Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method of detecting an analyte (antigen) in a sample by an antigen-antibody reaction with an antibody fragment including an antigen binding region for the analyte antigen (hereinafter “an antibody fragment comprising an antigen binding region for an analyte antigen” will simply be referred to as “an antibody fragment against antigen”), the method suppressing nonspecific reaction that is caused by antibody fragments. More specifically, provided is a method of detecting an analyte antigen in a sample by an antigen-antibody reaction with an antibody fragment against antigen, the method comprising the steps of: a) bringing a sample into contact with a denatured antibody fragment; and b) bringing the sample into contact with the antibody fragment immobilized on an insoluble carrier after the step of a), the method suppressing nonspecific reaction.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and kits useful for determining whether a subject is likely to benefit from therapy with an antibody are provided. In particular aspects, cell-bound complement activation products (CB-CAPs) associated with B lymphocytes may serve as diagnostic biomarkers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present Invention provide antibody functionalized high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) devices for marine or freshwater pathogen sensing. In one embodiment, the marine pathogen can be Perkinsus marinus. A sensing unit can include a wireless transmitter fabricated on the HEMT. The sensing unit allows testing in areas without direct access to electrical outlets and can send the testing results to a central location using the wireless transmitter. According to embodiments, results of testing can be achieved within seconds.

Abstract: The present invention also provides infectious DNA clones, biologically functional plasmid or viral vector containing the infectious nucleic acid genome molecule of Torque teno sus virus (TTsuV). The present invention also provides methods for diagnosing TTsuV infection via immunological methods, e.g., enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot using PTTV specific antigens for detecting serum PTTV specific antibodies which indicate infections TTsuV1, TTsuV2, and individual TTsuV1 genotypes.

Abstract: Methods for developing non-peptidic inhibitors that target the polo-box domain of PLK1 proteins are described. Methods include developing structure activity relationships for peptidic inhibitors followed by development of non-peptide fragment alternatives for portions of the peptide inhibitors. The non-peptide fragment can provide similar structure activity relationship as the replaced peptide. Fragment alternatives to key binding determinants are identified in an iterative computational and synthetic process facilitated through understanding of the peptide structure-activity relationships. The approach is informed by peptide structure-activity data obtained through synthesis and testing of truncated and mutated analogs of known PBD binding motifs.

Abstract: A diagnostic method for determining prognosis of a myocardial infarcted patient, wherein the amounts of FXIII protein are determined on the day of myocardial infarction (t0) and at least on the following three days (t1 to t3), wherein a lowering of FXIII amount on any one of t0 to t3 below a threshold value is indicative of an increased risk of poor prognosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of classifying cluster of differentiation (CD) marker phenotype for hematopoietic cancer cells using multiple circulating cell-free CD markers in bodily fluid. In other aspects, treatment and disease progression of particular hematopoietic cancers can be monitored by measuring the levels of CD and other markers in bodily fluids of a patient.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for diagnosing/prognosing a metastatic cancer in a subject by measuring and detecting one or more of CS-ANXA2, DCAMKL, Lgr5 or CS-ANAX2 and DCAMKL or CS-ANXA2 and Lgr5 positive circulating tumor stem cells in the subject's blood or plasma. Also provided is a method for distinguishing the presence of early stage primary cancer from advanced stage metastatic cancer in the subject by measuring and detecting AnnexinA2, CS-ANXA2 and DCAMKL-1 or Lgr5 in the blood or plasma. In addition, there is provided a method for distinguishing the presence of benign, pre-cancerous tumorous growths or cancerous tumors in the subject by measuring and detecting AnnexinA2 and circulating tumor stem cells positive for CS-ANXA2 and DCAMKL or CS-ANXA2 and Lgr5 in the blood or plasma.

Abstract: Provided herein are multiplex assays for determining whether an individual is or has been infected with Hepatitis B virus, and the stage of infection or resolution. In addition, the multiplex system can discriminate between vaccinated subjects and subjects susceptible to Hepatitis B infection.

Abstract: Provided herein are pyridyl- and pyrimidyl-containing diazirines that can be photoactivateable probes and formulations thereof. Also provided herein are photoaffinity labels that can include the pyridyl- and pyrimidyl-containing diazirines provided herein. Also provided herein are methods of using the photoactivatable probes and photoaffinity labels provided herein in a photoaffinity labeling reaction and/or assay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanocomposition capable of capturing or enriching an analyte at a sub-nanogram level and methods thereof. The nanocomposition can comprise a nanostructure operably linked to an analyte-capturing member.

