Abstract: Various molecular barcoded bi-stable switches are provided that can be used to detect various analytes. An electrical current is provided through a pore to electrophoretically draw at least a portion of one or more molecular barcoded bi-stable switches from one volume through one or more pores to another volume. Each molecular barcoded bi-stable switch includes a status identifier that provides an indication when a binding material is bound to the analyte. Each molecular barcoded bi-stable switch also includes a barcode that can be read as it passes through the pore to ascertain the identity of the particular molecular barcoded bi-stable switch.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a sensor comprising an on-board control system and a testing system. The on-board system can determine viability of the control system or the testing system. Also disclosed are methods of using such a sensor.

Abstract: A gas measurement apparatus of the present invention includes a gas sensor and is capable of being in any one of an open state in which the gas sensor is connected to an outside air and a closed state in which the gas sensor is cut off from an outside air. The gas measurement apparatus includes: an acquisition unit; and a determination unit. The acquisition unit acquires a detection value of the gas sensor in the open state and a detection value of the gas sensor in the closed state. The determination unit compares the detection value of the gas sensor acquired in the open state and the detection value of the gas sensor acquired in the closed state to thereby determine the state of the gas sensor.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for determining the repair activity of NHEJ. In this method, HPRT gene is mutated by using a site-directed gene mutation technology, and plasmid transfection, and 6-TG treatment are performed. By means of the method of the invention, the NHEJ repair activity level of cells can be observed by measuring the cell viability. The method can be used for screening the effects of different drugs and different genes on the NHEJ repair activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying cognitive enhancers able to enhance CREB pathway function. Cognitive enhancers identified in accordance with the invention can be used in rehabilitating an animal with cognitive dysfunction and for enhancing memory or normal cognitive performance (ability or function) in the animal.

Abstract: Biomarkers are described for predicting the efficacy, risk of relapse, risk of an immune related adverse event (irAE), or combination thereof for a CTLA-4 blockade treatment, such as ipilimumab, in a subject with melanoma. Biomarkers are also described for predicting the efficacy and clinical benefit for a PD-1 blockade treatment, such as a PD-1 blocking antibody, in a subject with melanoma.

Abstract: Using a nucleic acid construct, association of a polypeptide with a sequence coding therefor and screening of a polypeptide that binds to a target substance are carried out, which nucleic acid construct comprises a 5?-untranslated region and a coding region, wherein the above-mentioned coding region comprises a sequence coding for a polypeptide subjected to be displayed, a sequence coding for a first nucleic acid binding polypeptide, and a sequence coding for a second nucleic acid binding polypeptide; the above-mentioned 5?-untranslated region comprises a first sequence capable of binding to a first nucleic acid binding polypeptide and a second sequence capable of binding to second nucleic acid binding polypeptide; and, when the above-mentioned nucleic acid construct is introduced in a translation system, a fusion protein translated from the coding region of the above-mentioned nucleic acid construct forms a complex with an RNA corresponding to the above-mentioned nucleic acid construct.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for detecting an interaction between a protein and a ligand, comprising: (i) binding at least one fluorescent molecular rotor to said ligand or protein; and (ii) detecting a change in fluorescence emitted by said fluorescent molecular rotor after contact of the bound fluorescent molecular rotor with the other of said ligand or protein, thereby detecting an interaction between the ligand and the protein, wherein the fluorescent molecular rotor comprises: a rotating ?-bond; an electron-donating moiety; an electron-accepting moiety; and a ?-conjugated linker.

Abstract: Methods for synthetic antibodies, methods for making synthetic antibodies, methods for identifying ligands, and related methods and reagents.

Abstract: Methods for analyte detection with magnetic sensors are provided. Aspects of the methods include producing a magnetic sensor device having a magnetically labeled analyte from a sample, such as a serum sample, bound to a surface of a magnetic sensor thereof; and obtaining a signal, e.g., a real-time signal, from the magnetic sensor to determine whether the analyte is present in the sample. Also provided are devices, systems and kits that find use in practicing the methods of the invention. The methods, devices, systems and kits of the invention find use in a variety of different applications, including detection of biomarkers, such as disease markers.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods of using compositions that include sets of magnetic particles, members of each set being conjugated to an antibody specific for a pathogen, and magnets to isolate a pathogen from a body fluid sample.

