Abstract: A breath alcohol device calibration system includes a computerized calibration module operable to calibrate a breath alcohol device, and an interface operable to couple the breath alcohol device to a remote server. The interface uses a connection employing a cryptographic function such that data stored on the breath alcohol device can be securely transferred from the breath alcohol device to the remote server using the calibration system. The interface is further operable to transfer data stored on the breath alcohol device from the breath alcohol device to the remote server directly without storing the data in nonvolatile storage on the calibration station.

Abstract: A method of measuring and calculating (preferably by a computer with output to a user) tGSH (total glutathione very particularly defined) with sample preparation and assay methods that have been confirmed to provide accurate and reliable tGSH and related diagnostic assays in blood or tissue from a patient.

Abstract: A method and transceiver for calibrating an analyte sensor using one or more reference measurements. In some embodiments, the method may include receiving a first reference analyte measurement (RM1) and determining whether the RM1 is unexpected. In some embodiments, the method may include, if the RM1 was determined to be unexpected, receiving a second reference analyte measurement (RM2). In some embodiments, the method may include determining whether one or more of the RM1 and the RM2 are acceptable as calibration points. In some embodiments, the method may include, if one or more of the RM1 and the RM2 are determined to be acceptable as calibration points, accepting one or more of the RM1 and the RM2 as calibration points. In some embodiments, the method may include calibrating the analyte sensor using at least one or more of the RM1 and the RM2 as calibration points.

Abstract: An assembly includes a sensor lens, a polymer film adhered to the sensor lens, a hydrophilic coating applied to the sensor lens, and a fluid layer between the sensor lens and the polymer film, wherein the fluid layer is disposed on the hydrophilic coating.

Abstract: An oral fluid collection device is provided that includes a borosilicate glass collection tube that can be capped post-collection for containing a human donor's expectorated oral fluid. The collection tube has a lyophilized reagent disposed therein that is essentially free of surfactants and solvents and includes a bacteriostatic, a peptidoglycan cleaving enzyme, an esterase inhibitor, an antioxidant, and a buffer at a pH range of about 5.7 to about 6.5 for stabilizing drugs and drug metabolites that may be present in the donor oral fluid. Interaction between the collected oral fluid and the buffer-preservative is provided by gravity drawing the collected oral fluid downward into contact with the lyophilized buffer-preservative.

Abstract: A portable device for measuring the concentration of at least one component in a gas exhaled by a breath fluid, including a first chamber located upstream of a measuring vessel and including an inlet through which the exhaled breath fluid enters the first chamber, a second chamber located upstream of the measuring vessel, the second chamber including an inlet leading into the first chamber, an outlet in communication with the measuring vessel and through which some of the exhaled breath fluid passes, and an outlet leading to the ambient air, through which some of the exhaled breath fluid is expelled into the ambient air. Further, the second chamber is located inside or adjacent the first chamber and the outlet to the ambient air leads to the first chamber so some of the exhaled breath fluid enters the second chamber through the inlet of the second chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides novel non-invasive in vitro methods for assessing the metabolic condition of oocytes and/or embryos with fluorescence lifetime imaging microscope, that can be used, for example, in assessment of oocytes and embryos in assisted reproductive technologies.

Abstract: The invention relates to an in vitro method for the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis (AP) in a subject by detection of Glycoprotein 2 isoform alpha (GP2a) protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to provide, among other things, the methods, devices, and systems that can simply and quickly collecting and analyzing a tiny amount of vapor condensates (e.g. exhaled breath condensate (EBC)).

Abstract: Cellulose materials and methods of making the cellulose materials are described herein. The method can include contacting a cotton fabric with an oxidizing system to obtain an oxidized cotton material and processing the oxidized cotton material to form the cellulose material. The oxidizing system can include an aqueous mixture of a N-oxyl compound and a hypochlorite compound. During oxidation, the pH of the aqueous mixture can be maintained at from 8.5 to 11. Cellulose products can be formed from the cellulose materials. For example, the cellulose products can be used to form a packaging material, a biomedical device or implant, a drug delivery material, a fiber, a textile material, a template for electronic components, or a separation membrane. Methods of making the cellulose product include dissolving or suspending an active ingredient in a medium comprising the cellulose material.

