Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure feature a filtration system comprising a filtration module for particle filtration and methods of using the device for the isolation of particles (e.g., viable cells). Advantageously, embodiments of the device provide for the high throughput filtration of large volumes of sample while preserving cell viability and providing high yields.

Abstract: A device and method for analyte detection is provided. In an embodiment, the device includes a multi-layer filter configured to receive a fluid-borne sample including at least one analyte in combination with one or more non-analyte components. The multi-layer filter includes a sample preparation layer configured to dissolve upon receiving a portion of the fluid-borne sample to produce a solution including at least a portion of the fluid-borne sample. The device also includes an analysis cartridge for determining a presence and/or a concentration of the analyte in the solution. The device may be configured as a wearable mask or as a part of a ventilation system. In some embodiments, the analyte is detected using a polymerase chain reaction and a detectable marker. The device and method may be used to quickly detect the presence of an analyte in real-time and on-location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting at least one target microorganism that may be present in a sample, comprising the steps of: a) bringing into contact, in a container: said sample, a medium that enables the growth of the target microorganism(s), and a cell population capable of being lysed by the target microorganism(s); b) subjecting the whole to a temperature that promotes the growth of the target microorganism(s); and c) observing, in real time, lysis of the cell population indicating the presence of the target microorganism(s). The present invention also relates to a method for detecting and identifying at least one target microorganism that may be present in a sample.

Abstract: A method of detecting antibodies to syphilis antigens includes providing a syphilis detection kit having a screening solid-phase platform with a screening portion coated with non-treponemal syphilis antigens. The screening portion is fabricated by initially dissolving cholesterol in an organic solvent and further diluting the dissolved cholesterol in an ethanol solution comprising cardiolipin and lecithin to form an antigen solution, permitting the antigen solution to evaporate at the screening portion and at least partially coating the screening portion with an antigen coating, and stabilizing the antigen coating into a syphilis antigen complex by overcoating the antigen coating with an overcoat solution comprising an inert protein.

Abstract: A separation device is disclosed along with systems and methods employing the device in blood processing procedures. In one embodiment, a spinning membrane separator is provided. Automated systems and methods are disclosed for separating a unit of previously-collected whole blood into selected blood components, such as concentrated red cells and plasma, including prediction of the hematocrit of the whole blood using a light source and an optical sensor.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders are described. Methods include culturing a cell sample of a test subject with a tryptophan-containing energy source and examining the culture to determine the ability of the cells of the test subject to properly metabolize tryptophan. A determination that a subject does not properly metabolize tryptophan is an indication that the subject may be afflicted with autism. Methods can be utilized as a quick and reliable diagnostic tool for autism spectrum disorders and may provide a unifying model for the genetic heterogeneity of autism spectrum disorders.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of identifying an agent that modulates an NFAT regulator protein. One such method comprises contacting at least one test agent with a recombinant cell comprising at least one NFAT regulator protein or fragment or derivative thereof, assessing the effect of the test agent on an activity, interaction, expression, or binding to the NFAT regulator protein or fragment or derivative thereof, and identifying the test agent that has an effect on an activity, interaction, expression, or binding to the NFAT regulator protein or fragment or derivative thereof, whereby the identified test agent is characterized as an agent that modulates an NFAT regulator protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of prophylaxis and therapy of metastatic cancer. In particular there is provided a protein; Ras Homology gene family, member C (RhoC) or peptide fragments thereof that are capable of eliciting anti-cancer immune responses. Specifically, the invention relates to use of RhoC or peptides derived thereof or RhoC specific T-cells for treatment of metastatic cancer. Hence, the invention in one aspect relates to RhoC specific T-cells adoptively transferred or induced in vivo by vaccination as a treatment of cancer. Also the use of RhoC and immunogenic peptide fragments hereof in cancer treatment, diagnosis and prognosis is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of synthesizing hydrogels that contain covalently linked polypeptides. These polypeptides may be tetravalent peptides or polypeptides that bind to cell surface receptors. The hydrogels synthesized by the methods of the present invention may be used in wound dressings or applied directly to wounds to promote healing.

