Abstract: A simulated abdominal wall model that is ideal for practicing laparoscopic first entry surgical techniques is provided. The model includes a simulated abdominal wall portion captured between two frame elements of a support. The support is connectable to a surgical trainer. When connected to the trainer, the model provides a penetrable abdominal tissue portion for accessing an internal cavity of the trainer. The simulated abdominal wall includes a plurality of layers including a skin layer, a fabric posterior rectus sheath layer, a simulated fat layer of low-resilience polyurethane foam and at least two layers that provide distinctive haptic feedback upon penetration of the simulated transversalis fascia and muscle layers. The simulated abdominal wall includes a simulated umbilicus across several layers of simulated tissue.

Abstract: A method of promoting fluid intelligence abilities in a subject includes: selecting one or more serial order of symbols sequences from a predefined library of complete symbols sequences and providing the subject with one or more incomplete serial orders of symbols sequences; prompting the subject to manipulate symbols within the incomplete serial orders of symbols sequences or to discriminate differences or sameness between two or more of the incomplete serial orders of symbols sequences; determining whether the subject correctly manipulated the symbols or correctly discriminated differences or sameness between the two or more incomplete serial orders of symbols sequences; if the subject correctly manipulated the symbols or correctly discriminated differences or sameness between the two or more of the incomplete serial orders of symbols sequences, then displaying the correct manipulations or discriminated selection with at least one different spatial or time perceptual related attribute, to highlight the corr

Abstract: A method of promoting fluid intelligence abilities in a subject includes: selecting one or more serial order of symbols sequences from a predefined library of complete symbols sequences and providing the subject with one or more incomplete serial orders of symbols sequences; prompting the subject to manipulate symbols within the incomplete serial orders of symbols sequences or to discriminate differences or sameness between two or more of the incomplete serial orders of symbols sequences; determining whether the subject correctly manipulated the symbols or correctly discriminated differences or sameness between the two or more incomplete serial orders of symbols sequences; if the subject correctly manipulated the symbols or correctly discriminated differences or sameness between the two or more of the incomplete serial orders of symbols sequences, then displaying the correct manipulations or discriminated selection with at least one different spatial or time perceptual related attribute, to highlight the corr

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for providing concepts associated with a body of text are described. The body of text may be processed to determine whether words, symbols, phrases, or other elements thereof are keywords. For example, the elements of the body of text may be parsed using an expression dictionary. The keywords may be used to determine one or more concepts associated with the body of text and/or the keywords. For instance, the body of text may include a test question and the keywords may be configured to indicate concepts associated with the test question. A modified body of text may be provided to a user that includes highlighted keywords and/or other information embedded in the text that is associated with the keywords and/or concepts. A user may select the highlighted keywords and/or embedded information to access information associated with the selected keyword, such as concepts associated therewith.

Abstract: An integrated automated system comprising a microfluidic cassette, and methods of use thereof, for intracytoplasmic sperm injection assisted fertilization. The microfluidic cassette and the integrated automated system provides a complete set-up of human gametes for assisted in vitro fertilization, including proper cell stage recognition, gamete propulsion via microfluidic currents, microinjection of a spermatozoon into an oocyte, and subsequent embryo culture and monitoring, thus allowing widespread distribution of in vitro insemination by favoring affordability.

Abstract: It is to provide a tumor diagnostic agent and a tumor determination method enabling not only determination of the presence or absence of a tumor in a subject, but also determination of whether the tumor is a malignant tumor or a benign tumor, which can be used simply at low cost with reduced side effects and burden. 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) or its derivative, or a salt thereof is orally administered at a dose of 5 to 7 mg in terms of ALA per kg of body weight, and a urine sample 4 to 12 hours after the administration is collected. Porphyrins and creatinine in the urine sample are quantitated, and based on the value (nmol/gCre) obtained by dividing the amount of porphyrins by the amount of creatinine, a distinction among an individual without a tumor, an individual with a benign tumor, and an individual with a malignant tumor is determined. The presence or absence of a malignant tumor in a subject can be clearly determined by administering 1 to 3 mg of ALAs in terms of ALA per kg of body weight.

