Abstract: Technology is disclosed for a cat litter that can be used to diagnose feline medical conditions. A cat litter contains an additive, e.g., a chemical agent, such as a natural and/or synthetic agent, that changes in color when it comes in contact with cat urine or feces. Based on the color it can be determined whether the cat has a medical condition, such as particular illness. For example, if the litter turns yellow when it comes in contact with the urine, it can indicate that the cat is healthy. If the litter turns to a color other than yellow, e.g., green, it can indicate that the cat has some illness. The cat then be taken to a veterinary doctor for further diagnosis. The chemical agent aids in detection and diagnosis through interaction of materials that change colors to indicate reactions with specific chemicals, cells, molecules, DNA and/or materials. The technology can be implemented for medical diagnosis and detection—for humans and/or animals.

Abstract: A method is provided for characterizing a biological sample having a plurality of fluorophores, including a red fluorophore and a blue fluorophore, comprises exciting the red fluorophore via absorption of a photon order of n by a single wavelength band of light that has longer wavelengths than a typical wavelength band of light known to excite the red fluorophore would have. The method further comprises exciting the blue fluorophore substantially via absorption of a photon order of n+1 by the single wavelength band of light. The method also comprises simultaneously detecting light emitted by the red fluorophore and the blue fluorophore. The method further comprises creating an image or a temporal series for sensing from the light detected in the plurality of orthogonal colors.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for blood-based examination useful to identify subjects with A? amyloidosis and/or to identify subjects who should or should not undergo further testing or treatment for A? amyloidosis, as well as methods for treating subjects diagnosed with A? amyloidosis by the methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed comprising: a) providing temporally separated precursor ions; b) mass analyzing separated precursor ions, and/or product ions derived therefrom, during a plurality of sequential acquisition periods, wherein the value of an operational parameter of the spectrometer is varied during the different acquisition periods; c) storing the spectral data obtained in each acquisition period along with its respective value of the operational parameter; d) interrogating the stored spectral data and determining which of the spectral data for a precursor ion or product ions meets a predetermined criterion, and determining the value of the operational parameter that provides this mass spectral data as a target operational parameter value; and e) mass analyzing again the precursor or product ions whilst the operational parameter is set to the target operational parameter value.

Abstract: Aspects of the application provide methods of identifying and sequencing proteins, polypeptides, and amino acids, and compositions useful for the same. In some aspects, the application provides methods of obtaining data during a degradation process of a polypeptide, and outputting a sequence representative of the polypeptide. In some aspects, the application provides amino acid recognition molecules having a shielding element that enhances photostability in polypeptide sequencing reactions.

Abstract: Provided herein are cell free protein synthesis (CFPS) systems comprising a plurality of ribosomes attached to or encapsulated within a structure, or a plurality of structures, and, optionally, a solid support. Also provided are related kits and uses of the CFPS systems. Methods of producing a protein and methods of treating a disease are provided herein.

Abstract: According to the present teachings, systems, compositions, kits and methods for protein melt analysis are provided that utilizing a dye that is a dipyrrometheneboron difluoride compound. In some embodiments, a method comprises preparing a sample by mixing at least one protein with a dye, and applying a controlled heating, while recording the fluorescence emission of the sample.

Abstract: An insulin device configured to control insulin dispensing based on insulin sensitivity. The insulin device includes a processor configured to receive insulin dosing schedule information, psychological stress level data, and body mass index (BMI) data; a sensor configured to generate a blood glucose level measurement. The sensor is calibrated as a function of the psychological stress level data and the BMI data and the processor is configured to monitor and detect changes of the blood glucose level measurement that are determined to have occurred as a function of changes of the psychological stress level data, and identify a time when the BMI data counteracts a detected change in the blood glucose level measurement. The insulin device also includes an insulin dispensing valve controlled by the processor to change the insulin dosing schedule information in accordance with the counteracting BMI data.

Abstract: Methods of using a high-dose statin for treatment of AMD in a patient can be used to regress drusen and/or drusenoid pigment epithelial detachments (PEDs), to prevent atrophy of the RPE and/or one or more photoreceptors, to prevent vision loss and/or improve visual acuity, and/or to prevent progression from dry AMD to wet AMD.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising a metal, a metal aggregation inhibitor, and a colour changing agent. The metal is bindable to the colour changing agent to provide a change in colour on binding and/or release thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to microfluidics and particularly, but not exclusively, to devices, methods, and systems for detecting and/or quantifying analytes in samples using a microfluidic sensor device comprising an oil phase that segments aqueous samples into droplets and provides oil segments that are highly selective chemical sensors for adjacent aqueous droplets.

