Abstract: The invention aims at providing an adsorbent for bacterial toxins, a method for removal of such toxins by adsorption, and an adsorber packed with said adsorbent. Provided are an adsorbent for bacterial toxins, which comprises a water-insoluble porous material having a mode of pore radius of 20 angstroms to 1,000 angstroms, a method for removal of bacterial toxins using said adsorbent, and an adsorber packed with said adsorbent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prostaglandin D2 metabolite, derivatives thereof, compositions comprising the metabolite, and an antibody that specially binds to the metabolite. Methods of use are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides a digital microfluidic manipulation device and a manipulation method thereof. This device comprises a PDMS membrane having a surface comprising a plurality of hydrophobic microstructures; a plurality of air chambers arranged in an array and placed under the PDMS membrane; and a plurality of air channels, each of which connects to a corresponding one of the plurality of air chambers. When a suction force is transmitted via one of the plurality of air channels to the corresponding air chamber, a portion of the PDMS membrane above the air chamber deforms toward the air chamber, so that the surface morphology and the contact angle of the liquid/solid interface of the surface comprising the plurality of hydrophobic microstructures are altered and thereby to drive droplets.

Abstract: Provided are methods of collecting, detecting and altering cells and molecular entities using glycoprotein micelles and vesicles. Glycoprotein vesicles comprising a glycoprotein micelle, at least a monolayer of lectin and/or a monolayer of biologically active glycoproteins are also provided. The invention further provides methods of detecting protein glycosylation using the vesicles of the invention.

Abstract: A method for producing a bilayer of amphipathic molecules comprising providing a hydrated support and providing a hydrophilic body, and bringing the hydrated support and hydrophilic body into contact to form a bilayer of amphipathic molecules. A bilayer produced by the method of the invention, and uses of the bilayer.

Abstract: A method for the quantitative assay of n different analytes, where n is at least 2, is provided. The method consists of the following steps: (a) At least one labeled detector-binding partner is added to a test sample containing the analytes. This leads to the formation of detector-analyte complexes, each of which consists of one analyte molecule and one detector molecule. The number of detector binding partners x equals n?1. Each detector-binding partner binds to at least one analyte. At least one of the detector-binding partners can bind to at least two analytes. (b) The detector-analyte complexes formed in step (a) bind to capture-binding partners and form detector-analyte-capture complexes. The number of capture-binding partners y equals the number n of the analytes. Each capture-binding partner is specific for at least one detector-analyte complex. (c) The time-resolved formation of the detector-analyte-capture complexes is measured.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, methods, and kits diagnosing, monitoring, and otherwise characterizing a myopathy and for detecting the presence of autoantibodies in a biological sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to microfluidic devices adapted for facilitating cytometry analysis of particles flowing therethrough. In certain embodiments, the microfluidic devices have onboard sterilization capabilities. In other embodiments, microfluidic devices have integral collection bags and methods for keeping the microfluidic channels clean.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and devices for the detection of anti-lipoidal antibodies and the diagnosis of disease, for example, syphilis, are described. In particular, oxidized cardiolipins, which may be conjugated with a variety of attachment molecules, such as BSA, KLH, biotin, synthetic protein MAPS, IgY, streptavidin, or avidin, are described. Such oxidized cardiolipin, alone or complexed with one or more attachment molecules, are useful to detect anti-lipoidal antibodies (such as IgG and IgM antibodies) in subjects, for example, when used in ELISA plates. ELISA plates are described that permit the detection of anti-lipoidal antibodies and that permit the co-detection of nontreponemal and treponemal antibodies in biological samples.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions which are useful for separating, isolating, detecting, and quantifying compounds of interest which have been modified chemically, enzymatically or catalytically from other compounds which have not been so modified. The modifications may take the form of functional groups which are gained, lost or retained by the compounds of interest.

Abstract: The invention relates to genes and proteins involved in the sporulation of Mycobacteria and the use thereof in the technical fields of immunology and medicine. A vaccine comprising spore forming peptides, such as CotA or CotD, or antibodies thereto is used for the treatment of diseases caused by Mycobacterium such as leprosy and tuberculosis.

