Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions for capturing circulating tumor cells (CTCs) as well as various divergent CTC phenotypes using seprase-specific affinity reagents. Methods of analyzing CTCs and assessing their metastatic potential in vivo and in vitro are also disclosed.

Abstract: It is intended to evaluate an ischemic heart disease with high accuracy by convenient operation. The method for evaluating an ischemic heart disease according to the present invention comprises the steps of: assaying complement factor H and/or complement factor D in a sample derived from the blood of a test subject; and comparing the concentration of the complement factor H and/or the concentration of the complement factor D assayed in the preceding step with a reference value(s), wherein it is determined that the seriousness of the ischemic heart disease is high when the concentration falls below the reference value.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for providing prognosis, diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in a subject, including a sports-related concussion. The invention further relates to assessing the severity of brain damage resulting from mTBI in a subject, including in a subject who has not undergone a CT scan following the injury. For example, the methods of the invention can be used to determine the suitability for someone who has suffered a sports-related injury to return to play that sport. This invention also relates to methods of predicting risk for developing brain damage and long-term dysfunction in a subject having suffered mTBI.

Abstract: A method of analyzing an exosome is provided for detecting abnormality in a cell, including: (a) a step of preparing an exosome from a sample; (b) a step of bringing the exosome prepared in the step (a) into contact with a first antibody to a protein which exists on the surface of the exosome as an antigen and forming a first antibody-exosome complex; and (c) a step of measuring a zeta potential of the first antibody-exosome complex.

Abstract: Herein are described a set of novel specific human enhancers for specific forebrain cell types used to study and select for human neural progenitor cells. This approach enables the ability to generate interneurons from human ES, iPS and iN cells, making them available for human transplantation and for molecular/cellular analyzes. These approaches are also directly applicable to generating other neuronal cell types, such as cortical and striatal projection neurons, which have implications for many human diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for quantitative detection of anti-HBc and its use in monitoring disease progression of chronic hepatitis B patients and predicting therapeutic effects. By quantitative detection of antibodies against hepatitis B core protein (Anti-HBc), it is able to monitor disease progression of chronic hepatitis B patients, effectively predict therapeutic effects in chronic hepatitis B patients who accept a therapy against hepatitis B virus (especially, a therapy based on interferon and a therapy based on nucleoside/nucleotide analog anti-HBV drug), and thus guide the patients to reasonably choose drugs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro method for determining HIV neutralizing antibodies in a sample. It further relates to a fusion protein to be used in said method and a nucleic acid encoding said fusion protein.

Abstract: Methods and kits for assessing the presence of, and for detecting cancer, notably oral cancer, are disclosed. Such methods and kits use one or more lectins operably linked to a fluorophore, wherein the lectin binds differentially to cancerous and non-cancerous tissues, and wherein the fluorophore facilitates visualizing the differential binding. The lectins are applied to the oral mucosa of a subject, the fluorophore is exposed to light, and cancerous regions of the mucosa are visualized. In certain embodiments, the lectin specifically binds to one or more of a ?-galactoside, an ?- or ?-N-acetylglucosamine, or a sialic acid moiety.

Abstract: The invention provides biomarkers and combinations of biomarkers useful in diagnosing lung diseases such as non-small cell lung cancer or reactive airway disease. Measurements of these biomarkers are inputted into a classification system such as a support vector machine or AdaBoost to assist in determining the likelihood that an individual has a lung disease. Kits comprising agents for detecting the biomarkers and combination of biomarkers, as well as systems that assist in diagnosing lung diseases are also provided.

Abstract: Biomarkers are identified by analyzing gene expression data using support vector machines (SVM) to rank genes according to their ability to separate prostate cancer from normal tissue. Expression products of identified genes are detected in patient samples, including prostate tissue, serum, semen and urine, to screen, predict and monitor prostate cancer.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a component using a fluidic device. The method includes the steps of providing a distribution of the component across contacting first and second fluid flows; diverting a part of the first fluid flow, a part of the second fluid flow, or parts of the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow, wherein the diverted part includes the component; and analyzing the component in the diverted part of the fluid flow. Optionally the component may be labelled prior to the analyzing step. A flow apparatus for use in the method is also provided.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for the detection of anti-vinculin antibodies, for determining a presence or likely presence of a gastrointestinal motility disorder, bladder motility disorder, or fibromyalgia. Further provided are methods of selecting and/or administering a therapy based on the presence or absence of anti-vinculin antibodies.

