Abstract: A method of forming an electronic part comprising a metal component is provided. The method includes obtaining an unverified mineral sample from a mine site, analyzing the unverified mineral sample via quantitative mineralogical analysis and comparing data collected during the quantitative mineralogical analysis for the sample to data in a database that corresponds to quantitative mineralogical analysis collected for verified mineral samples sourced from one or more mine sites from the conflict-free geographic region to determine if the unverified mineral sample is sourced from one or more mine sites from the conflict-free geographic region. If it is determined that the unverified mineral sample is sourced from one or more mine sites from the conflict-free geographic region, the method then involves converting the unverified sample into the metal component. The electronic part can be a capacitor, medical device, filter, inductor, active electrode, antenna, sensor, or battery.

Abstract: A lubricant deterioration detection device of the present invention includes a gas sensor that selectively detects a carbonyl compound.

Abstract: Methods are provided for in-situ detection of varnish and/or deposit precursors in a lubricant in a lubricating environment. An electrostatic accumulator can be used within a lubricating environment to enhance accumulation of varnish and/or deposit precursors on portions of the electrostatic accumulator. The deposits accumulated on the electrostatic accumulator can then be characterized in-situ. The potential difference across portions of the electrostatic accumulator can cause an enhanced rate of deposit accumulation on the electrostatic accumulator, which can facilitate characterization of the tendency of a lubricant to accumulate deposits in the lubricating environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining a time window in which a casing pressure test can be performed without damaging a cement sheath. The time window is determined by: determining the hydration degree of the cement at a given time for a considered pressure and temperature values in the well; and then comparing the determined hydration degree to a predetermined value. If the determined hydration degree is below the predetermined value, then the casing pressure test can be done without damaging the cement.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are provided for identifying dropouts in analyte monitoring system sensor data including segmenting sensor data into a plurality of time series wherein each time series is associated with a different instance of a repeating event, selecting a first time series to analyze for dropouts from the plurality of time series; comparing the selected first time series to a second time series among the plurality of time series, determining whether the selected first time series includes a portion that is more than a predefined threshold lower than a corresponding portion of the second time series, and displaying, on a computer system display, an indication that the selected first time series includes a dropout if the selected first time series includes a portion that is more than the predefined threshold lower than the corresponding portion of the second time series.

Abstract: The present invention inter alia provides a method, and use thereof, of predicting CV events such as AMI, ACS, stroke, and CV death by determining the concentration of at least one ceramide of Formula I or one lysophospholipid of Formula II and/or III and at least one lysophospholipid of Formula IV, V, VI, VII and/or VIII in a biological sample and comparing those concentrations to a control. Finding an increased concentration of the at least one Formula I ceramide or Formula II and/or III lysophospholipid and a decreased concentration of the at least one Formula IV, V, VI, VII and/or VIII lysophospholipid indicates that the subject has an increased risk of developing one or more CV events. The present disclosure also provides a method, and use thereof, of diagnosing subjects suffering acute ischemia. Also provided are kits and compositions comprising the same for use in predicting and/or diagnosing CV events.

Abstract: Among others, the present invention provides apparatus for detecting a disease, comprising a system delivery biological subject and a probing and detecting device, wherein the probing and detecting device includes a first micro-device and a first substrate supporting the first micro-device, the first micro-device contacts a biologic material to be detected and is capable of measuring at the microscopic level an electric, magnetic, electromagnetic, thermal, optical, acoustical, biological, chemical, physical, or mechanical property of the biologic material.

Abstract: Among others, the present invention provides apparatus for detecting a disease, comprising a system delivery biological subject and a probing and detecting device, wherein the probing and detecting device includes a first micro-device and a first substrate supporting the first micro-device, the first micro-device contacts a biologic material to be detected and is capable of measuring at the microscopic level an electric, magnetic, electromagnetic, thermal, optical, acoustical, biological, chemical, physical, or mechanical property of the biologic material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of identifying the origin of adipose-derived stem cells, comprising detecting at least one cell-surface marker selected from a group consisting of CD 10, CD141, CD 142 and CD200. Also disclosed are methods of determining adipogenic capability of a cell capable of adipogenesis by determining the presence of CD 10 or CD200.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions, systems, kits, and methods of indirectly assessing insulin release in a cell.

