Abstract: A technique is provided for manufacturing a nanogap in a nanodevice. An oxide is disposed on a wafer. A nanowire is disposed on the oxide. A helium ion beam is applied to cut the nanowire into a first nanowire part and a second nanowire part which forms the nanogap in the nanodevice. Applying the helium ion beam to cut the nanogap forms a signature of nanowire material in proximity to at least one opening of the nano gap.

Abstract: A method for using red blood cell deformability testing to improve management of blood product comprising RBC, the method comprising: generating deformability data for red blood cells corresponding to a respective unit of blood product; correlating the deformability data with red blood cell viability or efficacy based on available data; obtaining a representation of quality for the respective unit; and based on the representation of quality assigning a rank and/or timing a transfer.

Abstract: Methods for determining the amount of vitamin D compounds in a sample are provided. The methods can employ LC-MS/MS techniques and optionally the use of deuterated internal standards. Methods for diagnosing vitamin D deficiencies are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system for separating plasma from whole blood, with a collector vessel for receiving whole blood, a filtering device for extracting plasma, whose input side can be attached to the collector vessel, and with a transport unit furnished with a pump for creating a partial vacuum. The transport unit is part of an analyser and the filtering device together with the attached collector vessel may be docked onto the sample input part of the analyser via the output side of the filtering device.

Abstract: Provided are a noninvasive measurement of cell signals and a method thereof, wherein the measurement method can ascertain cell proliferation and differentiation states using MRS and can enable cells to be reused so that cell states can be evaluated with improved reproducibility and reliability. And since the cell signals are noninvasively measured using the MRS, the corresponding cells can be reused so that the cost and time needed for one experiment can be remarkably reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to neurons derived from a progenitor cell population, capable of forming synapse and producing neurotransmitter signals. Further, methods of producing such neurons and methods of detecting toxin activity using such neurons are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for a microscope-based quantitative analysis of contact-dependent cell-to-cell transfer between cells. Single donor cells containing a traceable marker are cultured in a lawn of acceptor cells to allow cell-to-cell transfers. The donor and acceptor cells are then imaged and/or stained for microscopy to determine the location, shape and volumes of donor cells and of surrounding acceptor cells within selected regions of interest. The spatial distribution of the traceable marker in each volumetric picture element of the region of interest is determined and analyzed to determine quantitatively and qualitatively the substance transfer. The method allows a reliable quantitative evaluation of the effect of an active agent on cell-to-cell molecular communication and disease transmission.

Abstract: The invention disclosed in this patent document relates to transmembrane receptors, more particularly to a human G protein-coupled receptor for which the endogenous ligand is unknown (“orphan GPCR receptors”), and most particularly to mutated (non-endogenous) versions of the human GPCRs for evidence of constitutive activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the isotropy of the skin surface of a subject, and hence the degree of maturation of the said skin surface, by examining various parameters reflecting the cell organization. Methods for identifying active agents, raw materials and formulation are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for measuring the contractility of intestinal tissue upon treatment with GLP-2 or a GLP-2 ligand. Also disclosed is an assay which directly measures the activity of GLP-2 or GLP-2 ligands ex vivo and permits the screening of putative GLP-2 ligands in native tissue.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to the use of amyloid precursor protein-alpha (sAPP-?) as a biomarker for prediction of a subject's risk of developing inflammatory and/or autoimmune-related disorders. In addition, the present invention provides methods for optimizing vaccine schedules and compositions, thereby preventing or reducing the risks of vaccine-induced inflammatory and/or autoimmune-related disorders.

Abstract: The present invention describes a global metabolomic profile of patients with community acquired pneumonia (CAP) and sepsis. The metabolomic profile of endogenous small molecules blood was determined using mass-spectrometry. The global metabolomic profile in plasma demonstrated broad differences between CAP and sepsis patients when comparing those who do and do not survive at 90 days. Increases in specific metabolite biomarkers displayed on a heat map provide early diagnosis of these medical conditions to allow for early intervention and aggressive treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable diagnostic card for detecting an analyte in a fluid sample, comprising a base with a support surface for supporting a reagent strip and a sample receiving chamber; and a cover placed tightly on the base with an opening over the chamber of the base for introducing the sample, and a window over part of the reagent strip for observing a reaction thereon. An end of the reagent strip is bent and inserted into the sample receiving chamber, the sample in the chamber being movable by capillary action through the reagent strip from said bent end. The invention also relates to an electronic reading device having a housing for inserting a diagnostic card, optical reading means for reading a change in color on the reagent strip, and display means for visually presenting the results of the reading.

