Abstract: Method of detecting the presence of thermoduric microorganisms in a product that includes the steps of (i) placing an aliquot A of a product into a vessel 10 equipped with a probe 30 sensitive to a thermoduric microorganism metabolite, (ii) pasteurizing the aliquot A within the vessel 10, (iii) incubating the pasteurized aliquot A within the vessel 10 for an incubation period, and (iv) periodically interrogating the probe 30 during the incubation period.

Abstract: A method for analyzing blood cells includes: preparing a measurement specimen for classifying white blood cells, by mixing a sample with a reagent in order to hemolyze red blood cells contained in the sample and to fluorescently stain nucleic acid in white blood cells contained in the sample; detecting, by flowing the prepared measurement specimen in a flow cell, fluorescence emitted from each blood cell in the measurement specimen and two types of scattered light at respective different angles, and obtaining a fluorescence signal and two types of scattered light signals; and classifying the white blood cells into at least four groups and detecting neoplastic lymphocytes, by performing analysis using at least three types of parameters based on the obtained fluorescence signal and two types of scattered light signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus to identify at least one component from a plurality of components in a fluid mixture, the apparatus including a first input channel into which a first flow containing a plurality of components is introduced; a plurality of buffer input channels, into which additional flows of buffer solution are introduced, disposed on either side of the first input channel; wherein the first flow and the additional flows have a flow direction along a length of the apparatus; a detector apparatus which detects and identifies selected components of the plurality of components; a laser which emits a laser beam which damages or kills selected components of the plurality of components; and at least one channel disposed at the another end of the apparatus which is adapted to receive the first flow and the additional flows after operation of the laser on the selected components.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for inactivation and/or extraction of acid-fast bacteria (e.g., mycobacteria or nocardia), the method comprising the following sequential steps: (a) acquiring a test sample known to contain or that may contain acid-fast bacteria and suspending the test sample in a container containing ethanol and beads; (b) bead beating and/or vortexing the container to break up clumps and/or disrupt acid-fast bacteria cells in the container; and (c) subsequently incubating the suspension for at least about 3 minutes at room temperature to inactivate any acid-fast bacteria contained in the test sample. In accordance with the present invention, the test sample can subsequently be pelleted by centrifugation, resuspended with formic acid, acetonitrile added, and subjected to mass spectrometry for characterization and/or identification of the acid-fast bacteria.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for metabolism manipulation of life forms using spectral output which comprises at least one array of LED light sources which have metabolic manipulating spectral emissions. The array sends one or more environmental signals selected from the group consisting of day/night cycles, seasonal cycles, competitive signals and harsh condition preparedness. A remotely programmable microcontroller is operatively connected to the at least one array for controlling the spectral emissions in a desired manner. The microcontroller selectively sending on commands, off commands and intensity commands to the at least one array. The method and apparatus include software for driving the microcontroller and the software is stored in a memory. A power source is operatively connected to the at least one array of LED light sources, and a graphic user interface facilitates inputting information, by an operator.

Abstract: The invention provides transgenic or non-transgenic plants with improved levels of tolerance to AHAS-inhibiting herbicides. The invention also provides nucleic acids encoding mutants of the acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) large subunit, expression vectors, plants comprising the polynucleotides encoding the AHASL subunits containing single, double or more mutations, plants comprising one, two or more AHASL subunit single mutant polypeptides, methods for making and using the same, and methods of controlling weeds.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel cord colitis syndrome pathogen as well as a method for the discovery of novel viral, prokaryotic or eukaryotic genomes or genomic fragments using a sequencing-based methodology.

Abstract: The invention provides transgenic or non-transgenic plants with improved levels of tolerance to AHAS-inhibiting herbicides. The invention also provides nucleic acids encoding mutants of the acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) large subunit, expression vectors, plants comprising the polynucleotides encoding the AHASL subunits containing single, double or more mutations, plants comprising one, two or more AHASL subunit single mutant polypeptides, methods for making and using the same, and methods of controlling weeds.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for mass spectrometry analysis of microorganisms in samples.

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: Methods of determining cancer progression or cancer relapse in a subject at risk for cancer progression or cancer relapse, the methods comprising: obtaining a sample from said subject; measuring the level of VEGFR1+ hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) and/or VEGFR2+ endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in said sample; and taking additional samples and conducting additional measurements of HPCs and/or EPCs at one or more later time points. From the measurements, it can be determined whether there is a surge in the level of HPCs and/or EPCs in at least one later measurement, relative to an earlier measurement. A surge in the level of HPCs and/or EPCs indicates increased risk of progression or relapse of said subject's cancer.

