Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing a neurodegenerative disease in a subject, wherein the level of each of at least two catecholamines is measured in a sample of biological fluid from said subject.

Abstract: New compounds of the general formula Xm-G-CLn are described as well as methods for their production and use in the analysis, detection and purification of target molecules. These constitute multivalent chelator-compounds with an affinity-tag binding to metal-chelator-complexes which can selectively modify and/or immobilize target molecules by a multitude of probes or functional units.

Abstract: There is provided a lateral flow immunoassay test device. The test device comprises a test strip. The test strip comprises a test membrane having a translucent section including a control zone and a test zone. The device is adapted to house the test strip such that at least the translucent section is exposable to ambient light. The device comprises a backing structure for backing the test strip which comprises a first optical detector for detecting ambient light which has passed through the test zone, and a second optical detector for detecting ambient light which has passed through the translucent section in a further zone outside of the test and control zones. Using the detector outputs an amount of analyte in a test liquid may be calculated.

Abstract: A flexible, integrated, urine-based diagnostic device designed such that one or more diagnostic channels are integrated into the body of the device. Each diagnostic channel is designed to contain an immunoassay to detect the presence of a selected analyte so that the device can return a visible readout indicating the presence of the analyte. The flexibility of the device aids the user in the sample collection process.

Abstract: Provided are methods for aiding in diagnosing autoimmune diseases in a mammal, comprising contacting a biological sample that is not a tear sample from the mammal with an antibody that specifically binds to a first polypeptide selected from the group Ctss, Ctsh, Ctsr, Ctsw, Ctsz, Ifng, IL-6ra, IL-10, IL-10ra, IL-15, Tnfa, Apo-F, or Lcn-2 or a second polypeptide selected from the group lactoperoxidase, lactoferrin or lysozyme under conditions favoring the formation of an antibody-polypeptide complex, and determining the amount of complex formed, wherein an increased formation of antibody-first-polypeptide complex or a decreased formation of antibody-second-polypeptide complex as compared to a suitable control, indicates a likely positive diagnosis of an autoimmune disease for the mammal, thereby aiding in the diagnosis. Methods of treating the autoimmune diseases are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and kits for sampling mucous from within a sinus to determine if a single sample includes one or more bacterial types indicating bacterial sinusitis.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel interfering peptides having peptide sequence S with between 7 and 12 amino acids, originating from the peptide sequence of an antigenic protein of a micro-organism M, the sequence S being aligned with a peptide sequence S? with between 7 and 12 amino acids originating from the peptide sequence of a target protein of a micro-organism M? that is different from the micro-organism M, provided that: sequences S and S? have at least 50% identity over their length of 7 to 12 amino acids and at least 4 identical or analogous contiguous amino acids; and their length is identical or they have 1 or 2 different amino acids distributed at one and/or the other end of the sequences. The invention also relates to a method for the in vitro immunoassay-based detection of the presence of a micro-organism M? or M in a biological sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a genetically encoded fluorescent sensor for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, as well as methods of preparation and uses thereof. In one aspect, this invention relates to a sensor for detecting nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, particularly, a recombinant fluorescent fusion protein sensor for detecting nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. In one specific aspect, this invention relates to a recombinant fluorescent fusion protein sensor for detecting reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH); in another specific aspect, this invention relates to a recombinant fluorescent fusion protein sensor for detecting oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+); in yet another aspect, the invention relates to a recombinant fluorescent fusion protein sensor for detecting the ratio of reduced to oxidized nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of aiding in the prognosis of a subject with oesophageal and/or gastro-oesophageal junctional (GOJ) adenocarcinoma, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a sample from the subject, (b) determining the expression level of biomarkers TRIM44 and SIRT2 in said sample, and either (i) determining the expression level of biomarker PAPPS2 in said sample; or (ii) determining the expression level of biomarkers WT1 and EGFR in said sample; (c) comparing the expression level of each of said biomarkers to a corresponding reference standard, (d) determining the biomarkers of (b) whose expression is dysregulated compared to the reference standard, (e) inferring from the dysregulated biomarkers identified in (d) the prognosis of 5-year survival, wherein the greater the number of said biomarkers which are dysregulated, the greater the reduction in prognosis of 5-year survival. The invention also relates to kits, uses and devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods useful for diagnosing, monitoring the progression, identifying the location, and monitoring the treatment response in ovarian cancer based on detecting and locating VCAM-1 expression.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating cancer by administering an IL8-CXCR1 pathway inhibitor (e.g., an anti-CXCR1 antibody or Repertaxin) alone or in combination with an additional chemotherapeutic agent such that non-tumorigenic and tumorigenic cancer cells in a subject are killed. The present invention also provides compositions and methods for detecting the presence of and isolating solid tumor stem cells in a patient (e.g., based on the presence of CXCR1 or FBXO21).

