Abstract: A method comprises: receiving wine evaluations of wines from wine panelists, each wine evaluation including intensity values describing a plurality of wine characteristics for each of a set of wines, each wine evaluation generated by a wine panelist; generating a global intensity value from particular intensity values describing a particular wine characteristic of a particular wine, the particular intensity values being from the wine evaluations; comparing a selected intensity value generated by a selected wine panelist describing the particular wine characteristic for the particular wine against the global intensity value to determine an accuracy deviation; comparing the accuracy deviation against an accuracy deviation threshold to determine whether the selected intensity value is deemed inaccurate based on the comparison; updating the global intensity value for the particular wine characteristic for the particular wine based on the accuracy determination; and storing the updated global intensity value in a

Abstract: Non-invasive monitoring of blood constituents such as glucose, ketones, or hemoglobin A1c may be accomplished using near-infrared or short-wave infrared (SWIR) light sources through absorbance, diffuse reflection, or transmission spectroscopy. As an example, hydro-carbon related substances such as glucose or ketones have distinct spectral features in the SWIR between approximately 1500 and 2500 nm. An SWIR super-continuum laser based on laser diodes and fiber optics may be used as the light source for the non-invasive monitoring. Light may be transmitted or reflected through a tooth, since an intact tooth and its enamel and dentine may be nearly transparent in the SWIR. Blood constituents or analytes within the capillaries in the dental pulp may be detected. The non-invasive monitoring device may communicate with a device such as a smart phone or tablet, which may transmit a signal related to the measurement to the cloud with cloud-based value-added services.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a passive counter flow free microfluidic device for sorting a sample of flagellated cells is provided.

Abstract: A system for receiving and ejecting a fluid testing device test strip includes a strip connector having first and second guide rails, and divider walls each having a channel. A sled has first and second legs connected to a cross member. Each leg has a contact leg extending inwardly from a chamfered end. The first and second legs when positioned parallel to the guide rails have the contact leg captured in the divider wall channels retaining the sled in sliding contact with the guide rails for motions in loading and ejection directions. A mechanism assembly is movably connected to the fluid testing device. The cross member is coupled so operation in a first direction displaces the sled in the loading direction positioning the sled in a test strip test position, and opposite operation positions the contact legs in direct contact with and ejects the test strip.

Abstract: An apparatus arranged for examining particles, comprising: a cartridge having at least one microchannel, a viscoelastic fluid flowing in the microchannel, the fluid comprising a suspension of particles, thereby effecting alignment of the particles in at least one-dimensional array parallel to the fluid flow, and an optical magnifying means generating an image of the particles in the microchannel.

Abstract: A first intracellular pathogen in a biological sample that may contain more than one intracellular pathogen is studied by a method comprising the steps of (i) contacting the sample with a population of cells in the presence of an agent inhibiting the reproduction of a second intracellular pathogen; (ii) incubating the cells under conditions that permit the reproduction of the first intracellular pathogen; and (iii) testing material arising from step (ii) for the first intracellular pathogen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to anti-cancer therapeutics. In certain aspects, cancers are treated with a combination of an anti-EGFR agent and an agent that increases the activity of the KLF6 tumor suppressor gene and/or an agent that increases activity of the FOXO1 tumor suppressor gene. In a preferred aspect, the anti-EGFR agent erlotinib a tricyclic agent compound, are used in combination to treat non-small cell lung cancer in a patient with primary or acquired drug resistance to erlotinib, and wherein the tricyclic agent is administered in an amount that does not lead to a substantial central nervous system effect. In additional aspects, the invention relates to compositions and kits useful for treating cancers, methods for screening for compounds that enhance the activity of anti-EGFR agent, and methods for determining whether a patient will respond to anti-EGFR therapy.

Abstract: This invention is a method and kit for preparing a Tumor in Dish model for use in screening anti-cancer agents and analyzing cancer growth and development.

Abstract: Cell death-inducing epitopes and polypeptides containing same. Also disclosed are compounds for inducing death of activated T-cells, a method of producing antibodies to the epitopes, a method of identifying compounds that bind to the epitopes, a method of inducing death of activated T-cells, and pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds.

