Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods of optically imaging tissues or cells using imaging agents have in vivo properties that result in signal-to-background ratios of at least about 1:1. TL is a targeting ligand and n is ?1, 0 or +1.

Abstract: Chemical indicator apparatuses containing one or more chemical indicators for use in monitoring the quality of water in an aquatic environment. The apparatuses are designed and configured to be submersible in the water that is being monitored. In some embodiments, each apparatus includes a plurality of immobilized-dye-based chemical indicators that undergo a physical change as levels of one or more constituents of the water change. Such indicators can be read by one or more suitable optical readers. These and other embodiments are designed and configured to be movable by a corresponding monitoring/measuring apparatus, for example, via a magnetically coupled drive. Also disclosed are a variety of features that can be used to provide a chemical indicator apparatus with additional functionalities.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to eukaryotic cells comprising single-celled organisms that are introduced into the eukaryotic cell through human intervention and which transfer to daughter cells of the eukaryotic cell, and methods of introducing such single-celled organisms into eukaryotic cells. The invention provides single-celled organisms that introduce a phenotype to eukaryotic cells that is maintained in daughter cells. The invention additionally provides eukaryotic cells containing magnetic bacteria. The invention further provides eukaryotic cells engineered with single-celled organisms to allow for multimodal observation of the eukaryotic cells. Each imaging method (or modality) allows the visualization of different aspects of anatomy and physiology, and combining these allows the imager to learn more about the subject being imaged.

Abstract: A phosphine derivative of DyLight dyes modified with ethylene glycol or (poly)ethylene glycol groups. In one embodiment, the compounds are useful in chemoselective ligation reactions.

Abstract: A high-throughput corrosion testing mechanism was developed for metals in a variety of environments in controlled, multiplexed microenvironments. Many parallel experiments can be conducted with microbial and environmental variables independently manipulated to identify the key determinants of corrosion progression. The synthetic assay design enables subsequent surface characterization of select samples within the array. In as little as one day, diverse corrosive environments can be compared quantitatively.

Abstract: Compounds of the present invention and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, are useful as modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette (“ABC”) transporters or fragments thereof, including Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (“CFTR”). The present invention also relates to methods of treating ABC transporter mediated diseases using compounds of the present invention.

Abstract: Biomarkers are described for predicting the efficacy, risk of relapse, risk of an immune related adverse event (irAE), or combination thereof for a CTLA-4 blockade treatment, such as ipilimumab, in a subject with melanoma. Biomarkers are also described for predicting the efficacy and clinical benefit for a PD-1 blockade treatment, such as a PD-1 blocking antibody, in a subject with melanoma.

Abstract: The invention provides Galectin-3 binding protein (Gal-3BP, BTBD17B) polypeptide sequences and compositions that include Gal-3BP polypeptide sequences, and methods of using Gal-3BP polypeptide sequences, including modified forms and wild type (native) forms of Gal-3BP polypeptide, such as in treatment, diagnostic, detection and prognostic methods.

Abstract: The invention is based, in part, on the discovery that a polypeptide, referred to herein as Betacam, is selectively expressed on the surface of pancreatic islet cells. Thus, in one aspect, the invention is directed to compositions comprising Betacam or that can be used to detect Betacam. In another aspect, the invention provides methods of detecting (e.g., non-invasively) pancreatic beta cells from a mammalian cell source. Another aspect of the invention is directed to cellular purification of pancreatic beta cells from a heterogeneous cell source of multiple kinds. In another aspect, the invention provides methods of identifying agents that modulate activity of Betacam. In yet another aspect, the invention provides for improved treatment and diagnosis of diabetes.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for restoring a neural cell having a deficiency or alteration in glutamatergic pathway affecting neuron and/or glial function comprising contacting the cell with a NMDA receptor antagonist(s) and/or modulator(s) of a glutamatergic pathway, thereby restoring the neural cell having a deficiency or alteration in glutamatergic pathways affecting neuron and/or glial function.

