Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides, proteins, nucleic acids and cells for use in immunotherapeutic methods. In particular, the present invention relates to the immunotherapy of cancer, in particular myeloma. The present invention furthermore relates to tumor-associated T-cell peptide epitopes, alone or in combination with other tumor-associated peptides that can for example serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients of vaccine compositions that stimulate anti-tumor immune responses, or to stimulate T cells ex vivo and transfer into patients. Peptides bound to molecules of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), or peptides as such, can also be targets of antibodies, soluble T-cell receptors, and other binding molecules.

Abstract: The carbohydrate processing enzyme PNGase F was catalytically inactivated through mutation. Additional mutations yielded a catalytically inactive carbohydrate-binding protein with lectin-like properties including high affinity and specificity N-linked glycans, O-linked glycans, or both.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bio-sensing device. The bio-sensing device includes an array of unit cells, each unit cell including: a source electrode and a drain electrode spaced apart from each other; a sensing film that serves as a channel between the source electrode and the drain electrode; and gate electrodes spaced apart from the sensing film, wherein the gate electrodes is disposed at a lower level than the source electrode, the drain electrode and the sensing film.

Abstract: Presenting ancestral origin information, comprising: receiving a request to display ancestry data of an individual; obtaining ancestry composition information of the individual, the ancestry composition information including information pertaining to a proportion of the individual's genotype data that is deemed to correspond to a specific ancestry; and presenting the ancestry composition information to be displayed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of a medical device element by means of extrusion or injection molding and to medical devices comprising such extruded or injection molded medical device elements. The medical device elements (e.g. tubes, wires, lines, stents, catheters, guides, endodontic instruments, needles, trocars for e.g. laparoscopic surgery, laparoscopic accessories, surgical instruments, guide wires) are characterized by a prefabricated shaped article or a thermoplastic substrate polymer having thereon a layer of a covalently cross-linked coating composition of a thermoplastic matrix polymer and a hydrophilic polymer. The method involves a coating composition comprising a thermoplastic matrix polymer, a hydrophilic polymer, and one or more photo-initiator(s), e.g. covalently linked to molecules of the thermoplastic matrix polymer and/or to molecules of the hydrophilic polymer.

Abstract: At least one fluoroalkyl surfactant and of at least one alcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms are used for dissociating vitamin D and/or a vitamin D metabolite from vitamin D binding protein. A solution comprising the at least one fluoroalkyl surfactant and at least one alcohol is provided. A method for detecting and quantifying, in vitro, vitamin D and/or at least one vitamin D metabolite in a biological sample includes treating the sample by incorporating at least one fluoroalkyl surfactant and at least one alcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, so as to dissociate the vitamin D and/or its metabolite(s) to be detected from vitamin D binding protein; and detecting and quantifying vitamin D and/or at least one of its metabolites, in particular by immunoassay. A kit for detecting and quantifying vitamin D and/or at least one vitamin D metabolite by immunoassay and including the solution is provided.

Abstract: The invention described herein pertains to compounds and conjugates, to compositions, complexes and formulations comprising the compounds and/or conjugates, and to methods of use of the compounds, conjugates and their compositions, complexes and formulations in vaccines and vaccinations and generating immune responses.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems related to a thin-layer spectroelectrochemistry cell; electrically coupling a second end of a working electrical wire lead, a second end of a counter electrical wire lead, and a second end of a reference electrical wire lead to a potentiostat; introducing a conductive fluid into a cell body in the spectroelectrochemistry cell; introducing a detection species into the cell body; introducing a sample into the cell body; applying a voltage potential across the transparent sample window to drive an electrochemical reaction between the detection species and the sample in the transparent sample window fluid; transmitting electromagnetic radiation into an optical path through the transparent sample window, thereby optically interacting the electromagnetic radiation with the transparent sample window fluid to generate modified electromagnetic radiation; receiving the modified electromagnetic radiation with a detector; and generating an output signal corresponding to a characteristic of

Abstract: Methods for quantifying biospecimen sample integrity using oxidation. Embodiments include assessing ex vivo oxidation of a biospecimen sample by quantifying a difference in protein oxidation of the biospecimen sample in comparison to protein oxidation of a portion of the biospecimen sample intentionally incubated to cause oxidation to hit its maximum value. The difference in a level of oxidation in the biospecimen sample and the portion of the biospecimen sample is then inversely proportional to the degree of ex vivo oxidation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for analysis by capillary electrophoresis of glycated haemoglobins comprising at least one globin chain comprising a glucose residue bound to the amino acid in the N-terminal position, contained in a biological sample, said method comprising using a buffer composition comprising at least one compound which is capable of specifically complexing glucose residues of one or several glycated haemoglobin(s) and of providing said glycated haemoglobin(s) with several negative electric charges at an alkaline pH. By way of example, this compound may be 3,4- or 3,5-dicarboxyphenylboronic acid, preferably 3,5-dicarboxyphenylboronic acid. Said method may in particular be used to separate and assay haemoglobin HbA1c present in a biological sample optionally comprising other haemoglobins, in particular other minor fractions.