Abstract: There is provided a single particle detection technique based on a scanning molecule counting method, enabling individual detection of a single particle using light measurement with a confocal or multiphoton microscope, and quantitative observation of conditions or characteristics of the particle. The inventive technique of detecting a single particle in a sample solution detects light containing substantially constant background light from a light detection region with moving the position of the light detection region of the microscope in a sample solution to generate time series light intensity data; and detects individually a light intensity reduction occurred when a single particle which does not emit light (or a particle whose emitting light intensity in a detected wavelength band is lower than the background light) enters in the light detection region in the time series light intensity data as a signal indicating the existence of each single particle.

Abstract: A method for identification and/or characterization of a microbial agent present in a sample includes a step of analytical test data (e.g., obtaining intrinsic fluorescence values over a range of emission wavelengths) from the microbial agent. The analytical test data is transformed thereby minimizing strain to strain variations within an organism group. With the aid of a programmed computer, a multi-level classification algorithm coded as a set of processing instructions operates on the transformed analytic test data.

Abstract: A sampling system and method may use a kit that has a package enclosing a swab and a receptacle. The swab may have a shaft and a tip. The tip may be substantially made of calcium alginate. The receptacle may contain a diluent, such as sodium citrate, and glass beads. The swab may be used in an environment to sample microorganisms present on surfaces or in equipment. The kit may be used in a method of sampling and the resulting sample may be used in a method of quantitative testing.

Abstract: Methods for producing recombinant cell populations are disclosed. The disclosed methods may be used to produce therapeutic polyclonal proteins.

Abstract: Technologies are generally disclosed for systems and methods for monitoring a liquid. An illustrative method may include disposing one or more sensors in the liquid, sensing one or more properties exhibited by the liquid using the one or more sensors, producing sensed data from the properties by the one or more sensors, encoding the sensed data into an acoustic signal by the one or more sensors, transmitting the acoustic signal through the liquid by the one or more sensors and receiving the acoustic signal by one or more sound receiving devices.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to disease detection in plants. In particular, it provides methods, compositions, and devices for the detection of diseases in plants.

Abstract: The present invention provides new immunological compositions and vaccines comprising selected M. tuberculosis antigens and antigenic peptides as well as nucleic acids encoding said antigens for use in the prevention, prophylaxis and treatment of mycobacterial infection, especially tuberculosis. In particular the invention provides recombinant BCG based vaccines in which one or more of the selected M. tuberculosis antigens are over expressed. The invention further provides isolated peptides for use in methods for diagnosing, characterizing, or classifying mycobacterial infections.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for determining safety and efficacy of a vaccine by monitoring cellular pathways prior to and after vaccine treatment using single cell network profiling

Abstract: Nitric oxide probes comprising a compound represented by Formula I are provided. Methods of using this nitric oxide probes to detect nitric oxide are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of formula (I) wherein the groups A and B represent independently from each other —CH?CH—, or —C?C—, the terms t, u, v, w represent, independently from each other, values ranging from 0 to 9, the groups Y1 and Y2 can represent independently from each other an alkyl group (linear, branched or substituted) carrying from 1 to 9 carbon atoms, the groups Z1, Z2, Z3, and Z4 can represent independently from each other a chemically reactive group W, such as OH, NH2, SH, the groups Z5 and Z6 represent independently from each other a hydrogen atom, silica nanoparticles functionalized by these compounds, and their use as drugs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting, and characterizing a microorganism present in a sample and growth composition whereby the method may be accomplished utilizing a time-dependent spectroscopic technique to obtain at least two measurements directly from a sample and growth composition and correlating said measurements for the detection and characterization of a microorganism, that may be present in the sample.

Abstract: A reaction medium for the culture and/or detection and/or identification of bacteria of the Legionella genus includes at least one siliceous compound, where the siliceous compound is a nonpolar silica. A method for detecting and/or identifying bacteria of the Legionella genus, includes bringing a sample that may contain bacteria of the Legionella genus into contact with a reaction medium comprising at least one siliceous compound, incubating, and detecting the presence of bacteria of the Legionella genus.