Abstract: Devices based on metamaterial structures to guide and manipulate light, other electromagnetic radiation and acoustic waves. For example, a lens can include a metamaterial structure comprising nano structures of metallic and dielectric materials; and a plasmonic waveguide coupler formed over the metamaterial structure for coupling electromagnetic radiation to or from metamaterial structure. The metamaterial structure has an anisotropic structure and the plasmonic waveguide coupler is structured to include metal and non-metal parts to support surface plasmon polaritons and to cause different phase delays at different locations of an interface with the metamaterial structure in a way that the metamaterial structure and the plasmonic waveguide coupler effect a lens for performing a Fourier transform of the electromagnetic radiation coupled between the metamaterial structure and the plasmonic waveguide coupler.

Abstract: A nucleic acid analysis reaction cell and a nucleic acid analyzer are provided, in which a uniform flow rate is realized, so that a portion where a flow rate is low is removed and washing time for reagent removal is shortened. A flow path (103) is provided which includes a detection area (108) for detecting sequence information of a nucleic acid fragment and detection outer areas (107) disposed at both ends of the detection area (108). An inflow port (105) is provided in one of the detection outer areas (107) and a discharge port (106) is provided in the other of the detection outer areas (107). The detection outer areas (107) disposed at both the ends of the detection area (108) are areas whose widths become narrow toward ends, and guides (104) for branching a liquid are provided in at least the detection outer area (107) in which the inflow port (105) is provided.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods for differentiating between mammals having active and latent Tuberculosis disease, by determining the percentage of polyfunctional CD4+ T-cells expressing TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, and IL-2, or by determining expression of IL-17.

Abstract: The subject invention provides point-of-care assays for assessing the topographical distribution of microbial biofilm and/or specific microorganisms in wounds.

Abstract: Provided is a cell culture apparatus, an apparatus for long-term observation of cell culture, a method for long-term cell culture, and a method for long-term observation of cell culture, which are capable of continuously culturing and observing cells under uniform environmental conditions without aging of the cultured cells' physiological state, and also tracing the history of a cell. The cell culture apparatus comprises a cell culture substrate, a semipermeable membrane, and a culture solution supplier. The cell culture substrate has on a surface a narrow culture groove for holding and culturing cells and wide flow grooves for discarding the cells held and cultured in the culture groove. Both ends of the culture groove are connected to the flow grooves being larger in width and depth than the culture groove. The semipermeable membrane covers the culture groove and the flow grooves. Finally, the culture solution supplier continuously supplies culture solution.

Abstract: The invention concerns stable nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD/NADH) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP/NADPH) derivatives, enzyme complexes of these derivatives and their use in biochemical detection methods and reagent matrices.

Abstract: The present invention provides biomarkers and a method for diagnosing a liver disease in a subject such as steatosis, inflammatory liver disease, NASH, and NAFLD. The invention also relates to tools for carrying out the aforementioned methods, such as diagnostic devices.

Abstract: The invention provides a nucleotide or nucleoside having a base attached to a detectable label via a cleavable linker, characterized in that the cleavable linker contains a moiety selected from the group comprising: Formula (I) (wherein X is selected from the group comprising O, S, NH, and NQ wherein Q is a C1-10 substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, Y is selected from the group comprising O, S, NH, and N(allyl), T is hydrogen or a C1-10 substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group and * indicates where the moiety is connected to the remainder of the nucleotide or nucleoside).

Abstract: A cell image segmentation method includes receiving a cell image, performing a nuclei initialization step to find an internal marker and an external marker to obtain a potential nuclei and a potential cell boundary, calculating a gradient map of the received cell image, performing a filtering step on the gradient map to generate a filtered gradient map, performing a nuclei detection step to obtain a segmented nuclei, and performing a nuclei validation step to obtain a valid nuclei. The nuclei initialization step includes performing a blob detection step to obtain a nuclei candidate, an outlier removal step to obtain the internal marker, a distance transform step to obtain a distance map, and a cell boundary initialization step to obtain the external marker. In another embodiment, a nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio evaluation method using the above cell image segmentation method is proposed.

