Abstract: Split enzyme reporter systems are disclosed for detecting an analyte in a mixture. Fragments of the split enzyme may be covalently bound to targeting domains that bind to target regions of an analyte, thereby causing formation of an active complex. Some split enzyme reporter systems can be used to detect an analyte without the use of analyte immobilization, blocking, or wash steps. Some reporter systems also enable rapid detection of the analyte of interest.

Abstract: Provided are methods for screening a subject for cancer. The methods involve obtaining a blood sample from the subject and determining a level of Bridging Integrator 1 (BIN1) isoforms comprising exon 12a in the sample. Optionally, the method involves determining a level of 12a+/13? BIN isoform (comprising exon 12a but lacking exon 13) in the sample. An elevated level of 12a+(e.g., 12a+/13?) BIN1 isoforms in the blood sample indicates the subject has cancer. Also provided are methods for determining efficacy of a cancer therapy in a subject and methods of treating cancer. Isolated antibodies that selectively bind human 12a+ BIN1 are also provided as well as kits for determining 12a+/13? BIN1 isoforms.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides sensor arrays for detecting biomolecules and methods of use. In some embodiments, the sensor arrays are capable of determining a disease state in a subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to urinary polyamines useful as prostate cancer biomarkers. In particular, the present disclosure provides a novel, highly-sensitive and specific, method for detecting and quantifying urinary polyamines using lanthanide complexes or citrate capped gold nanoparticles.

Abstract: The disclosure provides biomarker panels, methods and kits for determining the probability for preterm birth in a pregnant female. The present disclosure is based, in part, on the discovery that certain proteins and peptides in biological samples obtained from a pregnant female are differentially expressed in pregnant females that have an increased risk of developing in the future or presently suffering from preterm birth relative to matched controls. The present disclosure is further based, in part, on the unexepected discovery that panels combining one or more of these proteins and peptides can be utilized in methods of determining the probability for preterm birth in a pregnant female with relatively high sensitivity and specificity. These proteins and peptides dislosed herein serve as biomarkers for classifying test samples, predicting a probability of preterm birth, monitoring of progress of preterm birth in a pregnant female, either individually or in a panel of biomarkers.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for identifying and using a biomarker, or creating a proteome profile, indicative of a reduced response to a drug in a patient involving a thermal shift assay on a sample. The method comprises the steps of a) heating a sample from a patient b) separating soluble from insoluble protein, c) analysing either or both the soluble and insoluble protein fractions of step b) to determine the melting temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for predicting the probability of preterm birth in a pregnant female. The present invention provides a composition comprising one or more biomarkers selected from the group consisting of the biomarkers set forth in FIGS. 1 and 2 and Tables 1 through 3, 6 through 38, and 44 through 68. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of determining probability for preterm birth in a pregnant female, optionally preterm birth associated with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) or preterm birth associated idiopathic spontaneous labor (PTL), the method comprising measuring in a biological sample obtained from the pregnant female one or biomarkers selected from one or more of the biomarkers set forth in FIGS. 1 and 2 and Tables 1 through 3, 6 through 38, and 44 through 68 to determine the probability for preterm birth in said pregnant female.

Abstract: The present invention provides biomarkers, methods and kits for diagnosing active tuberculosis in a subject, methods and kits for monitoring the effectiveness of treatment for active TB, as well as methods for identifying a compound that can treat TB reduce or inhibit the development of complications associated with the disease in a subject, and methods to treat active TB.

Abstract: The invention relates to the affinity plate for haptoglobin phenotype determination, the kit comprising it, and the method of haptoglobin phenotype determination by detection of its a subunits by means of mass spectrometry desorption ionization techniques after preceding preconcentration of haptoglobin on the surface of the affinity plate with immobilized anti-haptoglobin antibody that was deposited onto this surface from gas phase after preceding electrospray ionization and heat desolvation.

Abstract: It has been demonstrated that certain compounds bind to TNF and stabilise a conformation of trimeric TNF that binds to the TNF receptor. Antibodies which selectively bind to complexes of such compounds with TNF superfamily members are disclosed. These antibodies may be used to detect further compounds with the same activity, and as target engagement biomarker.

