Abstract: One aspect provides a system, including: a sensor adjustment component having: a memory device having adjustment information stored therein; a light engine capable of producing a signal detectable by a light detector of an optical sensor to be adjusted; and one or more processors; where the one or more processors are configured to execute program instructions to operate the light engine to produce a predetermined light pattern detectable by the light detector of the optical sensor to be adjusted; where the predetermined signal pattern comprises the adjustment information; and where the adjustment information configures said light detector that receives said predetermined signal pattern carrying the adjustment information. Other aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel method for the enzymatic marking of nucleic acid chains (target sequences) by means of nucleotide conjugates. Said nucleotide conjugates are able, under reaction conditions, to specifically bind to the target sequence and integrate into the complementary growing strand by means of a polymerase. The nucleic acid chains marked by such conjugates can be bound to the solid phase. The marking can be carried out parallel to the enzymatic amplification of target sequences.

Abstract: A method for in vitro obtaining human retinal progenitors, includes the steps of (i) placing an adherent culture of human pluripotent stem cells in a pro-neural medium; and (ii) maintaining this culture in the pro-neural medium until the appearance of pigmented cells and/or of neuroepithelial-like structures. Additional steps can be performed to obtain RPE cells and/or precursors of the neural retina.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods, kits, and devices for determining an amount of hemoglobin S and/or an amount of total hemoglobin, and optionally, expressing the amount of hemoglobin S as a percentage. Devices of the disclosure may be used as point-of-care diagnostic systems accessible for use to a layperson, i.e., an individual with minimal or no medical training or expertise.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for measuring autophagy in cells, comprising using, as a probe reagent, a single fluorescent protein, to measure a change in fluorescence properties of the fluorescent probe reagent depending on pH changes associated with autophagy, thereby determining the presence or activity of autophagy, wherein the single fluorescent protein is resistant to degrading enzyme activity in the lysosome or vacuole of the cell, it is not denatured or inactivated under acidic to neutral pH environment, and it is capable of changing excitation spectra or fluorescence spectra when located under the environments of acidic region and neutral region.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for measuring the amount of cationic organic water treatment additives in water systems. Disclosed systems and methods monitor, analyze and control the amounts of cationic organic water treatment additive supplied to the water. Disclosed systems and methods may include various dyes and surfactants for facilitating the monitoring and control of the cationic organic water treatment additives.

Abstract: Finding biologically relevant cancer markers is key to developing an effective treatment. Once specific antigens have been identified that are present on the cell population responsible for propagating tumors, T cells can be genetically altered to target these antigens and then used for personalized T cell therapy. A method to identify and select peptide antigens that effectively associate with and are presented by host HLA surface molecules originating from tumor cells responsible for the persistence and propagation of a cancer has been developed. The system of using these data to produce T cells engineered to express T cell receptors recognizing the peptide antigens is used in the production of a personalized adoptive T cell therapy for cancer that eliminates the cells capable of tumor propagation and cancer progression. The system is especially useful in the production of cancer treatments to achieve complete durable remission of cancers of epithelial origin.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of estimating and optionally controlling the microbiological state in a process stream of an industrial process by measuring the concentration of dissolved oxygen or the rH value, or both, in said stream, the method including continuous or periodic sampling and online measurement. The invention also concerns a device suitable for use in implementing said method.

Abstract: Provided herein is a fluorescent probe compound of formula (I): as well as methods of using said compound.

Abstract: A gradient liquid feed device allows reduction in size of a high performance liquid chromatography type sample analyzer. The gradient liquid feed device includes a plurality of carrier liquid reservoir tanks configured to store carrier liquids of mutually different compositions, a plurality of single plunger pumps capable of drawing and discharging the carrier liquid from the plurality of carrier liquid reservoir tanks, a mixer configured to mix the carrier liquids discharged from the plurality of liquid feed pumps and feed the mixed carrier liquid, and a pulse damper in communication with the mixer and configured to absorb pulsation that may occur during liquid feeding. The single plunger pumps have a function for variably setting a length of stroke for drawing and discharging the carrier liquid and a function for variably setting a ratio between the carrier liquid drawing time and the carrier liquid discharge time.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for studying patient cancer samples in cis-co-culture with stromal cells from the same patient. For example, the invention provide systems and methods for testing therapeutic agents in vitro in an environment that simulates an in vivo environment to identify agents that are therapeutically effective for the patient.