Abstract: The method according to the invention consists in providing a wafer having a bottom layer, a top first sacrificial layer and an insulating layer, structuring the first sacrificial layer to form a three dimensional structure onto which a first structural layer is deposited to define a corresponding three dimensional structure on the bottom surface of the first structural layer. The method consists also in forming a second three dimensional structure on the upper surface of the first structural layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to biology and medicine, specifically to the field of biochemical assays, and makes it possible to determine the presence of a ligand in a sample qualitatively or quantitatively. The essence of the invention consists in a method for determining the content of molecules of at least one type of ligand in a sample; in said method an agent or a carrier is selected, said agent or carrier having a blockable object which is not capable of specifically interacting with the detectible ligand and which participates directly or indirectly in the generation of a detectible signal, wherein spatial blocking or spatial electrostatic blocking of said blockable object governs a change in the detectible signal, on the basis of which a ligand is determined in the sample.

Abstract: Biomolecules are specifically captured with magnetic particles and the biomolecules are labeled with fluorescence. A magnetic field generator, for attracting the magnetic particles to the support substrate, is provided on the reverse face of the support substrate, and an adhesion layer is provided on the surface of the support substrate to hold the magnetic particles. First, a dispersing solution for the magnetic particles is placed on the surface of the support substrate with the magnetic field in an off state. Next, the magnetic field is turned on, and the magnetic particles in solution are attracted to the support substrate surface. The magnetic particles colliding with the support substrate adhere to the adhesion layer of the support substrate surface, and then the magnetic field is turned off. Thus, aggregations can be broken up while the magnetic particles are held, and a magnetic particle layer on the support substrate can be a single layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic sample-processing device, particularly a sensor device (100), that comprises two electromagnets (110, 120) for generating a magnetic field (B) in a first and a second sample chamber (SC1, SC2) located adjacent to each other in an x-direction. The poles of the electromagnets are disposed below the first and the second sample chamber (SC1, SC2), respectively, next to each other in a perpendicular y-direction. Moreover, the electromagnets are individually controlled by a control unit (130). In a preferred embodiment, the distance between the electromagnets (110, 120) in x-direction is so large that magnetic cross talk can be neglected. In another embodiment, said distance is close, and the electromagnets are operated in a synchronized way.

Abstract: An assay device includes: a liquid sample zone; a reagent zone downstream and in fluid communication with the sample zone containing a reagent material; a detection zone in fluid communication with the reagent zone having capture elements bound thereto; and a wicking zone in fluid communication with the capture zone having a capacity to receive liquid sample flowing from the detection zone. The sample receiving zone, the reagent zone, the detection zone and the wicking zone define a fluid flow path and at least a part of the fluid flow path has a substrate and projections which extend substantially vertically from the substrate, wherein the projections have a height, cross-section and a distance between one another that defines a space between the projections capable of generating capillary flow parallel to the substrate surface. In addition, the fluid flow path having projections includes a corner section which changes the direction of the flow path.

Abstract: An assay device includes: a liquid sample zone; a reagent zone downstream and in fluid communication with the sample addition zone containing a reagent material; a detection zone in fluid communication with the reagent zone. The detection zone has a substrate and projections which extend substantially vertically from the substrate, wherein the projections have a height, cross-section and a distance between one another that defines a capillary space between the projections capable of generating capillary flow parallel to the substrate surface. The device is capable of creating a reagent plume in the detection zone that includes liquid sample and dissolved reagent, where the width of the reagent plume extends substantially across the width of the detection zone, The device further includes a wicking zone in fluid communication with the detection zone having a capacity to receive liquid sample flowing from the detection zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions and methods for creating quantitative standards to calibrate analytes. These compositions and methods enable the creation of standards and calibrators for analyzing analytes and measuring clinical biomarkers. Also provided are kits comprising the novel compositions for use in assays, for example sandwich immunoassays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for the diagnosis of Behcet's disease, comprising an agent for measuring the expression level of macrophage mannose receptor 1 (CD206), a kit for the diagnosis of Behcet's disease, and an information providing method using the same. According to the present invention, it is possible to diagnose the pathogenesis of Behcet's disease without being affected by symptoms of Behcet's disease or prescription drugs and differentially diagnose between active Behcet's disease and inactive Behcet's disease.