Abstract: This invention discloses “Artificially Cleaved Epitope (ACE)” methods, antibodies, reagents, immunoassays, and kits for designing and detecting hidden epitopes/antigens. The ACE methods can detect epitopes that are either absent or poorly accessible naturally to antibodies, and thus must be specifically and artificially created (free terminals) and/or exposed in samples and sample preparations for antibody detection. The ACE structures include, but are not limited to, macromolecule-to-macromolecule conjugation sites, and any types of linear hidden epitopes. The ACE methods comprise ACE antigen design and ACE antigen detection. The ACE methods, antibodies, reagents, immunoassays, and kits are useful in research and discovery, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications. In another aspect, the ACE methods can artificially and specifically expose hidden antigens while reducing the antibody non-specific bindings in all antibody-based applications.

Abstract: The invention provides methods to assess protein stability and to obtain sizing information. In one aspect, the screen comprises a 94 detergent panel and a series of MWCO filtered microplates. A protein of interest is bound to an affinity matrix and aliquoted into a 96-well microplate. Wells containing the immobilized protein are washed in the new detergent and then eluted in the new detergent into a collection plate. Protein not stable in the new detergent is precipitated on the resin and not present in the elutions. Half of the elution is passed through a high (i.e., 300 kDa) MWCO microplate and the other half through a low (i.e., 100 kDa) MWCO microplate. Elutions from the microplates are spotted on a nitrocellulose membrane, visualized by Western analysis (or by some other method), and quantified. The high MWCO provides stability readout and the ratio of low/high kDa provides sizing information.

Abstract: The invention pertains, at least in part, to a method for forming an ordered structure of amphiphilic molecules, such as proteins. The method includes contacting a population of amphiphilic molecules with an interface; compressing said population laterally to an appropriate pressure, such that an ordered structure at the interface is formed. The invention also pertains to the two- and three-dimensional ordered structures that are formed using the planar membrane compression method of the invention.

Abstract: This invention discloses the “Artificially Cleaved Epitope (ACE)” methods, antibodies, reagents, immunoassays, immunoaffinity isolation, and kits for all antibody-based applications of designing, detecting, or isolating the common ACE epitopes/antigens in a sample. The ACE methods can detect or isolate epitopes that are either absent or poorly accessible naturally to antibodies, and thus must be specifically and artificially created (free terminals) and/or exposed in a sample for antibody-based applications. The common ACE structures are those that are the common parts of different macromolecule-to-macromolecule conjugation segments. The ACE methods, antibodies, reagents, immunoassays, and kits are useful in research and discovery, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining blood brain barrier (BBB) damage and treating patients who may have suffered from BBB damage due to an ischemic event are provided. The methods and apparatus involve detecting the presence of cleaved occludin fragments in a sample of blood. According to some embodiments, the method further provides determining the degree of BBB damage based on the concentration of occludin fragments in the sample. In further embodiments the present disclosure provides kits for detecting the presence of occludin fragments in a blood sample.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of diagnosis or of quantitation of fibrosis. An immunoassay is conducted to measure neo-epitope containing protein fragments of collagen type III, collagen type I, collagen type IV, collagen type V, or collagen type VI, elastin, biglycan, decorin, lumican, versican, perlecan, neurocan, brevican, fibromodulin, serglycin, syndecan, betaglycan, vimentin, or C-reactive protein naturally present in a biofluid sample obtained from a patient. An above normal elevation of the measured protein fragments in the patient is associated with the presence or extent of fibrosis.