Abstract: This application relates to methods and materials for providing a benefit to a seed or seedling of an agricultural plant (e.g., an agricultural grass plant), or the agricultural plant derived from the seed or seedling. For example, this application provides purified bacterial populations that include novel seed-origin bacterial endophytes, and synthetic combinations of seeds and/or seedlings (e.g., cereal seeds and/or seedlings) with heterologous seed-derived bacterial endophytes.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for detecting the presence of viable cells in a sample. Included are compositions and methods for increasing the sensitivity of a nucleic acid amplification test for determining the presence of at least one target microorganism in a sample. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for detecting ribosomal RNA precursors (pre-rRNA) as dynamic indicators of viable microorganisms in a sample.

Abstract: A method for producing an accumulated product of a nano-substance that enables the accumulated product of the nano-substance to be produced at low cost, by a simple process that requires few conditions to be controlled and requires minimal energy, and with good reproducibility. Specifically, a method for producing an accumulated product of a nano-substance, the method including crystallizing a protein in a state where the protein and the nano-substance co-exist within a solvent, thereby accumulating the nano-substance within pores of the protein crystals to obtain the accumulated product of the nano-substance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining segmented images of the stained regions may comprise quantifying the extent of the presence of staining of a biomarker in an original image of a sample, which may comprise selecting a domain swatch of data based upon a user specified domain knowledge; clustering the data within the original image by conducting a frequency weighted mean shift of the data within the original image to convergence, forming a hierarchical plurality of layers each having a different data resolution to form a hierarchical data pyramid; segmenting the plurality of mean shifted data images to determine in each mean shifted data image within the hierarchical data pyramid data not excluded as outside of the swatch; mapping the data not excluded as outside the swatch spatially back to the original image to create a final image; and, storing the final image on a storage medium for further analysis.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn toward a lateral-flow, colorimetric, gelatinase assay including a sample pad, a reagent pad, a membrane, and an absorbent pad, in that order, wherein the reagent pad has therein a dried form of gelatin-coated nanoparticles in a salt and sugar matrix, and wherein the membrane portion has a test stripe and a control stripe, such that the test stripe is a solution of electrolyte evaporated into a layer, and the control stripe is a solution of anti-gelatin antibody evaporated into a layer. The present invention is also drawn toward a method of detecting one or more gelatinases in a sample fluid using the assay, and methods of determining treatment for wound healing, cancer, ocular rosacea, periodontal disease and equine arthritis using the assay.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a novel method of sorting seed by providing a first seed population with a fluorescent indicator and a second seed population visually identical to the first seed population under standard operating conditions. The seed populations are combined to provide a combined seed population. A lamp having an output corresponding to the activation wavelength of the fluorescent indicator and a color sorting system are paired to count or separate the seed populations, as desired.

Abstract: A testing container is described having a vessel with a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end. The first end forms an opening into the vessel. The sidewall has one or more protrusions extending inwardly therefrom. The one or more protrusions form a gap having a width in a range between 2-4 mm, and the one or more protrusions have sufficient strength to withstand lateral pressure of a swab positioned in the gap relative to the one or more protrusions and to remove a head of the swab.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to determine whether a patient with a lysosomal storage disorder win benefit from treatment with a specific pharmacological chaperone. The present invention exemplifies an in vitro method for determining ?-galactosidase A responsiveness to a pharmacological chaperone such as 1-deoxygalactonojirimycin in a cell line expressing a mutant from of ?-galactosidase A. The invention also provides a method for diagnosing Fabry disease in patients suspected of having Fabry disease.

