Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering one or more fluids. Fluids may be delivered from a common vessel to a chemical, biological or biochemical process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for drug discovery. In particular the present invention provides a method of identifying compounds capable of binding to a functional conformational state of a protein of interest or protein fragment thereof, said method comprising the steps of: (a) Binding a function-modifying antibody to the target protein of interest or a fragment thereof to provide an antibody-constrained protein or fragment, wherein the antibody has binding kinetics with the protein or fragment which are such that it has a low dissociation rate constant, (b) Providing a test compound which has a low molecular weight, (c) Evaluating whether the test compound of step b) binds the antibody constrained protein or fragment, and (d) Select a compound from step c) based on the ability to bind to the protein or fragment thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a simple yet fast, cost effective, reliable method for the detection and quantification of cyclic-di-adenosine monophosphate (c-di-AMP) by measuring c-di-AMP binding to a c-di-AMP-binding protein (CabP). A sample is contacted with CabP in the presence of biotin-labeled c-di-AMP. Once binding has reached equilibrium, unbound c-di-AMP is removed and the CabP-bound c-di-AMP is contacted with an enzyme-conjugated biotin-binding protein and a chromogenic substrate to generate a detectable signal. The signal generated correlates to the amount of unlabeled c-di-AMP in the sample.

Abstract: A programmable modular protein architecture for RNA binding comprises a set of modules, derived from RNA-binding protein Pumilio, that can be concatenated into chains of varying composition and length. When bound into a chain, each module has a preferred affinity for a specific RNA base. The chains can bind arbitrary RNA sequences with high specificity and fidelity by varying the sequence of modules within the chains. Each module contains at least 6 amino acids, with the amino acids in positions 1 and 5 providing the preferred affinity for the specific base, and the amino acid at position 2 serving as a stacking unit between concatenated modules. The modules may have four canonic forms, each having a preferred affinity for a different base and characterized by the base with which it has affinity, the two amino acids that provide the affinity, and the amino acid that serves as a stacking unit.

Abstract: Sample analysis systems and methods are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microspheres comprising protein signal precursor molecules, or a carrier protein bonded to signal precursor molecules, wherein said signal precursor molecules are activatable to generate a detectable signal while remaining bonded to the carrier protein. Also disclosed is a method of making such microspheres comprising the steps of mixing protein molecules with a matrix former in solution; adding a reducing reagent to the mixture; removing the reducing reagent; and removing the matrix former to leave microspheres of protein molecules. Also disclosed are bioassay methods using the microspheres to provide signal amplification, including an amplification cycling procedure.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for the rapid determination of analytes in liquid samples by immunoassays incorporating magnetic capture of beads on a sensor capable of being used in the point-of-care diagnostic field.

Abstract: A portable fluorescence detection system for a test unit comprises a housing, a light source module and a image capturing module. The housing has a receiving area for accommodating the test unit. The light source module is disposed in the housing and projecting light towards the receiving area. The image capturing module is disposed in the housing and receiving fluorescence light from the receiving area so as to capture an image. The above-mentioned system can be applied to the point-of-care testing.

Abstract: A Positional Scanning-Synthetic Peptide Combinatorial Library (PS-SPC) searching apparatus and method using Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) are provided. The method includes spotting and fixing each of a plurality of peptide pools to a top of one thin metal film, inputting specific materials to the top of the thin metal film, applying a TM-mode light to a bottom of the thin metal film and exciting SPR for the thin metal film, and detecting a TM mode reflected light reflected from the thin metal film and displaying the detected light as a two-dimensional image.

Abstract: The invention provides for a proteomic approach for identification of specific bacterial protein profiles that may be used in the development of methods for the diagnosis of bacterial chronic sinusitis. The invention provides for methods for determining the presence of pathogenic bacteria in the upper respiratory tract of a subject using protein profiles of the pathogenic bacteria. The invention also provides for methods of diagnosing a bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract of a subject using protein profiles of a pathogenic bacteria. In addition, the invention provides for devices, immunoassays and kits for identifying pathogenic bacteria in the upper respiratory tract.

Abstract: An immunochromatographic method for detecting a specific substance contained in milk, which comprises (1) the step of contacting the milk with a test strip having a first part retaining a labeled first antibody directed to the specific substance or the specific substance that is labeled, a second part disposed downstream from the first part, on which a second antibody directed to the specific substance is immobilized, and a third part disposed upstream from the first part or the second part and having voids enabling removal of milk fat globules contained in the milk, at the third part or a further upstream part, and (2) the step of flowing the milk up to the second part or a further downstream part to obtain a detectable signal of the label at the second part or a further downstream part.