Abstract: A detection method for 305 fertility-associated sperm localization protein expressed in human testis and epididymis. The method includes qualitatively or quantitatively detecting for sperm localization proteins on a sperm or in seminal plasma via capture agents for the sperm localization proteins. The sperm localization proteins belong to an important protein group related to human sperm maturation and fertility. The method provides a diagnostic approach for male infertility.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of identifying, predicting and treating subjects at risk for exacerbation or the presence of a respiratory disease, by detecting expression levels of one or more proteins associated with the respiratory disease, wherein said one or more proteins is selected from the group of CCL24, IL2RA, APOA4, GC, IgA, LPA, KLK3 F, FAS, NRCAM, TNFRSFIOC, IL12B, IL23A, RAGE, CCL20, ICAM1, SERPINA7, CDH13 and CDH1, and wherein said respiratory disease may be chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or emphysema.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and compositions that find use in facilitating a diagnosis of inflammatory liver disease in a subject. The methods and compositions generally involve detection of eotaxin-3 (E3) levels, either alone or with levels of eotaxin-1 (E1), and optionally, with levels of CCL22 and, further optionally, with levels of IL15. These levels can be used to facilitate a diagnosis of a liver disease of at least one of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and/or to facilitate a differential diagnosis between AIH, PBC, and PSC. The methods and compositions of the present disclosure also find use in facilitating treatment decisions for a subject.

Abstract: Fluorescent proteins (Chlopsid FP I from Kaupichthys hyoproroides and Chlopsid FP II from Kaupichthys n. sp.) are used in a method for detecting bilirubin. The proteins are based on transcriptome analysis of the false moray eels, Kaupichthys hyoproroides and Kaupichthys n. sp., the later representing a heretofore undescribed species.

Abstract: A method for detecting adrenocorticotropic hormone comprising: bringing a liquid sample containing adrenocorticotropic hormone into contact with gelled casein to adsorb adrenocorticotropic hormone to the gelled casein; and detecting the adrenocorticotropic hormone adsorbed to the gelled casein is disclosed. An adsorbent of adrenocorticotropic hormone comprising gelled casein is also disclosed.

Abstract: Subject of the present invention are assays and in vitro methods for the prediction of the risk of a subject for contracting metabolic syndrome and/or diabetes mellitus and for diagnosing metabolic syndrome, comprising determining the level of arginine vasopressin pro-hormone or fragments thereof in a sample of a subject.

Abstract: A problem to be solved by the present invention is to inhibit a nonspecific agglutination reaction in an agglutination test using a monoclonal antibody having a property of specifically biding to PIVKA-II and a monoclonal antibody having a property of specifically biding to prothrombin as well as two types of carrier particles carrying these monoclonal antibodies. The nonspecific agglutination reaction can be inhibited by adding certain divalent metal ions to a reaction solution containing the monoclonal antibody having a property of specifically biding to PIVKA-II and the monoclonal antibody having a property of specifically biding to prothrombin as well as the two types of carrier particles carrying these monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and compounds for isolating and detecting lysophosphatidic acids (LPAs) are disclosed. Kits for performing the methods also are disclosed. LPAs are isolated from biological samples by liquid-liquid extraction followed by solid phase extraction. LPA species may be separated by HPLC, and the separated species may be identified and quantified. Also disclosed are embodiments of compounds capable of universally detecting a plurality of LPA species with substantially equivalent sensitivity. Embodiments of the disclosed compounds are useful for determination of total LPA concentration in a sample comprising a plurality of LPA species without separation of individual LPA species.

Abstract: Methods, systems and circuits evaluate a subject's CVD risk using a risk parameter that includes at least one HDL and inflammatory biomarker interaction parameter. The inflammatory biomarker may optionally comprise NMR derived measurements of GlycA from at least one biosample of the subject. The risk parameter may be gender-specific.

Abstract: A system including a light source, sampling tray, and a plurality of fiber optics positioned to achieve high contrast to improve accuracy and eliminate the need to rotate the sample. A composite light image from the fiber optics is fed to a spectrometer which converts the reflected light into a fingerprint corresponding to the concentration of at least one substance in the sample. The fingerprint is processed by a statistical model to determine concentration level of the at least one substance in the sample and the concentration level is then displayed.

