Abstract: In certain embodiments a device is provided for electrorotation flow. In certain embodiments the device comprises a microfluidic channel comprising a plurality of electrodes disposed to provide dielectrophoretic (DEP) forces that are perpendicular to hydrodynamic flows along the channel; and a fluid within the channel providing the hydrodynamic flow along the channel; wherein the device is configured to apply focusing voltages to the electrodes that provide an electric field minimum in the channel and that focus cells, particles, and/or molecules or molecular complexes within the channel; and where the device is configured to apply rotation-inducing voltages to the electrodes that induce rotation of the cells, particles, molecules and/or molecular complexes as they flow through the channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fusion proteins comprising (i) a fusion moiety based on SEQ ID NO:1 and (ii) a protein. Also provided are nucleic acids encoding such fusion proteins and compositions comprising such fusion proteins. The invention also provides a method for increasing the expression level of a protein in a host cell or increasing the level of secretion of a protein from a host cell, said methods employing a fusion moiety in accordance with the invention. The invention further provides a method of producing a protein, said method comprising culturing an Aliivibrio wodanis host cell comprising a heterologous nucleic acid molecule encoding a protein under conditions suitable for the expression of the encoded protein. Certain deposited strains of Aliivibrio wodanis are also provided.

Abstract: Herein is described kinetic assay, in which individual binding events are detected and monitored during sample incubation. This method uses interferometric reflectance imaging to detect thousands of individual binding events across a multiplex solid phase sensor with a large area. A dynamic tracking procedure is used to measure the duration of each event. From this, the total rates of binding and de-binding as well as the distribution of binding event durations are determined. Systems and components for performing the kinetic assay are also described.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and biomarkers useful for detecting and diagnosing osteoarthritis and predicting the progression of osteoarthritis in subjects. The diagnoses and predictions of prognosis may be used to develop treatment plans for subjects. Also included are methods of treating subjects and administering pharmaceuticals based on the diagnosis and prognosis predictions.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to collect a plurality of microscopic objects dispersed in a liquid by light irradiation, and also trap them. A collecting device for bacteria collects a plurality of bacteria dispersed in a sample liquid. The collecting device is provided with a laser beam source that emits laser beam and a honeycomb polymer film constituted so as to be able to hold the liquid. Walls prescribing pores for trapping the plurality of bacteria dispersed in the liquid are formed on the honeycomb polymer film, and also a thin film that includes a material for converting light from the laser beam source to heat is formed on the honeycomb polymer film. The thin film heats the liquid of the sample through the conversion of the laser beam from the laser beam source to heat, thereby causing a convection in the liquid.

Abstract: In one aspect the application relates to a computing system for providing data for modelling a human brain comprises a database including a plurality of datasets (or allow access to a plurality of datasets), each dataset including at least a dynamical model of the brain including at least one node and a neurodataset of a neuroimaging modality input. The at least one node include a representation of a local dynamic model and a parameter set of the local dynamic model.

Abstract: This present disclosure provides devices, systems, and methods for performing point-of-care analysis of a target analyte in a biological fluid via a binding assay. The present disclosure includes a cartridge for collecting the target analyte contained in a fluid sample and performing an assay. The cartridge includes an assay stack having a first separation layer, a second separation layer, and a detection membrane. The cartridge also includes a plurality of first complexes comprising a capture molecule and a magnetic bead and a plurality of second complexes comprising a detection molecule and a detection label. Further, the detection membrane includes a substrate that interacts with the detection label to elicit a quantifiable response in the presence of the target analyte. The quantifiable response corresponds to an amount of detection antibody present in the detection membrane, and the amount of detection antibody present corresponds to an amount of the target analyte present.