Abstract: A microchip with flow-through inlet (104) and outlet (106) channels and test channels (108). The test channels (108) are in fluid communication with the inlet (104) and outlet (106) channels, through inlets (114) and outlets (116) respectively. Each test channel (108) has one test site therein for detection of specific molecules or molecular interactions. The inlet (114) in a test channel (108) is elevated from the outlet (116) of the test channel (108) and the outlet (116) is elevated from a fluid level (124) in the outlet channel (106). Back diffusion from outlet channel (106) to the test channels (108) and from the test channels (108) to the inlet channel (104) can thus be inhibited to reduce or eliminate cross-interference between different test sites. The microchip can be useful as a flow-through high density enzyme immunoassay array device with high-throughput.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for detecting the presence of an analyte of interest. A biosensor device can include a reaction chamber and an electrochemical detection chamber. The reaction chamber can include at least one immobilized binding site and a probe conjugate adapted to bind to at least one of the target analyte and the immobilized binding site while the detection chamber can include electrodes for detecting an electrochemical reaction. If present, the target analyte in the fluid sample results in a change in the amount of probe conjugate bound in the reaction chamber, which can be detected electrochemically in the detection chamber.

Abstract: A method for detecting pork in heated food by immunochromatographic detection with high performance and high sensitivity without causing non-specific reaction. The method provides a convenient and high-accuracy detection method using a polyclonal antibody. When a target to be detected in a sample, pork-derived protein in heat-processed food, is detected by immunochromatography, a polyclonal antibody specifically recognizing a protein of approximately 23 kD (molecular weight: 23000) contained in heat-treated pork is used as at least one or both detection antibodies.

Abstract: Provided is an immunochromatographic diagnostic kit which renders prompt diagnosis possible, has high analysis sensitivity, and gives test results with excellent reproducibility. The immunochromatographic diagnostic kit includes: a conjugate pad that contains a conjugate containing chromogenic particles which have an average particle diameter of 100-1,000 nm and attain a color intensity of 1.0-10.0, 10-90 wt % of the particles being derived from cellulose and 90-10 wt % of the particles being derived from a colorant; and a sample pad for an in vitro diagnostic reagent, the sample pad being constituted of nonwoven fabric that has a basis weight of 10-150 g/m2 and a thickness of 0.07-1.00 mm and comprises regenerated cellulosic fibers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an immunochromatography detection method capable of suppressing non-specific reactions. The present invention relates to an immunochromatography detection method including: a step of adding an analyte dilution solution containing an analyte to a chromatography medium; a step of recognizing a detection target by a labeling substance modified with gold nanoparticles, which is dry-retained at a labeling substance retaining part; a step of developing a composite of the labeling substance and the detection target as a mobile phase; and a step of detecting the detection target in the developed mobile phase at a judgment part, wherein the labeling substance is protected with a polyalkylene glycol having one or more mercapto groups and/or a derivative thereof and then dry-retained together with arginine and casein at the labeling substance retaining part.

