Abstract: Capturing particles includes introducing a fluid sample, which includes particles of a first type, into a first channel of a microfluidic device and flowing the fluid sample past a porous or partially porous membrane. The pores fluidly connect the first channel to a second channel, and the device further includes multiple binding moieties on a first side of the porous membrane adjacent to the first channel. The binding moieties are capable of binding to the first type of particles. Capturing particles also includes creating a pressure difference between the first and second channels to enable the fluid sample to flow from the first channel through the porous membrane into the second channel and to direct the particles toward the binding moieties, thereby capturing the first type of particles. In addition, by creating a modified capture surface that is impermeable near the walls of the channels, capture efficiencies and throughput can be increased.

Abstract: A binding partner for the TSH receptor, which binding partner comprises, or is derived from, a human monoclonal or recombinant antibody, or one or more fragments thereof, reactive with the TSH receptor, uses thereof, methods of diagnosis and therapy employing the same, and anti-idiotypic antibodies thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quantitative assay device and a method for the determination of an analyte, based on a test strip, which contains a porous test membrane allowing for capillary flow of the analyte and complexes of the analyte, a porous upstream membrane in fluid connection with the test membrane and a porous downstream membrane in fluid connection with the test membrane, wherein the test membrane contains two bands having deposited on there high and low concentrations of different calibrator agents and a test band capable of reacting with conjugated analyte complexes giving rise to a measurable signal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of detecting intact fibrinogen, comprising the steps of: a) providing a sample containing at least some fibrinogen optionally converted at least in part to fibrin, and optionally containing thrombin; b) solubilizing the sample in a solubilizing solution that inhibits thrombin activity; c) after optional SDS-PAGE transferring/applying a portion of said sample to a protein-binding membrane; d) reacting the fibrinogen with a primary monoclonal antibody capable of binding to fibrinopeptide A moiety; and e) detecting the quantity of intact fibrinogen in the sample by quantifying the amount of the bound primary monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: A method for forming neuromuscular junctions includes forming functional neuromuscular junctions between motoneurons and muscle cells by co-culturing one or more human motoneurons and one or more human muscle cells in a substantially serum-free medium. A synthetic mammalian neuromuscular junction includes a human motoneuron functionally linked to a human muscle cell in a substantially serum-free medium. An artificial substrate may be used to support the one or more neuromuscular junctions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a therapeutic agent for treating a cellular immune disease, comprising as an active ingredient a substance that inhibits binding between Sema3A and a Neuropilin-1/Plexin-A1 heteroreceptor. The substance includes, for example, a Sema3A neutralizing antibody, a Neuropilin-1 neutralizing antibody, or a soluble Neuropilin-1 or derivative thereof. Also disclosed is a method for screening a therapeutic agent for treating a cellular immune disease utilizing a signal generated by the interactions of Neuropilin-1, Plexin-A1 and Sema3A as a marker.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related conditions (e.g., cancer, protein folding/misfolding disease, diabetes mellitus) and for identifying compounds for treating ER stress-related conditions in a subject (e.g., a human). The invention also provides methods for diagnosing an ER stress-related condition in a subject and kits for the treatment of same.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of immunomodulation using placental stem cells and placental stem cell populations. The invention also provides methods of producing and selecting placental cells and cell populations on the basis of immunomodulation, and compositions comprising such cells and cell populations.

Abstract: A recombinant or isolated integrin heterodimer comprising a novel subunit ?10 in association with a subunit ? is described. The ?10 integrin may be purified from bovine chondrocytes on a collagen-type-II affinity column. The integrin or the subunit of ?10 can be used as a marker or target of all types of cells, e.g. of chondrocytes, osteoblasts, and fibroblasts. The integrin or the subunit ?10 thereof can be used as a marker or target in different physiological or therapeutic methods. They can also be used as active ingredients in pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a retinal tissue by (1) subjecting pluripotent stem cells to floating culture in a serum-free medium containing a substance inhibiting the Wnt signal pathway to form an aggregate of pluripotent stem cells, (2) subjecting the aggregate to floating culture in a serum-free medium containing a basement membrane preparation, and then (3) subjecting the aggregate to floating culture in a serum-containing medium. The invention also provides a method for producing an optic-cup-like structure, a method for producing a retinal pigment epithelium, and a method for producing a retinal layer-specific neural cell.