Abstract: A multiplexed lateral flow assay device includes an impermeable internal reservoir having an opening to receive a sample deposition. A fluid distributor pad is arranged in fluid communication with a lower surface of the internal reservoir and divides a portion of the sample deposition substantially equally among a plurality of flow paths. Lateral flow assays having a plurality of flow lines are aligned with flow paths of the distributor pad. An impermeable paper top cover has a first window arranged over the opening of the internal reservoir, and at least a second window arranged over the test results of the lateral flow assays. A housing element houses the reservoir, the distributor pad and lateral flow assays. The housing element includes an impermeable bottom cover and a spacer element arranged between the top and bottom covers and, provides a gap between the lateral flow assays and the impermeable paper top cover.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide methods, compounds, and compositions useful for inhibiting FOXP3 expression, which may be useful for treating, preventing, or ameliorating cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a live attenuated vaccine by irradiation and a live attenuated vaccine composition prepared by the same, and more particularly, a method of preparing a live attenuated vaccine by irradiation including irradiating a pathogenic microorganism with a dose of 0.5 to 2 kGy of radiation per single radiation six to fifteen times; and a live attenuated vaccine composition including a pathogenic microorganism attenuated to not be revertant to a wild type by generation of at least one mutation of nucleotide insertion and nucleotide deletion by irradiation.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods of modulating an immune response by inhibiting BFL1, and related methods for treating and preventing diseases and disorders characterized by inflammation, especially neutrophil induced inflammation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a clinical instrument analyzer system for the automatic analysis of patient samples. In one embodiment, the analyzer may be used to analyze bodily fluid samples, such as blood, plasma, serum, urine or cerebrospinal fluid, for example. Embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus and method, for example, an immunoassay method, for separating out target molecules in a magnetic field and then analyzing those target molecules with a luminometer.

Abstract: A particulate matter sensor system for sensing particulate matter in a fluid includes a substrate and a cover disposed on the substrate. The cover defines at least a portion of a flow path through the microfluidic system. The sensor system includes a particulate matter sensor disposed in an interior space between the cover and the substrate. The particulate matter sensor includes an integrated sensor device electrically connected to the substrate. The flow path is defined through the particulate matter sensor. The sensor system includes a fluid circulation device disposed in the interior space between the cover and the substrate and configured to cause fluid to flow along the flow path through the microfluidic system.

Abstract: The device for detecting and/or determining the concentration of an analyte present in a tissue includes a sensor which is an optical fibre interferometer, and one interferometer arm being coated with an immobilised binding agent enabling selective binding of the analyte. The interferometer arm is mounted inside a guide enabling puncturing the tissue and performing an in situ measurement without the necessity to collect or prepare a sample. The guide is provided with a closed guide face, longitudinal perforations on sidewalls enabling the analyte to reach the binding agent, and an opening in the input end of the guide for introducing the interferometer with the arm into the guide. At the input end, the opening is sealed, enabling the isolation of the interior of the guide from the surroundings. The interferometer is mounted in a position in which the interferometer does not touch the inside walls of the guide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for in situ sensing of water stress in a plant by contacting a plant with a biosensor, where the biosensor comprises a material capable of giving a detectable response to changes in local water potential in the plant and detecting the detectable response thereby sensing water stress in the plant. The invention further relates to a method for determining water potential in a substance, a biosensor, a system for determining water potential in a substance, a method for determining water potential in a substance, a water potential measurement computing device, and a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon instructions for determining water potential in a substance.

Abstract: An antibody is provided that inhibits infection of cells with a norovirus. The antibody is a nanoantibody comprising a polypeptide described in (a), (b), or (c), and inhibiting infection of intestinal cells with HuNoV GII.4: (a) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 9, or SEQ ID NO: 13; (b) a polypeptide consisting of an amino acid sequence comprising a substitution, deletion, insertion and/or addition of one or several amino acids with respect to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 9, or SEQ ID NO: 13; and (c) a polypeptide consisting of an amino acid sequence having a sequence identity of 80% or more to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 9, or SEQ ID NO: 13.

Abstract: An elongate solid phase body suitable for performing solid phase synthesis. The solid phase body includes a plurality of enclosures formed of a material of a chemically inert mesh and, within each enclosure, a plurality of solid phase beads.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides humanized antibodies, including antibodies comprising an ultralong CDR3 and uses thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are B7-H3 antibodies, fragments of such antibodies, and compositions comprising the same. The antibodies, antibody fragments and compositions are useful in a number of analytical methods, including immunohistochemical and immunocytochemical detection and analysis of B7-H3. Also provided herein are isolated peptides and fusion proteins containing immunogenic determinants for said B7-H3 antibodies, animals immunized with the peptides and fusion proteins, isolated B cells obtained from the animals, and hybridomas made from the isolated B cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to an immunogenic composition comprising an HCMV gB antigen, an HCMV gH/gL/UL128/UL130/UL131 pentameric complex antigen and a Th1-inducing adjuvant. If further relates to the immunogenic composition for use as an HCMV vaccine.