Abstract: Cell-bound complement activation product (CB-CAP) profiling and scoring serve as diagnostic biomarkers for patients to determine whether a patient who has not met at least four American College of Rheumatology (or similar e.g. SLICC) criteria for a definite Lupus diagnosis should be classified as exhibiting a pre-existing condition that this document refers to as pre-Lupus. This document also describes methods for determining whether a patient who has been determined to exhibit pre-Lupus has progressed to exhibiting definite Lupus.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the in vitro prediction of the probability of a patient developing severe dengue, based on a blood sample, which involves: a) determining the quantity of at least one marker, and b) comparing the quantity with a reference quantity obtained from a group of individuals who have been diagnosed with non-severe dengue, and if the quantity determined in step a) is greater than the reference quantity established in step b), predicting that the patient will develop severe dengue, and also to the use of predictive marker(s) and to a kit to predict the development of severe dengue.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods directed to the prediction and early assessment of the efficacy of cancer treatment regimens, in particular in patients undergoing therapy with a DNA-damaging chemotherapeutic agent, by determining expression levels of certain proteins found to be useful as biomarkers in circulating tumor cells obtained from the patient both prior to and post-treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing, in vitro, a neurodegenerative disease in an individual, in which: the level of the double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) in a sample of cerebrospinal fluid from the individual is determined; it is deduced therefrom whether the individual is suffering from a neurodegenerative disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rare cell isolation device including: a first body which is disposed above a filtration membrane and includes a first inlet for injecting a biospecimen; and a second body which is disposed under the first body and bonded to the filtration membrane, wherein the first body and the second body have a disk-shaped structure to be rotatable around their centers, and the filtration membrane is disposed to be separated from the center of the second body in a radial direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of diagnosing the presence of higher grade astrocytoma/glioblastoma (GBM) or lower-grade astrocytoma (DA or AA) in a human subject using secreted or plasma membrane associated biomarkers, which involves the detection of the expression levels of said genes, alone or in combination, in either tumor tissue samples or body fluids and a diagnostic kit thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining prognosis of cancer in a subject, which comprises the step of detecting phosphorylation of a tyrosine residue at position 2681 of TRIO in a sample obtained from the subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides the use of RNA removal to initiate protein aggregation of a plurality of proteins in a cell or cell lysate. This may be used to create an in vitro model of a disease, such as a neurodegenerative disease. The present invention also provides a method for determining the efficacy of a potential anti-protein aggregation agent comprising the following steps: i) using RNA removal to initiate the aggregation of a protein in a cell or cell lysate, ii) treating the cell or cell lysate with the potential anti-protein aggregation agent before, after or during RNA removal; and iii) comparing protein aggregation in equivalent samples with and without step ii) treatment in which a decrease in protein aggregation associated with step ii) treatment indicates that the potential anti-protein aggregation agent is effective in preventing and/or reversing protein aggregation.

Abstract: A method for screening an AMPK activator, wherein inhibition of an interaction between prohibitin and AMPK is used as an index is provided. Besides, an AMPK activator comprising, as an active ingredient, a compound inhibiting an interaction between prohibitin and AMPK, and a prohibitin-AMPK complex are also provided.

Abstract: Techniques for differentiating isobaric species are described. An isobaric species may be substituted with a tagging species identified using mass spectrometry. The isobaric species may be a subunit of a first polymer having a defined sequence, e.g., the isobaric species may be an amino acid in a protein or a peptide sequence. A tagging species may be substituted for the isobaric species in a second polymer having an otherwise identical sequence as the first polymer. The second polymer may have the same number of sequences as the first polymer, and substantially the same sequence of subunits, with a few exceptions such as the tagging species for the isobaric species. The first polymer and the second polymer may be prepared in the same reaction vessel. A polymer/protein of defined subunit sequence containing an isobaric species or a tagging species may be analyzed by mass spectrometry to determine the sequence.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods of identifying proteins and protein modifications of proteins specifically associated with a chromatin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for diagnosing venous thromboembolism (VTE), comprising: detecting the level of an integrin ?1 subunit, an integrin ?2 subunit, and/or an integrin ?3 subunit in a blood sample. Also provided is a reagent kit for diagnosing VTE, comprising a substance capable of specifically binding to the integrin ?1 subunit, the integrin ?2 subunit, and/or the integrin ?3 subunit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of GPCR structure biology and signaling. In particular, the present invention relates to protein binding domains directed against or capable of specifically binding to a functional conformational state of a G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). More specifically, the present invention provides protein binding domains that are capable of increasing the stability of a functional conformational state of a GPCR, in particular, increasing the stability of a GPCR in its active conformational state. The protein binding domains of the present invention can be used as a tool for the structural and functional characterization of G-protein-coupled receptors bound to various natural and synthetic ligands, as well as for screening and drug discovery efforts targeting GPCRs. Moreover, the invention also encompasses the diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic usefulness of these protein binding domains for GPCR-related diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the presence of pancreatic cancer in an individual comprising or consisting of the steps of: (a) providing a sample to be tested from the individual, and (b) determining a biomarker signature of the test sample by measuring the expression in the test sample of one or more biomarkers selected from the group defined in Table III, wherein the expression in the test sample of one or more biomarkers selected from the group defined in Table III is indicative of the individual having pancreatic cancer. The invention also comprises arrays and kits of parts for use in the method of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of immunoassays which allow the detection of A? 17 peptides by virtue of the use of an anti-A? 17 antibody and a kit and method using said antibody. The invention also relates to a method for diagnosing or distinguishing between different stages of a neurodegenerative disease.

