Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds, compositions, methods, and kits for detecting reactive oxygen species (ROS) by conventional fluorescence microscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, flow cytometry, and/or high content imaging. The compounds disclosed herein are novel reduced nucleic acid binding cyanine dyes, which dyes are probes for detecting ROS and measuring oxidative stress in cells either in vitro and/or in vivo. Also described herein are processes for preparing novel reduced dyes, i.e., ROS probes, for use in the disclosed compositions, methods and kits.

Abstract: Methods and protocols of harvesting and processing of Porifera species, specifically sponges, and more specifically fresh water species of Genus Spongilla; testing and storing of the processed Spongilla powder; and manufacturing and packaging of Spongilla-based therapeutic compositions for treating and preventing skin diseases are disclosed. Treatable skin conditions and diseases include without limitation acne vulgaris, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, photo-aging and actinic keratosis, acne vulgaris, psoriasis, photo-aging, wounds, scars, and eczema (atopic dermatitis).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for detecting a tumor microenvironment, a peritumoral tissue, or a portion thereof using a chlorotoxin conjugate. Also provided are chlorotoxin peptides and variants thereof conjugated to a detectable label for use in detecting a tumor microenvironment, a peritumoral tissue, or a portion thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a therapeutic composition comprising human embryonic stem cell-derived micro vesicles, and methods of their use, including treatment of eye pathologies and of obtaining retinal neural cells and retinal stem cells.

Abstract: The invention features an “inverse patterning” or “Intaglio-Void/Embed-Relief Topographic (In VERT) molding” manufacturing process for generating high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) multi-cellular microstructures in distinct cellular compartments of a single hydrogel. The platform has general utility in the development of engineered tissues for human therapies, drug testing, and disease models. Additionally, the platform can serve as a model system for studying 3D cell-cell interactions in fields as diverse as stem cell biology to the development of cancer therapeutics.

Abstract: This invention provides biosensors, cell models, and methods of their use for monitoring ionic or voltage responses to contact with bioactive agents. Biosensors can include targeting domains, sensing domains and reporting domains. Biosensors can be introduced into cells reprogrammed to represent experimental or pathologic cells of interest. Model cells expressing the biosensors can be contacted with putative bioactive agents to determine possible activities.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods relating to bioactive peptide analogs of PEDF.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for treating cancer in a subject comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide derived from the EphA2 protein and/or the IL-13R?2 protein and monitoring the amount of cancer stem cells in said subject. Also provided herein are methods for monitoring the efficacy of an EphA2 peptide-based cancer treatment or an IL-13R?2 peptide-based cancer treatment in a patient with cancer, comprising monitoring the amount of cancer stem cells in said subject prior to, during, and/or following cancer treatment of a patient.

Abstract: A molecular probe for use in imaging of pancreatic islets is provided. The molecular probe comprises a polypeptide represented by the following formula (1), (2), or (3), or a polypeptide having homology with the foregoing polypeptide, (SEQ?ID?NO.?1) Z-HGEGTFTSDLSXQMEEEAVRLFIEWLKNGGPSSGAPPPS-NH2?(1) (SEQ?ID?NO.?2) Z-HGEGTFTSDLSKQMEEEAVRLFIEWLXNGGPSSGAPPPS-NH2?(2) (SEQ?ID?NO.?3) B-HGEGTFTSDLSKQMEEEAVRLFIEWLKNGGPSSGAPPPS-NH2?(3) where, in the formulae (1) and (2), “X” represents a lysine residue, an amino group of a side chain of the lysine residue being labeled with a radioactive nuclide, and “Z—” indicates that an ?-amino group at an N-terminus is not modified, or is modified with a modifying group having no electric charge; in the formula (3), “B—” indicates that an ?-amino group at an N-terminus is labeled with a radioactive nuclide; and in the formulae (1), (2), and (3), “—NH2” indicates that a carboxyl group at a C-terminus is amidated.

Abstract: A process is provided for fermenting CO-containing gaseous substrates. The process is effective for decreasing lag times and maintaining a culture in steady state by controlling CO concentration and minimizing effects of high or low CO concentrations during fermentation. The process includes providing syngas to a first fermentation zone, fermenting the syngas, and determining a CO concentration in a fermentation medium in the first fermentation zone. If the CO concentration in fermentation medium in the first fermentation zone has a calculated value of about 0.12 mM or greater, then at least a portion of the syngas being provided to the first fermentation zone is provided to one or more subsequent fermentation zones in an amount effective for providing a calculated CO concentration in any subsequent fermentation zone of about 0.12 mM or less.

