Abstract: An isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a mutant MEK1 protein having MEK1 activity is disclosed. The mutant MEK1 protein comprises an amino acid substitution at position 121 of wild-type MEK1 shown in SEQ ID NO: 2. The amino acid substitution confers resistance to one or more RAF or MEK inhibitors on a cell expressing the mutant MEK1 protein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are to markers, methods and systems for identifying cell populations, diagnosing, monitoring and treating cancer, including biomarkers predictive of response to immunotherapy treatment in Merkel cell carcinoma.

Abstract: A method for treating a specimen in soluble GPC3 immunoassay, the method including mixing a soluble GPC3-containing specimen with a reducing agent. A soluble GPC3 immunoassay method including the following (a) and (b): (a) mixing a soluble GPC3-containing specimen with a reducing agent; and (b) measuring the amount of soluble GPC3 in the mixture obtained in (a) using one or more kinds of antibodies against soluble GPC3. A soluble GPC3 immunoassay reagent including the following (a) and (b): (a) a reducing agent; and (b) one or more kinds of antibodies against soluble GPC3.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for early diagnosis, risk stratification, and effective management and treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma are provided. The compositions and methods selectively target S100A10, for effective detection of S100A10 in a subject, for example, from plasma samples or from tissue biopsy, and for effective inhibiting and/or reducing the activities and/or quantities of S100A10 in vitro and/or in vivo. Methods for selecting patients who would be amenable for the disclosed therapies and for treating such patients are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel biomarkers for identifying patients, with cancer, likely to benefit from treatment with an anti-CD25 agent. Also disclosed are methods using said biomarkers for making a treatment decision—or monitoring treatment with an anti-CD25 agent as well as methods of treating a patient, with cancer, comprising administering an anti-CD25 agent based on prior use of the present biomarkers.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of diagnosing diseases and other pathologies by obtaining fluid from a thoracic duct or right lymphatic duct of a subject and detecting one or more biomarkers indicative of a disease or pathology in the collected fluid.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting urea are provided. The method for detecting urea includes the following steps. A derivatization reagent reacts with a sample to obtain a mixture, wherein a reaction time period for reacting urea in the sample with the derivatization reagent to form a derivative product is controlled. The derivative product is separated from the mixture. The amount of separated derivative product is analyzed to determine the concentration of urea in the sample.

Abstract: A method including contacting an array of macromolecules with a plurality of different assay reagents, wherein individual addresses of the array are attached to single macromolecules, and the macromolecule comprising a plurality of different reactive sites; detecting reaction of the array of macromolecules with the different assay reagents at single-molecule resolution; determining a first reaction extent comprising the fraction of the individual addresses observed to react with a first assay reagent; determining a second reaction extent comprising the fraction of the individual addresses observed to react with a second assay reagent; determining an observed double reaction extent comprising the fraction of the individual addresses observed to react with both the first and second assay reagents; determining an expected double reaction extent from the first and second reaction extents; and determining accessibility of a reactive site of the macromolecules based on a comparison of the observed and expected doub

Abstract: Methods disclosed herein are directed to treating a mitochondrial disorder in a subject. For instance, methods can be utilized to treat a mitochondrial disorder based on an amount of at least one metabolite measured in a biological sample of a subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure, in part, relates to novel, relates to novel, prognostic tools for severe COVID-19 disease, including identification of a set of clinical parameters that can be used to generate a clinical risk score of COVID-19 complications. The present disclosure also relates to proteomic panel-profiling of patients with severe COVID-19 complications versus mild-moderate symptoms to characterize biological processes and pathways associated with disease severity. Also disclosed are identified molecular changes associated with the clinical findings that can be used to generate a molecular severity score. In addition, the methods disclosed here relate to identifying effective methods of treatments based on the patient analysis.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of generating hybridomas and related methods of producing antigen-specific antibodies. In exemplary embodiments, the method comprises (a) preparing an enriched population of IgG-positive (IgG+) memory B cells from cells obtained from secondary lymphoid organs of one or more immunized non-human animals, wherein (i) less than or about 10% of the enriched population are IgM-positive (IgM+) B cells and/or (ii) the ratio of the IgG+ memory B cell count to IgM+ B cell count of the enriched population is greater than about 0.5, optionally, greater than about 1 or greater than about 2, (b) bulk-culturing the enriched population to obtain an expanded population; and (c) fusing cells of the expanded population with myeloma cells to obtain hybridomas. In exemplary aspects, the hybridomas obtained represent at least 10% or at least 15% of the IgG+ memory B cell repertoire produced by the immunized animals.