Abstract: High affinity DNA aptamers Seq ID#1-8 for HbA1C and tHb were successfully selected using SELEX after 11 rounds of selection. The tested aptamers bind to HbA1C with dissociation constants in the nanomolar range with the highest affinity aptamer, Seq ID#6, exhibiting a Kd of 2.8 nM. Another aptamer sequence (Seq ID #4) which showed high binding affinity to tHb with a Kd of 2.7 nM was also selected. The HbA1C and tHb-specific aptamers were then applied for the detection of HbA1C % using a voltammetric aptasensor array platform showing remarkable sensitivity and selectivity. The aptasensor array platform was validated using standard human whole blood samples and demonstrated linearity over wide concentration range. The developed platform is superior to current methodologies due to its simplicity, stability and lower cost which will facilitate the early and accurate diagnosis of diabetes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for releasing bound vitamin D by bringing a sample containing vitamin D into contact with a release reagent which contains at least one hydrotropic substance and at least one transition metal salt. The released vitamin D can subsequently be determined quantitatively. The present invention relates further to a reagent for releasing and optionally determining vitamin D, containing at least one hydrotropic substance and at least one transition metal salt, as well as to the use of such a release reagent for releasing and optionally determining vitamin D.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sample analyzer configured to analyze a concentration of a target material contained in a sample based on a value representing a slope of a regression line which is based on data values included in an interval from a start point to an endpoint. The start point is detected by a predetermined method and the endpoint is detected by a predetermined method.

Abstract: The present invention inter alia provides a method, and use thereof, of predicting severe CVD complications such as AMI or CVD death by detecting the lipid concentrations or lipid ratios of a biological sample and comparing it to a control and has identified specific lipid markers that are more specific and sensitive in predicting these CVD complications than currently utilized clinical markers. Also provided are antibodies towards said lipids, and the use thereof for predicting, diagnosing, preventing and/or treating CVD complications. The invention additionally relates to kits comprising lipids and/or an antibody thereto, for use in the prediction and/or diagnosis of CVD complications.

Abstract: The invention provides novel haptens and immunogens for the preparation of novel monoclonal antibodies, which detect the synthetic opioid meperidine and its active metabolite normeperidine. These antibodies enable methods and kits, which are useful in an immunoassay for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and in extending the window of detection for cases of abuse and drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA).

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method of detecting a drug marker in a urine sample. The drug markers are fluorophores each of which emits a unique fluorescence spectrum. Accordingly, the method does not detect the drug but rather, the drug marker. The drug marker may include quantum dots which may be functionalized by connecting the quantum dot to a biomolecule. The biomolecule may be cleavable by a peptidase, a protease, or a nuclease to release the drug. Alternatively, the composition may include a liposome carrier. A user who has consumed the drug composition provides a urine sample. The fluorescence spectrometer screens the urine for drug markers based on their unique fluorescent spectra.

Abstract: Vials (samples) as analysis targets to be set in a batch table for serial analyses are allowed to be designated simply and highly flexibly. On a batch table setting screen 100, a sample region designation method selecting button 120, an analysis direction selecting button 121, a plate image display area 125 and other components are arranged. A sample region designation method and an analysis direction are selected simply by clicking the buttons. The start position and the end position of analyses are designated by a drag-and-drop operation using a mouse on a plate image displayed in the plate image display area 125. The vials selected during a process of the drag-and-drop operation are displayed in a color discriminable from other vials. Accordingly, a simple, graphical operation can create a batch table in which the multiple vials mounted on the sample plate are set as analysis targets in a desired order.

Abstract: A method of evaporation control of a sample which is stored in a thermally insulated state is configured for preventing evaporation or denaturing of the samples and specimens. The method includes carrying the samples contained in individual containers out from a cold container having a capability of cold storage. An elapsed time that each sample container has been removed from the cold container is measured and is compared with a preset time. If the elapsed time is less than the preset time, the sample container can be returned to the cold container. An alarm is output if the elapsed time exceeds the preset time.