Abstract: It has been demonstrated that certain compounds bind to TNF and stabilise a conformation of trimeric TNF that binds to the TNF receptor. Accordingly, these compounds can be used as modulators of TNF. A new assay for identifying compounds with this mechanism of action is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of chemokine biomarkers predictive of future acute coronary syndromes including unstable angina pectoris (UAP). The present invention also identifies particular chemokines as potential therapeutic targets for intervention in cardiovascular diseases.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the selective activation of a BMP-dependent response in certain cell types. Methods include identifying a ligand or ligand combinations as well as cell receptor profiles that result in selectively activating a ligand-dependent response through interactions with ligand receptors on a first cell type that do not activate the ligand-dependent response in a second cell type.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of diagnosing, monitoring, and treating elastin fiber injuries. In additional preferred embodiments, the present invention relates to methods of validating candidate compounds for use in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, emphysema, refractory asthma, and other related diseases. Examples of such methods include determining if the candidate compound decreases the degradation of elastic fiber in a patient administered the candidate compound by measuring, using mass spectrometry employing an internal standard, a marker of elastic fiber degradation in a sample of a body fluid or a tissue of the patient. The invention provides that a decrease in the presence of the marker compared to a control validates that the candidate compound is effective to treat, prevent, or ameliorate the disease.

Abstract: Methods and kits for sampling mucous from within a sinus to determine if a single sample includes one or more bacterial types indicating bacterial sinusitis.

Abstract: A method for the diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes, or a predisposition towards Type 1 diabetes, or to monitor the efficacy of a therapy to prevent or treat Type 1 diabetes, said method comprising contacting a sample from a subject with a reagent selected from Tetraspanin-7 or a fragment, or a modified form thereof, and detecting an interaction indicative of the presence of an autoimmune response to Tetraspanin-7. Tetraspanin-7 is now understood to be the protein recognised by Glima 38 specific antibodies. Reagents and kits for use in the method and therapies associated with these form further aspects of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inhibitor of IGFBP3 and uses thereof for the treatment and/or prevention of an intestinal disease, in particular of diabetic enteropathy or inflammatory bowel disease. The present invention also relates to IGFBP3 and uses thereof for the diagnosis, prognosis or an intestinal disease, in particular of diabetic enteropathy or inflammatory bowel disease.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and compositions for the detection of infectious proteins or prions in samples, including the diagnosis of prion related diseases. One embodiment is an ultrasensitive method for detecting PrP-res (PrPSc) that allows the use of recombinant PrP-sen (rPrP-sen) as a substrate for seeded polymerization. A sample is mixed with purified rPrP-sen to make a reaction mix which is incubated to permit aggregation of the rPrP-sen with the PrP-res that may be present in the sample. Any aggregates are intermittently disaggregated by agitation and the reaction allowed to proceed to amplify target substrate. Any rPrP-res(Sc) in the reaction mix is detected to indicate the presence of PrP-res in the original sample. In the QUIC method in, the reaction mixture is shaken intermittently. The surprising speed and efficiency of the method permits the rapid identification and diagnosis of prion disease.

Abstract: Methods and devices for rapid assessment of the severity of injury not due to a natural disease based upon measurement of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) are provided.

Abstract: A diagnostic device for analysing properties of an analyte in a sample liquid including: a distribution zone having at least two hydrophilic layers placed one on top of the other, wherein one layer is a top layer (12) and the other is a bottom layer (13); and a detection zone located under the distribution zone, the detection zone having a detection layer (14), wherein: the top layer has one or more openings (15) through which the sample liquid is introduced into the device; the bottom layer having one or more openings (16) connecting the distribution zone to the detection zone; the bottom layer also having a means by which the sample liquid is distributed from the top layer's opening to the detection layer through the bottom layer's opening; and a visual indication results on the detection layer when the sample liquid comes into contact with the detection layer.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for assessing hydrogen peroxide accumulation within cells (e.g., cancer cells) exposed to one or more test agents. For example, methods and materials for determining whether or not cancer cells (e.g., MM cells) from a mammal (e.g., a human) accumulate hydrogen peroxide following contact with a test agent (e.g., an IMID) and exogenous H2O2 are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides tests that measures functional platelet aggregation such as by using Light Transmission Aggregometry Assays (LTAAs) or flow cytometry, using synthetic, self-assembling human type I collagen, methods of predicting and measuring an individual's platelet anti-platelet medication sensitivity and residual platelet activity status when the individual is on a dual anti-platelet therapy of aspirin and anti-platelet medication and kits useful in the assays and methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rapid, sensitive method for forensic drug testing in a post-mortem subject using oral fluid collected from the post-mortem subject. The method comprises collecting a sample of oral fluid from a post-mortem subject, analyzing the oral fluid sample qualitatively to detect the presence of one or more non-naturally occurring drugs, analyzing the oral fluid sample quantitatively to determine concentration of the one or more non-naturally occurring drugs in the post-mortem subject, and identifying the one or more non-naturally occurring drugs in the post-mortem subject. The detection and quantification in oral fluid is more sensitive and faster than detection and quantification of the non-naturally occurring drugs in blood, urine, bile, and liver tissue collected from the same post-mortem subject. Further, the qualitative and quantitative results are obtained in as little as three hours.