Abstract: A method of determining the effect of non-specific interactions in simulated in vivo conditions is presently disclosed. The method includes (a) contacting a solution comprising a biologically relevant molecular crowding agent and a target molecule with a biosensor, wherein the surface of the biosensor comprises a capture molecule that specifically binds the target molecule; (b) allowing the target molecule to bind to the capture molecule; and (c) determining an amount of the target molecule bound to capture molecule using biolayer interferometry.

Abstract: Provided are methods and pharmaceutical compositions related to nanobodies from engineered Bacillus subtilis bacteria which can be useful as therapeutic agents or for diagnostic testing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for predicting the fertility potential of a female subject using RANKL and OPG as biomarkers. The present invention also relates to the use of stimulators of RANKL, inhibitors of RANKL and/or inhibitors of OPG to treat female infertility.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and kits for determining whether a subject has non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and more specifically one or more of the following associated conditions of steatosis, lobular inflammation, hepatocyte ballooning and fibrosis, are provided. Methods, compositions, and kits for determining whether a subject has non-alcoholic steatosis are also provided. Methods, compositions, and kits for determining whether a subject has non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of diagnosing Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) and/or the hepatic fibrosis status of a subject, especially a subject afflicted with Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or NASH, based on the level of only three or more particular biomarkers. The invention further provides a kit suitable for performing said method and the use of said method and methods of treating patients diagnosed in accordance with the disclosed methods.

Abstract: Proxies for physiological states of tissue are provided. Accordingly, there are provided methods of determining host AMP landscape, establishing a profile indicative of tissue status, and identifying proxies for tissue status in AMP profiles of samples of secretions, exudates and/or excretions of the tissue. Also provided are methods for determination of disease severity and chronology.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of detecting or predicting a relapse of multiple sclerosis in an individual afflicted with a form of multiple sclerosis, comprising: (a) providing a blood sample of the individual; (b) testing the blood sample to determine a protein activity or protein level, wherein the protein is Factor VIII, von Willebrand factor, or Protein C; and (c) detecting or predicting a relapse of multiple sclerosis in the individual if the protein activity or protein level is elevated compared to the protein activity or protein level in an individual not afflicted with the form of multiple sclerosis and patients' own baseline values. Also provided herein is a method of treating an individual afflicted with multiple sclerosis, who is experiencing a relapse or predicted to experience a relapse, comprising treating the individual by administering a dose of a steroid or anti-coagulation compound effective to alleviate the symptom of multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of determining whether a subject has a traumatic brain injury (TBI) by detecting levels of at least one biomarker, such as ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1) glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), or a combination thereof, in samples taken from a subject.

Abstract: Provided herein are antigenic molecules that can be used to generate antibodies capable of binding to a vitamin D derivative, such as 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 and/or 25-hydroxyvitamin D3, or a 25-hydroxyvitamin D analog, such as a vitamin D-C22 immunogenic molecule or compound. Antibodies produced using these antigenic molecules, and related antigenic compounds, are also described. In addition, disclosed herein are methods for detecting vitamin D deficiency in a subject, methods for treating a subject suspected of having a vitamin D deficiency, methods for monitoring progression of vitamin D deficiency in a subject, and methods for monitoring treatment of vitamin D deficiency in a subject in need thereof. The methods involve the detection or quantification of 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 and D3.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for measuring cholesterol by using a cholesterol dependent cytolysin (CDC), which is a cholesterol binding protein, and an antibody specifically recognizing HDL-C or LDL-C. The method according to the subject matter is capable of rapidly measuring low density lipoproteins and high density lipoproteins at low cost, and thus can be effectively applied in various fields requiring the measurement of low density lipoproteins and high density lipoproteins.

Abstract: Provided herein are highly modular and sensitive biosensors for small molecule detection using CRISPR/C as enzymes having collateral single-stranded nucleic acid cleavage activity. Also provided herein are uses of the biosensors in detection platforms for convenient, low-cost assessment of safety and purity of consumable samples, environmental samples, and agricultural products.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a quality control substance for use in the analysis of leukocytes, which can be prepared safely with easily available raw materials, which has excellent preservation stability, and which can be used in the analysis of sediments in a sample. This quality control substance includes artificial particles whose form as observed with a microscope is similar to the form of leukocytes as observed therewith.

Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating laboratory instruments. In an example, a laboratory instrument for testing patient specimens includes a testing apparatus configured to receive a cassette that includes a patient specimen or a quality control specimen. In response to determining that a quality control specimen is present, the instrument obtains a first measurement of a parameter. If the first parameter is outside an expected tolerance, the instrument ceases performing tests on all specimens, the instrument re-tests the quality control specimen to obtain a second measurement of the parameter. If the second measurement is within the expected tolerance, instrument resumes processing of the cassette. If the second measurement is outside the expected tolerance, the instrument indicates that recalibration or service is required.

