Abstract: The invention concerns a microfluidic system (1) comprising: at least one channel (2) for the flow of fluid having an inlet (4), an outlet (5) and a longitudinal axis (7) extending between the inlet (4) and the outlet (5), said channel (2) comprising a capture zone (3), and the cross section of the channel (2) orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (7) of the channel (2) increasing in size in the capture zone (3), from the inlet (4) towards the outlet (5) of the channel (2); and means (6) for applying a magnetic field having a decreasing intensity in the capture zone (3) of the channel (2), from the inlet (4) towards the outlet (5) of the channel. The invention also concerns a method for treating a sample that can be implemented with this system.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for determining whether a subject is at risk for PML, including subjects being treated with immunosuppressants, by determining whether the subject harbors a JCV variant with reduced binding for sialic acid relative to a normal JCV, are presented. Furthermore, combinations of JCV-VP1 sequence variations that are associated with PML and that can be used as a basis of an assay for identifying subjects susceptible to PML, subjects with PML (e.g., early stage PML), or subjects at risk of developing PML in response to an immunosuppressive treatment are provided.

Abstract: A method of detecting a non-DNA target includes the use of a first nucleic acid motif linked to a first affinity ligand which binds specifically to the target and having a first toehold domain and a first binding domain, and a second nucleic acid motif linked to a second affinity ligand which binds specifically to the target and having a second binding domain, wherein the first and second binding domains are complementary to each other. Upon contact with the target, the first and second nucleic acid motifs bind to form a target-ligand complex. The formation of the complex causes displacement of an output nucleic acid motif. This method may be used with detectable beacons in an imaging or diagnostic method, and particularly in a point of care diagnostic method.

Abstract: ?-Lactamase substrates and methods for using the substrates to detect ?-lactamase and to diagnose tuberculosis.

Abstract: This invention relates to substrates and methods for the visualization of intracellular organelles, such as the lysosome, peroxiosome, nucleus, Endoplasmic Reticulum and Golgi Apparatus, based upon organelle enzyme activity. Such compounds represent a novel combination of chemically distinct enzyme substrates with targeting and detection substrates which are activated by enzyme activity inside target organelles to produce a detectable signal. The organelle targeted enzyme substrates of this invention are designed to provide high fluorescence at lower pH values found in some organelles and can be used for monitoring enzyme activity inside cells at very low concentrations.

Abstract: The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, generally relates to methods and devices for determining the health status of a subject, e.g., whether the subject has a disease or other condition. In some embodiments, a plurality or mixture of species may be differentially solubilized in a single two-phase aqueous system, or other multi-phase aqueous system. The nature or degree of the solubilization of the species may be used to determine the health status of a subject. For example, some embodiments are directed to devices and methods for determining a disease or other condition as a function of the changes to the structure of two or more species. The species may be selected based on their differential solubility behavior in a two-phase or other multi-phase aqueous system.

Abstract: Methods and kits for diagnosing and determining prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma are described.

Abstract: The present application provides stable peptide-based Akt capture agents and methods of use as detection and diagnosis agents and in the treatment of diseases and disorders. The application further provides methods of manufacturing Akt capture agents using iterative on-bead in situ click chemistry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a test kit for better carrying out a method for detecting biomarkers in human or animal stool, which can serve as an indication of a pathological, particularly a malignant event in the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, small bowel, biliary tract, pancreas, and bowel). The invention teaches a novel and more efficient methods, uses and embodiments of a combined rapid test. The combined rapid test cassette used for implementing the test kit and the optimally coordinated reagents thereof contains two lateral flow test strips for the synchronous—in the technical meaning—detection of the biomarkers M2-PK and the biomarker hemoglobin. The test serves as a “dual filter” for diagnosing probands as part of a colon cancer screening program. The test is very cost-efficient and cuts costs in the health system by the examination at an early stage of colon cancer and the consequences thereof.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a diagnostic/prognostic assay for prostate cancer and including kits used in said assay.

