a homogenous culture and limited aeration such that pO2 within the culture falls to less than 4% for the majority of the fermentation step.

Abstract: A method of producing a protein of interest (POI) by culturing a recombinant eukaryotic cell line comprising an expression construct comprising a regulatable promoter and a nucleic acid molecule encoding a POI under the transcriptional control of said promoter, comprising the steps a) cultivating the cell line with a basal carbon source repressing the promoter, b) cultivating the cell line with a limited amount of a supplemental carbon source de-repressing the promoter to induce production of the POI at a transcription rate of at least 15% as compared to the native pGAP promoter, and c) producing and recovering the POI; and further an isolated regulatable promoter and a respective expression system.

Abstract: The invention concerns the field of recombinant gene engineering. It concerns novel artificial introns and compositions comprising such introns as well as a method to improve expression of polypeptides from nucleic acids such as cloned genes, especially genes encoding antibodies and antibody derived fragments, and the production of various polypeptides in eukaryotic host cells using said novel artificial intron sequences.

Abstract: A transcription unit constituted by a polynucleotide including the hCMVie virus enhancer, the enhancer having the nucleotide sequence SEQ ID NO: 1, or a nucleotide acid having at least 70% sequence identity with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 and essentially having transcription activation properties, and the promoter region of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 9 (CDK9), the promoter region having the nucleotide sequence SEQ ID NO: 2, or a nucleotide acid having at least 70% sequence identity with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 2 and essentially having a promoter activity.

Abstract: A method for designing a bi-shRNA expression cassette encoding a bi-shRNA comprising: selecting one or more target site sequences; providing a backbone sequence comprising a first and a second stem-loop structure, inserting a first passenger strand and a second passenger strand and providing for synthesis of the bi-shRNA expression cassette.

Abstract: The present invention is in the fields of nanotechnology and biomimetics. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of modified ribosomes to produce biomimetic structures. These biomimetic structures, also known as directed element polymers, are not produced by traditional industrial means but instead are produced by living systems comprising modified ribosomes.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for producing an open phototrophic culture with improved storage compound production capability. In accordance with the invention, a starting culture is submitted to selective pressure, thus giving a competitive advantage to storage compound producing species, by subjecting said starting culture to a cycle of alternating dark phases and light phases and providing limitation of availability of essential growth nutrients in one or more of said light phases. The resulting culture can be used to provide storage compounds in improved yields.

Abstract: There are provided a novel ribitol dehydrogenase, a residue determining double coenzyme specificity, and a method for preparing L-ribulose using the same, and more particularly, to a ribitol dehydrogenase producing rare sugars, nucleic acid molecules encoding the same, a vector including the nucleic acid molecules, a transformant including the vector, a mutant of the ribitol dehydrogenase, and a method for preparing L-ribulose using the ribitol dehydrogenase. The ribitol dehydrogenase having double coenzyme specificity, which is derived from Zymomonas mobilis, can effectively be used for preparing high-priced rare sugars and an investigation of coenzyme specificity determinants for the ribitol dehydrogenase is applied for all of dedydrogenases as a based technique.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bacterium which has an ability to produce a useful metabolite derived from acetyl-coenzyme A, such as L-glutamic acid, L-glutamine, L-proline, L-arginine, L-leucine, L-cysteine, succinate, and polyhydroxybutyrate, wherein said bacterium is modified so that activities of D-xylulose-5-phosphate phosphoketolase and/or fructose-6-phosphate phosphoketolase are enhanced. The present invention also provides a method for producing the useful metabolite using the bacterium.

Abstract: Process for the enzymatic synthesis of the compound of formula (I): Application in the synthesis of ivabradine and addition salts thereof with a pharmaceutically acceptable acid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for preparing a compound of formula I-11 through multiple-step reactions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method comprising the steps a) providing a primary alcohol of the formula HO—(CH2)x—R1, wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of —OH, —SH, —NH2 and —COOR2, x is at least 3 and R2 is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl and aryl, b) oxidizing the primary alcohol by contacting it with an NAD(P)+-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase, and c) contacting the oxidation product of step a) with a transaminase, wherein the NAD(P)+-alcohol dehydrogenase and/or the transaminase is a recombinant or isolated enzyme, to a whole cell catalyst for carrying out the method, and to the use of such a whole cell catalyst for oxidizing a primary alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for catalyzing the conversion of an olefin to any compound containing one or more cyclopropane functional groups using heme enzymes. In certain aspects, the present invention provides a method for producing a cyclopropanation product comprising providing an olefinic substrate, a diazo reagent, and a heme enzyme; and admixing the components in a reaction for a time sufficient to produce a cyclopropanation product. In other aspects, the present invention provides heme enzymes including variants and fragments thereof that are capable of carrying out in vivo and in vitro olefin cyclopropanation reactions. Expression vectors and host cells expressing the heme enzymes are also provided by the present invention.