Abstract: Provided are a method and means permitting the simultaneous measurement of the reactive properties of more than 10,000 of antigen-stimulated lymphocytes being held on a chip. A microwell array comprises multiple wells capturing single cells and a coating layer on a principal surface around the wells containing a substance capable of binding to a substance produced by the cells in the wells. A method for screening a target cell comprises: causing specimen cells and a cell culture broth to be contained in the wells of the microwell array; culturing the cells in a state permitting the diffusion of substances from the wells into the coating layer; feeding a label substance binding specifically to a substance produced by a target cell onto the coating layer; and detecting the substance produced by the target cell by the label substance binding around the well to specify the target cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting contaminants of glucose polymers, said contaminants being capable of acting in synergy with one another so as to trigger an inflammatory reaction, characterized in that it comprises an in vitro inflammatory response test using modified cell lines.

Abstract: An apparatus including a plurality of wells for conducting analysis of three-dimensional cell samples (e.g., tissue samples) and methods for experimenting with a three-dimensional sample. A removable insert for use with the apparatus enables plunger-driven perfusion of the three-dimensional sample.

Abstract: The present invention covers the integration and utility of accelerometer features into a clinical analysis system. For example, measurement of dynamic acceleration and orientation of a blood-testing instrument with respect to Earth's gravitational field may be used to determine reliability of a test procedure and optionally to provide corrective elements thereof.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides methods for the detection of soluble antigens. In particular, the methods provide for the detection of soluble proteins and chemicals. In addition, the invention provides methods of detecting a nucleic acid sequence in a sample. Also described is an emittor cell comprising an Fc receptor and an emittor molecule for the detection of a target particle in a sample wherein the target particle to be detected is bound by one or more antibodies. Also provided is an optoelectronic sensor device for detecting a target particle in a plurality of samples.

Abstract: Polymer particles are provided which contain fluorescent molecules with high presence ratio in a polymer layer thereof and a method for preparing thereof. Polymer particles are swelled in a non-aqueous solution excluding exclusively water preferably promotes selling of the polymer layer and transfer of the fluorescent molecules to the polymer layer could not protected by water molecules such that much more fluorescent molecule may be introduced into inside of the polymer layer. Furthermore, since the water is added to the reaction system prior to evaporation removal of the non-aqueous solvent, dry-up of the polymer particles is prevented by the water remained in the reaction system and the polymer particles including fluorescent molecules with high presence ratio of the fluorescent molecules preferably keep high dispersibility using the above described procedures.

Abstract: A Raman spectroscopy technique allows an analyte, a paramagnetic particle, and a spectral enhancement particle to combine in solution and for the combination product to be localized by a magnetic field for analysis. The spectral enhancement particle may be comprised of an active SERS metal particle with or without a material coating. The spectral enhancement particle may function as a reporter for the presence of the analyte or merely increase the magnitude of the Raman spectrum of the analyte. The technique is applicable to both immunoassays and chemical assays. Multiple spectral enhancement particle reporters may be measured in a single assay that can detect multiple analytes using the SERS effect.

Abstract: Sensors for target entities having functionalized thereon, at least one aptamer specific to the target entity, and methods of making and using the same are described for use in glycated protein monitoring and/or biomarkers.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of detecting a structural change in a molecule that is attached to a surface that is electrically conductive, wherein the method includes monitoring the phase of the electrochemical impedance at the surface, and wherein a change in the phase indicates a change in the structure of the molecule. The disclosure also relates to arrays and methods for making arrays having molecules, such as polypeptides, attached to electrically conductive surfaces, such as electrodes.

Abstract: Dipstick tests for detecting analyte are described. In a preferred embodiment, a multiple biotinylated antibody capable of binding analyte is bound to an anti-biotin antibody labelled with colloidal gold and wicked up the dipstick with test solution thought to contain analyte. Complex formed between analyte, biotinylated anti-analyte antibody, and colloidal gold labelled anti-biotin antibody is captured at a capture zone of the dipstick. Presence of colloidal gold label at the capture zone indicates the presence of analyte in the test solution. The sensitivity of analyte detection using such methods is an order of magnitude higher than for comparable methods in which biotinylated anti-analyte antibody bound to analyte is wicked up the dipstick in a first step, and a colloidal gold labelled anti-biotin antibody is wicked up the dipstick in a separate step. Kits for performing the tests of the invention are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system comprising coupling products formed by a monomer of a protein chosen from Lingo-1, Lingo-2, Lingo-3 and Lingo-4 and by a probe emitting a signal when said monomer undergoes conformational changes, and to a screening method using said system, enabling ligands of a protein chosen from Lingo-1, Lingo-2, Lingo-3 and Lingo-4 to be identified. The present invention is industrially applicable in the field of methods for detecting molecules, for detecting interaction between molecules and for molecular screening, and also in the medical field.

