Abstract: A lateral flow diagnostic assay device is defined by a substrate having a top surface that further includes a sample addition zone for receiving a sample, a transport and reaction zone, and a wicking zone. Each of the sample addition zone, reaction and transport zone and wicking zone are disposed on the top surface of the substrate and fluidically interconnected by means that permit lateral capillary flow along at least one fluid flow path from the sample addition zone to the wicking zone. The assay device further includes a capillary vent disposed in relation to the wicking zone, the capillary vent having an overall length and cross sectional area that creates a backpressure so as to control the flow rate of a sample applied to the assay device.

Abstract: A device is provided. The device comprises a casing comprising an interior, a first opening, and a second opening; and a porous carrier comprising a sample-receiving zone and a target cell-binding zone. The porous carrier defines a first fluid pathway that extends from the sample-receiving zone to the target cell-binding zone. At least portion of the porous carrier is disposed in the interior of the casing. A second fluid pathway comprising a central axis extends through the casing from the first opening and the second opening, the second fluid pathway intersecting the porous carrier at the target cell-binding zone. The central axis is oriented orthogonally with respect to the porous carrier. Methods of using the device to detect a target microorganism are also provided.

Abstract: Provided are peptide biomarkers for diagnosis of allergy, monitoring development of clinical tolerance in an allergic individual, and predicting whether an allergic subject is likely to develop clinical or natural tolerance over time. The invention also relates to diagnostic methods and diagnostic kits employing the peptide biomarkers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to animmunological assay kits for determining the presence or absence, and/or the concentration, of proteasome-complement complex formation in a sample, such as in bodily fluids using a first antibody and a second antibody, wherein the first antibody is immobilized on a carrier and the second antibody is modified with a labeling substance, and the first antibody and the second antibody are selected from an antibody specific for a proteasome protein, such as AF1 or intact proteasome, and an antibody specific for complement factor C3, such as C3, C3c,C3b, iC3b, or an antibody specific for complement factor C4, such as C4, C4b, iC4b or C4c The disclosed assay can be used for detecting levels of circulating 26S proteasome bound to complement factor 3 or 4 in blood plasma or other body fluids, such as for monitoring levels of inflammation and virus infection in the body of a mammalian, including complement system down regulation in the body of a mammalian as well as for verifying comp

Abstract: The present invention relates to the protein THSD7A (Thrombospondin, Type I, Domain Containing 7A) as a bio-marker autoantigen in membranous nephropathy, particularly idiopathic membranous nephropathy. The invention provides diagnostic, prognostic and monitoring methods for membranous nephropathy in a patient based on the detection of autoantibodies recognizing the THSD7A protein (anti-THSD7A autoantibodies) and associated kits. The invention also provides diagnostic methods and kits based on the detection of the THSD7A level. The invention further provides therapeutic methods for membranous nephropathy.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a T-helper cell (“TH-GM” cell) that is regulated by IL-7/STAT5 and which secrete GM-CSF/IL-3. Also disclosed are methods and compositions for modulating TH-GM function for the treatment of, e.g., inflammatory disorders. Diagnostic and prognostic methods for specifically identifying TH-GM-mediated inflammatory disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), as distinct from and/or in addition to non-TH-GM-mediated (e.g., TNF-?-mediated) inflammatory disorders, are also provided.

Abstract: An antibody and/or binding fragment thereof, wherein the antibody and/or binding fragment thereof specifically binds to an epitope of a ?Klotho polypeptide, optionally a folded ?Kiotho or optionally with a dissociation constant (KD) of about 2 nM or less, as measured by competitive ELISA assay, methods 0 of making and using to diagnose kidney diseases.

Abstract: A method for detection of active form of analytes in a sample and/or for determination of ability of tested substances to bind to the active site of these analytes has the following steps: a) analyte or group of analytes from the sample is immobilized on the surface of a solid carrier; b) analyte or group of analytes is incubated with a detection probe; c) then the solid carrier is washed to remove unbound detection probe; and subsequently, the amount of bound detection probe is determined.

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 methods and materials for more effectively treating patients with interferon. It is based on the discovery that clinical response to interferon (IFN) therapy is mediated in part by inhibition of activation of MDSC and such inhibition can be observed after a test dose of interferon; a significant decrease of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by MDSC (as a measure of their activation) after IFN therapy is predictive of overall response to immunotherapy in cancer patients.

