Abstract: Disclosed herein is a microfluidic electrochemical device adapted for analysis of bone turnover markers in a fluidic sample, the microfluidic electrochemical device that can include: an electrochemical sensor layer comprising at least one work electrode having a surface modified for binding a bone turnover marker; and a microfluidic structure layer covering the electrochemical sensor layer such that a fluidic sample travelling in the microfluidic channels of the microfluidic structure layer come into contact with the electrode array.

Abstract: An analysis device optically scans a surface of a substrate to which particles are fixed, detects a pulse wave included in a detection signal obtained from an optical scanning unit when the optical scanning unit scans the substrate, and counts the particles based on pulse interval between two pulse waves each having pulse width less than first reference value determined depending on first pulse width when the optical scanning unit scans a plurality of particles adjacent to each other when the two pulse waves are detected consecutively.

Abstract: An assay device for the quantitative determination of the concentration of at least one analyte in a liquid sample comprises a planar emitter 2, a planar detector 3, a lateral flow membrane 4 interposed between the emitter 2 and the detector 3, a conjugate pad 5 in fluid communication with a proximal end of the lateral flow membrane 4, the conjugate pad 5 comprising optically detectable tagging particles bound to a first assay component, a sample pad 6 in fluid communication with the conjugate pad 5 and arranged to receive the liquid sample, and a wicking pad 7 in fluid communication with a distal end of the lateral flow membrane 4. The lateral flow membrane 4 is formed from a light transmissive material and is capable of transporting fluid from the conjugate pad 5 to the wicking pad 7 by capillary action.

Abstract: A method for providing quality control on a lateral flow assay device or for triggering a process-related step, the device including a substrate having at least one sample receiving area, at least one reagent zone downstream and in fluid communication with the at least one sample receiving area, at least one detection zone downstream and in fluid communication with the at least one reagent zone and at least one wicking zone downstream of the at least one detection zone, each fluidly interconnected therewith along at least one fluid flow path. The detection material provided in the at least one reagent zone produces a detectable signal that can be tracked and monitored prior to the completion of at least one test being performed on the lateral flow assay device.

Abstract: Provided are methods and devices for detecting methicillin-resistant Staphylcoccus aureus.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing hepatitis virus infection or a hepatitis disease condition in a subject based on hepatitis virus-associated biomarkers present on exosomes in a bodily fluid sample from the subject is disclosed. Also disclosed are a method for monitoring the course of a hepatitis virus infection or a hepatitis disease condition in a subject and a method for monitoring effectiveness of treatment to a subject with an anti-hepatitis virus agent based on hepatitis virus-associated biomarkers present on exosomes in bodily fluid samples from the subject, as well as a kit for diagnosing hepatitis virus infection and/or a hepatitis disease condition in a subject based on hepatitis virus-associated biomarkers on exosomes in bodily fluid samples from the subject.

Abstract: The application discloses Quiescin Q6 as a new biomarker for acute heart failure. Methods for determining the quantity of Quiescin Q6 in a sample from a subject are described. The quantity of Quiescin Q6 is determined by contacting the sample with one or more binding agents capable of specifically binding to Quiescin Q6.

Abstract: New sarcoma cell surface targets have been identified and include LINGO-1, KCNN1 and CDH23. Specific binding agents that specifically bind to these targets include antibodies and aptamers. Methods of treating sarcoma utilize the specific binding agents. Methods of diagnosing and detecting sarcoma, including metastases and residual disease involve determining the expression of LINGO-1, KCNN1 and CDH23.

Abstract: An estrogen-regulated gene sequence SHON has been characterised, and found to be a novel oncogene in mammary carcinoma and significantly associated with estrogen and progesterone receptor expression in breast cancer. The present invention encompasses methods for predicting the responsiveness to endocrine therapy for breast cancer and providing a prognosis for disease-free and/or distant metastasis-free survival of a cancer patient.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods for analyzing rare circulating cells (RCCs) at cellular and molecular level following their detection in non-enriched blood samples, methods of this disclosure serve as diagnostic methods for several disease conditions, including cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