Abstract: Contemplated compositions, devices, and methods are drawn to various antigens from the pathogen M. tuberculosis and their use in vaccines, therapeutic agents, and various diagnostic tests. In particularly preferred aspects, the antigens are immunodominant and have quantified and known relative reactivities with respect to sera of a population infected with the pathogen, and/or have a known association with a disease parameter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of prevention and treatment of tumors and gastrointestinal disorders. The present invention relates to the prevention and treatment of Core-1-positive carcinomas. The invention relates to coreotics and a method of producing the same and to a method of prevention and treatment of core-1 positive disorders using the same. The invention relates to microorganisms or fractions thereof capable of activating cellular immunity against carbohydrates.

Abstract: A protein produced by an expression system that includes a nucleic acid sequence that encodes an MHC class I heavy chain. The MHC class I heavy chain comprises an alpha-1 helix and an alpha-2 helix. The nucleic acid sequence has a disulfide bridge formed between the alpha-1 helix and the alpha-2 helix in the MHC class I heavy chain. Amino acid 139 is substituted by a cysteine so as to provide Cys-139. Amino acid 84 is substituted by the cysteine so as to provide Cys-84 or amino acid 85 is substituted by the cysteine so as to provide Cys-85. The disulfide bridge is formed between the alpha-1 helix and the alpha-2 helix in the MHC class I heavy chain between Cys-139 and Cys-84 or between Cys-139 and Cys-85. The protein comprises an anchor element selected from a natural biotinylation sequence, a polyhistidine sequence, or a polyarginine sequence.

Abstract: A prognostic assay and kit and method of use thereof are provided. The kit and assay are used to determine the likelihood of a diseased cell or tissue having a therapeutic response to treatment with a cardiac glycoside in a disease having an etiology associated with excessive cell proliferation. The kit and assay are used to determine the ratio of isoforms of the ? subunit of Na, K-ATPase obtained from the diseased cell or tissue. The kit can be used to predict the therapeutic responsiveness of cancer or tumor in a subject to treatment with a cardiac glycoside. The kit and assay can be incorporated in a method of treating a disease or disorder having an etiology associated with excessive cell proliferation with a composition comprising a cardiac glycoside.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for detecting, diagnosing or monitoring a renal cancer in a subject. The methods include detecting quantity of one or more polypeptides or fragments thereof comprised by body fluid such as urine, wherein the one or more polypeptides or fragments thereof, can be present at elevated levels in a subject with, a kidney cancer, as compared to a subject without a kidney cancer. Non-limiting examples of such polypeptides include aquaporin-1, adipose differentiation-related protein, and paired box protein-2. Antibody probes can be used to detect or quantify the polypeptides. In some embodiments, mass spectroscopy can be used to detect or quantify the polypeptides, or to identify a polypeptide in a body fluid sample from a subject with a kidney cancer.

Abstract: The present application shows the relationship between variations in the amino acid sequence of histone proteins, more specifically the H3.3 protein, and proliferation-associated disorders. Herewith provided are predictive methods, commercial packages, therapeutic methods and screening methods based on this relationship.

Abstract: Reaction-based fluorescent probes are provided which detect, for example, biologically important sulfane sulfur species (persulfide, polysulfide, and elemental sulfur) in, for example, complex and living systems. The probes are high in selectivity and sensitivity to sulfane sulfurs. Moreover, probes are suitable for bioimaging sulfane sulfurs in living cells.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for separating nanoparticles with a controlled number of active groups is disclosed. First, a plurality of nanoparticles are provided, wherein the surface of the nanoparticle comprises a plurality of first active groups. Next, a plurality of functional ligands are provided, wherein the functional ligand comprises at least one second active group and at least one third active group. Then, a binding process is performed to bind the nanoparticle with the functional ligand, wherein the first active group connects with the second active group. After the binding process, a separation process is performed to isolate a plurality of nanoparticles with a controlled number of the third active groups. The controlled number is integers from 0 to 10.

Abstract: Provided is a method of determining a therapeutic effect of cancer chemotherapy with an anticancer drug obtained by blending three ingredients, i.e., tegafur, gimeracil, and oteracil potassium as active ingredients (hereinafter abbreviated as S-1) quickly, simply, and accurately before carrying out the cancer chemotherapy. Specifically, provided is a method of determining an administration effect in chemotherapy with S-1, the method comprising: a step (a) of measuring expression level of a decorin gene in a biological sample collected from a subject to be diagnosed; and a step (b) of determining an administration effect of S-1 based on the expression level of the gene obtained from the measurement.