Abstract: A method of choosing which undesired cell to destroy in a multi-cell fluorescent event includes detecting fluorescence of cells, converting photons detected in the fluorescence into an analog voltage output signal, and identifying at least two discernable peaks associated with the cells. By looking solely at properties measured within the multi-cell fluorescent event, a decision of which cell to target for elimination can be made. Using this method with large population sizes can result in an effective sex skewed product. The sex skewed product can, for example, be formed from bull semen which is then later used to inseminate cows which results in an increased likelihood of giving birth to female cattle.

Abstract: Provided are an amadoriase that is less likely to be influenced by oxygen concentration and a method and a reagent kit for measurement of HbA1c using such amadoriase. Provided are an amadoriase that is obtained via substitution of one or more amino acid residues at a position or positions corresponding to the position(s) selected from the group consisting of positions 280, 267, 269, 54, and 241 of the amadoriase derived from the genus Coniochaeta, a method for measurement of HbA1c, a reagent kit for measurement, and a sensor using such amadoriase. The modified amadoriase according to the invention has a lowered oxidase activity and an enhanced dehydrogenase activity, and this enables the use of an electron mediator, and this reduces the influence of oxygen concentration. Thus, HbA1c can be measured with high sensitivity.

Abstract: The present invention provides rapid and simple methods of testing on whole blood samples for alerting cancer recurrence and assessing cancer progression relying on determination of the functionality of leucocytes (predominately neutrophils) to exhibit challenge-induced superoxide anion production with quantification by chemiluminescent measurement.

Abstract: Provided is a compound which accelerates the enzymatic reaction catalyzed by an oxidase. The present invention provides an oxidase reaction accelerating agent comprising a compound represented by formula (I) and a method using the same.

Abstract: Provided is a method of detecting a biological material, by which quantitative measurement can be performed easily. The method of detecting a biological material in a sample includes: mixing, with the sample, a fusion protein (C) in which a protein (A) capable of binding the biological material and a chemiluminescent protein (B) are fused together and a substrate for the chemiluminescent protein (B); and observing a luminescent signal from the sample, wherein the protein (A) and the protein (B) are linked in such a manner that resonance energy transfer can occur, the protein (A) is either a protein (A1) that can emit fluorescence in a state where the biological material is bound thereto or a protein (A2) capable of binding an autofluorescent molecule as the biological material, and the protein (B) can excite fluorescence or autofluorescence of the protein (A) with its luminescence energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for measuring acetone concentrations in breath. Measuring acetone concentrations is based on changes the spectral properties of the fluorophore caused by the chemical interaction of a specific fluorophore with the exhaled air containing acetone which.

Abstract: Provided is a method of avoiding the influence of a coexisting substance in the measurement of HbA1c % for a whole blood sample by an enzymatic method. Specifically, provided is a method of measuring a ratio of a hemoglobin A1c concentration to a hemoglobin concentration in a sample by an enzymatic method, the method including: a first step of optically measuring the hemoglobin concentration; and a second step of optically measuring the hemoglobin A1c concentration, wherein, when HbA1c % is calculated by dividing the hemoglobin A1c concentration measured in the second step by the hemoglobin concentration measured in the first step, the hemoglobin concentration serving as a denominator, which is measured at a first wavelength, is corrected using a result measured at a second wavelength.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition that enables measurement of glycated hemoglobin in the presence of a stronger surfactant than conventional surfactants. To this end, the present invention provides an amadoriase in which one or more amino acids have been substituted at positions corresponding to positions selected from the group consisting of positions 80, 71, 175, 172, 279, 12, 9, 77, 30, 28, 13, 3, 4, 286, 204, 338, 44, 340, and 194 of the amadoriase derived from the genus Coniochaeta having the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 as well as a composition for measurement of glycated hemoglobin comprising an amadoriase that retains activity in the presence of an anionic surfactant. The present invention can provide an enzyme and a composition for measurement of glycated hemoglobin that sufficiently remain stable even when exposed to anionic surfactants.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a device for measuring the concentration of creatinine in a sample including one or more enzyme modulators, the device comprising an enzyme layer, the method comprising: determining sensitivities of the device for each of one or more calibration solutions; determining a degree of modulation for the sample to be measured, determining a degree of modulation for each calibration solution; wherein said determining of each of the degrees of modulation comprises estimating the concentration of an enzyme modulator in the enzyme layer of the device; and calculating the sensitivity of the device for the sample, wherein the said calculating comprises adjusting the sensitivity of the device for each calibration solution by a factor comprising the determined degrees of modulation of the sample and the calibration solution.