Abstract: Disclosed are nanostructured gold films which may be produced by solution-phase depositions of gold ions onto a variety of surfaces. The resulting plasmonic gold films are used for enhanced spectroscopic-based immunoassays in multiplexed microarray format with detection mechanisms based on either surface-enhanced Raman scattering or near-infrared fluorescence enhancement. The preparation of the films and subsequent modifications of the gold film surfaces afford increased sensitivity for various microarrays. The films are discontinuous, forming gold “islands.” Sensitivity, size, shape, and density of the nanoscopic gold islands comprising the discontinuous nanostructured gold film are controlled to enhance the intensity of Raman scattering and fluorescence in the near-infrared, allowing for improved measurements in clinical diagnostic or biomedical research applications.

Abstract: Nanotube based lateral flow test device described herein is a lateral flow based diagnostic device, which uses arrays of fragments of single wall carbon nanotubes as sensor to detect the biomarkers at ultralow concentration (below picogram per milliliter). The device is consisted of the following components: (1). an lateral flow strip which typically is consisted of a backing film laminated with conjugate/sample pads, nitrocellulose membrane, wicking pad, (2). the arrays of single wall carbon nanotube conjugate with antibody which is immobilized on the membrane of the lateral flow device as the test line, (3). pairs of micro-electrode are installed on top part of the cassette, (4). a cassette which holds the lateral flow strip. The device can be used in clinical environments for biomarker detection.

Abstract: The present invention is a method to quantify biomarkers. The method uses an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer to perform an X-ray fluorescence analysis on the sample to obtain spectral features derived from the biomarker; and quantifying the X-ray fluorescence signal of the biomarker.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of gelsolin to treat infections and to monitor the treatment of infections. The invention also provides methods up-regulating interleukin expression and methods for down-regulating pro-inflammatory cytokine expression.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions useful for ameliorating age related maladies, enhancing and maintaining immune function, enhancing and maintaining cognitive function, enhancing and maintaining muscle strength, enhancing and maintaining balance, and reducing and mitigating oxidative stress in an animal. The compositions comprise a combination of at least two of one or more unsaturated fatty acids (UFA); one or more nitric oxide releasing compounds (NORC); one or more anti-glycation agents; and colostrum, and the methods comprise administering to an animal a therapeutically effective amount of the compositions.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide a novel fluorescence sensor for target analysis, a kit for target analysis, and a target analysis method using the same. The fluorescence sensor for target analysis according to the present invention includes a nucleic acid molecule that includes a G-quartet-forming nucleic acid region (D) that forms a G-quartet and a binding nucleic acid region (A) that binds to a target. In the absence of a target, formation of a G-quartet in the G-quartet-forming nucleic acid region (D) is inhibited. In the presence of a target, the target comes into contact with the binding nucleic acid region (A), the G-quartet is formed in the G-quartet-forming nucleic acid region (D) due to the contact, the G-quartet-forming region (D) and porphyrin forms a complex, and the complex generates fluorescence.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions, e.g., cell-based and multiplexed platforms, to screen for small molecule drugs that inhibit enzymes such as proteases, e.g., viral proteases, e.g., HIV proteases; and methods for making and using these compositions. The invention provides compositions and methods for identifying compositions, e.g., drug molecules, that can inhibit proteases, e.g., viral proteases such as HIV proteases. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides cell-based platforms or assays to screen for compositions, e.g., small molecules or drugs, that inhibit or modify the activity of enzymes such as calcium-dependent protein convertases involved in HIV envelope protein processing, including cleavage of the HIV gp160 envelope precursor, resulting in gp120 and gp41 envelope products. In one embodiment, the invention provides a cell-based or multiplexed platform for monitoring the activity of enzymes, e.g., proteases such as viral proteases.

Abstract: Disclosed is an image quality evaluation method for a digital pathology system according to the present invention. The image quality evaluation method includes receiving a digital slide image by an image quality evaluation unit; dividing the digital slide image into a plurality of blocks by the image quality evaluation unit; analyzing the plurality of blocks to extract a foreground; calculating a blur for the extracted foreground; calculating brightness distortion for the extracted foreground; calculating contrast distortion for the extracted foreground; and evaluating the overall quality of the digital slide image using the blur, the brightness distortion, and the contrast distortion by the image quality evaluation unit.