Abstract: A novel solution is proposed for processing a test tube transported on a test tube carrier by a conveyor so that spilling of the liquid in the test tube is reduced or even prevented, particularly an arrangement for sequencing and guiding travel of test tube carriers transported on at least one conveyor. The arrangement includes at least one rotatable deviator positioned to intersect the at least one conveyor. The deviator includes a horizontal deviator plate including at least one grip for receiving a test tube carrier. One contact surface is positioned vertically at a distance from the deviator plate and aligned with the grip. The contact surface is formed to contact the test tube carrier at a distance from the contact level of the grip and the carrier.

Abstract: A novel wheel speed sensor that can produce advantageously and inexpensively with a novel structure that can reliably ensure the waterproof property of drawn-out portions of the output wire, regardless of a material of a coating member for coating output wires for a wheel speed sensor.

Abstract: A physical quantity sensor includes: a sensor element which detects predetermined physical quantity; a driving circuit which generates a driving signal of the sensor element; and an AGC circuit which controls the driving signal at a constant level according to a reference voltage, based on an output signal of the sensor element, in which the reference voltage is variable.

Abstract: In a vehicle including a pulse ring that rotates together with a wheel, a wheel speed sensor that has a detection portion close to the pulse ring, and a bracket that fixes the wheel speed sensor, a tubular protective wall surrounding the detection portion is provided on the bracket so that an end part, on the pulse ring side, of the protective wall is closer to the pulse ring than the detection portion of the wheel speed sensor is. This enables the wheel speed sensor to be protected without adding a special component.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining flow conditions for a body immersed in a fluid. The method comprises obtaining flow sensor data downstream of the leading edge stagnation point (LESP) using one or more minimal calibration flow sensors. The method further comprises obtaining at least one normalizing flow parameter value and normalizing the flow sensor data using the at least one normalizing flow parameter value. The method also comprises determining an overall flow condition for the body using the normalized flow sensor data.

Abstract: An apparatus for the imaging of gaseous fluid motion is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sub-nanosecond pulsed laser. The sub-nanosecond pulsed laser is configured to cause a particle species to fragment and for the recombining fragments subsequently to fluoresce. The apparatus also includes a gaseous fluid comprised of particle species. The apparatus also includes a time gated camera. The time gated camera configured to capture at least one image of the fluorescence from the recombining particle fragment species displaced after a specific time lapse following the laser pulse. Additionally, a fluid velocity can be calculated from a comparison of the image of the displaced particle species to an initial reference position and the time lapse. A Femtosecond Laser Electronic Excitation Tagging (FLEET) method of using the disclosed apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A test system includes a test socket assembly for capturing low energy electromagnetic emissions from radio frequency (RF) integrated circuits (ICs). The test socket assembly is structured to direct electromagnetic radiation from the device under test (DUT) to a socket port coupled to one end of a waveguide for transmission to a tester. The combination of the materials comprising the socket assembly is selected to more efficiently couple electromagnetic emissions from the DUT into the waveguide. For example, a reflective plane with an adjustable position may be located below the DUT in order to increase coupling of electromagnetic radiation from the DUT into the waveguide.

Abstract: A method of contacting a substrate with a probe card in a substrate inspection apparatus can inspect electrical characteristics of semiconductor devices on the substrate. A wafer W is transferred to a position facing a probe card 36 while being mounted on a chuck member 22 with a wafer plate 37 therebetween, and electrodes of semiconductor devices on the wafer W are contacted with probes of the probe card 36 by moving the wafer W and the wafer plate 37 toward the probe card 36 through an elevating device 43. Then, the wafer W is overdriven toward the probe card 36 and a contact state between the electrodes of the semiconductor devices and the probes of the probe card 36 is maintained by decompressing a space S between the probe card 36 and the wafer plate 37. Then, the chuck member 22 is separated from the wafer plate 37.

Abstract: An electrical contacting device for electrical physical contact with a specimen, particularly wafers, taking place in a contacting direction, with at least one conductor substrate which can be electrically connected to a testing device, at least one contact distance transformer and at least one contact head having electrical contact elements, particularly resilient contact elements, preferably serving to compensate different physical contact distances existing in the contacting direction particularly at the contact elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for energy auditing can include a sensor portion on a circuit substrate, the sensor portion defining a first opening, an integrated inductor on the sensor portion, the integrated inductor being formed proximal to the first opening or a hall sensor located on the sensor portion proximal to the first opening, and an electronic circuit on a body portion of the circuit substrate electrically coupled to the integrated inductor and configured to wirelessly transmit information to a wireless receiver.