Abstract: Provided are a fluorescent particle and a method for manufacturing the same. The fluorescent particle may include a gold nanoparticle; a silica shell covering the gold nanoparticle; and lanthanide group complex particles dispersed in the silica shell. Each of the lanthanide group complex particles may include a lanthanide group ion; a ligand bonded to the lanthanide group ion and including phosphorus; and a ligand bonded to the lanthanide group ion and having a beta diketone functional group. The fluorescent particle is observable with the naked eye and may emit light when ultraviolet light is irradiated. The fluorescent particle may be used for detecting and analyzing biomaterial samples.

Abstract: Polymer nanoparticles and related methods include polymer dots having a coating including a polyelectrolyte polymer. The polymer dots can have a polyelectrolyte coating that can improve colloidal stability of the particles as compared to polymer dots not having the coating. A method of preparing a population of nanoparticles. The methods can include, e.g., providing the population of nanoparticles having a condensed semiconducting polymer; and combining, in a first aqueous solution comprising polyelectrolytes, the population of nanoparticles having the condensed semiconducting polymer to form a population of nanoparticles having a polyelectrolyte coating surrounding the condensed semiconducting polymer of each of the nanoparticles in the population. The methods can include a step of forming the condensed semiconducting polymer using nanoprecipitation or miniemulsion techniques. The polyelectrolyte coating can completely surround the condensed semiconducting polymer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure present novel systems, devices and methods for an automated biological sample analysis using mass-spectrometry. The time from sample introduction to the reporting of data, in some embodiments, takes a relatively short amount of time (e.g., several minutes). In some embodiments, a biological sample to be analyzed is a blood sample. For many applications, only a single drop of blood may be sufficient. Through the use of a mixture of standards with unique molecular mass, a quantitative analysis of the target analyte can be performed in a single MS run (for example), eliminating the need to create and analyze standard curves. One advantage of such embodiments may be that the system, devices, and methods can eliminate the need for batch creation since the requirement to amortize the time and effort of creating and analyzing standard curves can be eliminated.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a sample includes trapping a first ion packet in a first segment of a multi-segment reaction cell; trapping a second ion packet in a second segment of the multi-segment reaction cell; and trapping a third ion packet in a third segment of the multi-segment reaction cell. At least one of the first, second, and third ion packets includes precursor ions, and at least another one of the first, second, and third ion packets includes reagent ions. The method further includes mixing the first, second, and third ion packets within the reaction cell to cause a reaction between the precursor ions and the reagent ions to form product ions.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a novel method of diagnosing and/or treating a mood disorder, the method being superior to the conventional technologies. The present invention attains the object by providing a method of diagnosing and/or treating a mood disorder by use of an anti-SITH-1 antibody level and an anti-HHV-6 antibody level each serving as an index.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method of assaying ubiquitination in a sample by combining ubiquitin together with a substrate in a sample containing UBE1, UbcH3, Skp2-isoform 1, Skp1, Cull, Rbx1, Cks1, CDK2 and Cyclin E1 under conditions suitable for ubiquitination to take place, exposing the sample to a labelled binding partner which is specific for the ubiquitin, and measuring the amount of ubiquitin bound to the substrate.

Abstract: Antibodies against the human sodium channel Nav 1.9 are described. Also described, is the use of such antibodies in the diagnosis of inflammatory skin diseases. A process for preparing antibodies directed against the human Nav 1.9 is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method that allows highly efficient and highly reliable evaluation of genomic stability of pluripotent stem cells, a method for removing pluripotent stem cells that have been identified as genomically unstable by the evaluation method from a culture of pluripotent stem cells to be evaluated, and a synthetic peptide that can be used for the methods. The methods provided by the present invention include preparing a culture of pluripotent stem cells of interest and analyzing an expression level of calreticulin for the pluripotent stem cells in the culture followed by identifying genomic stability or genomic instability of the stem cells on the basis of the expression level of calreticulin.

Abstract: Measurement of circulating ST2 and/or IL-33 concentrations is useful for the prognostic evaluation of subjects, in particular for the prediction of adverse clinical outcomes, e.g., mortality, and the detection of severe disease.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a composition comprising at least three peptides derived from Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen Rv2626c, its use in the diagnostic of latently infected Mycobacterium tuberculosis (LTBI) subjects, corresponding methods of use and kits.

Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter includes fluorescent protein-based indicators for detecting ions, small molecule analytes, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments the indicators include a polypeptide, which itself includes a fluorescent polypeptide, a compound-binding polypeptide, and a polypeptide target of the compound-binding polypeptide. In some embodiments the polypeptide includes an EosFP polypeptide, a calmodulin polypeptide, and a M13 polypeptide, or fragments and/or variants thereof. The presently-disclosed subject matter also includes methods for detecting calcium in a sample with embodiments of the present polypeptides. In some embodiments the present indicators experience a permanent shift from green to red fluorescent when exposed to an detecting substance, such as calcium.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for detection and analysis of intracellular binding of a bioactive agent to a cellular target. In particular, provided herein are bioactive agents tethered to fluorophores, cellular targets fused to bioluminescent reporters, and methods of detecting and analyzing the interaction of bioactive agents with cellular targets therewith.

Abstract: A method and particle analyzer for measuring a low concentration particles sample disclosed.

Abstract: A controlled environment enclosure comprises a robotic arm manipulation system used to protect and unprotect a fluid path and a swab within the controlled environment enclosure. The apparatus allows the fluid path to be protected against dangerous decontamination vapors and chemicals before the controlled environment enclosure is decontaminated. The apparatus allows the fluid path to be unprotected without the use of gloves or other means that degrade the integrity of the controlled environment enclosure when decontamination is completed. The apparatus and method allow for the protecting, unprotecting and decontaminating sequences to be automated. In some embodiments the fluid path comprises a fill needle that can removably and aseptically be sealed with a disposable monolithic injection molded polymeric fill needle sheath.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer has a washing tank providing water for washing a reagent or sample probe is. The washing water from a washing nozzle spreads from a throttle portion and is divided into right and left flows after colliding with a vent plate provided in an overflow portion of the washing tank. The washing water flows between the vent plate and the inner wall of the overflow portion, and the flows join behind the vent plate. After joining, the washing water flows downward along the vent plate and the inner wall of the overflow portion and then is drained. Because a space is created between the washing water which has collided with the vent plate and the washing water joined behind the vent plate, the washing water is prevented from completely covering the overflow portion, and the airflow can be secured during the drainage.

Abstract: A semiconductor device according to the present invention includes plural temperature sensors; a switching circuit that switches between detection signals from the temperature sensors at a predetermined frequency; an ADC that receives the output of the switching circuit and outputs a converted signal; a correction information extracting circuit that generates a temperature mean value; and an abnormality information extracting circuit that generates a temperature difference value.

Abstract: An accelerometer as disclosed herein includes a support wafer, a bottom wafer, a top wafer, and an inductive pick-off. The support wafer may define a plane and may comprise a first side, a second side, and a proof mass. The proof mass may be configured to move in the plane defined by the support wafer. The bottom wafer may comprise a first side and a second side, and the first side may be positioned over the first side of the support wafer. The top wafer may comprise a first side and a second side, and the first side may be positioned over the second side of the support wafer. The inductive pick-off may comprise a near field resonant conductive coupling mechanism and may be configured to output a signal indicative of an amount of displacement of the proof mass to electronics.

Abstract: In a method for fabricating an electrostatic capacitance-type acceleration sensor having a capacitor which electrostatic capacitance between a movable electrode and a fixed electrode changes according to the displacement of the movable electrode, the method includes: a step of forming a groove on at least one of the surface of an insulative substrate and the surface of a semiconductor substrate; a step of forming a hole in the semiconductor substrate so as to penetrate the semiconductor substrate at a position communicating with a passage formed by the groove; and a step of forming an electrode extraction hole in the insulative substrate so as to penetrate the insulative substrate, at a position communicating with the passage formed by the groove.

Abstract: A physical quantity sensor includes a physical quantity sensor element and an IC connected to the physical quantity sensor element. The IC includes an analog power supply circuit that is switched to enable or disable, a signal processing unit to which a voltage is supplied from the analog power supply circuit and which processes a signal from the physical quantity sensor element, and a control circuit that sets the analog power supply circuit to enable within a processing period based on an external trigger and makes the signal processing unit process a physical quantity signal from the physical quantity sensor element intermittently for every processing period.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided that enable accurate driving behavior data (e.g., vehicle acceleration data) to be obtained by a mobile device, despite the reference frames of the mobile device and the vehicle occasionally moving relative to each other. Accordingly, a user does not have to maintain a mobile device stationary relative to a vehicle in order to have a high likelihood that accurate driving data is collected.