Abstract: The present invention provides an in vitro method for the diagnosis and/or prognosis of clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma in a subject suspected of suffering it, in which method the presence and levels of a phosphorylated form of the protein Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) are determined. Said determination is performed in any isolated sample, in particular in a biopsy of a tumour. The invention relates also to the use of means for detecting said phosphorylated form to be applied in the method for the diagnosis and/or prognosis of clear cell Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Abstract: In a method of detecting target analytes, the target analytes are labeled with first magnetic beads and the contaminants are labeled with second magnetic beads, wherein the first magnetic beads have a first magnetic relaxation characteristic and the second magnetic beads have a second magnetic relaxation characteristic. A labeled target analyte or a labeled contaminant passes through a detection region one at a time. A magnetic field is applied to the detection region, thereby magnetizing the first magnetic beads in the labeled target analyte or the second magnetic beads in the labeled contaminant in the detection region. The magnetic field is then removed. The magnetic relaxation characteristics of the magnetized first magnetic beads or of the magnetized second magnetic beads are detected after the magnetic field is removed. A target analyte or a contaminant can be differentiated based on the detected magnetic relaxation characteristics.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to the detection and diagnosis of cancer. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for the early detection and diagnosis of cancer by measuring the amount of LINE-1 ORF-1 protein in a liquid biological sample obtained from a human.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting and/or quantifying the amount of analyte in a sample, the sensor including: a sensing region; and a barrier layer including a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-quenching, analyte-permeable membrane having an ROS-quenching agent adsorbed thereto; wherein the sensor is adapted so that the sample enters the sensing region of the sensor through said barrier layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and compositions that find use in facilitating a diagnosis of inflammatory liver disease in a subject. The methods and compositions generally involve detection of eotaxin-3 (E3) levels, either alone or with levels of eotaxin-1 (E1), and optionally, with levels of CCL22 and, further optionally, with levels of IL15. These levels can be used to facilitate a diagnosis of a liver disease of at least one of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and/or to facilitate a differential diagnosis between AIH, PBC, and PSC. The methods and compositions of the present disclosure also find use in facilitating treatment decisions for a subject.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing the status of periodontitis disease includes selecting a set of protein biomarkers including one or more biomarkers which have been shown to vary in abundance at particular stages of periodontitis. The set of protein biomarkers may be identified and quantified in expression in an acquired gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) or saliva oral fluid sample in order to distinguish between different states of periodontitis. Methods of diagnosing the status of periodontitis oral disease at varying levels of severity, e.g. gingivitis, mild periodontitis, or severe periodontitis, may include selecting a set of protein biomarkers which are capable distinguishing between different stages of periodontitis.

Abstract: Methods are provided for determining the expression level of target proteins in a subject. A plurality of respective peptide transitions are generated from a plurality of proteins obtained from a biological sample from the subject, wherein the plurality of proteins comprises both target and normalizing proteins. A mass spectroscopy (MS) signal intensity is measured from the plurality of respective peptide transitions and a plurality of corresponding stable isotope-labeled internal standard (SIS) peptide transitions. For each of the plurality of proteins, a response ratio is calculated between the MS signal intensity of the respective peptide transition and the corresponding SIS peptide transition. The response ratio for each target protein is normalized by a sample-dependent normalization factor calculated from the response ratio for each normalizing protein, wherein the normalized response ratios provide a determination of the expression level of the target proteins.

Abstract: It has been discovered that significantly elevated levels of anti-apoptotic cell IgG is an important contributor to and predictor of late graft rejection. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that patients with high pre-transplant IgG and post-transplant reactivity to apoptotic cells had a significantly increased rate of late graft loss that was apparent after approximately 1 year post-transplant. This association between pre-transplant IgG reactivity to apoptotic cells and graft loss was still significant after excluding patients with high reactivity to HLA, and it was almost exclusively mediated by IgG1 and IgG3 with complement fixing and activating properties. The association between elevated levels of anti-apoptotic cell IgG antibodies and late transplant rejection forms a basis for diagnosing and treating patients at high risk of late transplant rejection.