Abstract: A method for detecting an interaction between a first protein and a second protein comprises the steps of: expressing in a cell a first fusion protein comprising the first protein and an association-inducing protein, and a second fusion protein comprising the second protein and a fluorescent protein having a multimerization ability; detecting a fluorescent focus formed by an association between the first fusion protein and the second fusion protein in the cell; and determining an interaction between the first protein and the second protein according to the detection of the fluorescent focus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diagnostic method for the detection of small quantities of amniotic fluid in the vagina. More specifically, the invention relates to the detection of PAMG-1 in the vagina using anti-PAMG-1 antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel, rationally designed human control antibodies for use in various in vivo and in vitro applications. The antibodies of the present invention have well characterized variable domains that have been designed to minimize or eliminate antigen binding without altering gross antibody structure. Using the antibodies of the present invention in various assays allows researchers to distinguish effects that result from specific antigen-antibody interactions from other, non-specific antibody effects.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, kits, and systems for the sensitive detection of cardiac troponin, Such methods, compositions, kits, and systems are useful in diagnosis, prognosis, and determination of methods of treatment in conditions that involve release of cardiac troponin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining whether a patient with cirrhosis is at risk of having clinically significant portal hypertension comprising the steps consisting of i) quantifying the levels of leuko-endothelial (CD31+/41?), pan-leukocyte (CD11a+), lymphocyte (CD4+), erythrocyte (CD235a+) and hepatocyte-derived (cytokeratin-18+) microparticles in a blood sample obtained from the patient and ii) comparing said levels with predetermined reference values wherein a difference between the levels quantified at step i) and the predetermined reference values is indicative whether the patient is at risk of having clinically significant portal hypertension.

Abstract: Provided is a method of measuring and comparing multimer FSP1 and monomer FSP1 by using an FSP1-specific antibody and the like.

Abstract: The disclosure provides biomarker proteins, a change in the concentration or activity level of which are associated with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) or clinically meaningful treatment of aHUS with a complement inhibitor. Also provided are compositions and methods for interrogating the concentration and/or activity of one or more of the biomarker proteins in a biological fluid. The compositions and methods are useful for, among other things, evaluating risk for developing aHUS, diagnosing aHUS, determining whether a subject is experiencing the first acute presentation of aHUS, monitoring progression or abatement of aHUS, and/or monitoring response to treatment with a complement inhibitor or optimizing such treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for measuring the level of MG53 found in a biological fluid as a biomarker for a disease or disorder, e.g., tissue damage, exercise capacity or a muscle-related disease or disorder. In addition, the invention relates to targeting the native MG53 found in the blood as a therapeutic approach.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for diagnosing, staging and/or monitoring a hemoglobin-related disorder such as ?-thalassemia or a treatment against said hemoglobin-related disorder in a subject in need thereof based on the detection and/or quantification the presence of free ?-Hb pool in a biological sample obtained from said subject.

Abstract: A method of characterizing the coagulation or sedimentation dynamics of a fluid such as whole blood, a blood fraction, or blood plasma is provided. The method includes illuminating a sample of the fluid with a beam of coherent light; acquiring a time series of images of a speckle pattern generated by interaction between the sample and the spatially coherent light beam; and processing the time series of images. The processing step includes calculating a function representative of the variation in the speckle pattern between two or more images of the series. The invention also provides a device for implementing such a method.

Abstract: The present invention relates in particular to methods of detecting predisposition to or diagnosis and/or prognosis of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) and related disorders. More specifically, the invention relates to development, validation and application of new biomarkers, which can be used for detecting the presence or risk of CMT disease and related disorders. In particular, the present invention relates to metabolite, lipid, carbohydrate and proteinaceous biomarkers that can be measured in biological body fluids and easily available extracts of biopsies, which can be used to aid in the detection, prediction of drug treatment and follow up of this treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, including CMT disease. The present invention also relates to methods for identification of CMT disease subtypes, assessing the responsiveness to the treatments and the efficacy of treatments in subjects having CMT or a related disorder.

Abstract: Some aspects of this disclosure provide methods and reagents for the detection of apolipoproteins in a sample, for example, a sample obtained from a human subject. Some aspects of this disclosure provide protocols and reagents for the quantification of lipoproteins and lipoprotein particle populations comprising specific combinations of non-integral apolipoproteins and integral apolipoproteins, which is useful, inter alia, for the detection of diseases such as cardiovascular disease as well as an assessment of the risk of an individual to develop a disease.