Abstract: A method of measuring and calculating (preferably by a computer with output to a user) tGSH (total glutathione very particularly defined) with sample preparation and assay methods that have been confirmed to provide accurate and reliable tGSH and related diagnostic assays in blood or tissue from a patient.

Abstract: A composition comprised of a perodixase, a catalase and a peroxide that, in combination, is suitable for degradation of pollen wall sporopollenin, and coatings comprising sporopollenin in a matrix that can be selectively degraded through application of a peroxidase, a catalase and a peroxide to the sporopollenin matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measuring activity of HAO which comprises bringing HAO into contact with hydroxylamine in the presence of a tetrazolium salt. Further, the present invention also provides a method for culturing microorganisms which comprises culturing microorganisms in a storage container of a sample containing microorganisms installed separately in a liquid medium storage container, wherein the storage container of a sample containing microorganisms has pores.

Abstract: Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) from industrial waste and oil spills are a recurrent threat to food safety due to their stability and toxicity. Existing methods to establish the concentrations of PAH in environmental and food samples rely on expensive and laborious methodology. The teachings herein provide methods and kits for detecting the presence or absence of PAH. In certain embodiments, the quantity of PAH in a sample can be determined.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments concern a composition comprising DAB chromogen, and/or derivative thereof, a stabilizer, and polymer capable of preventing or reducing DAB precipitation relative to a composition that does not comprise the polymer. Also disclosed herein is a method for using the disclosed composition and embodiments of a kit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel variant RNA polymerase sigma factor 70 (?70) polypeptide, a polynucleotide encoding the same, a microorganism containing the polypeptide, and a method for producing L-threonine by using the microorganism.

Abstract: A sensor determines whether a specimen includes a first substance. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor includes a base. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor is configured to determine whether the specimen includes the first substance and further includes, on the base, a detection unit on which a second substance is immobilized. The second substance includes a bond that is cleft by the reaction with hydrogen peroxide. In an exemplary embodiment, the specimen that is brought in contact with an enzyme that generates the hydrogen peroxide by the reaction with the first substance is introduced to the detection unit in the sensor configured to determine whether the specimen includes the first substance.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for identifying bio-molecules with desired properties (or which are most suitable for a round of directed evolution) from complex bio-molecule libraries or sets of such libraries. Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods for virtually screening proteins for beneficial properties. Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods for virtually screening enzymes for desired activity and/or selectivity for catalytic reactions involving particular substrates. Some embodiments combine screening and directed evolution to design and develop proteins and enzymes having desired properties. Systems and computer program products implementing the methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides aptamers that specifically bind to the EGF receptor in a sample, and diagnostic and analytical methods using those aptamers. In some embodiments, the aptamers include a 3? cap. In some embodiments, the 3? cap is an inverted deoxythymidine. In some embodiments the aptamers include a spacer and at least one moiety selected from the group consisting of binding pair member and a detectable label, wherein the spacer is attached to the 5?-end of the aptamer and the moiety is attached the 5? end of the spacer. In some embodiments the spacer is hexaethylene glycol. In some embodiments, the binding pair member biotin. In some embodiments the detectable label is a fluorophore.

Abstract: A microfluidic device 10 is provided that includes a porous substrate 12 and a plurality of reaction channels 14 disposed on a first side 36 of the porous substrate 12. The reaction channels 14 are defined by a barrier material 16 disposed on the substrate 12 in a user-defined pattern 13. At least one reagent 18 is disposed within each reaction channel 14 in an amount effective to test for the presence of at least one analyte or property in a sample introduced to the device 10.

Abstract: A method for evaluation of an interaction between an analyte in a fluid sample and a ligand immobilized on a sensor surface of a biosensor, which comprises the steps of: providing a reference binding curve, representing a reference interaction for a predetermined acquisition cycle, acquiring, using the biosensor, a sample binding curve for the analyte ligand interaction for the predetermined acquisition cycle, registering the deviation of the sample binding curve from the reference binding curve, and classifying the analyte ligand interaction as equivalent to the reference interaction when the registered deviation is less than a predetermined deviation criteria. There is further provided a biosensor system and a computer program.

