Abstract: Polymeric indicators are provided for visually monitoring, detecting, and/or determining the presence of metabolic byproducts from harmful or potentially harmful microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the monitoring and treatment of lung transplant recipients. In particular, the invention pertains to the use of biomarkers to predict or detect post-lung transplantation complications (e.g., organ rejection, acute organ rejection, organ injury, bronchiolitis obliterans, bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, organizing pneumonia), fibroproliferative repair responses, interstitial lung diseases (e.g., idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and other fibrotic lung diseases), and other immune-mediated lung diseases (e.g., graft versus host disease, scleroderma).

Abstract: A sample analyzer includes: a first measurement part which performs measurement on a sample for a first measurement item; a second measurement part which performs a measurement on the sample for a second measurement item; an output section; and a controller configured to control the output section to output, when a time difference between a measurement on a sample performed by the first measurement part and a measurement on the sample performed by the second measurement part exceeds a predetermined time period, information based on an excess of the time difference.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biomarker composition for diagnosing the toxicity of nanoparticles, which shows a change in expression by exposure to the nanoparticles, the biomarker composition comprising at least one gene selected from the group consisting of aldehyde dehydrogenase, glutamic-pyruvate transaminase, glutamate dehydrogenase, glutamicoxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic acid decarboxylase and glutamate-ammonia ligase, and to a method for evaluating the toxicity of nanoparticles using the same. The biomarker is a gene marker having a high correlation with the toxicity of nanoparticles, and the use of the biomarker can determine whether nanoparticles have toxicity, with high detection sensitivity. Also, the method is useful in monitoring or evaluating the toxicity of nanoparticles by analyzing factors having a high correlation with toxicity of nanoparticles.

Abstract: There is provided a structure to reduce the size of light intensity data in the scanning molecule counting method using an optical measurement with a confocal microscope or a multiphoton microscope. In the inventive optical analysis technique of detecting light of a light-emitting particle in a sample solution, time series light intensity data of light from a light detection region detected with moving the position of the light detection region of the microscope in the sample solution is generated, and a signal of a light-emitting particle individually is detected in the time series light intensity data. In that case, regions where no signal indicating light of light-emitting particles exist in the time series light intensity data is removed from the time series light intensity data.

Abstract: Methods of developing and using cell lines, such as stem cell lines, for therapeutic or cosmetic use. In one embodiment the cell lines are used to treat a wide range of degenerative and metabolic disorders including, but not limited to, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiac deficiency. Also described are methods of using such cell lines to screen for compounds that play a role in regulating a variety of processes.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to analyzing yeast viability. More particularly, the invention relates to efficient and effective methods and compositions for accessing and measuring viability and concentration of yeast cells.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring floating microorganisms in a gas phase in real time using a system for dissolving microorganisms and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) illumination, and to a method for detecting same. The measuring apparatus includes a particle classifying apparatus for collecting floating microorganisms and being coated by an ATP reaction illuminating agent; a system for dissolving microorganisms for dissolving the microorganisms and extracting ATP; and a light receiving device for detecting light generated from the reaction of the extracted ATP by the system and the ATP reaction illuminating agent coated on the particle classifying apparatus. According to the detection method using ATP organism illumination, the floating microorganisms in the gas phase can be readily detected and the detection can be automatically conducted in real time without manual labor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hematopoietic stem cell identification probe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of pancreatic progenitor cells. More specifically, the present invention provides methods for isolating self-renewing centroacinar and terminal ductal progenitors from adult human pancreas. In a specific embodiment, the method comprises the steps of (a) providing a population of pancreatic cells; and (b) selecting for high expression of CD133, EpCAM, and CD44 on the pancreatic cells to isolate self-renewing centroacinar and terminal ductal progenitors.