Abstract: A method of biosensing is disclosed. The method comprises providing a plate containing non-proliferating cells and sensing oxygen consumption and at least one of glucose consumption and/or lactose production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the diagnosis and treatment of solar lentigo (SL). The inventors established an in vitro model of primary fibroblasts isolated from SL (FL) and perilesional (FS) biopsies, which were collected from a cohort of 10 volunteers. Then, the inventors defined morphological and functional characteristics of both dermal cells. The inventors demonstrated by immunofluorescence studies differential morphological features with FL displaying elongated shape, a thin epidermis, disorganized basement membrane, intense melanin deposition and elongated rete ridges collapsing into the dermis and FS presented flattened morphology. Moreover, both fibroblasts demonstrated distinct functional characteristics with FL exhibiting a lower proliferation rate and migration capacity, senescent-like phenotype as well as a higher ability to secrete KGF, HGF, SCF, IL-13 and TGF?1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that the T1R receptors assemble to form functional taste receptors. Particularly, it has been discovered that co-expression of T1R1 and T1R3 results in a taste receptor that responds to umami taste stimuli, including monosodium glutamate. Also, it has been discovered that co-expression of the T1R2 and T1R3 receptors results in a taste receptor that responds to sweet taste stimuli including naturally occurring and artificial sweeteners. Also the present invention relates to the use of hetero-oligomeric taste receptors comprising T1R1/T1R3 and T1R2/T1R3 in assays to identify compounds that respectively respond to umami taste stimuli and sweet taste stimuli. Further, the invention relates to the constitutive of cell lines that stably or transiently co-express a combination of T1R1 and T1R3; or T1R2 and T1R3; under constitutive or inducible conditions.

Abstract: An individualized intravenous exogenous insulin-based therapy for infusing insulin intravenously to a subject or a patient to improve impaired hepatic glucose processing. The therapy includes treatment sessions involving the assessment of metabolic factors, forming a subject profile, and matching the subject profile to a diabetic treatment model. Using the diabetic treatment model, a quantity and frequency of intravenous insulin bolus, dosage amounts of magnesium, and dosage amounts of potassium can be calculated. The methods that improve impaired hepatic glucose processing in subjects and patients can simultaneously introduce separated insulin bolus from an insulin reservoir, dosage amounts of magnesium, and dosage amounts of potassium. The subject profile can create a weight management protocol that uses a metabolic enhancement, wherein the individualized intravenous exogenous insulin-based therapy produces a subject or a patient with improved cellular ATP functioning.

Abstract: Low levels of antibodies reactive with oxidised Cardiolipin (oxCL) in mammals are related to an increased risk of developing cardivacular diseases, auto-immune diseases or inflammatory conditions. High levels can have a protective function and in general there is a negative association between manifestations of these conditions and antibodies against oxCL. Thus, based on their relations methods of monitoring, determining and diagnosing as well as methods of immunisation and therapy of these diseases and conditions are provided.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an in vitro method for the determination of a neurodegenerative disease wherein separately from each other the content of kynurenine and kynurenic acid in a body fluid is determined and the quotient of the content of kynurenine to the content of kynurenic acid is calculated.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, kits, and methods for the detection of host cell proteins (HCPs) in biological samples. In some embodiments, the present invention utilizes immunization of aves hosts with proteins derived from non-aves host cells to produce aves antibodies specific for non-aves HCPs.

Abstract: A group of peptide compounds and their use in identifying molecules that stimulate proteasome or immunoproteasome are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of splitting droplets containing magnetically responsive beads in a droplet actuator. A droplet actuator having a plurality of droplet operations electrodes configured to transport the droplet, and a magnetic field present at the droplet operations electrodes, is provided. The magnetically responsive beads in the droplet are immobilized using the magnetic field and the plurality of droplet operations electrodes are used to split the droplet into first and second droplets while the magnetically responsive beads remain substantially immobilized.

Abstract: Assay cassettes and testing devices that can be used to provide rapid, accurate, affordable, laboratory-quality testing at the point of care. Such assay cassettes and testing devices are designed to provide rapid, quantitative test results in a point-of-care setting or the like. Likewise, such assay cassettes and testing devices may eliminate or replace expensive, centralized clinical testing equipment and technical personnel. Such testing device may include automated data reporting and decision support. Methods for performing point of care diagnostic tests are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biosensor. The biosensor according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a substrate (11) having a predetermined length; a sensing unit (10) having a thin film layer (13) formed by dispersing and arranging conductive nanoparticles or nanostructures (14) on at least one of the both sides of the substrate (11) to cause an LSPR phenomenon and being immersed in a target sample (3) to bind a target analyte in the target sample (3) to the thin film layer (13); and a gripping unit (20) connected to one end of the substrate (11) and gripped by a user.

Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to a biosensor and an analysis method using the same. The biosensor includes a sensing unit and a gripping unit. The sensing unit includes a substrate having a thin film layer formed on one or more surfaces thereof, wherein the thin film layer comprises conductive nanoparticles or nanostructures that are configured such that localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) is induced in response to light incident thereon. When immersed in a target sample containing a target analyte, the thin film layer is configured to bind thereon the target analyte. The gripping unit connected to one end of the substrate and configured to be gripped by a user.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided comprising a conjugate pad, the conjugate pad contains IgG antibodies capable of detecting human IgE antibodies and a nitrocellulose membrane strip including a test zone (T) and a control zone (C), wherein the test zone (T) is coated with a relevant purified antigen cognate to a specific IgE of interest, wherein the coated test zone of the nitrocellulose membrane strip is configured to provide a visual indication of the presence of an anti-antigen IgE antibody in a sample above a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An analysis membrane of a microfluidic device, said membrane being made in one piece from a liquid-diffusing absorbent material of glass fiber-based composition, said analysis membrane including: at least one zone termed depositing zone, at least one zone termed reaction zone, in which at least one reagent is adsorbed directly to said glass fiber liquid-diffusing material, or indirectly by virtue of a coupling agent, and channels which ensure a fluidic communication between these depositing zone(s) and reaction zone(s), and that at least one reaction zone is circumscribed in a space of the analysis membrane, termed slowed diffusion space, inside which the channels which arrive upstream and/or the channels which depart again downstream: extend into one or more channels of smaller length, and/or extend into one or more channels of smaller width, and/or extend into one or more channels comprising at least one portion having a winding path.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating or preventing lupus (e.g., SLE) in a subject, comprising: (a) identifying the subject as having at least one differentially regulated biomarker selected from CD40, CD40L, CD86, CD80, and PD1; and (b) administering an agent that inhibits the CD40 or CD28 signaling pathway, thereby treating or preventing lupus in the subject. In other embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating or preventing lupus (e.g., SLE) in a subject, comprising: (a) administering an agent that inhibits the CD40 or CD28 signaling pathway; (b) determining whether the agent neutralizes at least one differentially regulated biomarker selected from CD40, CD40L, CD86, CD80, and PD1; and (c) adjusting the dosing of the agent in the subject, thereby treating or preventing lupus in the subject.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, devices, and kits are described herein that are useful for detecting BoHV-1 infection in animals and/or for distinguishing animals that may benefit from administration of BoHV-1 tmv vaccine.

Abstract: A system for providing immunoassay test results for multiple medical conditions, comprising a testing device having thereon an alignment target and having a plurality of immunoassay test strips, the plurality of immunoassay test strips each including a sample pad capable of receiving a biologic sample, a conjugate pad containing particles for conjugating with antibodies or antigens present in the biologic sample, and a membrane strip having a test line and a control line, wherein the test line and the control line are viewable, and a mobile device having a camera, a viewing screen, and a software application stored thereon, wherein the software application provides executable instructions to capture an image of the testing device, process an image to determine pixel count and line intensity of the test line of each of the plurality of immunoassay test strips, and present test results on the viewing screen.

Abstract: A system for providing immunoassay test results for multiple medical conditions, comprising a testing device having thereon an alignment target and having a plurality of immunoassay test strips, the plurality of immunoassay test strips each including a sample pad capable of receiving a biologic sample, a conjugate pad containing particles for conjugating with antibodies or antigens present in the biologic sample, and a membrane strip having a test line and a control line, wherein the test line and the control line are viewable, and a mobile device having a camera, a viewing screen, and a software application stored thereon, wherein the software application provides executable instructions to capture an image of the testing device, process an image to determine pixel count and line intensity of the test line of each of the plurality of immunoassay test strips, and present test results on the viewing screen.

Abstract: A system for providing immunoassay test results for multiple medical conditions, comprising a testing device having thereon an alignment target and having a plurality of immunoassay test strips, the plurality of immunoassay test strips each including a sample pad capable of receiving a biologic sample, a conjugate pad containing particles for conjugating with antibodies or antigens present in the biologic sample, and a membrane strip having a test line and a control line, wherein the test line and the control line are viewable, and a mobile device having a camera, a viewing screen, and a software application stored thereon, wherein the software application provides executable instructions to capture an image of the testing device, process an image to determine pixel count and line intensity of the test line of each of the plurality of immunoassay test strips, and present test results on the viewing screen.

