Abstract: A system and method for detecting status of a health condition in a single-step process includes: a signal output device including a) a loading zone; b) a reaction zone fluidly coupled to the loading zone and including one or more reaction substances conjugated to labels, configured to enable detection of target material associated with the health condition; c) a testing zone fluidly coupled to the reaction zone and including one or more testing substances corresponding to the target material; and d) a control zone including a control substance retained at the control zone. The system and methods can be adapted for assessment of sexual health of one or more subjects, in relation to pregnancy, fertility, and/or sexually transmitted infections caused by one or more agents including, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, Treponema pallidum, Gardnerella vaginitis, human immunodeficiency virus, human papillomavirus infection, Hepatitis B, and herpes simplex virus.

Abstract: A system for informing food element decisions in the acquisition of edible materials from any source. The system includes a processor coupled to a memory configured to receive from a user client device a food element descriptor uniquely identifying a particular food element. The system retrieves from a physiological database at least an element of physiological data. The system identifies using at least an element of physiological data and a machine-learning algorithm user constitutional enhancing food elements and user constitutional advancing food elements. The system classifies using a food element classifier a food element descriptor. The system displays on a graphical user interface a constitutional enhancing food element or a constitutional advancing food element.

Abstract: To provide a technique for expanding a measurement dynamic range and performing a stable detection in a sensing sensor using a crystal resonator. A spacer is disposed between an oscillator circuit that oscillates a crystal resonator and a base body that cools an oscillator circuit to a cryogenic temperature, and an oscillator circuit board includes a heater resistor that heats the oscillator circuit. Therefore, the temperature of the oscillator circuit that does not fall below a functional limit temperature and is a low temperature as much as possible can be provided. A negative resistance of the oscillator circuit can be increased, the measurement dynamic range can be expanded, and the crystal resonator can be stably oscillated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a long-chain dibasic acid with low content of monobasic acid impurity and a production method thereof, in particular to the preparation of a long-chain dibasic acid producing strain by means of directed evolution and homologous recombination, and to the production of a long-chain dibasic acid with low content of monobasic acid impurity by fermentation of said strain. The invention relates to a mutated CYP52A12 gene, homologous gene or variant thereof, which, relative to GenBank Accession Number AY230498 and taking the first base upstream of the start codon ATG as ?1, comprises a mutation. The invention relates to a strain comprising said mutated CYP52A12 gene, homologous gene or variant thereof wherein when the strain is fermented to produce a long-chain dibasic acid, the content of monobasic acid impurity in the fermentation product is significantly reduced.

Abstract: A consumer product for supplementing CO2 is provided with delayed activation control and multiple chambers formed by folding and clamping or with multiple clamps. A bag, having a top and a bottom seal and a filter, contains organisms and food substrate, each prepared under sterile laboratory conditions using aseptic techniques. The bag may be selectively clamped at various locations on its exterior. The mycelial mass having mycelia and food, or mycelia separate from the food may be sealed or partially sealed away from the air exchange portal by clamps or folds. With selective chamber isolation, the organisms are manipulated to delay optimized carbon dioxide generation. Utilizing the present invention will extend the product shelf-life, delaying the expiration of the product for storage and shipping. The fungi are utilized on-demand by removal of the clamp and carbon dioxide flows from the product. Consumers will place the product near indoor plants.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention are directed to a photothermal immunoassay employing a thermometer or colorimetric detection method for sensitive quantitative readout based on the photothermal effect provided by a detection reagent.

Abstract: This invention is based, at least in part, on the discovery that Shn2 and Shn3 play an important role in skeletal remodeling and skeletal patterning. Accordingly, the present invention provides methods for identifying medulators of Shn2 activity and methods for modulating bone formation and mineralization and Shn2-associated disorders using agents that modulate Shn2 expression and/or activity, in addition to methods for modulating Shn2 and Shn3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of one or more fermentation product from a sugar composition, comprising the following steps: a) fermentation of the sugar composition in the presence of a yeast belonging to the genera Saccharomyces, Kluyveromyces, Candida, Pichia, Schizosaccharomyces, Hansenula, Kloeckera, Schwanniomyces or Yarrowia,: and b) recovery of the fermentation product, wherein the yeast comprises the genes araA, araB and araD and the sugar composition comprises glucose, galactose and arabinose.

