Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of VPS28 and/or VPS13A as biomarkers for diagnosing prostate cancer, prostate intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) or atypical small acinar proliferation (ASAP) and to the use of VPS13A, VPS28 and/or NAALADL2 as biomarkers for predicting the prognosis of prostate cancer. The invention also relates to the use of VPS13A, VPS28 and/or NAALADL2 as biomarkers for determining the grade or pathological stage of prostate cancer and monitoring progression of prostate cancer. In addition, the invention relates to the use of NAALADL2 as a biomarker for diagnosing colon, pancreatic or breast cancer. Assays, systems and storage media based on the use of these biomarkers are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of medical prognostics. In particular, the invention relates to methods for predicting prostate cancer progression and overall survival prognosis in a subject involving the detection of elevated amounts of macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1) in a test body sample such as serum.

Abstract: The claimed invention describes methods to diagnose or aid in the diagnosis of cancer. The claimed methods are based on the identification of biomarkers which are particularly well suited to discriminate between cancer subjects and healthy subjects. These biomarkers were identified using a unique and novel screening method described herein. The biomarkers identified herein can also be used in the prognosis and monitoring of cancer. The invention comprises the use of leptin, prolactin, OPN and IGF-II for diagnosing, prognosis and monitoring of ovarian cancer.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to the use of stabilized cancer peptide fragments derived from “redoxin proteins” selected from the group consisting of thioredoxin; peroxiredoxin-1, 2 and 3; glutaredoxin-3; glutathione peroxidase-4; and nucleoredoxins for the diagnosis of cancers, particularly pancreatic cancer. A method for the detection of cancer, severity of cancer, and/or effectiveness of a therapeutic regimen comprises detecting and/or measuring the amount of redoxin peptide fragments present in the biological sample of a subject.

Abstract: A multilayer, fluorescently responsive material (FRM)-containing nanoparticle and compositions comprising such nano-particles. The nanoparticles can be made using a layer-by-layer deposition method. The nanoparticles can be used in imaging methods such as, for example, cellular imaging methods.

Abstract: Methods, systems, compositions and kits are provided for the analysis of target molecules using chromophoric polymer dots conjugated to biomolecules. The use of chromophoric polymer dots improves detection sensitivity and stability when compared with existing techniques. In some aspects, methods, systems, and kits are provided for detecting a target protein using chromophoric polymer dots conjugated to biomolecules in a Western blot analysis. Related methods, systems, compositions and kits are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to, among other things, methods and systems for recognizing and characterizing protein aggregation processes at the earliest possible time and use of such new methods and systems for (1) the identification and selection of protein formulations that minimize aggregation and extend long-term stability and (2) the identification of protein variants with the lowest tendency to aggregate.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of endogenous metabolites to produce a metabolic profile of a disorder or disease in a subject, e.g. an autoimmune disease, in particular rheumatoid arthritis, and the analysis of such metabolic profiles in order to find disturbances in such profiles in a subject which are caused by or correlated with the said diseases or disorders. Such disturbances can be normalised by treatment of the subject with specified compounds, particularly N-(2-chloro-3,4-dimethoxybenzylideneamino) guanidine or an aminoguanidine.

Abstract: The present application provides arrays for use in immunosignaturing and quality control of such arrays. Also disclosed are peptide arrays and uses thereof for diagnostics, therapeutics and research.

Abstract: The use of anthranilic acid (2-AA) to label N-glycans prior to separation using a reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RP-LC) column under acidic conditions using formic acid is described herein. Negatively charged 2-AA offers stronger retention on the reversed phase column than 2-aminobenzamide (2-AB) in RP-LC and allows efficient ionization and detection of 2-AA labeled N-glycans. The acidic conditions used for the RP-LC leads to an efficient separation of acidic 2-AA N-glycans carrying terminal sialylation without the need for an ion-pairing reagent. The method and compositions described herein may be used with RP-nano-LC-MS and a 96-well plate sample preparation, which allows attomolar sensitivity and high throughput.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a biological sample, for example serum or other blood-based samples, using a MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer instrument is described. The method includes the steps of applying the sample to a sample spot on a MALDI-TOF sample plate and directing more than 20,000 laser shots to the sample at the sample spot and collecting mass-spectral data from the instrument. In some embodiments at least 100,000 laser shots and even 500,000 shots are directed onto the sample. It has been discovered that this approach, referred to as “deep-MALDI”, leads to a reduction in the noise level in the mass spectra and that a significant amount of additional spectral information can be obtained from the sample. Moreover, peaks visible at lower number of shots become better defined and allow for more reliable comparisons between samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for differentiating in a patient who suffers from acute shortness of breath (acute dyspnea) between pulmonary disease and cardiac disease. The method is based on measuring the levels of seprase and of a cardiac marker in a sample from said patient. Further envisaged are kits and devices adapted to carry out the method of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for monitoring, diagnosis, prognosis, and determination of treatment regimens in subjects suffering from or suspected of having a renal injury. In particular, the invention relates to using a plurality of assays configured to detect a kidney injury marker as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in renal injuries.