Abstract: Probe embodiments for identifying analytes involved in biofuel or bioenergy production, bioremediation, or nutrient cycling as well as methods of making and use are described herein. In some embodiments, probes identifying cellulose degradation and/or sugar transport, lignin or chitin degradation, or peptide or toxin metabolism are included. In some embodiments, probes for identifying analytes in a soil sample are included in the compositions and methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: The invention comprises systems, methods and arrays for identification and optimization of novel peptide binders to protein targets. Embodiments include steps of peptide binder discovery, core peptide maturation, N-terminal and C-terminal extension and kinetics analysis of the final peptide binder.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for detecting a core polypeptide of a hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a sample from a subject involving (a) contacting said sample with a base and with a surfactant having a cationic detergent, and (b) detecting a core polypeptide of the HCV in the sample. The present invention further relates to a method for pre-processing a sample from a subject for detection of HCV, involving contacting the sample with a base and with a surfactant having a cationic detergent; and to a pre-processing reagent for detecting HCV in a sample, having a base and a surfactant including a cationic detergent, wherein the surfactant also has a nonionic detergent. Moreover, the present disclosure further relates to kits, uses, and devices related to the methods disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for detecting a core polypeptide of a hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a sample from a subject with the steps of (a) contacting the sample with a surfactant comprising a cationic detergent; (b) contacting the sample with a binding compound; and (c) detecting a core polypeptide of the HCV in the sample; wherein step a) is immediately followed by step b). The present disclosure further relates to a method for pre-processing a sample from a subject for detection of an HCV core polypeptide, involving (a) contacting the sample with a surfactant comprising a cationic detergent and, optionally, with an agent inducing a pH shift, immediately followed by (b) contacting the sample with a binding compound. Moreover, the present disclosure further relates to uses, devices, and analytical systems related to aforesaid methods.

Abstract: An in vitro system is provided for evaluating a therapeutic response to a candidate therapeutic agent. The system includes a multicellular aggregate, a cell-bound layer of basement membrane surrounding the multicellular aggregate, and a three-dimensional (3-D) biopolymer matrix, wherein the multicellular aggregate and the cell-bound layer of basement membrane are disposed within the 3-D biopolymer matrix. Methods of using the system are also provided, including methods of diagnosing and treating a cancer in a subject.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for treating patients following an assessment of immune subtypes such as an assessment of peripheral blood phenotypes. For example, methods and materials for treating a mammal having a medical condition after assessing a mammal's level of CD14+/DR? cells (e.g., CD14+/DR? monocytes) and level of CD4+ cells (e.g., CD4+ T cells) and classifying the mammal has being likely to experience a favorable or unfavorable medical outcome based at least in part on the mammal's level of CD14+/DR? cells and level of CD4+ cells are provided.