Abstract: A method is provided for characterising and/or prognosing prostate cancer in a subject comprising measuring the level of at least one protein from a panel or at least one peptide thereof in a sample from the subject. The method may be used to determine the grade and stage of the prostate cancer. Also disclosed is a method for selecting a treatment for prostate cancer, together with corresponding methods of treatment. Systems and computing devices for performing the methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for assaying soluble GPC3 protein in a test sample, comprising using two different antibodies binding to different epitopes present in the N-terminal region of GPC3 protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diagnosis of a cancer, comprising the steps of (i) determining the level of antibodies against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in a sample from a subject to be diagnosed, (ii) comparing the determined level in the sample to a control level derived from subjects without cancer; wherein a decreased level in the sample from the subject to be diagnosed as compared to the control level is indicative for cancer in the subject. Furthermore, the invention relates to method of predicting response and outcome of a treatment of a cancer with an inhibitor of EGFR activity.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides methods of identifying the sensitivity and resistance to therapeutic drug regimens in a subject who suffers from, or who is suspected of suffering from, a Mycobacterium infection, the method comprising administering (1) isotopically labeled Pretomanid and/or Delaminid, or (2) isotopically labeled ethionamide and/or prothionamide, or (3) isotopically labeled pyrazinamide, or (4) isotopically-labeled isoniazid to the subject and thereafter measuring levels in a subject-derived sample of one or more isotopically-labeled markers corresponding to Mycobacterium-actiwated drug metabolites or degradation products, wherein the absence of detectable levels of Mycobacterium-activated drug metabolites or degradation products indicates either that the subject does not suffer from a Mycobacterium infection or suffers from a Mycobacterium infection which is resistant to treatment with the administered drug regimen.

Abstract: A component measuring device includes a calibration member that is slidably disposed in an insertion hole of a chip attachment unit and a biasing member that biases the calibration member toward an insertion port. The calibration member is held by the biasing member at a position where the calibration member blocks the introduction port and a lead-out port and where light from a light emitter is applied to the calibration member when a measuring chip is not inserted in the insertion hole, and slides to a side opposite to the insertion port along with insertion of the measuring chip into the insertion hole so that light from the light emitter is applied to the measuring chip.

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 the barrier layer.

Abstract: A polynucleotide, which is a novel causative gene for cancer, is elucidated, and, based on this finding, provided are a method for detecting the polynucleotide, or a polypeptide encoded by the polynucleotide; a kit and a primer set for the detection; a method for screening an inhibitor of the polypeptide; and a pharmaceutical composition for treating a cancer containing the inhibitor. In the detection method of the present invention, an FGFR3 fusion protein, or a fusion gene encoding the fusion protein, or a TACC3 fusion protein, or a fusion gene encoding the fusion protein, is detected in a sample derived from female genitalia obtained from a subject.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a method of quantitatively determining the concentration of at least one analyte in a sample, the method comprising the steps of either: (i) adding a portion of the sample to a first analyte assay formulation and to an analyte assay reference formulation to generate a first analyte sample and analyte reference sample and determining the concentration of the at least one analyte in the sample and/or (ii) adding a portion of the sample to a second analyte assay formulation and determining the concentration of the at least one analyte in the sample. Also disclosed herein are formulations, kits of parts, systems and computer implemented methods associated with said method.

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: Methods for quantifying biospecimen sample integrity using markers of oxidation (FIG. 1). Under conditions of incomplete blood plasma/serum (P IS) sample freezing (including storage at ?20 ?C), two different forms of oxidation occur spontaneously at protein sulfur atoms—namely S-cysteinylation of free cysteine residues (in which the oxidative event is disulfide bond formation) and sulfoxidation of methionine. Oxidized forms of albumin and apoA-1, SCA and MOA1 are useful markers of biospecimen integrity. The oxidative chemistries of SCA and MOAI are operational in other proteins and polypeptides. Thus, for rare cases in which the use of SCA or MOA1 may be contraindicated, custom designed surrogate peptide probes based on SCA and MOA1 oxidation chemistry may be fortified into samples at collection to serve as exogenous markers of P/S sample integrity.

Abstract: A method for predicting cellular, tissular, and clinical radiosensitivity, based on the determination and correlation of several cellular and enzymatic parameters.