Abstract: A method of mass spectrometry is disclosed comprising: a) providing temporally separated precursor ions; b) mass analyzing separated precursor ions, and/or product ions derived therefrom, during a plurality of sequential acquisition periods, wherein the value of an operational parameter of the spectrometer is varied during the different acquisition periods; c) storing the spectral data obtained in each acquisition period along with its respective value of the operational parameter; d) interrogating the stored spectral data and determining which of the spectral data for a precursor ion or product ions meets a predetermined criterion, and determining the value of the operational parameter that provides this mass spectral data as a target operational parameter value; and e) mass analyzing again the precursor or product ions whilst the operational parameter is set to the target operational parameter value.

Abstract: Protein separation by capillary electrophoresis using a buffer composition comprising hydrophobic detergents that have alkyl chains longer than 12 carbon atoms. The formation of high molecular weight artifacts is suppressed.

Abstract: Methods of detecting an aldehyde-containing compound in a subject or in a sample from a subject are described herein, comprising administering an aldehyde-binding compound of Formula I to the subject, or combining such a compound with the sample; and detecting the product of the compound of Formula I and the aldehyde-containing compound. Detection of the product may involve imaging, such as MRI, CEST-MRI or positron emission tomography (PET) imaging; or may involve fluorescence or an electrochemical detection method. Biologically relevant aldehydes detected according to the described method can be used to monitor conditions such as brain injury, neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a method of creating a classifier indicative of a presence of a medical condition in a subject, comprising receiving chromatogram data indicative of a profile of volatile organic compounds in a sample from each of a first plurality of subjects having the medical condition and a second plurality of subjects without the medical condition, selecting one of the chromatogram data as reference chromatogram data, aligning the remaining chromatogram data in relation to the reference chromatogram data, extracting one or more features from the chromatogram data using a Mexican hat wavelet transform of one or more scales, selecting one or more features of the chromatogram data indicative of the medical condition, and constructing a classifier for determining a boundary between chromatogram data indicative of the medical condition and chromatogram data indicative of an absence of the medical condition.

Abstract: Coating materials such as MALDI matrix solutions are aerosolized and are used to coat analyte particles in an acoustic coater. Methods and devices for coating analyte particles in real time are disclosed. The coating improves the detection and quantification of the analyte particles using analytical instruments such as an aerosol time of flight mass spectrometer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a set of novel isobaric chemical tags, also referred herein as SUGAR (Isobaric Multiplex Reagents for Carbonyl Containing Compound). These labeling tags are compact and easy to synthesize at high yield and purity in just a few steps using commercially available starting materials. The tagging reagents of the present invention comprise: a) a reporter group, having at least one atom that is optionally isotopically labeled; b) a balancing group, also having at least one atom that is optionally isotopically labeled, and c) an aldehyde, ketone, or carboxylic acid reactive group. The multiplex SUGAR tags are able to react with an aldehyde, ketone, or carboxylic acid group of the molecule to be tagged, which offers the capability for labeling and quantitation of glycans, proteins/peptides, and fatty acids.

Abstract: A process for quantifying the amount of unbound metal and bound metal in solution is provided. A process for quantifying the amount of bound metal amino acid chelate and free ligand in a solid (e.g., dry mixture such as an animal feed) is also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions and methodology for revealing binding sites between proteins, proteins and nucleic acids, or proteins and small molecules. The disclosure provides rapid and direct positive identification and sequencing of the contact region between such molecules, and can be applied to individual interacting pairs, as well as large-scale or global interactions.

Abstract: A novel method of detecting and destroying viral transmissions such as SARS-CoV-2 transmission is described. The proposed technique uses a light source such as that from a smart phone and a mobile spectrophotometer to enable detection of proteins in solution. The technique allows for detecting soluble preparations of for example spike protein subunits from SARS-CoV-2, followed by detection of the actual binding potential of the spike protein with its host receptor, for example the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) or other antigens or elements. The results are validated by showing that this method can detect antigen-antibody binding using two independent protein-antibody pairs. Finally, this technique is combined with DC bias to show that introduction of a current in the system can be used to disrupt the antigen-antibody reaction, suggesting that this technique can be a powerful means of disrupting virus transmission by destroying virus-receptor interactions.

