Abstract: A process for welding porous membranes, the process containing i) providing first and second porous membranes; ii) at least partially superimposing the first and second porous membranes to obtain an at least partial superimposition region; iii) welding the first and second porous membranes at least in a portion of the at least one superimposition region at a temperature in the range from 100 to 300° C. to obtain an at least partially welded composite of the first and second porous membranes, wherein the first and second porous membranes are made of at least one thermoplastic elastomer selected from the group consisting of a polyurethane elastomer, a polyester elastomer, a polyetherester elastomer, a polyesterester elastomer, a polyamide elastomer, a polyetheramide elastomer, a polystyrene elastomer, and an ethylene-vinyl acetate elastomer, and wherein the first and second porous membranes have pores having an average pore diameter of less than 2000 nm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a stable aqueous dispersion of crosslinkable polymer particles, a peroxidase enzyme, and a hydrophobic hydroperoxide having a 10-hour half life temperature of at least 100° C. The composition provides a robust one-pot peroxidase mediated cure for latex particles bearing a variety of polymerizable functional groups.

Abstract: In order to achieve an object of applying easily producible and variable patterns effectively and in widely varying ways, lacquer is applied to a decoration target material (1) comprising a transparent or translucent glass or resin material to form a lacquer layer (3), and thereafter an alcohol agent is mixed into the undried lacquer layer (3) to make the lacquer material flow and to form lacquer patterns (3a, 3b) using the flow behavior of the lacquer, or a crack pattern is formed on, for example, a foil layer (7), thereby to significantly reduce the drying time of the lacquer layer (3), and to suitably form a lacquer pattern comprising a flowing lacquer pattern, a lacquer crack pattern, and a foil crack pattern.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods, medical profiles, kits and apparatus for use in determining the risk that a pregnant individual has for developing pre-eclampsia based on amounts of certain biochemical markers in a biological sample from the individual and biophysical markers. The disclosure also relates to methods, medical profiles, kits and apparatus for use in determining the risk that a pregnant individual is carrying a fetus having a chromosomal abnormality based on amounts of certain biochemical markers in a biological sample from the individual and biophysical markers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for generating microscopic patterns of macromolecules such as proteins on a solid surface are described. Pulsed laser light is used to alter surface portions of a solid surface substrate in a predetermined pattern, by removing macromolecules from surface portions of the substrate where the light is focused. The same wavelength light at lower intensity can be used to visualize the removal by its reflection from the specimen surface along the path to the detector. Select macromolecules introduced to the substrate selectively adhere to select surface portions, thereby depositing macromolecules in the predetermined pattern on the solid surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of immunology and hyperproliferative diseases. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of detecting and monitoring therapeutic antibody:antigen complex, soluble antigen and soluble therapeutic antibody, wherein a patient has undergone at least one course of immunotherapy. Yet further, levels of therapeutic antibody:antigen complexes, soluble antigens or soluble therapeutic antibodies may be measured and used to stage or monitor a hyperproliferative disease.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods, medical profiles, kits and apparatus for use in determining the risk that a pregnant individual has for developing pre-eclampsia based on amounts of certain biochemical markers in a biological sample from the individual and biophysical markers. The disclosure also relates to methods, medical profiles, kits and apparatus for use in determining the risk that a pregnant individual is carrying a fetus having a chromosomal abnormality based on amounts of certain biochemical markers in a biological sample from the individual and biophysical markers.

Abstract: Polypeptides are provided, where the polypeptides include one or more groups of formula —R1—C(O)R2, where R1 is an amino acid side chain, R2 is a C8-C24 polyunsaturated alkenyl group, and the polypeptide is a gelatin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to combinations of biomarkers and levels thereof that may be used, for example, in the determination of risk associated with the occurrence of a major adverse cardiac event (MACE) in a patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides immunoassays and kits for detection or quantification of an analyte of interest in a test sample that potentially contains endogenously produced autoantibodies reactive with the analyte.

