Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards characterizing liquids through the use of magnetic discs that rotate in response to dynamic magnetic fields. In some embodiments, a light beam is transmitted into the liquid while the magnetic discs rotate, and one or more parameters a light beam signal associated with the transmitted light beam are identified. Various characteristics of the liquid may be detected based on the one or more parameters of the light beam signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and/or kits for detecting an analyte in a sample. Some embodiments provide an analyte detection system, kit, and method of using the same, comprising: a first agent comprising at least one tag and capable of binding to the analyte; a second agent covalently bound to a plurality of peptide tags and capable of binding to the analyte; a first bead comprising a binder capable of binding with the tagged first agent; and a second bead comprising an anti-peptide agent capable of binding with at least one of the plurality of covalently bound peptide tags.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a magnetic platform for direct and multiplex immune-based detection of trace amount of protein biomarkers for cancers, neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's disease

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting various analytes, characterized by the following steps: a) providing separation particles containing, on their surface, firstly means of binding the analyte to be identified and secondly means of separating the analyte bound to the particles; b) providing identification particles firstly having, on their surface, means for binding the analyte to be identified and secondly containing on their surface or enclosed therein, means which are capable, after they have been detached or released from the particles, by virtue of their labeling, of generating a signal which serves for identification of the analyte; c) combining analyte, separation particles and identification particles; d) removing and washing the identification particles bound via the analyte by means of the separation particles; e) releasing the means which serve to identify the analyte, characterized in that the means which serve to identify the analyte are coupled reversibly to the identification partic

Abstract: A method includes capturing a signal of a detection substrate exposed to a sample containing a target substance; determining that the detection substrate is in a testable state; and generating an assessment of the presence of the target substance in the sample.

Abstract: The subject invention provides methods and means to detect incidents of accidental or intentional release of chemical and biological toxins into the environment by measuring cellular stress-induced proteins in eukaryotic cells exposed to environmental samples suspected of containing chemical or biological toxins using a highly sensitive on-chip surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)-linked immunosensors assay allowing robust, fast, and reliable in-the-field global sensing of environmental threats in resource-limited settings.

Abstract: A portable assay instrument for rapid detection and quantification of biomarkers is described. The instrument may include components to automate steps of an assay. Assay-specific agitation during an incubation phase in which capture binding agents, detection binding agents, and conjugates are present in sample wells can appreciably increase the speed of the assay and improve assay sensitivity. The instrument may further include an optical detector and processor for automated probing of the sample wells and computation of biomarker concentration.

Abstract: Provided herein are assay plates and uses thereof. In particular, provided herein are assay plates comprising optofluidic channels and microposts for use in performing biological and chemical assays and detecting assay results. The described plates provide reduced assay time and sample volume, and increased sensitivity and specificity in biological and chemical assays.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of identifying a subject having or at risk for having Celiac disease by determining a level of IL-2 in a sample from a subject.

Abstract: Biomarkers useful for diagnosing and assessing inflammatory disease activity, for prediction of risk for progressive spinal and joint damage, in particular for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and for generating a dataset are provided, along with kits for measuring expression of the biomarkers. The invention also provides predictive models, based on the biomarkers, as well as computer systems, and software embodiments of the models for scoring and optionally classifying samples.

Abstract: Described herein are aqueous soluble polymersomes that encapsulate one or more hydrophobic fluorescent polymers and methods of their preparation and use.

Abstract: There is provided a diagnostic reagent useful to determine whether an animal has a tuberculosis infection or has been exposed to a tuberculosis agent, for example a Mycobacterium. The reagent is useful to distinguish between such an animal and an animal which has been vaccinated against a tuberculosis infection.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided where a transfected cell that produces a hybrid protein with a reporter-containing portion and a botulinum toxin cleavage site is contacted with a botulinum toxin in media having a reduced sodium concentration, thereby increasing the sensitivity. Such media can also be used in combination with elevated cell culture temperatures. Kits that include such media and a botulinum toxin are also described.

Abstract: A method of detecting the presence or absence of alpha methylacyl A coenzyme racemase (AMACR) is provided. In one embodiment of the method, a fluid including a secretion chosen from at least one of a prostate secretion or a secretion from an accessory glad or a cellular component of the fluid is obtained from a subject. The fluid is contacted with a reagent for detecting AMACR under conditions such that the reagent detects AMACR in the semen. The level of AMACR is determined such as by comparing it to a standard curve. The fluid can be semen or a prostate secretion or another fluid. A kit that can be used with the method is also provided.