Abstract: The invention generally provides three-component molecular biosensors. The molecular biosensors are useful in several methods including in the identification and quantification of target molecules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for classifying a patient at risk for heart failure, wherein said method comprises the steps of (i) measuring the concentration of IGFBP2 in a sample obtained from said patient and (ii) comparing the concentration of IGFBP2 measured in step (i) to a control value derived from the concentration of IGFBP2 in samples from patients who are at particular stages of heart failure and/or to a control value derived from the concentration of IGFBP2 in blood samples from healthy patients.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of stratifying a patient suffering from CKD into one of stages 1-3 of CKD, comprising determining the level of the biomarkers FABP1, ?-GT, AST, creatinine and cystatin C in a sample obtained from the patient and comparing the level of FABP1 in the sample to a control value and the levels of ?-GT, AST, creatinine and cystatin C in the sample to a range of control values for each biomarker, wherein an increased level of FABP1 compared to the control value and levels of ?-GT, AST, creatinine and cystatin C within the range of control values for each biomarker indicate that the patient suffers from stage 1 CKD or wherein an increased level of FABP1 compared to the control value, levels of ?-GT and AST within the range of control values for each biomarker, and increased levels of creatinine and cystatin C compared to an upper threshold of the control range for these biomarkers indicate that the patient suffers from stage 2 or stage 3 CKD.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing a cardiovascular or cancer disease by detecting IGFBP-4 (Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein-4) fragments in a patient sample. Antibodies specifically recognizing novel epitopes originated by enzyme-dependent cleavage of IGFBP-4 are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention aims to present methods to detect nonalcoholic fatty liver disease including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by using a protein or its partial peptide that differs in presence or absence, or in quantity between healthy human subjects and patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis or between patients with fatty liver and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and further aims to present biomarkers comprising said protein and said partial peptide to be used to detect nonalcoholic fatty liver disease including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Specifically, 35 kDa protein fragment consisting of amino acid sequence expressed by Sequence No. 2 and its partial peptide consisting of amino acid sequence expressed by Sequence No. 3 (including its glycated form) of inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H4 precursor consisting of amino acid sequence expressed by Sequence No.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, arrays, and kits for identifying Alzheimer's disease phenotype and for assessing the efficacy of putative AD therapies. In some aspects provided, is a method of identifying the presence of an Alzheimer's disease phenotype in a subject comprising: performing an assay to measure an expression pattern of at least one Alzheimer's associated gene.

Abstract: The invention discloses biomarkers for human autism. The invention provides methods for treating, preventing, and diagnosing human autism and autism-related disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunoassay for detection of BNP, proBNP and fragments thereof. Essentially the assay comprises: a) contacting the antigen with a first antibody specific to a fragment corresponding to amino acids 11-22 of BNP, or to a part of this peptide comprising at least three amino acids of said sequence, to obtain a first order immune complex. b) contacting the first order immune complex obtained at step (a) with a second antibody recognizing said first order immune complex, to obtain a second order immune complex, wherein said antibody is unable to recognize free BNP, proBNP or free first antibody; c) Detecting the second order immune complex.

Abstract: The invention provides fluorogenic compounds and probes that can be used as reagents for measuring, detecting and/or screening superoxide. The fluorogenic compounds of the invention can produce fluorescence colors, such as green, yellow, red, or far-red. The invention further provides fluorogenic compounds for selectively staining superoxide in the mitochondria of living cells. The invention also provides methods that can be used to measure, directly or indirectly, the presence and/or amount of superoxide in chemical samples and biological samples such as cells and tissues in living organisms, and a high-throughput screening methods for detecting or screening superoxide or compounds that can increase or decrease the level of superoxide in chemical and biological samples.