Abstract: A diagnostic method for determining the absence or presence of a disease is provided. The method includes assaying the amount and/or types of glycopeptides in a sample from a subject, and comparing these to the amount and types of reference glycopeptides. The method may include the use of a stable isotope label, affinity selection, immunoaffinity chromatography, and glycoproteomics techniques, to identify and quantify changes in glycosylated peptides or glycosylated proteins associated with cancers such as malignant lymphoma or breast cancer, to monitor patient's response to therapy, and to monitor disease recurrence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to combinations of biomarkers and levels thereof that may be used, for example, in the determination of risk associated with the occurrence of a major adverse cardiac event (MACE) in a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of immunology and hyperproliferative diseases. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of detecting and monitoring therapeutic antibody:antigen complex, soluble antigen and soluble therapeutic antibody, wherein a patient has undergone at least one course of immunotherapy. Yet further, levels of therapeutic antibody:antigen complexes, soluble antigens or soluble therapeutic antibodies may be measured and used to stage or monitor a hyperproliferative disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of immunology and hyperproliferative diseases. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of detecting and monitoring therapeutic antibody:antigen complex, soluble antigen and soluble therapeutic antibody, wherein a patient has undergone at least one course of immunotherapy. Yet further, levels of therapeutic antibody:antigen complexes, soluble antigens or soluble therapeutic antibodies may be measured and used to stage or monitor a hyperproliferative disease.

Abstract: Sorption reinforced catalytic coating system for the degradation of threat agents including a synzyme coating about a material, the synzyme coating having bucket-shaped molecules for the sorption and degradation of the threat agents. A binding agent is configured for synzyme immobilization to maximize loading and retention of the synzyme coating on the material.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides immunoassays and kits for detection or quantification of an analyte of interest in a test sample that potentially contains endogenously produced autoantibodies reactive with the analyte.

Abstract: A method for reducing non-specific binding in an assay is provided herein. The method includes (a) providing a reaction mixture, which includes or is suspected to include a first component and a second component capable of binding to each other in a specific binding reaction, and (b) adding non-physiological amounts of at least one additive to the reaction mixture before, during or after binding in a sufficient amount to reduce non-specific binding in the reaction mixture. The method further includes (c) monitoring or measuring the presence and/or concentration of at least one of the first and second components after step (b).

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method for identifying and interpreting tissue specimens and/or cells derived from tissue specimens. A panel of cell-based reagents provides a number of readouts of cellular states or biomarkers that together define a profile of a diversity of cellular states or biomarkers in a tissue specimen representing the “systems” nature of biology. This cellular profile is interpreted using informatics tools, to identify similarities between specimens, in vivo medical conditions, and suggest options for treating medical conditions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the detection of target analytes using electronic techniques, particularly AC techniques.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of immunology and hyperproliferative diseases. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of detecting and monitoring therapeutic antibody:antigen complex, soluble antigen and soluble therapeutic antibody, wherein a patient has undergone at least one course of immunotherapy. Yet further, levels of therapeutic antibody:antigen complexes, soluble antigens or soluble therapeutic antibodies may be measured and used to stage or monitor a hyperproliferative disease.

Abstract: The invention provides an ELISA assay for the determination of serum mast cell ?-tryptase levels using rabbit anti-tryptase as the capture antibody and alkaline phosphatase conjugated G3 as the detecting antibody. Luminescent substrate CPSD was used to enhance the assay sensitivity. Also provided are methods for aiding in the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome by detecting the serum level of ?-tryptase, histamine and/or prostaglandin E2.

Abstract: Renal injury and inflammation is diagnosed by detecting an elevation in GSK3b level or activity. Inflammation of bodily tissues such as renal tissue is inhibited by administration of GSK3b inhibitory compositions.

Abstract: The invention describes specific sialylated structures present on human stem cells and cell populations derived thereof. The invention is especially directed to methods to control the status of stem cells by observing changes in sialylation of the cells; and control of potential contaminations of biological materials; and reagents and methods used in connection with the cells in order to avoid alterations of the cell glycosylation by contaminating materials. The invention is further directed to novel stem cells, the glycosylation of which has been specifically altered.

