Abstract: Methods for screening molecules or moieties for their ability to crosslink are disclosed. An aromatic carbonate, aromatic ester, or aliphatic ester group is attached to the molecule to mimic the presence of a polymer. A solution of the modified molecule is irradiated, and the first-order kinetic rate constant is measured. If the rate constant is high enough or a threshold amount of the molecule is consumed, a polymer is synthesized using the molecule/moiety as an endcap or co-monomer. The polymer is irradiated, and the increase in crosslink density and the gel formation percentage are determined. These parameters, if high enough, indicate the suitability of the molecule/moiety to act as a crosslinking agent, particularly for polycarbonates. Alternatively, the molecule/moiety may be identified as suitable solely by its first-order kinetic rate constant.

Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting the length of analytes and/or sequencing analytes are provided in which two or more electrical signals are obtained as an analyte traverses a fluidic channel. Detection of the relative position of probes hybridized to a biopolymer and/or the length of the analyte (e.g., a biopolymer) does not rely on the absolute time between detection events of a given electrical signal to determine a distance associated with the biopolymer. Instead, multiple signals are obtained (e.g., as functions of time) corresponding to a plurality of detector volumes at known locations along a fluidic channel through which the biopolymer passes, and the distances are determined from the multiple signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating Alport syndrome in a subject by the administration of an agent that can block the activation of RAC1/CDC42 members of the rho family of small GTPases. Such agents include, but are not limited to, the endothelin receptor antagonists such as bosentan and letairis and neutralizing antibodies to endothelin-1. Such administration prevents invasion of the glomerular capillary tufts by mesangial lamellipodial/filopodial processes, blocks mesangial process invasion abrogates the deposition of laminin 211 in the GBM, and prevents the activation of maladaptive expression of proteins known to contribute to glomerular disease progression.

Abstract: The present invention provides high throughput assays for identifying compounds that modulate a contractile function, as well as devices suitable for use in these assays.

Abstract: A method for stabilizing quantum dots is disclosed, wherein the method includes the introduction of a first monomer into a miniemulsion system. In certain embodiments, the first monomer is a crosslinking polymer. In certain embodiments, a second monomer is added to the system to stabilize the quantum dots. In addition, a method of increasing the brightness of the quantum dots by adding a redox initiator system at a low temperature to reduce fluorescence quenching is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of detecting a disease state or disease susceptibility in a mammalian subject which comprises detecting an antibody in a test sample comprising a bodily fluid from said mammalian subject wherein said antibody is a biological marker of a disease state or disease susceptibility, the method comprising: (a) contacting said test sample with a plurality of different amounts of an antigen specific for said antibody, (b) detecting the amount of specific binding between said antibody and said antigen, (c) plotting or calculating a curve of the amount of said specific binding versus the amount of antigen for each amount of antigen used in step (a) and (d) determining the presence or absence of said disease state or disease susceptibility based upon the amount of specific binding between said antibody and said antigen at each different antigen concentration used.

Abstract: A method uses an Dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC) surfactant based bio film that reacts with a material in a known manner, and a device that utilizes such a biofilm, to detect material of interest is provided. The principles of the present invention are particularly useful in detecting/measuring a material.

Abstract: A method for performing a multiplexed diagnostic assay, such as for two or more different targets in a sample, is described. One embodiment comprised contacting the sample with two or more specific binding moieties that bind specifically to two or more different targets. The two or more specific binding moieties are conjugated to different haptens, and at least one of the haptens is an oxazole, a pyrazole, a thiazole, a nitroaryl compound other than dinitrophenyl, a benzofurazan, a triterpene, a urea, a thiourea, a rotenoid, a coumarin, a cyclolignan, a heterobiaryl, an azo aryl, or a benzodiazepine. The sample is contacted with two or more different anti-hapten antibodies that can be detected separately. The two or more different anti-hapten antibodies may be conjugated to different detectable labels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for determining the probability of transplant rejection based on the determination in the subject recipient of the transplant of the levels of antibodies specific for hyaluronic acid. The invention relates as well to methods for attenuating transplant rejection and compositions to prevent transplant rejection based on the depletion of anti-hyaluronic acid antibodies from the subject.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for detection of biological substances in nasal specimen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting food poisoning bacteria, and more particularly, to a method for rapidly and quantitatively isolating food poisoning bacteria contents which contaminate food and the like. The method according to the present invention is characterized by including the steps of: introducing magnetic nanoparticles which can bind to bacteria into a sample for measuring the bacteria so as to bind the magnetic nanoparticles to the bacteria; isolating the magnetic nanoparticles; passing the nanoparticles which are isolated by using magnetism through a solution having high viscosity so as to separate the magnetic nanoparticles to which bacteria are bound from magnetic nanoparticles to which no bacteria are bound; and quantifying the magnetic nanoparticles to which bacteria are bound.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sample processing. A device may be provided, capable of receiving the sample, and performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing multiple assays. The device may comprise one or more modules that may be capable of performing one or more of a sample preparation, sample assay, and detection step. The device may be capable of performing the steps using a small volume of sample.

