Abstract: A device for detecting the presence of an antigen including (1) a cell having antibodies which are expressed on the surface of the cell and are specific for the antigen to be detected, where binding of the antigen to the antibodies results in an increase in calcium concentration in the cytosol of the cell, the cell further having a emitter molecule which, in response to the increased calcium concentration in the cytosol, emits a photon; (2) a liquid medium for receiving the antigen and in which the cell is immersed; and (3) an optical detector arranged for receiving the photon emitted from the cell.

Abstract: Serum antibody assays capable of distinguishing cases of inactive TB from cases of active TB include a combination of at least three M. tuberculosis protein antigens, at least one for which a positive response is consistent with inactive TB and antigens, and at least one for which a negative response is consistent with inactive TB.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for magnetic flow cytometry, wherein magnetic units (22, 24) are arranged in a flow channel (10) which is configured, with respect to the channel diameter (100) and the surface condition of the channel inner wall, in such a manner that a flow of a complex suspension can be produced in the flow channel (10) with a laminar flow profile (40). The forces (FM) that can be caused by the magnetic units (22, 24) and the forces (FS) that can be caused by the flow, applied to magnetic markers (26) that are not bound to cells, have the effect of holding back said magnetic markers (26) that are not bound to cells in the front channel section (240) and preventing them from continuing to flow along the flow channel (10) via the cell measuring device (20).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide binding molecule-functionalized high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) that can be used to detect toxins, pathogens and other biological materials. In a specific embodiment, an antibody-functionalized HEMT can be used to detect botulinum toxin. The antibody can be anchored to a gold-layered gate area of the HEMT through immobilized thioglycolic acid. Embodiments of the subject detectors can be used in field-deployable electronic biological applications based on AlGaN/GaN HEMTs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a human monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to VCAM-1, and a therapeutic composition for the treatment of inflammatory disease or cancer comprising the same. The human monoclonal antibody according to the present invention shows a strong affinity to VCAM-1 expressed on human or mouse endothelial cell, effectively inhibits leukocyte adhesion to activated endothelial cells expressing VCAM-1, and shows a low immunogenicity, thereby being used for the treatment of cancer or inflammatory disease such as asthma, rhinitis, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, bowel disease, arteriosclerosis, myocardial infarction and transplant rejection.

Abstract: The present invention disposes a membrane between two electrical conductive walls having a height at least as great as the thickness of the membrane. The conductive walls are fabricated on an electrically insolative chip base. The chip base has one or more through hole between the electrically conducting walls. The chip is placed inside a container having a well below the through hole of the electrically insolative base. At least one passageway extends from the well to the periphery of the container. This invention probes changes of the membrane as an in-plane electric field is applied between the conductive walls. The well may include various compounds while-other compounds can be placed in contact with the top of the membrane. The passageways are used to introduce substances into and out of the well.

Abstract: Provided are compounds, methods and kits for identifying in cells of interest organelles including nuclei and a wide variety of organelles other than nuclei (non-nuclear organelles), as well as cell regions or cell domains. These compounds and methods can be used with other conventional detection reagents for identifying the location or position or quantity of organelles and even for distinguishing between organelles in cells of interest.

Abstract: This invention describes a method for identifying bacteria. In particular, this invention relates to a method for identifying and quantifying mycobacteria from a sputum sample taken from a subject using flow cytometry. Further described is the use of flow cytometry to identify and quantify Mycobacterium tuberculosis from sputum-derived samples. Once identified and quantified, the samples are spotted onto filter cards for use in verification of an existing method of diagnosis, calibration of an existing method of diagnosis and/or the establishment of an external quality control system for use in conjunction with these methods of diagnosis. In one embodiment the method is used to diagnose tuberculosis (TB).

Abstract: Markers of acute myeloid leukemia stem cells (AMLSC) are identified. The markers are differentially expressed in comparison with normal counterpart cells, and are useful as diagnostic and therapeutic targets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to agonists and antagonists of the human bitter-taste receptor hTAS2R49. The invention also relates to methods for identifying further molecules that suppress or enhance hTAS2R49-mediated bitter taste transduction or bitter taste response and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects. Diffused regions of a segmented flow of multiple, miscible fluid species may be vented off to a waste channel, and non-diffused regions of fluid may be preferentially pulled off the channel that contains the segmented flow. Multiple fluid samples that are not contaminated via diffusion may be collected for analysis and measurement in a single channel. The systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects may be used to minimize or eliminate diffusion effects in a microfluidic system for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules.