Abstract: Preeclampsia peptide biomarkers are provided. Also provided are methods for using these biomarkers, including in prognosing or diagnosing preeclampsia in a pregnant individual by detecting these biomarkers in a sample from the pregnant individual. Reagents, devices and kits thereof that find use in practicing the subject methods are also provided.

Abstract: The current invention pertains to a method of diagnosing a disease or identifying an increased likelihood of developing the disease in a subject. The method comprises determining the level of Src homology 3 domain binding protein 5 (SH3BP5 or SAB) or the RNA encoding SAB protein in a biological sample obtained from the subject and identifying the subject as having the disease or having an increased likelihood of developing the disease if the biological sample obtained from the subject has an altered level of SAB protein or the RNA encoding SAB protein relative to a control sample. The methods of the current invention can be practiced to diagnose and treat a systemic degenerative disease, a neurodegenerative disease, obesity, diabetes, a cancer, or an aging related disease. The invention also provides a kit for diagnosing a disease or diagnosing an increased likelihood of developing the disease in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a marker which can be used to diagnose a diabetic retinopathy patient and determine the progression of diabetic retinopathy, a composition for diagnosing diabetic retinopathy, which comprises an agent for measuring the level of a gene or protein associated with the marker, and the use thereof.

Abstract: A new dual biomarker of neurodegeneration and of neuroregeneration

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and assays for identifying compounds as candidates in the development of a drug for the treatment of various diseases including those associated with pathological Tau. The invention also relates to methods and assays for identifying compounds for the treatment of various diseases including those associated with pathological Tau. The invention also relates to cell lines and constructs for use in an assay of the invention. The methods and assays identify a compound as useful in the treatment of a tauopathy if said compound modulates Sil1 expression or activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to in vitro method for quantitating the antibodies specific for High mobility group box I (HMGB1) contained in a sample, in particular a serum sample or a cerebrospinal fluid sample obtained from a patient, and the use of this method in the prognostic and/or diagnosis of neurological disorders. These methods are in particular applicable to the monitoring of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection of a subject who is known to be infected with HIV and in the prognostic and/or diagnostic of the state of progression of Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or the state of progression toward AIDS, in particular the state of progression or the state of progression toward neurological disorders associated with AIDS. Finally, the invention is also about method to determine the immune deficiency or level of immune activation of a patient, in particular a HIV-infected patient.

Abstract: Provided is a method of separating and measuring highly active HMW adiponectin in adiponectin multimers. A method of measuring high-molecular-weight adiponectin in a sample, wherein adiponectin multimers are separated by use of a protease and measured immunologically, the method comprising reacting a sample containing adiponectin multimers with chymotrypsin.

Abstract: The technology described herein is directed to the diagnosis and treatment of androgen disorders and/or deficiencies, e.g. low testosterone.

Abstract: The invention features a method of monitoring a clotting process by measuring a signal characteristic of the NMR relaxation of water in a sample undergoing clotting to produce NMR relaxation data and determining from the NMR relaxation data a magnetic resonance parameter of water in the sample characteristic of the clots being formed.

Abstract: The present invention provides blood based methods for predicting risk of acute coronary syndrome in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention inter alia relates to methods and uses involving the determination of lipid/lipid concentration ratios in order to diagnose, predict, prevent and/or treat atherosclerosis or cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its complications including, e.g., acute myocardial infarction. The methods include analyzing lipid concentrations and resulting lipid/lipid concentration ratios of a non-high density lipoprotein samples from patients and comparing them to a control.

Abstract: A method for quantification of the concentration of one or more cannabinoid compounds in a liquid sample is provided. The method involves contacting the liquid sample with at least one cannabinoid-sensitive visualization reagent, allowing the at least one cannabinoid-sensitive visualization reagent to develop for a defined amount of time; and comparing the resulting color change of the at least one cannabinoid-sensitive visualization reagent to a calibrated quantification reference chart.