Abstract: Presented herein are biomarkers related to breast cancer. The presently identified salivary biomarkers create the basis for a breast cancer detection bioassay with sensitivity and specificity. Means and methods for evaluating the data generated using multiple biomarkers in order to validate findings and further use of the multiplexed breast cancer assay in clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic uses is also included.

Abstract: Methods for assessing the quality of a tissue sample. In some aspects, methods are provided for determine the time that a biological sample has been exposed to cold ischemia condition by measuring the expression level of an mRNA and/or a phosphoprotein.

Abstract: Use of a fraction of STIM1 protein localized to the plasma membrane of the cells in a method for screening candidate molecules for treating chronic lymphatic leukaemia and/or systemic lupus erythematosus is described. Also described are substances interacting with the fraction of the STIM1 protein localized to the plasma membrane of the cells for use as a medicinal product in the treatment of chronic lymphatic leukaemia and/or systemic lupus erythematosus. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one of those substances are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides for novel methods for regulating and detecting the cytosine methylation status of DNA. The invention is based upon identification of a novel and surprising catalytic activity for the family of TET proteins, namely TET1, TET2, TET3, and CXXC4. The novel activity is related to the enzymes being capable of converting the cytosine nucleotide 5-methylcytosine into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine by hydroxylation.

Abstract: The problem addressed by the present invention is to provide a marker for detecting hepatocellular carcinoma, wherein the hepatocellular carcinoma marker comprises a glycoprotein that first becomes present in the liver with the occurrence of cancer, without depending on changes in the state of the liver.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for diagnosing and detecting diseases associated with pancreas. The present invention provides one or more proteins or fragments thereof, peptides or nucleic acid molecules differentially expressed in pancreatic diseases (PCAT) and antibodies binds to PCAT. The present invention provides that PCAT is used as targets for screening agents that modulates the PCAT activities. Further, the present invention provides methods for treating diseases associated with pancreas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of predicting the therapeutic efficacy of at least one therapy approach in the treatment of a neoplastic disease in a patient. The method comprises the following steps: a) Determining the presence or concentration of at least one enzyme or metabolite of the Kynurenine pathway in a patient sample, and b) Concluding, from step a), whether the at least one therapy approach will be therapeutically effective in the treatment of the neoplastic disease.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for compositions and methods of making and using a foam composition and its utility in clinical applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel screening method that identifies simple molecular markers that are predictive of whether a particular disease condition is responsive to a specific treatment. Also, a method of diagnosing the susceptibility of an individual suffering from a disease to treatment with an HDAC inhibitor is provided. Also provided is a method of treating a proliferative disease or a condition which involves a change in cell differentiation or growth rate in a patient.

Abstract: Compounds and methods for determining transmembrane potential, monitoring changes in transmembrane potential, and/or drug screening are provided. In one aspect, compounds of the invention have a structure according to the formula: E-M-A-C*, wherein A is a fluorophore, selected from xanthenes, coumarins, cyanines, bimanes, and difuloroboradizaindacenes, charged at physiological pH; M is a molecular wire; and E is a hydrophobic moiety, wherein A and E are capable of being involved in a photo-induced, intramolecular electron transfer that quenches the fluorescence of A in response to a voltage condition. C* is a caging moiety (e.g., a photoremovable protecting group). When in use, exemplary compounds of the invention are membrane-impermeant and oriented within the cell membrane such that the charged moiety localizes at the outer leaflet of the lipid bilayer and the hydrophobic moiety and molecular wire associate with the hydrophobic portion of the lipid bilayer.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and kits are provided for imaging a polypeptide of interest. Methods, compositions, and kits are also provided for site-specific transcriptional regulation of one or more genetic elements.

Abstract: Compositions and methods have been developed for the detection of homocysteine. For example, a fluorescent probe can selectively detect homocysteine based on the redox reaction between the azido group and homocysteine. The fluorescent response is selective for homocysteine over other biologically abundant thiols such as cysteine and glutathione. In addition, a linear calibration curve can be obtained for quantitative analysis in phosphate buffer and plasma.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for determining the level of thiol and disulfide containing molecules in a sample are provided. The compositions and methods can be used to determine the level of oxidative stress in a subject with or without antioxidant treatment. Also provided are biomarkers of oxidative stress.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of detecting a thiol in an environment by exposing the environment to a probe molecule that contains a marker and a thiol responsive group. The thiol responsive group reversibly reacts with the thiol in the environment to form a probe-thiol adduct. This in turn causes a ratiometric change in a spectrometric property of the probe molecule and the probe-thiol adduct, which can then be correlated to the presence of the thiol in the environment. The correlation can occur by quantifying the thiol concentration in the environment. In addition, thiol detection can occur in real-time. Further embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to probe molecules that are utilized for detecting a thiol in an environment. In some embodiments, the probe molecule includes a marker and a thiol responsive group. In some embodiments, the probe molecule also includes an organelle targeting moiety.

