Abstract: The invention relates to providing a method for more conveniently evaluating stratum corneum condition. A stratum corneum sheet is contacted with a solution of a water-soluble dye, and the staining intensity or fluorescence intensity is measured to allow convenient evaluation of the stratum corneum condition. There is further provided a method for evaluating the ameliorating effect of a cosmetic or cosmetic treatment on the stratum corneum, by implementing the method for evaluating stratum corneum condition using a water-soluble dye according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of molecular diagnostics. In particular, the present invention provided improved substrates and methods of using liquid crystals and other biophotonically based assays for quantitating the amount of an analyte in a sample. The present invention also provides materials and methods for detecting non-specific binding of an analyte to a substrate by using a liquid crystal or other biophotonically based assay formats.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and assays for identifying agents useful in the treatment of fibrotic diseases, in particular diseases related to fibroblast migration and differentiation. The invention provides polypeptide and nucleic acid TARGETs, siRNA sequences based on these TARGETs and antibodies against the TARGETs. The invention is further related to pharmaceutical composition comprising siRNA sequences based on the TARGETs and antibodies against the TARGETs for use in the treatment of fibrotic disease. The invention further provides in vitro methods for inhibition of fibroblast migration and differentiation.

Abstract: An on-chip optical filter having Fabri-Perot resonators and a spectrometer may include a first sub-wavelength grating (SWG) reflecting layer and a second SWG reflecting layer facing each other. A plurality of Fabri-Perot resonators are formed by the first SWG reflecting layer and the second SWG reflecting layer facing each other. Each of the Fabri-Perot resonators may transmit light corresponding to a resonance wavelength of the Fabri-Perot resonator. The resonance wavelengths of the Fabri-Perot resonators may be determined according to duty cycles of grating patterns.

Abstract: A microfluidic device is configured to analyze a sample of biological material. The microfluidic device includes a fluid guide structure constructed in order to divide a sample introduced into the microfluidic device into a plurality of subquantities. The microfluidic device further includes a plurality of reaction chambers each of which is fluidically connected to the fluid guide structure. Each of the reaction chambers has a filter configured to filter out target cells from the sample, and each of the reaction chambers is constructed to receive a sample subquantity. In each of the reaction chambers, a result of a reaction between a target-cell-specific active substance that is different for each of the reaction chambers and the target cells of the sample subquantity that is taken up is acquirable.

Abstract: The present invention provides assays and methods for predicting the survival of a subject having colorectal cancer (CRC), thereby determining whether the subject will have a good prognosis or poor prognosis. The present invention also provides assays and methods for predicting therapeutic efficacy and/or response to anti-cancer therapeutics in a subject having CRC, thereby selecting a therapeutic regimen to which the subject is likely to be responsive.

Abstract: The invention provides a manufacturing method of color resist layer to manufacture the color resist layer by micro transfer printing (MTP), comprising forming a color resist thin film on a first substrate, using a MTP transfer stamp to adsorb a part of the color resist thin film to the plurality of protrusions of the MTP transfer stamp, and transferring the color resist thin film adsorbed by the plurality of protrusions of the MTP transfer stamp to the second substrate to form the color resist layer on the second substrate. The method uses the protrusions of the MTP transfer stamp to form the pattern to control the pattern of the color resist layer instead of exposure and development. No color resist material is wasted, the cost is reduced and the process is simple and widely applicable.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions, methods and/or kits for determining the likelihood of a pregnant subject delivering at term, or developing a disorder associated with pregnancy. These compositions, methods and/or kits feature the measurement of the chemotactic activity of peripheral leukocytes, the measurement of ccl2 mRNA expression or the measurement of Fp or Otr protein expression.

Abstract: Differentiation and stability of neural stem cells can be enhanced by in vitro or in vivo culturing with one or more extracellular matrix (ECM) compositions, such as collagen I, IV, laminin and/or a heparan sulfate proteoglycan. In one aspect of the invention, adult mammalian enteric neuronal progenitor cells can be induced to differentiate on various substrates derived from components or combinations of neural ECM compositions. Collagen I and IV supported neuronal differentiation and extensive glial differentiation individually and in combination. Addition of laminin or heparan sulfate to collagen substrates unexpectedly improved neuronal differentiation, increasing neuron number, branching of neuronal processes, and initiation of neuronal network formation. In another aspect, neuronal subtype differentiation was affected by varying ECM compositions in hydrogels overlaid on intestinal smooth muscle sheets.