Abstract: A medical tested object auto-ejection structure comprises a detection instrument and a tested object (1). An insertion port is formed in the detection instrument. When the tested object (1) is inserted in the instrument through the insertion port, the bottom end of the tested object (1) presses a bulge (21) used for rebounding, and a raised step (11) arranged on the surface of one side of the tested object (1) is locked on a clamping buckle (31) arranged at a position corresponding to the step on the instrument simultaneously, and after a test is finished, the instrument releases the locking of the clamping buckle (31) for the tested object (1) by a transmission device, and the tested object (1) is ejected from the instrument in time under the action of the bulge (21) used for rebounding, thus solving the problem of forgetting to pull the tested object out or inability to pull it out in time, and improving the reliability of the product.

Abstract: To efficiently prevent a decrease in measurement accuracy caused by a change in a test cartridge and an environmental temperature, provided is an automatic analysis device. The automatic analysis device includes: a constant-temperature reservoir (6) to be heated by a heating source (6a) so as to keep a liquid temperature at least in the reaction cell (11c) of the test cartridge (10) in the test stage (KT) at a constant environmental temperature set previously; constant-temperature reservoir control means (7) including a temperature detector (7a), for controlling a set temperature of the heating source (6a) of the constant-temperature reservoir (6) so that the set temperature of the heating source (6a) is higher when the internal environmental temperature is lower than a previously-determined threshold value than when the internal environmental temperature is equal to or higher than the threshold value, based on the internal environmental temperature detected by the temperature detector (7a).

Abstract: Container identification data from a container inspection unit that analyzes a container containing a liquid is combined with liquid level detection raw data from a liquid level detection unit that analyzes the container containing the liquid and a liquid level detection result is generated. The liquid level detection result is cross-checked with additional data from the container inspection unit. The result can be used to plan a route for the container in the laboratory automation system.

Abstract: A system for processing and analyzing a sample includes a belt with wells that proceeds through the system, a dispensing station that dispenses the sample and reagents into the wells of the belt, and a detection station that detects an analyte in the wells of the belt. The system further includes a wash and decontamination station for decontaminating the wells of the belt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microplate reader and a respective method, wherein the microplate reader comprises at least one measuring device and a holding device for accommodating at least one microplate and for positioning the samples-containing wells of this(these) microplate(s) in relation to the at least one measuring device. The at least one measuring device is used for detecting light which is emitted by samples in wells of a microplate inserted in this microplate reader and/or which is influenced by samples transilluminated by light in wells of a microplate inserted in this microplate reader. The microplate reader comprises a control unit for controlling the temperature of a gas atmosphere surrounding the wells containing the samples of microplates used in this microplate reader.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for determining the position of an automatically displaceable gauge. The apparatus comprises the gauge, a first device for displacing the gauge in the spatial X-direction, a second device for displacing the gauge in a spatial Z-direction, a sensor for identifying the abutment of the gauge on, or the approach thereof to, an article, an at least partly bordered receptacle position, into which the gauge is at least partly insertable by displacing the gauge in the spatial X- and/or Z-direction, and a movable assembly, wherein the receptacle position for the gauge is arranged on the movable assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a berry impact recording device. The berry impact recording device comprises a shell. Within the shell are at least a sensor and an integrated circuit. The sensor may be configured to detect an acceleration of the berry impact recording device. The integrated circuit may be configured to record the acceleration of the berry impact recording device and a timestamp corresponding to the acceleration.

Abstract: The present invention is a handheld tachometer characterized in a unity body provided with a contact type tachometer, a non-contact type optical tachometer and a stroboscope such that the handheld tachometer can be used in different applications for measuring a machinery rotating speed. The handheld tachometer includes a unity body having one end provided with a contact shaft of the contact type tachometer and the other end provided with the non-contact type optical tachometer and stroboscope together with a display driver, a switch button and a set of function switch for controlling and switching an operational function. Thereby the handheld tachometer with multiply functions is ready to be used on different objects so as to achieve the convenience in measuring a machinery rotating speed in the most suitable manner and thus enhance the practical value.

Abstract: A speed sensor (1) including a first magnetic sensor (3) with a first magnetic detector (30), which is connected to an electronic circuit for conversion of its output analog signal to a first digital signal and a second magnetic sensor (4) with a second magnetic detector (40), which is also connected to an electronic circuit for conversion of its output analog signal to a second digital signal.