Abstract: Methods for determining an in vitro release profile of peanut allergens in a sample are provided. Methods for determining one or more signatures of peanut allergens in a sample are provided.

Abstract: Microarray compositions suitable for analysis by one or several spectrographic methods are disclosed. In an embodiment, a microarray composition includes a three-dimensional solid support and a plurality of reactive microbeads positioned on the solid support in spatially distinct and addressable locations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel horse allergen consisting of a heterodimeric protein having a first peptide chain and a second peptide chain together having an overall sequence identity of at least 70% with the combined sequences of SEQ ID NO:3 and SEQ ID NO: 4, as well as a single chain protein having an overall sequence identity of at least 70%, such as 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 98%, with the combined amino acid sequences according to SEQ ID NO: 3 and SEQ ID NO: 4. The invention further relates to the use of the protein in methods of diagnosis and therapy of Type I allergy, and kits and compositions for use in such methods.

Abstract: A TRPM8 related peptide fragment, comprising amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID No: 1-18 is provided. Furthermore, application of TRPM8 protein, TRPM8 related peptide fragment and their antibodies in preparing diagnostic reagent for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndromes (CP/CPPS) is provided. By detecting level of TRPM8 protein molecule, TRPM8 related peptide fragment and their antibodies, the chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndromes (CP/CPPS) is effectively diagnosed, and the present invention is capable of effectively making a distinction between CP/CPPS and other diseases of prostate.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for detecting Mycoplasma exposure in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for predicting clinical outcome from a sample of a subject having ulcerative colitis (UC), comprising determining a prognostic marker profile and classifying the subject as either a responder or a non-responder. The methods can be used to monitor and to predict the progression of UC, by determining the likelihood for UC to progress either rapidly or slowly in an individual based on the presence or level of at least one marker in a sample. The methods can also be used to predict the regression of UC, by determining the likelihood for UC to regress either rapidly or slowly in an individual.

Abstract: Cells and cell lines that express voltage-gated sodium ion channels (NaV) and methods for using the cells and cell lines are disclosed herein. The NaV-expressing cells and cell lines are useful in cell-based assays, e.g., high throughput screening assays.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides, for example, an improved method for identifying an epitope on a protein, comprising the following steps: (A) contacting a major histocompatibility complex (MHC molecule)-expressing cell differentiated from a stem cell or a progenitor cell derived therefrom with a target protein; (B) isolating a complex of a peptide contained in the target protein and the MHC molecule from the MHC molecule-expressing cell; and (C) eluting the peptide from the complex and identifying the peptide.

Abstract: Disclosed are a kit for testing myocardial infarction rapidly and a preparation method and use thereof. The kit comprises a strip capable of detecting three markers, namely, human myeloperoxidase (MPO), heart-fatty acid binding protein (FABP3) and cardiac troponin I(cTnI) simultaneously. The strip comprises a sample pad, a conjugate pad, a chromatographic membrane coated with three test lines and a quality control line, and a sample absorption pad. Antibodies of the three markers are all marked on the conjugate pad. The chromatographic membrane has three test lines formed by coating paired antibodies of the three markers respectively, the paired antibodies of the three markers being able to specifically combine with the three markers, respectively. The kit has advantages such as convenient operation, rapid response, high sensitivity and high specificity, point of care test, and economical and practical etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying whether or not it may be appropriate to administer to a subject a therapy for alleviating any potential consequences which may arise due to the subject having an atrial fibrillation (AF), the method comprising detecting, in a sample of fluid from the subject, a level of ccl21 and/or ddit4 expression and determining whether or not it may be appropriate to administer to the subject a therapy for alleviating any consequences which may arise due to the subject having AF, based upon the ccl21 and/or ddit4 expression level detected. Also provided are an anticoagulant or other AF therapy and a method of administering an anticoagulant drug or another AF therapy.

Abstract: Methods using biomarkers, e.g., serum levels of ST2, to predict risk of developing hypertension, as well as methods for treating subjects to reduce the risk of developing hypertension and methods for selecting and/or stratifying subjects for clinical trials of treatments to reduce the risk of hypertension.