Abstract: A method for detecting an analyte reactive towards luminol, comprising the steps of: feeding into a reaction chamber an alkaline solution of luminol, noble metal nanoparticles and at least one analyte reactive towards luminol, wherein the reaction chamber is in the form of a curved channel; detecting the light emitted due to a chemiluminescence reaction taking place in said channel; and discharging a reaction mass from said channel, characterized in that the average diameter of the metal nanoparticles is greater than 25 nm. Also provided is a microfluidic device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Natural and/or synthetic antibodies for specific proteins are adhered to nanoparticles. The nanoparticles are adhered to a substrate and the substrate is exposed to a sample that may contain the specific proteins. The substrates are then tested with surface enhanced Raman scattering techniques and/or localized surface plasmon resonance techniques to quantify the amount of the specific protein in the sample.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and compositions for treating a subject suffering from a deficiency in ?-L-Iduronidase in the CNS. The methods include systemic administration of a bifunctional fusion antibody comprising an antibody to a human insulin receptor and an ?-L-Iduronidase. A therapeutically effective systemic dose is based on the specific CNS uptake characteristics of human insulin receptor antibody-?-L-Iduronidase fusion antibodies as described herein.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of screening a prostate cancer patient by optical image analysis of a circulating tumor cell marker and a prostate-specific membrane antigen.

Abstract: A method for optical sensing includes providing a mirror comprising a central reflective region surrounded by a peripheral glare-suppressing region. A beam of light from a laser light source is directed to reflect from the central region so as to pass through an output optic along an axis toward a target scene. The light returned from the target scene through the output optic is focused onto an optical sensor, via collection optics having a collection aperture surrounding the mirror.

Abstract: Provided is a recombinant BCG employing a pMyong2 vector system to express HIV-1 p24 and a use thereof as a HIV-1 vaccine. rBCG-pMyong2-p24, which is a pMyong2 vector system, was found to induce the upregulation of HIV-1 p24 gag expression in rBCG and infected antigen-presenting cells (APC) and to induce improved p24-specific immune responses in vaccinated mice, compared to rBCG-pAL-p24 in a pAL5000 derived vector system. rBCG-pMyong2-p24 was identified to exhibit a higher p24-specific Ab production level than rSmeg-pMyong2-p24 in the same pMyong2 vector system. Therefore, the recombinant BCG employing rBCG-pMyong2-p24 to express HIV-1 p24 according to the present invention is identified to elicit enhanced immune responses to HIV-1 infection in mouse model systems and thus can be expected to be used as a prime vaccine in the heterologous prime-boost vaccination strategy against HIV-1 infection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for virus assay. More closely the invention relates a method for total quantification of adenovirus in a sample as well as total and functional (active) adenovirus in a sample. The method for determining adenovirus concentration in a sample comprises subjecting said sample to SPR (surface plasmon resonance) assay with immobilized FX (Factor X) and/or immobilized CAR (coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor) on a sensor surface, wherein the adenovirus concentration is determined from sample binding to immobilized FX and/or immobilized CAR. CAR can be replaced by an ligand binding to adenovirus fiber, such as an anti-adenovirus fiber antibody. FX can be replaced by a ligand binding to adenovirus hexon, such as an anti-adenovirus hexon antibody. The method can be used for quality control in an adenovirus purification process, for example for gene therapy.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to discover a novel peptide useful as an active ingredient in an agent for treating or preventing cancer, and to provide the use of the polypeptide as an immune inducer. The immune inducer contains as an active ingredient, the following (i) or (ii): (i) at least one polypeptide having an immune-inducing activity and selected from the group of polypeptides (a) or (b), where: (a) polypeptides consisting of 7 or more consecutive amino acids within the region of positions 24 to 97 in the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2; and (b) polypeptides comprising one to several amino acid deletions, substitutions and/or additions in the amino acid sequence of any one of the polypeptides (a); and (ii) a recombinant vector comprising at least one polynucleotide encoding any one of the polypeptides, and capable of expressing the polypeptide in vivo.

Abstract: Provided herein are anti-FLT3L antibodies and methods of using the antibodies to treat autoimmune and other inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of treating cancer, e.g., refractory cancer, with tivozanib. The methods disclosed include, for example, administering tivozanib as a second or third-line therapy to subjects suffering from refractory advanced renal cell carcinoma where traditional therapies as well as more recent targeted and immune-oncology therapies have not adequately treated the subject.