Abstract: The present invention aims to supply yeasts suitable for breadmaking using a large amount of yeast, as well as compositions that can give a bakery product containing said yeasts. The present invention also relates to a method of preparing a bakery product and a method of selecting yeast strains giving yeasts suitable for breadmaking using a large amount of yeast.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of differentiated respiratory epithelial cells comprising: (a) providing a cell population comprising or consisting of precursor cells of respiratory epithelial cells; (b) culturing the cell population of (a) in culture medium to which keratinocyte growth factor has been added; wherein the cultured cell population is supplemented with a glucocorticoid, a cAMP analogue and a cAMP elevating agent and wherein said supplementation is either simultaneously with the addition of keratinocyte growth factor in step (b) or prior or subsequently to the addition of keratinocyte growth factor in step (b), thereby differentiating said precursor cells into respiratory epithelial cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of identifying a specific fungal species in patient tissue or body fluid. The method comprises the steps of extracting and recovering DNA of the fungal species from the patient tissue or body fluid, amplifying the DNA, hybridizing a probe to the DNA to specifically identify the fungal species, and specifically identifying the fungal species. The invention also relates to a method of identifying a mycotoxin in patient tissue or body fluid. The method comprises the steps of extracting and recovering the mycotoxin from the patient tissue or body fluid, contacting the mycotoxin with an antibody directed against the mycotoxin, and identifying the myocotoxin. Both of these methods can be used to determine if a patient is at risk for or has developed a disease state related to a fungal infection, and to develop an effective treatment regimen for the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, devices and methods for detecting microorganisms (e.g., anthrax). In particular, the present invention provides portable, surface-enhanced Raman biosensors, and associated substrates, and methods of using the same, for use in rapidly detecting and identifying microorganisms (e.g., anthrax).

Abstract: A device for identifying infection by the malaria parasite includes a microfluidic device having an inlet and an outlet and a diagnostic channel interposed between the inlet and the outlet. The diagnostic channel includes a contact surface and a sample pump configured to pump a RBC-containing sample into the inlet. The contact surface may be at least one of hydrophilic and roughened. Malaria infected RBCs (miRBCs) interact with the contact surface and become immobilized thereon whereas non-infected RBCs continue to flow downstream in the diagnostic channel.

Abstract: The sample container has a two-layer membrane filter comprising a first layer as an upper layer serving as a hydrophilic membrane filter and a hydrophobic membrane filter as an underlying second layer capable of filtering an aqueous solution without the use of a wetting agent and by means of a formed negative pressure. Using this sample container, a large amount of an aqueous sample solution is filtered by means of a negative pressure formed by a suction portion to capture microbes in the aqueous sample solution by the hydrophilic membrane filter. Then, the negative pressure is restored to normal pressure, and a microbial dissolution solution is then added to the membrane filter to retain the microbial dissolution solution for a given time on the hydrophobic membrane filter. Then, the microbial dissolution solution is dispensed to a reaction container containing a luminescent reagent, and luminescence is detected to detect the microbes.

Abstract: An improved process for alcohol production includes microbial fermentation using a genetically modified microorganism to produce substantial quantities of aldehydes that are stripped from the fermentation medium and condensed. So produced aldehydes are converted in an ex vivo process to corresponding alcohols.

Abstract: A method for identifying and screening dendritic killer cells (DKC) is disclosed in the present invention, and the method is to identify a plurality of cell surface markers selected from a group consisting of HLA-G?, CD14?, CD3-, CD19?, CD56dim and HLA-DR+. The method for screening DKC from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) comprises the following steps. A first cell population with regular cell size is provided and a second cell population is then sorted out from the first cell population by screening the phenotype of CD14 and HLA-G therein. A third cell group is further sorted out from the second cell population by screening the phenotype of CD19 and CD3 therein. Finally, DKC will be identified out of the third cell population by screening the phenotype of CD56 and HLA-DR.

Abstract: Stains that are specific for calcium ion are used to assess and predict the effects of various treatments on the viability of cell types contained in a sample, wherein said stain detects endothelial cells that have massive calcium accumulation death.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for continuously sampling particles from air. In one embodiment, a system for continuously sampling particles from air may include: an airflow system configured to continuously draw air including airborne particles into the system; a photophoretic trap that uses photophoretic forces of a laser beam to trap one or more of the airborne particles from the drawn air; a measurement device configured to measure one or more properties of the trapped one or more airborne particles; and a controller configured to repeatedly trap, measure and release one or more airborne particles.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and kits are provided for modulating the trans-differentiation of cells for example muscle satellite cells. The compositions, methods and kits include a modulator of trans-differentiation of the muscle satellite cells selected from the group of: a transcription factor, a nucleic acid sequence or vector encoding expression of the transcription factor, and an agent that binds to the transcription factor. The transcription factor is selected for example from a homeodomain class transcription factor such as Nkx3.2 and a TATA binding protein class transcription factor such as Sox9, and includes at least one nucleotide binding-domain, so that the transcription factor modulates the process of trans-differentiation of the cells or tissue to form a phenotype selected from: cartilage, muscle, and bone.