Abstract: A spectral reflectance imaging device for detecting nanoparticle exosome biomarker targets includes an illumination source that illuminates a substrate with a plurality of separate wavelengths of incoherent light. The substrate includes an oxide layer and a binding agent to selectively bind nanoparticle exosome biomarker targets to the substrate. An imaging device bindings the light reflected from or transmitted through the substrate and an image processing system detects the nanoparticle exosome biomarker targets a function of the change in reflective properties of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non invasive diagnostic method of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in a subject said method comprising the step of measuring the level of ?ig-h3 protein in a blood sample wherein the serum level of ?ig-h3 is positively correlated with the risk of having a PDAC. By following studies on 2 distinct cohorts of 20 and 104 of PDAC patients, and on PDAC mouse model, the inventors show that ?ig-h3 can be directly detected in the blood sample and ?ig-h3 is expressed very early in tumorigenesis in pancreatic neoplastic lesions. The present invention also relates to antagonist of ?ig-h3 protein, for use in the treatment of PDAC. The inventors found that ?ig-h3 bind directly on CD8+ T cells by reducing their activation and cytotoxic properties. Furthermore, the use of neutralizing ?ig-h3 antibodies in PDAC mouse model, reduced tumor growth by enhancing CD8+T cell anti-tumoral response.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a diagnostic and therapeutic method for assessing whether a patient is susceptible to the treatment of an ester-prodrug. The methods of the invention include the analysis of carboxyelesterase 2 (CES2)-expression in tumor samples as a predictive value for the assessment of treatment success with an ester-prodrug of a chemotherapeutic agent. Alternatively, the invention provides methods involving the analysis of the urinary ratio of the prodrug and the active therapeutic as another predictive value for assessing treatment susceptibility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of Chromogranin A (CgA) as a marker (particularly a prognostic marker) for bladder cancer, particularly non-neuroendocrine bladder cancer and preferably urothelial carcinoma. In particular, CgA can be used as a marker in an in vitro assay for the prognosis, risk assessment, risk stratification, monitoring and/or therapy control of bladder cancer (particularly non-neuroendocrine bladder cancer, preferably urothelial carcinoma). The invention further pertains to a method for the prognosis, risk assessment, risk stratification, monitoring and/or therapy control of bladder cancer (particularly non-neuroendocrine bladder cancer, preferably urothelial carcinoma) in a subject, comprising the step of determining the level of CgA and optionally MMP7 in a sample of a bodily fluid of said subject.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to the field of mass spectrometry analysis. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to compositions and methods for detecting and quantifying proteins in the AKT-mTOR pathway by immunoprecipitation enrichment followed by mass spectrometry analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing an animal model of preterm birth and an animal model of preterm birth produced by the method. The animal model of the present invention can be effectively applied to investigate the causes and symptoms of preterm birth induced by cervical injury. The mortality rate of the animal model according to the present invention is low until preterm birth despite its induced preterm birth. In addition, the animal model of the present invention is produced in a higher yield than any other existing model. Furthermore, the preterm birth of the animal model according to the present invention is induced at a desired time point. Due to these advantages, the animal model of the present invention can be effectively applied to investigate the causes and mechanisms of preterm birth. The mortality rate of premature neonates born from the animal model of the present invention is considerably low and the premature neonates are immature.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for measuring the absolute concentration of Tau, and other protein, peptide fragments and proteoforms in CSF and plasma samples collected from a subject. Such biomolecules may be implicated in one or more neurological and neurodegenerative diseases or disorders. Also provided is a method for determining whether a therapeutic agent affects the CSF or plasma concentration of a central nervous system derived biomolecule. Also provided are kits for performing the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of identifying components present in a preparation of virus particles, comprising: a) analyzing the preparation of virus particles with single molecule mass spectrometry to obtain a mass histogram; and b) interpreting the mass histogram of (a) to identify different components present in the preparation.

Abstract: A TRESI-HDX-based method for mapping protein-protein interactions comprises substantially simultaneously (a) initiating complexation between the proteins and (b) labelling the complex. In aspects, the proteins comprise an antibody and an antigen, an enzyme and a substrate, or a drug and a drug target. In aspects, the labelling time is from about 1 ms to about 1000 ms.

Abstract: A method, assay, peptide and antibody that forms an antibody-antigen conjugate with the peptide comprising the amino acid sequence: GPPPPPGKPQGPPPQGGNKPQGPPPPGKPQGPPAQGGSKSQSARAPPGKPQGPPQQE GNNPQGPPPPAGGNPQQPQAPP or an amino acid sequence that is at least 75% identical to said sequence, and the formation of an antigen-antibody conjugate is a positive indictor for Sjögren's Syndrome.

Abstract: Methods for identifying and optionally treating subjects, e.g., subjects who have Chronic Rhinosinusitis (CRS), based on the detection of elevated levels of soluble P-glycoprotein in nasal secretions. The methods of treatment can include administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a P-glycoprotein inhibitor.

Abstract: A primary object of the present invention is to provide a method for conveniently and accurately testing for pulmonary hypertension. To achieve this object, the present invention provides a method for testing for pulmonary hypertension using as an indicator the concentration of selenoprotein P protein in a sample derived from a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of prognosis and/or diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease by determining the level and/or cellular distribution of heparan sulfates (HS) and/or heparan sulfate sulfotransferases (HSSTs) from isolating circulating immune cells in said circulating immune cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions and kits for the detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnostic biomarkers, for the diagnosis of AD, for the identification of a subject at risk for developing AD, and for the generation of patient-specific AD diagnostic biomarker profiles.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, devices, and compositions to rapidly detect analytes, including small analytes, using a lateral flow device. Described herein is such a lateral flow device that can detect and quantify vitamin D in a whole blood, serum, or plasma sample by employing a sandwich-based immunoassay.