Abstract: Methods are described for determining the amount of insulin in a sample. Provided herein are mass spectrometric methods for detecting and quantifying insulin and C-peptide in a biological sample utilizing enrichment and/or purification methods coupled with tandem mass spectrometric or high resolution/high accuracy mass spectrometric techniques. Also provided herein are mass spectrometric methods for detecting and quantifying insulin and b-chain in a biological sample utilizing enrichment and/or purification methods coupled with tandem mass spectrometric or high resolution/high accuracy mass spectrometric techniques.

Abstract: The invention relates to isolated immunogenic peptides comprising a CD1d binding peptide, and immediately adjacent or separated from said CD1d binding peptide, a redox motif sequence which is further flanked by a histidine or tryptophan amino acids. The invention further relates to these peptides for use as a medicament The invention further relates to methods wherein these peptides are used for generating NKT cells which are cytolytic against cells presenting the cognate antigen.

Abstract: Identifying proteins and peptides, and more specifically large-scale sequencing of single peptides in a mixture of diverse peptides at the single molecule level is an unmet challenge in the field of protein sequencing. Herein are methods for identifying amino acids in peptides, including peptides with unnatural amino acids. In one embodiment, the N-terminal amino acid is labeled with a first label and an internal amino acid is labeled with a second label. In some embodiments, the labels are fluorescent labels. In other embodiments, the internal amino acid is Lysine. In other embodiments, amino acids in peptides are identified based on the fluorescent signature for each peptide at the single molecule level.

Abstract: A method to process a contributing digital image of a subject in an image-processing computer. The contributing digital image is received in a depth-resolving machine configured to furnish a depth image based at least in part on the contributing digital image. The contributing digital image is also received in a classification machine previously trained to classify a pixel of the contributing digital image as liable to corrupt a depth value of a corresponding pixel of the depth image. A repair value is computed for the depth value of the corresponding pixel of the depth image, which is then corrected based on the repair value and returned to the calling process.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compounds of Formula I being cyclic metabolites of oxytocin. These derivatives have enhanced selectivity for the oxytocin receptor.

Abstract: The use of mass defect signatures to impart milliDalton mass differences between isotopically labeled peptides at the MS1-level allows multiplex quantification without the increased mass spectral complexity that occurs with mass difference approaches. Provided herein is a mass defect-based chemical tag, dimethyl pyrimidinyl ornithine (DiPyrO), that is compact and easy to synthesize at high purity in few steps using commercially available starting materials. The multiplex DiPyrO tags are amine-reactive and can impart a mass difference onto labeled peptides and through calculated substitution of heavy isotopes. DiPyrO offers up to 10-plex quantification on current Orbitrap or FT-ICR platforms without increasing mass spectral complexity. The synthesis of the DiPyrO tag is provided along with viability of the DiPyrO tag for labeling complex proteomics samples using yeast extract digests and its effect on labeled peptides during LC-MS2 analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting an amyloid ? oligomer which includes a test sample and thioflavin T are brought into contact with each other, fluorescence of the thioflavin T is measured to obtain time-resolved fluorescence spectra, the time-resolved fluorescence spectrum of time period t1 to t2 and the time-resolved fluorescence spectrum of time period t3 to t4 are respectively normalized to obtain normalized spectra (t1<t2?t3<t4), and determination is made to confirm the presence or absence of an amyloid ? oligomer in the test sample on the basis of the two normalized spectra, and shifting of the normalized spectrum of time period t3 to t4 towards the low wavelength side in comparison to the normalized spectrum of time period t1 to t2 indicates the presence of an amyloid ? oligomer in the test sample.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a chip substrate and a digital micro-fluidic chip and belongs to the field of digital micro-fluidic technology. The chip substrate provided by the disclosure has a plurality of control regions spaced apart from each other, the chip substrate including: a first base substrate; a driving electrode disposed in each control region over the first base substrate, the driving electrode being configured to drive a droplet to move, wherein the chip substrate further comprises a pressure detecting element provided in each control region over the first base substrate, and configured to detect a pressure from the droplet, so that the chip substrate determines a position of the droplet according to the pressure.

Abstract: Described are dual mass-spectrometry-cleavable cross-linkers that can be cleaved selectively using two differential tandem mass-spectrometric techniques such as collision induced dissociation (CID) or electron transfer dissociation (ETD), i.e., a dual cleavable crosslinking technology (DUCCT) cross-linker. When used to cross-link a macromolecule, such as a peptide, MS/MS fragmentation produces two signature complementary mass spectra of same cross-linked peptides, the analysis of which gives rise to high confidence in characterizing the structures of the cross-linked macromolecules as well as sites of interactions. Also described, are methods of making and using DUCCT cross-linkers.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to marker peptides or marker peptide antibodies can be used in producing diagnostic kits or used in diagnostic methods for Alzheimer's disease. The antibodies and/or marker peptides can be used in immunohistochemical and biochemical methods for qualitative and quantitative analysis of marker peptide levels and/or localization in brain samples and CSF samples.