Abstract: Described herein are assays directed to determining the level of bioavailable or free vitamin D in a blood sample in a subject. The values determined for bioavailable or free vitamin D indicate whether the subject suffers from insufficient levels of vitamin D. Also described herein are methods of treatment for vitamin D insufficiency.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for monitoring subject (e.g., patient) adherence to lurasidone therapy, for example as a component of treating a subject for a mental health disorder such as schizophrenia.

Abstract: A specimen analyzer for continuously measuring a plurality of samples, using a reagent container which comprises a wirelessly writable and readable storage medium is disclosed. A specimen analyzing method is also disclosed. The analyzer comprises a reagent dispenser, a measurement unit, a memory which stores information regarding a remaining amount of the reagent in a reagent container, and a wireless communication unit. The analyzer causes the reagent dispenser to continuously carry out aspiration of the reagent from the reagent container, updates the information in the memory in response to an aspiration of the reagent by the reagent dispenser, and causes the wireless communication unit to write the information in the memory to the storage medium when the continuous aspiration is completed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an automatic analyzer includes a reaction disc, cleaning mechanism, and cover. The reaction disc holds a cuvette which contains a sample and a reagent. The cleaning mechanism is configured to clean the cuvette using a nozzle. The cover is configured to be movable along an axis of the nozzle and to cover an opening of the cuvette.

Abstract: An embodiment of an automated biochemical analyzer is configured to dispense a first reagent, a second reagent, and a sample into a reaction cell to measure a compound liquid thereof. The automated biochemical analyzer includes a first reagent container, a second reagent container, a reagent rack, and a driver. The first reagent container and the second reagent container each include a support and retain the first reagent and the second reagent, respectively. The supports are configured to be connectable to and disconnectable from each other. The reagent rack holds the first reagent container and the second reagent container and allows the first reagent container and the second reagent container to be disconnected for analysis. The driver moves the first reagent container and/or the second reagent container such that the supports are connected to each other upon extraction of the first reagent container and the second reagent container.

Abstract: A method and an automated system for testing liquid samples comprising a reaction vessel transferring device are presented. A first analytical unit for running a first diagnostic test comprises a rotatable first vessel holder detachably holding reaction vessels. A second analytical unit for running a second diagnostic test comprises a stationary linear second vessel holder detachably holding reaction vessels. The transferring device comprises a gripper for gripping a reaction vessel and transfers reaction vessels from the first vessel holder to the second vessel holder and/or vice versa. The device is translatable parallel to the second vessel holder and the gripper moves along a curved path between a picking position and a reaction vessel seat of the second vessel holder.

Abstract: A pitot tube includes a wall that extends longitudinally along an axis. The wall defines an inlet aperture at a longitudinal end of the wall, an outlet aperture opposite the inlet aperture, an interior cavity extending from the inlet aperture to an outlet aperture, a passage extending through and perpendicular to the wall having an outlet along an exterior surface of the wall, and an augmenting feature configured to reduce a static pressure at the outlet of the passage. In another embodiment, a wall defines a passage and an augmenting feature that modifies a flow direction of fluid flowing across an outlet of the passage such that a static pressure of the fluid at the outlet is reduced relative to the wall without the augmenting feature.

Abstract: Provided are a motion recognition apparatus, a motion recognition system and a motion recognition method that enable ‘event motions’ to be recognized with a small number of calculations. The motion recognition system, which recognizes user motions by using sensor data, is configured to be provided with: a cyclical loss detection means for detecting cyclical losses of sensor data when a user is moving; and a recognition processing means for setting data intervals to be used for recognizing motions in accordance with the cyclical losses of sensor data that were detected, and for recognizing user motions on the basis of sensor data for the data intervals that have been set.