Abstract: A method and device for handling supports which support biological cell cultures or auxiliary agents for treatment of biological cell cultures, using one or more modules, at least one of which is a handling device. Each one of a plurality of supports rests with its edges on support elements, and, depending on the type of supports or the type of auxiliary means supported thereby, the supports require different storage heights, some of which are greater than one or more times a standardized vertical spacing of the support elements. The supports have an information carrier, the information of which can be read by a reading device and can be evaluated by a computing device. For optimal use of the compartments of the storage device, the information contains details about the storage height of the support in question and the handling of the supports is performed using these details.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for associating consumable data with an assay consumable used in a biological assay. Provided are assay systems and associated consumables, wherein the assay system adjusts one or more steps of an assay protocol based on consumable data specific for that consumable. Various types of consumable data are described, as well as methods of using such data in the conduct of an assay by an assay system. The present invention also relates to consumables (e.g., kits and reagent containers), software, data deployable bundles, computer-readable media, loading carts, instruments, systems, and methods, for performing automated biological assays.

Abstract: The present invention controls liquid shaking during transportation while maintaining high-precision with respect to the stopping position of a specimen at the time of device start-up.

Abstract: A conveying device (100) for a sample rack manipulation apparatus (10). The conveying device (100) is suitable for conveying, between a loading/unloading area (TA), a sampling area (TD) and a buffer area (TC) of the sample rack manipulation apparatus (10), a sample rack (30) containing sample containers (20); the conveying device (100) is provided with an identifier code reading device, the identifier code reading device being suitable for reading an identifier code of the sample rack (30) and identifier codes of the sample containers (20) on the sample rack (30) when the sample rack (30) is loaded from the loading/unloading area (TA) to the conveying device (100). The present disclosure further relates to a sample rack manipulation apparatus (10) comprising the conveying device (100) and an automatic detection system (1) comprising the sample rack manipulation apparatus (10).

Abstract: A flow path washing method and apparatus for an auto sampler in which, when a cleaning fluid supplied to a flow path which is switched between a first flow path including a nozzle for aspirating a sample and a sample loop for holding the aspirated sample, and a second flow path including a washing tub for washing at least an outer wall of the nozzle, a control unit changes a flow velocity of the cleaning fluid supplied between measurement of a first measurement item and measurement of a second measurement item based on washing information showing washing patterns corresponding to measurement items of the sample, including at least one of first washing information showing a washing pattern corresponding to the first measurement item of the sample and second washing information showing a washing pattern corresponding to the second measurement item to be measured subsequent to the first measurement item.

Abstract: A slide staining apparatus for staining of cells and tissue samples on slides before pathological analysis. The apparatus is operable to stain multiple sets of slides simultaneously and configured with a reagent system having a plurality of reagents. The Apparatus includes a slide counter, a controller having a non-transitory memory component with instructions thereon, and a processor configured to determine a count of a set of received slides since the regent system was installed. When the count is below a threshold, the first protocol is used. When the count is above the threshold, slides in-progress are stained, and newly received slides are stained with a second protocol, the first protocol having an eosin reagent step followed by a 95% ethanol reagent step of a first duration, the second protocol having an eosin reagent step followed by a 95% ethanol reagent step of a second duration less than the first duration.

Abstract: A MEMS accelerometer system can include a proof mass device having a proof mass configured to move from an initial position in response to an input acceleration, a transducer operatively connected to the proof mass device to output a transducer signal correlating to a movement and/or position of the proof mass, a driver operatively connected to the proof mass device and configured to drive the proof mass, and a controller operatively connected to the driver to control the driver. The controller is operatively connected to the transducer to receive the transducer signal and output a drive signal to the driver to drive the proof mass toward an initial position. The system can include an observer module operatively connected to the controller to receive the drive signal. The observer module can be operatively connected to the transducer to receive the transducer signal.

Abstract: A MEMS device includes: a substrate as a base including a support portion and a detection electrode as a fixed electrode; a movable body supported to the support portion with a major surface of the movable body facing the fixed electrode; and an abutment portion facing at least a portion of an outer edge of the movable body and restricting rotational displacement in an in-plane direction of the major surface. The abutment portion includes an abutment surface including an abutment position at which the movable body abuts against the abutment portion due to the rotational displacement of the movable body, and a hollow portion provided opposing the abutment surface.