Abstract: Provided are methods of isolating IgG-bound (e.g., IgG-bound or protein G-recognized IgG-bound) extracellular vesicles from a sample containing a biological fluid from a subject, where the IgG (e.g., IgG2 or protein G-recognized IgG) is bound to an antigen present on the surface of the extracellular vesicle and the IgG (e.g., IgG2 or protein G-recognized IgG) is an endogenous antibody. Also provided are methods of diagnosing a cancer in a subject that include detecting the presence of one or more tumor antigens in an isolated IgG-bound (e.g., IgG2-bound or protein G-recognized IgG-bound) extracellular vesicle, and methods of treating a subject that include administering one or more cancer therapeutics to a subject having an IgG-bound (e.g., IgG2-bound or protein G-recognized IgG-bound) extracellular vesicle that contains one or more tumor antigens.

Abstract: There are provided, inter alia, viral compositions including a viral particle in contact with a polymer and the polymer is linked to a recognition moiety, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Methods are provided for treating a gastric cancer patient. A specific Met fragment peptide is precisely quantitated by SRM-mass spectrometry directly in gastric tumor cells collected from gastric tumor tissue that was obtained from the cancer patient and compared to a reference level. If the Met peptide is below the reference level a second therapeutic regimen is used to treat the patient whereas if the Met peptide is above the reference level then a first therapeutic regimen combining, for example, the second regimen with one or more Met inhibitor therapeutic agents may be used to treat the patient.

Abstract: Methods for detecting and measuring metabolic changes useful in the detection of cancer, and in differentiating between ovarian cancer and benign ovarian tumor are described, as well as the unexpected and valuable combination of detecting both lipidomic and aqueous metabolites. Two independent LC-MS-based metabolomics platforms, including a global lipidomics approach, were used to screen for differentially abundant plasma metabolites between cases with serous ovarian carcinoma and controls with benign serous ovarian tumor. The identified biomarkers can be used to distinguish between ovarian cancer and benign tumors. Standards and kits for use with the methods for detecting cancer are also provided.

Abstract: A mutant hydrolase optionally fused to a protein of interest is provided. The mutant hydrolase is capable of forming a bond with a substrate for the corresponding nonmutant (wild-type) hydrolase which is more stable than the bond formed between the wild-type hydrolase and the substrate and has at least two amino acid substitutions relative to the wild-type hydrolase. Substrates for hydrolases comprising one or more functional groups are also provided, as well as methods of using the mutant hydrolase and the substrates of the invention. Also provided is a fusion protein capable of forming a stable bond with a substrate and cells which express the fusion protein.

Abstract: Methods are provided for determining the presence of an analyte present in a liquid sample involving: contacting the liquid sample with a predetermined amount of an analogue of the analyte and an excess of a first binding moiety, wherein the first binding moiety is capable of binding each of the analyte and the analogue independently; contacting the mixture with a second binding moiety; and determining the level of a signal indicative of the presence of the analogue-first binding moiety complex bound to the second binding moiety, wherein if the level of the signal determined is lower than the level of a maximum signal determined when no analyte is present, then analyte is present in the sample. Corresponding kits are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides non-invasive assays to reliably identify women who have or are predisposed to developing preeclampsia (PE). The method comprises measuring a level of annexin A2 (ANXA2) in a test sample obtained of a subject; and identifying the subject as having preeclampsia or at an increased risk of developing preeclampsia when the level of ANXA2 in the test sample is decreased in relation to a control sample. Methods to treat subject identified as having PE or at an increased risk of developing preeclampsia are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and reagents useful for analyzing protein-protein interfaces such as interfaces between a presenter protein (e.g., a member of the FKBP family, a member of the cyclophilin family, or PIN1) and a target protein. In some embodiments, the target and/or presenter proteins are intracellular proteins. In some embodiments, the target and/or presenter proteins are mammalian proteins.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for predicting the clinical sensitivity of an inflammatory disease (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis) and a subject's response to treatment with apremilast using the level of a biomarker (e.g., MCP1). Also provided herein are methods for treating an inflammatory disease.

Abstract: A method relating to preparation of a biological sample for analysis by flow cytometry including contacting a drawn blood sample with a protective agent that is substantially free of formaldehyde and analyzing the white blood cells of the contacted sample for protein epitopes after at least about twenty-four hours after contacting.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of homeostasis analysis. More particularly, it relates to systems and methods for analyzing persistent homeostatic perturbations, i.e. chronic stress, by measuring levels of biomarkers that are related to chronic stress. This invention is also directed to systems and methods for analyzing the molecular mechanisms of chronic stress.