Abstract: A pretreatment apparatus (100) for performing pretreatment of a sample is provided with a holder (610) for holding a container (10) containing a sample, a centrifugal separation device (600) for rotating the container (10) held by the holder (610) to perform a centrifugal separation, a temperature adjustment device (420) for adjusting the temperature of the sample in the container (10) in the holder (610), an input device (320) for receiving from a user a designated temperature that is adjusted by the temperature adjustment device (420), a controller (300) for controlling the temperature adjustment device (420) in accordance with the designated temperature received via the input device (320).

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for controlling a position of a sample in a liquid chromatography system. The apparatus includes a rotary drive mechanism, a stepper motor and a rotational coupling system such as a drive belt and pulley system. The rotational coupling system transfers the rotational motion of a motor shaft to a shaft of the rotary drive mechanism. Advantageously, the stepper motor is remote to the sample compartment for improved safety in the event that volatile gas accumulates within the sample compartment. The rotary drive mechanism can be configured in a small form factor and can provide highly stable rotation of an attached sample tray to accommodate the requirements of compact liquid chromatography systems. In addition, leakage from inside the sample compartment to the ambient environment is substantially reduced or eliminated, resulting in better thermal control of the sample compartment.

Abstract: The analysis apparatus of the present invention determines sufficiency/insufficiency of the test liquid by, before aspiration of the test liquid in container with the nozzle, comparing the amount of the test liquid determined based on the descending distance of the nozzle from the position at which the tip of the nozzle contacts the liquid surface of the test liquid, with the proper amount of the test liquid for the container identified by the container identification system.

Abstract: A method of monitoring an elevator car is provided. The method comprising: moving the elevator car through a route segment in a first direction; moving a sensing system integrally connected to the elevator car over a segment of a scattering surface, the sensing system comprising a first light source and a first light sensing device; emitting a plurality of first light impulses onto the scattering surface using the first light source at a first impulse rate; measuring a first data set comprising light scattered off the scattering surface for each of the first light impulses using the first light sensing device; and determining a first velocity of the elevator car in response to the first data set and a baseline data set.

Abstract: An electronic device for detecting an air flow includes at least one sensor having a pair of platelets, each platelet having an RTD and having one end fixed, the other end being free and overlapping the free end of the other platelet. A platelet is flexible so as to form a switch for an electrical circuit. An air flow with a speed higher than a predetermined speed makes the sensor go from a first state, corresponding to a closed switch, in which the free ends of the platelets are in contact, to a second state, corresponding to an open switch, in which said contact is broken. A detection module allows, for each sensor, a resistance of the electrical circuit to be measured, the resistance corresponding to the RTDs being connected in parallel when the switch is closed or to one of the RTDs when the switch is open.

Abstract: A first air data system for providing first aircraft air data parameter outputs is formed by a first electronics channel of a first multi-function probe (MFP) that is electrically coupled with a first electronics channel of a second MFP to receive static pressure data from the second MFP. A second air data system for providing second aircraft air data parameter outputs is formed by a second electronics channel of the second MFP that is electrically coupled with a second electronics channel of the first MFP to receive static pressure data from the first MFP. A third air data system for providing third aircraft air data parameter outputs is formed by a laser air data sensor that is configured to emit directional light into airflow about the aircraft exterior and to generate the third aircraft air data parameter outputs based on returns of the emitted directional light.

Abstract: In some examples, a method determines an open/close status of a pivotable barrier on a moveable platform based on selective use of a plurality of different filters for filtering measurement data from a sensor device.

Abstract: In some examples, to perform motion detection of a moveable platform, variance values based on acceleration data from an accelerometer on the moveable platform are computed. Using the computed variance values, it is determined whether the moveable platform is in motion.