Abstract: Alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of dementia in older individuals, is a debilitating neurodegenerative disease for which there is currently no cure. In the past, AD could only be definitively diagnosed by brain biopsy or upon autopsy after a patient died. These methods, which demonstrate the presence of the characteristic plaque and tangle lesions in the brain, are still considered the gold standard for the pathological diagnoses of AD. However, in the clinical setting brain biopsy is rarely performed and diagnosis depends on a battery of neurological, psychometric and biochemical tests, including the measurement of biochemical markers such as the ApoE and tau proteins or the beta-amyloid peptide in cerebrospinal fluid and blood. The present invention discloses and describes panels of makers that are differentially expressed in the disease state relative to their expression in the normal state and, in particular, identifies and describes panels of makers associated with neurocognitive disorders.

Abstract: Provided is a derivative of 22-hydroxycholesterol, 24S-hydroxycholesterol, 25-hydroxycholesterol, 26-hydroxycholesterol or 27-hydroxycholesterol. Also provided is a protein conjugated to the above derivative. Further provided is an antibody composition comprising antibodies that specifically bind to 22-hydroxycholesterol, 24S-hydroxycholesterol, 25-hydroxycholesterol, 26-hydroxycholesterol or 27-hydroxycholesterol. Additionally, a method of making antibodies that specifically bind to 22-hydroxycholesterol, 24S-hydroxycholesterol, 25-hydroxycholesterol, 26-hydroxycholesterol or 27-hydroxycholesterol is provided. Also, a method of assaying for 22-hydroxycholesterol, 24S-hydroxycholesterol, 25-hydroxycholesterol, 26-hydroxycholesterol or 27-hydroxycholesterol is provided. Additionally provided is a kit for detecting 22-hydroxycholesterol, 24S-hydroxycholesterol, 25-hydroxycholesterol, 26-hydroxycholesterol or 27-hydroxycholesterol.

Abstract: Multifunctional molecular weight protein ladders and methods of making thereof are disclosed herein that are useful for determining the molecular weight of a test protein and/or the relative mass or amount of the test protein in a protein separation assay, such as gel electrophoresis or western blotting. Also included are compounds of Formula I (e.g., mono acetylated MP-11 NHS ester) that may be used to label purified proteins of the protein ladder. The MP-11 label protein ladder can be detected on a blotting membrane by exposing the microperoxidase to a suitable substrate, such as a chromogenic substrate or a chemiluminescent substrate.

Abstract: An instrument for processing a biological sample includes a chassis. Connected to the chassis is a tape path along which a tape with a matrix of wells can be automatically advanced through the instrument, a dispensing assembly for dispensing the biological sample and a reagent into the matrix of wells of the tape to form a biological sample and reagent mixture, a sealing assembly for sealing the biological sample and reagent mixture in the tape, and an amplification and detection assembly for detecting a signal from the biological sample and reagent mixture in the matrix of wells in the tape.

Abstract: An analysis tool for use mounted to an analysis device that automatically analyzes a specified component contained in a sample. The analysis tool includes a light measurement well to hold a measurement solution as a measurement subject, and to measure the measurement solution. The light measurement well includes an opening to dispense the measurement solution through, a measurement solution holder to hold the measurement solution dispensed through the opening, and an emission section that emits measurement light caused to be emitted from the measurement solution held in the measurement solution holder in a light receiving direction of the analysis device. The measurement light is fluorescent light or chemiluminescent light. The measurement solution holder has a flattened profile that is flattened in the light receiving direction.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus for depositing and retrieving large volumes of test tubes in/from a warehouse, comprising an input/output module of a first and a second container with a plurality of test tubes, a multiple pick up device of test tubes, a single pick up device of test tubes, a first and second station for the provisional allocation of said containers and a motorized traveling lift able to carry said first and second container simultaneously on two distinct coplanar locations.

Abstract: An automatic analyzing apparatus capable of obtaining an analysis result of a specimen high in urgency in a shorter time is provided. When a first rack 50 is present in a sampling line 103 and an analysis request for a second rack higher in the degree of urgency for analysis than the first rack 50 is detected, a control unit unloads the first rack 50 onto a transport line 100 through a return line 102, allows the first rack 50 to stand by at a rack standby position 120 on a transport line 101 between a loading line 101 and the return line 102 under control, and loads the second rack from the transport line 101 onto the sampling line 103 through the loading line 101 and transports the second rack to the dispensing position 111 under control while allowing the first rack 50 to stand by.