Abstract: Described is an antigen-binding protein, preferably comprising an amino acid sequence that comprises four framework regions and three complementarity-determining regions, wherein the antigen-binding protein is capable of binding a chitinous polysaccharide, and uses thereof.

Abstract: An immunochromatographic test strip that achieves a shorter reaction completion time and excellent sensitivity is provided. The immunochromatographic test strip comprises: (1) a conjugate pad comprising a sample-supplying section supplying a sample possibly containing an analyte and a line-shaped conjugate section containing a conjugate in which an antibody or antigen immunologically reactive with the analyte is immobilized to a label on the downstream side relative to the sample-supplying section; and (2) an insoluble membrane support having at least one detecting section to which an antibody or antigen immunologically reactive with the analyte is immobilized, the lower surface of the sample-supplying section of the conjugate pad being not in contact with the upper surface of the insoluble membrane support, the lower surface of the conjugate section of the conjugate pad being in contact with the upper surface of the insoluble membrane support.

Abstract: An osmolyte composition comprising 4 M glycerol and 4M urea for stabilizing previously transient protein folding intermediates as long-lived stable forms. A method to search for other possible stabilizing osmolyte mixtures using a screening array is also provided. These additional osmolyte mixtures may complement or augment the successful 4M glycerol/4 M urea mixture.

Abstract: A concentration agent for microorganisms is provided that contains both lanthanum and carbonate. Additionally, articles that include the concentration agent and methods of concentrating a microorganism using the concentration agent are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting dermatophyte, which does not require a complicated operation such as an enzyme treatment and a heat treatment. The present invention provides a method of detecting dermatophyte, including a step of extracting a dermatophyte component from a sample with a treatment liquid containing a non-ionic surfactant or a zwitterionic surfactant, and a kit for diagnosing dermatophyte infection, containing a treatment liquid comprising the above surfactant, and an antibody specifically recognizing a dermatophyte component, which are housed in separate containers.

Abstract: Provided herein are uses of genes for HOG, Ras and cAMP signal transduction pathways to treat fungal infection. To regulate the HOG pathway of Cryptococcus neoformans, roles of SSK1, TCO2, SSK2, PBS2, HOG1, ENA1 and NHA1 genes were investigated to find that a biosynthesis level of ergosterol is increased when these genes are inhibited. When the genes are inhibited, a large amount of ergosterol is distributed on a fungal cell membrane. Accordingly, since there are many working points of an ergosterol-binding antifungal agent, an efficiency of the ergosterol-binding antifungal agent can be considerably improved. To regulate the Ras and cAMP pathways of Cryptococcus neoformans, roles of RAS1, RAS2, CDC24, GPA1, CAC1, ACA1, PKA1, HSP12 and HSP122 genes were investigated to find that a sensitivity to a polyene- or azole-based drug is increased when these genes are inhibited.

Abstract: In some cases, the described systems and methods include obtaining a cell sample containing multiple antibody-producing cells. In such cases, the cells can be tagged with a cross-linking reagent having a first portion configured to bind to a marker on the antibody-producing cells and a second portion configured to bind to an antigen of interest. In some instances, the tagged antibody-producing cells are exposed to the antigen of interest such that the antigen becomes bound to the cells. In some such instances, the antibody-producing cells are also allowed to produce an antibody, such that a portion of the antibody-producing cells produce an antigen-specific antibody that binds to the antigen of interest. To identify cells that produce the antigen-specific antibody, the tagged cells can be exposed to a labeled secondary antibody that is configured to bind to the antigen-specific antibody. Other implementations are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to modulation of fungal morphology between yeast-to-hyphal growth transition by controlling muramyl-L-alanine concentration and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to targeting agents and methods: of using the targeting agents to detect a fungal cell in a subject.

