Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for non-invasively detecting EGFR gene mutations in subjects, comprising the following steps: designing primers according to EGFR gene exons; extracting plasma DNAs in subjects; connecting the extracted plasma DNAs with tagging linkers; PCR pre-amplifying the tagging linkers connected plasma DNAs; cyclising the pre-amplified DNAs to obtain cyclised DNAs; PCR amplifying the cyclised DNAs using the designed primers; and high throughput sequencing the PCR amplified product and analyzing the EGFR gene mutations. The present invention also discloses a corresponding kit.

Abstract: The present invention provides members that produce on a large scale a coenzyme-linked glucose dehydrogenase which has excellent substrate-recognizing ability toward glucose while providing low action on maltose. The present invention relates to a polynucleotide encoding a soluble coenzyme-linked glucose dehydrogenase that catalyzes the oxidation of glucose in the presence of an electron acceptor and has an activity toward maltose of 5% or lower; a polypeptide encoded by the nucleotide sequence of the polynucleotide; a recombinant vector carrying the polynucleotide; a transformed cell produced using the recombinant vector; a method for producing a polypeptide comprising culturing the transformed cell and collecting from the cultivated products a polypeptide that links to FAD to exert the glucose dehydration activity; a method for determination of glucose using the polypeptide; a reagent composition for determination of glucose; and a biosensor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel methods and kits to be employed for preparing adapter-ligated amplicons or a sequencing library of a target DNA, respectively.

Abstract: Methods of forming a library of polynucleotide templates for DNA sequencing are disclosed. The methods include distributing a nucleic acid sample into different droplets in a set of emulsion droplets. The droplets into which the polynucleotide species are distributed include primers which binds to the polynucleotide species and are extended by a polymerase contained within the droplet. A set of extended primers are created simultaneously in a large number of droplets. An enriched set of extended primers are distributed into a second set of emulsion droplets containing a second primer which is extended by a polymerase contained within the second set of droplets.

Abstract: In various embodiments a molecular circuit is disclosed. The circuit comprises a negative electrode, a positive electrode spaced apart from the negative electrode, and a binding probe molecule conductively attached to both the positive and negative electrodes to form a circuit having a conduction pathway through the binding probe. In various examples, the binding probe is an antibody, the Fab domain of an antibody, a protein, a nucleic acid oligomer hybridization probe, or an aptamer. The circuit may further comprise molecular arms used to wire the binding probe to the electrodes. In various embodiments, the circuit functions as a sensor wherein electrical signals, such as changes to voltage, current, impedance, conductance, or resistance in the circuit, are measured as targets interact with the binding probe. In various embodiments, the circuit provides a means to measure the presence, absence, or concentration of an analyte in a solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of gastric cancer. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and compositions for diagnosing and treating gastric cancer. In a specific embodiment, a method for diagnosing gastric cancer or a likelihood thereof in a patient comprises the steps of (a) providing a sample from the patient; (b) measuring the methylation levels of one or more biomarkers in the sample collected from the patient; and (c) predicting gastric cancer in the patient if the biomarkers are hypermethylated. In a more specific embodiment, the one or more biomarkers comprises tight junction protein claudin-1 1 (CLD-N11), the transcription factor BarH-like homeobox (BARX1), basonuclin1 (BNC1), Coagulation factor C homolog (COCH), filamin C gamma (FLNC), cytoglobin B (CYGB), glutamine-fructose-6-phospahe-transaminase-2 (GFPT2), heat-shock-70 kDa protein-6 (HSPA6), snail homolog 1 (SNAL1), skin calmodulin-related factor (SCARF), and tumor protein p53 binding protein 2 (TP53BP2).

Abstract: Reagents and methods for the analysis of nucleic acids (e.g. genomic DNA) of circulating microparticles (i.e. microparticles originating from blood) are provided. The methods comprise linking at least two fragments of a target nucleic acid of a circulating microparticle to produce a set of at least two linked fragments of the target nucleic acid. In the methods, fragments of a target nucleic acid may be linked by techniques such as barcoding, partitioning, ligation and/or separate sequencing. The sequencing of a set of linked fragments provides a set of informatically linked sequence reads corresponding to the sequences of fragments from a single microparticle.

Abstract: Displaying a comparison of genetic data is disclosed, including receiving an indication of a first individual, receiving an indication of a second individual, retrieving the genotypic information for the first individual and the second individual, comparing the genotypic information of the first individual and the second individual, displaying an indication of the comparison of the genotypic information of the first individual and the second individual graphically. A first graphical symbol is used to display an indication of the genome regions for which the first individual and the second individual are identical. A second graphical symbol is used to display an indication of the genome regions for which the first individual and the second individual are half identical.