Abstract: The accelerometers disclosed herein provide excellent sensitivity, long-term stability, and low SWaP-C through a combination of photonic integrated circuit technology with standard micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. Examples of these accelerometers use optical transduction to improve the scale factor of traditional MEMS resonant accelerometers by accurately measuring the resonant frequencies of very small (e.g., about 1 ?m) tethers attached to a large (e.g., about 1 mm) proof mass. Some examples use ring resonators to measure the tether frequencies and some other examples use linear resonators to measure the tether frequencies. Potential commercial applications span a wide range from seismic measurement systems to automotive stability controls to inertial guidance to any other application where chip-scale accelerometers are currently deployed.

Abstract: Various acceleration sensors are disclosed. In some cases, an inertial mass may be formed during back-end-of-line (BEOL). In other cases, a membrane may have a bent, undulated or winded shape. In yet other embodiments, an inertial mass may span two or more pressure sensing structures.

Abstract: A sensor device for an electronic apparatus is provided with: a sensing structure generating a first detection signal; and a dedicated integrated circuit, connected to the sensing structure, detecting, as a function of the first detection signal, a first event associated to the electronic apparatus and generating a first interrupt signal upon detection of the first event. The dedicated integrated circuit detects the first event as a function of a temporal evolution of the first detection signal, and in particular as a function of values assumed by the first detection signal within one or more successive time windows, and of a relation between these values.

Abstract: An image capturing control unit controls a video camera so as to capture an image while switching between a first image capturing condition suitable for capturing a laser light spot and a second image capturing condition suitable for capturing an image of a cantilever for each single image. The image composition unit creates an image in which a laser light spot image and a cantilever image clearly appearing in each of two consecutive images are composed and displays the image on a display unit. A laser light center position detection unit, a cantilever tip position detection unit, and a position adjustment amount calculation unit calculate a position adjustment amount for adjusting an optical axis from a laser light center position and a cantilever tip position obtained by image processing from two each of two consecutive images, and also display the calculated numeric value on the display unit.

Abstract: Numerous carrier profiling techniques may be combined for simultaneous operation of those techniques on a single material sample. A single apparatus utilizing a Field-Programmable Gate Array (“FPGA”) may be utilized to simultaneously operate those techniques. Various hardware components necessary for the given techniques may be operationally connected to the FPGA while simulations may be performed and stored with the apparatus for real-time analysis of results.

Abstract: A photonic probe for atomic force microscopy includes: a cantilever including: a tip; a wing in mechanical communication with the tip; an extension interposed between the tip and the wing to synchronously communicate motion of the tip with the wing; an optical resonator disposed proximate to the cantilever and that: receives input light; and produces output light, such that: the cantilever is spaced by a gap distance from the optical resonator, wherein the gap distance varies as the cantilever moves relative to the optical resonator, and the output light differs from the input light in response to movement of the cantilever relative to the optical resonator; an optical waveguide in optical communication with the optical resonator and that: provides the input light to the optical resonator; and receives the output light from the optical resonator.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a measurement arrangement including a sensor, an electronics module, a signal cable having a cable circuit, and a superordinate unit. The sensor is releasably pluggable to the electronics module which itself is releasably pluggable to the signal cable. The signal cable is connected with the superordinate unit. The plug connections between the sensor and the electronics module and between the electronics module and the signal cable may be galvanically isolated. The sensor outputs digital data in a first format to the electronics module. The electronics module outputs digital data in a second format to the signal cable. The superordinate unit is configured to receive and to process the digital data in the second format.

Abstract: A spring probe contactor includes an angled spring probe configuration that causes the tips of the spring probes to “swipe” the contact pads/solder balls of an IC device under test as the contacts are made. The angulation of the spring probes permit penetration through foreign material layers on the pad/ball surfaces with less contact force.

Abstract: A universal multi-pin, adjustable probing assembly or manipulator for use in parametric and reliability testing of devices on a semiconductor wafer. The probing assembly can be mounted and adjusted on a metal platen using a magnetic field. The strength of the magnetic field can be adjusted by a switchable magnetic slab to which a block is connected via an arm. A probe head can be attached to a side face of the block, which includes a tilt control mechanism for tilting the probe head to ensure that probe tips land simultaneously on pads of dies. The probe head also includes four adjusting mechanisms for translation in the X, Y, and Z directions, as well as rotation about the Z axis.

Abstract: A system for semiconductor wafer testing, a tangent probe card and a probe head assembly thereof. The system has a tangent probe card and a tester. Testing ends of the probe card are flat, hence the allowable alignment budget will always be more generous for the tangent probe card. The probes are held on the probe head assembly, and once the alignment is achieved accurately during manufacture, the alignment will remain stable throughout the whole life cycle. The probe has a greater CCC due to its larger cross section. The throughput of the tangent probes is higher than that of the conventional probe card since there is no need to move the pointed pin/structure. No pointed pin/structure needs to be repaired, and the flat bottom surface of the probe head assembly is easier to clean and maintain.