Abstract: A shock detection system with a vehicle at rest includes a parking mechanism for locking rotation of a drive shaft which rotates a wheel of the vehicle, a revolution sensor for detecting a revolution speed of the drive shaft, and a shock detector for detecting a shock to the vehicle based on a magnitude and a frequency of variation in detection values of the revolution speed of the drive shaft detected by the revolution sensor in a state where the rotation of the drive shaft is locked by the parking mechanism.

Abstract: An acceleration sensitive indicator for indicating a centrifugation status of a biological sample, a sample container comprising the indicator, a centrifuge for centrifuging samples and an analytical system for analyzing centrifuged samples are disclosed. The indicator comprises at least one closed chamber, formed between two opposite surfaces, that comprises an indication zone that comprises at least two fluid transfer zones or at least one particle transfer zone. The at least one fluid transfer zone comprises a solid carrier phase and a fluid stabilized in the solid carrier phase or at least one non-stabilized non-Newtonian fluid having thixotropic and/or shear thinning properties. The at least one particle transfer zone comprises a particle stabilizing fluid comprising stabilized dispersed particles. The fluid or particles have a distribution with respect to the indication zone changeable upon application of a g-force above a threshold value, the change of distribution indicating the centrifugation status.

Abstract: A micromechanical sensor device, having a first unhoused sensor unit, and at least one second unhoused sensor unit, the sensor units being functionally connected to one another, the sensor units being essentially vertically configured one over the other so that a sensor unit having a larger footprint completely covers a sensor unit having a smaller footprint.

Abstract: A test probe structure having a planar surface and contact locations matched to test hardware is provided. The fabrication of the test probe structure addresses problems related to the possible deformation of base substrates during manufacture. Positional accuracy of contact locations and planarity of base substrates is achieved using dielectric layers, laser ablation, injection molded solder or redistribution layer wiring, and planarization techniques.

Abstract: A device under test (DUT) has terminals connected to electrically conductive contacts which are in turn connect to a load board and to a test signal source. A second set of kelvin terminals are likewise connected to the DUT, but by pass the load board for connection to a test signal source. The kelvin terminals extend distally away from the DUT and are bonded to a flex circuit at their distal ends so that they make electrical and mechanical contact with the flex circuit. An intermediary terminal block receives the flex circuit and a ribbon cable or other wire connects to a test signal source. The entire circuit then circumvents the use of the load board.

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 test fixture generally includes a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) configured to regulate the temperature of a device under test (DUT). The test fixture may further include a device carrier configured to secure the DUT in a desired position relative to the TEC and a spring-operated pin configured to generate a desired contact pressure between the DUT and the TEC. The desired contact pressure may be selected to achieve a thermal coupling between the DUT and the TEC that maintains the temperature of the DUT at a desired operation level.

Abstract: A Rogowski coil in a sensor unit has voltage induced by a conductor surrounded by the Rogowski coil. The voltage is integrated to represent current which is converted to digital data representing current in the conductor and sent wirelessly to a multimeter. The sensor unit may receive control signals from the multimeter. A plurality of sensor units may be networked and controlled by a remote control apparatus.

Abstract: A device for measuring electrical current in a line may include, among other things, a Hall effect sensor wherein a first response is generated by electrical current in the line; a current transformer disposed with the line extending axially therethrough and connected in series to the Hall effect sensor wherein a second response is generated by the electrical current in the line. An equalizer may be connected to the Hall effect sensor and to the current transformer and may be configured to flatten the first and second responses relative to each other. The permeability magnetic path length and cross section of the current transformer is selected such that low frequency roll-off of the current transformer is at a lower frequency than high frequency roll-off of the Hall effect sensor.