Abstract: The invention relates to a station for uncovering a receptacle comprising a body in which a plurality of adjacent holes, initially sealed by a cover, are formed. The station comprises at least one cutting member for making at least one cut in the cover between two adjacent holes, so as to form at least one cover portion closing off at least one of the holes of the receptacle, i.e., the selected hole; and at least one heating gripping device which is arranged so as to heat and remove said cover portion, thereby opening the selected hole.

Abstract: An accelerometer includes a base, two elastic portions and two masses. The base includes a supporting portion. Each of the elastic portions is connected to the supporting portion. The supporting portion is located between the two masses, the two masses are connected to the two elastic portions respectively, and the base supports the two elastic portions and the two masses merely by the supporting portion. The two masses are adapted to produce movements to enable the two elastic portions to be elastically deformed.

Abstract: Provided is a highly reliable acceleration sensor having little 0-point drift. For example, an acceleration sensor having a support substrate having a first direction and a second direction orthogonal thereto in a single surface, a device layer disposed on the support substrate with a space interposed therebetween and having a weight that deforms according to the application of acceleration, and a cap layer disposed on the device layer with a space interposed therebetween, wherein a fixed part fixed to the support substrate is provided in the center of the weight, a beam is provided that extends from the fixed part and makes the weight mobile by being connected thereto, a plurality of posts for coupling the support substrate and the cap layer are disposed on the fixed part, and electric signals are applied to and received from the weight via the posts.

Abstract: System and method for optical alignment of a near-field system, employing reiterative analysis of amplitude (irradiance) and phase maps of irradiated field obtained in back-scattered light while adjusting the system to arrive at field pattern indicative of and sensitive to a near-field optical wave produced by diffraction-limited irradiation of a tip of the near-field system. Demodulation of optical data representing such maps is carried out at different harmonics of probe-vibration frequency. Embodiments are operationally compatible with methodology of chemical nano-identification of sample utilizing normalized near-field spectroscopy, and may utilize suppression of background contribution to collected data based on judicious coordination of data acquisition with motion of the tip. Such coordination may be defined without knowledge of separation between the tip and sample. Computer program product with instructions effectuating the method and operation of the system.

Abstract: This invention involves measurement of optical properties of materials with sub-micron spatial resolution through infrared scattering scanning near field optical microscopy (s-SNOM). Specifically, the current invention provides substantial improvements over the prior art by achieving high signal to noise, high measurement speed and high accuracy of optical amplitude and phase. Additionally, it some embodiments, it eliminates the need for an in situ reference to calculate wavelength dependent spectra of optical phase, or absorption spectra. These goals are achieved via improved asymmetric interferometry where the near-field scattered light is interfered with a reference beam in an interferometer. The invention achieves dramatic improvements in background rejection by arranging a reference beam that is much more intense than the background scattered radiation.

Abstract: A probe pin according to an embodiment of the present invention has a two-piece structure consisting of a pogo pin part and a barrel part, in which the pogo pin part includes an upper plunger having an outside contact point at an upper end, a lower plunger having an outside contact point at a lower end, and a spring portion composed of one or more springs and connected to a lower end of the upper plunger and an upper end of the lower plunger; and the barrel part has a cylindrical shape surrounding a portion of the pogo pin part and has a barrel-fixing spring portion protruding on an outer side of the barrel part to apply elasticity outward.

Abstract: An electrical Kelvin contact assembly for testing IC testing apparatus that uses an assembly design that reduces the tolerance to a near negligible range. The assembly does not use any screws, dowel pins, adhesives or welding to fasten the electrical contacts to the housing. The design of the assembly uses rows of contacts with specially designed protrusions that sit snugly in openings located on three plate-like layers. These layers contain the contacts in the horizontal plane by securing the protrusions in the opening, as well as in the vertical plane by means of a sandwich between three separate layers. A second contact is slid into back slits formed by the three layers.

Abstract: A contact position of a probe needle with respect to electrode pads 71 to 75 of a semiconductor device is inspected in advance when performing an inspection by a prober on the semiconductor device formed on a wafer W placed on a stage 11. A reticle 31 on which shapes 61 to 65 indicating positions of the probe needles are formed is placed instead of the probe needles at a position where the probe needles are arranged. The semiconductor device formed on the wafer W is imaged by the imaging unit 33 through the reticle 31. A positional relationship between the shapes formed on the reticle 31 and the electrode pads 71 to 75 is analyzed from the image. When necessary, a position of the stage 11 is adjusted such that centers of the shapes 61 to 65 and centers of the electrode pad 71 to 75 are coincident.