Abstract: Disclosed are a nanoparticle sensor for measuring protease activity, for protease imaging, and a method for preparing the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a nanoparticle sensor for measuring protease activity in which a fluorophore- and a quencher-conjugated peptide substrate is conjugated to a biocompatible polymer nanoparticle. The peptide substrate is specifically lysed by a protease. The sensor according to the present invention is capable of inhibiting emission of fluorescence with high extinctive activity of the quencher on a fluorescent material. But strong fluorescence is specifically emitted only if the peptide substrate is lysed by a specific protease. Therefore, the sensor is especially useful as a method for screening a novel drug such as a protease overexpression inhibitor, and early diagnosis of incurable diseases and various diseases such as autoimmune diseases including cancer, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and dementia.

Abstract: A sensor system in a water treatment system has a housing, controller, one or more light sources, one or more sensors and one or more targets having an immobilized reagent thereon. Light source emits light energy into the housing that is incident upon the target with the immobilized reagent and the reagent being in contact with water from the system. The immobilized reagent interacts with a reactant in the water such that the interaction changes the state of the reagent. When energy from the light source is incident on the target with the immobilized reagent the energy shows a change detectable by the sensor such that the changed energy is detectable by and collected at the sensor and data on the energy is communicated to the controller. The data is then correlated as a representation of a desired variable to be measured for the water in the water treatment system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for screening human milk for an adulterant, e.g., non-human milk and infant formula, as well as methods of making human milk compositions free of an adulterant, e.g., human milk fortifiers and standardized human milk formulations.

Abstract: An apparatus sensing two or more reactants or analytes in a sample is provided. The apparatus has an one or more light sources emitting energy with two or more detection targets having an immobilized reagent within the target surface. One or more detectors are provided where the two or more detection targets having immobilized reagent thereon are in communication with the sample and the immobilized reagent interacts with the sample. Energy is incident on the targets from the at least one light source such that the energy is changed by the interaction and the change is in turn detected by the at least one detector and associated with a measurement of the level of the reactant or analyte in the sample. A method of making a sensing apparatus and a method of sensing using the sensing apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for imaging at least one eye with optical components and processing the image of the at least one eye to determine radiation exposure. An image of one or more eyes may be received. The systems and methods may distinguish blood cell types in the image; quantify circulating levels of a selected blood cell type; output a number of blood cells per volume of the selected blood cell type; and determine a radiation dose based on the number of blood cells per volume of the selected blood cell type.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods including a sonicator for sample preparation are provided. A sonicator may be used to mix, resuspend, aerosolize, disperse, disintegrate, or de-gas a solution. A sonicator may be used to disrupt a cell, such as a pathogen cell in a sample. Sample preparation may include exposing pathogen-identifying material by sonication to detect, identify, or measure pathogens. A sonicator may transfer ultrasonic energy to the sample solution by contacting its tip to an exterior wall of a vessel containing the sample. Multipurpose devices including a sonicator also include further components for additional actions and assays. Devices, and systems comprising such devices, may communicate with a laboratory or other devices in a system for sample assay and analysis. Methods utilizing such devices and systems are provided. The improved sample preparation devices, systems and methods are useful for analyzing samples, e.g. for diagnosing patients suffering from infection by pathogens.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compounds that are useful as near-infrared fluorescence probes, wherein the compounds include i) a pteroyl ligand that binds to a target receptor protein, ii) a dye molecule, and iii) a linker molecule that comprises an amino acid or derivative thereof. The disclosure further describes methods and compositions for making and using the compounds, methods incorporating the compounds, and kits incorporating the compounds.

Abstract: High conversion efficiency processes are disclosed for the anaerobic bioconversion of syngas to alcohol by microorganisms having metabolic processes that utilize sulfur in limited amounts. The processes remove hydrogen sulfide from the gas leaving the bioreactor assembly by forming sulfur compounds that are beneficial to the microorganisms. The sulfur compounds can be returned to the bioreactor assembly to meet a portion of microorganism sulfur demand.

Abstract: A method of detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) in a culture media is provided, in which, the culture media containing the MTBC and a biomarker, such as CFP-10, secreted from the MTBC is provided, the culture media is filtered to obtain a filtrate, detonation nanodiamond particles are mixed with the filtrate to form biomarker-loaded detonation nanodiamond particles, and a mass spectrometry analysis process is performed on the biomarker-loaded detonation nanodiamond particles for detecting the biomarker.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing a pathological condition by detecting microparticles in a sample of bodily fluid using dynamic light scattering (DLS) is disclosed. The detection of microparticles in the bodily fluid by DLS may be used as an indicator of existing disease, to evaluate a risk of disease, as well, as to monitor the efficacy of a treatment for disease.