Abstract: Provided is a nanoprobe based on a self-replicating biological material. The nanoprobe includes a binding agent existing in a first region of the biological material and capable of binding specifically to a target analyte, and nanoparticles existing in a second region of the biological material and providing an optical detection signal. The use of the nanoprobe enables quantitative analysis and multiplexed analysis of a target. In addition, the nanoprobe is easy to fabricate on a large scale.

Abstract: A method of detecting antibodies to syphilis antigens includes providing a syphilis detection kit having a screening solid-phase platform with a screening portion coated with non-treponemal syphilis antigens. The screening portion is fabricated by initially dissolving cholesterol in an organic solvent and further diluting the dissolved cholesterol in an ethanol solution comprising cardiolipin and lecithin to form an antigen solution, permitting the antigen solution to evaporate at the screening portion and at least partially coating the screening portion with an antigen coating, and stabilizing the antigen coating into a syphilis antigen complex by overcoating the antigen coating with an overcoat solution comprising an inert protein.

Abstract: A rapid, easy, and highly sensitive detection system is herein described for the identification of resistance of animal plant pests to neonicotinoids and pymetrozine. Further, a method for controlling insect pests, in particular resistant pests is provided.

Abstract: Coelenterazine analogues with different luminescence properties from conventional ones and coelenteramide analogues with different fluorescence properties from conventional ones have been desired. The invention provides coelenterazine analogues modified at the 8-position of coelenterazine and coelenteramide analogues modified at the 2- or 3-position of coelenteramide.

Abstract: The subject invention provides an antibody composition for detecting E6 protein of at least one HPV strain in a sample. The subject antibodies may be used to detect oncogenic HPV E6 proteins in a sample, and the antibodies find use in a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic applications, including methods of diagnosing and treating cancer. Kits for performing the subject methods and containing the subject antibodies are also provided. Also disclosed in the present invention is a method of generating an antibody that specifically binds to amino-terminus of E6 proteins of at least two HPV strains.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for cancer diagnosis, research and therapy, including but not limited to, cancer markers. In particular, the present disclosure relates to cancer markers as diagnostic markers and clinical targets for lung cancer.

Abstract: A diagnostic assay for determining presence of lung cancer in a patient depends, in part, on ascertaining the presence of an antibody associated with lung cancer using random polypeptides. The assay predicated lung cancer prior to evidence of radiographically detectable cancer tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides protein-based biomarkers and biomarker combinations that are useful in qualifying ovarian cancer status in a patient. In particular, the biomarkers of this invention are useful to classify a subject sample as ovarian cancer or non-ovarian cancer. The biomarkers can be detected by SELDI mass spectrometry.

Abstract: A method for assessment of a number or density of immune cells in tumoral tissues comprising the steps consisting in: a. providing one or more immunostained slices of tissue section obtained by an automated slide-staining system by using antibodies binding specifically to antigens (markers) expressed by immune cells. b. proceeding to digitalisation of the slides of step a. by high resolution scan capture, whereby a high definition (4.6 ?m/pixel or better) digital picture of the slide to be analysed is obtained, c. detecting the slice of tissue section on the digital picture d. analyzing the slice of tissue section for defining (i) the tumour (CT) and (ii) the invasive margin of the tumour (IM), e. providing a size reference grid with uniformly distributed units having a same surface, said grid being adapted to the size of the tumour to be analyzed, e1. checking the quality of immunostaining, f.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting (e.g., by flow cytometry) a target compound, cell or particle, wherein the target is labelled with a detectable luminescent compound. The method comprises utilizing as the detectable luminescent compound a compound comprising a porphyrinic macrocycle such as a porphyrin, chlorin, bacteriochlorin, or isobacteriochlorin. In particular embodiments, the detectable luminescent compound comprises a compound of the formula A-A?-Z—B?—B, wherein: A is a targeting group or member of a specific binding pair that specifically binds the detectable luminescent compound to the target compound, cell or particle; A? is a linker group or covalent bond; B? is a linker group or covalent bond; B is a water-soluble group; and Z is the porphyrinic macrocycle.