Abstract: Sensor devices disclosed herein allow multiple analytes or organisms to be individually tagged and selectively detected. When a binding event occurs one or more nanoswitches close and the corresponding array resistance value produces a voltage imbalance in the Wheatstone Bridge. The voltage detected by the voltage meter will then exhibit unique value change corresponding to the particular nanoswitche(s) in the array that are closed due to a binding event. Similarly the same functionalization chemistry can be used on all nanoswitches so that the voltage detected by the voltage meter corresponds to concentration levels of the target analyte. Multiple functionalization chemistries on each switch can also be used to improve selectivity for more complex analytes. In some disclosed embodiments, the Wheatstone bridge voltage is tied to a predetermined resistance change rather than to smaller resistance changes that would occur from functionalization of one leg of a nanowire Wheatstone bridge.

Abstract: A method and a device for counting energization events. The device comprises a connector member for connecting to an energizable element; a sampling module coupled to the connector member, the sampling module configured to detect energization of the energizable element; a count module coupled to the sampling module, the count module configured to count a number of detected energization events of the energizable element.

Abstract: Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus for sensing a voltage level of an output voltage that is selected from at least two voltage supplies, including: a maximum voltage generator circuit configured (i) to determine a voltage supply among the at least two voltage supplies that has a higher voltage level and (ii) to output a maximum voltage signal having a voltage level corresponding to the higher voltage level; and a sensing module configured to selectively sense the output voltages, the sensing module comprising a switch circuit configured to apply the maximum voltage signal to completely turn off supply of the output voltage when the output voltage is not to be sensed at the sensing module.

Abstract: A circuit for sensing current in a capacitive network. A first capacitor carries a first current. A second capacitor is connected to the first capacitor thereby forming a current divider. The second capacitor carries a second current which is proportional to the first current. A transimpedance amplifier is connected to the second capacitor and has a voltage output that is proportional to the second current. Using a current feedback amplifier as the transimpedance amplifier significantly improves bandwidth and stability.

Abstract: A voltage to current converter is provided for use with a current measuring device, said current measuring device being operable to provide an output voltage which is an analog of a current to be measured. The converter is arranged to provide an output current which is an analog of the current to be measured. The converter comprises an electronic controller, a switching amplifier and means for measuring the output current as an analog voltage and providing a measure of said analog voltage to the electronic controller.

Abstract: A system for automatic identification of a device or appliance includes: at least one sensor associatable with the device or appliance to be identified, and able to monitor an evolution in time of an electrical quantity indicative of device or appliance energy consumption; an analyzer communicating with the at least one sensor including receiving reports of the monitored electrical quantity, and automatically identifying the device or appliance by analyzing the evolution in time of the monitored electric quantity. The analyzing calculates a cross-correlation between the evolution in time of the monitored electric quantity and at least one reference pattern representative of at least one sample device or appliance; and when more than one sample device or appliance is included in a candidate list, identifies the device or appliance by performing a selection among the candidates based on characteristic parameters related to the respective calculated cross-correlations.

Abstract: Methods and systems may provide for identifying, and distinguishing between electrical loads using time and frequency domain analysis of at least one property of an alternating current during a transient event. In one example, time and frequency domain features may be computed from the voltage signatures of an ON event. A support vector machine classifier may then be trained using the feature vectors (including the time and frequency domain features) for known devices. The trained support vector machine may classify or identify an unknown electrical device using a feature vector as input.

Abstract: A circuit includes a stacked circuit layer, a plurality of test contact points, and a comparator. The stacked circuit layer includes a plurality of reference capacitors each having a reference capacitance. Each of the test contact points is electrically connecting to an under-test capacitor of an under-test module. The comparator compares the reference capacitance of one of the reference capacitors with an under-test capacitance of the under-test capacitor corresponding to one of the test contact points to measure a range of the under-test capacitance.