Abstract: Described herein are, inter alia, methods for diagnosing and treating arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) by detecting cardiac intercalated disk proteins, e.g., desmosomal proteins, mechanical and gap junction proteins, in buccal cells. Exemplary desmosomal and gap junction proteins that can be evaluated in the methods described herein include plakoglobin, plakophilin 1, desmoplakin, and Cx43. The methods can also include selecting and/or administering a treatment for ACM to the subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel marker for diagnosing fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). More specifically, the present invention provides a method for diagnosing FMS, comprising measurement of (1) the relative frequency of MAITs to the total T cells in a sample; or (2) the expression level of one or more surface antigens selected from the group consisting of CD4, CD8, CCR4, CCR7, CXCR1, NKp80, CD150, CD107a, CD8?, CD44 and CXCR4 for MAITs in a sample, wherein the sample is a biological sample collected from a human; and a diagnosis kit for FMS, comprising a means for measuring (1) the relative frequency of MAITs to the total T cells in a sample; or (2) the expression level of one or more surface antigens selected from the group consisting of CD4, CD8, CCR4, CCR7, CXCR1, NKp80, CD150, CD107a, CD8?, CD44 and CXCR4 for MAITs in a sample, wherein the sample is a biological sample collected from a human.

Abstract: A method for predicting, diagnosing and prognosticating a neurodegenerative disease, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and neurodegeneration in Down's syndrome (NDS) using glutaminyl cyclase (QC) as a diagnostic/prognostic indicator. The use of antibodies binding to QC and kits for performing said diagnostic method are also provided.

Abstract: Identification and use of proteins fluorescently labeled and that undergo a change in fluorescence index upon binding bilirubin are described. Probes are disclosed which are labeled at a cysteine or lysine residue and also probes labeled at both cysteine and lysine with two different fluorophores. These probes are useful for determination of unbound bilirubin levels in a fluid sample.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cartridge device for a measuring system for measuring viscoelastic characteristics of a sample liquid. In particular a blood sample, comprising a cartridge body having at least one measurement cavity formed therein and having at least one probe element arranged in said at least one measurement cavity for performing a test on said sample liquid; and a cover being attachable on said cartridge body; wherein said cover covers at least partially said at least one measurement cavity and forms a retaining element for retaining said probe element in a predetermined position within said at least one measurement cavity. The invention is directed to a measurement system and a method for measuring viscoelastic characteristics of a sample liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating and selecting a colony of microorganisms on a culture dish and identifying microorganisms in said selected colony using MALDI. The method comprises the automated steps of locating and selecting a colony of microorganisms on a culture dish; obtaining a sample of said selected colony of microorganisms; depositing at least some of said sample of said selected colony of microorganisms on a target plate; and transferring said target plate with said sample in an apparatus for performing MALDI for identification of said sample of said selected colony of microorganisms. A sample of a colony of microorganisms is automatically deposited on a depositing spot such that the sample covers at most approximately half of said one of the depositing spots of the target plate.

Abstract: Systems and methods that enable automated processing of specimens carried on microscope slides are described herein. In some embodiments, the system can include, for example, a slide ejector assembly having a slide staging device configured to receive a slide and an over-travel inhibitor that includes a first vacuum port positioned to draw a first vacuum between the slide and a standby platform as the slide is moved across at least a portion of the standby platform. The over-travel inhibitor includes a first sensor for detecting a presence of the slide on the standby platform. The system can also include a transfer assembly to transport slides away from the slide ejector assembly. The transfer assembly can include a floating transfer head having a vacuum port for drawing a partial vacuum for holding the slide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a sample is presented. The apparatus comprises a chamber, a first input for inputting a first vessel into the chamber, a second input for inputting a second vessel into the chamber, the second input is different from the first input, a rotor comprising a first compartment for receiving the first vessel and a second compartment for receiving the second vessel, a gripper to grip the first vessel and to transport the first vessel to the first compartment, and a pipettor to pipette a sample from the first vessel and/or second vessel. The rotor rotates between a first position where the first vessel is transportable to the first compartment by the gripper, a second position where the second vessel is loadable into the second compartment, and a third position where the sample of the first vessel and/or second vessel is aspiratable by the pipettor.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving and testing biological samples is described, comprising a laboratory automation system for moving transporting devices of single test tubes containing biological material samples, a testing module of said biological material samples contained in said test tubes adapted to receive linear containers of a plurality of test tubes arranged in a series of consecutive housings along a line, and an interconnection module between said laboratory automation system and said testing module,