Abstract: A device for detecting at least one analyte generally comprises (i) a support having a chamber for receiving a biological fluid therein, wherein said chamber is an elongate chamber having a length axis; (ii) a carrier or agitator in said elongate chamber, said carrier or agitator having opposite end portions and a side portion, the carrier or agitator dimensioned to travel in said chamber along said length axis and/or permit said liquid sample to flow in the chamber therearound, either (or both) thereby agitating the liquid sample; and (iii) at least one anti-analyte antibody coupled to either the carrier and/or the chamber side wall. Methods of using the device are also described.

Abstract: A hand-held measuring instrument is used for detecting hidden mold damage in interior spaces. The measuring instrument includes at least one collection unit configured to intake at least of one interior space sample, at least one buffer unit, at least one immunological test unit, an evaluation unit and a control panel. The at least one buffer unit has a first compartment and a second compartment.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds that specifically bind a T1R1/T1R3 or T1R2/T1R3 receptor or fragments or sub-units thereof. The present invention also relates to the use of hetero-oligomeric and chimeric taste receptors comprising T1R1/T1R3 and T1R2/T1R3 in assays to identify compounds that respectively respond to umami taste stimuli and sweet taste stimuli. Further, the invention relates to the constitutive of cell lines that stably or transiently co-express a combination of T1R1 and T1R3; or T1R2 and T1R3; under constitutive or inducible conditions. The use of these cells lines in cell-based assays to identify umami and sweet taste modulatory compounds is also provided, particularly high throughput screening assays that detect receptor activity by use of fluorometric imaging.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting dermatophyte, which does not require a complicated operation such as an enzyme treatment and a heat treatment. The present invention provides a method of detecting dermatophyte, including a step of extracting a dermatophyte component from a sample with a treatment liquid containing a non-ionic surfactant or a zwitterionic surfactant, and a kit for diagnosing dermatophyte infection, containing a treatment liquid comprising the above surfactant, and an antibody specifically recognizing a dermatophyte component, which are housed in separate containers.

Abstract: The invention provides, inter alia, multilayer films of alternating layers of a glycosylated polymer (e.g. a mucin) and a lectin, as well as methods of making and using these films. The films can be adapted for, inter alia, delivery of a biologically active agent providing a non-toxic substrate to support cell growth, replication, and/or maintenance as well as detecting a microorganism and/or reducing microorganism adherence to a surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to host cells having modified lipid-linked oligosaccharides which may be modified further by heterologous expression of a set of glycosyltransferases, sugar transporters and mannosidases to become host-strains for the production of mammalian, e.g., human therapeutic glycoproteins. The process provides an engineered host cell which can be used to express and target any desirable gene(s) involved in glycosylation. Host cells with modified lipid-linked oligosaccharides are created or selected. N-glycans made in the engineered host cells have a GlcNAcMan3GlcNAc2 core structure which may then be modified further by heterologous expression of one or more enzymes, e.g., glycosyl-transferases, sugar transporters and mannosidases, to yield human-like glycoproteins. For the production of therapeutic proteins, this method may be adapted to engineer cell lines in which any desired glycosylation structure may be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the detection of a substance in an aqueous, physiological or chemical liquid using the evanescence field method, and to a diagnostic device for carrying out said method.

Abstract: Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever) is currently diagnosed by relying on infected individuals (humans, dogs, etc.) to generate antibodies against the fungus. Since the immune response against Valley Fever can be delayed or absent in many cases, methods that detect a polypeptide or peptide component of the Coccidioides sp. fungus in a bodily fluid such as blood are provided.

Abstract: The disclosure relates cells or cellular systems that express both a membrane protein and a binding domain directed to the membrane protein. Also, methods are provided that use such cells or cellular systems to produce higher amounts of the membrane proteins. Further, the cells or cellular systems can be used as tools for the structural and functional characterization of membrane proteins, as well as for screening and drug discovery efforts targeting membrane proteins.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide compositions and methods for displaying engineered polypeptides on a cell surface. According to aspects of the invention, immobilized polypeptides can be screened to identify one or more variants having one or more functional or structural properties of interest. Aspects of the invention provide composition and methods for producing engineered protein or protein variants having a functional or a structural property of interest.