Abstract: Provided herein are sensors, kits that include such sensors, and methods for making and using such sensors. The sensors permit detection of a broad array of target molecules, such as nucleic acids (e.g., DNA and RNA), proteins, toxins, pathogens, cells, and metals, and can be used in combination with pH meters and pH paper. Thus, this disclosure provides a new methodology that allows pH meters and pH paper to be used for the detection of analytes other than pH.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for identifying and/or distinguishing polioviral strains, in particular polioviral strains used in vaccine production. The methods are based on selective hybridisation with oligonucleotides, i.e. primers and/or probes, that allow to distinguish between closely related but different polioviral strains on the basis of nucleotidepolymorphisms existing between those polioviral strains. Preferably, the methods employ amplification or amplification-ligation assays for detecting the selective hybridisation. The invention further relates to oligonucleotides for use in the methods of the invention and kits comprising such oligonucleotides and optionally enzymes and buffers for carrying out the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of diagnostic microbiology, and, more particularly, to compositions and methods for detecting and differentiating one or more viruses or other intracellular parasites present in a specimen. The present invention also provides compositions and methods to evaluate the susceptibility of organisms to antimicrobial agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides probes and methods of use thereof in the diagnosis and/or prognosis of certain types of cancers, particularly human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cancers. The probes are designed for hybridization with genomic material in a manner indicative of one or more aberrations in the genetic material present in the test sample. The identified aberrations are biomarkers of HPV-associated cancer. The methods of the invention comprise contacting a sample to one or more probes, allowing any genetic material in the sample to hybridize to the genomic regions provided in the probes, analyzing the hybridizations, and analyzing the hybridizations to identify detected aberrations as biomarkers indicative of HPV-associated cancer progression.

Abstract: Provided is a method for determining whether a feline is infected with pathogenic Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus (FIPV) or Feline Enteric Infection Virus (FECV). The method involves determining the presence or absence of intact or mutated S1/S2 and S2? cleavage sites in the spike protein of serotype 1 feline coronaviruses (FCoV1). The presence of both intact cleavage sites is indicative of FECV. The presence of a mutation in one or both cleavage sites is indicative of FIPV. The absence of both sites is indicative of an absence of FCoV1 infection. Compositions for use in determining infection and kits are also provided.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to a device that will discriminate between normal sperm, and sperm that can look morphologically normal, but with >5% DNA fragmentation using an expert system that will allow the embryologist to select morphologically and genetically normal sperm.

Abstract: The invention relates to constructs comprising a transmembrane protein pore subunit and a nucleic acid handling enzyme. The pore subunit is covalently attached to the enzyme such that both the subunit and enzyme retain their activity. The constructs can be used to generate transmembrane protein pores having a nucleic acid handling enzyme attached thereto. Such pores are particularly useful for sequencing nucleic acids. The enzyme handles the nucleic acid in such a way that the pore can detect its component nucleotides by stochastic sensing.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, nucleic acids and kits for determining the prognosis of a subject having cancer. The invention discloses genomic sequences the methylation patterns of which have utility for the improved detection of said disorder, thereby enabling the improved diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying metastases by detecting nucleic acid hypermethylation of one or more genes in one or more samples, and in particular in the lymph nodes. The invention further relates to DNA methylation as a predictor of disease recurrence and patient prognosis, specifically in the field of cancer biology.

Abstract: Provided are a composition or a kit for detecting a nucleic acid with genetic variation including a first amplification blocking nucleic acid and a second amplification blocking nucleic acid, and a method of detecting a nucleic acid with genetic variation by using the same. Based on the above, a nucleic acid with genetic variation can be detected with high sensitivity and accuracy.

Abstract: The invention herein disclosed provides for devices, reagents, and methods that can detect and control an individual polymer in a mixture is acted upon by another compound, for example, an enzyme, in a nanopore. Of particular note is the use of reagents to rapidly sequence a polynucleotide. The invention is of particular use in the fields of forensic biology, molecular biology, structural biology, cell biology, molecular switches, molecular circuits, and molecular computational devices, and the manufacture thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of genetic products that are expressed in association with a tumor and the nucleic acid coding therefor. The invention relates to the therapy and diagnosis of diseases in which said genetic products that are expressed in association with a tumor are expressed in aberrant manner. The invention also relates to proteins, polypeptides, and peptides which are expressed in association with a tumor and the nucleic acids coding therefor.

Abstract: In some embodiments, methods for ligating nucleic acid ends comprise: conducting a nucleic acid ligation reaction in the presence of at least one agent that generates a ligatable terminal 5? phosphate group by removing an adenylate group from a terminal 5? phosphate of a nucleic acid. In some embodiments, an aprataxin enzyme can catalyze removal of an adenylate group from a terminal 5? phosphate of a nucleic acid. In some embodiments, methods for ligating nucleic acid ends comprise: conducting a nucleic acid ligation reaction in the presence of an aprataxin enzyme under conditions suitable for ligating nucleic acid ends.