Abstract: Tumor suppressor genes play a major role in the pathogenesis of human lung cancer and other cancers. Cytogenetic and allelotyping studies of fresh tumor and tumor-derived cell lines showed that cytogenetic changes and allele loss on the short arm of chromosome 3 (3p) are most frequently involved in about 90% of small cell lung cancers and greater than 50% of non-small cell lung cancers. A group of recessive oncogenes, Fus1, 101F6, Gene 21 (NPRL2), Gene 26 (CACNA2D2), Luca 1 (HYAL1), Luca 2 (HYAL2), PL6, 123F2 (RaSSFI), SEM A3 and Beta* (BLU), as defined by homozygous deletions in lung cancers, have been located and isolated at 3p21.3.

Abstract: The invention provides novel methods and materials for genetic and genomic analysis using single or multiplex isolation of protein-associated nucleic acids, including transposase-assisted chromatin immunoprecipitation (TAM-ChIP) and antibody-oligonucleotide proximity ligation. These methods comprise tagging and isolating chromatin or other protein-associated nucleic acids and using antibody-oligonucleotide complexes that recognize the proteins associated with such nucleic acids.

Abstract: A method of assaying metastasis can include: providing a device of one of the embodiments; introducing the at least one cancer cell into the at least one internal chamber or at least one fluid channel; and studying metastasis of the at least one cancer cell. Optionally: introducing cancer cells into a first internal chamber; detecting escape of the cancer cell from the first internal chamber into the fluid channel; detecting migration of the cancer cell through the fluid channel; detecting adhesion of the cancer cell to a coating on the fluid channel; detecting invasion of the cancer cell into a second internal chamber from the fluid channel; or visualizing metastasis of the cancer cell with a visualization device.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for diagnosing Niemann-Pick disease in a subject comprising a step a), wherein the step a) comprises detecting a biomarker in a sample from the subject.

Abstract: A model blood brain barrier obtained from hPSCs is disclosed.

Abstract: In an approach to managing a quick response code branding device and management of a quick response code branding device, one or more computer processors receive one or more quick response code configuration parameters. The one or more computer processors determine one or more program instructions corresponding to the one or more quick response code configuration parameters based on one or more task-specific factors. The one or more computer processors send the one or more program instructions to a quick response code branding device. The one or more computer processors receive quick response code branding device status data. The one or more computer processors determine whether the quick response code branding device status data meets the one or more quick response code configuration parameters.

Abstract: In an approach to managing a quick response code branding device and management of a quick response code branding device, one or more computer processors receive one or more quick response code configuration parameters. The one or more computer processors determine one or more program instructions corresponding to the one or more quick response code configuration parameters based on one or more task-specific factors. The one or more computer processors send the one or more program instructions to a quick response code branding device. The one or more computer processors receive quick response code branding device status data. The one or more computer processors determine whether the quick response code branding device status data meets the one or more quick response code configuration parameters.

Abstract: A self-contained sample processing cartridge, is disclosed. The sample processing cartridge includes a first member that includes a receiver to receive a sample specimen slide. The cartridge may also include a second member that closes on the first member to form a chamber inside the cartridge. The sample specimen slide forms a surface of the chamber. Placing the slide in the cartridge effectively completes the chamber of the cartridge. In one embodiment, the receiver of the first member includes an open region adjacent which the specimen slide is received. The second member includes a plurality of fluid inputs and at least one fluid output. The plurality of fluid inputs couples to the chamber by a plurality of channels respectively therebetween. In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of channels may include a reagent reservoir and at least one of the plurality of channels includes a dissolvable blocking reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention provides an embedding resin composition for electron microscopy having satisfactory performance as an embedding medium, including embedding performance and sectioning quality, and exhibiting excellent antistatic performance; and a method for observing a sample with an electron microscope using the composition. The embedding resin composition for electron microscopy of the present invention having antistatic performance comprises an ionic liquid and an embedding medium comprising an epoxy-based resin, a methacrylate resin or an unsaturated polyester resin. Preferably, the ionic liquid comprising a quaternary ammonium compound based on the formula (I): and an anion selected from the group consisting of BF4?, PF6?, (CF3SO2)2N?, a halide ion, a conjugate base of carboxylic acid, a conjugate base of sulfonic acid and a conjugate base of an inorganic acid.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for treating, reducing, alleviating or preventing metabolic syndrome or metabolic malady, comprising administering a composition comprising a cell line callus culture of fruit cells grown in vitro. Further provided are fruit cells prepared according to a large scale process. The cell line callus culture of grape berry cells manufactured according to the process includes resveratrol in an amount of at least 1000 mg/kg powder.