Abstract: A laboratory sample distribution system is presented. The laboratory sample distribution system comprises a plurality of container carriers. The container carriers each comprise at least one magnetically active device such as, for example, at least one permanent magnet, and carry a sample container containing a sample. The system further comprises a transport plane to carry the multiple container carriers and a plurality of electro-magnetic actuators stationary arranged below the transport plane. The electro-magnetic actuators move a container carrier on top of the transport plane by applying a magnetic force to the container carrier. The system also comprises at least one transfer device to transfer a sample item, wherein the sample item is a container carrier, a sample container, part of the sample and/or the complete sample, between the transport plane and a laboratory station such as, for example, a pre-analytical, an analytical and/or a post-analytical station.

Abstract: The technology described herein generally relates to systems for extracting polynucleotides from multiple samples, particularly from biological samples, and additionally to systems that subsequently amplify and detect the extracted polynucleotides. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on multiple samples of nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides. The technology still more particularly relates to automated devices for carrying out pipetting operations, particularly on samples in parallel, consistent with sample preparation and delivery of PCR-ready nucleotide extracts to a cartridge wherein PCR is run.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring the kinematics of at least one rotor of an engine (14), especially a turbomachine, characterised in that the measurement is performed by gamma ray scintigraphy, the method comprising steps consisting in providing the rotor with radioactive tracers, and, during the operation of the engine, detecting the gamma rays emitted by said tracers by means of at least two gamma cameras (30).

Abstract: The invention discloses a bicycle pedaling frequency sensor, comprising a signal acquisition unit arranged on a circuit board and used for acquiring motion acceleration changes and/or angular velocity changes in different rotation directions of a middle axle in real time, a data transmission unit for transmitting the acquired data to a terminal, and a power supply for supplying power to each unit to work. When in use, the pedaling frequency sensor is fixed on the hollow middle axle of a bicycle, and the middle axle, a crank and pedals of the bicycle rotate synchronously; during riding motion, acceleration change and/or angular velocity change data is acquired in real time and transmitted to the corresponding processing terminal via the data transmission unit for processing, real-time rotating frequency of the middle axle of the bicycle is obtained, and then pedaling frequency data during riding is acquired.

Abstract: A spring probe includes a needle, a spring sleeve sleeved onto and fixed to the needle and having non-spring sections and at least one spring section, and an outer sleeve sleeved onto the spring sleeve and covering the at least one spring section. A part of the outer sleeve is connected with the spring sleeve. A probe device includes the spring probe, and a probe seat having dies piled on one another, including upper and lower dies. The spring probe is inserted through the dies in a way that a bottom end of the spring sleeve is abutted on the lower die.

Abstract: An impedance measuring circuit has an amplifier connected to a target and to amplify an input AC voltage with a gain corresponding to an impedance in the target and to output the voltage, and a voltage level setting circuit to set a DC voltage level in an output node of the amplifier when a first capacitor is connected between one end of the target and an output node of the amplifier and a second capacitor is connected between another end of the target and a node with a voltage correlated with the input AC voltage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring arrangement having a two-wire field device comprising a control unit, a sensor, and a radio module, a superordinate unit to which the field device is connected via a two-wire line, wherein signals from the field device are transmitted to the superordinate unit at least as a current injected by the field device in a predetermined range to the superordinate unit, wherein an error current below the predetermined range signals an error, and a maintenance current above the predetermined range signals a maintenance mode, and the field device is designed in such a manner that the maintenance current feeds the radio module in the radio operation.

Abstract: Equipment (1) for measuring the energy consumption of branches (11-N) of an electrical network (10) which comprises a single voltages measuring device (2) connected upstream of the branches of the network so as to measure the voltages of the network in a centralized manner, and several dedicated current measuring devices (3) connected to each branch of the network so as to measure the currents on the branches of the network. The measuring devices (2, 3) are connected by network cable (6) allowing digital communication of the voltage measurements to the current measuring devices (3), which comprises a processing unit (33) for calculating the energy consumption of the analyzed branch of the network. The voltage and current measurements are performed by sampling, and the sampling frequencies are compared and adjusted automatically so as to synchronize the current samples with the voltage samples.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices relating to the extraction of parameters for a grid voltage. A multi-block hybrid PLL or hybrid observer receives grid voltage. The grid voltage is received by a harmonic/noise decomposer block which separates the harmonic/noise component of the incoming voltage from the clean voltage signal. The clean voltage signal is then output from the PLL/observer. The clean voltage signal is also sent to an amplitude estimator block which estimates the amplitude of the clean voltage signal. The harmonic/noise component of the input voltage signal is sent, along with the clean voltage signal, to a frequency estimator block. The frequency estimator block then determines the phase angle of the incoming signal as well as the frequency of the incoming voltage signal.