Abstract: The present invention provides a category of cyano-substituted asymmetric cyanine dyes having the following general structural Formula I and its synthesizing method. The cyano-substituted asymmetric cyanine dyes in present invention are easily synthesized and have long emission wavelength, high molar extinction coefficient, high sensitivity, good light stability, high fluorescence quantum yield after binding with nucleic acid, and low cell toxicity, which is beneficial for application as fluorescent dyes and could also be used in the field of identifying nucleic acid molecules, clinical diagnostics, and immunoassay testing etc.

Abstract: A biological sample processing apparatus having an enclosure. A plurality of sample processing modules are held by the enclosure. Each sample processing module is configured to hold a removable sample cartridge and to only perform sample processing on a sample within the corresponding removable sample cartridge. Each sample processing module is configured to perform at least one of a plurality of testing processes on the sample within the removable sample cartridge. At least one module in the apparatus is configured to perform nucleic acid amplification and detection.

Abstract: We describe cell culture media for in vitro culture of a human cancer cell of the lymphocyte lineage (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma, or other blasts) or a precursor thereof, especially T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia lymphoma (T-ALL), as well as methods for at least maintenance, propagation, or both of the human cancer cell or its precursor.

Abstract: Disclosed are genes that, when overexpressed in cells expressing alpha-synuclein, either suppress or enhance alpha-synuclein mediated cellular toxicity. Compounds that modulate expression of these genes or activity of the encoded proteins can be used to inhibit alpha-synuclein mediated toxicity and used to treat or prevent synucleinopathies such as Parkinson's disease. Also disclosed are methods of identifying inhibitors of alpha-synuclein mediated toxicity.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the genetic manipulation of Algal cells. The compositions and methods allow enhanced transfer of genetic material into Algal cells and the cloning and selection of genetically modified cells. Expression of proteins encoded by the genetic material will be enhanced by the methods and compositions of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for estimating the amount of entities deposited on microparticles in suspension in a solution, and also to an associated device. The method comprises the following steps: (a) the solution is illuminated with a light source; (b) an optical signal formed by the scattering, in the solution, of the illuminating light is detected; (c) the optical signal obtained in step (b) is analyzed in order to obtain an indicator relating to this signal; (d) the indicator obtained in step (c) is compared with a reference indicator, obtained for a reference solution, the comparison making it possible to estimate the amount of entities deposited on the microparticles.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of detecting a wound infection and for detecting the presence or absence of microorganisms, for example, wound pathogens in a sample, by contacting a sample with an enzyme produced and/or secreted by the bacteria, and detecting modification or the absence of modification of the substrate, as an indicator of the presence or absence of the enzyme in the sample. The present invention also features a biosensor for detecting the presence or absence of bacteria in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of using fungal mycobiome as a means of treating and/or diagnosing diseases in a subject. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease based on the composition of fungal strains present in the gut of a subject, and treating the subject by administering a probiotic biotherapy. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of diagnosing a severe form of ulcerative colitis by detecting the presence of a deficiency in dectin-1 expression in s. fibuligera in the gut of a subject.

Abstract: A combinatorial microenvironment generator is configured for the generation of arbitrary, user-defined, steady-state, concentration gradients with negligible to no flow through the growth medium to perturb diffusion gradients or cellular growth. More importantly, the absolute concentrations and/or gradients can be dynamically altered upon request both spatially and temporally to impose tailored concentration fields for in-situ stimulus studies. Here, diffusion occurs via an array of ports, each of which can be an independently controlled source/sink. Together, the array of ports establishes a user-defined, 3D concentration profile. Useful methods related to this device are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for mimicking a tumor microenvironment in vitro are provided. The methods comprise indirectly applying a shear stress upon at least one tumor cell type plated on a surface within a cell culture container. Methods for mimicking tumor metastasis and methods for testing drugs or compounds in such systems are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for the facile generation of a stable recombinant fusion polypeptides with intrinsic fluorescent properties. The recombinant antibodies may be suitable for qualitative and/or quantitative immunofluorescence analysis. Generally, the fluorescent polypeptides include a fluorescent domain comprising a C-terminus and an N-terminus; a first antibody domain covalently linked to the C-terminus; and a second antibody domain covalently linked to the N-terminus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof having a chemical structure comprising: (A) at least one motif specifically binding to cell membranes of neoplastic cells; (B) at least one chelator moiety of radiometals; and (C) at least one dye moiety; wherein said compound has a molecular weight of not more than 5 kDa. Further, the invention refers to a method for producing such compound and to the in vivo and in vitro uses thereof.