Abstract: Presented herein are methods and compositions for analyzing rare nucleic acid species. Some methods presented herein use DNA reassociation kinetics following thermal denaturation to define populations of nucleic acid sequences, e.g., highly abundant (e.g., cDNA from rRNA), moderately abundant, and less abundant or rare sequences (e.g., cDNA from mRNA).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to mammalian multipotent adult stem cells (MASC), and more specifically to methods for obtaining, maintaining and differentiating MASC to cells of multiple tissue types. Uses of MASC in the therapeutic treatment of disease are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to RNAi agents, e.g., double-stranded RNAi agents, targeting the hepatitis D virus (HDV) genome, and methods of using such RNAi agents to inhibit expression of one or more HBV genes and methods of treating subjects having an HDV infection and/or HDV-associated disorder.

Abstract: This disclosure describes recombinant cells and methods for microbial biosynthesis of ent-atiserenoic acid. Thus, in one aspect, this disclosure describes a recombinant cell genetically modified to exhibit increased biosynthesis of ent-atiserenoic acid compared to a comparable control cell. In some cases, the recombinant cell can include a host cell modified to include at least one heterologous polynucleotide encoding at least one enzyme in a biosynthetic pathway that produces ent-atiserenoic acid. In some cases, the recombinant cell can include a host cell and at least one heterologous enzyme in a biosynthetic pathway that produces ent-atiserenoic acid.

Abstract: Methods for treating, preventing or delaying onset of tumor formation and other forms of cancer are disclosed. The methods involve administration of a complement inhibitor to inhibit C5a receptor signaling in the tumor microenvironment.

Abstract: This present application relates generally to a testing device for selecting a surfactant during oilfield subterranean operation technologies. More specifically, the application relates to providing a testing device for selecting a surfactant depending on the interaction of the surfactant with a combination of variables, including the formation hydrocarbon, source water and formation mineralogy.

Abstract: Methods for identifying compounds that positively regulate connexin 43 hemichannels.

Abstract: In one aspect, methods are described herein for the selective detection and quantitative analysis of biological molecule compositions. A method described herein comprises providing a mixture comprising biological molecules, such as DNA, RNA or proteins, complexed with a translocating agent, such as another DNA or protein, and non-complexed biological molecules. The mixture is contacted with a membrane comprising at least one nanopore and an electric field is applied across the nanopore to selectively translocate the biological molecules complexed with the translocating agent through the at least one nanopore. Concentration of the complexed biological molecules is determined based on the translocation rate of said molecules.

Abstract: The present invention provides members that produce on a large scale a coenzyme-linked glucose dehydrogenase which has excellent substrate-recognizing ability toward glucose while providing low action on maltose. The present invention relates to a polynucleotide encoding a soluble coenzyme-linked glucose dehydrogenase that catalyzes the oxidation of glucose in the presence of an electron acceptor and has an activity toward maltose of 5% or lower; a polypeptide encoded by the nucleotide sequence of the polynucleotide; a recombinant vector carrying the polynucleotide; a transformed cell produced using the recombinant vector; a method for producing a polypeptide comprising culturing the transformed cell and collecting from the cultivated products a polypeptide that links to FAD to exert the glucose dehydration activity; a method for determination of glucose using the polypeptide; a reagent composition for determination of glucose; and a biosensor.

Abstract: Techniques for biochemcally-enabled security/authentication mechanisms are described herein. In an example embodiment, a security system receives a biological sample from a key. The biological sample includes a set of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) oligos that represent a code assigned to the key. The set of DNA oligos is sequenced to obtain a set of read sequences. The set of read sequences is then filtered to identify a set of filtered sequences. The set of filtered sequences is matched to sets of expected sequences, where the sets of expected sequences are assigned to respective keys issued for the security system. Access to a resource is then granted or denied based on whether the set of filtered sequences matches with any set from the sets of expected sequences.

Abstract: The invention relates to a double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) for inhibiting the expression of a RRM2 gene. The invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the dsRNA or nucleic acid molecules or vectors encoding the same together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; methods for treating diseases caused by the expression of a RRM2 gene using said pharmaceutical composition; and methods for inhibiting the expression of RRM2 in a cell.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for lyophilizing integrated composition of pyrophosphorolysis activated polymerization (PAP) in an aqueous solution. It also provides lyophilized integrated PAP composition. Except for nucleic acid template, the integrated composition contains all components. For manipulation, simply add nucleic acid template in an aqueous solution to start amplification. In addition to the easy manipulation, the lyophilized integrated composition can be stored for prolonged period at ambiguous temperature.