Abstract: Devices for detecting a particle in a fluid sample are provided. The device includes a segmented microfluidic conduit configured to carry a flow of a fluid sample, where the conduit includes one or more nodes and two or more sections, and a node is positioned between adjacent sections of the conduit. The device also includes a detector configured to detect a change in current through the conduit. Also provided are methods of using the devices as well as systems and kits that include the devices. The devices, systems and methods find use in a variety of different applications, including diagnostic assays.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, inter alia, genetically encoded recombinant peptide biosensors comprising analyte-binding framework portions and signaling portions, wherein the signaling portions are present within the framework portions at sites or amino acid positions that undergo a conformational change upon interaction of the framework portion with an analyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polypeptide or protein for use in a method of diagnosis or treatment of an autoimmune disease in a subject, characterized in that said polypeptide or protein comprises one or more epitopes derived from the protein DPPX. Further, the invention relates to a nucleic acid or vector encoding such polypeptide, to a cell comprising such a vector, to an in vitro diagnostic method and test kit involving such polypeptide, to a pharmaceutical composition comprising such polypeptide, to a medical device coated with such polypeptide or pharmaceutical composition and to methods for treating an autoimmune disease in a subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of in-vitro detection of an infection with a hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a biological sample, comprising the simultaneous detection of the HCV capsid protein and of an antibody directed against said capsid protein, said method using, for capturing the anti-capsid antibodies, a peptide comprising an antigenic fragment derived from the truncated HCV capsid. The invention also relates to the peptide for capturing the anti-capsid antibodies and the kits comprising it.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for selecting a suitable anticancer drug therapy, and for identifying and predicting response, for the treatment of colorectal cancer. The present invention also provides methods for monitoring the status of colorectal cancer and monitoring how a patient with colorectal cancer is responding to anticancer drug therapy. The present invention further provides methods for the rational selection of therapy with one or more anticancer drugs tailored to target signal transduction pathway components with dysregulated expression and/or activation levels in patients with somatic mutations in an oncogene.

Abstract: The invention provides anti-mesothelin antibodies and immunoconjugates and methods of using the same.

Abstract: Provided are methods of labeling cells in at least one of a biological tissue, bacteria, and fungi with fluoroquinolone antibiotics (e.g., moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin).

Abstract: Water soluble light harvesting multichromophores that have an ultraviolet absorption maximum are provided. In some embodiments, the multichromophores include a conjugated segment including a fused 6-5-6 tricyclic co-monomer and a UV absorbance-modifying co-monomer. The multichromophores may include an acceptor chromophore covalently linked to the multichromophore in energy-receiving proximity therewith. In some embodiments, a specific binding member is covalently linked to the multichromophore. Also provided are methods of evaluating a sample for the presence of a target analyte and methods of labelling a target molecule using compositions including the light harvesting multichromophores. Kits and systems for practicing the subject methods are also provided.

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

Abstract: This invention relates generally to identifying peptide sequences involved in antibody binding to any protein for synthesis of vaccine treatments. This novel method allows for a more manageable vaccine peptide discovery and specific generation of unique immunogenic peptides from self-tumor associated proteins and/or foreign proteins from infectious organisms for specific and/or enhanced expression only in the presence of the antibody.

Abstract: A method for detecting a list of known biopolymer molecules comprises: calculating, for each biopolymer, a respective list of oligomer molecules predicted to be produced by chemical processing; calculating, for each oligomer molecule, a respective predicted chromatographic elution time period; assigning, for each biopolymer molecule, one or more selected oligomer molecules to be detected, wherein the selecting is performed using weighted selection probabilities determined from the predicted elution times; scheduling a plurality of oligomer detection events of a detection system, wherein each oligomer detection event corresponds to a respective one of the predicted elution time periods; performing the chemical reaction or processing of the sample to generate a processed sample; introducing the processed sample into a chromatographic system; introducing any eluting oligomers into the detection system; and operating the detection system so as to search for each of the selected oligomer molecules in accordance wi