Abstract: Imidazoquinoline compounds with an alkoxy substituent at the 6, 7, 8, or 9-position, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, intermediates, methods of making, and methods of use of these compounds as immunomodulators, for inducing or inhibiting cytokine biosynthesis in animals and in the treatment of diseases including viral, and neoplastic, are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for isolating cells, comprising: a substrate having a broad surface; an array comprising a set of wells defined at the broad surface of the substrate, each well including: a base surface, an open surface directly opposing the base surface, defined at the broad surface of the substrate, and configured to receive one of a single cell and a single cluster of cells from a direction perpendicular to the broad surface of the substrate, and a set of channels that fluidly couple each well to at least one adjacent well; wherein the set of wells includes an interior subset and an exterior subset fluidly coupled to and surrounding the interior subset by way of the set of channels; and a fluid delivery module surrounding the array and fluidly coupled to each well in the set of wells.

Abstract: Methods of detecting target bacteria are provided. In some embodiments the methods comprise exposing the sample to a phage capable of infecting a set of target bacteria and comprising a heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding a marker. In some embodiments the target bacteria comprise Listeria. In some embodiments the target bacteria are all Listeria. Recombinant Listeria phage comprising a heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding a marker are also provided as are useful combinations of such phage and articles of manufacture comprising such phage, among other things.

Abstract: A device for assembling aggregations of adherent cells includes a gripper moveable within an assembly vessel that fixes aggregations of adherent cells at a membrane of the gripper and, by movement of the gripper, assembles aggregations of cells on a separate membrane within the vessel, thereby creating a three-dimensional assembly of aggregations of cells that fuse and can be employed in surgical procedures as a unitary tissue of adherent cells. The aggregations of cells, as assembled, can assume three-dimensional configurations distinct from any one of the component aggregations of cells assembled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel use of the Chinese herb Glycyrrhiza inflata in treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Particularly, the invention relates to the use of ammonium glycyrrhizinate and licochalcone A in targeting polyQ-mediated spinocerebellar ataxia.

Abstract: The invention concerns automated methods for assessing tissue morphometry in digital images of tissue sections derived from small intestine biopsy samples from patients submitted for evaluation of celiac disease. The methods generally involve digital image analysis of tissue section images, and specifically involve post-processing each image to produce a binary mask capturing the tissue area footprint on the glass slide. Virtual stereology probes are placed on each image and assessed to estimate the ratio of the surface area to volume of the tissue specimen. The surface area to volume ratio is used to diagnose celiac disease and make inferences about the severity of celiac disease in those individuals with a positive diagnosis of celiac disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for detecting the expression and/or activation states of components of signal transduction pathways in cells such as tumor cells. Information on the expression and/or activation states of components of signal transduction pathways derived from use of the present invention can be used for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and in the design of cancer treatments.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the prevention and/or treatment of metastatic cancer. Certain example embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for preventing and/or treating a metastatic cancer in a subject. The method comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an inhibitor of a chemokine receptor CCX-CKR.

Abstract: The present invention provides high throughput assays for identifying compounds that modulate a contractile function, as well as devices suitable for use in these assays.

Abstract: A sample preparation device includes: a filter member including a filter configured to separate cells being an analysis target from other components in a sample; a first receptacle and a second receptacle configured to be connected to each other via the filter; a third receptacle capable of holding the sample therein; a negative pressure section configured to apply a negative pressure into the second receptacle, thereby to move the sample in the third receptacle toward the filter via the first receptacle, and thereby to move components other than the analysis target into the second receptacle via the filter; and a positive pressure section configured to apply a positive pressure from the second receptacle side to the filter to which cells being the analysis target are attached.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the presence and/or amount of viable cells in a liquid sample. The method includes (a) labeling with a fluorescent label viable cells remaining on a porous membrane after passing the liquid sample therethrough, (b) scanning a portion of the porous membrane by rotating the porous membrane relative to a detection system, and (c) determining the presence and/or quantity of viable cells captured by the membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds and methods useful in the detection of e.g., Zn2+, in vitro and in vivo. The compounds include amino acids and peptides functionalized with a moiety that binds, e.g., Zn2+. Importantly, the compounds do not exhibit substantial fluorescence in the absence of zinc.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method using immunoassay devices to differentiate infection with HIV-2 from infection with both HIV-1 and HIV-2 in a subject.