Abstract: Provided is uses of SAA1?/?(1.5/1.5) homozygote in prognosis and/diagnosis of liver cirrhosis, and in preparation of a reagent for liver cirrhosis prognosis and/or liver cirrhosis diagnosis. Recognition of liver cirrhosis susceptible populations can be achieved by detection of human SAA1?/? homozygote and non-SAA1?/? homozygote through real-time fluorescence quantitative allele specific PCR.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fast method for the detection and the quantification of a nucleic acid, DNA or RNA. Specifically, the invention provides a method for detecting and quantifying the presence of a specific nucleic acid molecule which is based on physical and electronic treatments. The method of the invention is particularly useful for applications as diverse as detection of chromosomal abnormal distributions or gene expression analysis.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a highly specific and sensitive method of detecting host cell impurities in a biological sample by using quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (q PCR). The present disclosure also provides novel designed primer and probe to amplify only the specific Alu family of dispersed repetitive sequences from Chinese hamster ovary cells used for expression of therapeutic proteins.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for analyzing fetal nucleic acids from the supernatant of the culture medium of fetal cell cultures of an in vitro fertilization, comprising the steps: a) removing from the culture vessel used for cultivating the fertilized egg cell the cell-free supernatant of the in vitro fertilization culture medium, which supernatant contains fetal nucleic acid, b) enriching the fetal nucleic acids contained in the supernatant, and c) carrying out an analysis of the nucleic acids present in the cell-free supernatant.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for collection, labeling and matching biological samples containing nucleic acid in conjunction with collecting at least one ridge and valley signature such as a fingerprint or footprint of an individual. Such devices and methods are used in forensic, human identification, paternity, tissue typing, and screening technologies to rapidly process an individual's identity, determine the identity of an individual along with the genotype profile of the individual.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of identifying a subject for whom a prostate biopsy is indicated, comprising: a) determining, from a nucleic acid sample obtained from the subject, a genotype for the subject at a plurality of biallelic polymorphic loci, wherein each of said plurality has an associated allele and an unassociated allele, wherein the genotype is selected from the group consisting of homozygous for the associated allele, heterozygous, and homozygous for the unassociated allele; b) calculating a genetic risk score (GRS) for the subject based on the genotype determined in step (a); and c) analyzing the GRS of the subject in combination with a prostate specific antigen (PSA) level of the subject to identify a prostate cancer detection rate for the subject, whereby a prostate cancer detection rate of greater than or equal to a reference value identifies the subject as a subject for whom a prostate biopsy is indicated.

Abstract: The object aims to comprehensively analyze miRNA that undergoes epigenetic silencing in cancer to identify miRNA associated with cancer, elucidate the role of the identified miRNA in cancer, and develop a novel method for detecting cancer and a novel therapeutic agent for cancer both of which relate to the miRNA. Disclosed is a method for detecting cancer in a subject, which comprises detecting methylated CpG in a CpG island located in a promoter region of a microRNA 34b gene and/or a microRNA 34c gene in a biological sample collected from the subject. Also disclosed is a therapeutic agent for cancer, which comprises a nucleic acid encoding a BTG4 gene or BTG4, or comprises a nucleic acid encoding a miR-34b gene and/or an miR-34c gene or miR-34b and/or miR-34c.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions and methods for detecting differences in copy number of a target polynucleotide. In some cases, the methods and compositions provided herein are useful for diagnosis of fetal genetic abnormalities, when the starting sample is maternal tissue (e.g., blood, plasma). The methods and materials described apply techniques for allowing detection of small, but statistically significant, differences in polynucleotide copy number.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for the collection and amplification of circulating nucleic acids from a non-cellular fraction of a biological sample. Circulating nucleic acids are extracted from the non-cellular fraction and are circularized to generate single-stranded nucleic acid circles, which are then subsequently amplified by rolling circular amplification using random primers to produce an amplified library. Devices for the collection of a non-cellular fraction from a biological sample are also provided. The device includes a filtration membrane and a dry solid matrix, which is in direct contact with the filtration membrane.