Abstract: The methods described herein enable the evaluation of compounds on subjects to assess their therapeutic efficacy or toxic effects. The target of analysis is the underlying biochemical process or processes (i.e., metabolic process) thought to be involved in disease pathogenesis. Molecular flux rates within the one or more biochemical processes serve as biomarkers and are quantitated and compared with the molecular flux rates (i.e., biomarker) from control subjects (i.e., subjects not exposed to the compounds). Any change in the biomarker in the subject relative to the biomarker in the control subject provides the necessary information to evaluate therapeutic efficacy of an administered drug or a toxic effect and to develop the compound further if desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measuring Troponin I in a sample comprising the steps of providing a sample, contacting the sample with a monoclonal anti-Troponin I antibody coupled to a magnetic label, contacting the sample with a polyclonal anti-Troponin I antibody coupled to a sensor surface and detecting the magnetic label on the sensor surface. The invention further relates to a device and a cartridge for measuring Troponin I in a sample.

Abstract: Methods and reagents are disclosed for conducting assays. Embodiments of the present methods and reagents are concerned with chemiluminescent reagents for determining the presence and/or amount of an analyte in a sample suspected of containing the analyte. The reagent is non-particulate and comprises a binding partner for the analyte and a chemiluminescent composition comprising an olefinic compound and a metal chelate. In embodiments of an assay, a combination is provided that comprises a sample suspected of containing the analyte, a chemiluminescent reagent as described above and a sensitizer reagent capable of generating singlet oxygen. The combination is subjected to conditions for binding of the analyte to the binding partner for the analyte. The sensitizer is activated and the amount of luminescence generated by the chemiluminescent composition is detected wherein the amount of luminescence is related to the amount of the analyte in the sample.

Abstract: An immunoassay method for detecting and determining ‘NBOMe’ family designer drugs is described. Also described are components for use in implementing the method, namely, antibodies, detection agents, solid state devices and kits as well as immunogens used to raise the antibodies.

Abstract: In an automatic analyzing apparatus that analyzes a mixture of a tested sample and a reagent, by selecting the reagent, acquiring cross-check information unique to the kind of the selected reagent, inputting input information for acquiring permission for input of data including an analysis parameter of the selected reagent, and cross-checking the cross-check information and the input information, it is determined whether to permit the input of the data. In a case that it is determined to permit the input of the data, the input of the data is accepted and, based on the analysis parameter reflecting the inputted data, the mixture of the tested sample and the reagent is measured and analysis data is generated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting single and multiple reaction vessels. At least one reaction vessel is provided and at least one tray includes at least two seats for the at least one reaction vessel, and at least one gripper. One of the reaction vessel or the tray is engaged with the gripper at a first position. The gripped element is transported to a second position wherein the gripper is released. A gripping collar is provided both on the reaction vessel and the tray for the gripper to engage. At one transport stage one of the reaction vessel or the tray is engaged with the gripper at a first position by pushing the gripper from above to engage with the gripping collar and in a second stage the transported element is disengaged from the gripper by moving the gripper sideways in relation to the center axis of the gripping collar.

Abstract: This disclosure provides automatic analyzers and reagent wheels thereof. The reagent wheel can have one or more rings of reagent bottle seats that may be used for placing a reagent container and distributed along a circumferential direction. An included angle may be formed between a symmetrical centerline of the reagent container placed on the reagent bottle seat and a radius of a circle where the reagent wheel is located, where the included angle is not equal to zero. Compared with the situation in which the symmetrical centerline of the reagent container overlaps with the radius of the circle where the reagent wheel is located, an improved balance can be achieved between the capacity and the diametric size of the reagent wheel, thus making an improvement in meeting application requirements of the analyzers.

Abstract: A sample processing apparatus comprises a transporting section configured to transport a sample rack that is capable of holding a sample container at a plurality of holding positions, a detecting section that is configured to detect presence or absence of a rack distinction member at a holding position of the sample rack, an aspirating section that is configured to aspirate a sample in the sample container, and a control section that is configured to control an aspirating operation of the aspirating section. The control section changes an aspirating operation with respect to the sample container held in the sample rack based on the presence/absence of the rack distinction member at the holding position of the sample rack.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining an effective wind speed are disclosed. A system includes a first detector, a second detector and a processing unit. The first detector includes a heated temperature-sensing element having a heater and a first temperature sensor, and a first housing at least partially housing the heated temperature-sensing element. The second detector includes a non-heated temperature-sensing element having a second temperature sensor, a second housing at least partially housing the non-heated temperature-sensing element. The processing unit can be adapted to determine the effective wind speed according to a temperature at the heated temperature-sensing element, a temperature at the non-heated temperature-sensing element, and/or a difference between these temperatures and in accordance with an algorithm or table of values.