Abstract: The method of the invention allows confirmation of infections caused by Streptococcus agalactiae bacterial species. The method employs a specific reaction of immunoreactive proteins obtained from clinical isolates of Streptococcus agalactiae with antibodies present in the serum of patients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lung cancer biomarker for diagnosing early stage lung cancers or predicting prognosis of lung cancers, which comprises a GM2AP protein. The present invention also relates to a method for diagnosing early stage lung cancers or predicting prognosis of lung cancers in vitro by detection of the biomarker.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for determining prostate cancer-associated disease state 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 1; wherein the expression in the test sample of the one or more biomarkers selected from the group defined in Table 1 is indicative of one or more prostate cancer-associated disease state in the individual. The invention also provides arrays and kits for use in the same.

Abstract: We identified >40 proteins that elicited at least a 2-fold increase in antibody response post-pancreatic-cancer vaccination, from each of three patients' sera. The antibody responses detected against these proteins in patients with >3 years disease-free survival indicates the anti-tumor potential of targeting these proteins. We found that tissue expression of proteins PSMC5, TFRC and PPP1R12A increases during tumor development from normal to pre-malignant to pancreatic tumor. In addition, these proteins were shown to be pancreatic cancer-associated antigens that are recognized by post-vaccination antibodies in the sera of patients that received the vaccine and have demonstrated a favorable disease free survival.

Abstract: In one aspect, a homogenous assay method for determination of blood levels of legumain molecules (an asparaginyl endopeptidase) is disclosed. In one aspect, the assay utilizes specific sizes of nanoparticles that are coated with antibody or antibodies specifically towards legumain molecule or its fragment(s). In one aspect, the assay is designed in a homogenous manner with a dynamic range from 0.2 to 160 ng/mL. In another aspect, disclosed herein is a kit for assaying blood levels of legumain comprising two parts of reagents (R1 and R2), which kit is adaptable to be used on clinical chemistry analyzers. In one aspect, the cut-off values for differentiating normal from high risk of cancers such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer and stomach cancer are 18±3 ng/mL.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a latex particle for a measurement reagent with which highly sensitive measurement can be performed even in measuring a measurement sample containing a test substance in a dilute concentration. The preset invention relates to a latex particle for a measurement reagent including a copolymer obtained by copolymerizing a monomer mixture containing the following polymerizable monomers (a) to (c): (a) a polymerizable monomer having a phenyl group; (b) a polymerizable monomer having a phenyl group and a sulfonate; and (c) a polymerizable monomer having a naphthyl group, in an aqueous medium containing 7.5 to 25% by weight of C1-4 alcohol without using a surfactant.

Abstract: Among other things, the present invention provides assay methods for detecting or quantifying one or more analytes in a sample, which involve the use of dissociable nanoparticles that comprise one or more signaling agents (e.g., the nanoparticles conceal or partially conceal the signaling agents).

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for validating immunological detection reagents for use in detecting contaminating host cell components in a biological preparation.

Abstract: Methods and systems for high-throughput identification of receptor:ligand interactions are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and assays for high-throughput screening of combinatorial libraries to identify FPR1 and/or FPR2 ligands (e.g., agonists and/or antagonists), preferably FPR1 agonists and/or FPR2 antagonists, by positional scanning deconvolution. The invention also provides novel FPR1 and FPR2 ligands (e.g, agonists and antagonists), related pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating FPR1 and FPR2-related disorders.

Abstract: Methods and reagents are disclosed for preparing a liquid solution of a receptor. The methods comprise combining in a liquid medium the receptor, a chelating agent and a C2-C6 polyol. An amount of the chelating agent and the C2-C6 polyol is sufficient to achieve a stable and active receptor in the liquid solution, which is maintained at a temperature of about 2° C. to about 40° C. The compositions may be employed in assays for the determination of analytes that include receptor-binding analytes.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a mammalian cell-based high-throughput assay for the profiling and screening of human epithelial sodium channel (hENaC) cloned from a human kidney c-DNA library and is also expressed in other tissues including human taste tissue. The present invention further relates to amphibian oocyte-based medium-throughput electrophysiological assays for identifying human ENaC modulators, preferably ENaC enhancers. Compounds that modulate ENaC function in a cell-based ENaC assay are expected to affect salty taste in humans.