Abstract: A method for determining a physical property of a biological sample. The method comprises the steps of: acquiring a set of preliminary calibration signals of a first lot of a reagent using an automatic analyzer with a first photometry module; acquiring a reference set of signals of the first lot of the reagent using a calibration analyzer with a second photometry module; determining a set of module specific components by subtracting the reference set of signals from the preliminary calibration signals; acquiring a lot specific set of signals of a second lot of the reagent using the second photometry module; determining a lot calibration for the first photometry module using the set of module specific components and the lot specific set of signals; acquiring a measurement signal of the biological sample using the first photometry module and the second lot of the reagent; and determining a physical property of the biological sample using the measurement signal and the lot calibration.

Abstract: An external standard solution for use in the analysis of amino acid in plasma, containing, (1) at least one amino acid selected from the following components A, at a concentration of 0.0007 M to 0.49 M, and (2) (i) at least one amino acid selected from the following components B, at a concentration of 0.2 to 0.9 times of the lowest-concentration amino acid among the amino acids selected from components A, (ii) at least one amino acid selected from the following components C, at a concentration of 0.1 to 0.4 times of the lowest-concentration amino acid among amino acids selected from the components A, or (iii) at least one amino acid selected from the following components D, at a concentration of 0.05 to 0.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for monitoring a generative fabrication process in which a component is formed in an installation space from a multiplicity of layers by using a three-dimensional data model and a following layer is fixed to a preceding layer by means of a high-energy beam. The method comprises detecting the component at least optically and detecting the installation space thermally during layer application. Also disclosed is a device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Described are systems, devices, and methods which related to various aspects of assays for detecting and/or determining a measure of the concentration of analyte molecules or particles in a sample fluid. In some cases, the systems employ an assay consumable comprising a plurality of assay sites. The systems, devices, and/or methods, in some cases, are automated. In some cases, the systems, devices, and/or methods relate to inserting a plurality of beads into assay sites, sealing assay sites, imaging assay sites, or the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing analyses of total blood samples and to a device that is useful for implementing the method, said samples being conserved in tubes including at least one identification means for identifying the sample, the device comprising: at least one compartment constituting a said storage zone for storing said tubes before and after analysis; and at least one said read means for reading said identification means of said tubes; and at least one preparation zone for preparing said blood samples prior to analysis and including means for verifying and/or treating said tubes containing said samples, and in particular at least one agitator means for agitating said tubes; and at least one access zone giving access to at least one automatic analyzer of total blood, said access zone enabling a said tube to be placed in said analyzer; and robotic gripper and displacement means controlled by an automatic controller and suitable for taking hold of and replacing said tubes ind

Abstract: The invention provides a sample inspection automation system capable of easily, reliably, and efficiently responding to requests for reinspection or addition of inspection items. The sample inspection automation system includes a storage unit having a sample replacing mechanism for transferring a sample from a tray to a sample transfer line. When the system receives sample retrieval information through the communication between an operating unit and a laboratory information system (LIS), or a host system of the sample inspection automation system, the sample is transferred to the appropriate sample treatment unit through the transfer line. Thus, when a request for reinspection or an addition inspection is issued, the sample inspection automation system can efficiently respond to it.

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: Methods of identifying a characteristic of a clinical analysis specimen or a sample container containing the specimen are disclosed. The methods include moving the sample container along a track while causing translation and rotation of the sample container, and capturing two or more images of the sample container during the translation and rotation. The track may have one or more moveable belts contacting a carrier to rotate and translate the carrier holding the sample container. Image analysis may be used to read a barcode label of the sample container, determine HIL, and/or physical characteristics of the sample container. Apparatus for carrying out the method are described, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A laboratory sample distribution system having a recovery device and a laboratory automation system having such a laboratory sample distribution system are presented. The recovery device is adapted to manipulate items such as sample container carriers or sample containers on a transport plane of the laboratory sample distribution system in the case of an error condition.