Abstract: A monitoring device for monitoring a movement profile of a user in the region of an actuating element of an aircraft or spacecraft, having at least one movement sensor which is configured to detect a first monitoring space of the monitoring device and at the same time a second monitoring space of the monitoring device which differs from the first monitoring space. Also a method for monitoring a movement profile of a user in the region of an actuating element of an aircraft or spacecraft, with: detection of a first monitoring space of the monitoring device by at least one movement sensor; and simultaneous detection of a second monitoring space, which is different from the first monitoring space, by the at least one movement sensor.

Abstract: An inertial sensor includes first and second movable elements suspended from a substrate and interconnected by a beam. The second movable element is positioned laterally adjacent to the first movable element, and each of the movable elements has a mass that is asymmetric relative to a rotational axis. A first spring system couples the first movable element to the substrate and a second spring system couples the second movable element to the substrate. The spring systems and the beam enable the movable elements to move together in response to force imposed upon the movable elements. In particular, the first and second movable elements can undergo in-plane torsion motion in response to force, such as acceleration, imposed in a sense direction. Additionally, damping structures may be integrated into the first and second movable elements to effectively increase a damping ratio of the device resulting from the in-plane torsion motion.

Abstract: A method of testing a semiconductor structure is provided, including providing at least a semiconductor structure having an interposer and a semiconductor element disposed on the interposer; disposing the semiconductor structure on a carrier having a supporting portion, with the interposer being supported by the supporting portion; and performing a test process. The semiconductor structure has been tested for its electrical performance prior to packaging, thereby eliminating the necessity for a conductive pathway to pass through an inner circuit of an package substrate. Therefore, the testing process is accelerated and the time is save.

Abstract: A back surface potential lead-out portion has one end portion disposed in a side of a back surface of a semiconductor wafer held by a semiconductor wafer holding portion and the other end portion disposed in a side of a front surface of the semiconductor wafer held by the semiconductor wafer holding portion. The semiconductor wafer and the semiconductor wafer holding portion that holds the semiconductor wafer are movable in an in-plane direction of the semiconductor wafer. In a case where the semiconductor wafer and the semiconductor wafer holding portion that holds the semiconductor wafer are moved in the in-plane direction, a portion of the back surface potential lead-out portion located in the in-plane direction from the semiconductor wafer is fixed close to the outside of a movement region of the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and system for intelligent visualization in the monitoring of process and/or system data used in technical processes and in the operation of technical systems. The behavior of signals in the past is analyzed and used for a future optimized visualization. Continuously running online algorithms support the system operator by detecting and correspondingly highlighting deviations from the historically observed signal patterns.

Abstract: A hand-held power tool is disclosed with a measuring system for determining an effective value of an alternating voltage which is fed via an external conductor with respect to a neutral conductor. A regulated direct voltage source has a power supply potential which is referenced to the neutral conductor. There is a first resistance value from the power supply potential to a tap and a second resistance value from the tap to a ground. A voltmeter has a measurement range and its measurement input is connected to the tap. A measurement line connects the tap to the external conductor. The first resistance value is lower than the second resistance value such that the mean voltage value on the tap is equal to the mean of the measurement range for one period of the alternating voltage.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for the measurement of power consumption at points of interest, such as circuit breakers, machines, and the like. Accordingly, means are provided for measurement of power consumption for each electrical sub-network that is controlled by a circuit breaker. Each apparatus is enabled to communicate its respective data, in an environment of a plurality of such apparatuses, to a management unit which is enabled to provide finer granularity power consumption profiles. Challenges of measuring relatively low supply currents, wireless operation in an environment of a large number of apparatuses, and self-powering are addressed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for the measurement of power consumption at points of interest, such as circuit breakers, machines, and the like. Accordingly, means are provided for measurement of power consumption for each electrical sub-network that is controlled by a circuit breaker. Each apparatus is enabled to communicate its respective data, in an environment of a plurality of such apparatuses, to a management unit which is enabled to provide finer granularity power consumption profiles. Challenges of measuring relatively low supply currents, wireless operation in an environment of a large number of apparatuses, and self-powering are addressed.