Abstract: The invention is directed at a method of performing scanning probe microscopy on a substrate surface using a scanning probe microscopy system, the system including at least one probe head, the probe head comprising a probe tip arranged on a cantilever and a tip position detector for determining a position of the probe tip along a z-direction transverse to an image plane, the method comprising: positioning the at least one probe head relative to the substrate surface; moving the probe tip and the substrate surface relative to each other in one or more directions parallel to the image plane for scanning of the substrate surface with the probe tip; and determining the position of the probe tip with the tip position detector during said scanning for mapping nanostructures on the substrate surface; wherein said step of positioning is performed by placing the at least one probe head on a static carrier surface.

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

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described which facilitate mechanosynthesis through the sequential use of a plurality of tips, each of which may have a different affinity for feedstock, thereby allowing tip to tip transfers which enhance system versatility and reduce equipment complexity.

Abstract: A socket includes: a plurality of contact probes; a pin block which is configured to support the plurality of contact probes; and a retainer which is configured to support the plurality of contact probes. The pin block and the retainer are stacked and fixed to each other. The retainer is engaged with the pin block by concavo-convex engagement.

Abstract: A testing probe is provided. The testing probe includes a first testing tip; an insulation layer formed on a side surface of the first testing tip; and a second testing tip being coaxial with the first testing tip and surrounding the first testing tip formed on a side surface of the insulation layer.

Abstract: A probe card which is capable of transmitting high-frequency signals provided by a DUT, and the DUT includes an output pin group and an input pin group for sending and receiving the high-frequency signals respectively. The probe card includes a first signal pin group, a second signal pin group, and a band circuit. The first signal pin group is made of a conductive material, and is used to contact the output pin group; the second signal pin group is made of a conductive material too, and is used to contact the input pin group; the band circuit is electrically connected to the first signal pin group and the second signal pin group to allow signals within a first bandwidth and a second bandwidth to pass therethrough.

Abstract: The test system provides an array of test probes. The probes pass through a first or upper probe guide retainer which has a plurality of slot sized to receive the probes in a way that they cannot rotate. A plurality of flex circuits at the different heights engage bottom probe ends at their respective height levels and flex circuits continue the electrical connection from the probes to a load board. The test probes are bonded to the flex circuits by ring shaped flowable conductive material. The flex circuits are biased against a load board by an elastomeric pad of spaced part conical projections.

Abstract: A differential voltage probe for providing accurate measurement of differential voltage with high frequency components is disclosed that is further configured to accurately identify noise sources in EMI/EMC applications. The differential voltage probe is configured to provide the benefits of adequate differential voltage measurement bandwidth, galvanic isolation capability, high CMRR, flexible design to accommodate various requirements on voltage rating, loading effect, and frequency range of interest; and/or easy implementation and low cost. The differential voltage probe is able to achieve these optimized capabilities by implementing unique winding designs for transformer(s) used in the differential voltage probe circuit design.

Abstract: A circuit for sampling current includes a current transformer, a reset resistor, a diode, a sampling switch, and a current sampling resistor. The current transformer includes a primary winding and a secondary winding. The reset resistor and two ends of the secondary winding are connected in parallel. The sampling switch, the diode, and the current sampling resistor are connected in series and then connected to two ends of the reset resistor in parallel. The primary winding is for connecting to a circuit to be sampled. When a current flows through the primary winding and the circuit to be sampled and the sampling switch is turned on at a negative AC half cycle, the circuit for sampling current samples the current flowing through the circuit to be sampled.

Abstract: A means and method for measuring precise voltage phasors on medium-voltage alternating current (AC) distribution grids, using existing distribution transformers as voltage sensors. The errors introduced by the distribution transformers are minimized by taking into account the transformer's vector impedance, combined with measuring the transformer secondary current phasor. The invention includes a means and a method of measuring the distribution transformer's vector impedance.

Abstract: A power meter includes a voltage sensor input port configured to receive one of single phase AC voltage and three phase AC voltage values. The power meter further includes a current sensor input port configured to receive one of single phase AC current and three phase AC current values. The power meter further includes a bus connector adapted to be coupled to a data bus. The power meter further includes a module connector adapted to be coupled to a module bus. The power meter further includes a timer for producing a digitizing clock. The power meter further includes a microprocessor.