Abstract: A kit and method for evaluating in vitro the effect of a xenobiotic (e.g., a biologic drug) on drug metabolism in hepatocytes. The kit comprises a first culture of hepatocytes, a portion of in vitro xenobiotic-stimulated biological sample, and instructions for incubating the first culture of hepatocytes with the portion of in vitro xenobiotic-stimulated biological sample, and analyzing the activity, expression, or a combination thereof of a biomarker in the hepatocytes to evaluate the effect of the xenobiotic on drug metabolism in the hepatocytes.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of diagnosing a subject as having a solid tumor or a predisposition to developing a solid tumor. The methods include detecting or quantitating the amount of sCD27 in a serum sample obtained from a subject and comparing that amount of sCD27 with a control value indicative of the basal level of sCD27 present in the serum of a subject that does not have a solid tumor or a predisposition to developing a solid tumor, wherein a reduction of the amount of sCD27 relative to the control value indicates that the subject has the solid tumor or the predisposition to developing the solid tumor. The disclosed methods can be used to monitoring disease progression in a subject or determine a subject's suitability for immunotherapy. Also disclosed are methods of stimulating a subject's immune system by administering a therapeutically effective amount of sCD27 or a functional fragment.

Abstract: The invention relates to anti-?2 integrin antibodies and their uses. Humanized antibodies are disclosed that bind to the I domain of ?2 integrin and inhibit the interaction of ?2?1 integrin with collagen. Also disclosed are therapeutic uses of anti-?2 integrin antibodies in treating ?2?1-mediated disorders, including anti-?2 integrin antibodies that bind to ?2 integrin without activating platelets.

Abstract: Systems for making, identifying, and selecting recombinant cells that express a ligand for the insulin receptor (IR) or insulin growth factor I (IGF-1) receptor are described. In general, libraries of recombinant cells are constructed that are capable of displaying a plurality of ligand molecules on the cell surface. Recombinant cells that display a ligand in a form accessible for binding to the IR and/or IGF-1 receptor can be detected and the recombinant cells displaying said ligands can be selected and isolated using cell sorting technologies. In particular aspects, the system is useful for constructing and screening libraries of recombinant cells that express and displaying insulin analogue precursors molecules to identify and select recombinant cells in the library that bind the IR and/or IGF-1 receptor with a desired affinity and/or avidity.

Abstract: Subject of the present invention is a biomarker for graft failure and/or mortality after organ transplantation. Procalcitonin was found to be a useful marker for the prediction or risk stratification for graft failure and/or mortality of a subject who has received an organ transplant and monitoring and therapy guidance of such subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and systems for use at the point of care. The methods devices of the invention are directed toward automatic detection of analytes in a bodily fluid. The components of the device are modular to allow for flexibility and robustness of use with the disclosed methods for a variety of medical applications.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to compositions, devices and methods of detecting the presence of molecules and optionally quantifying forces associated with molecular interactions on the surface of cells and other lipids. In certain embodiments, devices disclosed herein can be used to detect forces through cell surface receptors. In other embodiments, the devices can be used to detect the presence or absence of molecules on cells or other particles or detect the changes in cell morphology after ligand receptor binding.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are peptides which exhibit hepcidin activity and methods of making and using thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of modulating the uptake and/or clearance of cells with a disrupted cell membrane, cells infected with a pathogen, dying cells or dead cells, or a portion thereof, which can be used to treat and/or prevent diseases such as cancer, autoimmunity and infections. The present invention also relates to methods of modulating antigen recognition, processing and/or presentation, as well as immune responses to material derived from cells with a disrupted cell membrane, cells infected with a pathogen, dying cells or dead cells, or a portion thereof. The present invention further relates to methods of detecting cells with a disrupted cell membrane, cells infected with a pathogen, dying cells or dead cells, or a portion thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved electrochemiluminescence assay methods for phosphorylated peptides or proteins employing phospho-specific antibodies and buffer compositions that are substantially free of inorganic phosphate.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for collecting, preparing, and/or analyzing a biological sample. A sample collection site may be utilized with one or more sample processing device. The sample processing device may be configured to accept a sample from a subject. The sample processing device may perform one or more sample preparation step and/or chemical reaction involving the sample. Data related to the sample may be sent from the device to a laboratory. The laboratory may be a certified laboratory that may generate a report that is transmitted to a health care professional. The health care professional may rely on the report for diagnosing, treating, and/or preventing a disease in the subject.