Abstract: Methods of studying, interrogating, analyzing, and detecting particles, substances, and the like with near field light are described. Methods of identifying binding partners, modulators, inhibitors, and the like of particles, substances, and the like with near field light are described. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise immobilizing or trapping the particle, substance, and the like.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held glucose testing device includes a housing configured to accommodate a plurality of test sensors in a stacked arrangement and having a wall with an opening defined therein. A plurality of packaged test sensors is stacked in alignment with one another within the housing. Each of the test sensors is packaged within a blister package. The blister package includes a blister package housing and a cover foil overlying a surface of the blister package housing and the test sensor. A drive slide is configured to displace one of the plurality of packaged test sensors out of alignment with other packaged test sensors. A knife mechanism is configured to pierce through the cover foil, and to engage and urge the test sensor to extend through the opening for receiving a sample. A meter contact is configured to engage the test sensor when the test sensor extends through the opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for in vitro differentiation of a population of blood circulating cells, such as monocytes and preferably pluripotent macrophages derived therefrom, into cells displaying functional and phenotypic neuronal characteristics. The invention further encompasses neuronal-like cells obtainable according to the present method, compositions comprising said cells, and applications thereof.

Abstract: The present teachings provide for systems, and components thereof, for detecting and/or analyzing light. These systems can include, among others, optical reference standards utilizing luminophores, such as nanocrystals, for calibrating, validating, and/or monitoring light-detection systems, before, during, and/or after sample analysis.

Abstract: A cell culture device and system can be used for high throughput biological assays to study the biological effect of a test substance. The device and system can include a revolving cartridge having a body including a center aperture and two or more evenly spaced sample wells that are spaced apart from each adjacent sample well by at least the diameter of each sample well. Each sample well can be positioned radially equidistant from the center aperture. Each sample well can have a fluid permeable membrane base configured to fluidly couple a top surface and a bottom surface of the body.

Abstract: The present invention provides high throughput assays for identifying compounds that modulate a contractile function, as well as devices suitable for use in these assays.

Abstract: Systems for measuring protein translation and methods for measuring overall translation activity in viable cells or subcellular compartments is disclosed. The methods identify general ribosomal activity, if desired at sub-cellular resolution, thereby providing a signal indicating the rate of any of the steps of protein synthesis selected from initiation, elongation, termination or recycling. The translation system can be used to identify translation modulators in high-throughput-screening (HTS).

Abstract: It is disclosed herein that miR-221 and miR-222 down-regulate PTEN and TIMP3 tumor suppressors, resulting in TRAIL resistance. The present invention provides research, diagnostic, and therapeutic tools and methods related to this discovery. Diagnostics, prognostics and treatments for human hepatocellular cancer and non-small cell lung carcinoma having a TRAIL resistance are particularly described herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing human eosinophils from human pluripotent stem cells. More specifically, the present invention provides a method for producing human eosinophils from human pluripotent stem cells, which method comprises the steps of: (1) co-culturing, in the presence of VEGF, human pluripotent stem cells with cells separated from the AGM region of a mammalian fetus; (2) performing suspension culture using a medium comprising IL-3, IL-6, Flt3 ligand, SCF, TPO and serum; (3) performing suspension culture using a medium comprising IL-3, SCF, GM-CSF and serum; and, optionally, (4) performing suspension culture using a medium comprising IL-3, IL-5 and serum.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for preventing or treating a viral infection in a subject, wherein the viral infection is mediated by a virus comprising one or more viral RNA molecules translated by a ribosomal shunting mechanism or a non-IRES mediated mechanism. The methods comprise administering to a subject an agent that reduces ribosomal protein (Rps25) expression or function. Also provided are methods of inhibiting or promoting ribosomal shunting-mediated translation or non-IRES mediated translation. Also provided are methods of screening for an agent that inhibits or promotes ribosomal shunting-mediated translation or non-IRES mediated translation.