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: The present invention relates to moving microorganisms to a surface, where they are grown in the presence and absence of antimicrobials, and by monitoring the growth of the microorganisms over time in the two conditions, their susceptibility to the antimicrobials can be determined. The microorganisms can be moved to the surface through electrophoresis, centrifugation or filtration. When the movement involves electrophoresis, the presence of oxidizing and reducing reagents lowers the voltage at which electrophoretic force can be generated and allows a broader range of means by which the target can be detected. Monitoring can comprise optical detection, and most conveniently includes the detection of individual microorganisms. The microorganisms can be stained in order to give information about their response to antimicrobials.

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: The present invention provides a rapid, highly sensitive and specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), referred to as N-Assay, a device, and a kit, for detection and identification of microorganisms in a sample, in thirty minutes or less, with little or no interference from non-target microorganisms. The present invention also provides for simultaneous determination of antimicrobial susceptibility of microorganism in the N-Assay.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds that specifically bind a T1R1/T1R3 or T1R2/T1R3 receptor or fragments or sub-units thereof. The present invention also relates to the use of hetero-oligomeric and chimeric taste receptors comprising T1R1/T1R3 and T1R2/T1R3 in assays to identify compounds that respectively respond to umami taste stimuli and sweet taste stimuli. Further, the invention relates to the constitutive of cell lines that stably or transiently co-express a combination of T1R1 and T1R3; or T1R2 and T1R3; under constitutive or inducible conditions. The use of these cells lines in cell-based assays to identify umami and sweet taste modulatory compounds is also provided, particularly high throughput screening assays that detect receptor activity by use of fluorometric imaging.

Abstract: Methods for using focused light scattering techniques for the optical sensing of biological particles suspended in a liquid medium are disclosed. The optical sensing enables one to characterize particles size and/or distribution in a given sample. This, in turn, allows one to identify the biological particles, determine their relative particle density, detect particle shedding, and identify particle aggregation. The methods are also useful in screening and optimizing drug candidates, evaluating the efficacy and dosage levels of such drugs, and in personalized medicine applications.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method of observing and evaluating bacterial infections within the lymph nodes of animals presented for harvest comprising: inoculating at one or more sites of an animal a known amount of a pathogen, wherein the one or more inoculation sites comprise lymph node drainage areas, and at one or more time points obtaining one or more lymph node biopsies to determine the extent of the pathogen in the lymph nodes.

Abstract: The present application relates to the field of glyco-engineering, more specifically to eukaryotic cells wherein both an endoglucosaminidase and a glycoprotein are present. These cells can be used to deglycosylate or partly deglycosylate the (exogenous) glycoprotein, in particular without the need for adding an extra enzyme. Methods are also provided for the application of these cells in protein production. According to one specific aspect, the eukaryotic cells and methods are glyco-engineered yeast cells in which additionally at least one exogenous enzyme needed for complex glycosylation is present, e.g. allowing easier separation of differentially glycosylated glycoproteins.

Abstract: Provided herein is a composition for detection of a microbial product in a sample comprising a polydiacetylene (PDA) and a packaging polymer, wherein the sample contacts the PDA and a change of PDA color indicates detection. Also provided herein are methods of making a packaging material comprising a PDA and methods of using the composition for detection of a microbial product in a sample.

Abstract: The subject invention provides methods of screening compounds or ligands that interact with human and/or non-human PAQR receptors or fungal osmotin receptors. These methods utilize a colorimetric assay to ascertain whether a compound binds to and activates a PAQR receptor or the osmotin receptor.