Abstract: An optomechanical transducer, including a tuning fork made of piezoelectric material including two arms, at least one photoactive film partially deposited on at least one part of at least one of the arms of the tuning fork, the at least one photoactive film including photo-switchable molecules, suitable for molecular switching between a first molecular configuration and a second molecular configuration in response to the absorption of light at a defined, so-called photo-isomerisation wavelength, so that the photoactive film undergoes a shape change that induces a change in the stiffness coefficient of the tuning fork is disclosed. A probe is also provided for a frequency modulation atomic force microscope and to such a microscope.

Abstract: A high-frequency enhanced electrochemical strain microscope (ESM) according to the present invention is configured to map an amount of local ESM response generated by applying a first AC voltage to a surface of a sample with a tip portion of a probe brought into contact with the surface of the sample. The high-frequency enhanced electrochemical strain microscope includes an AC voltage source configured to apply a second AC voltage to be superimposed on the first AC voltage and having a frequency higher than a frequency of the first AC voltage.

Abstract: A socket lid for a semiconductor test socket which uses a plurality of pneumatic cylinders integrated into the socket lid to facilitate the application of a controlled and variable force to multiple zones of an electronic circuit device carried by the test socket. The socket lid includes a cylinder casing with multiple independently sealed pressure chambers, each of which incorporates a plurality a pneumatic cylinders which bear against separate and independently movable compression plates that engage different areas of the electronic circuit device carried by the semiconductor test socket, thus providing an adjustably variable force to multiple zones of the electronic circuit device under test.

Abstract: This socket includes: an accommodation part having a recess that can accommodate an electronic component; an opening/closing part that opens/closes an opening of the recess; and a rotational movement support part that supports the opening/closing part to be rotationally movable between open/closed positions. The opening/closing part includes: a cover that extends from a first end to a second end in a vertical direction perpendicular to a rotation axis direction of a rotational movement; a pressing member that is disposed between the first end and the second end and presses the electronic component in the recess when the opening/closing part is in the closed position; and a holding member that holds the pressing member so that the pressing member can be rotated and move together with the cover. The holding member extends in the vertical direction and is hung between the cover and the pressing member.

Abstract: A socket board used for testing a semiconductor device having one or more terminals, by raising a temperature of the semiconductor device to a predetermined temperature, includes a substrate, a socket that is provided on the substrate and capable of holding the semiconductor device, a pin that penetrates a bottom portion of the socket, and has an upper portion that is to come into contact with a terminal of the semiconductor device, and a heat conductive material that is disposed on the bottom portion of the socket to come into contact with the terminals of the semiconductor device held in the socket. The heat conductive material includes a macromolecular gel, and electrically-insulating metal-containing particles added to the macromolecular gel.

Abstract: A test socket for an electronic circuit device with protruding circuit contacts, the test socket including an underlying PCB substrate with an overlaying electrically insulative housing, where the PCB substrate includes an array of electrically conductive vias extending therethrough, and the housing includes an array of socket apertures which align with the PCB vias and contain resiliently compressible electrically conductive compression contacts therein that connect electrically with the conductive vias of the PBC substrate. The socket apertures each have peripheral retention flaps which engage and retain the protruding circuit contacts of the electronic circuit device in electrical engagement with the conductive compression contacts within the socket apertures during testing.

Abstract: An inspection device for a display apparatus includes a stage including a seating portion on which a target is seated and an opening portion located in the seating portion, an opening/closing module that opens or closes the opening portion, and an inspection module that inspects electrical characteristics of the target.

Abstract: Probe structures, probe arrays) and methods for making such structures include incorporation of nano-fibers and metal composites to provide structures with improved material properties. Nano-fiber incorporation may occur by co-deposition of fibers and metal, selective placement of fibers followed by deposition of metal, or general placement of fibers followed by selective deposition of a metal. Structures may be formed from single layers of fibers and deposited metal or from multiple layers formed adjacent to one another or attached to one another after formation. All portions, or only selected portions, of a structure may include composites of metal and nano-fibers.

Abstract: An electrically conductive contact pin which prevents a fatigue fracture in a void part by distributing stress concentration in the void part is provided. The electrically conductive contact pin includes: a first surface; a second surface facing the first surface; a lateral surface for connecting the first surface and the second surface; and a void part formed inside the electrically conductive contact pin by passing through the first surface and the second surface along the length direction of the electrically conductive contact pin. The void part includes: a center void part; and an end void part communicating with the center void part and extending toward an end side of the electrically conductive contact pin, wherein the width of the end void part is narrower than the width of the center void part.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to probe structures, arrays, methods of using probes and arrays, and/or methods for making probes and/or arrays wherein the probes include at least one flat extension spring segment and wherein in some embodiments the probes also provide: (1) narrowed channel passage segments (e.g. by increasing width of plunger elements or by decreasing channel widths) along portions of channel lengths (e.g. not entire channel lengths) to enhance stability or pointing accuracy while still allowing for assembled formation of movable probe elements, and/or (2) ratcheting elements on probe arms and/or frame elements to allow permanent or semi-permanent transition from a build state or initial state to a working state or pre-biased state.