Abstract: In order to provide a novel fluorescent protein and use thereof, the polypeptide according to the present invention has fluorescent properties in the presence of bilirubin and includes (1) the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, (2) an amino acid sequence having, for example, substitution of 1 to 21 amine acids in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, (3) an amino acid sequence having 85% or more sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, or (4) the amino acid sequence encoded by a polynucleotide that hybridizes with a polynucleotide consisting of a sequence complementary to the polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide according to the amino acid sequence in (1) under a stringent condition.

Abstract: A method of stirring a test substance-containing solution injected into an analysis chip, wherein said analysis chip includes a recess to which said test substance-containing solution is injected; and a selective binding substance, which selectively binds to said test substance, is immobilized on the entirety or a part of the bottom surface of said recess, said method including injecting said test substance-containing solution to the space in said recess of said analysis chip such that said space is partially left unfilled; and rotating said analysis chip to which said test substance-containing solution is injected applying a centrifugal acceleration of not less than 1×g.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a liquid filtration structure with one or more macromolecule membrane structures including membrane proteins selectively permeable to water molecules and fixed within a pore. A liquid filtration structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure increases stability and durability of macromolecule membrane structures including membrane proteins selectively permeable to water molecules, and, thus, can be effectively used in a filtration device for purifying water.

Abstract: In some aspects, methacrylate co-polymers crosslinked with an enzymatically cleavable peptide linker are provided and may be used for the oral delivery of a therapeutic. The peptide linker may be cleavable by an enzyme in the small intestine and may allow for the delivery of a therapeutic protein or nucleic acid to the small intestine. Also provided are methods of using the polymers for the treatment of a disease.

Abstract: Scale-inhibiting polymers comprising one or more scale-inhibiting units and one or more tagging units, wherein each tagging unit is formed from a compound of Formula I, II, III, or IV, or a salt, hydrate, salt hydrate, stereoisomer, dehydrate or derivative thereof. Scale-inhibiting compositions comprising the scale-inhibiting polymers, processes for determining a concentration of a scale-inhibiting polymer for inhibiting scale formation, and methods for preventing or controlling scale formation in systems comprising fluid circulation with the scale-inhibiting polymers are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Techniques for enhanced fluorescence include a Tamm substrate for a target optical frequency comprising a metal nanoscale layer deposited on a Bragg grating. The Bragg grating includes multiple dielectric layers including multiple high index of refraction layers alternating with multiple low index of refraction layers. The dielectric layers are parallel to the metal nanoscale layer; and, the thickness of each dielectric layer is about a fourth of a wavelength of the target optical frequency in the layer. The metal nanoscale layer is configured to host a fluorophore such that an S polarized emission from the fluorophore at the target optical frequency propagates out of the substrate perpendicular to the plurality of dielectric layers.

Abstract: Compounds comprising R-G-Cysteic Acid (i.e., R-G-NH—CH(CH2—SO3H)COOH or Arg-Gly-NH—CH(CH2—SO3H)COOH) and derivatives thereof, including pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, stereoisomers, multimers, cyclic forms, linear forms, drug-conjugates, pro-drugs and their derivatives. Also disclosed are methods for making and using such compounds including methods for inhibiting cellular adhesion to RGD binding sites or delivering other diagnostic or therapeutic agents to RGD binding sites in human or animal subjects.

Abstract: A monomer, a polymer, an organic layer composition, an organic layer and associated methods, the monomer being represented by Chemical Formula 1:

Abstract: The present invention relates, in part, to methods and kits for rapidly determining antimicrobial susceptibility of microorganisms.

Abstract: A nanoagent includes at least one nanocomposite. The nanocomposite includes at least one gold nanorod, a silver layer coated on an outer surface of the gold nanorod, a Raman reporter molecule layer coated on the silver layer, a pegylated layer coated on the Raman reporter molecule layer, an active layer conjugated to the pegylated layer. the active layer includes at least one of a targeting molecule configured to bind to a target of interest, and a functional molecule configured to interact with the target of interest. The silver layer has silver nanoparticles. The Raman reporter molecule layer has Raman reporter molecules that are detectable by surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The pegylated layer has at least one of thiolated polyethylene glycol (HS-PEG), thiolated polyethylene glycol acid (HS-PEG-COOH) and HS-PEG-NHx.