Abstract: In this invention, a novel protein interaction domain is provided along with several of its variants. This domain is involved in protein-protein interactions with the Bcl-2 family of proteins. It is named BLID (Bcl2 family of proteins Like Interaction Domain). Several BLID peptides that could be useful for discovery of drugs to help fight pathological states like cancer are presented.

Abstract: A polypeptide containing an amino acid sequence having at least 60% identity to the amino acid sequence SEQ ID No. 1 or containing at least one amino acid fragment of at least 6 consecutive amino acid residues of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID No. 1 or having immunological cross-reactivity to the amino acid sequence SEQ ID No. 1 or fragments thereof, wherein the amino acid sequence SEQ ID No. 1 codes for an allergen and the polypeptide comprises at least one T cell epitope recognized by a T cell receptor specific for a molecule having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID No. 1.

Abstract: A method of processing a sample may include introducing a sample into a vessel, the vessel having proximal and distal ends, the sample being introduced into the proximal end of the vessel; incubating the sample in the vessel with a substance capable of specific binding to a preselected component of the sample; propelling components of the incubated sample, other than the preselected component, toward the proximal end of the vessel by clamping the vessel distal to the incubated sample and compressing the vessel where the incubated sample is contained; propelling the preselected component toward a distal segment of the vessel by clamping the vessel proximal to the preselected component and compressing the vessel where the preselected component is contained; and mixing the preselected component with a reagent in the distal segment of the vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cell analysis method comprising: extracting target cells from a population of cells derived from an epithelial tissue on the basis of N/C ratio representing a relative size of a nucleus to a cytoplasm; classifying the target cells into at least a first group and a second group by difference of amount of DNA; and evaluating a pathology of the epithelial tissue by comparing a ratio of numbers of cells between the first and second groups with a threshold; wherein the threshold varies according to a proportion of the target cells in the population.

Abstract: Derivatives of Agrobacterium vitis strain F2/5 are disclosed. These derivatives were generated following homologous recombination with an internal fragment of targeted genes resulting in gene disruption by insertion of a copy of suicide vector pVIK165. The genes disrupted were F-avi5813 encoding a phosphopantetheinyltransferase, F-avi4329 encoding an aminotransferase and F-avi0838 (rirA) encoding an iron responsive transcriptional regulator. Such derivatives control crown gall on grapevines. In addition, these derivatives did not induce roots necrosis but enhanced root development and callus formation. On young stem explants, it was shown as well that the F2/5 derivatives are necrosis-negative.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of assessing the risk of occurrence of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) in a subject as well as a method of stratifying a subject undergoing VLA-4 blocking agent treatment for suspension of VLA-4 blocking agent treatment. These methods comprise detecting the level of L-selectin (CD62L) and optionally LFA-1 expressing T cells in a sample from the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for creating digital copies of the ionic-electric dynamics of cells or cell compartments, such as organisms, or an at least partly identifying dataset that allows sorting decisions in vitro and in vivo. Sorting of cells and cell compartments based on electrical cell behavior can be applied, for instance, to transgenic compartments, in order to, e.g., detect the successful expression of certain channel proteins in an industrial process, to screen for (side) effects of certain agents or substances on the ionic-electrical cell behavior and involved proteins. In that context, the invention can be used as an alternative to complex and/or time consuming patch-clamp screenings as well as for general quality control reasons.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention is novel yeast strains capable of metabolizing xylose and resistant to at least one fermentation inhibitor, and also to the method of obtaining same. The subject of the present invention is also the yeasts obtained by culturing said yeast strains and the use thereof for producing at least one fermentation product, preferably ethanol, in particular in a culture medium comprising xylose and at least one fermentation inhibitor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for distinguishing an astrocytic human brain rumor from a non-astrocytic human brain tumor (FIG. 4). In one embodiment a method includes the steps of staining tumor tissue from a subject suspected of having a brain tumor with SR101 and visualizing the tissue stained with SR101 with a fluorescence imaging device to confirm an astrocytic or non-astrocytic tumor type. Advantageously, rumor tissue from a subject is stained ex vivo, and the staining and visualizing steps are performed intraoperatively so as to guide the surgeon and thereby minimize or eliminate the need for a subsequent surgery.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated methyl degron peptide and a fusion protein comprising a methyl degron peptide. Also, the present invention provides screening methods for agents affecting protein lifespan and anti-cancer agents. Moreover, the present invention provides methods of controlling protein lifespan, regulating protein expression, and treating cancers by using a methyl degron peptide or a methyl degron gene.