Abstract: A device includes: a first portion configured to be grasped by the hand of the user, and a second portion defining a reservoir containing a control material, wherein the control material contains a target analyte in a known or predetermined concentration.

Abstract: Circulating uncarboxylated Gla-proteins, in particular desphospho-uncarboxylated MGP(dp-ucMGP) and uncarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC), are provided as prognostic biomarkers for allograft failure and mortality in patients who received organ transplantation and who are under immunosuppressive medication. A diagnostic tool is provided to monitor vitamin K status in such patients, i.e. the level of uncarboxylated species of extra-hepatic vitamin K-dependent proteins.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for diagnosing chronic valvular disease in an animal. The methods comprise obtaining a sample from the animal; analyzing the sample for the presence of one or more metabolites associated with chronic valvular disease; comparing the amount of each such metabolite identified in the sample to a corresponding amount of the same metabolite present in a sample from one or more comparable control animals that do not suffer from chronic valvular disease; and using said comparison to diagnose chronic valvular disease in the animal if the metabolites found in the animal's sample is greater than or less than the amount present in the control animal's sample.

Abstract: Isolated peptides, arrays comprising a plurality of peptides and methods of use thereof are provided which can be used for identifying bee phenotypes and selecting bee lines with favourable characteristics.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a virus-like particle in which a protein complex is entrapped, ensuring the formation of the protein complex under physiological conditions, while protecting the protein complex during purification and identification. The disclosure further relates to the use of such virus-like particle for the isolation and identification of protein complexes.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to antibody libraries, polypeptide libraries and the uses thereof, including methods for producing antibody libraries, methods for identifying an antibody to a target, and methods for identifying a target associated with a condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods useful in the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmunity-related disorders, including cancers and other disorders involving angiogenesis, as well as non-cancer disorders involving a dysfunction in the immune system. In some embodiments, the invention described a plasma assay. In other embodiments, urine assay. In certain other embodiments, the invention provides therapeutic methods comprising removing toxic autoantibodies from the circulation of a patient, e.g., via plasmapheresis, and subsequently infusing the patient with one or more immunoglobulins or immunoglobulin complexes to restore the immune system of the patient to a baseline status whereby the patient's restored immune system either eliminates the source of the disorder (e.g., in the case of cancers) or no longer causes the disease or disorder (e.g., in the case of autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, latent autoimmune type 1 diabetes in adults (LADA) and the like).

Abstract: The disclosure provides materials and methods for diagnosing, treating and preventing shellfish allergic reactions, including allergic reactions to shrimp. The technology involves one or more shellfish-specific proteins selected from the group of myosin light chain, sarcoplasmic calcium-binding protein, hemocyanin, fatty acid binding protein, and troponin C, for example from shrimp, as well as encoding polynucleotides, vectors host cells, and specific binding partners for such proteins, e.g., antibodies. In compositions comprising a plurality of shellfish allergens, any of the aforementioned proteins may be included, as may arginine kinase and tropomyosin. The methods according to the disclosure include methods of making the specific binding partners such as antibodies as well as methods of using the materials of the disclosure to diagnose, treat or prevent an allergic reaction to shellfish, e.g., shrimp.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method of preparing a genetic package displaying oligomers of modular antibody domains binding to a target and to a scaffold ligand as well as to vectors and libraries of genetic packages produced thereby. The invention further relates to methods of selecting suitable linker sequences for use in such oligomer display.

Abstract: This invention pertains to methods and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular conditions. More specifically, the invention relates to isolated molecules that can be used to diagnose and/or treat cardiovascular conditions including cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial infarction, stroke, arteriosclerosis, and heart failure.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for diagnosing or determining the status of tuberculosis infection in an individual afflicted with or suspected to be afflicted with tuberculosis infection. In a further aspect, a method for the stratification of the therapeutic regimen of an individual with tuberculosis infection is provided as well as a method for predicting a clinical outcome or determining treatment course in an individual afflicted with tuberculosis infection. Moreover, the present invention provides a method for monitoring the change from latent into active status of tuberculosis infection or vice versa in an individual. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a kit for use in diagnosing or detecting the status of tuberculosis infection as well as to Mycobacterium tuberculosis alanine dehydrogenase for use in specifically differentiating latent status from active diseases status of tuberculosis in an individual.