Abstract: The present invention provides a robust viability stain for methods utilizing elemental analysis. A population of cells is contacted with an effective dose of a non-chelated biomacromolecule-reactive metal derivative, which selectively crosses the plasma membrane of non-viable cells, and which covalently modifies a biological macromolecule within the cell, for a period of time sufficient to permit entry into non-viable cells. The population of cells is then washed free of unbound viability reagent; and the presence of the metal within the cells is detected, wherein non-viable cells are selectively labeled with the viability reagent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel diagnostic marker CT-proADM (C-terminal fragment of preproADM, SEQ ID No. 1) for diagnosing and/or stratifying the risk of diseases. Also disclosed is a method for diagnosing and/or stratifying the risk of diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases, cardiac insufficiency, and infections and/or inflammations of the lungs and respiratory tract. In said method, the CT-proADM (SEQ ID No. 1) marker, or a partial peptide of fragment thereof, or said marker contained in a marker combination (panel, cluster) is determined in a patient who is to be examined. The invention further relates to a diagnostic apparatus as well as a kit for carrying out said method.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and compositions for assaying therapeutic agents. In one aspect, methods, devices, and compositions for assaying paclitaxel to provide therapeutic drug monitoring guided therapy of paclitaxel.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions, e.g., cell-based and multiplexed platforms, to screen for small molecule drugs that inhibit enzymes such as proteases, e.g., viral proteases, e.g., HIV proteases; and methods for making and using these compositions. The invention provides compositions and methods for identifying compositions, e.g., drug molecules, that can inhibit proteases, e.g., viral proteases such as HIV proteases. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides cell-based platforms or assays to screen for compositions, e.g., small molecules or drugs, that inhibit or modify the activity of enzymes such as calcium-dependent protein convertases involved in HIV envelope protein processing, including cleavage of the HIV gp160 envelope precursor, resulting in gp120 and gp41 envelope products. In one embodiment, the invention provides a cell-based or multiplexed platform for monitoring the activity of enzymes, e.g., proteases such as viral proteases.

Abstract: Methods and reagents are disclosed for determining a total amount of an analyte in an unknown sample suspected of containing the analyte in the presence of endogeneous interfering substances. The methods involve measuring an amount [Y] of the portion of the analyte in the unknown sample that is bound by endogeneous binding substances employing an assay for the analyte. An amount [Z] of analyte in the unknown sample that is not bound by endogeneous binding substances is determined by the formula: [Z]=a[Y]+b, wherein “a” and “b” are predetermined by conducting the assay on samples containing known amounts of the analyte but substantially free from endogeneous interfering substances. Adding [Y] and [Z] yields the total amount [X] of the analyte in the unknown sample.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for determining the overall survival of maintenance hemodialysis patients. The methods include measuring low density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size and subfraction concentrations as prognostic tools for early mortality risk detection. For example, the presence of increased very small LDL concentration or decreased LDL particle size in blood-serum serves as a useful means for prognostic risk assessment and monitoring.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices, systems, and methods of employing the same for the performance of bioinformatics analysis. The apparatuses and methods of the disclosure are directed in part to large scale graphene FET sensors, arrays, and integrated circuits employing the same for analyte measurements. The present GFET sensors, arrays, and integrated circuits may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved GFET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense GFET sensor based arrays. Improved fabrication techniques employing graphene as a reaction layer provide for rapid data acquisition from small sensors to large and dense arrays of sensors. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes, including DNA hybridization and/or sequencing reactions.

Abstract: The invention utilizes the techniques and instruments which are typically used in flow cytometry (FC) as a tool for analyzing adsorbed materials. Thus the invention provides a method for analyzing a component which is adsorbed to an insoluble metal salt, comprising steps of: (i) labelling the adsorbed component with a binding reagent; and (ii) analyzing the labelled adsorbed component by flow cytometry.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a nucleic acid molecule having a binding affinity to a rodent-derived IgG antibody, which can be prepared easier than an antibody and has a binding affinity equivalent or superior to that of an antibody, a binder using the nucleic acid molecule, a detection reagent, and a detection kit. The nucleic acid molecule of the present invention has a binding affinity to a rodent-derived IgG antibody and has a dissociation constant of 1 ?M or less. The binder for a rodent-derived IgG antibody of the present invention includes the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. The detection reagent for detecting a rodent-derived IgG antibody of the present invention includes the binder for a rodent-derived IgG antibody of the present invention. The detection kit for detecting a rodent-derived IgG antibody of the present invention includes the detection reagent for detecting a rodent-derived IgG antibody of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel class of reactive fluorescent agents that are based on a pyrene sulfonic acid nucleus. The agents are readily incorporated into conjugates with other species by reacting the reactive group with a group of complementary reactivity on the other species of the conjugate. Also provided are methods of using the compounds of the invention to detect and/or quantify an analyte in a sample. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention provides multi-color assays incorporating the compounds of the invention.