Abstract: This invention is related to a reproducible identification method based on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), in which bacterial samples are used in identification of bacteria by mixing with the concentrated silver and gold nanoparticles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of diagnosing cancer on the basis of the quantitative analysis of blood or tissue isotopes, for example, such as 36S or 40K. The method can accurately diagnose cancer in a patient even when it is too small for current conventional technology to diagnose.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of diagnosing cancer on the basis of the quantitative analysis of blood or tissue isotopes, for example, such as 36S or 40K. The method can accurately diagnose cancer in a patient even when it is too small for current conventional technology to diagnose.

Abstract: A microorganism detecting device includes a light source that illuminates a particle with an excitation beam, a fluorescence detector that detects fluorescence produced by the particle, an evaluating portion that evaluates that the particle is a microorganism if there is a plurality of peaks in the fluorescence spectrum, and evaluates that the particle is a non-microorganism if there is a single peak in the fluorescence spectrum.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of diagnosing cancer on the basis of the quantitative analysis of blood or tissue isotopes, for example, such as 36S or 40K. The method can accurately diagnose cancer in a patient even when it is too small for current conventional technology to diagnose.

Abstract: A method of tracking and predicting the spread of micro-organisms in an environment relies on the optical detection of the growth of micro-organisms within an analyte containing a growth medium for the micro-organism(s) to be detected. Standardisation of the containers and growth medium for each micro-organism allows rapid detection of the growth pattern of particular organisms and the implementation of a regime of remote self-reporting of results from portable incubator units (1201) in the field which include a memory (1206) to store the results, a GPS unit (1204) to provide location information and a transmitter (1203) to send the results to a central plotting organisation allowing rapid tracking and prediction of the spread of environmentally borne organisms.

Abstract: A thin film culture plate device useful for detecting hemolysin-producing microorganisms is included. The device can further include selective agents and/or indicators to differentiate groups or species microorganisms. Methods of use include detecting or enumerating hemolysin-producing microorganisms.

Abstract: Methods for using focused light scattering techniques for the optical sensing of biological particles suspended in a liquid medium are disclosed. The optical sensing enables one to characterize particles size and/or distribution in a given sample. This, in turn, allows one to identify the biological particles, determine their relative particle density, detect particle shedding, and identify particle aggregation. The methods are also useful in screening and optimizing drug candidates, evaluating the efficacy and dosage levels of such drugs, and in personalized medicine applications.

Abstract: The present invention refers to articles for collecting samples from a surface, articles for microbiological analyses of said samples, and methods of use of said articles. The articles include sample collectors, sample housings with optional barrier layers, and sample-ready reagent strips comprising hydrophilic agents to grow and detect microorganisms. The disclosure includes methods to collect, detect, and quantify microorganisms in a surface sample.

Abstract: In response to the need for highly-sensitive antibiotic susceptibility assays and identification assays that do not require extensive incubation times, the present invention provides automated assay methods and systems that permit the determination of antibiotic susceptibilities and/or microorganism identification in a timeframe that is substantially shorter than has previously been attainable using a hybrid system that combines turbimetric and fluorescence determinations using a single, clear-plastic assay platform. Related devices, kits, and components thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of identifying geological materials of interest comprising (i) providing a nanoprobe composition comprising one or more nanoprobes; wherein the nanoprobe includes (a) at least one tag; and (b) at least one signal generator; (ii) introducing the nanoprobes to a geological material; and (iii) detecting the presence of a signal generated by the signal generator on association of the tag with a target. Nanoprobe compositions identify geological materials, systems include such nanoprobe compositions, and methods use such nanoprobe compositions for the evaluation of geological materials.

Abstract: The invention provides a new method for evaluating transfer embryos including blastocysts used for in vitro fertilization in fertility treatment, and a method for evaluating transfer embryos using a new biomarker necessary for evaluation. The method comprises the steps of (a) providing a test object, for example, a culture solution of a human blastocyst, containing norepinephrine (noradrenaline) released from a transfer embryo, such as a human blastocyst, obtained from a subject; (b) quantitatively analyzing norepinephrine in the test object by a combination of ultra high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry or the like; (c) predicting the quality of the transfer embryo based on the amount of norepinephrine from analysis results obtained; and (d) transferring the embryo into a suitable female recipient for implantation, if the transfer embryo is predicted to be of good quality and/or to lead to the establishment of a viable pregnancy based on step (c).