Abstract: A device of a dual floating anemometer comprised of a mast, support arms for instruments, purlins, a central buoy, connecting beams, the edge floaters, the buoy hoop, the buoy—anchorage connector, anchorage hoop, anchorage, wind measuring instruments A, the connector beam of the anemometer base B, the wind instrument base B wind measuring instruments B, the anchorages of the edge floaters, the connections of the anchorages of the edge floaters with the edge floaters and the connector hoops of the anchorages with the edge floaters, which can be placed in shallow or big water depths and can simultaneously measure the characteristic wind parameters using both common anemometers and Doppler anemometers, so that the measurements of the wind potential (velocity, direction, turbulence) are extended to a higher altitude than the altitude of the mast which bears the cup anemometers, because of the combinatorial action.

Abstract: A MEMS acceleration sensor comprising: a frame, a plurality of proofmasses; a plurality of flexures; a plurality of hinges and a plurality of gauges. The frame, proofmasses, flexures, hinges and gauges designed to measure acceleration in a direction perpendicular to the device plane while being generally resistant to motions parallel to the device plane. The measurement of the acceleration is accomplished through the piezoresistive effect of the strain in the gauges.

Abstract: A symmetrical MEMS accelerometer. The accelerometer includes a top half and a bottom half bonded together to form the frame and the mass located within the frame. The frame and the mass are connected through resilient beams. A plurality of hollowed parts and the first connecting parts are formed on the top and bottom side of the mass, respectively. The second connecting parts are formed on the top and bottom side of the frame, respectively. The resilient beams connect the first connecting part with the second connecting part. Several groups of comb structures are formed on top of the hollowed parts. Each comb structure includes a plurality of moveable teeth and fixed teeth. The moveable teeth extend from the first connecting part and the fixed teeth extend from the second connecting part. Capacitance is formed between the movable teeth and the fixed teeth. Since the accelerometer is symmetrical with a large mass, it has a large capacitance with a low damping force.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for nano-identification a sample by measuring, with the use of evanescent waves, optical spectra of near-field interaction between the sample and optical nanoantenna oscillating at nano-distance above the sample and discriminating background backscattered radiation not sensitive to such near-field interaction. Discrimination may be effectuated by optical data acquisition at periodically repeated moments of nanoantenna oscillation without knowledge of distance separating nanoantenna and sample. Measurement includes chemical identification of sample on nano-scale, during which absolute value of phase corresponding to near-field radiation representing said interaction is measured directly, without offset. Calibration of apparatus and measurement is provided by performing, prior to sample measurement, a reference measurement of reference sample having known index of refraction.

Abstract: A holder for antenna testing includes a track base, an antenna carrying device, and at least one displacement-measuring member. The track base has a track platform and a track module disposed on the track platform. A longitudinal direction of the track module defines a displacing direction. The antenna carrying device is movably disposed on the track module along the displacing direction. The displacement-measuring member is movably disposed on the track platform along the displacing direction and is arranged outside the track module. The displacement-measuring member has a zero point and a distance scale counting from the zero point along the displacing direction. The displacement-measuring member is adjustable to align the zero point to the antenna carrying device.

Abstract: A probe card includes a connecting circuit board, a connector, and a probe. The connecting circuit board includes a substrate having a signal via and a plurality of ground vias, a signal feeding structure disposed on the substrate, and a connecting layer having the connector disposed thereon. The signal feeding structure includes a signal feeding pad and a ground pad, which is connected to the ground via, and has a matching compensation opening having a first side and a second side wider than the first side. The signal feeding pad does not contact the ground pad, and has a first end and a second end wider than the first end. The second end is connected to the signal via. The connecting layer has a signal connecting portion connected to the signal via, and a ground connecting portion connected to the ground vias. The probe is connected to the first end.

Abstract: Provided are a contact device for tests and an electric test socket. The contact device is used to electrically connect a terminal of a test target device to a pad of an inspection apparatus. The contact device includes a first plate member, second plate members, and a spring supporting the first and second plate members in a relatively slidable manner.

Abstract: A probe card includes a connecting circuit board, a connector, and a probe. The connecting circuit board includes a substrate having a signal via and a plurality of ground vias, a signal feeding structure disposed on the substrate, and a connecting layer having the connector disposed thereon. The signal feeding structure includes a signal feeding pad and a ground pad, which is connected to the ground via, and has a matching compensation opening having a first side and a second side wider than the first side. The signal feeding pad does not contact the ground pad, and has a first end and a second end wider than the first end. The second end is connected to the signal via. The connecting layer has a signal connecting portion connected to the signal via, and a ground connecting portion connected to the ground vias. The probe is connected to the first end.