Abstract: Screening compounds by exposing a plurality of cardiomyocytes to a compound, wherein the cardiomyocytes express an optogenetic reporter of membrane potential and an optogenetic reporter of calcium level; receiving light from the optogenetic reporter of membrane potential; creating an AP waveform using the received light; and analyzing the AP waveform to determine the presence or absence of a risk for arrhythmia associated with the compound.

Abstract: Methods, kits and compounds are provided that relate to the diagnosis, treatment, and/or prevention of preeclampsia.

Abstract: A polynucleotide, which is a novel causative gene for cancer, is elucidated, and, based on this finding, provided are a method for detecting the polynucleotide, or a polypeptide encoded by the polynucleotide; a kit and a primer set for the detection; a method for screening an inhibitor of the polypeptide; and a pharmaceutical composition for treating a cancer containing the inhibitor. In the detection method of the present invention, an FGFR3 fusion protein, or a fusion gene encoding the fusion protein, or a TACC3 fusion protein, or a fusion gene encoding the fusion protein, is detected in a sample derived from female genitalia obtained from a subject.

Abstract: Methods for screening for neurological disorders are disclosed. Specifically, methods are disclosed for screening for neurological disorders in a subject by analyzing a tissue sample obtained from the subject for the presence of elevated levels of neurotoxic amino acids or neurotoxic derivatives thereof associated with neurological disorders. In particular, methods are disclosed for diagnosing a neurological disorder in a subject, or predicting the likelihood of developing a neurological disorder in a subject, by determining the levels of ?-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) in a tissue sample obtained from the subject. Methods for screening for environmental factors associated with neurological disorders are disclosed. Methods for inhibiting, treating or preventing neurological disorders are disclosed.

Abstract: A method is described for the diagnosis of rosacea. The method can include a step of measuring the expression of at least one peptide from the galanin family in a sample of biological fluid from a patient. Also described, is a related diagnostic kit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro method for the detection of Procalcitonin or a fragment thereof of at least 20 amino acid residues in length in a biological sample derived from a bodily fluid obtained from a subject, comprising the steps of: (i) contacting said sample with at least two antibodies or functional fragments thereof directed against different epitopes within Procalcitonin, and (ii) qualitatively or quantitatively detecting binding of said at least two antibodies to Procalcitonin or said fragment thereof, wherein binding indicates the presence or concentration of Procalcitonin or said fragment in said sample, wherein at least one antibody or functional fragment thereof is directed against an epitope comprised in the sequence spanning amino acid residues 2 to 52 of Procalcitonin. The invention also pertains to antibodies directed against an N-terminal epitope of Procalcitonin and kits comprising antibodies directed against PCT.

Abstract: The present invention relates to analytical testing devices comprising segmented fluidics and methods for assaying coagulation in a fluid sample received within the segmented fluidics. For example, the present invention may be directed to sample analysis cartridge including an inlet chamber, a first conduit comprising a first junction configured to split a biological sample into at least first and second segments, a second conduit comprising a first reagent, a first sensor region, and a first fluidic lock valve, and a third conduit comprising a first flow restrictor region, a second reagent, and a second sensor region. The sample analysis cartridge further includes a pump configured to independently mix the first segment in the second conduit and the second segment in the third conduit, and independently position the first segment over the first sensor region and position the second segment over the second sensor region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to analytical testing devices comprising fluidic junctions and methods for assaying coagulation in a fluid sample received within the fluidic junctions. For example, the present invention may be directed to a sample analysis cartridge including an inlet chamber, a first conduit comprising a first junction configured to split a biological sample into at least first and second segments, a second conduit comprising a first reagent, a first sensor region, and a first fluidic lock valve, and a third conduit comprising a second reagent, a second sensor region, and a second fluidic lock valve. The sample analysis cartridge further includes a pump configured to push the first segment over the first sensor region to the first fluidic lock valve, and push the second segment over the second sensor region to the second fluidic lock valve.

Abstract: A concentration of cholesterol ester or free cholesterol can be calculated using the concentrations of total cholesterol and triglyceride in lipoproteins contained in a sample. Further, a concentration of lipoprotein particles in a fraction can be calculated using the lipoprotein particle size in the fraction. The concentrations of total cholesterol and triglyceride contained in a subject sample are detected. Using the concentrations of total cholesterol and triglyceride thus detected, the concentration of cholesterol ester or free cholesterol is calculated. Further, using the concentration of cholesterol ester or free cholesterol thus calculated, the concentration of lipoprotein particles in a fraction can be calculated.