Abstract: The methods and kits described herein are based, in part, to the discovery of a phenotype representing a fully-reprogrammed iPS cell and several reprogramming intermediates. The methods and kits described herein permit identification of fully-reprogrammed iPS cells and further permits one of skill in the art to monitor the emergence of iPS cells during the reprogramming process. The methods/kits can also be performed using real time using live cell imaging. Also described herein are methods for screening candidate reprogramming agents by monitoring the emergence of fully-reprogrammed iPS cells in the presence and absence of such an agent.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for counting biomolecules or cells. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a cell counting or biomolecule counting system including: a covered chamber having a known height and configured to hold a suspension of biomolecules or cells in a sample; at least one fluorescent light source connected to at least one fluorescent light beam narrowing device; a bright-field light source connected to a bright-field light beam narrowing device; a microscope objective; a detection device; a fluorescent filter assembly to allow only excitation light to illuminate the sample and allow only emission light from the sample to be imaged by the detection device; and a movable light shutter to block bright-field light during fluorescent detection.

Abstract: A method of individually releasing from an entity one or more members of a sub-group of biological units included in a heterogeneous group of biological units is provided. The method includes binding the group of biological units including the sub-group of biological units to the entity via a linker. Following binding, the location of the one or more members on the entity is determined. Once the location is determined, a localized physical pulse is applied to the one or more members. The localized physical pulse individually releases the one or more members from the entity by dissociating the linker.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to tissue differentiation factor (TDF) analogs. More specifically, the invention relates to structure-based methods and compositions useful in designing, identifying, and producing molecules which act as functional modulators of TDF-like receptors. The invention further relates to methods of detecting, preventing, and treating TDF-associated disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that the T1R receptors assemble to form functional taste receptors. Particularly, it has been discovered that co-expression of T1R1 and T1R3 results in a taste receptor that responds to umami taste stimuli, including monosodium glutamate. Also, it has been discovered that co-expression of the T1R2 and T1R3 receptors results in a taste receptor that responds to sweet taste stimuli including naturally occurring and artificial sweeteners. Also the present invention relates to the use of hetero-oligomeric taste receptors comprising T1R1/T1R3 and T1R2/T1R3 in assays to identify compounds that respectively respond to umami taste stimuli and sweet taste stimuli.

Abstract: Affinity tags and ligands comprising a PDZ domain peptide and a PDZ binding carboxy terminal peptide and related engineered protein, engineered labels, compositions, methods and systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides markers that can selectively distinguish pancreatic progenitor cells. The present invention also provides methods for distinguishing pancreatic progenitor cells by using the markers as an indicator, and reagents to be used in the methods. The present inventors successfully identified the surface marker Nephrin-like 3 (Neph3) which is specifically expressed in pancreatic progenitor cells, and isolated pancreatic progenitor cells using the marker as an indicator or such. Viable pancreatic progenitor cells can be selected by using Neph3 as an indicator without using translated products and transcripts of any foreign genes. The marker is useful in preparing and identifying pancreatic progenitor cells which are applied to regenerative medicine or such for treatment of pancreatic diseases.