Abstract: To obtain data associated with a mitochondrial disease, a method includes measuring the level of at least one protein selected from the group consisting of GDF15 (growth differentiation factor 15), HGF (hepatocyte growth factor), MIG (gamma interferon induction monokine), SCF (stem cell factor) and SCGF-? (stem cell growth factor beta) in a biological sample collected from a subject. The measured protein level is compared to that of control subjects and then it is checked whether or not there is difference between the protein level of the subject and that of control subjects.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for predicting the likelihood of mucosal healing in an individual with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (UC). In addition, the present invention provides methods for monitoring the progression of mucosal healing in an individual with a disease such as IBD. Information on mucosal healing status derived from the use of the present invention can also aid in optimizing therapy and/or monitoring the therapeutic efficiency of an anti-TNF? inhibitor drug.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a cell that can exhibit physiological activity based on galectin-9, a method for producing the cell, and use of the cell. In order to achieve the above object, the cell of the present invention contains galectin-9, and the galectin-9 is expressed on a cell surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing and/or grading diastolic dysfunction or at least one structural or functional abnormality associated with diastolic dysfunction. The method comprises measuring the level of IGFBP7 (Insulin like growth factor binding protein 7) and, optionally, the level of at least one further marker in a patient suffering from heart failure, and comparing the level to a reference level. Further envisaged is a method of monitoring diastolic function in a patient suffering from heart failure. Also encompassed by the present invention are kits and devices adapted to carry out the method of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to antibodies, antibody fragments and binding agents that specifically recognize TDP-43 associated with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), but not TDP-43 associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or TDP-43 associated with healthy human brain tissue, and antibodies, antibody fragments and binding agents that specifically recognize TDP-43 associated with ALS, but not TDP-43 associated FTD or TDP-43 associated with healthy human brain tissue.

Abstract: A antibody has as a target molecule a ubiquitin protein comprising a phosphorylated serine residue at position 65. In addition, a method is provided for specifically detecting Parkinson's disease at an early stage, in which a target molecule is a ubiquitin protein comprising a phosphorylated serine residue at position 65, a pharmaceutical composition for definitively treating or preventing Parkinson's disease, and a method for screening for the pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: Subject matter of the present invention is an in vitro method for identifying a subject in need of administration of fluid resuscitation or a vasopressor comprising the following steps: Determining the level of proADM and/or fragments thereof having at least 6 amino acids in a bodily fluid of said subject Correlating said level with the need of said patient for fluid resuscitation or administration of a vasopressor wherein said patient is identified as having such a need if the level of proADM and/or fragments thereof having at least 6 amino acids in the bodily fluid of said subject is above a threshold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diagnosis of a cancer, comprising the steps of (i) determining the level of antibodies against epidermal growth factor (EGF) in a sample from a subject to be diagnosed, (ii) comparing the determined level in the sample to a control level derived from subjects without cancer; wherein a decreased level in the sample from the subject to be diagnosed as compared to the control level is indicative for cancer in the subject. Furthermore, the invention relates to method of predicting response and outcome of a treatment of a cancer with an epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor.

Abstract: A specific and sensitive in vitro ELISA assay and diagnostic test kit is disclosed for determining levels of NT-proBNP protein in a variety of bodily fluids, non-limiting examples of which are blood, serum, plasma, urine and the like. The NT-proBNP ELISA assay test employs the sandwich ELISA technique to measure circulating NT-proBNP in human plasma. In order to obtain antibodies with specific binding properties for targeted amino acid sequences within human proBNP, recombinant human proBNP (or rhproBNP) was expressed and purified for use as an immunogen. Polyclonal antibodies (PAb) to specific amino acid sequences were subsequently purified from goat serum by sequential affinity purification. Monoclonal antibodies were raised against specific polypeptides. Recombinant human NT-proBNP (or rhNT-proBNP) was expressed and purified in order to obtain material for use in calibration of a quantitative method for measurement of human NT-proBNP.

Abstract: The present invention addresses a problem in which, when examining blood properties in measurements of thrombus formation capacity and platelet function or the like, measurement data is changed as a result of sedimentation of blood in reservoirs during measurement. An erythrocyte membrane ion transport inhibitor, such as disodium 4,4?-dinitrostilbene-2,2?-disulfonate (DNDS) or 4,4?-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2?-disulfonic acid (DIDS), is used to inhibit erythrocyte sedimentation, and accurate measurement data is obtained.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides economical and scalable (e.g., high-throughput) methods of determining an HDL-PL level in a sample from a subject, and methods of treating a subject comprising determining an HDL-PL level in a sample from the subject.

Abstract: A microfluidic cartridge for assaying an analyte comprises one or more test channels, each having a lumen; one or more reference solution channels in fluid communication with the test channels; one or more sample channels in fluid communication with the test channels; one or more sensors at least partially exposed in the lumen of the test channels; and a processor coupled to the one or more sensors for measuring properties of the analyte to determine at least one of an identity, concentration, dose, and dosage of the analyte.