Abstract: A method for assessing turbulence parameters of a medium comprises the following steps: the illumination, by a laser beam being propagated in said medium, of a film of photochromic organic material that can comprise molecules of azobenzene, or of spyropyrane, or of stilbene, or of coumarin, or of fulgide, said illumination creating a surface grating in said film comprising scratches, the deformations of which are a function of the turbulence parameters; a step of acquisition of images comprising individual areas of structures linked to said scratches, more or less reduced and representative of the turbulence parameters of said medium; a step of processing of said images that makes it possible to assess the turbulence parameters of said medium. A device is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for labeling intracellular and extracellular targets of leukocytes, as well as to kits for performing said methods.

Abstract: This disclosure is related to systems and methods for rapid determination of microorganism growth and antimicrobial agent susceptibility and/or resistance.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to conducting an assay on a sample that isolates a pathogen from the sample and allows for analysis of the pathogen with minimal (i.e., at most 24 hrs of culturing) or no culturing of the pathogen. In certain embodiments, the invention provides methods for identifying a pathogen from a sample that involve obtaining a sample including a pathogen, conducting an assay that isolates the pathogen from the sample, culturing the isolated pathogen for at most about 24 hrs, and analyzing the pathogen.

Abstract: A method of testing water is described which includes the steps of taking a water sample to be tested, diluting the water sample to create a test water sample, applying a reagent to the water sample, heating the test water sample for a predetermined period, and using the color of the test water sample to provide an indication of the water quality.

Abstract: The application discloses methods, materials, and compositions for the labeling of molecules, for example, proteins, in living cells or in subcellular compartments of living cells. In particular, the application relates to proteomic analysis methods; materials and compositions and means based on direct tagging of unknown proteins with tagging enzymes (such as biotin ligase or a peroxidase) within the vicinity of a tagging substrate (such as a tyramide) within living cells, with optional targeting to specific subcellular locations by expression of genetic constructs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the prevention, treatment, and diagnosis of cancer, especially carcinomas, such as pancreatic carcinoma. The invention discloses peptides, polypeptides, and polynucleotides that can be used to stimulate a CTL response against pancreatic and other cancers.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an isolated protein comprising at least one antibody variable region that is capable of binding to peptidase inhibitor 16 (PI16), wherein the protein is also capable of competitively inhibiting binding of an antibody produced by a hybridoma designated CRCBT-02-001 deposited with the ATCC under Accession Number PTA-10685 to PI16. The present invention also provides use of the protein, e.g., in diagnosis, therapy or to isolate cells, preferably Treg cells.

Abstract: The present invention describes a tubular scoop that may be utilized with various assemblies for sampling fluid in a pipeline. The scoop includes a bend with a bend radius that is from two to four times the diameter of the scoop. The scoop defines a scoop face that is parallel to an axis of the tubular of the scoop. The scoop is mounted with a threaded connection that seals around the tubular. An additional seal comprises a compression nut that allows orientation of the scoop within the pipeline whereupon the scoop orientation is fixed by tightening the compression nut.