Abstract: Described herein are nucleic acid based probes and methods for discriminating and detecting single nucleotide variants in nucleic acid molecules (e.g., DNA). The methods include use of a pair of probes can be used to detect and identify polymorphisms, for example single nucleotide polymorphism in DNA. The pair of probes emit a different fluorescent wavelength of light depending on the association and alignment of the probes when hybridized to a target nucleic acid molecule. Each pair of probes is capable of discriminating at least two different nucleic acid molecules that differ by at least a single nucleotide difference. The methods can probes can be used, for example, for detection of DNA polymorphisms that are indicative of a particular disease or condition.

Abstract: An automated in situ heat induced antigen recovery and staining method and apparatus for treating a plurality of microscope slides. The process of heat induced antigen recovery and the process of staining the biological sample on the microscope slide are conducted in the same apparatus, wherein the microscope slides do not need to be physically removed from one apparatus to another. Each treatment step occurs within the same reaction compartment. The reaction conditions of each reaction compartment for treating a slide can preferably be controlled independently, including the individualized application of reagents to each slide and the individualized treatment of each slide.

Abstract: Use of urine biomarkers for diagnosing nephropathy, monitoring nephropathy progress, and assessing efficacy of a nephropathy treatment. These urine biomarkers include leukocyte-associated Ig-like receptor-2, alpha-1 acid glycoprotein, their fragments, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, kits, compositions, and devices useful for detection of antibodies that bind to Ehrlichia antigens and/or for differentiation of certain Ehrlichia species from others. In particular, the invention provides methods and kits useful for identifying species of Ehrlichia using populations of isolated peptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a peptide comprising the following amino acid sequence Thr-Phe-Leu-Lys (SEQ ID NO: 17) or Thr-Phe-Leu-Lys-Cys (SEQ ID NO: 1), useful as a CCR2 non-competitive antagonist peptide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for indirectly and with high sensitivity detecting a particle dispersed and moving randomly in a solution using a luminescent probe.

Abstract: A method for isolating a biological target material from a biological sample is provided, the method including binding the target material to a solid support, wherein impurities are selectively removed from the solid support by washing the latter with a wash buffer containing a cationic amine. A kit for isolating a biological target material from a biological sample is also provided, the kit including a wash buffer containing a cationic amine, and the use of a respective wash buffer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bioactive carbon nanotube composite functionalized with a ?-sheet polypeptide block copolymer by combination self-assembly, which shows excellent water dispersion, and has biological activity so as to be used as stimulus-responsive and adaptable biomaterials or in the manufacture of CNT-based electronic biosensor devices. In addition, the bioactive carbon nanotube composite can be used as a composition for delivery of a biological active material into cells. Further, the application of the interaction between a ?-sheet peptide and a carbon-based hydrophobic material is expected to be useful for designing and developing an inhibitor for diseases caused by the abnormal folding of a protein and by biomacromolecular interactions (protein-protein, protein-DNA, and protein-RNA interactions etc).

Abstract: Multiplexed test measurements are conducted using an assay module having a plurality of assay domains. In preferred embodiments, these measurements are conducted in assay modules having integrated electrodes with a reader apparatus adapted to receive assay modules, induce luminescence, preferably electrode induced luminescence, in the wells or assay regions of the assay modules and measure the induced luminescence.

Abstract: Contemplated herein is an automated microscope slide antigen recovery and staining apparatus and method that features a plurality of individually operable miniaturized pressurizable reaction compartments for individually and independently processing a plurality of individual microscope slides. The apparatus preferably features independently movable slide support elements each having an individually heatable heating plate. Each slide support element preferably supports a single microscope slide. Each microscope slide can be enclosed within an individual pressurizable reaction compartment. Pressures exceeding 1 atm or below 1 atm can be created and maintained in the reaction compartment prior to, during or after heating of the slide begins.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a synthetic nucleic acid scaffold comprising one or more subunits, each subunit comprising two or more different protein-binding sequences coupled together. The present invention further relates to systems and methods for assembling a synthetic biological pathway and producing a biological pathway product or a precursor product using the synthetic nucleic acid scaffold.

Abstract: An organic light-emitting display apparatus includes a substrate, an organic light-emitting device on the substrate, and a thin film encapsulation layer including a first inorganic film, a first organic film, and fine particles including silica with platinum particles. The fine particles are dispersed on the first organic film, and the thin film encapsulation layer is on the organic light-emitting device.