Abstract: A biosensor combining the sensitivity of surface acoustic waves (SAW) generated at a frequency of 325 MHz with the specificity provided by antibodies and other ligands for the detection of viral agents. In a preferred embodiment, a lithium tantalate based SAW transducer with silicon dioxide waveguide sensor platform featuring three test and one reference delay lines was used to adsorb antibodies directed against Coxsackie virus B4 or the negative-stranded category A bioagent Sin Nombre virus (SNV). Rapid detection of increasing concentrations of viral particles was linear over a range of order of magnitude for both viruses, and the sensor's selectivity for its target was not compromised by the presence of confounding Herpes Simplex virus type 1 The biosensor was able to delect SNV at doses lower than the load of virus typically found in a human patient suffering from hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS).

Abstract: A method of analyzing protein-protein interactions includes binding the first proteins to the substrate where the first proteins are tagged with the first markers which bind specifically to the biomolecules immobilized on the substrate or the first proteins bind specifically to the biomolecules immobilized on the substrate; incubating the substrate bound first proteins with cell lysate containing the second proteins which are tagged with second markers; analyzing the interactions between the first proteins and the second proteins in the cell lysate, and obtaining the first analytic value representing the kinetic picture of the interactions; incubating the substrate bound first proteins with cell lysate mixture of a cell lysate consisting of the second markers-tagged second proteins and another cell lysate comprising other proteins including unlabelled second proteins and obtaining the second analytic value; comparing and analyzing the first and the second analytic values.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for measuring human megalin that can be performed in a simpler manner within a shorter period of time than is possible with conventional techniques, and that can also quantify human megalin. This invention also provides a method that enables diagnosis of functional diseases, which are specific to cells, tissues, or organs, in a site-directed manner at an early stage. Measurement of human megalin enables detection of a disease in an organ in which megalin expression is observed.

Abstract: The present invention provides and includes monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs or mAbs) specific or preferentially selective for PCBP-1 antigens, hybridoma lines that secrete these PCBP-1 antibodies or antibody fragments, and the use of such antibodies and antibody fragments to detect PCBP-1 antigens, particularly those expressed by cancer cells. The present invention also includes antibodies that are specific for or show preferential binding to a soluble form of PCBP-1. The present invention further includes chimeric and humanized antibodies, processes for producing monoclonal, chimeric, and humanized antibodies using recombinant DNA technology, and their therapeutic uses, particularly in the treatment or diagnosis of cancer progression. The present invention further includes methods and kits for the immunodetection and immunotherapy of cells for samples which express PCBP-1 antigens.

Abstract: Apparatus for immunoassay includes: a cartridge, including at least one test unit; a pin-film assembly, having a second sealing film, a plurality of pierce mechanisms, and a first actuation unit; a plurality of magnetic particles; at least one first magnetic unit; and at least one second magnetic unit. The test unit includes a plurality of fluid chambers, a plurality of pin chambers, a microchannel structure, a buffer chamber, a detection chamber and a waste chamber. The first actuation unit drives the pierce mechanisms to enable a working fluid to flow into the detection chamber storing the magnetic particles. As the second magnetic unit has a magnetic force larger than that of the first magnetic unit and can move reciprocatingly between a third position and a fourth position, the magnetic particles are driven to move reciprocatingly inside the detection chamber, thereby fully mixing the magnetic particles with the working fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for collecting and concentrating biological or chemical targets with a view to detecting same, wherein the device comprises a reaction chamber (1) in which functionalized magnetic beads (2) are placed, an ultrasonic agitation system (3), a magnetic field (4) that can be activated (ON position) or inactivated (OFF position), and a fluid movement system (5) for feeding (51) and discharging (52) a portion or the entirety of the contents of the reaction chamber. The present invention also relates to a method for capturing biological or chemical targets using said device.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery that three proteins, Cystatin B, Chaperonin 10, and Profilin are present in the urine of patients with bladder cancer, a cancer of epithelial origin. Accordingly, the present invention is directed to methods for prognostic evaluation of cancers of epithelial origin and to methods for facilitating diagnosis of cancers of epithelial origin by monitoring the presence of these markers in biological samples. The invention is also directed to markers for therapeutic efficacy.