Abstract: A reagent vessel housing unit 7 is provided with a drive unit 121 for a base member 122. The base member supports a first opening/closing mechanism 135 for a first reagent vessel and a second opening/closing mechanism 136 for a second reagent vessel. The drive unit 121 positions the base member 122 at an initial position, at a position at which the cap of a first reagent vessel and the cap of a second reagent vessel are closed, at a first opening position at which the cap of the first reagent vessel is opened, and at a second opening position at which the cap of the second reagent vessel is opened.

Abstract: A device and method for handling racks of disposable pipette tips in a laboratory automation system are presented. The device comprises a guide rail for guiding racks from a loading region (I) to a supply region (II). The loading region (I) is accessible by a user or a loading device for loading a rack on the guide rail. A plurality of disposable pipette tips stored in a supplying rack located in the supply region (II) is accessible by a delivering device for delivering at least one selected one of the plurality of disposable pipette tips to a pipetting system. The device comprises at least one moveable element, which is controllably moveable by a driving device for selectively enabling or disabling a removal of the supplying rack from the supply region (II). A laboratory automation system comprising such a device and/or for carrying out the method are also presented.

Abstract: A velocity deviation measuring device includes: a laser driver that causes a semiconductor laser to oscillate; a counting portion that counts run lengths of binary signals wherein interference waveforms included in the output of a photodiode that converts the output of the semiconductor laser into an electric signal have been binarized; and a calculating portion that calculates the deviation in the surface velocity of a web from the counting result by the counting portion. The counting portion binarizes the interference waveform synchronized to a sampling clock, measures the respective run lengths of the binary signal during a reference interval and a comparison interval, creates respective frequency distributions of the run lengths for the reference interval and the comparison interval, and calculates, respectively, for the reference interval and the comparison interval, the total numbers of run lengths that are at or above a threshold value Th, from the frequency distribution.

Abstract: A gyroscopic rotational monitoring system may be utilized for monitoring one or more properties of rotatable container or vessel, and/or one or more properties of a displaceable material contained in the rotatable vessels. An exemplary aspect relates to the use of a gyroscope and periodicity sensor (e.g., accelerometer) to determine rotational speed of a concrete mixing drum, so that the slump or other property of the concrete can be monitored or adjusted such as by dosing with water, chemical admixtures, or mixture thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates generating timing signals registering the passage of a component past a sensor. The invention relates particularly to the generation of timing signals in real time for health monitoring of a mechanical system, for example for detecting excessive distortion or vibration of rotor blades in a turbine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a signal inducing device (1, 9, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20), comprising a first material (2, 3, 13, 14) and a second material (4, 16). The first material (2, 3, 13, 14) and the second material (4, 16) show a different magnetic behavior. The first material (2, 3, 13, 14) and the second material (4, 16) are arranged in a way that the resulting magnetic behavior of the signal inducing device (1, 9, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20) varies over a magnetic interaction surface (5, 10) of the signal inducing device (1, 9, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20). The signal inducing device (1, 9, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20) is designed in a way that the magnetic interaction surface (5, 10) shows an essentially smooth surface, in particular with respect to the standard moving direction of the magnetic interaction surface (5, 10).

Abstract: A torque command value and an acceleration detection value are accumulated when a driven portion is subjected to acceleration/deceleration driving, and, from a ratio between the two, inertia of a movable portion is calculated. By executing the acceleration/deceleration driving about a position where influence of gravity torque is zero, the influence of the gravity torque included in the torque command value before and after the center position is offset, whereby inertia can be estimated correctly even with a machine structure in which the influence of gravity differs depending on the position of the motor.

Abstract: A resonant sensor includes a mover that is movable in a first direction, a supporter that extends in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the supporter being connected to the mover and a fixer, the supporter supporting the mover which is movable in the first direction, and a resonator that is vibratable, at least a part of the resonator being embedded in the supporter.