Abstract: Probe structures, arrays, methods of using probes and arrays, and/or methods for making probes and/or arrays wherein the probes include at least one flat tensional spring segments and in some embodiments include one or both of:(1) narrowed channel passage segments (e.g. by increasing width of plunger elements or by decreasing channel widths) along portions of channel lengths (e.g. not entire channel lengths) to enhance stability or pointing accuracy while still allowing for assembled formation of movable probe elements and/or (2) pairs of joined probes with at least one end of the probe set having independently compressible tips (e.g. as Kelvin probe pairs for use in 4 wire Kelvin probe tests).

Abstract: A test socket including: a testing probe including a lower plunger in contact with a pad; an upper plunger coupled to the lower plunger; a spring probe made of a cylindrical spring for applying elasticity to the lower plunger and the upper plunger; and a contact probe with an upper side contacting a terminal of a test device and a lower side contacting the upper plunger; a socket housing that provides housing holes and accommodates the contact probe and the spring probe so that an upper side of the contact probe protrudes at each housing hole; and a cover that provides cover holes and is fastened to the socket housing so that a lower side of the lower plunger protrudes at each cover hole, wherein the upper plunger provides a sliding groove, the lower plunger provides a pair of sliding protrusions inserted into the sliding groove.

Abstract: Dual shield probes are provided having one or more of a plurality of different features including: discontinuous dielectric spacers, fixed nodes, sliding nodes, shield nodes, bridges, stops, interlocked dielectric and conductive elements, along with methods of using and making such probes.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to microscale and millimeter scale multi-layer structures (e.g., probe structures for making contact between two electronic components for example in semiconductor wafer, chip, and electronic component test applications).

Abstract: A prober controlling device for bringing probe needles into contact with semiconductor chips, includes an input data acquiring unit configured to acquire input data including temperature data of at least one of a probe card and a card holder, a predicting unit configured to predict a position of a tip end of a probe needle based on the input data acquired by the input data acquiring unit, using a prediction model that receives input of the input data and outputs the position of the tip end of the probe needle, and a determining unit configured to determine whether or not to execute prediction by the predicting unit, based on input data used as teacher data for machine learning of the prediction model and the input data acquired by the input data acquiring unit, before the prediction by the predicting unit.

Abstract: Probes for contacting electronic components include a plurality of compliant modules stacked in a serial configuration, which are supported by an exoskeleton or an endoskeleton which allows for linear longitudinal compression of probe ends toward one another wherein the compliant elements within the compliant modules include planar springs (when unbiased). Other probes are formed from single compliant modules or pairs of back-to-back modules that may share a common base. Module bases may include configurations that allow for one or both lateral alignment and longitudinal alignment of probes relative to array structures (e.g., array substrates, guide plates) or other modules they contact or to which they adhere.

Abstract: Probes for contacting electronic components include compliant modules stacked in a serial configuration, which are supported by a sheath, exoskeleton, or endoskeleton which allows for linear longitudinal compression of probe ends toward one another wherein the compliant elements within the compliant modules include planar springs (when unbiased). Alternatively, probes may be formed from single modules or back-to-back modules that may share a common base/standoff. Modules may allow for lateral and/or longitudinal alignment relative to array structures or other modules. Planar springs may be spirals, interlaced spirals having common or offset longitudinal levels, with similar or different rotational orientations that are functionally joined, and planar springs may transition into multiple thinner spring elements along their lengths. Compression of probe tips toward one another may cause portions of spring elements to move closer together or further apart.

Abstract: Probes for contacting electronic components include compliant modules stacked in a serial configuration, which are supported by a sheath, exoskeleton, or endoskeleton which allows for linear longitudinal compression of probe ends toward one another wherein the compliant elements within the compliant modules include planar springs (when unbiased). Alternatively, probes may be formed from single modules or back-to-back modules that may share a common base/standoff. Modules may allow for lateral and/or longitudinal alignment relative to array structures or other modules. Planar springs may be spirals, interlaced spirals having common or offset longitudinal levels, with similar or different rotational orientations that are functionally joined, and planar springs may transition into multiple thinner planar spring elements along their length. Compression of probe tips toward one another may cause portions of spring elements to move closer together or further apart.