Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of RNA 5? polyphosphatase enzymes not previously described in the art, methods for discovery of said enzymes, compositions of said enzymes, methods for making said enzymes, and various methods and kits for using said enzymes for biomedical research, for human and non-human diagnostics, for production of therapeutic products, and for other applications. In particular, some embodiments provide compositions, kits and methods for employing RNA polyphosphatases for isolation, purification, production, and assay of capped RNA using a biological sample or a sample from an in vitro capping reaction wherein the sample also contains RNA that is not capped. Other embodiments provide compositions, kits and methods wherein RNA polyphosphatases comprise signal-amplifying enzymes for analyte-specific assays.

Abstract: Methods of studying, interrogating, analyzing, and detecting particles, substances, and the like with near field light are described. Methods of identifying binding partners, modulators, inhibitors, and the like of particles, substances, and the like with near field light are described. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise immobilizing or trapping the particle, substance, and the like.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held glucose testing device includes a housing configured to accommodate a plurality of test sensors in a stacked arrangement and having a wall with an opening defined therein. A plurality of packaged test sensors is stacked in alignment with one another within the housing. Each of the test sensors is packaged within a blister package. The blister package includes a blister package housing and a cover foil overlying a surface of the blister package housing and the test sensor. A drive slide is configured to displace one of the plurality of packaged test sensors out of alignment with other packaged test sensors. A knife mechanism is configured to pierce through the cover foil, and to engage and urge the test sensor to extend through the opening for receiving a sample. A meter contact is configured to engage the test sensor when the test sensor extends through the opening.

Abstract: A capillary electrophoresis method for quantitatively analyzing characteristic oligosaccharide present in enoxaparin sodium is provided in this invention. The method may be used for quantitatively determining the contents of disaccharides, trisaccharides, tetrasaccharides and in particular oligosaccharides having a 1,6-anhydro ring, which are unique compounds for enoxaparin sodium, within an exhaustively digested enoxaparin sodium sample with a mixture of heparinase I, II, and III, so as to quantitatively determine the molar percentage of oligosaccharides having 1,6-anhydro ring in enoxaparin sodium. The method may be used for the pharmaceutical quality control of enoxaparin sodium during the manufacturing process.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to functionalized nanodiamonds comprising at least one MALDI matrix covalently bonded to a nanodiamond and compositions comprising the same. The present disclosure also relates to methods of performing matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS), for example on small molecules, using matrices comprising at least one MALDI matrix covalently bonded to a nanodiamond.

Abstract: A reusable coating for a nanopore structure is disclosed herein. A nanopore structure includes a substrate comprising a nanochannel and a monolayer of a chemical compound disposed onto at least a portion of a surface of the nanochannel. The chemical compound forms a reversible bond with at least one analyte binding compound introduced into the nanochannel. Methods for making and using the reusable coating are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing cubic diamond nanocrystals (10) comprising the following successive steps: (a) providing crystalline diamond powder where the maximum particle size of the powder is equal or more than 2 ?m and equal or less than 1 mm; (b) milling said crystalline micron diamond powder using nitrogen jet milling micronization so as to manufacture a fine powder; (c) nanomilling the fine powder of step b) using a planetary tungsten carbide ball mill; (d) acid treating the nanomilled powder of step c); (e) extracting the cubic diamond nanocrystals (10) by centrifugation. Advantageously round-shaped cubic diamond nanocrystals are manufactured.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions that have a light emitting reporter linked to biomolecules, preferably, nucleotide oligomers. The light reporter particles are silylated and functionalized to produce a coated light reporter particle, prior to covalently linking the biomolecules to the light reporter particle. The light reporter particles of the invention can be excited by a light excitation source such as UV or IR light, and when the biomolecule is DNA, the attached DNA molecule(s) are detectable by amplification techniques such as PCR.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and reagents for detecting analytes, e.g. nucleic acids. The new methods and reagents allow a simple and sensitive detection even in complex biological samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quality control marker and method of using such marker in qualitative and quantitative authentication of Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo, which is known as a Chinese medicine under the name of Tiepi Shihu ().