Abstract: Described herein is a device and method for translocating a protein through a nanopore and monitoring electronic changes caused by different amino acids in the protein. The device comprises a nanopore in a membrane, an amplifier for providing a voltage between the cis side and trans side of the membrane, and an NTP driven unfoldase which processed the protein to be translocated. The exemplified unfoldase is the ClpX unfoldase from E. coli.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and systems for the analysis of compounds in a crystalline state and/or undergoing crystallization. Two-dimensional correlation (2DCOS) and co-distribution analysis (2DCDS) analysis plots can be generated and analyzed. Asynchronous plots can aid in establishing a sequential order of events. Positive cross peaks that correlate with auto peaks associated with aggregation can be identified. The auto peaks can be referenced to quickly discern the regions of the molecule most perturbed, which would indicate a driver for the crystallization state of the molecule. One can define which functional group types (e.g., region) are most perturbed (positive, intense auto peak) and observe how the different auto peaks begin to have greatest intensity change. These changes in auto peaks in the synchronous plots for the different stages of crystallization can provide information as to the dynamics of the process from amorphous to crystalline state.

Abstract: Methods for determining an in vitro release profile of peanut allergens in a sample are provided. Methods for determining one or more signatures of peanut allergens in a sample are provided.

Abstract: The three-dimensional structural analysis of pharmaceutical and/or biological molecules is performed by the reaction of OH radicals on the surfaces of the molecules of interest. Quantitation and/or completeness of the OH radicals are optionally measured using buffers intrinsic to the sample solutions as internal standards. Measurements of the reactions of these buffers with OH radicals provide an internal standard while avoiding the use of prior art internal standards that can have unwanted effects on the three-dimensional structures of interest.

Abstract: A highly-sensitive-allergen-measurement method is provided. A method for detecting an allergen in a sample comprises treating the sample with a protease, and detecting the presence or absence of an allergen-derived polypeptide in the enzymatically treated sample by a chromatographic separation analysis, wherein the allergen is one or more members selected from the group consisting of buckwheat, crustacean, milk, egg and peanut.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip comprising at least one dialysis crystallisation cell. The cell includes: a substrate made of PMMA; a first level including a tank defined at least partially by the substrate and by an outer wall of the cell, the tank being in fluid communication with a channel for inlet and a channel for outlet of a solution allowing the crystallisation method to be implemented; and a second level including a dialysis chamber defined at least partially by an inner wall of the cell without contact with the substrate and by a dialysis membrane forming an interface between the tank and the dialysis chamber, the inner wall including at least one one-piece portion in which the periphery of the membrane is kept sealed.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns methods for identifying amino acids in peptides, including peptides including unnatural amino acids. Various aspects of the present disclosure provide compositions and methods for amino acid-type specific labeling, as well as methods for detecting the labels. Further disclosed herein are strategies for highly multiplexed, high-throughput peptide analysis.

Abstract: A test device is configured for diagnostic testing and includes an optical readable medium, in turn including a pattern of spots of material arranged on a surface of the device. Several patterns may be provided. The patterns accordingly formed may be human and/or machine readable. They may notably encode security information, e.g., indicating whether the device has already been used. The spots may notably be inkjet spotted. In addition, a method is provided for decoding information encoded in a pattern of such a test device. In embodiments, liquid is introduced in the device, which comprises additional spots having a substantially different solubility than spots forming the actual pattern. Thus, the additional spots get solubilized in and flushed by the liquid as the latter wets them, and an initially hidden pattern may be read, which is formed of the remaining spots (not solubilized). Encoding methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method comprising causing a simulation machine for molecular dynamic simulation to determine that a topological distance that separates two particles is less than a threshold. The simulation machine includes nodes connected by a network. The nodes collectively representing a volume with each node corresponding to a portion of the simulation space. A topological relationship between the nodes corresponds to spatial relationship thereof in the simulation space. The simulation volume is occupied by particles that interact with each other. The two particles are among these particles. The simulation volume includes node boxes, each of which is handled by one of the nodes. Each of the nodes is implemented as an application specific integrated circuit that includes a combination of first and second hardware elements. The first hardware elements are especially designed to perform pairwise interactions. The second hardware elements operate to provide potentially interacting particles to the first hardware elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for identifying amino acids in peptides. In one embodiment, the present invention contemplates labeling the N-terminal amino acid with a first label and labeling an internal amino acid with a second label. In some embodiments, the labels are fluorescent labels. In other embodiments, the internal amino acid is lysine. In other embodiments, amino acids in peptides are identified based on the fluorescent signature for each peptide at the single molecule level.