Abstract: The invention provides oligonucleotide conjugates including a photolabile crosslinker attached to a cargo moiety, e.g., a therapeutic or diagnostic agent. The invention further provides reagents useful in the preparation of such conjugates and methods of their use.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a kit or a device for the detection of lung cancer and a method for detecting lung cancer. The present invention provides a kit or a device for the detection of lung cancer, comprising a nucleic acid capable of specifically binding to a miRNA in a sample from a subject, and a method for detecting lung cancer, comprising measuring the miRNA in vitro.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for determining the fraction of fetal nucleic acids in a maternal sample comprising a mixture of fetal and maternal nucleic acids. The fraction of fetal nucleic acids can be used in determining the presence or absence of fetal aneuploidy.

Abstract: Compositions, kits, methods and systems for single molecule nucleotide sequencing comprising producing polymerase reactions having monovalent cations that control the median pulse width for incorporated nucleotides are disclosed. The levels of monovalent cations are used to control pulse width while allowing other sequencing parameters to remain within a desirable range.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a number of example embodiments for data management and analysis in connection with life science operations such as flow cytometry. For example, disclosed herein are (1) a networked link between an acquisition computer and a computer performing analysis on the acquired data, (2) modular experiment templates that can be divided into individual components for future use in multiple experiments, and (3) an automated pipeline of experiment elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to assembly of sequence reads. The invention provides a method for identifying a mutation in a nucleic acid involving sequencing nucleic acid to generate a plurality of sequence reads. Reads are assembled to form a contig, which is aligned to a reference. Individual reads are aligned to the contig. Mutations are identified based on the alignments to the reference and to the contig.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a kit or a device for the detection of colorectal cancer and a method for detecting colorectal cancer. The present invention provides a kit or a device for the detection of colorectal cancer, comprising a nucleic acid capable of specifically binding to a miRNA in a sample from a subject, and a method for detecting colorectal cancer, comprising measuring the miRNA in vitro.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of increasing sequencing accuracy. For example, the methods of the invention use linear amplification to generate a relatively small population of template molecules that may be subsequently amplified into a larger clonal population of DNA molecules for sequencing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new methods for diagnosing a pregnancy-associated disorder by analyzing fetal DNA present in the mother's blood. More specifically, this invention relies on the discovery that the maspin gene is differentially methylated in fetal DNA and in maternal DNA and provides these new diagnostic methods, which distinguish fetal DNA from maternal DNA and detect prenatal disorders based on abnormalities in fetal DNA level and methylation status.

Abstract: Methods of distinguishing and identifying a patient with aggressive/indolent, prostatic adenocarcinoma comprising contacting a sample from the patient with a set of detectably labeled probes under hybridization conditions and determining the presence of chromosomal abnormalities in the sample; sets of probes for use in such methods; and kits comprising a set of probes and instructions for distinguishing or identifying a patient as having aggressive/indolent, prostatic adenocarcinoma.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed methods and products for synthesizing and using targeted templated assembly reactants comprising at least one nucleic acid recognition moiety, at least one selectively-reactive moiety, and at least one effector partial moiety. The nucleic acid recognition moiety can bind a target nucleic acid sequence within a sample. The nucleic acid recognition moiety also can bind the selectively-reactive moiety. Additionally, the effector partial moiety can bind the selectively-reactive moiety to produce an active effector structure. Also disclosed are methods of delivering the targeted templated assembly reactants and active effector structures formed from the targeted templated assembly reactants.

Abstract: Microfluidic structures and methods for manipulating fluids and reactions are provided. Such structures and methods may involve positioning fluid samples, e.g., in the form of droplets, in a carrier fluid (e.g., an oil, which may be immiscible with the fluid sample) in predetermined regions in a microfluidic network. In some embodiments, positioning of the droplets can take place in the order in which they are introduced into the microfluidic network (e.g., sequentially) without significant physical contact between the droplets. Because of the little or no contact between the droplets, there may be little or no coalescence between the droplets. Accordingly, in some such embodiments, surfactants are not required in either the fluid sample or the carrier fluid to prevent coalescence of the droplets. Structures and methods described herein also enable droplets to be removed sequentially from the predetermined regions.