Abstract: A method for sorting pollen containing genetic elements of interest may include associating a genetic marker with seeds defining the genetic elements of interest, growing plants from the seeds, collecting pollen from the seeds, evaluating the pollen for presence of the genetic markers, and sorting the pollen based on presence or absence of the genetic markers. A method of determining viability of pollen may evaluate the optical density of grains of pollen and compare the optical density to an optical density threshold. Further, a method for identifying plants defining a genetic marker with seeds defining the genetic element of interest, growing plants from the seeds, and evaluating the plants for presence of the genetic marker.

Abstract: The invention relates to a kit for detecting biofilms, which is in particular compatible with the agri-food industry and comprises a biofilm staining solution containing a stain in solution in a dilution phase compatible with the agri-food industry, wherein said stain is Coomassie blue, and a cleaning solution comprising said dilution phase.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for the detection of M. tuberculosis proteins in or on exosomes derived from infected individuals. The methods can use a proteomic approach including mass spectroscopy, data mining and multiplex reaction monitoring to quickly examine a large amount of M. tuberculosis proteins to determine the best biomarkers for use in diagnostic tests to identify active TB patients.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the preselection of a subject for therapeutic treatment with elesclomol based on modulated levels of hypoxia in the subject. In one embodiment, the invention provides methods for the preselection of a subject for therapeutic treatment with elesclomol based on modulated levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The invention also provides methods for treating cancer in a subject by administering an effective amount of elesclomol to the subject, wherein the subject has a modulated level of hypoxia. The invention further provides kits to practice the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a use of a fluorescent saccharide-based derivative in cell detection. The fluorescent saccharide-based derivative is obtained from a reactive material through an imine formation reaction, and the reactive material is selected from a composition (A) or a composition (B). The composition (A) includes a reducing sugar compound and an amino group-containing compound having at least one primary amino group. The composition (B) includes an amino sugar compound and a carbonyl group-containing compound, and the amino sugar compound contains at least one primary amino group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for collecting and concentrating biological or chemical targets with a view to detecting same, wherein the device comprises a reaction chamber (1) in which functionalized magnetic beads (2) are placed, an ultrasonic agitation system (3), a magnetic field (4) that can be activated (ON position) or inactivated (OFF position), and a fluid movement system (5) for feeding (51) and discharging (52) a portion or the entirety of the contents of the reaction chamber. The present invention also relates to a method for capturing biological or chemical targets using said device.

Abstract: A method for measuring LAM and a method for detecting an acid-fast bacterium, which comprise at least a step of allowing a Limulus reagent to contact with a LAM-containing sample; a method for removing reactivity of LAM with a Limulus reagent, which comprises at least a step of allowing a predetermined substance to coexist with a LAM-containing sample; a method for measuring Et in a LAM-containing sample and a method for detecting an Et-related disease, which each is a method for measuring an endotoxin using a Limulus reagent, which comprises at least a step of removing reactivity of LAM with a Limulus reagent by the above-described removing method; a method for measuring BG in a LAM-containing sample and a method for detecting mycosis, which is a method for measuring BG using a Limulus reagent, which comprises at least a step of removing reactivity of LAM with a Limulus reagent by the described-described removing method; and the like.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for detecting cells in a liquid sample, which includes: i) filtration of the liquid sample through a porous membrane which is suitable for retaining detectable cells, where at least one subregion of a support is configured as transparent supporting body and the membrane is arranged over its area on the transparent supporting body in such a way that detectable cells are retained on at least part of the surface of the membrane and that at least part of the sample liquid passes through the membrane, ii) application of a liquid optical medium which has essentially the same refractive index as the supporting body, and iii) optical measurement of at least a subarea of the membrane in order to detect detectable cells.

Abstract: An embodiment relates to a method and to an array for detecting live circulating or disseminated cells in body fluids (for example blood, urine) or tissue samples (for example bone marrow) mixed with liquid. The method includes: a) filtering the liquid sample through a porous membrane that is suitable for retaining cells to be detected, such that cells to be detected come to rest upon at least a part of the surface of the membrane and the sample liquid passes the membrane; b) applying a first process liquid containing a first agent for marking the cells to be detected with a first marker; c) incubating the process liquid on the membrane for a predetermined time period, wherein the cells to be detected are marked; and d) detecting the marked cells to be detected on the surface of the membrane.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting an analyte of interest in a sample. The system can include a first container comprising a filter portion. The filter portion can include a filter comprising a filtrand of the sample on a first side of the filter. The system can further include a second container comprising the filter portion coupled to a detection portion comprising a microstructured surface. The method can include providing the first container, coupling the filter portion to the detection portion to form the second container where the first side of the filter faces the microstructured surface, and centrifuging the second container toward the microstructured surface. The method can further include inverting the second container after centrifuging to decant the supernatant from the detection portion, such that a concentrate comprising a sediment of the sample is retained in the microstructured surface, which can be interrogated for an analyte of interest.