Abstract: Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) isolated from the Western Corn Rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, are disclosed. The invention encompasses nucleic acid molecules that encode D. v. virgifera protein homologs and fragments thereof. In addition, antibodies capable of binding the proteins are encompassed by the present invention. The disclosed ESTs have particular utility in isolating genes and promoters, identifying and mapping the genes involved in developmental and metabolic pathways, and determining gene function. The ESTs provide a unique molecular tool for the targeting and isolation of novel genes for plant protection and improvement. The invention also relates to methods of using the disclosed nucleic acid molecules, proteins, fragments of proteins, and antibodies, for example, for gene identification and analysis, and preparation of constructs.

Abstract: A method for assessing the state of Alzheimer's disease in patients is disclosed. A method for monitoring the progression of Alzheimer's disease in patients is also disclosed. The method applies detection of specific peptide markers, e.g., using mass spectrometric analysis.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and devices for the detection of conditions or disorders by detecting altered levels of stress response pathway biomarkers. Also provided are methods and reagents for identifying panels of biomarkers associated with a condition or disorder.

Abstract: Anti-STEAP-1 antibodies and immunoconjugates thereof are provided. Methods of using anti-STEAP-1 antibodies and immunoconjugates thereof are provided. Methods of detecting or determining the presence of STEAP-1 proteins are provided.

Abstract: Improved assays for detecting the presence of a specific cell-mediated immune response in an individual are provided, where a sample comprising T cells and other cells of the immune system, usually a blood sample or derivative thereof, is contacted with test antigen(s) of interest in the presence of a pattern recognition receptor (PRR) agonist. The sample is incubated for a period of time sufficient to activate effector T cells; and release of immune effector molecule(s) is then detected. In some embodiments, the PRR is an agonist of a toll-like receptor (TLR) expressed by mature antigen presenting cells, including without limitation agonists TLR3 and TLR7, such as LPS, poly I:C, imiquimod, etc.

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: This invention relates to an isolated, synthetic or recombinant peptide, wherein the peptide comprises the sequence: C K G K G A Xaa1 C R Xaa2 Xaa3 Xaa4 Y Xaa5 C C Xaa6 G Xaa7 C R Xaa8 Xaa9 R C SEQ ID NO: 1 wherein Xaa1, Xaa3, Xaa4, Xaa6, Xaa7 and Xaa8 are independently selected from serine and threonine; Xaa2 is selected from arginine and lysine; Xaa5 is selected from aspartic acid and glutamic acid; and Xaa9 is selected from glycine, alanine, valine, leucine and isoleucine.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for determining whether an individual has Sjögren's disease (SD). The method entails determining in a biological sample from the individual the presence of antibodies directed to salivary gland protein 1 (SP-I), parotid secretory protein (PSP), carbonic anhydrase 6 (C A6), or determining a combination of the antibodies. Determining that the individual has SD is based on the presence of the antibodies. The method provides for detection of early SD. Kits for antibody detection containing the antigens to which the antibodies of SD patients are directed are also provided.

Abstract: Sensing compositions, sensing element, sensing systems and sensing devices for the detection and/or quantitation of one or more analytes, Compositions comprising carbon nanotubes in which the carbon nanotubes retain their ability to luminesce and in which that luminescence is rendered selectively sensitive to the presence of an analyte. Compositions comprising individually dispersed carbon nanotubes, which are electronically isolated from other carbon nanotubes, yet which are associated with chemical selective species, such as polymers, particularly biological polymers, for example proteins, which can interact selectively with, or more specifically selectivity bind to, an analyte of interest. Chemically selective species bind, preferably non-covalently, to the carbon nanotube and function to provide for analyte selectivity. Chemically selective species include polymers to which one or more chemically selective groups are covalently attached.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits for diagnosing, ascertaining the clinical course of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and ascertaining response to a therapy regimen of myelodysplastic syndrome. Specifically the invention provides methods and kits useful in the diagnosis and determination of clinical parameters associated with MDS based on surface markers unique to MDS.