Abstract: Provided are methods for suppressing IgE and IgG-mediated allergic reactions through monoclonal antibody applications. More specifically, methods are herein provided for safe induction of rapid desensitization. Specific embodiments are herein provided for suppressing allergic reactions in a subject, including specific methods of providing a monoclonal antibody selected from the group consisting of anti-Fc?RIa and anti-Fc?RIIb / RIII; administering the antibody to a subject at a dose that is lower than the level required to induce shock; and administering sequentially escalating doses of the monoclonal antibody so as to induce rapid desensitization to an allergen, thereby suppressing allergic reaction in the subject.

Abstract: An evaluation method of a spheroid comprises specifying a spheroid region taken up by the spheroid out of the image including the spheroid and a surrounding region thereof, obtaining an average value of an optical density of the spheroid and a magnitude of a variation of the optical density in the spheroid from an image density of the spheroid region, obtaining a circularity of the spheroid from a contour of the spheroid region, obtaining a sharpness of the spheroid from the image densities of the spheroid and the surrounding region thereof, and obtaining the collapse degree of the spheroid by substituting the average value of the optical density, the magnitude of the variation of the optical density, the circularity and the sharpness into a predetermined operational expression.

Abstract: Methods of using azide-modified biomolecules, such as fatty acids, carbohydrates and lipids, to treat a plant, an insect or an animal infected with a virus or to inhibit infectivity of a virus, such as the human immunodeficiency virus, are provided. Also provided are methods of labeling a virus, such as human immunodeficiency virus, with an azide-modified biomolecule, such as a fatty acid, a carbohydrate, or an isoprenoid lipid. Also, provided are methods of tracking a virus in vivo, with an azide-modified biomolecule, such as a fatty acid, a carbohydrate, or an isoprenoid lipid. The azide-modified biomolecules may be combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient to produce a pharmaceutical composition, optionally containing another anti-viral agent and/or a delivery agent, such as a liposome.

Abstract: Provided is a light-switchable gene expression system, comprising: a) a recombinant light-switchable transcription factor-encoding gene, said recombinant light-switchable transcription factor comprising a first polypeptide as the DNA bonding domain, a second polypeptide as the photosensitive domain, and a third polypeptide as the transcription regulatory domain; b) a target transcription unit comprising at least one reaction element recognized and bound by the first polypeptide, a promoter regulated by the third polypeptide and a nucleotide sequence to be transcribed. Also provided is an eukaryotic expression vector comprising said light-switchable gene expression system, and a method for regulating gene expression in a host cell by using the light-switchable gene expression system. Also provided is a reagent kit containing different elements of the light-switchable gene expression system. The light-switchable gene expression system has a quick, effective and powerful induction with little or no toxicity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for real-time measurement of the secretion of at least one compound by at least one individual cell, comprising: the culturing, in a liquid medium, of at least one cell in a culture chamber, at least one wall of which comprises at least one sensitive area, a sensitive area comprising a plurality of ligands, attached to a solid support, each ligand being able to bind specifically to the compound, and an element for real-time transduction of a signal produced by the binding of the compound to one of the ligands; the identification, in a sensitive area, of at least one spot producing a signal; the real-time measurement of the signal produced by the spot identified, representing the amount of compound secreted by an individual cell.

Abstract: Novel methods and apparatus are disclosed for cell culture and cell recovery. The methods and apparatus simplify the process of cell separation from media, minimize potential damage to gas permeable devices during fluid handling, and allow closed system automated cell culture and cell recovery from gas permeable devices.

Abstract: An electromechanical surgical assembly includes a surgical device, an adapter, and a filter. The surgical device includes a connecting portion having a distal facing recess including an electrical plug. The adapter includes a proximal facing cap configured to mate with the recess of the surgical device, the proximal facing cap including an electronic assembly including a plurality of electrical contact pins configured for electrical connection with the electrical plug. The filter is removably positioned within the recess of the surgical device. The plurality of electrical contact pins extend through the filter when the adapter is connected to the surgical device.