Abstract: Methods and reagents for classifying HER2+ breast tumors and for identifying new HER2+ breast tumor classes and subclasses. Methods for correlating tumor class or subclass with therapeutic regimen or outcome, for identifying appropriate (new or known) therapies for particular classes or subclasses, and for predicting outcomes based on class or subclass. New therapeutic agents and methods for the treatment of HER2+ breast cancer.

Abstract: A single-chain probe of the present invention for detecting a ligand, comprises: a ligand binding protein for binding the ligand; a recognition protein for recognizing that the ligand is bound by the ligand binding protein; and C- and N-terminal fragments, generated by dissecting an enzyme, between the ligand binding protein and the recognition protein, wherein a carboxy terminal end of the C-terminal fragment is located upstream of an amino terminal end of the N-terminal fragment, and the C- and N-terminal fragments vary the enzyme activity via complementation in case where the recognition protein recognizes that the ligand is bound by the ligand binding protein. This makes it possible to achieve detection of a target protein-specific ligand using the single chain with a high efficiency.

Abstract: A method and device for periodically perturbing the flow field within a microfluidic device to provide regular droplet formation at high speed.

Abstract: Genetically encoded calcium indicator (GECI) polypeptides and the nucleic acid molecules encoding such polypeptides are provided. In addition, methods of using such nucleic acids and polypeptides in methods of screening for agonists or antagonists of G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) or ion channels and methods of monitoring neural activity also are provided.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits for detecting the complement Factor B cleavage product Ba in a biological sample are described. These methods, compositions and kits are useful in convenient, reliable and early diagnosis of or ruling out pre-eclampsia in a pregnant human subject.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treating, preventing, and diagnosing diseases or conditions associated with an abnormal level or activity of biglycan; disorders associated with an unstable cytoplasmic membrane, due, e.g., to an unstable dystrophin associated protein complex (DAPC); disorders associated with abnormal synapses or neuromuscular junctions, including those resulting from an abnormal MuSK activation or acetylcholine receptor (AChR) aggregation. Example of diseases include muscular dystrophies, such as Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy, Becker's Muscular Dystrophy, neuromuscular disorders and neurological disorders.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and compositions for preventing or inhibiting pathogenic bacterial infections in a subject caused by pathogenic bacteria expressing a multivalent adhesion molecule (MAM) polypeptide by administering to a subject a composition comprising a MAM polypeptide or a non-pathogenic bacterium expressing a MAM polypeptide, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: New polymorphisms in the nucleic acid sequences of the DNA polymerase/reverse transcriptase open reading frame and viral surface antigen open reading frame of the hepatitis B virus are reported. In particular, the present invention relates to the mutation YMDD?YSDD in the HBV reverse transcriptase domain and to the W196V mutation in the small HBV viral surface antigen. Said polymorphisms are affecting the detection of drug resistance mutations by genotypic methods and diagnostic kits based thereon. The present invention relates to methods and diagnostic kits for detection of a HBV virus comprising said nucleic acid polymorphisms. In particular, those methods utilizing oligonucleotides capable of hybridizing to said HBV nucleic acid polymorphisms are envisaged.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods relating to the evaluation of BAFF in a biological sample from a subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel class of peptide nucleic acid derivatives, which show good cell penetration and strong binding affinity for nucleic acid.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods useful in multiplex cell-based assays for compound screening employing imaging instrumentation. The methods described herein offer high content information relating to the biological potency of test agents, off-target effects and cellular toxicity of potential drug candidates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antagonists and agonists of the human bitter-taste receptors hTAS2R40, hTAS2R43, hTAS2R44, hTAS2R46, and hTAS2R47. The invention also relates to methods for identifying further molecules that suppress or enhance bitter taste transduction or bitter taste response mediated by hTAS2R40, hTAS2R43, hTAS2R44, hTAS2R46, and/or hTAS2R47 and uses thereof.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to processes that comprise the vacuum extrusion of plant materials. In some embodiments, the plant materials are subjected to a change in pressure of ?3 kPa or more. The vacuum extrusion can be used to break open the cell walls of the plant material and of any undesirable micro-organisms associated with the plant material. In some embodiments, the vacuum extrusion can be used as a step in a process for producing ethanol from plant materials, such as from sugar beets. In some embodiments, the vacuum extrusion can be used in a process for providing a desired plant cell-derived molecule, such as a sugar or starch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for predicting the effect of an immunotherapy against cancer in a patient based on new biomarkers. The present invention furthermore relates to a prognosis regarding the outcome based on said biomarkers. The present invention furthermore relates to panels of biomarkers for use in the above methods.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel class of cyanine dyes that are functionalized with a linker moiety that facilitates their conjugation to other species and substituent groups which increase the water-solubility, and optimize the optical properties of the dyes. Also provided are conjugates of the dyes, methods of using the dyes and their conjugates and kits including the dyes and their conjugates.