Abstract: Porphyrinic compounds that contain solubilizing groups are described, along with methods of making and using the same and compositions comprising such compounds. Examples of such compounds include compounds of Formula I: wherein: Z is a porphyrinic macrocycle, Alk1 and Alk2 are each independently an alkylidene chain; L is a linking group or is absent; R1 is preferably an ionic group or polar group; R2 is an ionic group, polar group, bioconjugatable group, or targeting group; R3 is present or absent and when present is a halo group, bioconjugatable group, or targeting group, n is O or 1 (that is, the CH group is present, or Alk1 and Alk2 are bonded directly to a carbon of the porphyrinic macrocycle Z); or a salt thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid flow device, in particular a capillary testing device provided as a chip, comprising a second pathway which intersects the first pathway at a downstream point of convergence, so that the two pathways share an outlet and when liquid in the second pathway reaches the point of convergence, liquid flow in the first pathway stops. Means for measuring the distance travelled by liquid in the first pathway are provided to determine the extent of liquid flow and to enable correlation with the amount of analyte in the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for in vivo detection of a biofilm infection residing in a mammal, the method comprising (i) administering to the mammal a diagnostic-effective amount of a biofilm-specific probe, wherein the probe comprises a bio film-targeting moiety and a paramagnetic nanoparticle core; and (ii) imaging the mammal to detect the presence of the biofilm infection by observing the mammal using a magnetic resonance diagnostic technique after the biofilm-specific probe has been provided sufficient time to selectively bind to the bio film infection that may be present in the mammal. The invention also relates to methods of treatment of a bio film infection, and compositions and kits useful in the detection and/or treatment of bio film infections.

Abstract: The invention provides a target and methods for specific binding and inhibition of RNAP from bacterial species. The invention is directed to a method for identifying agents that bind to a bacterial RNAP homologous RNA-exit-channel amino-acid sequence, comprising preparing a reaction solution comprising the agent to be tested and an entity comprising a bacterial RNAP homologous RNA-exit-channel amino-acid sequence, and detecting presence or amount of binding. The invention has applications in control of bacterial gene expression, control of bacterial growth, antibacterial chemistry, and antibacterial therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cell labeling and imaging using a multifunctional perfluorocarbon (PFC) nanoemulsion. In particular, the perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion containing optical nanoparticle is provided with both optical characteristics and 19F magnetic resonance characteristics, thus can be used for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and optical imaging (OI) simultaneously. Cell labeling and imaging using the perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion containing quantum dot nanoparticle exerted no effect on cell viability. Therefore, perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion can be applied to methods for multifunctional and effectively cell labeling and imaging.

Abstract: Multiplex binding assay assemblies are disclosed. The assemblies include at least one assay bar that has a top side, a bottom side, and at least one well accessible from the top side of the assay bar, with each well including a side surface, a bottom surface, an open top end. Each well also includes at least one secondary container, with each secondary container including a capillary tube that (i) begins at a location within an interior volume of the well and (ii) ends at a location beneath the bottom side of the assay bar. The assemblies further include a guiding track, which includes a set of two rails, with each rail having its own separate groove. Such grooves are configured to run parallel to each other with a distance between such grooves, with a first groove configured to receive a protruding element (or an end) of a first side of the assay bar, and a second groove configured to receive a protruding element (or an end) of a second side of the assay bar.