Abstract: A process is provided for fermenting CO-containing gaseous substrates. The process is effective for decreasing lag times and maintaining a culture in steady state by controlling CO concentration and minimizing effects of high or low CO concentrations during fermentation. The process includes providing syngas to a first fermentation zone, fermenting the syngas, and determining a CO concentration in a fermentation medium in the first fermentation zone. If the CO concentration in fermentation medium in the first fermentation zone has a value of about 0.12 ?M or greater, then at least a portion of the syngas being provided to the first fermentation zone is provided to one or more subsequent fermentation zones in an amount effective for providing a CO concentration in any subsequent fermentation zone of about 0.12 ?M or less.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for detecting infections in a clinical sample are provided. Small-volume clinical samples obtained at a point-of-service (POS) location and may be tested at the POS location for multiple markers for multiple diseases, including upper and lower respiratory diseases. Samples may be tested for cytokines, or for inflammation indicators. Dilution of samples, or levels of detection, may be determined by the condition or past history of a subject. Test results may be obtained within a short amount of time after sample placement in a testing device, or within a short amount of time after being obtained from the subject. A prescription for treatment of a detected disorder may be provided, and may be filled, at the POS location. A bill may be automatically generated for the testing, or for the prescription, may be automatically sent to an insurance provider, and payment may be automatically obtained.

Abstract: A unified homeostatic system of cholesterol and steroid hormone pathways is described, in which the uses or modulations of function of the homeostatic system of cholesterol and steroid hormone pathways are linked by lipoproteins, and are used or modulated to achieve a therapeutic benefit, to diagnose a disease or medical condition in humans, or to develop suitable active agents or combinations of active agents. Pharmaceutical compositions, methods of treatment, methods of drug development, and assay methods that rely on the new understanding of the homeostatic system are described.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of a compound of Formula 1, comprising coupling a carboxylic acid of Formula 2 with an aniline of Formula 3 in the presence of a coupling agent.

Abstract: There is provided a method and model insects for screening the effects of nanoparticles on brain barrier function and integrity. The method involves exposing the insect brain-barrier to the nanoparticle(s) of interest and exposing the nanoparticle treated insect brain barrier to one or more suitable marker(s) of the function and integrity of the brain barrier.

Abstract: The pathological diagnosis results assessment system includes: a diagnosis unit to carry out pathological diagnosis of tissue specimen images, and generates diagnosis record in information; a report storage unit to store reports in which pathological diagnosis results for the tissue specimen images are described; a report analysis unit to analyze the diagnosis results described in the reports stored in the report storage unit; and a report, verification unit to compare the diagnosis result analyzed by the report analysis unit to the diagnosis record information, and determine a degree of matching on the diagnosis degree of the comparison result.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel class of cyanine dyes that are functionalized with sulfonic acid groups and a linker moiety that facilitates their conjugation to other species and substituent groups which increase the water-solubility, and optimize the optical properties of the dyes. Also provided are conjugates of the dyes, methods of using the dyes and their conjugates and kits including the dyes and their conjugates.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition for treating pancreatic cancer. The composition comprises a pharmaceutically effective amount of an antisense nucleic acid or siRNA that inhibits expression of at least one gene selected from the group consisting of SON gene, MCM5 gene, WDR5 gene, PBK gene and CENPA gene. The composition inhibits the expression of a specific gene to provide the effect of inhibiting the proliferation, survival and tumorigenicity of pancreatic cancer cells.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and methods by which in vitro experiments directed to a subject may be managed more efficiently. More particularly, the present invention is a system and methods that facilitate the more efficient use of the nutrient solution used in certain in vitro experimentation. Certain embodiments of the present invention include a retainer in which the subject of the experimentation and a nutrient solution is retainable and a recycling component that facilitates the restoration or reconditioning of the nutrient solution during the period of experimentation.

Abstract: Novel transcription units that may be used in expression vectors. The transcription unit allow antibodies to be produced whose gain in productivity is not linked to a particular antigenic target antibody and therefore by extrapolation to a given recombinant protein, nor linked to the culture medium.

Abstract: The invention concerns nucleic acids coding for mutated or truncated forms of the human parkin gene, or forms comprising multiplication of exons, and the corresponding proteins and antibodies. The invention also concerns methods and kits for identifying mutations of the parkin gene, and for studying compounds for therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: Provided is a means for evaluating the wetting characteristic of an object such as a cell sheet and a culture dish in a non-contact fashion. The wetting characteristic of an object is evaluated by a method comprising the steps of: (1) removing a liquid by jetting a gas at a surface of the object covered with the liquid, (2) measuring a dimension of a region in which the liquid is removed after the completion of the gas jetting and (3) evaluating the wetting characteristic of the object using the measured dimension as an index.