Abstract: Herein are provided, inter alia, compositions including boronic esters, which in the presence of H2O2, provide for the detection of ROS compounds such as endogenous H2O2 and methods of using the compositions to detect ROS compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi-dimensional sensors with fluidic flow channels for processing fluid samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wound dressing or a wound swab, which allows the detection of at least three enzymes selected from the group consisting of lysosyme, elastase, cathepsin G and myeloperoxidase using colored substrate agents for these enzymes. These enzyme substrates can be bound to medically acceptable polymers or fibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous water monitoring system, including components thereof, and a method relating thereto for continuously monitoring, in real-time, a water supply in order to detect contaminants therein. The system employs the use of a live culture of bioluminescent bacteria and suitable light detecting means.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of treating a muscle disease and improving normal muscle function by administering a therapeutically effective amount of an isoprenoid antibiotic. Also disclosed are methods of upregulating hnRNP L and hnRNP L targets by administering a therapeutically effective amount of an isoprenoid antibiotic. Methods of screening compounds for use in treating muscle disease and improving muscle function are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods an compositions for the detection of plant exposure to plant pathogens. The methods relate to determining the identity of peptides isolated from the surface of plant starch granules.

Abstract: An optical element includes a metal layer having a thickness in a first direction; metallic particles spaced apart from the metal layer in the first direction; and a light transmitting layer separating the metal layer from the metallic particles. The metallic particles are disposed in a lattice shape in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction. A distance between adjacent metal particles in the second and third directions is S, and 6 nm<S<40 nm.

Abstract: A method for indentifying test agents that exhibit prebiotic activity on human skin commensal microorganisms and cosmetic compositions that include such agents. The method includes providing a test culture of a test agent, a human skin commensal microorganism and a minimal carbon medium. The method provides a time efficient and cost effective way to predict in vivo prebiotic activity of a test agent on skin commensal microorganisms.

Abstract: Systems and methods analyzing body fluids such as blood and bone marrow are disclosed. The systems and methods may utilize an improved technique for applying a monolayer of cells to a slide to generate a substantially uniform distribution of cells on the slide. Additionally aspects of the invention also relate to systems and methods for utilizing multi color microscopy for improving the quality of images captured by a light receiving device.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for detecting, screening and sampling of cells are disclosed.

Abstract: Hematopoietic stem cells and methods for ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem cells are provided. The methods comprise culturing the cells in a media containing an effective amount insulin-like growth factor (IGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), thrombopoietin (TPO), and stem cell factor (SCF), under conditions sufficient for expansion of said cells. Methods for identifying expanded hematopoeitic stem cells and kits for ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic stem cells are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein is a composition for detection of a microbial product in a sample comprising a polydiacetylene (PDA) and a packaging polymer, wherein the sample contacts the PDA and a change of PDA color indicates detection. Also provided herein are methods of making a packaging material comprising a PDA and methods of using the composition for detection of a microbial product in a sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to global transcription machinery engineering to produce altered cells having improved phenotypes.

Abstract: Chromophore compositions and methods of making and using the same are provided. Aspects of the chromophore compositions include a chromophore component having a chromophore, such as a fluorescent dye moiety, stably associated with a prosthetic group binding cavity of a metalloprotein. Also provided are methods of making, methods of use, systems and kits related to the subject fluorescent compositions.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for making rat pluripotent and totipotent cells, including rat embryonic stem (ES) cells. Compositions and methods for improving efficiency or frequency of germline transmission of genetic modifications in rats are provided. Such methods and compositions comprise an in vitro culture comprising a feeder cell layer and a population of rat ES cells or a rat ES cell line, wherein the in vitro culture conditions maintain pluripotency of the ES cell and comprises a media having mouse leukemia inhibitor factor (LIF) or an active variant or fragment thereof. Various methods of establishing such rat ES cell lines are further provided. Methods of selecting genetically modified rat ES cells are also provided, along with various methods to generate a transgenic rat from the genetically modified rat ES cells provided herein. Various kits and articles of manufacture are further provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns the field of recombinant gene engineering. It concerns novel introns and compositions comprising such introns as well as a method to improve expression of polypeptides from nucleic acids such as cloned genes with heterologous introns, especially genes encoding antibodies and antibody derived fragments, and the production of various polypeptides in eukaryotic host cells using said novel intron sequences as heterologous introns.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and kits comprising a therapeutic agent linked to a cleavable substrate, wherein the cleavable substrate is capable of being cleaved by cathepsin E. Also provided are methods of treating one or more symptoms of a disease or disorder characterized by expression of cathepsin E in a subject and methods of eliminating a cancer cell characterized by expression of cathepsin E using the provided compositions and kits. Further provided herein are methods of detecting the presence of a cancer cell or detecting a cathepsin E expressing cell using a photosensitizer linked to a cleavable substrate, wherein the cleavable substrate is capable of being cleaved by cathepsin E.

Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, methods for detecting whether a subject has an infection. These methods include (a) incubating a test sample from a subject suspected of having an infection with a labeled molecule, such as a labeled nucleoside analog, that is preferentially incorporated into a pathogenic microorganism for a period of time sufficient for the pathogenic microorganism to incorporate the labeled molecule; (b) removing any unincorporated labeled molecule from the test sample; and (c) detecting the labeled molecule within the pathogenic microorganism, if any, in the test sample, wherein the presence of labeled molecule within the pathogenic microorganism indicates that the subject has an infection.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials involved obtaining induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. For example, methods and materials for increasing the efficiency for making iPS cells as well as methods and materials for selecting iPS cells are provided.

Abstract: A process comprises (a) providing (1) at least one sample suspected of comprising at least one coliform strain, (2) at least one culture device comprising at least one culture medium that is hydrated or hydratable, and (3) at least one particulate concentration agent that is substantially optically transparent when in contact with the culture medium in the culture device when the culture medium is hydrated; (b) placing the particulate concentration agent in contact with the sample such that at least a portion of the coliform strain is bound to the particulate concentration agent to form coliform-bound particulate concentration agent; (c) placing the coliform-bound particulate concentration agent in contact with the culture medium; (d) incubating the culture device comprising the coliform-bound particulate concentration agent in contact with the culture medium, the culture medium being hydrated; and (e) optically detecting the presence of the coliform strain without separating the coliform strain from the part

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits for determining the developmental potential of one or more embryos are provided. These methods, compositions and kits find use in identifying embryos in vitro that are most useful in treating infertility in humans.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for detecting the oncogenic condition of cells, including step where the amount of the OCDO compound in said cells is measured, and to the uses thereof. The invention further relates to OCDO inhibitors for use in methods for treating cancer.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits for determining the developmental potential of one or more embryos are provided. These methods, compositions and kits find use in identifying embryos in vitro that are most useful in treating infertility in humans.

Abstract: A device and method for particle separation. The device includes at least one collimated light source operable to generate at least one collimated light source beam. The device further includes a first channel in a first plane and a focused particle stream nozzle operably connected to the first channel. The device further includes a second channel in a second plane orthogonal to the first plane. The second channel communicates with the first channel. The second channel comprises a second channel cross-section. The second channel is oriented to receive the collimated light source beam. The device further includes a third channel in a third plane orthogonal to the second plane. The third channel communicates with the second channel. The collimated light source beam is oriented to enter a cross-section of the first channel, then to pass through the second channel, and then to enter a cross-section of the third channel.

Abstract: A dialysis like therapeutic (DLT) device is provided. The DLT device includes at least one source channel connected at least one collection channels by one or more transfer channels. Fluid contacting surface of the channels can be an anti-fouling surface such as slippery liquid-infused porous surface (SLIPS). Fluids can be flown at high flow rates through the channels. The target components of the source fluid can be magnetic or bound to magnetic particles using an affinity molecule. A source fluid containing magnetically bound target components can be pumped through the source channel of the microfluidic device. A magnetic field gradient can be applied to the source fluid in the source channel causing the magnetically bound target components to migrate through the transfer channel into the collection channel. The collection channel can include a collection fluid to flush the target components out of the collection channel. The target components can be subsequently analyzed for detection and diagnosis.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting and characterizing motion-related error of moving micro-entities are described. Motion-related error may occur in streams of moving micro-entities, and may represent a deviation in and expected arrival time or an uncertainty in position of a micro-entity. Motion-related error of micro-entities is observed in a flow cytometer, e.g., as pulse jitter, and is found to have a functional dependence on a parameter related to a system clock. The motion-related error may be characterized by correlating measurements of micro-entities moving within a fluid stream.

Abstract: A multi-channel system and methods for sorting particles according to one or more characteristics of the particles. The system includes multiple flow cytometry units, each unit can have a nozzle for producing a fluid stream containing a desired population of particles in a mixture of particles. Each of the units may be operable to sort said desired population of particles by interrogating the fluid stream with a beam of electromagnetic radiation and classifying particles based on one or more characteristics of the particles. The system also includes a common fluid delivery system for delivering sheath fluid to each flow cytometer unit for producing respective fluid streams.

Abstract: Viable Gram-negative bacteria or components thereof comprising outer membranes that substantially lack a ligand, such as Lipid A or 6-acyl lipidpolysaccharide, that acts as an agonist of TLR4/MD-2. The bacteria may comprise reduced activity of arabinose-5-phosphate isomerases and one or more suppressor mutations, for example in a transporter thereby increasing the transporter's capacity to transport lipid IVA or in membrane protein YhjD. One or more genes (e.g., lpxL, lpxM, pagP, lpxP, and/or eptA) may be substantially deleted and/or one or more enzymes (e.g., LpxL, LpxM, PagP, LpxP, and/or EptA) may be substantially inactive. The bacteria may be competent to take up extracellular DNA, may be donor bacteria, or may be members of a library. The present invention also features methods of creating and utilizing such bacteria.