Abstract: A method for characterizing a nonlinear system using the system's steady state response including: exciting a transducer using a plurality of frequencies while decoupled from the nonlinear system, measuring the amplitude of response of each of the frequencies while decoupled from the nonlinear system, exciting the transducer using the plurality of frequencies while coupled to the nonlinear system, measuring the amplitude of response of each of the frequencies and the second harmonic of at least some of the frequencies, and solving for a set of phenomenological parameters characterizing the dynamics of the nonlinear system.

Abstract: A wireless power line sensing device can include an external antenna port that permits connection of an external loop antenna to the wireless power line sensing device. The external loop antenna can be used in place of the integral loop antenna which can be disabled when the external loop antenna is connected. The external loop antenna can extend substantially linearly to define a non-spherical sensing field. The wireless sensing device can also include an ultracapacitor that provides power to the wireless sensing device and/or a curved solar panel that maximizes the solar input over a wide range of angles, providing power over a longer period of time compared to a flat solar panel.

Abstract: An active antenna test system comprising an active antenna unit comprising: a test signal generator arranged to generate at least a first test signal and at least one second test signal; a plurality of transmitter modules operably coupled to the test signal generator wherein the plurality of transmitter modules are arranged to simultaneously process the first test signal and at least one second test signal to produce at least one radio frequency test signal therefrom; and at least one receiver module arranged to process one or more signals falling in at least one spectral band determined to be susceptible to intermodulation distortion products caused by the at least one radio frequency test signal being generated from the first test signal and at least one second test signal; and an intermodulation determination module operably coupled to the at least one receiver module and arranged to determine a first received intermodulation performance.

Abstract: A far-field antenna characterization system for characterizing a far-field antenna pattern of a target antenna. An unmanned aircraft system (“UAS”) with a flight control system receives preprogrammed flight instructions for maneuvering the UAS within the far-field antenna pattern of the target antenna. A sensing antenna mounted to the UAS senses the far-field antenna pattern of the target antenna. A power measurement sensor provides a power level signal indicative thereof. A position measurement sensor provides a position signal for the UAS. The data logger associates the power level signal with the position signal at multiple measurement points to create a power density pattern for the far-field antenna pattern.

Abstract: A method for reading out a sensor unit having a first set of nodes and a second set of nodes and a symmetry which allows different configurations of excitation and sensing lead to a same readout. The method includes changing the readout configuration of the sensor unit by exchanging excitation and sensing between the first set of nodes and the second set of nodes, evaluating the similarity or deviation between measurement signals obtained in different readout configurations of the sensor unit, raising an error if the measurement signals differ more from one another than a predetermined value.

Abstract: Discussed herein are a sensor-network system and a method thereof for detecting and isolating faults occurring in sub-systems and sensors included in the network. The sub-systems and the sensor measurements are subject to noise and disturbances. A bank of Kalman-filters (KF) is used to detect and isolate the faults. Each KF is driven by either a pair of consecutive sensor measurements or a pair including a reference input and a sensor measurement. The KF residual is computed for each measurement pair and is a reliable indicator of a fault in subsystems and sensors located in the network.

Abstract: Systems and methods of determining bond wire failures are provided. In particular, data indicative of a first resistance of a first bond wire set associated with a first semiconductor device on a power semiconductor module can be obtained. In addition, data indicative of a second resistance of a second bond wire set associated with a second semiconductor device on the power semiconductor module can be obtained. A bond wire failure can then be determined in the first bond wire set or the second bond wire set based at least in part on the data indicative of the first resistance of the first bond wire set and the data indicative of the second resistance of the second bond wire set.

Abstract: An insulation resistance measuring device including a positive electrode test resistor connected to a positive electrode node of a battery assembly, a negative electrode test resistor connected to a negative electrode node of the battery assembly, a first switch connecting the positive electrode node of the battery assembly to the positive electrode test resistor, a second switch connecting the negative electrode node of the battery assembly to the negative electrode test resistor, a voltage measurement unit that measures a first voltage applied to the positive electrode test resistor and a second voltage applied to the negative electrode test resistor, and a voltage estimation unit that estimates a final convergence value of the first and second voltages.