Abstract: This invention is about the selection and development of aptamers that specifically bound HSA and GHSA. HSA and GHSA are associated with diabetes mellitus. The length of selected aptamers are around 46-106 bases, in which aptamers against HSA are consisting of 46-106 bases and aptamers against GHSA are consisting of 49-71 bases. All selected aptamers against HSA and GHSA can be potentially applied for detection and monitoring of diabetes mellitus in combination with blood glucose and HbA1C level. They also can applied in the drug development and drug delivery system in the diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer disease. In addition, chemical or fluorescence labeled these aptamers can be used for study function and location of HSA and GHSA.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of diagnosing, preventing, and treating metastatic disease in a subject. The present invention is also directed to a method of inhibiting primary tumor growth in a subject. Methods of identifying candidate compounds useful for preventing and treating metastatic disease and primary tumor growth in a subject are also disclosed.

Abstract: Identification, quantification and characterization of biological micro- and nano-systems is enabled by magnetically spinning these natural, non-magnetic systems with the aid of induced magnetization. Biofriendly magnetic micro- and nano-labels enable magnetorotation in extremely weak electromagnetic fields. The spinning of these micromotors can be observed by a simple, CD-like, optical tracking system. The spinning frequency response enables real-time monitoring of single (cancer) cell morphology, with sub-microscopic resolution, yielding previously undeterminable information. Likewise, it enables super-low detection limits for any (cancer) biomarker.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions useful in the diagnosis and management of autoimmune diseases. In particular, the present invention provides improved methods and compositions for the diagnosis and management of Graves' disease. The methods of the present invention not only avoids the need for radioactivity and are much simpler, economical, and rapid than methods traditionally used for the diagnosis of Graves' disease, but also improve upon the sensitivity and detection abilities of previous luciferase-based autoantibody detection assays. Such improvements are based upon the superior performance of assays comprising a chimeric TSH receptor in the presence of a glucocorticoid including, but not limited to, dexamethasone.

Abstract: The invention relates to recombinant expression of a taxadiene synthase enzyme and a geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGPPS) enzyme in cells and the production of terpenoids.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multi-organ-chip device comprising a base layer; an organ layer arranged on the base layer; an antra layer arranged on the organ layer; and an actuator layer; wherein the base layer is configured to provide a solid support for the further layers; the organ layer is configured to comprise a multiplicity of individual organ equivalents, each organ equivalent comprising one or more organ growth sections, each of the organ growth sections being configured to comprise an organoid cavity for housing at least one organoid of an organ and to comprise a micro-inlet and a micro-outlet for fluid communication between the organoid cavity of the organ growth section and a self-contained circulation system, wherein the organ layer comprises at least one organ equivalent configured to represent the organs lung, small intestine, spleen, pancreas, liver, kidney and bone marrow, respectively, and a self-contained circulation system configured to be in direct fluid communication with the o

Abstract: The present invention relates to detection of cancer, or assessment of risk of development thereof. In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methods detection of field carcinogenesis by identification of ultrastructural and molecular markers in a subject.

Abstract: A method of measuring a metabolic activity (MA) of a cell is provided. The method comprising independently measuring in an extracellular environment of the cell, time-dependent acidification profiles due to secretion of: (i) non-volatile soluble metabolic products; (ii) non-volatile soluble metabolic products and volatile soluble metabolic products; and (iii) volatile soluble metabolic products; wherein at least one of the time dependent acidification profiles is indicative of the metabolic activity of the cell. Also provided are clinical methods which make use of the assay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus, methods, and applications for treating wastewater, and more particularly to biological processes for removing pollutants from wastewater. This invention further relates to apparatus and methods for growing microbes on-site at a wastewater treatment facility, and for economically inoculating sufficient microbes to solve various treatment problems rapidly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for effectively delivering an anticancer drug into cancer cells by binding the anticancer drug to pH-sensitive metal nanoparticles so as to be separated from cancer cells. The pH-sensitive metal nanoparticles according to the present invention may be heated by photothermal therapy, thereby effectively killing cancer cells in conjunction with the isolated anticancer drug.

Abstract: A method of treating a disease associated with mutation of LRRK2 protein is presented herein. It was found that administering hexachlorophene to cells expressing endogenous LRRK2 or overexpressing wild-type or mutant LRRK2 reduced the total LRRK2 level in the cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to administering glial growth factor 2 (GGF2) to a patient in need thereof, to achieve serum levels of GGF2 within a desired therapeutic window determined based on the disease or disorder afflicting the patient. In a particular embodiment, the patient is suffering from a disease or disorder associated with reduced levels of myelination and the GGF2 is administered to promote myelination in the patient.