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. Finally, the invention relates to the discovery that some compounds, e.g., lactisole, inhibit both the activities of human T1R2/T1R3 and T1R1/T1R3 receptors, and accordingly the sweet and umami taste, suggesting that these receptors may be the only sweet and umami receptors.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions (e.g., peptide compositions) useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Borrelia antigens. The peptide compositions comprise polypeptide sequences comprising variants in the IR6 domain of the Borrelia VlsE protein. The invention also provides devices, methods, and kits comprising such peptide compositions and useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Borrelia antigens and the diagnosis of Lyme disease.

Abstract: A method and apparatus, as defined herein, for use in compound screening, compound profiling, or both assays, for example, against two different cellular targets in, for example, a single cell-type.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for the determination of the binding coefficient of a hydrophobic chemical compound comprising: g. Providing an assay plate with a plurality of rows and columns of test vessels; h. Providing the majority of the test vessels in said assay plate with a polymer, wherein in each row the amount of polymer coating per test vessel is increased; i. Filling each test vessel with a solution of binding partner to which the binding coefficient should be assayed, wherein in each column the amount of binding partner is increased; j. Adding the hydrophobic compound and incubate the plate; k. Determining the concentration of said compound in said polymer or in the solution; l. Calculating the protein binding coefficient of the compound.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of obtaining a population of antigen-specific T cells from peripheral blood of a host. An embodiment of the method of the invention comprises (i) dividing PBMCs from peripheral blood of a host into more than one sub-population; (ii) contacting the PBMCs with an antigen and IL-2; (iii) obtaining a sample of PBMCs from each sub-population; (iv) identifying an antigen-reactive sub-population by determining by high throughput quantitative PCR the expression of a factor produced by the PBMCs of each sample; (v) dividing the antigen-reactive sub-population into microcultures; (vi) identifying the antigen-reactive microculture; and (vii) expanding the microculture, thereby obtaining a population of T cells specific for the antigen. The invention also provides a population of T cells obtained by the inventive method, a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same, and a method of treating a disease in a host using the pharmaceutical composition.

Abstract: The invention provides a multiparametric method of assessing the reaction of a patient's immune system to a test subject. The invention compares a patient sample reacted with a test sample and a third party sample and combines the assessments of the multiple parameters to correlate the test reaction with a clinical event.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure comprising a biological membrane and a porous or perforated substrate, a biological membrane, a substrate, a high throughput screen, methods for production of the structure membrane and substrate, and a method for screening a large number of test compounds in a short period. More particularly it relates to a structure comprising a biological membrane adhered to a porous or perforated substrate, a biological membrane capable of adhering with high resistance seals to a substrate such as perforated glass and the ability to form sheets having predominantly an ion channel or transporter of interest, a high throughput screen for determining the effect of test compounds on ion channel or transporter activity, methods for manufacture of the structure, membrane and substrate, and a method for monitoring ion channel or transporter activity in a membrane.

Abstract: A single disposable cartridge for performing a process on a particle, such as particle sorting, encapsulates all fluid contact surfaces in the cartridge for use with microfluidic particle processing technology. The cartridge interfaces with an operating system for effecting particle processing. The encapsulation of the fluid contact surfaces insures, improves or promotes operator isolation and/or product isolation. The cartridge may employ any suitable technique for processing particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to humanized anti-human Factor D monoclonal antibodies, their nucleic acid and amino acid sequences, the cells and vectors that harbor these antibodies and their use in the preparation of compositions and medicaments for treatment of diseases and disorders associated with excessive or uncontrolled complement activation. These antibodies are useful for diagnostics, prophylaxis and treatment of disease.