Abstract: A sample container cap is disclosed. The sample cap container includes a sample cap body capable of covering an opening of a sample container and a centrifugation status indicator device in the top of the sample cap body. The centrifugation status indicator device includes: a first substance having a first density and a first color, and a second substance having a second density and a second color. The centrifugation status indicator device displays the first substance when the sample container has been centrifuged. The first substance can be a gel, and the second substance can include a plurality of particles. The second density is higher than the first density and the second color is different from the first color.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sample processing apparatus, comprising: a first mechanism unit having a first operation range of movement and that carries out a first process on a container with a sample, the first operation range comprising an overlap region and a non-overlap region; a second mechanism unit having a second operation range of movement and that carries out a second process on the container after completion of the first process, the second operation range comprising the overlap region but not the non-overlap region; an operation detector that senses operation of the first mechanism unit; and a controller that causes the first mechanism unit to stop the first process and retreat from the overlap region and that causes the second mechanism unit to continue the second process upon detection of abnormality in the first mechanism unit based on the detection result by the operation detector.

Abstract: A MEMS sensor and a manufacturing method thereof is provided: forming a lower electrode layer wherein a metal is deposited on a portion of a lower glass substrate; forming a structural layer by etching according to a pattern which is formed on an upper surface of a silicon wafer and then further etching to the same thickness as the metal which is formed on a portion of the lower electrode layer; anodic bonding the structural layer to an upper portion of the lower electrode layer formed; forming a sensing part in the structural layer by etching according to a pattern which is formed on an opposite surface of the structural layer which is not etched; and forming an upper electrode layer by depositing a metal on an upper wafer and eutectic bonding the upper electrode layer to the structural layer on which the sensing part is formed.

Abstract: A tachometer system for an aircraft landing gear. The tachometer system includes a tachometer arranged to generate a variable voltage signal in response to the rotation of a wheel of the aircraft landing gear, and a processing system arranged to output a speed signal indicative of the rotation speed of the wheel of the aircraft landing gear. The speed signal is determined from the variable voltage signal from the tachometer using a set of determined parameters. The determined parameters of the processing system are determined from the voltage levels of the variable voltage signal.

Abstract: An angle of attack sensing system includes a rotatable vane, a first pressure sensing port, a second pressure sensing port, a vane position sensor, and a fault detector. The rotatable vane includes a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first pressure sensing port is disposed in the first surface. The second pressure sensing port is disposed in the second surface. The vane position sensor is configured to output a rotational position signal of the rotatable vane. The fault detector is configured to output an indication of a rotational fault condition based on a difference between a first sensed pressure from the first pressure sensing port and a second sensed pressure from the second pressure sensing port.

Abstract: A multi-tip nano-probe apparatus and a method for probing a sample while using the multi-tip nano-probe apparatus each employ located over a substrate: (1) an immovable probe tip with respect to the substrate; (2) a movable probe tip with respect to the substrate; and (3) a motion sensor that is coupled with the movable probe tip. The multi-tip nano-probe apparatus and related method provide for improved sample probing due to close coupling of the motion sensor with the movable probe tip, and also retractability of the movable probe tip with respect to the immovable probe tip.

Abstract: A probe card device includes a testing circuitry board, a flexible probe needle, a first solder portion, a second solder portion and an interconnected holder electrically connected to the testing circuitry board and the flexible probe needle in which one end of the interconnected holder is coupled to the flexible probe needle with the first solder portion, and the other end of the interconnected holder is coupled to a conductive pad of the testing circuitry board with the second solder portion. A first desoldering melting point of the first solder portion is higher than a second desoldering melting point of the second solder portion.

Abstract: A piezo sensor having an inner conductor having an inner conductor segment, where the inner conductor segment forms a tubular sidewall having a break, and also having an interior surface and an exterior surface; a plurality of individually polarized piezoelectric members, each having an inner face and an outer face, and each inner face contacting the first conductor exterior surface, each piezoelectric member being adjacent to another on the exterior face of the inner conductor, forming sets of adjacent faces; an outer conductor having an outer conductor segment forming a tubular sidewall having a break, the outer conductor having an interior surface and an exterior surface, where the interior surface contacts the outer face of the piezoelectric members; and where the break of the outer conductor segment is alignable with adjacent faces of two of the plurality of piezoelectric members, and further being alignable with the break of the inner conductor segment.

Abstract: A logic signal analyzer for analyzing logic signals has a positive measurement input providing a positive measurement input voltage value, a negative measurement input providing a negative measurement input voltage value, a third input providing a third input voltage value, and a comparison unit. The comparison unit being configured to provide a first and a second comparison output voltage value each based on one of at least four comparison modes. The first and second comparison output values are based on different comparison modes.