Abstract: A rhizopus oryzae strain, mutagenesis and screening methods thereof, and methods of producing fumaric acid by fermentation. The strain is named as Rhizopus oryzae ME-F13, and deposited in China Center for Type Culture Collection with depository number CCTCC M 2010351. The strain is obtained by physically mutagenizing the original strain ME-F12 through ion injection, culturing the processed bacteria on the solid selective plate containing 2-D-deoxylucose (2-DG) and picking up 2-DG-resistant single colony. The strain is capable of simultaneously saccharifying starchy material and fermenting it to produce fumaric acid. With an improved enzymatic activity, the strain can be directly used to ferment raw starchy materials without needing pre-saccharifying.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved culture medium and method for the enhanced growth and detection of Mycobacterium growth. The invention further relates to an improved mycobacterial reagent system or kit that can be used for the enhanced growth and detection of Mycobacterium.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for detecting and/or identifying, in a biological sample, bacteria exhibiting a resistance to carbapenems, including: a) contacting said sample with a reaction medium including at least one chromogenic agent and faropenem and/or doripenem; b) incubating the whole so as to allow the bacteria to grow; and c) detecting the strains exhibiting a resistance to carbapenems. The medium employed in step a) also contains cloxacillin and/or a combination of cloxacillin and PAbetaN.

Abstract: A method for observing a sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a volume (G, V) of a substantially transparent medium having a first refractive index (nint) and having a first surface (S1) that is convex, rounded, or faceted, and a second substantially planar surface (S2), the first surface separating the volume from a surrounding medium (MA) having a second refractive index (next) that is lower than the first index, the sample to be observed being contained inside the volume or being deposited on the first surface; b) observing the sample through the second substantially planar surface; and c) determining the presence of a substance or an object in the sample by detection during step b), a ring of light that correlates with the volume.

Abstract: A first apparatus (100) for processing a liquid sample is disclosed. The apparatus (100) includes a sample-receiving (120), a filtrate-receiving component (150), and an analyte-capture element (170). The apparatus (100) forms a liquid flow path through which the sample passes, thereby causing the analyte-capture element (170) to capture an analyte, if present. A method is disclosed whereby a liquid sample is passed through the first (100) apparatus and the analyte-capture element (170) is easily separated from the apparatus for further processing and detection of the analyte. A structurally-related second apparatus (200) for processing a plurality of liquid samples, and a corresponding method of use, also is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel broad spectrum strains of baker's yeast, i.e. yeast strains that are effective on both dough known as unsweetened dough and dough known as sweet dough.

Abstract: A method of filtering a liquid sample that includes passing a sample comprising at least one biological organism through a filter membrane at a passive water volume flux of at least 10 L/m2·h·psi, wherein the filter membrane comprises a Bubble Point pore size of no more than 1.0 ?m, thereby retaining at least one biological organism on the surface of the membrane; and detecting the at least one biological organism retained on the surface of the filter membrane.

Abstract: Provided is a biosensor including a scaffold and a dye complex, the dye complex including a clay material associated with a dye material, where the dye complex is at least partially embedded in the scaffold. Also provided is a process for preparing the biosensor, an apparatus including the biosensor and methods for detecting viable microorganisms in an aqueous fluid test sample making use of the biosensor, for predicting biofouling in a fluid flowing system and for determining a concentration of disinfectant required to disinfect an aqueous fluid.