Abstract: Provided in the present disclosure is a method for using a four-plasmid system to prepare modified immune effector cells. The method comprises: forming a lentivirus by using four plasmids within 293T cells, extracting and obtaining the lentivirus, then transfecting immune effector cells by using the lentivirus, and expressing a chimeric antigen receptor. Also provided in the present disclosure is a use of the immune effector cell obtained by using the described method and of a composition containing the immune effector cell.

Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter includes fluorescent indicators, including bright and targetable red Ca2+ indicators. The presently-disclosed subject matter also includes kits comprising the same as well as methods for using the same to detect a target substance.

Abstract: Infection with obligatory intracellular bacteria is difficult to treat as intracellular targets and delivery methods of therapeutics are not well-known. Ehrlichia translocated factor-1 (Etf-1), a type IV secretion system (T4SS) effector, is a primary virulence factor for an obligatory intracellular bacterium, Ehrlichia chaffeensis. Disclosed herein are Etf-1-specific nanobodies (Nbs) that block Etf-1 functions and Ehrlichia infection. Also disclosed is a method for treating human monocytic ehrlichiosis (HME) in a subject with the disclosed nanobodies.

Abstract: Techniques for determining a microbial classification based on a mass spectrum are disclosed. A mass spectrometer generates a mass spectrum for a biological sample. A binning function is applied to the mass spectrum to generate a binned mass spectrum. As an example, a binned mass spectrum is associated with a set of bins having mass errors of the same value. A classification algorithm is applied to the binned mass spectrum to determine a microbial classification.

Abstract: A data storage medium is disclosed comprising a two-dimensional (2D) support structure onto which artificially synthesized DNA molecules encoding digital information are placed and then covered with a protective layer. The 2D support structure is formed from a material such as metal foil, glass, or plastic. The 2D support structure may be functionalized with positively charged molecules to improve DNA adhesion. The DNA is protected from degradation by encapsulation in a protective layer of a non-reactive material such as silica or a thin layer of metal. A process for storing DNA on 2D support structures is also disclosed. Correlation of specific DNA molecules with a physical storage location on a 2D support structure provides geometric addressability for selective access to specific digital information.

Abstract: A biological sample collection system can include a sample collection vessel having a sample collection chamber with an opening configured to receive a biological sample into the sample collection chamber. The biological sample collection system can additionally include a selectively movable sleeve valve configured to associate with the opening of the sample collection chamber. The biological sample collection system can additionally include a sealing cap that is configured to associate with the selectively movable sleeve valve and with the sample collection vessel. The sealing cap can include a reagent chamber having reagent(s) stored therein, and when the sealing cap is associated with the sample collection vessel, the selectively movable sleeve valve opens, dispensing the reagent(s) into the sample collection chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of determining activity of mTOR variants upon exposure to mTOR inhibitors, such a rapamycin or rapalogs thereof, methods for determining kinase activity of a mTOR variant, and methods for determining tumor cell response to treatment with rapamycin or rapalogs thereof. A method for determining whether a compound inhibits mTOR activity in a cell is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for identifying cancer cells. In particular, provided herein are optimized assays for identifying a variety of different cancer cells present in a sample at low concentrations.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for activating TORC1 aggregate formation in a fungi or a parasite, wherein TORC1 aggregate formation inhibits growth of the fungi or parasite. TORC1 aggregate formation may be activated using small molecules or other agents, and said agents may be used to treat or prevent a disease or condition associated with the fungi and parasite. The agent may target Kog1 of TORC1, e.g., the agent may directly or indirectly inhibit Kog1 leading to aggregation of the TORC1 complex.

Abstract: Methods of identifying a xenohormetic induced phenotype in an organism are provided. Also provided are methods if using organisms having a known xenohormetically induced phenotype in a number of different applications, such as the identification of xenohormetic agents and the generation of chemical entities and foodstuffs under specific conditions of production governed by xenohormetic effects.

Abstract: A biometric biochemical analysis system includes a user interface module to provide instructions for collecting and handling biochemical sampling and processing related to biometric data gathering as well as capturing biometric data using digital data capturing devices. The user interface module and display are integrated with analysis and communications portions of the biometric biochemical analysis system to provide a portable system for multi-portion data collecting, storage, verification, and analysis.