Abstract: Disclosed is an antibody which binds to aripiprazole, which can be used to detect aripiprazole in a sample such as in a competitive immunoassay method. The antibody can be used in a lateral flow assay device for point-of-care detection of aripiprazole, including multiplex detection of aripiprazole, olanzapine, quetiapine, and risperidone in a single lateral flow assay device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an antibody which binds to olanzapine, which can be used to detect olanzapine in a sample such as in a competitive immunoassay method. The antibody can be used in a lateral flow assay device for point-of-care detection of olanzapine, including multiplex detection of aripiprazole, olanzapine, quetiapine, and risperidone in a single lateral flow assay device.

Abstract: An automation system for an in vitro diagnostics environment includes a plurality of intelligent carriers that include onboard processing and navigation capabilities. To aid in operator handling of payloads and carriers, carriers include an electronically rewritable display on a surface visible to an operator. The display can include an LCD, E-ink, or other rewritable display and can utilize color, pattern, or text to convey status information of the payloads to the operator.

Abstract: Provided is a sample processing apparatus management system, sample processing apparatuses and a management apparatus, and a management method that can accurately and easily adjust the respective sample processing apparatuses irrespective of their individual differences. When abnormality has occurred in a sample analyzer, the sample analyzer requests approval for self-adjustment from a management server. The management server determines whether to permit performance of the self-adjustment, and when having determined to permit the self-adjustment, notifies the sample analyzer of the approval for the self-adjustment. When the approval for the self-adjustment has been notified of, the sample analyzer performs the self-adjustment.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer comprises selection means for selecting whether a preparatory operation, specified from a plurality of analysis preparation processes of the automatic analyzer, should be executed in an initial process at the powering on of the analyzer or after the start of the actual analysis (i.e., in parallel with the sample analysis operation). For example, the automatic analyzer is equipped with means which allows the analyzer to execute a “system liquid replacement operation”, a “sample nozzle pressure sensor checking operation”, a “reaction vessel discarding operation” and a “pre-cleaning liquid replacement operation” which among various operations that are executed in the preparation process in conventional immunological analyzing apparatus in processes other than the preparation process.

Abstract: A modular flow injection analysis system has a sample connection, a reagent inflow and a media discharge. The analysis system is formed of a plurality of functional modules stacked one on top of the other. These functional modules include a metering module including a metering channel having an inlet and an outlet, a mixing module including a mixing channel having an inlet and an outlet, an analysis module including a media chamber connected to the outlet of the mixing channel, and a media control module. The modules are connected by aligned media channels. These media channels replace the conventional tube connections. They are connected automatically when the modules are fitted together.

Abstract: In a machine tool (1) comprising a rotating spindle (2) and a vision system (7) for acquiring images of a tool (3) mounted on the spindle, for each value (VC) of an interval (ICN) of preselected rotational speed values centered on a nominal rotational speed value (VN) of the spindle, an image acquisition period (TA) is determined, that is a multiple of the rotational period (TR) of the spindle calculated for that preselected speed value and compatible with the vision system, and, while the spindle is rotating at the nominal rotational speed, a representative couple of tool images that are temporally spaced apart from one another of the image acquisition period is obtained, in order to obtain an estimated speed value (VS), associated to the nominal speed value, by selecting that preselected speed value to which the representative couple of images that are the most similar to each other on the basis of a similarity rule corresponds.

Abstract: An encapsulated nanostructure fabricated using layers of polymer material and further processed for use in a micro-scale target device is presented. The fabrication includes the formation on a substrate of an array of encapsulated nanostructures. The encapsulated nanostructures each include a nanostructure and a micro-scale, multi-block structure that encapsulates the nanostructure. Each encapsulated nanostructure can be made usable by a target device by removing, e.g., by etching, one of the layers to expose a portion of the nanostructure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a socket device for testing a semiconductor device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a socket device that is capable of testing ball grid array (BGA) and land grid array (LGA) type semiconductor devices, or BGA/LGA hybrid semiconductor devices according to the shapes of leads of the semiconductor devices. A latch structure for pressing and holding a semiconductor device is improved such that a roller is provided at the front end of a latch so as to minimize wear caused by friction with a sandpaper-like surface on an upper surface of the semiconductor device, even in the case of approximately one hundred thousand or more rounds of testing, thereby remarkably extending the life of the socket device, increasing testing efficiency, and reducing costs.