Abstract: A method of and test mixture for detecting the presence or absence of a target microbe in a sample is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) providing a test mixture that includes micro particles, a substrate in an amount that is sufficient to support log phase growth of the target microbe until a detectable characteristic signal is produced in the test mixture and sample admixture, and an amount of vitamin, amino acid, element and salt ingredients; b) combining the powdered test mixture and sample to form the admixture; and c) detecting the presence or absence of target microbes in the sample based on the presence or absence of the detectable characteristic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mutants of lactic acid bacteria which are resistant towards the antibiotic D-cycloserine and/or functionally equivalent antibiotics and which were found to give an increased texture when grown in milk while maintaining the other growth properties of the parent strain. The present invention, furthermore, relates to compositions comprising such mutants, and to dairy products fermented with the lactic acid bacteria resistant towards D-cycloserine and/or functionally equivalent antibiotics.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor including a detection unit having a detection electrode and a polymer layer that is disposed on the detection electrode and includes a mold having a three-dimensional structure complementary to a steric structure of a microorganism to be detected. The sensor detects the microorganism based on a state of capturing the microorganism in the mold. The polymer layer is formed by a manufacturing method including: a polymerization step of polymerizing a monomer in the presence of the microorganism to be detected, to form the polymer layer having captured the microorganism on the detection electrode; a destruction step of partially destroying the microorganism captured in the polymer layer; and a peroxidation step of peroxidizing the polymer layer to release the microorganism from the polymer layer.

Abstract: A method is provided of applying a test sample to a fibrous pad containing growth media which uses unaccelerated dispersion and deposition of the microorganism.

Abstract: A biological material such as platelets is sealed inside a container with a dead space to accommodate a metabolic gas. The concentration of the gas in the dead space is monitored while the container remains sealed. In some embodiments, the container is permeable to the gas. In other embodiments, the biological material is the only growth medium in the container. The disposal of the biological material is in accordance with the monitored gas concentration. Preferably, the gas concentration is measured spectroscopically. A container for a biological material includes a main body that retains the biological material but that is permeable to a gas and a reservoir in fluid communication with the main body that is transparent to an optical wavelength that is absorbed by the gas.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system for inspecting cases of packages having a substance subject to spoilage. An electromagnetic signal (e.g., a terahertz frequency signal) is directed to each package in a case, and an attenuated signal is received and sampled to generate a set of data points corresponding to each package. A peak within each set of data points is detected, and the data points are shifted with respect to time to align the detected peaks with a predetermined time. The sets of shifted data points are compared to a mathematical model to determine whether the substance in the package is spoiled, and a labeling system marks cases containing spoiled substance.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for producing a three-dimensional tissue by cultivating eucaryotic cells by introducing the cells into a matrix and cultivating the cells within the matrix in a cell culture medium within a cell culture vessel under controlled dissolved oxygen conditions of the cell culture medium. The matrix contains a support containing an optical oxygen sensor, which is an oxygen-sensitive dye, which upon irradiation with an excitation wavelength changes its emission characteristics in dependence on the dissolved oxygen concentration in the surrounding medium, including a dye phosphorescing upon irradiation of an excitation wavelength, which phosphorescence is quenched by dissolved oxygen.

Abstract: In a measuring device, a production thereof, and a use thereof for magnetic flow cytometry, a microfluidic channel is disposed along an enrichment route such that a magnetically marked cell sample flowing through the microfluidic channel is aligned to magnetic guide strips, enriched by the magnetic field of a magnet at the floor of the channel, and guided past a sensor. The enrichment route is thereby implemented with the microfluidic channel on the packaging of the semiconductor chip carrying the sensor. This construction ensures a long enrichment route for high throughput of large sample volumes.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a microfluidic device for isolating cells from a biological fluid. The device comprises an inlet receiving the biological fluid flowed into the device, and at least one array of a plurality of isolation wells receiving the biological fluid from the inlet. At least one isolation well of the plurality of isolation wells comprises a cell trap of a size and shape suitable to mechanically isolate a cell within the cell trap. The cell trap comprises at least one gap of a size and shape suitable to prevent passage of the cells to be isolated but to permit passage of other components of the biological fluid through the cell trap.