Abstract: A physical quantity sensor according to the embodiment includes: a substrate; a movable body including a movable electrode portion; and a support which supports the movable body around a first shaft to be displaced, in which, when the movable body is divided into a first portion and a second portion with the first shaft as a boundary, the physical quantity sensor includes a first fixed electrode portion which is disposed on the substrate to oppose the first portion, and a second fixed electrode portion which is disposed on the substrate to oppose the second portion, and a guard portion which suppresses an electrostatic force generated between the movable body and the substrate is provided in an inter-electrode area between the first fixed electrode portion and the second fixed electrode portion, on the substrate.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing offset in a MEMS sensor are disclosed. In a first aspect, the system is a MEMS sensor that comprises a sensing reference plane, at least one anchor coupled to the sensing reference plane, at least one proof mass coupled to the at least one anchor, wherein one of the at least one proof mass moves under an external excitation, a pattern of sensing elements coupled between the sensing reference plane and the at least one proof mass to detect motion normal to the sensing reference plane, wherein the pattern of sensing elements shares at least three axes of polarity anti-symmetry, and a signal processing circuit to combine the pattern of sensing elements thereby providing an output proportional to the external excitation. In a second aspect, the sensing reference plane is divided by two axes forming four quadrants on the sensing reference plane.

Abstract: In an aspect, in general, a system and method compensate for a misalignment characteristic of one or more acceleration sensors fixed to a sprung mass of a vehicle, each acceleration sensor having a location on the vehicle and a desired orientation relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: Various technologies to facilitate coupled electrical and mechanical measurement of conductive materials are disclosed herein. A gripping device simultaneously holds a specimen in place and causes contact to be made between the specimen and a plurality of electrodes connected to an electrical measuring device. An electrical characteristic of the specimen is then measured while a mechanical load is applied to the specimen, and a relationship between the mechanical load and changes in the electrical characteristic can be identified.

Abstract: A probe card includes a mechanical support fixture having an inner aperture with a plurality of probes secured to the fixture that includes probe tips that extend into the inner aperture for contacting probe pads on die of a wafer to be probed. At least one magnetic shield includes a magnetic material that at least substantially surrounds a projected volume over an area that encloses the probe tips. The magnetic material has a relative magnetic permeability of at least 800.

Abstract: The invention relates to a matching circuit for matching impedance values comprising an impedance element with an impedance value, which corresponds to a required total impedance value of the matching circuit, a structurally determined parasitic unit with a parasitic impedance value and a compensation unit with at least one first compensation element. The first compensation element provides a compensation impedance value which is the dual impedance value of the parasitic impedance value. Furthermore, a system comprising a first circuit unit and a second circuit unit with a matching circuit serving for the matching is provided. Also, a method for the compensation of parasitic units for matching purposes is provided.

Abstract: A coreless current probe has a body defining an opening in a plane and a central line through the opening which is normal to the plane. A conductor carrying a current to be measured can be accommodated in the opening. At least three coreless single point magnetic field sensors are distributed in the body around the opening. The linear spacings between adjacent sensors around the opening are not all the same. In another embodiment, the sensors are not all located on a common cylindrical surface. One embodiment has a U-shaped body enabling engagement with a current carrying conductor. The sensors are arranged so that the sum of the outputs each with appropriate weighting is zero in any homogenous field. The sensors outputs have differing weightings so as to maximize rejection by the probe of external magnetic fields.

Abstract: Traceable cables (e.g., networking cables, power cables, etc.). Some embodiments include a traceable power cable with a battery (e.g., that may be rechargeable from current from an external power source to which the power cable is electrically connected). Some embodiments include a traceable networking cable configured to draw power from power-over-Ethernet (POE) power sourcing equipment (PSE) even if the networking cable is not connected to a separate powered device (PD).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining initial rotor position in a stationary state of an electric machine.

Abstract: A power detection circuit includes an input end for receiving an AC input signal, a rectifier for converting the AC input signal into a rectified signal, an output end for outputting the rectified signal, at least two voltage clamp circuits, each for providing an electrical path between the output end and a reference voltage end when the rectified signal is greater than a threshold voltage of the voltage clamp circuit. A threshold voltage of at least one of the voltage clamp circuit is different from a threshold voltage of another clamp circuit.

Abstract: A power distribution unit (PDU) disposable in an electrical equipment rack. The PDU has a housing, a power input penetrating the housing, outlets in the housing, a processor disposed in the housing, voltage and current sensors, and a voltage calculation procedure communicable with the processor. The processor samples voltage and current waveforms and calculates RMS values and other power parameters. A method of managing electrical loads each drawing electrical power from a PDU includes repeatedly sampling voltage across and current flowing through each of the loads, calculating raw RMS values of voltage and current, and scaling the raw RMS values to obtain corrected RMS voltage and current values and other power parameters.