Abstract: An isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from amino acids 506-582 of SV2A, wherein position 573 is N and is glycosylated, or amino acids 449-525 of SV2B, wherein position 516 is N and is glycosylated. The present invention also provides an antibody that binds specifically to the polypeptide, an isolated nucleic acid comprising a polynucleotide that encodes the polypeptide; a method for reducing BoNT/E toxicity in an animal; a method for identifying an agent that blocks or inhibits binding between BoNT/E and an SV2A or SV2B protein; a method for monitoring synaptic vesicle endo- or exocytosis, a method for specifically delivering a chemical entity to a cell which has a specific receptor to a BoNT toxin.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of promoting and/or enhancing G-Protein Coupled Receptor (GPCR) localization to the cell membrane and/or cell surface; methods of promoting and/or enhancing GPCR functional expression; and methods and assays for screening or identifying ligands (e.g., agonists or antagonists) that bind GPCRs. Also provided are vectors, recombinant cells, and stable cell lines for use in the methods and assays.

Abstract: A method of generating neural and glial cells is provided. The method comprising growing human stem cells under conditions which induce differentiation of said human stem cells into the neural and glial cells, said conditions comprising the presence of retinoic acid and an agent capable of down-regulating Bone Morphogenic Protein activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to canine amniotic membrane-derived multipotent stem cells (cAM-MSCs) and preparation method thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates to canine amniotic membrane-derived multipotent stem cells, which show negative immunological properties on human markers CD3, CD11c, CD28, CD34, CD38, CD41a, CD45, and CD62L and positive immunological properties on human markers CD90 and CD105, and have the ability to be maintained in an undifferentiated state for 20 passages or more and the ability to be differentiated into fat, bones, nerves, cartilage, etc.

Abstract: Antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of antibodies that bind GCC are disclosed. The antibodies bind an extracellular domain of GCC and can be internalized. In some embodiments, the antibodies are humanized, chimeric or human. Nucleic acids and vectors encoding the antibodies or portions thereof, recombinant cells that contain the nucleic acids, and compositions comprising the antibodies or antigen-binding fragments are also disclosed. The invention also provides therapeutic and diagnostic methods utilizing the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments provided herein.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods are kits for evaluating predicting whether an individual IPF has slowly or rapidly progressive IPF.

Abstract: Translocator protein (TSPO) targeting compounds are described. Methods of making the compounds, and uses of the compounds for imaging are also described.

Abstract: We describe a method of monitoring the state of a cell, tissue, organ or organism. The method comprises establishing, for a sample of microparticles from the cell, tissue, organ or organism, a ratio. The ratio is of a selected polypeptide in microparticles which comprise GM1 gangliosides, preferably which bind to Cholera Toxin B (CTB) (“GM1 ganglioside microparticle polypeptide”) to the selected polypeptide in microparticles which comprise exposed phosphotidylserine, preferably which bind to Annexin V (“Annexin V microparticle polypeptide”). The GM1 ganglioside microparticle polypeptide to Annexin V microparticle polypeptide ratio so established may be indicative of the state of the cell, tissue, organ or organism.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions related to the detection and/or monitoring of the levels of angiogenic factors, specifically VEGF, PlGF and sFlt-1, in urine samples obtained from pregnant women and the effects of such levels on the risk of developing complications of pregnancy, including hypertensive disorders such as preeclampsia, in the first, second, and/or third trimester of pregnancy. The present invention also provides kits for identifying and screening patients at risk of developing a complication of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia.

Abstract: Diets high in saturated fat and fructose have been implicated in the development of obesity and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in humans. Provided herein are biomarkers, methods, and animal models useful for the investigation and non-invasive detection of NASH, including a non-invasive biomarker that could be used to establish disease severity, follow progression, and evaluate response to treatment in clinical trials for this increasingly prevalent disease.