Abstract: A pathogen transport modelled biomimetic sensor includes a stack of capacitive electrodes with a plurality of gaps therebetween. The gaps and electrodes are structured and arranged to model an outer layer and one or more sublayers of fresh food of interest. The electrodes are arranged to provide multiple measurable impedances that are affected in response to cell or polymeric biofilm presence that affects the electrostatic field around and between the electrodes and consequently changes the measurable impedances.

Abstract: Medical test cards for detecting analytes are provided including a substantially planar body, an analyte detection means, an opening feature, and an optical code. The analyte detection means is enclosed within the planar body and is configured to provide a colorimetric change when a portion of the analyte detection means is contacted with the analyte. The opening feature is configured to provide access to the analyte detection means and the optical code includes information identifying the analyte detection means. Uses of such medical test cards include accessing the analyte detection means enclosed within the planar body by using the opening feature and contacting the analyte detection means with the sample. The optical code is read using an imaging device to identify the analyte detection means and the analyte detection means is imaged following contact with the sample using the imaging device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a chemo-proteomic probe for labelling and monitoring a live microbe interacting with a host cell and for qualitative and quantitative analyses of those proteins involved during a microbe infects the host cell. This probe comprises a functional group for conjugating to a surface protein of a live microbe under a physiological condition; a photo-reactive group for covalent cross-linking to an interacting cell protein of a host; and a tag for isolating the cross-linked complex of the surface protein of said live microbe and the interacting protein of a host cell for qualitative and quantitative proteomics analyses. The probe may further comprise a visualization tag. This technology takes advantage of the high throughput feature of mass spectrometry analysis and combines it with a uniquely designed chemistry to achieve high efficient isolation and analysis of host cell proteins interacting with a pathogen at different stages of an infection.

Abstract: The present invention is related to HMGB1 antagonists and, in particular, HMGB1 tetramer peptidomimetics which have been stabilized with at least one azatide linkage, such as K883. The present invention is also related to pharmaceutical compositions comprising HMGB1 antagonists such as K883.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antibodies which bind to TNF? and comprise a modified Fc region. The antibodies of the invention have improved resistance against proteolytic degradation and good effector functions and/or pharmacokinetic properties.

Abstract: The invention provides biomarkers and combinations of biomarkers useful in diagnosing lung diseases such as non-small cell lung cancer or reactive airway disease. The invention also provides methods of differentiating lung disease, methods of monitoring therapy, and methods of predicting a subject's response to therapeutic intervention based on the extent of expression of the biomarkers and combinations of biomarkers. Kits comprising agents for detecting the biomarkers and combination of biomarkers are also provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods relating to ApoA-1 fusion polypeptides are disclosed. The fusion polypeptides include a first polypeptide segment corresponding to an ApoA-1 polypeptide or ApoA-1 mimetic, and may also include a dimerizing domain such as, e.g., an Fc region, which is typically linked carboxyl-terminal to the first polypeptide segment via a flexible linker. In some embodiments, the fusion polypeptide further includes a second polypeptide segment located carboxyl-terminal to the first polypeptide segment and which confers a second biological activity (e.g., an RNase, paraoxonase, platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase, cholesterol ester transfer protein, lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase, polypeptide that specifically binds to proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9, or polypeptide that specifically binds to amyloid beta). Also disclosed are dimeric proteins comprising first and second ApoA-1 fusion polypeptides as disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for analyzing or detecting methimazole (“MTZ”) comprising contacting a sample suspected of containing MTZ with the dendrimer-stabilized silver nanoparticles and performing surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Graphene-dendrimer-stabilized silver nanoparticles (G-D-Ag).

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of genetic engineering. Specifically, the invention relates to the construction of operons to produce biologically active agents. For example, operons may be constructed to produce agents that control the function of biochemical pathway proteins (e.g., protein phosphatases, kinases and/or proteases). Such agents may include inhibitors and modulators that may be used in studying or controlling phosphatase function associated with abnormalities in a phosphatase pathway or expression level. Fusion proteins, such as light activated protein phosphatases, may be genetically encoded and expressed as photoswitchable phosphatases. Systems are provided for use in controlling phosphatase function within living cells or in identifying small molecule inhibitors/activator/modulator molecules of protein phosphatases associated with cell signaling.