Abstract: The automatic analyzer includes: a first reagent container storage section storing a plurality of reagent containers; a regent dispensing mechanism for dispensing a reagent from a reagent container stored in the first reagent container storage section; a second reagent container storage section storing a plurality of reagent containers; a reagent container transfer mechanism for transferring a reagent container selected from among reagent containers stored in the second reagent container storage section to the first reagent container storage section; and a controller configured to control the reagent container transfer mechanism to transfer a reagent container from the second reagent container storage section to the first reagent container storage section on the basis of a predetermined priority condition. The predetermined priority condition is one of a reagent provided with an effective calibration curve result, a number of remaining tests, and an expiration date of a reagent.

Abstract: With the increase in the speed of operation of a device, it is necessary to perform washing to drying for a wide range of a probe in a short time. A probe, a washing nozzle which ejects a washing liquid, a vacuum nozzle which sucks air, a washing tank, which is connected to the washing nozzle and the vacuum nozzle, and in which washing and drying of the probe is performed by ejecting the washing liquid from the washing nozzle and then sucking air by the vacuum nozzle, a waste liquid flow path, which is connected to the washing tank, and into which the washing liquid is discharged, and a shielding member 100 which shields a flow path between the washing tank and the waste liquid flow path after the washing liquid is ejected from the washing nozzle.

Abstract: A pressure sensor detects the inner pressure of a probe at the time of suction of a specimen and a memory stores therein a plurality of clogging detection parameters in accordance with pressure in the vacuum blood collection tube. The clogging detection parameter stored in the memory is selected in accordance with the pressure in the vacuum blood collection tube, and a determination of the clogging of the probe is performed based on the selected clogging detection parameter and the inner pressure at the time of suction of the specimen detected in the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A physical quantity sensor has a first movable electrode section which has a portion facing a first fixed electrode section and a second movable electrode section which has a portion facing a second fixed electrode section, and is provided with a movable mass section which is formed in a shape which encloses a first fixed electrode side fixed section, a second fixed electrode side fixed section, a first movable electrode side fixed section, and a second movable electrode side fixed section in planar view.

Abstract: To provide a plant water dynamics sensor usable for measuring the dynamics of water flowing in a fine point of a plant such as a distal end of a new branch or a pedicel. The plant water dynamics sensor comprises: a heater-equipped temperature probe 10 including a temperature sensor 11 and a heater 12; a temperature probe 20 including a temperature sensor 21; an electrical resistance probe 30 including an electrical resistance measurement electrode 33; and a support 80 that supports the probes 10, 20, and 30 while the probes are aligned parallel to each other. The position of a xylem XY can be detected based on an electrical resistance measured at the electrical resistance probe 30, so that each of the temperature sensors 11 and 21 can be arranged correctly in a position at a phloem PH or at the xylem XY. This facilitates attachment of a plant water dynamics sensor 1 and water dynamics in a plant can be measured with high accuracy.

Abstract: In some examples, the disclosure describes an accelerometer having improved hysteresis effects, the accelerometer including a proof mass assembly including a proof mass, a support structure, and a flexure flexibly connecting the proof mass to the support structure to allow the proof mass to move about the plane defined by the support structure. Some examples may include at least one thin film lead including an electrically conductive material on the flexure, where the at least one thin film lead provides an electrical connection between an electrical component on the support structure and an electrical component on the proof mass, and where the at least one thin film lead comprises at least one of a yield strength greater than pure gold or a thermal expansion coefficient less than pure gold.

Abstract: A physical quantity sensor includes an element piece, in which the element piece includes a support portion that includes a first support portion, a second support portion, and a third support portion that links the first and second support portions, and is connected to a base substrate at the third support portion, a movable electrode portion that is positioned between the first and second support portions, and includes a movable electrode finger, an elastic portion that links the movable electrode portion and the support portion and has elasticity, and a fixed electrode portions having fixed electrode fingers that are arranged facing the movable electrode finger.

Abstract: A physical quantity sensor includes a base substrate and an element piece bonded to the base substrate. The element piece includes fixed portions fixed to the base substrate, a first fixed electrode finger supported on the fixed portion, a second fixed electrode finger supported on the fixed portion, a fixed portion that is positioned between the fixed portions and is fixed to the base substrate, a movable portion that is displaceable with respect to the fixed portion, an elastic portion that links the fixed portion and the movable portion, a first movable electrode finger that is supported on the movable portion and that is arranged facing the first fixed electrode finger, and a second movable electrode finger that is supported on the movable portion and is arranged facing the second fixed electrode finger.