Abstract: Methods for detecting invasive trophoblast antigen (ITA) in biological samples comprise screening the samples for ITA using antibodies that bind to the ITA. The methods are useful to detect pregnancy, trophoblastic diseases, and Down's syndrome in fetuses of pregnant women. Some methods include screening the samples with a plurality of capture antibodies that specifically bind ITA. Chemiluminescent immunoassays are disclosed. The methods may be practiced with the diagnostic kits of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides and includes monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) preferentially selective for HER2 antigens, hybridoma lines that secrete these HER2 antibodies or antibody fragments, and the use of such antibodies and antibody fragments to detect HER2 antigens, particularly those expressed by cancer cells. The present invention also includes antibodies that are specific for or show preferential binding to a soluble or secreted form of HER2. The present invention also includes an antibody or antibody fragment that is capable of reducing the activity of HER2 in at least one form, including a soluble form or a secreted form. The present invention further includes chimeric antibodies, processes for producing monoclonal and chimeric antibodies or monoclonal or chimeric antibodies, and their therapeutic uses, particularly in the detection of cancer most preferentially in human breast, stomach, and colon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method called Sequential IMmunoPeroxidase Labeling and Erasing (SIMPLE) that enables the simultaneous visualization of at least five markers within a single tissue section. Utilizing the alcohol-soluble peroxidase substrate 3-amino-9-ethylcarbazole (AEC), combined with a rapid non-destructive method for antibody-antigen dissociation, the present application discloses the ability to erase the results of a single immunohistochemical stain while preserving tissue antigenicity for repeated rounds of labeling. The present invention also provides methods for visualizing multiple antigens simultaneously.

Abstract: A microfluidic cartridge including on-board dry reagents and microfluidic circuitry for determining a clinical analyte or analytes from a few microliters of liquid sample; with docking interface for use in a host workstation, the workstation including a pneumatic fluid controller and spectrophotometer for monitoring analytical reactions in the cartridge.

Abstract: It has been surprisingly found that ZAP-70 expression, both at the protein and mRNA levels, is indicative of clinical subgroups of CLL/SLL patients. In particular, high ZAP-70 expression is indicative of Ig-unmutated CLL/SLL. Methods are provided for discriminating between clinical subgroups of CLL/SLL, by determining whether subjects overexpress ZAP-70 mRNA or protein.

Abstract: A rapid method for the quantitation of various live cell types is described. This new cell fluorescence method correlates with other methods of enumerating cells such as the standard plate count, the methylene blue method and the slide viability technique. The method is particularly useful in several applications such as: a) quantitating bacteria in milk, yogurt, cheese, meat and other foods, b) quantitating yeast cells in brewing, fermentation and bread making, c) quantitating mammalian cells in research, food and clinical settings. The method is especially useful when both total and viable cell counts are required such as in the brewing industry. The method can also be employed to determine the metabolic activity of cells in a sample. The apparatus, device, and/or system used for cell quantitation is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery that the Notch signaling pathway is associated with cancer. Accordingly, the invention provides methods and compositions for treating cancer. Also provided are methods of modulating the expression and/or activity of proteins in the Notch signaling pathway for use in diagnoses and treatment of cancer in a subject.

Abstract: The invention provides a bio-sensing nanodevice comprising: a stabilized G-protein coupled receptor on a support, a real time receptor-ligand binding detection method, a test composition delivery system and a test composition recognition program. The G-protein coupled receptor can be stabilized using surfactant peptide. The nanodevice provides a greater surface area for better precision and sensitivity to odorant detection. The invention further provides a microfluidic chip containing a stabilized G-protein coupled receptor immobilized on a support, and arranged in at least two dimensional microarray system. The invention also provides a method of delivering odorant comprising the step of manipulating the bubbles in complex microfluidic networks wherein the bubbles travel in a microfluidic channel carrying a variety of gas samples to a precise location on a chip. The invention further provides method of fabricating hOR17-4 olfactory receptor.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to methods of producing a mutant GPCR with increased stability relative to its parent GPCR.