Abstract: The invention relates to certain methods for the determination of an antigen content of a first antigen in a mixture comprising two or more antigens. The invention also relates to a potency test for an antigen in a combination vaccine. The method allows the determination of the antigen content in a mixture additionally comprising antibodies that are capable of binding with the antigen.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in part, an antibody display system that simultaneously uses a secretion and a display mode. A bait complexed with a monovalent antibody fragment can be expressed on the surface of the host cell wherein the fragment may be assayed for antigen binding while full antibody is simultaneously secreted from the host cell. Methods of using the system for identifying antibodies that bind specifically to an antigen of interest are also provided. Polypeptides, polynucleotides and host cells useful for making the antibody display system are also provided along with methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of diagnosing, monitoring and treating an Aspergillus species-associated condition, such as Aspergillus fumigatus (Af)-associated condition, including aspergillosis, such as invasive aspergillosis (IA). Methods for diagnosing and/or monitoring an Aspergillus species-associated condition, such as IA are provided. Also disclosed are point-of-care immunoassays that can be used to diagnose or monitor the efficacy of an Aspergillus-associated condition treatment. These immunoassays can also be used for rapid diagnosis of infection produced by an Aspergillus species, such as Af.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting infections caused by or associated with siderophore-secreting microorganisms and kits and components used therein for carrying out the method. In one aspect the invention relates to a method for detecting siderophores and/or detecting infections caused by or associated with siderophore-secreting microorganisms in a biological sample of a subject, the method comprising providing a solid support having either bound siderophore or a conjugate thereof, or bound anti-siderophore antibody; reacting the bound siderophore or a conjugate thereof, with an anti-siderophore antibody, and a biological sample of a subject; or reacting the bound anti-siderophore antibody with a siderophore or conjugate thereof, and a biological sample of a subject; and detecting and/or quantifying the presence of the siderophore in the biological sample.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods for indicating whether an assay for isolating targets is properly isolating and detecting targets. Methods of the invention involve obtaining a sample suspected of a containing target, introducing a detectable marker into the sample, conducting an assay using magnet particles to isolate the detectable marker and the target if it is present in the sample, determining the presence or absence of the target; and confirming that the assay functioned properly by determining presence or absence of the detectable marker.

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: Methods of screening candidate agents to identify lead compounds for the development of therapeutic agents for the treatment of a neurodegenerative disease, such as Huntington's Disease and Parkinson's Disease and methods for identifying a mutation in, or changes in expression of, a gene associated with neurodegenerative disease, such as Huntington's Disease and Parkinson's Disease, are provided.

Abstract: It is intended to provide base sequences participating in the regulation of the expression of a promoter. It is also intended to modify a promoter based on the base sequence data to give a modified promoter having a high expression activity. Namely, a modified promoter constructed by inserting a first DNA fragment containing CCAATNNNNNN (SEQ ID NO:1) (a first base sequence) and a second DNA fragment containing CGGNNNNNNNNNGG (SEQ ID NO:2) (a second base sequence) into a promoter functioning in a filamentous fungus, wherein N in the base sequence denotes A (adenine), G (guanine), C(cytosine), or T (thymine).

Abstract: The present invention provides a genetic method of tethering polypeptides to the yeast cell wall in a form accessible for binding to macromolecules. Combining this method with fluorescence-activated cell sorting provides a means of selecting proteins with increased or decreased affinity for another molecule, altered specificity, or conditional binding. As one embodiment, attaching an scFv antibody fragment to the Aga2p agglutinin effectively mimics the cell surface display of antibodies by B cells in the immune system for affinity maturation in vivo. As another embodiment, T cell receptor mutants can be isolated by this method that are efficiently displayed on the yeast cell surface, providing a means of altering T cell receptor binding affinity and specificity by library screening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a membrane-bound biotin mimetic peptide (BMP) or biotin acceptor peptide (BAP). The invention also relates to a method for selection of high producer cells secreting a protein of interest.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an in vitro method for diagnosing invasive candidiasis (IC) in a subject which comprises detecting the presence of a Candida glycan and detecting the presence of antibody directed against a protein selected from the group consisting of fructose bisphosphate aldolase (Fba1), enolase 1 (Eno1), heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), hyphal wall protein (Hwp1), and mannoprotein 65 (Mp65) in a blood, plasma or serum sample of the subject. The invention also relates to a method of determining a suitable treatment regimen for a patient and to a kit for implanting the methods described herein.

Abstract: The present invention features a method for identifying an agent that inhibits Candida albicans-mediated differentiation of keratinocytes. Agents identified by the screening assay of the invention find application in the prevention and treatment of candidiasis.