Abstract: A system includes a first sensor, a field source, and a processor. The first sensor includes a surface and has an electrical resistance determined by a magnetic field at the surface. The field source is configured to provide a biasing magnetic field to the surface. The biasing magnetic field is aligned parallel to the surface and aligned perpendicular relative to the surface. The magnetic field has a frequency. The processor is coupled to the sensor and is configured to determine a parameter based on a measure of a change in the resistance. The change in the resistance corresponds to the resistance at a time before onset of a magnetic field perturbance at the surface and a time after the onset of the magnetic field perturbance at the surface.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to cell sorting methods, and particularly cell sorting methods that improve the efficiency or productivity of sorting in a particle sorting instrument utilizing a measured parameter of sorting efficiency. In one embodiment, minimum productivity and minimum purity may be established and maintained while attempting to maximize the sorting efficiency. While in another embodiment, a minimum sorting efficiency and a minimum purity may be established and maintained while attempting to maximize the productivity of a sort.

Abstract: The present application relates to a composition comprising extracellular membrane vesicles derived from indoor air. In addition, the present application provides a method for diagnosing, preventing and/or treating an inflammatory respiratory disease, lung cancer and the like using the extracellular membrane vesicles. In detail, the present application involves injecting extracellular membrane vesicles present in indoor air into an animal in order to prepare an animal respiratory disease model, and enables the search and/or discovery of drug candidates for preventing or treating respiratory diseases using the animal model.

Abstract: The present invention provides a Mitrecin A polypeptide useful in prevention and treatment of one or more bacteria. Also provided is a method to kill or prevent growth of one or more bacteria comprising contacting the one or more bacteria with a Mitrecin A polypeptide. The target bacteria can be selected from the group consisting of a Gram-positive bacterium, a Gram-negative bacterium, or both. In one embodiment, the present invention is drawn to a polynucleotide encoding a Mitrecin A polypeptide, a vector comprising the polynucleotide, a host cell comprising the polynucleotide, or a composition comprising the Mitrecin A polypeptide, the polynucleotide, the vector, or the host cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting (e.g., by flow cytometry) a target compound, cell or particle, wherein the target is labelled with a detectable luminescent compound. The method comprises utilizing as the detectable luminescent compound a compound comprising a porphyrinic macrocycle such as a porphyrin, chlorin, bacteriochlorin, or isobacteriochlorin. In particular embodiments, the detectable luminescent compound comprises a compound of the formula A-A?-Z-B?-B, wherein: A is a targeting group or member of a specific binding pair that specifically binds the detectable luminescent compound to the target compound, cell or particle; A? is a linker group or covalent bond; B? is a linker group or covalent bond; B is a water-soluble group; and Z is the porphyrinic macrocycle.

Abstract: Engineered cardiac tissues are provided herein. The tissues include cardiomyocyte cells derived from a pluripotent cell, fibroblast cells and extracellular matrix components. Methods of using the tissues described herein are also provided.

Abstract: A method of sinuglating embryos is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of embryos (40) within a system (20) and sensing (34) at least one of the plurality of embryos in a fluid. The method also includes dispensing (26) at least one of the plurality of embryos on a surface (28).

Abstract: Use of a metabolic network model for analyzing metabolic characteristics of microorganisms for producing a metabolic product, such as 3HP enabling estimation of productivity and cell growth speed of microorganisms, optimizing new metabolic pathway, and providing transformed microorganisms that may produce a specific metabolic product with high efficiency.

Abstract: A method of predictive identification and separation of high-performing cells from a mixed population of cells includes distributing cells belonging to the mixed population to a plurality of open chambers; identifying open chambers containing desired cells and open chambers containing undesired cells; selectively sealing at least one open chamber containing undesired cells; and recovering the desired cells from the open chambers. Cells can be predictively assigned as desired or undesired based on an automated image analysis algorithm.

Abstract: Organic-inorganic nanoflowers, methods of synthesis, and uses of the nanoflowers are described. It has been found that organic-inorganic nanoflowers can be grown in the presence of a solid substrate containing copper without the requirement for added copper ion. The method includes exposing bacteria to a solid substrate containing copper in the presence of an aqueous solution that contains phosphate ions. The aqueous solution can additionally contain chloride ions, similar to that of a phosphate-buffered saline composition. The solid substrate can be an alloy of copper and tin, and the substrate can have phosphorus incorporated into it.

Abstract: There is provided a personal care product having a body side liner, a baffle and an indicator strip with two ends. The indicator has an amine sensitive dye near at least one end. The indicator extends from the target area just below the liner to just above the baffle such that the dye deposit is visible to an unaided eye. The dye changes color in the presence of amines which are characteristic of infection, thus alerting the user to the possibility of infection. Such an indicator placed in a feminine hygiene pad, for example, may be useful in the diagnosis of vaginitis.