Abstract: A method for evaluating signal attenuation of an impedance member includes setting at least one ideal attenuation of an ideal impedance member, setting at least one attenuation range for the at least one ideal attenuation, measuring at least one first test attenuation at a first test signal frequency of the subject impedance member, measuring at least one second test attenuation at a second test signal frequency of the subject impedance member, comparing the at least one first test attenuation and the at least one second test attenuation with the at least one attenuation range for the at least one ideal attenuation, determining whether the at least one first test attenuation and the at least one second test attenuation fall within the at least one attenuation range and performing a troubleshooting function on the subject impedance member if the at least one first test attenuation or the at least one second test attenuation fall outside the at least one attenuation range.

Abstract: In one embodiment a method to evaluate a shielding effectiveness of an enclosed structure, comprising collecting synthetic aperture data from an electromagnetic transmission originating from within the enclosed structure to generate a synthetic aperture dataset, performing angular spectrum processing on the synthetic aperture dataset to generate an angle of arrival dataset and determining a shielding effectiveness parameter from the angle of arrival dataset. Other embodiments may be described.

Abstract: An inventive antenna comprises two antenna elements forming a planar slotline antenna. The antenna furthermore comprises absorber elements surrounding the antenna elements on two layers. The absorber elements are shaped to partially cover the antenna elements and partially not cover the antenna elements. Moreover, they are shaped to dampen at least a dipole-mode of the antenna elements and not to dampen a slotline-mode of the antenna elements.

Abstract: An electronic device for generating an error signal in response to an electrostatic discharge perturbation is described. The device may comprise: a detection unit for generating a detection signal in response to said electrostatic discharge perturbation, said detection signal correlating in time with said electrostatic discharge perturbation; a clock for generating a clock signal having a clock period; and a protection unit for generating an error signal in response to said detection signal only when a duration of said detection signal exceeds a predefined multiple of said clock period. A method of generating an error signal in response to an electrostatic discharge perturbation, for protecting electronic circuitry, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for detecting a sensor that is stuck in range includes computing a variation value for each of a first signal and a second signal generated by a respective first and second sensor, wherein the first and second signals are correlated signals. The variation value for each of the first and second signals is computed for the same diagnostic period, such that when one of the first and second sensors is generating a signal which is stuck in range during the diagnostic period, the signal stuck in range will be characterized by a variation value which is much less than the variation value of the correlated signal. The magnitude of difference between the variation values of the first and second signals can be compared to a predetermined fault threshold to diagnose a sensor stuck in range.

Abstract: The apparatus for diagnosing malfunction of a high voltage relay includes: first and second relays configured to connect or disconnect a battery and a circuit using the battery as a power source in each electrode; a voltage measuring unit configured to measure a first voltage between a battery side terminal or a circuit side terminal, among terminals of the first relay, and a circuit side terminal or a battery side terminal, among terminals of the second relay, and measure a second voltage between the battery side terminals or between the circuit side terminals; and a controller configured to determine whether the first or second relay malfunctions based on the first and second voltage values measured by the voltage measuring unit by controlling connection and disconnection of the first or second relay.

Abstract: An insulation test apparatus and method for a circuit board having a plurality of wiring patterns formed thereon includes: selection means for selecting wiring patterns to be tested, power supply means for sending a predetermined electrical output between a first object to be measured and a target object to be measured; measurement means for measuring an electrical signal between the first object to be measured and the target object to be measured; and calculation means for calculating the resistance of an insulation failure portion between the first object to be measured and the target object to be measured.

Abstract: In the ground fault detecting circuit, one terminals of first to third resistance elements are connected to first to third AC lines, respectively, the other terminals of the first to third resistance elements are commonly connected to one terminal of a fourth resistance element, and the other terminal of the fourth resistance element is connected to a line of a ground voltage. On the basis of a voltage across the terminals of the fourth resistance element, the ground fault detecting circuit detects whether a ground fault has occurred or not. Since a current does not flow through the fourth resistance element in the normal state and flows through the fourth resistance element after the occurrence of a ground fault, it is possible to detect the occurrence of the ground fault at a high accuracy.