Abstract: The resonant frequency of a reactive circuit is determined in situ by determining phase angle differences between an A.C. driving voltage applied to a transformer primary winding and an induced alternating current in the transformer secondary winding. The phase angle is determined indirectly by detecting when the driving voltage applied to the primary changes its polarity and when an induced current in the secondary changes its polarity. The time difference between those polarity changes indicates whether the voltage leads or lags the current or is in phase. A driving voltage frequency is adjusted in real time until the phase angle differences disappear. A duty cycle of the driving signal applied to the primary is also adjusted to change the voltage induced in the secondary winding. The duty cycle is adjusted by changing either a phase of primary driving voltages or the duty cycle of primary driving voltages.

Abstract: Aspects and embodiments are generally directed to electric field detector systems and methods. In one example, an electric field detector system includes a proof-mass including a source of concentrated charge, a plurality of supports, each individual support of the plurality supports being coupled to the proof-mass, a plurality of sensors, each individual sensor of the plurality of sensors positioned to measure a resonant frequency of a corresponding support of the plurality of supports, and a controller coupled to each individual sensor of the plurality of sensors, the controller configured to measure a characteristic of an electric field imparted on the proof-mass based on at least a first resonant frequency of the measured resonant frequencies.

Abstract: An apparatus for mapping and accuracy-testing an electromagnetic navigation system includes a sensor sensing electromagnetic vectors of an electromagnetic field, a carriage moving the sensor along a first direction and a second direction different from the first direction, a first position detector operatively associated with the sensor and detecting a first position of the sensor along the first direction, a second position detector operatively associated with the sensor and detecting a second position of the sensor along the second direction, and a controller operatively associated with the sensor and controlling movements of the carriage along the first and second directions and mapping the electromagnetic field based on the sensed electromagnetic vectors at predetermined positions in a coordinate system defined by the first direction, the second direction, and a third direction perpendicular to a plane defined by the first and second directions.

Abstract: An electric leakage detecting device of an in-vehicle power supply system includes a detection signal generating unit which applies AC voltage to a voltage applying point on an electric cable connecting a power converting circuit which converts power from a power source to AC power to supply to a motor to the power source; a voltage measuring unit which measures voltage at a voltage measuring point between the detection signal generating unit and the voltage applying point; and an electric leakage detecting unit which detects whether there is electric leakage between the power converting circuit and the motor according to the voltage at the voltage measuring point measured by the voltage measuring unit when a control device of the motor provides an instruction to maintain a rotational angle constant to the motor.

Abstract: A ground fault detection circuit comprising a fuse and a fuse detect circuit. The fuse and the fuse detect circuit are arranged to be coupled in parallel between a reference point and a second point of a monitored circuit for which ground faults are to be detected. The fuse detect circuit is further arranged to detect a fuse break indicative of a ground fault condition and disable at least a portion of the monitored circuit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for measuring an electrical current, particularly an AC electrical current, for example to measure a frequency response of a transformer. In a disclosed arrangement, a connection is made of a current input terminal for receiving a current to be measured to an input terminal of a differential amplifier via a portion of a resistive network. The resistive network holds the current input terminal at a ground voltage and the two input terminals of the amplifier at a common finite voltage above the ground voltage. The amplifier provides as output a measure of the current to be measured.

Abstract: The service life of electrical equipment is predicted using a thermal history sensor mounted in the electrical equipment. At least one thermal history sensor is mounted inside or on an outer wall surface of electrical equipment. The thermal history sensor includes dissimilar metal joints, and the resistance values of the dissimilar metal joints change in response to the amount of intermetallic compound growing in the dissimilar metal joints due to the temperature inside the electrical equipment or of the outer wall thereof during operation. A determining mechanism periodically or irregularly monitors and stores in memory the resistance values of the dissimilar metal joints from the thermal history sensor, and uses the stored history of resistance values to predict the service life of the electrical equipment.