Abstract: A nanosensor for detecting and quantifying lactate in different types of samples, such as tissues, intra-cellular and subcellular compartments, with high spatial and temporal resolution is disclosed. Methods comprising use of the nanosensor for quantifying the activity of lactate transporters, rates of cellular lactate production and cellular lactate consumption, and rate of mitochondrial pyruvate consumption are also disclosed. Methods for quantifying the transformation in energy metabolism that characterizes cancer cells with single-cell resolution and for detecting interference of candidate drugs with mitochondrial energetics are additionally disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inhibitor of Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) activity or expression for use in a method for treating or preventing hypertension in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to biomolecules conjugated to graphene quantum dots, and in particular, to use of such biomolecule-graphene quantum dot conjugates as fluorophores for imaging applications.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus for imaging a two-dimensional image of an imaging object comprises a holder which holds a sample container carrying a biological sample as the imaging object on a carrying surface, a light emitting part which emits light toward the carrying surface, an imager which includes a strip-like light receiving part, receives the light incident on the light receiving part and thereby images an image of a strip-like region of the carrying surface, a strip-like light shield which shields a part of light emitted from the illuminator toward the strip-like region, and a mover which integrally and relatively moves the light emitting part, the light receiving part and the light shield with respect to the sample container.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to the generation of micropatterns of biomolecules and cells on standard laboratory materials through selective ablation of a physisorbed biomolecule with oxygen plasma. In certain embodiments, oxygen plasma is able to ablate selectively physisorbed layers of biomolecules (e.g., type-I collagen, fibronectin, laminin, and Matrigel) along complex non-linear paths which are difficult or impossible to pattern using alternative methods. In addition, certain embodiments of the present invention relate to the micropatterning of multiple cell types on curved surfaces, multiwell plates, and flat bottom flasks. The invention also features kits for use with the subject methods.

Abstract: Systems, including apparatus and methods, for the microfluidic manipulation, dispensing, and/or sorting of particles, such as cells and/or beads. The systems may include a shaped focusing chamber and/or a branched diverting mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and materials for more effectively treating patients with interferon. It is based on the discovery that clinical response to interferon (IFN) therapy is mediated in part by inhibition of activation of MDSC and such inhibition can be observed after a test dose of interferon; a significant decrease of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by MDSC (as a measure of their activation) after IFN therapy is predictive of overall response to immunotherapy in cancer patients.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for sensing an analyte in a fluid.

Abstract: An analyzer includes a pretreatment device and a mass spectrometer. The pretreatment device includes a solid phase extraction mechanism. The mass spectrometer performs mass spectrometry on a sample pretreated by the pretreatment device and then subjected to ionization. The analyzer also includes a storage unit that stores data on dependence of signal intensities of the analyte substance to be measured and the internal standard upon the concentration of a substance inhibiting ionization in the sample, and that stores data on a recovery rate. The analyzer also includes a correcting unit that corrects measurement results of the sample and the internal standard on the basis of the data stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: The disclosure provides compositions and methods relating to aromatic-cationic peptides. The methods comprise administering to the subject an effective amount of an aromatic-cationic peptide to subjects in need thereof. For example, the peptides may be administered to subjects in need of a mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a culture vessel for forming an aggregated cell mass which has at least two wells, wherein the wells are made from a light-shielding member and an inner surface of the wells is subjected to treatment to impart cellular non-adhesiveness.

Abstract: Methods are described for preparing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or magnetic resonance spectroscopy contrast agents where the contrast agents are prepared from precursor molecules having at least four non-zero-spin nuclei that form two pairs of chemically equivalent or effectively equivalent nuclei, e.g., diphenylacetylene or diethyl oxalate. The precursor molecule is hyperpolarized and a sequence of one or more radiofrequency pulses is applied to transfer spin state population between the first and second pair of nuclei, thereby providing a non-equilibrium single state nuclear spin population. To detect the contrast agent, another sequence of one or more radiofrequency pulses is applied to transfer singlet order to polarization. No transformation of the molecular structure of the contrast agent is necessary for detection. Also described are methods of imaging targets using the contrast agents.

Abstract: Bone cages are disclosed including devices for biocompatible implantation. The structures of bone are useful for providing living cells and tissues as well as biologically active molecules to subjects.

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: A dual chamber bioreactor for producing complex, multilayer tissue, organs, organ parts, and skin replacements has been developed. The bioreactor is modular and incorporates a removable tissue culture cassette. By rotating the dual chamber bioreactor along the horizontal axis, different populations of cells with different growth requirements can be cultured on the different surfaces of the tissue culture cassette that are exposed to different media reservoirs. Culturing different populations of cells on different surfaces of the tissue culture cassette enables the production of multilayer tissue and organs. The tissue culture cassette can contain one or more discrete tissue culture sections.