Abstract: A method for identifying molecules that selectively bind to a lipid binding site of a native integral membrane bound protein, includes (i) providing a solubilized integral membrane protein in a detergent micelle and having a native folding conformation; (ii) providing a soluble lipid analog that binds to the integral membrane protein at the native lipid binding site and causes a change in fluorescence of a fluorophore when bound as compared to unbound; and (iii) screening the solubilized integral membrane protein for binding to a plurality of compounds.

Abstract: The present invention stems from the finding that two genes designated R2R1 and R2R2, play important roles in tissue development and cancer biology. In particular, the inventors have discovered that these two genes are expressed in pulmonary cells and are required for late branching morphogenesis of pulmonary epithelium and endothelium and support the development/maintenance of the refined three dimensional architecture of the lung. These genes are essential in the squamous differentiation program and development/maintenance of the progenitor (Krt14 expressing) cell pool. Moreover, the inventors have identified crucial roles for these genes in cancer biology, particularly processes associated with the acquisition of an immortal and metastatic phenotype (including cancer progression and metastasis) and pulmonary and cardiac development. Accordingly, the invention provides compounds and methods for use in the treatment of cardiac and pulmonary diseases and well as in cancer.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and systems for detecting interaction between members of a binding pair. The method involves associating one member of the binding pair with a nanoparticle and detecting the interaction between the two molecules by back-scattering interferometry.

Abstract: Methods, assays, and apparatus are disclosed for testing of antigens associated with intestinal and/or blood-brain barrier permeability. For example, blood, saliva or other bodily fluid can be tested for binding (1) to a bacterial toxin (preferably a lipopolysaccharide), and (2) binding to tissue antigens selected from at least one of (a) a gut-related antigen and (b) a blood brain barrier-related antigen. Analysis of test results can be used to assist in detecting and diagnosing diseases associated with leaky gut syndrome (whether due to paracellular or transcellular pathways, and whether due to bacterial toxins or some other cause) and/or to diseases associated with excessive blood brain barrier permeability, which are contemplated herein to include both neuroinflammation and/or neuroautoimmunity conditions, and especially amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, or peripheral neuropathy, and major depression.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a splice variant of a human sodium channel alpha subunit and methods and compositions for making and using the same.

Abstract: This invention describes a device consisting of a micro channel plate, filter, and porous holder for filter, which is substituted by a pure agar block during method performance, and supportive structural elements. The device is intended for rapid detection and/or identification of microorganisms. Microorganisms are trapped by filtration in long (diameter/length=1/10-1/100), cylindrical, parallel, micro-channels that are open from both sides and attached to a filter from one side. A micro channel plate houses a multiplicity of micro channels (possible diameter of each channel=1-30 ?m, length 100-1000 ?m, and number on centimeter2=100,000-1,000,000). The micro channel plate with cells trapped on the surface of the filter is attached to an agar block impregnated by artificial substrate(s) so that the molecules of the artificial substrates will fill all micro channels. Trapped cells produce colored or fluorescent molecules from artificial substrates.

Abstract: This invention provides a diagnostic kit and a diagnostic marker used for diagnosing a renal disease. This invention also provides a method for detecting a renal disease comprising measuring at least one type of human megalin existing in urine selected from among full-length human megalin and human megalin fragments of (i) to (iii): (i) full-length human megalin; (ii) a human megalin endodomain fragment lacking a human megalin ectodomain; and (iii) a human megalin ectodomain fragment lacking a human megalin endodomain.