Abstract: A magnetic assembly includes a magnetic core, a magnetic core set, a circuit board and a positioning plate. The magnetic core set includes a first magnetic member, two second magnetic members and a plurality of third magnetic members. A plurality of separation spaces exist between the first magnetic member and two second magnetic members, and the circuit board is disposed between the magnetic core and the magnetic core set. The positioning plate has a first receptacle configured to receive the first magnetic member, two second receptacles each configured to receive one of the second magnetic members, and a plurality of third receptacles configured to receive the third magnetic members. Therefore, the eddy current loss and the winding loss are reduced, the sizes of the separation spaces are controlled precisely, and the advantages of enhancing the effectiveness of the magnetic assembly are achieved.

Abstract: A voltage limiting circuit for limiting the voltage developed across a current sensing circuit and a method are disclosed. The voltage limiting circuit includes an input terminal configured to receive an input signal from the current sensing circuit, and an output terminal configured to receive an output signal from the current sensing circuit. A voltage sense circuit is connected to the input terminal and output terminal to detect that a predefined threshold voltage is developed between the input terminal and output terminal. An activation circuit receives a signal from the voltage sense circuit to activate the voltage limiting circuit, and a level shifting circuit interfaces the voltage sense circuitry to the activation circuitry and other circuits by level shifting signals to required levels.

Abstract: Provided is a current sensing resistor made of electrically conductive metal, the resistor including a code display portion obtained by encoding characteristic information specific to the current sensing resistor and displaying the encoded characteristic information in a readable manner.

Abstract: A shunt is composed of multiple pieces with at least some of the pieces being connected by a conductive channel that provides uniform flow of current. The conductive channel may be a recess, raised portion, stand-alone component, or other channel that directs current to flow from one piece of the shunt to another piece in a uniform manner, resulting in an accurate current reading for the shunt. Further, the shunt may include multiple pieces that are composed of different materials.

Abstract: A thermocouple device includes a shared conductor for a shunt measurement and a thermocouple measurement. For example, the thermocouple device may include a shared conductor that provides a signal to both calculate current of a shunt and calculate a temperature of the shunt. The thermocouple device may provide an efficient structure that accurately calculates current and temperature. In addition, the thermocouple device may use the temperature of the shunt to detect when a conductive path is overheating. The temperature of the shunt may also be used for other purposes.

Abstract: A heat-resistant device for current detection may include a heat-resistant substrate including a ceramic material; a group of power wirings embedded in the heat-resistant substrate; and a coil structure. The coil structure may include a coil wiring in which coil units each including or corresponding to one turn of the coil wiring are arranged in a circumferential direction around the group of power wirings. The coil unit may include: a first conductor; a second conductor; a first connection wiring; and a second connection wiring which may be embedded in the heat-resistant substrate. At least the first conductor and the second conductor may not be exposed outside of the heat-resistant substrate. The respective first conductors may be spaced by the substantially same minimum distance from an outer circumferential line surrounding the group of power wirings in a plane orthogonal to the extending direction of the group of power wirings.

Abstract: Methods and devices related to current sensing are provided. Magnetoresistive sensor elements are provided on opposite sides of a conductor.

Abstract: An arrangement having two redundant modules that monitor one another and that each contain a current or voltage source, which is connected to a first line terminal via a first controllable switch and a first current sensor, wherein each module also has a second line terminal and a ground terminal, between which lies a second current sensor in series with a second controllable switch, where each module, when in the functioning state, closes the controllable switches contained therein, and contains a monitoring device connected to the two current sensors of the modules, the monitoring device generating a monitoring signal identifying the corresponding other module as functioning if at least one of the two current sensors detects a current flow.

Abstract: A method is used in a utility meter having an arm bit and a seal bit. The method includes changing a state of the arm bit to a first state in response to a first set of conditions. The method also includes removing electrical power from the meter. Upon subsequently applying electrical power to the meter, a first signal in a meter processing circuit indicates whether a meter cover is installed or the meter cover is removed. The processing circuit changes the seal bit to a first state responsive to a condition in which the arm bit is in the first state and the first signal indicates that the meter cover is installed. The processing circuit changes the seal bit to a second state responsive to a condition in which the seal bit is in the first state and the first signal indicates that the meter cover is removed.