Abstract: Methods and kits for measuring levels of von Willebrand factor function in a sample without using a platelet aggregation agonist, such as ristocetin, comprising recombinant glycoprotein Ib? having at least two of a G233V, D235Y and M239V mutations and an agent to detect a complex between the recombinant glycoprotein Ib? and von Willebrand factor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit for detecting dinitolmide and use thereof. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit of the present invention comprises dinitolmide antibody and coating antigen and enzyme conjugate; wherein, the dinitolmide antibody is dinitolmide monoclonal antibody or dinitolmide polyclonal antibody; when the coating antigen is the conjugate of dinitolmide hapten and carrier protein, the enzyme conjugate is enzyme-labeled secondary antibody, or enzyme-labeled specific anti-dinitolmide monoclonal or polyclonal antibody; when the coating antigen is dinitolmide antibody or secondary antibody, the enzyme conjugate is enzyme-labeled dinitolmide hapten. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit has a simple structure, and it is convenient for use, cheap and portable. Its detection is high effective, accurate, and convenient. It can be used for on-site monitoring and is suitable for qualitative and quantitative screenings of a great number of samples.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an automatic analyzer includes dispenser, measurer, thermostat, cooler and cleaner. Dispenser dispenses a specimen and a reagent into a reaction vessel. Measurer measures a solution mixture of the specimen and the reagent in the vessel. Thermostat heats the mixture to a first temperature at which thermoresponsive polymers contained in the reagent aggregate. Cooler cools a cleaning fluid used to clean the vessel to a second temperature lower than the first temperature, at which the polymers contained in the reagent disperse. Cleaner cleans the vessel from which the mixture has been drained, using the cooled fluid.

Abstract: Provided is an automatic analyzer capable of detecting not only clogging and air suction of the dispensation probe but also a decrease in the dispensation quantity caused by a bubble film, air bubbles or a highly viscous sample. Each of a sample/reagent suction operation time and a sample/reagent discharge operation time of a probe is segmented into multiple time sections. For each of the time sections determined by the segmentation, a parameter is calculated by applying a detected pressure waveform to an approximation formula. For each of the time section, the presence/absence of a dispensation abnormality is judged by comparing the calculated parameter with a parameter in cases of normal dispensation. An automatic analyzer capable of judging the presence/absence of an abnormality specific to each time section and making abnormality judgments difficult for conventional techniques can be realized.

Abstract: A method for monitoring operation of a vehicle.

Abstract: A method for verifying user participation includes generating a motion signature associated with an event. The motion signature is generated on a mobile device with a user during the event. The mobile device includes one or more sensors configured to detect motion. The method includes comparing the generated motion signature with a predefined motion signature associated with the event. The predefined motion signature is stored in an event library that includes a plurality of predefined motion signatures, where each predefined motion signature is associated with an event. The method includes verifying that the user participated in the event by verifying that the generated motion signature matches the predefined motion signature of the event.

Abstract: A method is provided for calibrating an acceleration sensor for ascertaining a longitudinal acceleration of a motor vehicle. One or multiple sensor parameter(s) of a sensor model of the acceleration sensor is/are determined, via which the actual longitudinal acceleration of the motor vehicle is ascertainable from a physical sensor variable.

Abstract: Various methods of driving a probe of a scanning probe microscope are disclosed. One set of methods distribute the energy of a radiation beam over a wide area of the probe by either scanning the beam or increasing its illumination area. Another method changes the intensity profile of the radiation beam with a diffractive optical element, enabling a more uniform intensity profile across the width of the illumination. Another method uses a diffractive optical element to change the circumferential shape of the radiation beam, and hence the shape of the area illuminated on the probe, in order to match the shape of the probe and hence distribute the energy over a wider area.

Abstract: A method of actuating a plurality of probes. Each probe may be made of two or more materials with different thermal expansion coefficients which are arranged such that when the probe is illuminated by an actuation beam it deforms to move the probe relative to a sample. Energy is delivered to the probes by sequentially illuminating them with an actuation beam via an objective lens in a series of scan sequences. Two or more of the probes are illuminated by the actuation beam in each scan sequence and the actuation beam enters the objective lens at a different angle to an optical axis of the objective lens for each probe which is illuminated in a scan sequence. The actuation beam is controlled so that different amounts of energy are delivered to at least two of the probes by the actuation beam during at least one of the scan sequences.