Abstract: White blood cell products and storage media for white blood cells are disclosed. The storage medium includes sodium chloride, sodium acetate, sodium citrate, sodium phosphate, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, and glucose. White blood cells stored in such medium remain viable for at least up to 72 hours.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions, and kits for storing and enhancing the activity of polymerases and particularly thermostable polymerases. The methods comprise mixing a thermostable polymerase with at least one zwitterionic or ylide surfactant that has at least one PEO group. In another aspect the polymerase is mixed with a blocker such as PLURONIC® or TETRONIC® or an amine N-oxide derivative thereof. The thermostable polymerase may be reversibly inactivated by treatment with 2-(Methylsulfonyl)ethyl 4-nitrophenyl carbonate. Compositions and kits for performing the process according to the invention are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for analyzing, selecting, characterizing or classifying compositions of a co-polymer, e.g., glatiramer acetate are described. The methods entail analysis of pyro-glutamate in the composition, and, in some methods, comparing the amount of pyro-glutamate present in a composition to a reference standard.

Abstract: A molecular biosensor is provided including a lipid vesicle and a housing wherein the vesicle is contained on or within the housing and where the housing has a portion capable of transmitting a force generated, external to the housing to the vesicle. The biosensor is used in processes of detecting the presence or absence of an event force such as a blast or blunt force sufficient to produce a medical complication such as traumatic brain injury.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition or an anticancer agent for preventing and treating non-small cell lung cancer, containing a substance for regulating the expression or activity of transmembrane 4 L six family member 4 (TM4SF4). More specifically, the present invention relates to a use of a substance for regulating the expression or activity of TM4SF4 as an anticancer drug or an anticancer agent with respect to non-small cell lung cancer, wherein it was ascertained that it is possible to decrease the growth, metastasis, and infiltration of adenocarcinoma cells and radioresistance by decreasing the expression of TM4SF4 in adenocarcinoma among non-small cell lung cancers and to decrease the growth, metastasis, and infiltration of the cells and radioresistance by increasing the expression of TM4SF4 in other non-small cell lung cancers except adenocarcinoma.

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 analyzes 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 invention describes inhibitors of extracellular Hsp90. The inhibition of extracellular Hsp90 leads to a reduction of the invasiveness of the tumor cells. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of molecules inhibiting extracellular Hsp90 function for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of invasion and/or metastatic potential of cancer cells.

Abstract: A method for site-specific detection and early diagnosis of periodontal disease using periodontal pocket fluid biomarkers is disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of isolating ferritin from plant and animal material. The isolated ferritin can be administered to humans or animals in need of iron, and can be used to treat or supplement iron deficiency. The isolated ferritin can be used in industrial applications, such as increasing the iron content in heat-processed food or beverages. The methods of the invention also include quantitation of iron derived from plant or animal ferritin.

Abstract: This invention is related to the field of the prevention and treatment of kidney disease. The treatment of kidney disease may be tailored depending upon the need for, or expectation of, long-term dialysis. For example, prediction of long-term dialysis treatment can be determined by monitoring urine biomarkers related to the development of chronic kidney disease. For example, a normalized time course of hyaluronic acid can be used to determine whether a patient having suffered acute kidney injury will require long-term dialysis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for screening a substance inhibiting inflammatory skin aging, comprising: treating an immune cell with an inflammatory stimulant; treating a skin cell with a candidate substance; treating the skin cell treated with the candidate substance, with the immune cell treated with the inflammatory stimulant; and measuring the concentration of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) in the skin cell treated with the immune cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preventing clumping of cells in microfluidic devices by addition of diazolidinyl urea (DU). DU can be added to samples at the time of collection or can be added to samples post-collection. DU can also be pre-added to sample collection devices.

Abstract: Methods for detecting an infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in a subject are disclosed. The methods include detecting the presence of CD8+ T cells that specifically recognize an Mtb polypeptide. The methods include in vitro assays for detecting the presence of CD8+ T cells in a biological sample, and in vivo assays that detect a delayed type hypersensitivity reaction. The methods can also include detecting Mtb polypeptides and polynucleotides. Reagents for the detection of an Mtb infection are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides molecular biosensors capable of signal amplification, and methods of using the molecular biosensors to detect the presence of a target molecule.