Abstract: An example system includes a circuit board having electrical elements; a wafer having contacts; and an interconnect to route signals between the electrical elements and the contacts. The interconnect includes multiple layers, each of which includes a flexible circuit. The flexible circuit includes a conductive trace disposed thereon. The interconnect also includes shielding between adjacent layers of the multiple layers. The shielding is electrically connected to ground.

Abstract: A method for determining a correlated waveform, including acquiring a generalized waveform record with a repeating pattern, determining a possibly corrected recovered clock signal for the generalized waveform record, selecting a new sample rate that is higher than the clock rate by N time, where N is an integer greater than 1, resampling the generalized waveform so that the new samples fall precisely on two clocks instants of the recovered clock signal that define each unit interval, and on N?1 additional instants equally spaced between the two clock instants of each unit interval to create a resampled waveform, and forming the correlated waveform by taking the mean values of all samples from the resampled waveform having the same offset into a pattern repeat in unit intervals or fractions thereof.

Abstract: A current transformer arrangement, and method, include a current sensor for producing a sensor output voltage that is proportional to the input current flowing in a conductor; a first processing branch including a voltage calculating device for calculating the effective voltage value of the sensor output voltage; a second processing branch including a polarity detecting device having an input terminal connected with the current sensor output terminal to produce a polarity signal having one polarity when the conductor input current is either an alternating current, a hybrid current, or a direct current flowing in one direction, and the opposite polarity when the conductor input current is a direct current flowing in the opposite direction; and a multiplier device for modifying the effective voltage value to produce a signed effective voltage having a polarity corresponding with the polarity of the polarity signal. A modifying circuit modifies the signed effective voltage.

Abstract: A test circuit includes a through via test unit configured to be set to a first resistance value in response to a first test control signal and to a second resistance value in response to the first test control signal and a second test control signal, and form a current path including a through via that electrically connects a first chip and a second chip; and a test measurement unit configured to supply a test voltage to the through via and measure a current flowing through the through via.

Abstract: Gate drive faults are detected for an inverter which comprises a phase switch having an insulated gate, such as an IGBT. A complementary transistor pair is adapted to receive a supply voltage and a pulse-width modulated (PWM) signal to alternately charge and discharge the insulated gate. A comparator compares the voltage at the insulated gate with a reference voltage representing a gate drive fault to generate a first logic signal. A latch samples the first logic signal when the PWM signal has a value corresponding to charging the insulated gate. A logic circuit inhibits charging of the insulated gate when the latched logic signal indicates the gate drive fault. An insulated gate voltage less than the reference voltage is indicative of an under-voltage fault as well as other device failures of the IGBT or the complementary transistors.

Abstract: A sampling circuitry for a plurality of electrodes the circuitry comprising a plurality of charge amplifiers and a plurality of modulators, wherein each charge amplifier and each modulator, comprised in the plurality of charge amplifiers and the plurality of modulators, respectively, corresponds to an electrode of the plurality of electrodes, wherein each modulator is capable of generating a residue signal and a rough code corresponding to each sampled electrode of the plurality of electrodes, a multiplexer capable of receiving a plurality of residue signals generated by the plurality of modulators, a residue analog to digital converter capable of receiving a multiplexed residue signal from the multiplexer and outputting a digitized multiplexed residue signal, and a digital summation circuitry capable of receiving the digitized multiplexed residue signal and a plurality of rough codes, comprising each rough code corresponding to each sample electrode, and outputting a plurality of output codes.

Abstract: A measurement device has a sensor that generates current by electromagnetic coupling to a power line, a measurement circuit that measures one of voltage and power, the voltage and the power being obtained by the current generated in the sensor according to voltage at the power line, a conductive member electrically connected to a signal ground line of the measurement circuit, and an insulating member that brings the conductive member close to an external conductor and to insulates the conductive member from the external conductor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for tracking energy consumption. An energy tracking system comprises at least one switching element, at least one inductor and a control block to keep the output voltage at a pre-selected level. The switching elements are configured to apply the source of energy to the inductors. The control block compares the output voltage of the energy tracking system to a reference value and controls the switching of the switched elements in order to transfer energy for the primary voltage into a secondary voltage at the output of the energy tracking system. The electronic device further comprises an ON-time and OFF-time generator and an accumulator wherein the control block is coupled to receive a signal from the ON-time and OFF-time generator and generates switching signals for the at least one switching element in the form of ON-time pulses with a constant ON-time.