Abstract: A method of detecting the positions of a plurality of probes. An input beam is directed into an optical device and transformed into a plurality of output beamlets which are not parallel with each other. Each output beamlet is split into a sensing beamlet and an associated reference beamlet. Each of the sensing beamlets is directed onto an associated one of the probes with an objective lens to generate a reflected beamlet which is combined with its associated reference beamlet to generate an interferogram. Each interferogram is measured to determine the position of an associated one of the probes. A similar method is used to actuate a plurality of probes. A scanning motion is generated between the probes and the sample. An input beam is directed into an optical device and transformed into a plurality of actuation beamlets which are not parallel with each other.

Abstract: A method of contacting a substrate with a probe card in a substrate inspection apparatus can inspect electrical characteristics of semiconductor devices on the substrate. A wafer W is transferred to a position facing a probe card 36 while being mounted on a chuck member 22 with a wafer plate 37 therebetween, and electrodes of semiconductor devices on the wafer W are contacted with probes of the probe card 36 by moving the wafer W and the wafer plate 37 toward the probe card 36 through an elevating device 43. Then, the wafer W is overdriven toward the probe card 36 and a contact state between the electrodes of the semiconductor devices and the probes of the probe card 36 is maintained by decompressing a space S between the probe card 36 and the wafer plate 37. Then, the chuck member 22 is separated from the wafer plate 37.

Abstract: A probe card for testing electrical properties of a device under test (DUT) includes a plurality of semiconductor devices, which includes a substrate; and at least one transmission antenna, which is implemented as a chip on film (COF) type and attached to the substrate, wirelessly transmitting at least one of electric power and data to each of the plurality of semiconductor devices.

Abstract: A probe card and method are provided for testing magnetic sensors at the wafer level. The probe card has one or more probe tips having a first pair of solenoid coils in parallel configuration on first opposed sides of each probe tip to supply a magnetic field in a first (X) direction, a second pair of solenoid coils in parallel configuration on second opposed sides of each probe tip to supply a magnetic field in a second (Y) direction orthogonal to the first direction, and an optional third solenoid coil enclosing or inscribing the first and second pair to supply a magnetic field in a third direction (Z) orthogonal to both the first and second directions. The first pair, second pair, and third coil are each symmetrical with a point on the probe tip array, the point being aligned with and positioned close to a magnetic sensor during test.

Abstract: A current sensor includes a die and a shunt resistor having a first temperature coefficient and having a first node and a second node fabricated onto the die, wherein the shunt resistor is for passing the current that is to be sensed. A first compensation resistor is fabricated onto the die and is coupled to the first node of the shunt resistor, wherein the first compensation resistor is proximate the shunt resistor and has a temperature coefficient that is similar to the temperature coefficient of the shunt resistor. A second compensation resistor is fabricated onto the die and is coupled to the second node of the shunt resistor, wherein the second compensation resistor is proximate the shunt resistor and has a temperature coefficient that is the close to the temperature coefficient of the shunt resistor.

Abstract: A transformer for monitoring current in a power cable is magnetically linked with the power cable connected to the electrical device, where the transformer produces a changing transformer signal in response to the presence of a changing current within the power cable. An input circuit located proximate to the transformer and having an output terminal and being electrically connected to the transformer so as to receive the changing transformer signal. The input circuit produces, in response to receiving the changing transformer signal, one of a first signal representative of the changing current, and a first circuit condition at the output terminal of the input circuit representative of the changing current in the power cable. The input circuit includes an impedance set having an effective impedance that comprises a plurality of elements, wherein at least one of the elements is not electrically connected to the remaining the plurality of elements.