Abstract: Specific peptides, and derived ionization characteristics of those peptides, from the Bcl-2-like protein 11 (BIM) are provided that are particularly advantageous for quantifying the BIM protein directly in biological samples that have been fixed in formalin by the method of Selected Reaction Monitoring (SRM) mass spectrometry, or what can also be termed as Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM). Such biological samples are chemically preserved and fixed where the biological sample is selected from tissues and cells treated with formaldehyde containing agents/fixatives including formalin-fixed tissue/cells, formalin-fixed/paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue/cells, FFPE tissue blocks and cells from those blocks, and tissue culture cells that have been formalin fixed and or paraffin embedded.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aptamer or pool of aptamers (nucleic acid sequences) that bind(s) to a target molecule on the surface, accessible from the surface or inside of a mammalian sperm cell and a method for producing the aptamers. The method comprises contacting a collection of different nucleic acid molecules with the target molecule under conditions favorable for binding between at least one of the nucleic acid molecules and the target molecule, to form at least one complex comprising the nucleic acid molecule bound to the target molecule, wherein each of the nucleic acid molecules comprises at least one segment of randomized nucleotide sequences. The complexes are then separated from the unbound nucleic acid molecules and unbound target molecules, and the bound nucleic acid molecule is recovered from the separated complex. The aptamers are used to separate sperm cells based upon sperm cell qualities, such as whether the cells contain X chromosomes or Y chromosomes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of detecting filarial larvae in blood. The method comprises preparing a measurement sample from a blood sample collected from an animal; flowing the prepared measurement sample through a flow cell; irradiating light on the measurement sample flowing through the flow cell; detecting light given off from the irradiated measurement sample; and detecting filarial larvae contained in the measurement sample based on characteristic parameter of the detected light.

Abstract: EphB3-specific antibodies are provided, along with pharmaceutical compositions containing such antibody, kits containing a pharmaceutical composition, and methods of preventing and treating an EphB3-related disease or disorder.

Abstract: Cell lines that stably express ENaC and methods for using those cell lines are disclosed herein. The invention includes cell lines that express various subunit combinations and various proteolyzed isoforms of ENaC and techniques for creating cell lines. The ENaC-expressing cell lines are highly sensitive, physiologically relevant and produce consistent results.

Abstract: Systems, kits, and methods for predicting the risk of an adverse event related to acute kidney injury AKI as a consequence of a surgical intervention in a subject. Embodiments of the system and methods include means and steps for determining an amount of liver-type fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP) in a sample, such as a urine-sample of a subject; comparing the amounts of the L-FABP with a reference amount, and predicting the risk of an adverse event related to acute kidney injury as a consequence of surgical intervention in the subject.

Abstract: This invention provides monoclonal antibodies that recognize the Toll-like Receptor 4/MD-2 receptor complex, and monoclonal antibodies that recognize the TLR4/MD2 complex as well as TLR4 when not complexed with MD-2. The invention further provides methods of using the humanized monoclonal antibodies as therapeutics. This invention also provides soluble chimeric proteins, methods of expressing and purifying soluble chimeric proteins, and methods of using soluble chimeric proteins as therapeutics, in screening assays and in the production of antibodies.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the present invention provides compositions and methods for treating or preventing breast cancer in humans.

Abstract: In a technique for quantifying the spatial distribution of cells or sub-cellular structures, image data representing a spatial map of biomarkers is processed to obtain a set of coordinates. Each of the coordinates in the set denotes the location of a cell or sub-cellular structure represented by a biomarker or combination of biomarkers. The set of coordinates is processed into a two-dimensional symmetric (2N?1)×(2N?1) or 2N×2N matrix. The resulting matrix may be used for various purposes, such as assigning subjects clinical characteristics, and/or forming and/or testing scientific hypotheses for interventions, for example. Also described herein is an apparatus for performing the described technique.

Abstract: An inventive method for treatment or prevention of vascular diseases of the retina is provided. A Norrin compound is optionally administered to a subject either directly and/or as expressed by a cell. The presence of the compound is either protective of or therapeutic for a pathological condition of the retina. Preferred pathological conditions are those linked to the absence of or mutation of norrin protein and are preferably Norrie disease, FEVR, or macular degeneration.

Abstract: Second harmonic nanoprobes for imaging biological samples and a method of using such probes to monitor the dynamics of biological process using a field resonance enhanced second harmonic (FRESH) technique are provided. The second harmonic generating (SHG) nanoprobes are comprised of various kinds of nanocrystals that do not possess an inversion symmetry and therefore are capable of generating second harmonic signals that can then be detected by conventional two-photon microscopy for in vivo imaging of biological processes and structures such as cell signaling, neuroimaging, protein conformation probing, DNA conformation probing, gene transcription, virus infection and replication in cells, protein dynamics, tumor imaging and cancer therapy evaluation and diagnosis as well as quantification in optical imaging.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus using a smart glass is provided, the image processing apparatus including an extractor to extract a first target to be observed by a user from a first image received from the smart glass and generate a second image using the extracted first target, an information collector to collect information related to the first target, and an image generator to reconstruct a third image using at least one of the second image and the information related to the first target, based on user settings.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods of cell staining, such as bovine sperm, using electroporation or osmolality treatments at viability-enhancing temperatures. Furthermore, methods of highly efficient cell sorting that are especially suitable in sorting bovine sperm using novel cell staining procedures are also provided.