Abstract: Mouse monoclonal antibodies specifically recognizing the Penicillin Binding Protein 2a (PBP2a) derived from a strain of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were produced and characterized. The immunogen used to generate an immune response in a mouse was a PBP2a recombinant protein derived from a strain of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The data showed that both monoclonal antibodies of the disclosure were able to distinguish MRSA from MSSA bacteria. The monoclonal antibodies have distinct recognition patterns for the regions of the PBP2a protein sequence. Epitope mapping has localized regions of the PBP2a protein specifically recognized by one or both of the monoclonal antibodies. The monoclonal antibodies of the present disclosure having the ability to distinguish between MRSA and MSSA strains can be useful as the basis for a diagnostic assay useful in the clinical setting for determining whether and which antibiotics to administer to a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for diagnosis of inflammatory disorders, and in non-limiting embodiments, of inflammatory disorders associated with elevated interleukin-1? (“IL-1?”), based on increased levels of follistatin-like protein 1 (“FSTL-1”). In particular non-limiting embodiments, the invention further provides for methods of identifying subjects with systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (“SOJIA”) who are at increased risk for developing macrophage activation syndrome (“MAS”) comprising detecting, in said subjects, hyper-increased levels of FSTL-1. In additional non-limiting embodiments, the invention provides for methods of identifying subjects with Kawasaki disease who are at increased risk of developing aortic aneurysms comprising detecting, in said subjects, hyper-increased levels of FSTL-1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of diagnosis and therapy of cancers expressing the HER2 receptor. The invention provides antibodies or fragments thereof that recognise an epitope of the HER2 receptor truncated form CTF-611, said epitope being defined by a sequence included in SEQ ID NO: 2, and that are capable of discriminating between CTF-611 and CTF-616 (represented by SEQ ID NO:7), preferably additionally capable of discriminating between CTF-611 and CTF-613 (represented by SEQ ID NO:6). The invention also provides a method of cancer diagnosis using the disclosed antibodies, which comprises the detection of the presence of the HER2 receptor truncated form consisting of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 in a patient sample.

Abstract: A method of identifying a subject at risk of developing or having a neurodegenerative disorder is provided. The method includes obtaining a biological sample from the subject and assaying a level of a marker of intestinal permeability in the sample. The method further includes comparing the subject's level to a control level for the marker of intestinal integrity and identifying the subject having an increased intestinal permeability relative to the control intestinal permeability as having an increased risk of developing or having a neurodegenerative disorder. A method of monitoring the efficacy of a treatment for a neurodegenerative disorder is also provided.

Abstract: Methods and devices for diagnosing, monitoring, or determining obstructive uropathy or an associated disorder in a mammal are described. In particular, methods and devices for diagnosing, monitoring, or determining obstructive uropathy or an associated disorder using measured concentrations of a combination of three or more analytes in a test sample taken from the mammal are described.

Abstract: An in vitro method for the risk stratification of patients with stable arteriosclerosis, especially stable coronary artery disease, is disclosed wherein the concentration of procalcitonin is determined in the circulation of such patients using a highly sensitive PCT assay, and wherein within the range of PCT concentrations in the typical normal range of healthy individuals cutoff values are defined which distinguish groups of individual patients with stable arteriosclerosis in accordance with personal cardiac risk, and patients are allotted to one of said risk groups on the basis of their individual PCT concentrations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the redox status of a cell or tissue comprising a step consisting of determining the level of PML nuclear bodies in said cell or tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for metabolism manipulation of life forms using spectral output which comprises at least one array of LED light sources which have metabolic manipulating spectral emissions. The array sends one or more environmental signals selected from the group consisting of day/night cycles, seasonal cycles, competitive signals and harsh condition preparedness. A remotely programmable microcontroller is operatively connected to the at least one array for controlling the spectral emissions in a desired manner. The microcontroller selectively sending on commands, off commands and intensity commands to the at least one array. The method and apparatus include software for driving the microcontroller and the software is stored in a memory. A power source is operatively connected to the at least one array of LED light sources, and a graphic user interface facilitates inputting information, by an operator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to regulation of cold sensation and pain. More particularly, the present invention is directed to nucleic acids encoding a member of the transient regulatory protein family, CMR1, which is involved in modulation of the perception of cold sensations and pain. The invention further relates to methods for identifying and using agents that modulate cold responses and pain responses stimulated by cold via modulation of CMR1 and CMR1-related signal transduction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the identity of a chemical entity having a preselected property. The chemical entity is identified from a library composed of a plurality of different chemical entities each appended to unique identifier tags. An anti-tag having the capability of specifically interacting with the unique identifier tag is recovered during the method and used for identification purposes.

Abstract: A process for measuring the amount of an antigen in a sample comprising the steps of binding the antigen to a solid phase, forming an antigen-antibody immunocomplex on the solid phase by applying a detection antibody that is specific for the antigen, liberating the detection antibody from the immunocomplex by applying a competing molecule that disrupts the immunocomplex by competing against the antigen for binding to the detection antibody, collecting the liberated detection antibody; and quantifying the liberated detection antibody to measure the amount of the antigen in the sample.