Abstract: The inventors discovered that viscosity of a protein solution can be estimated by measuring the apparent particle size or apparent molecular weight by a small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) method or X-ray solution scattering method, which enables measurement of small amounts of samples, and then correlating those measurement results with viscosity of the protein solution.

Abstract: Methods are described for diagnosing or prognosing insulin resistance in diabetic and pre-diabetic patients, the method comprising determining the amount of insulin and C-peptide in a sample. Provided herein are mass spectrometric methods for detecting and quantifying insulin and C-peptide in a biological sample utilizing enrichment and/or purification methods coupled with tandem mass spectrometric or high resolution/high accuracy mass spectrometric techniques.

Abstract: A method for selectively and easily quantifying the L-form and/or D-form amino acids to be measured using an aminoacyl tRNA synthetase (AARS) with high sensitivity, and an amino acid quantification kit. A method for quantifying amino acids (L-AA and/or D-AA) in a sample using an AARS, wherein the amino acids and the AARS are released from an aminoacyl AMP-AARS complex once formed, and they are used again for forming the aminoacyl AMP-AARS complex, so that reaction products such as pyrophosphoric acid to be measured can be ultimately produced up to a molar number larger than that of the amino acids contained in the sample, and an amino acid quantification kit for performing the method.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting an analyte can include a photoluminescent nanostructure embedded in a sensor hydrogel. The sensor hydrogel can be supported by a substrate hydrogel.

Abstract: An approach for preparing a vaccine using ultraviolet radiation is described. Aspects of this approach involve multiple iterations of inactivation of the vaccine using an ultraviolet radiation source at a set of different wavelengths and dosages. A recognition test of the vaccine using the set of different wavelengths and dosages is performed after the multiple iterations of inactivation. A controller compares results from the inactivation test and the recognition test to determine an area of acceptable radiation dosages and wavelengths generated from the ultraviolet radiation source that irradiate the live organisms without affecting efficacy and safety of the vaccine. The area of acceptable ultraviolet radiation dosages and wavelengths is representative of a difference between an ultraviolet radiation dosage that is required for inactivation and an ultraviolet radiation dosage that leads to a loss of recognition.

Abstract: Particular aspects of the invention are methods for assaying metabolite levels in samples from a patient during pregnancy using nuclear magnetic resonance and direct flow injection mass spectrometry. In various methods, the assayed metabolites may be acylcarnitine or one or more of C3-OH (hydroxypropionylcarnitine), C5-OH (C3DC), C10, C5:1-DC (glutaconylcarnitine), C14:1-OH (hydroxytetradecenoylcarnitine) and C14:2-OH. One or more methods also may include measuring nuchal translucency of the fetus. Other methods relate to predicting fetal congenital heart defects in a fetus.

Abstract: Provided are magnetic sensors, which include a magnetic sensor element having a sensor surface modification and an inter-element area adjacent to the magnetic sensor element and having an inter-element area surface modification, where the sensor surface modification and the inter-element area surface modification provide a binding surface in the inter-element area. Also provided are devices, systems and methods in which the subject magnetic sensors find use.

Abstract: An apparatus (1000) and kit (1000) for the detection of ATP in a liquid sample is provided. The apparatus and kit comprise a liquid reagent composition comprising luciferin and a sampling device having (100) a sampling portion (30) and a handling portion (20). The sampling portion (30) is adapted to acquire and releasably retain a predetermined volume of a liquid sample in one or more cavity (32) that is not substantially defined by space between a plurality of fibers. The sampling device (30) comprises a dry coating that includes an effective amount of a pH-adjusting reagent that, when contacted with a liquid reagent composition having a pH of about 6.8 or lower, changes the pH of the liquid reagent composition to 6.9 or higher. A method of use of the apparatus or kit is also provided.

Abstract: A disposable rapid cell sorter comprises a microfluidic chip with electrodes and sorts biological cells of interest though a magnetic field and an electric field based on biological cell functional antibody bonded magnetic beads and luminescent labeling.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing dispersion gradients and an SPR injection method for determining full kinetics and affinity analysis in the presence of a competitor molecule. The SPR injection provides a dispersion gradient of two or more samples to a SPR flow cell and detector.