Abstract: A method for determining a topology information item on a low-voltage electrical distribution system. A group of at least two current measuring devices that are arranged at different points in the low-voltage distribution system is selected, and in each case the current is measured by the current measuring devices so as to form a current measurement value. The current measurement values are added so as to form a current sum taking into consideration the current flow direction. A topology information item is formed which specifies that the current measuring devices electrically isolate a load-free and source-free section of the low-voltage distribution system when the current sum, in terms of absolute value, falls below a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and integrated circuit for broad-range current measurement using variable resistance are disclosed. Embodiments of an apparatus for sensing current through a transistor device may include an interface configured to receive a current from the transistor device for sensing. In an embodiment, the apparatus may also include a sensor component coupled to the interface and configured to receive the current from the transistor device and to generate a responsive sensor voltage, the sensor component comprising an adjustable resistance component, a resistance value of the adjustable resistance component being selectable in response to a level of the current received at the interface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus use a programmable logic circuit to receive data representing environmental conditions such as irradiance, temperature, wind, snow, elevation, and the like, in a given location, to provide an input signal to a simulated variable power source which produces an output that approximates the output of a variable power source such as a photovoltaic panel that is subject to such environmental conditions. Power from the simulated variable power source is separately directed to each of a number of power converters and the efficiency of each power converter is tested to determine the optimum power converter for use with the variable power source in the given location.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating and using characteristics of an impedance matching model with different impedance matching networks are described impedances and/or power efficiencies are measured using a network analyzer or a sensor. The impedances and/or power efficiencies are used to determine the characteristics. With use of different impedance matching networks, the values of the characteristics are changed to achieve same or similar results across different plasma tools for a variety of conditions.

Abstract: System and method for implementing a Vector Network Power Meter (VNPM) as a new class of electronic test instrument that uses a novel topology based upon a reflectometer to combine the functionality of a Power Meter with that of a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA). The VNPM overcomes application limitations of the two existing classes of test instruments, including parallel and simultaneous measurement capability, in-circuit operation, and improved accuracy and repeatability by eliminating the calibration of interconnecting cabling. Also provided are alternate implementations of a correlator for the reflectometer which reduce the size and complexity of the correlator while extending its frequency range without limit.

Abstract: A sensor circuit includes at least one signal processing circuit connectable to at least one sensor operable on a channel and configured to receive and process a periodic sensor signal therefrom the sensor circuit further includes a switching device coupled between the signal processing circuit and the at least one sensor, at least one switch coupled to the switching device and a controller connected to the at least one switch and to an output of the signal processing circuit. The controller is operable to re-configure the switching device via control of the switch and determine whether a short condition exists on the at least one sensor or channel based on the output from the signal processing circuit.

Abstract: In monitoring an isolation of an ungrounded power grid an AC voltage source is connected to the power grid via at least one test resistor. A test signal with a periodic continuous voltage course with regard to ground and with a frequency is applied to the power grid by means of the AC voltage source. A leakage current flowing due to the test signal is measured; and an ohmic isolation resistance is determined from the leakage current. The frequency of the test signal is varied such that an active current part of the leakage current keeps a predetermined recommended value at varying leakage capacitances of the power grid. This provides for a desired level of accuracy at maximum speed of isolation or ground fault detection.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and integrated circuits that provide radiation hardening through chip level integrated recovery are provided. The apparatus may include first and second circuits within a partition of an integrated circuit having isolated grounds and a state machine configured to monitor current leakage of the first circuit while the first circuit is powered on and to power on the second circuit and power off the first circuit when the monitored first circuit current leakage exceeds a first current leakage threshold.

Abstract: The invention discloses a fault point locating method of hybrid lines based on analysis of comprehensive characteristics of single-end electric quantity and transient travelling waves, which mainly includes steps: phase-model transformation; looking up initial time of failure; extracting timing window data after the initial time; searching a reflected wave from the fault point and a reflected wave from a demarcation point in the timing window; and judging properties of the reflected waves. After failure of a hybrid line with cable and overhead line, by identifying and comparing comprehensive characteristics of the reflected wave from the fault point, primary and secondary reflected waves from the demarcation point in the single-end transient voltage and current travelling waves, it is rapidly judged whether the fault point is located in the overhead line segment or the cable segment, which is used to assist in switching decision for line reclosing.

Abstract: There are disclosed apparatus and methods for testing a live circuit powered from an alternating current (AC) voltage. A live circuit tester includes a spread spectrum time domain reflectometer (SSTDR) configured to perform SSTDR measurements of the live circuit and a memory storing one or more ignore distance values. A processor coupled to the SSTDR and the memory detects a potential fault in the live circuit based on results of one or more SSTDR measurements, the potential fault associated with a distance from the apparatus. The processor compares the distance associated with the potential fault with each of the one or more ignore distance values, and stores, in the memory, data defining the potential fault if the associated distance does not match any of the one or more ignore distance values.