Abstract: A low-cost and high-precision current sensing device and methods for use and manufacturing. In one embodiment, the current sensing apparatus comprises a Rogowski-type coil which is manufactured in segments so as to facilitate the manufacturing process. In an exemplary embodiment, the current sensing apparatus segments are asymmetric in shape and/or composition (e.g., bobbin shape, size, and/or winding configuration) so as to account for asymmetries in the magnetic field distribution around a bus bar, or to accommodate its shape in a more compact form factor, and/or to improve the immunity to the effects of an external magnetic field. Methods of manufacturing and using the aforementioned current sensing apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a current detection device which is less susceptible to a disturbance magnetic flux and does not easily cause the decrease of a detectable maximum current. A current detection device is provided with: a first magnetic shield member which has a side wall part that covers one side of a conductor and a protruding part that protrudes toward the other side from the side wall part; and a second magnetic shield member which has a side wall part that covers the other side of the conductor and a protruding part that protrudes toward the one side from the side wall part, and the protruding part of the first magnetic shield member and the protruding part of the second magnetic shield member form a gap therebetween while overlapping each other in the protruding direction of the protruding parts.

Abstract: A current sensor includes magneto-electric conversion elements divided into a first and second group. The first and second groups are positioned so as to interpose a cut formed in a printed circuit board between them. The first and second groups are symmetrically positioned with respect to a first virtual line. The magneto-electric conversion elements in the first and second groups are symmetrically positioned with respect to a second virtual line orthogonal to the first virtual line at a positioning position at which a to-be-measured current path is positioned. The sensitivity axes of each of pairs of magneto-electric conversion elements that are symmetrical with respect to the positioning position are oriented in parallel in the same direction or opposite directions. An inter-element spacing between adjacent magneto-electric conversion elements in the first and second groups is narrower than an inter-group spacing, which is the narrowest spacing between the first and second groups.

Abstract: An embodiment relates to an integrated circuit comprising measurement means for detection of a current change, wherein said measurement means comprise at least one coil.

Abstract: Provided are apparatuses and methods, in which a disturbed measurement variable is converted to a digital signal. The digital signal is then averaged over a number of sampling values which corresponds to a period of the disturbances.

Abstract: An electrical power measurement device measures electrical power consumed in a circuit to be measured including a power source, a load, and a pair of electric wires connecting the power source with the load. The device includes a sensor unit including a plurality of the sensor parts including a magnetic element in which element terminals are formed at both ends of a magnetic film, a measurement resistor connected to the magnetic element in series, and a detecting means that detects a voltage change of the magnetic element and outputs a predetermined component; an addition means that adds the outputs of the detecting means of all of the sensor parts; and a fixing means that fixes the magnetic elements of the sensor parts, at equal distance positions from a virtual axis serving as a position reference at which the one electric wire is arranged, in a direction facing the virtual axis.

Abstract: An electric power sensor includes a sensor pad and an electric terminal. The sensor pad includes a flexible substrate that defines a first surface and a second surface that opposes the first surface. Additionally, the sensor pad includes an electrically-conductive layer applied to the first surface of the flexible substrate. The sensor pad further includes an adhesive layer applied to the second surface of the flexible substrate. The electric terminal is coupled to the electrically-conductive layer of the sensor pad.

Abstract: A device comprises a multiplication circuit configured to derive a product of a first signal S1 and a second signal S2, S2 having a phase difference ? relative to the first signal S1, a low pass filter configured to remove a selected frequency component from the product of S1 and S2 to derive a dot product S1•S2; and a calculation circuit configured to receive the dot product S1•S2 and generate a signal output having a ratio |S1|/|S2| and the phase difference ?.

Abstract: An electromagnetic chamber absorber provided improved absorption across a wideband and both lower diffuse and specular scatter and a method for constructing the same. An exemplary device can compromise a periodic arrangement of disconnected electromagnetically lossy elements where the periodicity of the lattice is adjusted to suppress all or most grating lobe scattering. Because the electromagnetically lossy elements are disconnected, scalable manufacturing approaches are enabled. The lossy elements can be easily fabricated via shaping, which includes rolling, folding and cutting resistive and/or magnetic sheet materials. The lossy elements can be repeatably placed in a periodic lattice using low density scaffolding approaches and/or other alignment mechanisms. The absorption at the lower frequency part of the electromagnetic bands (below 1-2 GHz) can be improved via the addition of parallel lossy sheets into the low-density scaffolding.