Abstract: A physical quantity sensor includes a movable electrode side fixed section, a first fixed electrode side fixed section which has a first fixed electrode section and a second fixed electrode side fixed section which has a second fixed electrode section, a movable mass section which has a first movable electrode section that has a portion facing the first fixed electrode section and a second movable electrode section that has a portion facing the second fixed electrode section and which is formed in a shape that encloses the movable electrode side fixed section, the first fixed electrode side fixed section, and the second fixed electrode side fixed section in planar view, and an elastic section which connects the movable electrode side fixed section and the movable mass section.

Abstract: A capacitive microelectromechanical device is provided. The capacitive microelectromechanical device includes a semiconductor substrate, a support structure, an electrode element, a spring element, and a seismic mass. The support structure, for example, a pole, suspension or a post, is fixedly connected to the semiconductor substrate, which may comprise silicon. The electrode element is fixedly connected to the support structure. Moreover, the seismic mass is connected over the spring element to the support structure so that the seismic mass is displaceable, deflectable or movable with respect to the electrode element. Moreover, the seismic mass and the electrode element form a capacitor having a capacitance which depends on a displacement between the seismic mass and the electrode element.

Abstract: A device for increasing the precision of the distance and the relative velocity of a camera-based sensor with the aid of longitudinal acceleration for use in vehicles, e.g., in passive safety applications. In a first arithmetic unit of the inventive device, a correction of a slowly repeated camera-based measurement of the distance to an object is performed with the aid of an internal, longitudinal acceleration signal sampled at a much higher rate, wherein the inventive correction may be performed within an arithmetic unit of the camera, within a passive safety system or in a unit outside the camera and outside the safety system in the vehicle.

Abstract: An electronic test and control system is provided. The electronic test and control system includes an enclosure configured to enclose one or more electronic boards and connective electrical wires. An adaptable interface assembly is attached to a face of the enclosure. The adaptable interface assembly includes a customized interface panel and one or more connectors connected to the customized interface panel. The adaptable interface assembly is configured to interface with application specific instruments and devices such as to eliminate the need for custom adapters positioned to interface with standard electronic test and control systems and application specific instruments and devices.

Abstract: The test board may include sockets in which a plurality of devices-under-test (DUTs) is inserted, and an auxiliary test device connection tree electrically connected to the sockets. The auxiliary test device connection tree includes at least one first auxiliary test device receiving and outputting a test request from an external apparatus, and at least one second auxiliary test device generating a test clock and a test pattern in response to the test request outputted from the at least one first auxiliary test device, performing a test operation about at least one among the DUTs using the generated test pattern, and outputting whether or not of an error of the test operation to the at least one first auxiliary test device.

Abstract: A probe card includes a circuit board, a plurality of probes, and at least one deviation-compensating member. An end of each of the probes is connected to the circuit board. The deviation-compensating member is fixed to the circuit board and connected to the probes. The probes have a first thermal expansion characteristic, the deviation-compensating member has a second thermal expansion characteristic, and the first thermal expansion characteristic and the second thermal expansion characteristic are different.

Abstract: A probe card includes a circuit substrate to transmit an electrical signal for testing a semiconductor device, a probe block on a lower surface of the circuit substrate, the probe block having a plurality of probes, and a thermal insulation cover assembly on an upper surface of the circuit substrate, the thermal insulation cover assembly covering at least a portion of the circuit substrate and defining a heat receiving space, the thermal insulation cover assembly retaining heat applied to the circuit substrate within the heat receiving space.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a detection apparatus including: a resonant circuit provided with a Q-factor measurement coil and one or more capacitors to serve as a circuit for receiving pulses; a response-waveform detecting section configured to detect the waveform of a response output by the resonant circuit in response to the pulses; and a Q-factor measuring section configured to measure a Q factor of the resonant circuit from the response waveform detected by the response-waveform detecting section. It is possible to increase the precision of detection of a metallic foreign substance existing between a power transmitting side and a power receiving side.

Abstract: Enhanced surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors and SAW sensor-tag wireless interface devices, including low loss devices, devices that enable enhanced use of time diversity for device identification, and devices suitable for use in band-limited environments (such as ISM band) and for use in ultra-wideband applications are disclosed. Antennas for use with both SAW sensors and/or tags, and wireless transceiver systems also are disclosed, including antennas suitable for operation in conductive media and in highly metallic environments, said antennas being used to activate and read said SAW sensors and/or tags. SAW sensors and sensor-tags and related methods for measuring scaled voltage and current in electrical conductors via measurements of the electric and magnetic fields thereof are disclosed.