Abstract: A nucleic acid amplification reaction apparatus includes (A) a rotating body mounted with a nucleic acid amplification reaction container including reaction liquid in which nucleic acid is eluted and oil phase-separated from the reaction liquid, (B) a control section for rotating the rotating body and moving the reaction liquid back and forth between a first region and a second region, and (C) a fluorescence measuring device for performing fluorescence measurement of the reaction liquid in a position along a rotation track of the nucleic acid amplification reaction container at the time when the rotating body rotates.

Abstract: In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a magnetic rack comprising a lateral movement structure and/or a longitudinal movement structure. In particular embodiments, the lateral movement structure and/or longitudinal movement structure move one or more magnets to or away from a reaction tube, in order to control the magnetic forces exerted on microbeads in the reaction tube. The microbeads are attracted onto the reaction tube wall, thereby facilitating separation of the microbeads from a solution in the tube. In particular embodiments, the magnetic rack is used to extract or purify nucleic acid from a sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides whole blood nucleic acid extraction methods, compositions, and kits, as well as nested isothermal amplification methods, compositions, and kits. In certain embodiments, these methods are applied to detecting Lyme disease, including in patients without classic erythema migrans skin lesions.

Abstract: A method and device for adjusting the temperature of a sample by heating a substrate with a laser diode light; said light projected on to the substrate to absorb the light and convert the light energy to a heat energy thereby raising the temperature of the substrate corresponding to the intensity of the light energy, the substrate configured to transfer the thermal energy substantially homogenously to the sample. The device or method suitable for amplification of a nucleic acid sample.

Abstract: Method for the treatment of a biological sample comprising at least one cell and a liquid component; according to the method, a force is applied to the sample inserted in an inner chamber of a hollow device towards a filter which has pores with diameters from 2 nm to 1 ?m, so that at least part of the liquid component passes through the filter and the cell remains in the inner chamber, thus obtaining a concentrated sample; the filter has a surface facing the inner chamber of less than 12.6 mm2.

Abstract: A method of evaluating inhibitory effect on damp-dry malodor, containing the steps of: bringing microorganisms which produce damp-dry malodor-causing substances and a test substance into contact with each other in the presence of a sebaceous dirt component; detecting expression of at least one kind of gene selected from a fatty acid desaturase gene and a ? oxidation-related enzyme gene derived from the microorganisms; and thereby evaluating a damp-dry malodor inhibitory function of the test substance based on a change in expression amount of the at least one kind of gene.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of identifying VDJ recombination products which comprises the use of sequence specific enrichment and specific restriction endonuclease enzymes or other DNA-shearing approaches to provide high resolution and high throughput interrogation of antigen receptor repertoires.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methods for determining nucleic acids that encode immune receptor chains originating from the same cell, that is, paired immune receptor chains. Methods of the invention comprise high-throughput sequencing of rearranged nucleic acids encoding immune receptors from one or more samples of lymphocytes. In one aspect, from a plurality of subsets of a sample, nucleic acids encoding separate chains of a pair are separately sequenced, wherein the size of the sample and the number of subsets are selected so that the distribution of lymphocytes approximates a binomial model. Paired chains are determined by identifying pairs that appear together or that are entirely absent in the subsets.

Abstract: A gravitational fluctuation stress loading method capable of causing a new acute stress reaction in a subject or a laboratory animal is provided. A gravitational fluctuation stress loading method including at least one first stress-loading step (S1) of placing a stress load on the subject or the laboratory animal by means of microgravity is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are markers for diagnosing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and for monitoring efficacy of treatment for ALS. These markers allow for early detection of ALS, namely before the onset of clinical symptoms. Also disclosed herein are methods for diagnosing ALS in a subject in need thereof, for monitoring the efficacy of a treatment for ALS in the subject, and for treatment of ALS the subject.

Abstract: A bioanalytical reagent used in a heterogeneous phase and a usage method thereof are provided to increase the signal intensity from the bioanalytical reagent. The bioanalytical reagent includes a target detector and a signal generator. The signal generator is represented by the following formula: (p1) y-(a trigger)z-(LS) N-a degradable polymer coupled with a contrast agent in latent state via covalent bonds-p2, wherein p1 is a protecting group for the end group of the trigger, LS is a self-immolative linker or spacer, p2 is a protecting group for the end group of the degradable polymer, y is 0 or 1, and Z, N are non-negative integer. The signal generator is in a latent state during wash and separation procedures, until an inducing matter or a condition, which excites the contrast agent from a latent state to an active state, is added or applied into the analysis system after the separation procedure so as to degrade directly the polymer or to stimulate the triggers in sequence before degrading the polymer.