Abstract: A method for encapsulating or sorting colloidal objects, comprising the step of flowing said objects in a first flow stream partly or fully surrounded by at least one second flow stream in a channel comprising a narrow strait, wherein along an elongated part of the path of said first flow stream either (a) the bidimensional size of said first flow stream is smaller than the largest bidimensional size of at least some of said objects, either (b) the smallest unidimensional size of said first flow stream is smaller than the largest unidimensional size of at least some of said objects, either (c) said first flow stream is splitting, in the absence of said objects, into droplets with a volume smaller than the volume of at least some of said objects, or (d) said first flow stream would have in the absence of said particles, a shape that cannot entirely encompass some of said objects.

Abstract: The present invention describes an efficient and rapid protocol to generate hepatocyte cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). According to the method, the iPS cells can be differentiated into functional hepatocyte cells in a short time course (less than 15-20 days). The iPSC-derived hepatocyte cells of the invention have a similar gene expression profile to mature hepatocytes. Moreover, the iPSC-derived hepatocyte cells is proved to rescue lethal fulminant hepatic failure in a non-obese diabetic severe combined immunodeficient mouse model. The rapid and efficient differentiation protocol for generation of iPSC-derived hepatocyte cells may offer an alternative option for treatment of liver diseases.

Abstract: A method for onsite bacteria testing for oil and gas applications including collecting at least one component of a wellbore fluid; exposing at least one contaminant in the at least one component to at least one substrate that produces a detectable moiety; and performing a quantitative or qualitative detection of the detectable moiety.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to devices, systems and methods for separating CTCs from blood cells using optical trapping, such as use of optical cogwheel tweezers. Through a pre-filtration process, using optical cogwheel tweezers, desired cells from a cell sample can be filtered from a relatively dilute sample. The filtered sample can then be analyzed by more precise means to determine overall concentrations from the original sample while maintaining cell viability.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for verifying the age of an animal providing meat using volatile profiles that comprises the step of providing a sample of animal meat. The method uses one or more chemical analyses to obtain a profile of a set of volatile organic compounds from a sample of meat from an animal. The profile is fit to a mathematically discriminating function resulting. The data obtained is analyzed in order to establish a correlation between the age of the animal (tooth development) and volatiles exuded by meat.

Abstract: The present application relates to a non-human mammal model of a human neurodegenerative disorder, methods of producing the non-human mammal model, and methods of using the non-human mammal model to identify agents suitable for treating a neurodegenerative disorder. The present application also relates to methods of treating neurodegenerative disorders and restoring normal brain interstitial potassium levels.

Abstract: Methods for treating a subject with tyrosinase-positive albinism; agents and compositions thereof for use in treating tyrosinase-positive albinism; and medicaments for treating tyrosinase-positive albinism are described herein. Such methods; agents and compositions thereof; and medicaments relate to chloroquine or rapamycin or compositions thereof and may further relate to nitisinone used in conjunction with the chloroquine or rapamycin or a composition of either of which.

Abstract: Staining compositions and methods for use with a matrix, such as an electrophoretic gel, containing separated biopolymers. The compositions including an acid, an organic solvent, and a generally planar, fluid-permeable gel contact sheet consisting primarily of a non-cellulosic material. The acid and organic solvent may be sorbed to the fluid-permeable gel contact sheet, or may be sorbed to a layers contactable with a non-gel contact side of the gel contact sheet. In one embodiment, the composition is a source electrophoretic stain composition including a staining reagent. In one embodiment, the composition is a sink electrophoretic stain composition including a sorbent.

Abstract: In an example embodiment, may be embodied in a a data analysis apparatus comprises a control unit configured to provide data representative of a three dimensional image, the three dimensional image including at least a three dimensional coordinate space which includes at least one plane that divides the three dimensional coordinate space into at least two regions, a display unit configured to produce the three dimensional image based on the data representative of the three dimensional image, and an input unit configured to provide data representative of at least one of a movement and a position of the at least one plane. In other example embodiments, the present disclosure may be embodied in a data analysis server, a data analysis system, and/or a computer readable medium.

Abstract: A cell permeabilizing microfluidic system for permeabilizing one or more cells in a fluid flow. The system has a microfluidic channel for channeling at least one cell in a fluid flow and an optical source for generating a beam of light for permeabilizing the at least one cell, wherein the channel and the source are arranged so that the light beam and fluid flow are collinear in a permeabilization part of the channel and cells are permeabilized within the permeabilization part.