Abstract: Methods, systems, kits and assays for diagnosing, monitoring or screening for mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) and methods and systems for assaying test compounds for therapeutic activity are described, whereby MPS marker protein levels are assayed as an indication of MPS.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of using high mass matrix assisted laser desorption-ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the effect of drug candidates on protein complexes such as protein-protein interactions in purified samples or complex biological matrices, as well as to the use of this method for lead compound optimization, drug characterization, drug manufacturing processes, and drug quality control processes, including automated high throughput applications.

Abstract: A method of preparing a protein-resistant reactive solid support surface is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a solid support having a hydrogel coating with a plurality of binding elements, coupling a protein resistant compound to the hydrogel via a first fraction of the binding elements, and coupling at least one binding agent to the hydrogel via a second fraction of the binding elements, whereby the protein resistant compound and the at least one binding agent are co-immobilized to the hydrogel. Also the use of the reactive surface in analysis, such as immunogenicity assays, is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for the preparation of protein mediated calcium hydroxyapatite (HAp) coating on metal substrates particularly on stainless steel (316 L) by biomimetic route, capable of rapid and effective osteointegration with the host tissue following controlled interfacial reactions. For the purpose, calcium deficient, carbonated hydroxyapatite (HAp) coating was developed on metal substrates particularly on stainless steel (316L) alloy through biomimetic route after a surface treatment step using aqueous solution (4-10 wt %) of BSA at room temperature. The coating was characterized with respect to phase composition, crystallinity, morphology and thickness. The protein mediated calcium phosphate ceramic coating is porous (pore dia—100-200 ?m) having uniform pore distribution and coverage. There is multifold enhancement in thickness and crystallinity (data provided) of the as-prepared coating.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide three dimensional multi-layered hydrogel constructs with embedded channels, living cells and bioactive agents, and methods for making three dimensional multi-layered hydrogel constructs. The constructs can have bioactive agents to support the living cells. The multi-layered constructs can have channels for perfusion purposes and layers of different hydrogel materials.

Abstract: Sorption reinforced catalytic coating system for the degradation of threat agents including a synzyme coating about a material configured for the degradation of the threat agents, the synzyme coating including bucket-shaped molecules configured for the sorption of the threat agents A binding agent is configured for synzyme immobilization to maximize loading and retention of the synzyme coating on the material.

Abstract: A biodegradable biopolymer material consists of silk fibroin from domesticated silkworm; silk fibroin from wild silkworm; a composite material comprising silk fibroin from domesticated silkworm and silk fibroin from wild silkworm; or a composite material comprising either silk fibroin from domesticated silkworm or silk fibroin from wild silkworm and at least one secondary substance selected from the group consisting of cellulose, chitin, chitosan, chitosan derivatives, keratin from wool and polyvinyl alcohol. The material may be prepared by, for instance, casting an aqueous solution of domesticated silkworm silk fibroin on the surface of a substrate and then cast drying the applied solution. The biodegradable biopolymer material is effectively used as, for instance, a metal ion-adsorbing material, a sustained release substrate for a useful substance such as a medicine, a biological cell-growth substrate and a biodegradable water-absorbing material.

Abstract: Wood finishes and methods of production and application of wood finishes are provided. The finishes may contain biologically produced components, such as proteins, and specifically may include whey proteins derived from dairy processing. The wood finishes are environmentally friendly as they use reduced levels of solvents and provide a safe and protective coating for wood and wood products.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a biosensor, which is not significantly affected by the baseline fluctuation and suppresses nonspecific adsorption. The present invention provides a biosensor, which comprises a metal surface or metal film coated with a hydrophobic polymer, and has two or more types of different surfaces in a region coated with a hydrophobic polymer.

Abstract: A method for discharging a liquid containing a biological material includes adding as a dispense stabilizer a polymer composed of phosphorylcholine-group-containing unsaturated compound units or a copolymer including same to the liquid containing the biological material; and discharging the liquid containing the dispense stabilizer using an inkjet system.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for a covalent ligation of one or more molecules to one or more surfaces, that is site-specific and both rapid and high yielding. The covalent ligation to the surface is based on the reaction of an azide and a phosphinothioester to form an amide bond. The method of the invention is particularly well-suited to the immobilization of peptides, proteins or protein fragments to surfaces.