Abstract: Biomarkers relating to pancreatic Beta-cell function, pancreatic Beta-cell glucose sensitivity, insulin resistance, and/or pancreatic Beta-cell-related disorders are provided. Methods based on the same biomarkers are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are: a peptide comprising an amino acid sequence composed of contiguous nine amino acid residues derived from a WT1 protein, wherein an amino acid residue at position 2 in the amino acid sequence is selected from the group consisting of Ala, Ile, Leu, Val, Phe, Tyr, Ser and Asp and an amino acid residue at position 9 in the amino acid sequence is Arg; a polynucleotide encoding the peptide; a pharmaceutical composition comprising the peptide; and a method of treating cancer using the peptide.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating, inhibiting or preventing the developing of a plant pathogenic disease. The compositions comprise volatile organic compounds effective to inhibit the growth of, or kill pathogenic microbes, including Ganoderma boninense. Invention compositions are especially useful in preventing and treating basal stem rot in the oil palm, and can be applied in the vicinity of the plant or used to sterilize the plant growth medium prior to or concurrent with plant growth therein.

Abstract: Disclosed are benzoxazole-based compounds, kits, and methods of producing and using the described compounds in fluorescence-based detection of analytes (e.g., metal ions). Also disclosed are uses of benzoxazole-based compounds as ratiometric metal ion indicators.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for dispersion of a labeling conjugate in a diagnostic assay, the result being a one-step assay. By eliminating a conjugate pad as in conventional lateral diagnostic devices, and forming a frazil ice pellicle (FIP), rehydration and flow are improved resulting in better reproducibility, improved sensitivity, and reduced costs of individual assay devices. The formation of a frazil ice film formed on a super cooled surface of a sample receiving means simplifies assay assembly. Lyophilization of the FIP improves the release of a sample/analyte/label matrix into a macro channel as in a direct flow assay, while at the same time allowing reagents to mix and flow, thereby optimizing the assay performance. The reagents of the conjugate and the formation of the FIP stabilize the conjugate proteins and provide extended shelf life to the diagnostic assay device.

Abstract: A process for capturing or concentrating microorganisms for detection or assay comprises (a) providing a concentration device comprising a sintered porous polymer matrix comprising at least one concentration agent that comprises an amorphous metal silicate and that has a surface composition having a metal atom to silicon atom ratio of less than or equal to 0.5, as determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS); (b) providing a sample comprising at least one microorganism strain; and (c) contacting the concentration device with the sample such that at least a portion of the at least one microorganism strain is bound to or captured by the concentration device.

Abstract: The present application relates to extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from gram-positive bacteria. In detail, the present application provides animal models of disease using extracellular vesicles derived from gram-positive bacteria, provides a method for screening an active candidate substance which is capable of preventing or treating diseases through the animal models of disease, provides vaccines for preventing or treating diseases caused by extracellular vesicles derived from gram-positive bacteria, and provides a method for diagnosing the causative factors of diseases caused by gram-positive bacteria using extracellular vesicles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for diagnosing a disease or disorder in a subject by introducing into cells of the subject a diagnostic gene switch construct and monitoring expression of a reporter gene. The invention further relates to methods and compositions for monitoring the progression of a disease or disorder or the effectiveness of a treatment for a disease or disorder.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for compositions including organic, water-soluble NIR-II fluorescent agent that emit radiation at about 1.0 to 1.7 ?m, methods of making the composition, methods of imaging a disease and related biological events, methods of imaging, monitoring and/or assessing a disease and related biological events, and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus to provide a label-free or native particle analysis comprises a light generating system producing first light pulses at a first wavelength and second light pulses at a second wavelength; and a flow cell coupled to the light generating system to convey particles for analysis. The light generating system is configured to chirp at least one of the first light pulses and the second light pulses to analyze the particles.

Abstract: The present technology relates generally to microfluidic devices for measuring platelet coagulation, and associated systems and methods. In some embodiments, a fluidics device includes an array of microstructures including pairs of generally rigid blocks and generally flexible posts. The fluidics device further includes at least one fluid channel configured to accept the array. The fluid channel is configured to induce fluid flow of a biological sample, such as whole blood, through the array. The fluidics device can further include a detection component configured to measure a degree of deflection of one or more of the flexible posts in the array. In some embodiments, the fluidics device comprises a handheld device and usable for point of care testing of platelet forces and coagulation.

Abstract: The site-specific expression of selectins on endothelial cells of blood vessels during angiogenesis provides an opportunity to target anti-cancer drugs to the vascular endothelium to extend the range of the therapeutic effect. This invention describes an innovative drug targeting strategy for the selective delivery of the anticancer drugs to endothelial cells by means of polymer-drug conjugates modified with a carbohydrate ligand for the vascular selectins. A model chemotherapeutic drug, doxorubicin, and the E-selectin ligand, sLex, are attached to a biocompatible polymer (HPMA). The selective binding, cellular uptake, intracellular fate, and cell cytotoxicity of the polymer-bound drug are investigated in human endothelial cells.

Abstract: A method and device for growing plant, animal or stem cells in a continuous manner.