Abstract: A method of predicting the risk of developing osteoarthritis (OA) comprising: (a) measuring the nuclear cellular level of prohibitin (PHB-1) in nucleated cells present in a blood sample from a subject having or suspected of having OA; and (b) comparing said nuclear cellular level to that corresponding to a control sample; and (c) identifying the subject as being at risk of developing OA when the nuclear cellular level of said PHB-1 in said blood sample is higher than in the control sample.

Abstract: Methods for detecting urogenital conditions or urogenital status in a subject are described comprising measuring urogenital markers or polynucleotides, encoding the markers in a sample from the subject. The invention also provides localization or imaging methods for urogenital conditions, and kits for carrying out the methods of the invention. The invention also contemplates therapeutic applications for urogenital conditions employing urogenital markers, polynucleotides encoding the markers, and/or binding agents for the markers.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of screening for, identifying, and diagnosing tangle-predominant dementia (TPD). Specifically, this invention provides various biomarkers for this disease, and methods of using these biomarkers to correctly subclassify patients with Alzheimer's-type dementia by differentiating TPD patients from those with classical Alzheimer's disease (AD), as well as prodromal AD, and mild cognitive impairment due to AD.

Abstract: We describe an ELABELA polypeptide comprising a sequence CXXXRCXXXHSRVPFP (SEQ ID NO: 1), in which X signifies an amino acid residue, such as a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO: 2 to SEQ ID NO: 18, preferably CLQRRCMPLHSRVPFP (SEQ ID NO: 2), or a fragment, homologue, variant or derivative thereof, which polypeptide is capable of maintaining self-renewal and/or pluripotency of a stem cell.

Abstract: Disclosed is an at-home blood pregnancy test kit that can identify the presence of hCG in a blood sample to detect pregnancy in female mammals. The present kit includes a housing having a sample strip that is in fluid communication with a sample pad for holding a blood sample, a test pad, and a conjugate pad. The housing further includes a test window and a push button for releasing a reagent that can react with hCG. The reagent and the test pad include antibodies that can bind with hCG antigens to detect presence of the same. The test window is adapted to display a symbol that indicates a negative pregnancy test result in the absence of hCG, or display a symbol that indicates a positive pregnancy test result in the presence of hCG.

Abstract: Artificial microvascular network (AMVN) devices are provided and related methods of making and methods of using such devices are provided. The present disclosure generally relates to an AMVN device comprising a substrate including a capillary network configured so as to simulate those actually encountered in the circulation of various humans and animal model systems. In certain aspects, the AMVN devices may be used, e.g., to investigate the effect of storing RBCs under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. However, the use of such AMVN devices is not so limited.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measuring levels of class VI isoprostane, an early predictive marker of pre-eclampsia (PE). The present invention also relates to an assay and diagnostic kit for performing the method of predicting PE by measuring the level of this marker and optionally establishing a ratio over other markers such as polyunstaturated fatty acids (PUFA) or beta-carotene. In particular, the method determines the level a class VI isoprostane in a blood sample from a pregnant woman prior to the appearance of symptoms of PE.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sample processing system and method for processing biological samples, particularly bodily fluids like blood, saliva, secretions and the like or tissue samples, particularly for preparation of samples for a DNA analysis by means of PCR, comprising a sample processing device (12) having: an receiving plate (14), wherein the receiving plate (14) is arranged substantially horizontally in a plane defined by a first and second direction (x, y); a first and second working arm (20, 22), wherein the first and second working arm (20, 22) can move relative to the receiving plate (14), preferably along a first edge (18) of the receiving plate (14) in the first direction (X), and wherein the first and second working arm (20, 22) extend substantially parallel to each other in the second direction (Y) over the receiving plate (14), wherein at least one pipetting device (40, 42) is mounted on the first working arm (20) which is movable in the second direction (Y) and in a third direction (Z) ortho