Abstract: A method for digesting biological cells in a reaction container includes treating the cells with pressure pulses. The pressure pulses are generated by at least one eddy current actuator in conjunction with an electric conductor arranged on or in the reaction container.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a label-free viscosity-based analyte detection system using paramagnetic beads as an asynchronous magnetic bead rotation (AMBR) microviscometer. It is disclosed herein that the bead rotation period is linearly proportional to the viscosity of a solution comprising analytes surrounding the paramagnetic bead. Optical measurement of asynchronous microbead motion determines solution viscosity precisely in microscale volumes, thus allowing an estimate of analyte concentration. The results demonstrate the feasibility of viscosity-based analyte detection using AMBR in microscale aqueous volumes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a calibration method of a sensor unit connected to a reaction vessel, wherein the sensor unit comprises at least one sensor device configured to be calibrated, at least one compartment containing a calibrating agent, and a housing. The method comprising inserting a sensitive element of the at least one sensor device into a compartment of the sensor unit containing a calibrating agent, withdrawing the sensitive element from the compartment; inserting the sensitive element into the reaction vessel and locking the sensor device in position, wherein the steps of the method are irreversible.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for promoting a conversion in stem cells or cells derived therefrom from glycolysis to aerobic respiration and its associated pathways, including oxidative phosphorylation, the TCA cycle, fatty acid oxidation, and pyruvate decarboxylation, for example. In specific embodiments, certain media is employed to improve metabolic maturation of particular stem cell-derived cells, including human embryonic stem cells and human induced pluripotent stem cells, for example. Particular media comprises media without glucose or optionally without pyruvate, with fatty acids, with L-carnitine, with taurine, creatine, non-essential amino acids, L-glutamine, and with anti-oxidants or free-radical scavengers, for example.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for cancer treatment comprising compounds of Formulae I, II, and III. In some aspects, the invention relates to the treatment of B-cell Lymphoma or other hematopoietic cancers. In other aspects, the invention provides methods for treating particular types of hematopoietic cancers, such as, for example, B-cell lymphoma, using a combination of one or more compounds of Formulae I, II, and III. Combination therapy with, for example, 26S proteasome inhibitors, such as, for example, Bortezomib, are also included. In another aspect the present invention relates to autoimmune treatment with compounds of Formulae I, II, and III. In another aspect, this invention relates to methods for identifying compounds, for example, compounds of the BH3 mimic class, that have in vitro properties that predict in vivo efficacy against B-cell lymphoma tumors and other cancers as well as autoimmune disease.

Abstract: A method may involve forming one or more photoresist layers over a sensor located on a structure, such that the sensor is covered by the one or more photoresist layers. The sensor is configured to detect an analyte. The method may involve forming a first polymer layer. Further, the method may involve positioning the structure on the first polymer layer. Still further, the method may involve forming a second polymer layer over the first polymer layer and the structure, such that the structure is fully enclosed by the first polymer layer, the second polymer layer, and the one or more photoresist layers. The method may also involve removing the one or more photoresist layers to form a channel through the second polymer layer, wherein the sensor is configured to receive the analyte via the channel.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for analyzing structure and/or composition of N-glycans. Such methods often involve digestion of N-glycans with multiple exoglycosidases. In some embodiments, N-glycans are digested with multiple exoglycosidases simultaneously. In some embodiments, N-glycans are digested with multiple exoglycosidases sequentially. In some embodiments, methods in accordance with the present disclosure involve comparison of cleavage products of N-glycans that have been digested with multiple exoglycosidases simultaneously to N-glycans that have been digested with multiple exoglycosidases sequentially.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and assay useful for determining the sensitivity of the cells of a subject to genetic damage from electromagnetic radiation. The assay may comprise a substrate suitable for mounting a sample of lymphocytes from a subject and an electromagnetic radiation source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides, preferably from Drosophila melanogaster (DmShaI) as target for insecticides.

Abstract: Methods for diagnosing and treating cancer associated with an oncogenic Kras mutation in a subject are provided.