Abstract: A novel soybean variety, designated 5PDEC49 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety 5PDEC49, cells from soybean variety 5PDEC49, plants of soybean 5PDEC49, and plant parts of soybean variety 5PDEC49. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety 5PDEC49 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety 5PDEC49, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety 5PDEC49, and methods of characterizing soybean variety 5PDEC49. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety 5PDEC49 are further provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for the treatment of gefitinib and/or erlotinib resistant cancer. An individual with cancer is monitored for cancer progression following treatment with gefitinib and/or erlotinib. Progression of the cancer is indicative that the cancer is resistant to gefitinib and/or erlotinib. Once progression of cancer is noted, the subject is administered a pharmaceutical composition comprising an irreversible epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor. In preferred embodiments, the irreversible EGFR inhibitor is EKB-569, HKI-272 and HKI-357.

Abstract: Embodiments predict prostate cancer (PCa) biochemical recurrence (BCR) employing an image acquisition circuit that accesses a pre-treatment image of a region of tissue demonstrating PCa; a segmentation circuit that segments a prostate capsule represented in the image; a registration circuit that registers the segmented prostate with a BCR? median template, and generates a registered surface of interest (SOI) mask by registering an SOI mask with the registered prostate; a mask circuit that generates a patient-specific SOI mask from the registered prostate and the registered SOI mask, and generates a patient-specific SOI mesh from the patient-specific SOI mask; a field effect induced organ distension (FOrge) circuit extracts a set of FOrge features from the patient-specific SOI mesh, and computes a probability that the region of tissue will experience BCR; and a classification circuit classifies the region of tissue as likely to experience BCR based on the probability.

Abstract: In one implementation, a method for operating an apparatus is described. The method includes applying a bias voltage to place a transistor of a reference sensor in a known state, the reference sensor in an array of sensors that further includes a chemical sensor coupled to a reaction region for receiving at least one reactant. The method further includes acquiring an output signal from the reference sensor in response to the applied bias voltage, and determining a defect associated with the array if the output signal does not correspond to the known state.

Abstract: This invention relates to a kit or a device for the detection of stomach cancer and a method for detecting stomach cancer, and provides a kit or a device for the detection of stomach cancer, comprising a nucleic acid(s) capable of specifically binding to a miRNA(s) in a sample from a subject, and a method for detecting stomach cancer, comprising measuring the miRNA(s) in vitro.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for generating an amplified nucleic acid portion of a template RNA molecule, comprising after having obtained a template RNA, annealing a first oligonucleotide primer at a preselected 3? terminal nucleic acid region of the template RNA, elongating the first oligonucleotide primer in a template specific manner thereby obtaining a first elongated strand, removing the RNA template, annealing one or more further oligonucleotide primers to the first elongated strand, elongating the one or more further oligonucleotide primers in a template specific manner without strand displacement of polynucleotides annealed to the first elongated strand or using a polymerase that destroys a displaced strand, thereby generating further elongation products, isolating and/or amplifying an elongation product of said further elongation product comprising a nucleic acid portion that is elongated complementary to the first oligonucleotide primer; as well as kits for performing the method.

Abstract: Methods for modulating T-type calcium channel activity without directly targeting the T-type calcium channels are provided that include modulating kelch-like protein 1 (KLHL1) levels in a subject by providing a small hairpin RNA (shRNA) that targets a KLHL1 gene, and then administering the shRNA to the subject in an amount sufficient to modulate KLHL1 gene expression. The KLHL1 level directly effects current activity in T-type calcium channels and therefore modulation of KLHL1 gene expression indirectly modulates current activity in T-type calcium channels. The methods may be implemented with, for example, an shRNA molecule suitable for modulating a KLHL1 level in the subject which may be provided as a plasmid encoding the shRNA molecule or an adeno-associated virus vector encoding the shRNA molecule. Methods of identifying compounds that modulate current activity in T-type calcium channels by determining an effect of the compound on KLHL1 gene expression are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides kits, methods, and apparatus for analysing a biological sample from an animal to predict (pre-symptomatically) and monitor the development of sepsis, utilising biomarker signatures, and especially biomarker signatures capable of providing a mean predictive accuracy of at least 92% to differentiate development of sepsis from non-sepsis.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a kit or a device for the detection of breast cancer and a method for detecting breast cancer. The present invention provides a kit or a device for the detection of breast cancer, comprising nucleic acid(s) capable of specifically binding to a miRNA in a sample of a subject, and a method for detecting breast cancer, comprising measuring the miRNA in vitro.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for determining a monomer sequence of a polymer that is translocated through a nanopore. Monomers of the polymer are labeled with fluorescent labels such that in free solution fluorescent labels of adjacent monomers substantially quench each other and wherein the nanopore constrains fluorescent labels within its bore into a constrained state wherein no detectable fluorescent signal can be generated. By exciting the fluorescent label of each monomer as it exits the nanopore and transitions from a constrained state to a quenched state with an adjacent fluorescent label, a fluorescent signal can be generated by the exiting fluorescent label that allows its monomer to be identified, thereby permitting a monomer sequence to be determined from a sequence of fluorescent signals as the polymer translocates through the nanopore.