Abstract: A thermosensitive copolymer may include a first repeating unit having a temperature-sensitive oligomer and a second repeating unit having an ionic moiety and a counter ion to the ionic moiety. The temperature-sensitive oligomer may be an oligomer including a repeating unit derived from a unsaturated monomer with a moiety represented by Chemical Formula 1 or Chemical Formula 2, or an oligomer including a repeating unit derived from a heterocyclic compound having C, N, O, and a C?N bond in its ring. *—C(?O)N(R2)(R3)??[Chemical Formula 1] R2 and R3 may each independently be hydrogen or a linear or branched C1 to C6 alkyl group, a C3 to C7 cycloalkyl group, or a C6 to C10 aryl group, R2 and R3 may not both be hydrogen, and R2 and R3 may be combined to form a nitrogen containing heterocycle. R4 may be a C2 to C5 alkylene group.

Abstract: A device 2 for producing a three-dimensional structural body has an accommodating plate 3 in which an accommodating recess portion 3a for accommodating a cell mass 1 is formed, a support body 4 provided with a plurality of needle-shaped bodies 6 penetrating the cell mass, a suction nozzle 19 for adsorbing/holding the cell mass, and structure 20 for moving the suction nozzle.

Abstract: Disclosed are antagonists of PDGF receptor ? (PDGFR?) and VEGF-A, including neutralizing anti-PDGFR? and anti-VEGF-A antibodies, as well as related compositions and methods. Anti-PDGFR? and anti-VEGF-A antibodies disclosed herein include bispecific antibodies capable of binding and neutralizing both PDGFR? and VEGF-A. Also disclosed are methods of treating an neovascular disorder, such as cancer or an neovascular ocular disorder, using a PDGFR? and/or VEGF-A antagonist.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and compositions for separating a desired or undesired population or subpopulation from a biological sample are disclosed herein. The selection procedure is based on ferromagnetic, dense particles in a preferred size range from about 0.8 to about 1.2 microns. Specific binding agents are bound to the particles that recognize and bind to specific molecules on the targeted population or subpopulation, and the particles are mixed with the sample in such a way as to promote movement of the particles relative to the sample, promoting binding to the targeted population or subpopulation without non-specifically binding to non-targeted populations in the sample. Because of the large particle density, the bound population is separated from the fluid sample by gravity.

Abstract: An assay and system compatible with high throughput screening (HTS) that is capable of identifying inhibitors, such as small-molecule inhibitors, of the degradation of the Cdk inhibitor p21, are described. The assay is based on the use of fusion protein comprising (i) a p2 polypeptide; and (i) a reporter protein linked to the C-terminal of said p21 polypeptide, wherein the fusion protein has a half-life that is similar to that of the p21 polypeptide. Inhibitors identified by this assay may be useful to inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells, and thus for the treatment of cancers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining the presence of a retinoblastoma protein (Rb)-mediated cancerous or pre-cancerous condition in a sample of fixed cells that involves exposing the sample to an antibody that recognizes phosphorylation of serine on the retinoblastoma protein (pS-Rb), and identifying cells in the sample that are recognized by the antibody to pS-Rb, where the recognition of pS-Rb in the sample determines the presence of an Rb-mediated cancerous or pre-cancerous condition. The method also involves identifying the presence of specific cell cycle markers and positive and negative cell cycle regulators to assess the stage of disease progression in a cancer patient having an (Rb)-mediated cancer. The present invention also relates to methods of assessing the efficacy of cancer therapy for an Rb-mediated cancer, determining the mechanism of cell cycle progression in an Rb-mediated cancer, and identifying cells predisposed to developing an Rb-mediated cancerous condition.