Abstract: Fluid collection devices, analysis instruments and methods for making and using same are disclosed. The fluid collection device is provided with a device and an electrochemical cell. The device has first and second walls defining a microfluidic channel, and a sample application port communicating with the microfluidic channel. The first wall and the second wall are spaced a distance less than 150 microns. The electrochemical cell is disposed on the first wall to contact a sample travelling through the microfluidic channel. The electrochemical cell comprising molecule receptors such that a physical property of the first electrochemical cell is effected upon one or more of the molecule receptors binding to an electroactive species within the sample.

Abstract: A device for detecting target biomolecules is provided. The device consists of an electrically conductive membrane having a biological recognition component configured to bind a target biomolecule immobilized thereon. The membrane is connected to an electric circuit by means of electrodes. A voltage source applies a voltage to the membrane and a resistance monitoring device monitors the resistance of the membrane as a selected volume of fluid sample suspected of containing the target biomolecule is delivered onto the membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device that functions as a glucose sensor. The device has a reference electrode; a counter electrode, a working electrode; an electrically conducting membrane; an enzyme layer; a semi-permeable membrane; a first layer of a first hydrogel in operative communication with the working electrode; the first layer of the first hydrogel being operative to store oxygen; wherein the amount of stored oxygen is proportional to the number of freeze-thaw cycles that the hydrogel is subjected to; and a second layer of the second hydrogel. Disclosed too is a method that comprises using periodically biased amperometry towards interrogation of implantable glucose sensors to improve both sensor's sensitivity and linearity while at the same time enable internal calibration against sensor drifts that originate from changes in either electrode activity or membrane permeability as a result of fouling, calcification and/or fibrosis.

Abstract: Antioxidant-containing compositions and methods for confirming antioxidant activity of a composition formulated for topical application to skin. Methods for testing a composition for ability to inhibit both ultraviolet radiation-induced lipid peroxidation on skin and ultraviolet radiation-induced reactive oxygen species formation in the stratum corneum. Compositions and methods for treating and preventing photodamage to skin.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for an O2 tolerant Fe—Fe hydrogenase. The hydrogenases of the invention comprise specific amino acid substitutions relative to the native, or wild-type enzymes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various molecular constructs having a targeting element and an effector element. Methods for treating various diseases using such molecular constructs are also disclosed.

Abstract: An example method may include identifying (i) a first group of reactions that corresponds to a first set of precursors and a first set of reaction products and (ii) a second group of reactions that corresponds to a second set of precursors and a second set of reaction products. No precursor in the first set of precursors is also in the second set of precursors, no reaction product in the first set of reaction products is also a precursor in the second set of precursors, and no reaction product in the second set of reaction products is also a precursor in the first set of precursors. The method may also include executing a first processing thread to iteratively calculate respective quantities of the precursors in the first set of precursors and executing a second processing thread to iteratively calculate respective quantities of the precursors in the second set of precursors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a near-ultraviolet stimulated light-emitting compound, and more specifically relates to a fluorescent quinazolinone compound which is stimulated in the near ultraviolet region. The fluorescent quinazolinone compound according to the present invention is colorless in daylight but exhibits a high fluorescent intensity when irradiated with light in the near ultraviolet region. Also, the fluorescent quinazolinone compound can be easily used with printed and plastic molded products since the compound not only has a high degree of light fastness and thermal stability but also high dispersibility.

Abstract: Colorimetric explosive detection kits comprising compact and flexible packaging with an explosive collection assembly and detection reagents disposed thereon in a single-easy-to use system.

Abstract: The invention relates to method for quantification of the absolute amount of allergen in an allergen sample comprising: a) providing a known amount of one or more allergen calibration standard peptide(s) having a sequence of amino acids which is identical with, and optionally unique for, a sequence to be found in the allergen to be quantified and optionally labelling said allergen calibration standard peptide(s), b) degrading the allergen sample to obtain a mixture of peptides, and optionally labelling said peptides with one or more labelling agent(s), wherein at least the peptides in the degraded allergen sample or the calibration standard peptides are labelled, and if both the peptides in the degraded allergen sample and the allergen calibration standard peptide(s) are labelled, the labelling agent(s) used for labelling the allergen calibration standard peptide(s) are different from the labelling agent(s) used for labelling the peptides of the degraded allergen sample, c) quantifying the absolute amount