Abstract: A current sensor includes an induction coil, a Hall sensor, and a calibration coil loaded by a generator continuously with a calibration current of defined frequency ?cal. A first evaluation circuit is loaded with the induction signal. A second evaluation circuit, whose input receives the Hall signal, includes a low-pass filter. A third evaluation circuit evaluates a part of the Hall signal that is attributed to the calibration current and uses it for defining a parameter of the second evaluation circuit. A fourth evaluation circuit generates an output signal that represents the current magnitude and is the sum of the output signal of the first evaluation circuit and the output signal of the second evaluation circuit minus the part of the output signal of the second evaluation circuit which is attributed to the calibration current.

Abstract: The semiconductor integrated device has a conductive region, for example, an external contact pad, configured to be traversed by a current to be measured. A concentrator of magnetic material partially surrounds the conductive region and has an annular shape open at a point defining an air gap area where a sensitive region is arranged, which is electrically conductive and is typically of doped semiconductor material, such as polycrystalline silicon. The device is integrated in a chip formed by a substrate and by an insulating layer, the sensitive region and the concentrator being formed in the insulating layer.

Abstract: An impedance detector includes a current application portion, a detection portion, a calculation portion and a changing portion. The current application portion applies an impedance detection current for detecting an impedance of an element of an oxygen sensor to the element. The detection portion detects a difference between a current application prior voltage and a current application subsequent voltage of the element. The calculation portion calculates the impedance of the element based on the difference detected by the detection portion and a value of the impedance detection current applied by the current application portion. The current application portion can change the value of the impedance detection current applied to the element. The changing portion determines to change the value of the impedance detection current according to the difference detected by the detection portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a power inductor. The inductor comprises a magnetic core and multiple lines. The multiple lines have a first terminal and a second terminal, are parallel with each other, and wind the magnetic core to form a winding. The lines at the first terminal depart from the magnetic core at the same position, and the lines at the second terminal depart from the magnetic core at the same position. At least one line at the first terminal forms a first interface end, the other lines at the first terminal, which are not utilized to form the first interface end, form a second interface end, and the lines at the second terminal together form a third interface end. By measuring the current flowing through the first interface end using a current sensor with a small measuring range, the current flowing through the power inductor can be estimated based on ratio.

Abstract: A method for checking the plausibility of a measurement result for an electric current by a current sensor connected to an electrical circuit, the method including: making a predetermined change to the switching state of the electrical circuit; detecting, by the current sensor, a change to the electric current resulting from the change to the switching state as a measurement result; and checking the plausibility of the measurement result by contrasting the change to the switching state and the change to the electric current.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) based detection circuit for determining a strap value and a method of detecting a digital strap value. In one embodiment, the detection circuit includes: (1) a first receiver including transistors having first electrical characteristics that define a first threshold for the first receiver, the first receiver operable to generate a first binary digit based on an input signal and the first threshold and (2) a second receiver including transistors having second electrical characteristics that differ from the first electrical characteristics and define a second threshold for the second receiver that is lower than the first threshold, the second receiver operable to generate a second binary digit based on the input signal and the second threshold, the first and second binary digits indicating whether the strap value lies above the first threshold, between the first and second thresholds or below the second threshold.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for separating SOI device threshold voltage shift under a DC HCl stress, which belongs to a semiconductor reliability test field. By means of this method, under the condition that stressing bias is applied simultaneously to a gate terminal and a drain terminal of the SOI PMOSFET, the influences of HCl effect and NBTI effect are separated on the threshold voltage shift under the DC HCl stress. Adopting the present invention helps to better understand degradation mechanisms from HCl effect under stress with VG=VD, so as to better build model for the device and more accurately predict the device lifetime.

Abstract: In exemplary embodiments, HVAC controls and corresponding error detection methods are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, an HVAC control generally includes a digital input configured to receive a digital signal, an analog input configured to receive an analog signal, and an error indicator. The control is configured to receive a neutral signal at the analog input, determine a voltage of the neutral signal with respect to earth ground, and operate the error indicator to indicate a normal state if the voltage is below a first threshold, a bad ground state if the voltage is between the first threshold and a second threshold, and a reverse polarity state if the voltage is above the second threshold.