Abstract: Novel compositions containing (i) ligand conjugated phycobiliprotein tandem dyes and (ii) unconjugated phycobiliproteins are provided wherein the phycobiliproteins are derived from the same bacterial or eukaryotic algae species. The phycobiliproteins must be the same or different, but must contain some non-crosslinked subunits which exchange. Also provided are methods for preparing these compositions, kits containing these compositions or components of the same, and methods of using these compositions for cellular and non-cellular analysis.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for assessing bactericidal antibodies in a biological sample by use of human fresh whole blood from a non-immune human as a reaction medium for the assay.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to the use of 24-hydroxylated vitamin D compounds as therapeutics in mammalian bone fracture repair. In addition, the instant invention relates to novel 24-hydroxylated vitamin D compound receptors which can be employed in the development of compounds capable of facilitating fracture repair in animals. The instant invention also relates to nucleic acids encoding such receptors as well as vectors, host cells, transgenic animals comprising such nucleic acids and screening assays employing such receptors.

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 invention concerns novel molecular complexes with photoluminescent probes whose specific association with purine-binding proteins leads to increased emission of long lifetime luminescence, and the application of the probes for monitoring activity of protein kinases (PKs) and other purine-binding proteins, screening of compounds as inhibitors of PKs and characterization of inhibitors targeted to the kinase, and methods of manufacturing of such probes. The invention concerns also the use of the improved method for monitoring activity of protein kinases in living cells, characterization of inhibitors of protein kinases, analysis of protein kinase-based disease biomarkers and other tasks of biological and medical importance.

Abstract: The present invention relates, e.g., to a method for inhibiting infectivity of a lentivirus (e.g., a lentivirus which expresses a Viral infectivity factor (Vif) protein), such as, e.g., SIV, SHIV and/or HIV, comprising contacting a cell which is producing the virus with an antiviral-effective amount of a membrane-permeable Zinc (Zn) chelator, wherein the antiviral-effective amount of the Zn chelator does not substantially inhibit proteins in the cell which contain Zn-binding motifs other than lentivirus Vif. Kits and pharmaceutical compositions are also disclosed, as is a method for identifying inhibitors of lentiviruses that target a specific zinc-binding motif of the lentivirus Vif protein.

Abstract: A method for assaying target molecules in a sample liquid, the method comprising: providing an impedance monitoring device operably connected to an impedance analyzer; adding a sample liquid suspected of having target molecules to the well thereby permitting binding of target molecules to the capture molecules; monitoring impedance of the well; and determining the presence, amount or concentration of target molecules in the liquid sample from the monitored impedance. The device includes a nonconducting substrate having a well, at least two electrodes fabricated on a bottom of the well and on a same plane, wherein the surfaces of the at least two electrodes are modified with capture molecules configured to bind target molecules in a liquid sample, and at least two connection pads electrically connected to the at least two electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluorescent pyrene dyes in general. The present invention provides a wide range of fluorescent dyes and kits containing the same, which are applicable for labeling a variety of biomolecules, cells and microorganisms. The present invention also provides various methods of using the fluorescent dyes for research and development, forensic identification, environmental studies, diagnosis, prognosis, and/or treatment of disease conditions.

Abstract: Contemplated compositions and methods are directed to prevent and/or treat various autoimmune diseases that are typically associated with glycan dysregulation, and especially autoimmune demyelinating diseases. Further especially contemplated aspects include animal models and systems for screening compounds to treat and/or prevent such diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds, compositions and methods for inhibiting D2R-DISC1 interaction. Specifically, the present invention provides a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence KIYIVLRRRRKRVNT (SEQ ID NO: 1) or SEQ ID NO:5, a fragment thereof, or a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 80% identical to SEQ ID NO: 1 or 5, or a fragment thereof, wherein the polypeptide is not a naturally occurring dopamine receptor. Also provided is a method of identifying an agent that inhibits the interaction of D2R with DISC1, a method of identifying an agent that binds to the polypeptide sequence defined by SEQ ID NO: 1 or 5, and a method of inhibiting D2R interaction with DISC1 in a mammal comprising administering an agent that inhibits the interaction of D2R with DISC1 to the mammal.