Abstract: The molecules harbored in exosomes play important roles in biological science. A highly desirable goal for exosome research is the rapid, simple, simultaneous tracking and quantification of exosome harbored molecules. Disclosed herein are methods and devices for inducing the release and measurement of biomolecules harbored in exosomes. The disclosed method, Electric Field Induced Release and Measurement (EFIRM) technique, uses an electrical field to simultaneously disrupt exosomes to release the contents and measure the harbored exosomal RNA/proteins. The exosome vesicle contents can be released within minutes. This provides a potential on-site method for the detection of exosome-harbored biomolecules.

Abstract: Methods for detection and diagnosis of Sjögren's Syndrome in a subject, determining the stage or progression of Sjögren's Syndrome in a subject, determining the effectiveness of a treatment for Sjögren's Syndrome, and selecting a subject for treatment for Sjögren's Syndrome are disclosed. The methods typically include measuring the level of one or more Sjögren's Syndrome biomarkers in a biological sample obtained from a subject. Biomarkers for Sjögren's Syndrome include, but are not limited to, GADD153 and Del-1.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for isolating or enriching a rare cell from a biological fluid of a mammal employing an antibody that binds a cell-surface antigen of the rare cell. The immobilized antibody is incubated with a sample of biological fluid that includes the rare cells and a plurality of other cells so as to form an antibody-rare cell complex. The complex can be detected or isolated and subsequently analyzed by any of a variety of physical, chemical and genetic techniques.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to cell culture vessels comprising fabricated cell culture surfaces providing means for efficient corneal endothelial cell growth and the use of the cultured cells in the repair of corneal tissue damage.

Abstract: Screening assays and methods of performing such assays are provided. In certain examples, the assays and methods may be designed to determine whether or not two or more species can associate with each other. In some examples, the assays and methods may be used to determine if a known antigen binds to an unknown monoclonal antibody.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for diagnosing and detecting diseases associated with pancreas. The present invention provides one or more proteins or fragments thereof, peptides or nucleic acid molecules differentially expressed in pancreatic diseases (PCAT) and antibodies binds to PCAT. The present invention provides that PCAT is used as targets for screening agents that modulates the PCAT activities. Further, the present invention provides methods for treating diseases associated with pancreas.

Abstract: Methods and kits for measuring levels of von Willebrand factor function in a sample without using a platelet aggregation agonist, such as ristocetin, comprising recombinant glycoprotein Ib? having at least two of a G233V, D235Y and M239V mutations and an agent to detect a complex between the recombinant glycoprotein Ib? and von Willebrand factor.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for identifying agents useful for the treatment of proteinopathies.

Abstract: An immunoanalytical system in which, after a sample such as a patient's serum is subjected to a pretreatment by an immunological pretreatment device, the sample is subjected to light detection by an immunological photometric detection system. Subsequently, the mass spectrometric pretreatment device performs a pretreatment, and the mass spectrometric detection system performs mass spectrometry. The mass spectrometric detection system performs mass spectrometry on components contained in a supernatant. A signal intensity and peak area for each of components are calculated from an obtained chromatograph. A quantitative value measured based on the immunoanalytical method is calculated for each of the components on the basis of the relative ratios of the components.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to antibodies that bind FcRn and methods of using these antibodies.

Abstract: Provided is a method for noninvasive prediction or diagnosis of inflammation and/or infection in amniotic fluid leaked through the cervix into the vagina to predict the concentration of inflammatory markers in the amniotic fluid inside uterus by measuring the concentration of inflammatory markers (various cytokines). Further provided is a method for prediction or diagnosis of inflammation and/or infection in amniotic fluid by measuring the concentration of markers (IL-6, IL-1? IL-8, MCP-1, GRO-?) in the amniotic fluid leaked through the cervix into the vagina in patients with premature rupture of membranes. The method can be performed more stably on pregnant women, as compared to the conventional method for prediction or diagnosis of inflammation and/or infection using invasively collected amniotic fluid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards methods for measuring and assaying PAS Kinase activity. The methods are useful, for example, for detecting PASK activity in a cell, and for screening for small molecule regulators of PAS kinase activity, as well as characterizing endogenous factors and stimuli that modulate PAS kinase activity, and identifying and optimizing the activity of potential PAS kinase inhibitors.