Abstract: A quality control (“QC”) system for PET or SPECT radiopharmaceuticals is disclosed that contains a disposable, no-leakage, self-contained QC cassette, which interfaces with the QC system. The QC system may include a shield that substantially surrounds the cassette such that the area and the cassette are both shielded. The QC cassette may contain shielding also. The QC cassette contains components for conducting one or more QC tests. These components include sensor and devices for performing various QC tests on radiopharmaceuticals. The QC system may contain a number of sub-systems and devices for supporting the QC tests. The QC system may produce a QC report containing the test results.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting a plasmodium infection in a patient blood sample, wherein a differential analysis of the polymorphonuclear neutrophil granulocytes in the sample is performed, and the distribution of the cell volume and the cell density, the number of thrombocytes in the sample, and the distribution of the cell density of the thrombocytes in the sample is determined.

Abstract: Cyano-substituted anthracene containing polyamines were synthesized and shown to be efficient polyamine transporter ligands. Moreover, these compounds (3 and 4) had improved fluorescence properties over previously known anthryl-polyamine conjugates, which facilitated their intracellular trafficking by confocal microscopy and fluorescence methods. These cytotoxic fluorescent agents may find use as molecular probes which traffic into cells via the polyamine transport system and may also be viable anticancer drugs which are readily quantified in human tissues due to their excellent fluorescence properties: (excitation: ?405 nm) and emission (420 nm) occurs in the visible light range. The ability to excite and emit in the visible range provides an advantage to these probes as these wavelengths are considered non-toxic to human cells (versus ultraviolet mediated excitations, ?<400 nm) and visible light lasers are less costly to purchase and operate than UV laser sources.

Abstract: A method of differentiating tumors from healthy cells in tissue is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a marker-folate conjugate, placing the marker-folate conjugate in contact with the tissue and viewing the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the staining of fungi and microsporidia for observation with a light microscope based upon the presence of chitin in the composition of these organisms. With the method of the present invention a sample to be analyzed is treated with a solution of Ponceau S and Stains-all dye. The sample is then selectively decolorized and rinsed. The resulting sample is examined with a light microscope, or photographed for a permanent record, to identify the presence of a variety of microorganisms, to include fungi and microsporidia.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to concentrate cells onto microparticles, to concentrate the microparticles, and to detect the cells. The present invention also includes unitary sample preparation and detection devices to be used in accordance with the methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pH-tunable, highly activatable multicolored fluorescent nanoplatforms and methods of using the nanoplatforms in a variety of applications including, but not limited to, investigating fundamental cell physiological processes such as pH regulation in endocytic vesicles, endosome/lysosome maturation, and effect of pH on receptor cycling and trafficking of subcellular organelles.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to biophotonic sensors. An example of a biophotonic sensor may be an apparatus for analyzing a sample. The apparatus may include a substrate, aperiodic nanostructured protrusions disposed on the substrate, and a silk material deposited between the protrusions.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for detecting brain tumors and assessing the recurrence of such tumors by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) and detecting the conversion of 5-ALA to protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) associated with brain-derived microparticles.

Abstract: The present invention discloses therapeutic compositions and methods for treating a patient having a tumor disease. Methods, and dietary compositions thereof, for determining a diet regime for a patient with a tumor disease include the steps of: providing a sample of the patient; profiling at least one biochemical parameter of the sample using a biochemical analyzer to obtain a profile; identifying a biologically-active molecular feature of the profile; correlating the feature with a biochemical pathway related to the tumor's metabolism or proliferation; determining the diet regime specific to the patient, wherein the diet regime includes at least one biologically-active molecule corresponding to the feature of the profile; and administering the diet regime to the patient in a therapeutically-effective dosage. Preferably, the sample is selected from the group consisting of: a tumor sample, biological tissue, an organ sample, blood, blood serum, blood plasma, and urine.

Abstract: A microfilter comprising a polymer layer formed from photo-definable dry film, and a plurality of apertures each extending through the polymer layer. A microfilter comprising two or more polymer layers formed from photo-definable dry film, and a plurality of apertures or open areas each extending through the polymer layer. Methods of forming apertures in one or more layers of photo-definable dry film are also disclosed. Filter holder designs and methods appropriate to hold microfilters to collect the rare cells and to perform of assays in the filter holder are provided. Microfiltration chip designs and methods appropriate to collect the rare cells and to perform assays in the microfluidic chips are provided. The invention also describes the use of the microfilter, filter holder and microfilter chips to collect rare cells from body fluids and perform assays, and these rare cells can be used for medical and biological research applications.