Abstract: In one non-limiting aspect, the invention provides a method for detecting the quality of a biological molecule comprising forming a first mixture of ingredients comprising: (i) a first binding agent that specifically binds to a tag, wherein the first binding agent is attached to a solid support; (ii) a decoy comprising a first portion comprising the tag attached to a second portion comprising an anchor; (iii) a sensor attached to a second binding agent that specifically binds to the anchor; and (iv) a sample suspected of containing a high quality biological molecule comprising a tag, wherein the tag of the high quality biological molecule is accessible; allowing interaction of the ingredients such that the sensor provides an output signal

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of biomarkers. More specifically, the present invention relates to biomarkers useful in diagnosing brain injury or neurodegeneration. In one embodiment, a method for diagnosing brain injury in a patient comprises the steps of (a) obtaining a sample from the patient; (b) determining the ratio of citrullinated to unmodified arginine residues at one or more arginine residues of one or more brain injury biomarker proteins; and (c) correlating the ratio to a patient having brain injury or to a patient not having brain injury, thereby providing the diagnosis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide method and devices for predicting the likelihood of acute appendicitis without invasive exploratory medical procedures. Several protein biomarkers: leucine-rich ?-2-glycoprotein (LRG); S100-A8 (calgranulin); ?-1-acid glycoprotein 1 (ORM); plasminogen (PLG); mannan-binding lectin serine protease 2 (MASP2); zinc-?-2-glycoprotein (AZGP1); Apolipoprotein D (ApoD); and ?-1-antichymotrypsin (SERPINA3); are increased in the urine of patients with appendicitis. The method and devices comprise detecting the levels of these biomarkers and comparing with reference levels found in healthy individuals.

Abstract: Uses and applications derived from the discovery of a novel binding site of IKK-?, such as method of screening a therapeutic agent as drug candidate for treating cancer, inflammation, or other diseases/disorders, are provided.

Abstract: Methods, devices, apparatus, and systems are provided for image analysis. Methods of image analysis may include observation, measurement, and analysis of images of biological and other samples; devices, apparatus, and systems provided herein are useful for observation, measurement, and analysis of images of such samples. The methods, devices, apparatus, and systems disclosed herein provide advantages over other methods, devices, apparatus, and systems.

Abstract: Provided is a means for improving measurement accuracy in an immunoassay using a dry plastic cell. A method for reducing adsorption of bubbles onto a cell side surface in an immunoassay, the method including carrying out a reaction and/or measurement in a presence of a surfactant, wherein the immunoassay comprises carrying out an antigen-antibody reaction in a dry plastic cell using an immunoassay reagent which immunologically reacts with a substance to be measured in a sample and carrying out an optical measurement of a resultant reacted product.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a home test or a point of care test device that can both detect blood glucose and insulin levels and methods using said device. The device and methods can be used to aid diabetic patients and medical practitioners to fine tune insulin administration, and to monitor disease progression or treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease capable of minimizing invasiveness to reduce the risk of infection. The method for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease includes the steps of: pretreating an intranasal specimen; detecting tau protein or amyloid beta peptide (A?) in the pretreated intranasal specimen; comparing a value of the tau protein or the A? obtained in the detection step with a predetermined value; and displaying a comparison result obtained in the comparison step.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for producing monoclonal antibodies and their derivatives reactive against bioactive lipid targets are described. These compositions include derivatized lipids, each of which comprises a bioactive lipid that having a polar head group and at least one hydrocarbon chain (e.g., a lysolipid such as lysophosphatidic acid or sphingosine-1-phosphate) in which a carbon atom has been derivatized with a pendant reactive group; immunogens made by linking a derivatized lipid to a carrier moiety (e.g., a carrier protein, polyethylene glycol, colloidal gold, alginate, or a silicone bead); monoclonal antibodies and derivatives produced by immunizing an animal with such an immunogen; and therapeutic and diagnostic compositions containing such antibodies and antibody derivatives.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of developing a specific immunoassay for the Pharmacokinetic assessments of peptides, peptide oligomer and polymer including Glatiramer Acetate (GA), also known as Copolymer 1, Copolymer-1, Cop 1 or Cop in the clinical and preclinical matrices.

Abstract: Method for the determination of the renal function wherein the amount of at least one agrin fragment derived by neurotrypsin cleavage of agrin is measured in a sample taken from a patient and the measured amount of the agrin-fragment in the sample is used as indicator for renal function.