Abstract: This application provides fluidic devices, such as microfluidic devices, which can be used for the creation and/or manipulation of droplets in droplet-based microfluidic systems, as well as systems and methods for using the same. The microfluidic devices can be used to generate droplets, extract or inject volume to droplets, and/or split droplets. Also provided are methods for generating nucleosomes, and isolated DNA from nucleosomes (or from non-nucleosomes), for example using the disclosed devices.

Abstract: An antigen detection method using sandwich immunoassay includes a first reaction step of preparing a sensor chip, which includes a fine flow channel in which a reaction zone having an antigen-capturing antibody immobilized thereon is arranged, a liquid discharge/suction section and a liquid-mixing section, and subsequently feeding thereto a sample liquid so as to allow the antigen-capturing antibody to capture a target; and a second reaction step of allowing a labeling liquid containing a labeling antibody to flow into the fine flow channel so as to label the target. In the antigen detection method, the labeling liquid does not reach the liquid-mixing section. According to the antigen detection method, the accuracy and the repeatability of the target measurement can be improved.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for performing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and melt data acquisition according to a single slug approach in which a single slug in a microfluidic channel fills an entire thermal zone of the microfluidic channel, and the thermal zone used for both PCR temperature cycling and melt data acquisition. A detector may be configured to detect fluorescence from the thermal zone during the PCR temperature cycling for real-time PCR and/or during temperature ramping in the melt data acquisition. Slug position control may be achieved by detecting leading or trailing edges in a slug build target zone into which a slug passes after passing through the thermal zone. The single slug approach may break coupling between one or more events of the PCR amplification and melt data acquisition and enable events to be independently optimized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for use in medical diagnosis and patient monitoring. It more particularly relates to a biocompatible gel comprising nanoparticles and/or nanoparticle aggregates, wherein: i) the nanoparticles and/or nanoparticles of said aggregate comprise an inorganic material comprising at least one metal element having an atomic number Z of at least 25, each of said nanoparticles and nanoparticle aggregates being covered with a biocompatible coating; ii) the nanoparticles' and/or nanoparticle aggregates' concentration is of about or less than 0.5% (w/w); and iii) the apparent viscosity at 2 s?1 of the gel comprising the nanoparticles and/or nanoparticle aggregates is between about 0.1 Pa·s and about 1000 Pa·s when measured between 20° C. and 37° C. The composition of the invention typically allows the delineation and visualization of at least 40% of the target biological tissue when said tissue is observed using an X-ray imaging equipment.

Abstract: A biopsy-sized tissue sample is stained for quick imaging. A significant amount of permeation enhancer is included in a mixed solution of permeant enhancer, fixative or dehydrant, and one or two fluorescent dyes to simultaneously dehydrate and dye the tissue sample. The permeation enhancer, e.g., 10% to 50% in the mixed solution, achieves an image of dyed tissue in the contacted tissue sample at a depth of at least 200 um within no more than 1.5 hours. One of the fluorescent dyes is a fluorescent nuclear dye such as DAPI, SYTOX green, acridine orange, propidium iodide, or a Hoechst dye. The other fluorescent dye is a fluorescent protein dye such as eosin or rhodamine B. The tissue sample is cleared with a clearing agent having a refractive index of at least 1.4[R2], e.g., using BABB. The mixed solution may further include Chloroform or other morphology preservative.

Abstract: A method for distinguishing living cells in a living state with high accuracy. A method for distinguishing a desired cell type from a cell group comprising two or more types of cells, using the expression of miRNA as an indicator, wherein the method comprises the following steps: (1) a step of introducing mRNA comprising a marker gene operably linked to the target sequence of miRNA used as an indicator into a cell group; and (2) a step of distinguishing a cell type, using the translation level of the marker gene as an indicator.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for determining the amount or concentration of a nucleic acid of interest in an unprocessed sample by analyzing a processed sample and a reference sample with digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR).

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for identifying or quantitating one or more analytes in sample. The composition can comprise an affinity molecule reversibly conjugated to a label moiety via a double-stranded nucleic acid linker or via an adaptor molecule. The affinity molecule and the label moiety can be linked to different strands of the double-stranded nucleic acid linker. Compositions can be used in any biological assays for detection, identification and/or quantification of target molecules or analytes, including multiplex staining for molecular profiling of individual cells or cellular populations. For example, the compositions can be adapted for use in immunofluorescence, fluorescence in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, western blot, and the like.