Abstract: A method of making a microarray comprising the steps of: providing a support; coating on the support a receiving layer to receive microspheres, the receiving layer being capable of undergoing sol/gel transition; coating on the receiving layer a dispersion of microspheres in a carrier fluid, wherein the carrier fluid contains at least one crosslinking agent and is capable of solvating the receiving layer; allowing the microspheres to partially submerge into the receiving layer; creating conditions to induce sol/gel transition in the receiving layer, thus immobilizing the microspheres; evaporating off the carrier fluid; and allowing crosslinking reaction between the receiving layer and the crosslinker in the carrier fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed are advantageous methods for patterning and/or mineralizing biomaterial surfaces. The techniques described are particularly useful for generating three-dimensional or contoured bioimplant materials with patterned surfaces or patterned, mineralized surfaces. Also provided are various methods of using the mineralized and/or patterned biomaterials in tissue engineering, such as bone tissue engineering, providing more control over ongoing biological processes, such as mineralization, growth factor release, cellular attachment and tissue growth.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods of treating cardiovascular diseases in a mammal. The methods include a step of administering an effective amount of a botulinum toxin directly to a blood vessel of a mammal thereby treating a cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: It has been found that casein and salts of casein are useful as replacements for, or in addition to, BSA as materials for coating solid phases, particularly magnetic particles, used for immunoassays and other binding assays for separation of the desired analyte. By using casein, immunoassays having improved stability and few discordant samples have been developed. Casein used at a concentration of 0.05-4.0 grams per gram of paramagnetic particle (optimally approximately 0.78-1.2 grams of casein per gram of magnetic particle) has been found to confer this benefit. In addition, a process for coating solid phases has been invented, said process comprising the mixing of casein with magnetic particles at 30-60° C. for 5-180 hours, said process resulting in casein-coated paramagnetic particles which either (1) already have combined therewith active ingredients needed in the binding assay or (2) are capable of reacting with active ingredients needed in the binding assay.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing a proteinaceous coating on a medical implant, comprising the steps of: submersing the implant in a first aqueous solution comprising a protein and magnesium, calcium and phosphate ions through which a gaseous weak acid is passed; degassing the solution; allowing a coating to precipitate onto the implant; submersing the coated implant in a second solution to redissolve the magnesium, calcium and phosphate ions and to obtain the proteinaceous coating.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing the photostabilizing of silver in medical materials are described. More particularly, the methods increase the photostabilization of silver in certain materials comprising hydrophilic, amphoteric and anionic polymers by subjecting the polymers to solutions containing an organic solvent and silver, during or after which one or more agents are added which facilitate the photostablization of the material.

Abstract: Method and apparatus of vascular neuromuscular blockade including percutaneous delivery of a quantity of neurotransmitter inhibiting agent to an affected region of a vessel.

Abstract: A system for producing multiple diagnostic test elements has a support (1) with an analytical region (3) to which diagnostic test spots (8) are applied, one or several stop edges (11-13) for each direction in space for positioning the support, a first holding unit (10I) into which the support is inserted and positioned by means of the one or more stop edges, a first printing head (20I) arranged above the holding unit (10) for applying drops of a first liquid to the analytical region of the support (1), a first positioning unit which laterally displaces and positions the first holding unit, a second holding unit (10II) into which the support is inserted and positioned by means of the one or more stop edges, a second printing head (20II) arranged above the second holding unit for applying drops of a second liquid to the analytical region of the support (1), a second positioning unit which laterally displaces and positions the second holding unit, a transport unit (41) and a control unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ophthalmic molding such as a contact lens or any kind of ocular prostheses comprising an organic bulk material having covalently bonded to its surface an acceptor saccharide to which is enzymatically attached one or more further carbohydrates. The ophthalmic moldings of the invention have desirable characteristics regarding, for example, adherence to the substrate, durability, hydrophilicity, wettability or biocompatibility.