Abstract: Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) targeting compounds are described. Uses of the compounds for imaging, therapy, cell sorting, and tumor mapping are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for detecting the activity of an ion channel in a cell. The methods comprise providing a loading buffer solution to a cell that has an ion channel. The loading buffer comprises at least one thallium indicator (e.g., an environmentally sensitive, luminescent dye) and a physiological concentration of chloride ions. The methods further comprise providing a stimulus buffer to the cell, wherein the stimulus buffer comprises thallium (e.g., thallium ions). Providing the stimulus buffer causes thallium influx into the cell through the ion channel. After providing the stimulus buffer, the luminescence (e.g., fluorescence) of the dye in the cell is detected. The luminescence of the dye can change in the presence or absence of thallium. The methods may be used to measure influx or efflux of thallium through an ion channel.

Abstract: Methods for regulating glucagon release and of treating hypoglycemia, and for screening drug candidates for heating hypoglycemia. The methods are useful for treating diabetes melititus and screening drug candidates for potential efficacy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a two-photon fluorescent probe, more particularly a two-photon fluorescent probe represented by Formula 1, a method for preparing same and a method for imaging thiols in mitochondria using same. The two-photon fluorescent probe according to the present invention, having two probes introduced in one molecule, can selectively dye mitochondria and emit intense fluorescence by reacting with thiols. Accordingly, it can be used to image the distribution and activation of thiols in a living cell or an intact living tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for isolation of microvesicles produced by mammalian cells. These microvesicles, known as extracellular microvesicles or circulating microvesicles, are isolated from sample materials such as body fluids, or from cell culture media that has been used to culture and maintain mammalian cells in vitro. The isolation of microvesicles as described herein results in purification and concentration of the microvesicles. The invention also provides related methods for producing blood serum and/or blood plasma that is free of detectable microvesicles, largely depleted of microvesicles, or has reduced concentration of microvesicles compared to the blood serum or blood plasma starting material (collectively termed “microvesicle-depleted”).

Abstract: Method for determining the presence of a malady in a patient by measuring the degree of reaction of individual types of white blood cells (basophils, eosinophils, neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes) in the patient's blood. The degree of reaction of each type of white blood cells is determined by comparing the volumetric size distributions of the types of white blood cells before and after exposure to suspected reactants. Positive results of a change in the volumetric size distribution of the individual types of white blood cells in response to exposure to a specific reactant indicates the presence of a specific malady, such as an allergic reaction to the suspected reactant.

Abstract: The present invention is a blood cell analyzer. When only measuring one or more measurement items included in one group, a first sample supplying operation is performed which includes aspirating a blood sample by a first amount. When measuring one or more measurement items included in the one group and another measurement item not included in the one group, a second sample supplying operation and a third sample supplying operation are performed. The second sample supplying operation includes aspirating the blood sample by the first amount for the measurement items included in the one group, and the third sample supplying operation includes aspirating the blood sample by a second amount for the another measurement item.

Abstract: Flow cytometer systems are provided that mitigate aerosols generated during operation of a flow cytometer. A flow cytometer system can include various combinations of: a flow cytometer instrument base, a flow cytometer, and a biosafety hood (BSH). In some embodiments, a subject flow cytometer system includes a flow cytometer instrument base, a flow cytometer, and a BSH. In some embodiments, a subject flow cytometer system includes a flow cytometer instrument base and a flow cytometer. In some cases, a BSH includes an aerosol management system, which provides a redundant air filtration system. Also provided are components of a flow cytometer system (e.g., a BSH configured to attach to a flow cytometer instrument base, a flow cytometer instrument base configured to attach to a BSH, etc.). Also provided are methods, including methods of performing a flow cytometric procedure using a flow cytometer system; and methods of decontaminating a flow cytometer system.