Abstract: In this invention, cell lines are created for enzyme inhibitory testing of inhibitors against Plasmodium falciparum DHFR-TS and HPPK-DHPS. Provided the complementing DHFR-TS and HPPK-DHPS have sufficient activities to support growth of the surrogates in un-supplemented medium, the same surrogates could be used for screening inhibitors of targets against other parasite and pathogen species e.g. Plasmodium vivax, Trypanosoma brucei, Trypanosoma cruzi, Toxoplasma gondii or Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The cell lines in this invention are Escherichia coli strain whose thyA, folA, folK, and folP genes were disrupted using genetic knockout coupled with elimination of antibiotic resistance markers. The thyA KO, folP KO, folK KO, thyAfolA KO, folKfolP KO, thyAfolAfolP KO, thyAfolAfolK KO and thyAfolAfolKfolP KO E.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to non-linear imaging systems and methods for use in various assisted reproductive technologies and other applications. In one aspect, the present invention is generally directed to two-photon and other non-linear microscope techniques that can be used to determine the status or maturity state of eggs or egg follicles, for example by determining the presence of polar bodies within the egg follicles. In some embodiments, endogenous metabolites, such as NADH or FAD, can be determined, and in some cases without externally altering those metabolite concentrations or without adding other compounds. Other embodiments of the invention are also directed to computer programs or systems that can be used to determine the status or maturity state of eggs or egg follicles, kits in such systems, or the like.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various molecular constructs having a targeting element and an effector element. Methods for treating various diseases using such molecular constructs are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and composition involving increased sensitivity of compounds using mass spectrometry. In one embodiment, a method of increasing the sensitivity for detection of a carbonyl group-containing compound by mass spectrometry can comprise derivatizing the carbonyl group-containing compound with an O-substituted hydroxylamine thereby producing an oxime, resulting in enhanced sensitivity of detection by mass spectrometry, as compared to the underivatized carbonyl group-containing compound. Additionally, a method for assaying a carbonyl group-containing compound can comprise reacting the carbonyl group-containing compound in a sample with an O-substituted hydroxylamine to produce an oxime and performing analysis with mass spectrometric detection of the oxime by a mass spectrometry instrument.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assay for detection of oxidized glutathione (GSSG).

Abstract: The invention is to devices and methods for rapid determination of analytes in liquid samples. The devices and methods incorporate a sample dilution feature and multiple immunosensors for performing a ratiometric immunoassay on a first analyte and a second analyte, for example, hemoglobin and hemoglobin A1c or albumin and glycosylated albumin. The devices are preferably capable of being used in the point-of-care diagnostic field.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for treating an individual having cancer. Aspects of the methods include administering to the individual an inhibitor of a non-canonical Notch signaling pathway gene in an amount effective to treat the cancer. Also provided are reagents, devices and kits thereof that find use in practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for measuring a component to be measured in a sample, comprising converting the component to be measured in the sample into hydrogen peroxide and measuring the formed hydrogen peroxide in the presence of an ?-keto acid using an oxidative-coloring chromogen. The present invention also provides a method for suppressing the influence of a peroxide on a method of converting a component to be measured in a sample into hydrogen peroxide and measuring the formed hydrogen peroxide using an oxidative-coloring chromogen, the suppression method comprising using an ?-keto acid. The measuring method and the suppression method of the present invention using an ?-keto acid suppress the influence of a peroxide to give an accurate measurement of the component to be measured in the sample.

Abstract: Provided is an activatable probe that undergoes intramolecular cyclization and subsequent aggregation in apoptotic tumor cells upon peptidase-initiated, and most advantageously caspase-3, activation. These caspase-sensitive nano-aggregation probes (C-SNAFs) are generally biocompatible, possess NIR spectral properties or may serve as PET or MRI imaging agents, and have a mechanism of target-mediated nanostructure self-assembly amenable to in vivo use. The probes encompass biocompatible condensation chemistry products that comprise D-cysteine and 2-cyano-6-hydroxyquinoline (CHQ) moieties linked to an amino-luciferin scaffold, and which can be activated by a two-step reaction requiring caspase-3/7-mediated cleavage of an aspartate-glutamate-valine-aspartate (L-DEVD) capping peptide and the free intracellular thiol-mediated reduction of the disulfide bond.

Abstract: Reagents and compositions for use in reactions catalysed by luciferase enzymes, and in particular for use in luciferase-based gene reporter assays are described. The invention also provides methods and compositions for, inter alia, increasing the sensitivity and/or improving the kinetics of luciferase-catalysed reactions.