Abstract: It has been found that casein and salts of casein are useful as replacements for, or in addition to, BSA as materials for coating solid phases, particularly magnetic particles, used in immunoassays and other binding assays for separation of the desired analyte. By using casein, immunoassays having improved stability and fewer discordant samples have been developed. Casein used at a concentration of 0.05-4.0 grams per gram of paramagnetic particle (optimally approximately 0.78-1.2 grams of casein per gram of magnetic particle) has been found to confer this benefit.

Abstract: A linker lipid for use in attaching a membrane including a plurality of ionophores to an electrode and providing a space between the membrane and the electrode in which the membrane is either in part or totally made up of the linker lipid. The linker lipid has within the same molecule a hydrophobic region capable of spanning the membrane, an attachment group used to attach the molecule to an electrode surface, a hydrophilic region intermediate the hydrophobic region and the attachment group, and a polar head group region attached to the hydrophobic region at a site remote from the hydrophilic region. The attachment group has a cross sectional area greater than the cross sectional area of the hydrophilic region, and has the structure recited in the specification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for binding antibody or antigen molecules to solid phase. The reactive compound comprising an antibody or antigen molecule and a solide phase are formed by coupling a specific antibody or antigen molecule to a solid phase using a two-step reaction. The coupling is covalent, between the active groups of the solid phase and the antibody, a fragment thereof or the antigen molecule, in the presence of an anionic surfactant, after adding an alkaline/solution to raise the pH to the basic region.

Abstract: Electrode membrane combinations for use in biosensors to detect analytes in a sample and methods for making and storing same are disclosed. In one aspect, a method is provided for producing a first layer electrode membrane comprising: (1) Forming a solution containing Linker Lipid A, the disulfide of mercaptoacetic acid (MAAD) or similar molecule, linker Gramicidin B, membrane spanning lipid C (MSL-C) and membrane spanning lipid D (MSL-D) or other suitable linker molecules and other ion channel combinations; (2) Contacting an electrode containing a clean gold surface with the solution, the disulfide containing components in the solution thus adsorbing onto the gold surface of the electrode; (3) Rinsing the electrode with a suitable organic solvent; and (4) Removing the excess organic solvent used for rinsing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for marking solid, liquid or gaseous substances, whereby the substance to be marked is provided with at least one synthetically produced nucleic acid sequence. Said nucleic acid sequence contains a first sequence section constructed with the 5′ terminal end, a second sequence comprised of at least two bases and connected to said nucleic acid sequence, and a third sequence section constructed with the 3′ terminal end and connected to the said nucleic acid sequence. In order to simplify the identification of the marking, the invention provides that a first primer group is used with a first primer section corresponding to the first sequence section and a second primer group is used with a third primer section corresponding to the third sequence section.

Abstract: A method of crosslinking an oxidative polymer having oxidatively crosslinkable functional groups and a two-pack composition used therein is provided. The oxidatively crosslinkable functional groups on the oxidative polymer are crosslinked by contacting the oxidative polymer with a catalytic amount of an oxidizing enzyme, such as horseradish peroxidase. The present invention is further directed to a two-pack coating composition which includes a polymeric component and a catalytic component, which are mixed together prior to use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing ferrofluid-forming magnetic particles substituted by DMSA (FFSH) that can be covalently coupled, directly or through a difunctional reactant, to an effector, which process comprises combining DMSA with ferrofluid-forming magnetic particles to form FFSS particles having disulfide bonds, and reducing the disulfide bonds of the FFSS at basic pH to form FFSH. The invention includes a composition comprising such FFSH magnetic particles. The invention also relates to a method in which FFSH magnetic particles are incubated with an effector comprising at least one functional group which forms an S--S, C--S, C--C, or C--N bond with DMSA, so that a covalent effector-FFSH complex is formed. The invention further includes a method for separating and/or distinguishing between molecules or cells having a ligand that forms an affinity complex with an effector-FFSH particle of the invention, and those molecules or cells that do not have such a ligand.