Abstract: Medical devices are typically sterilized in processes used to manufacture such products and their sterilization by exposure to radiation is a common practice. Radiation has a number of advantages over other sterilization processes including a high penetrating ability, relatively low chemical reactivity, and instantaneous effects without the need to control temperature, pressure, vacuum, or humidity. Unfortunately, radiation sterilization can compromise the function of certain components of medical devices. For example, radiation sterilization can lead to loss of protein activity and/or lead to bleaching of various dye compounds. Embodiments of the invention provide methods and materials that can be used to protect medical devices from unwanted effects of radiation sterilization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling dissociation of a double stranded nucleic acid. The present invention also relates to a method for controlling strand exchange reaction of a double stranded nucleic acid. The present invention further relates to a method for amplifying a nucleic acid.

Abstract: A method of producing functional molecule-containing silica nanoparticles on which a biomolecule is bonded, containing the steps of: allowing silica nanoparticles containing a functional molecule and having a thiol group on a surface thereof to coexist with a linker molecule having a maleimido group and a carboxyl group in an aprotic solvent, thereby allowing formation of a thioether bond between the thiol group and the maleimido group, and obtaining functional molecule-containing silica nanoparticles on which the linker molecule is bonded; and allowing the functional molecule-containing silica nanoparticles on which the linker molecule is bonded to coexist with carbodiimide and a biomolecule having an amino group in an aqueous solvent, thereby allowing formation of an amide bond between the carboxyl group active esterified by the carbodiimide, and the amino group of the biomolecule.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and articles of manufacture for assaying a sample for a target polynucleotide are provided. A sample suspected of containing the target polynucleotide is contacted with a polycationic multichromophore and a sensor PBP that can bind to the target polynucleotide. The sensor PBP comprises a signaling chromophore to absorb energy from the excited multichromophore and emit light in the presence of the target polynucleotide. The methods can be used in multiplex form. Kits comprising reagents for performing such methods are also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a microchip including a reaction region and a detection region connected to the reaction region by a flow passage, the detection region including copper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of N-linked glycan profiles of blood or blood component proteins as biomarkers for diagnosing diabetes mellitus and for monitoring the efficacy of anti-diabetic therapy. Specifically, the present invention relates to detecting changes in the amounts of N-linked glycans as diagnostic biomarkers for diabetes mellitus and as indicators of the efficacy of anti-diabetic therapy over time.

Abstract: A process concentrates nucleic acid molecules to be detected of a sample on a surface, with capture molecules that specifically bind the nucleic acid molecules. A support material has a capture probe that can specifically be linked to the nucleic acid molecules to be detected to give complexes. The support material and the nucleic acid molecules of the sample are incubated to form the complexes. The complexes are moved to the surface. At least one portion of the complexes becomes bound to the capture molecules via the capture probe.

Abstract: An analytical test cartridge is provided. The analytical test cartridge can be used for medical analyses of liquid samples removed from a patient, for example blood. The analytical test cartridge is configured to provide for titration experiments. An example of a titration experiment that can be performed with the arrangement, is titration of heparin with protamine. Methods of assembly and use are provided.

Abstract: A nucleic acid sequence measuring method includes measuring fluorescence from the nucleic acid sequence measuring device supplied with a sample solution. The device includes a fluorescent probe added with a fluorescent molecule, and a quenching probe added with a quenching substance. The fluorescent probe and/or the quenching probe has a detection part detecting a particular nucleic acid sequence. Fluorescence from the fluorescent molecule is quenched by the quenching substance coupled with the fluorescent molecule when the hybridization between the detection target nucleic acid and the detection part has not occurred, and fluorescence is emitted from the fluorescent molecule separated from the quenching substance when the hybridization has occurred.

Abstract: Biomarkers relating to pancreatic Beta-cell function, pancreatic Beta-cell glucose sensitivity, insulin resistance, and/or pancreatic Beta-cell-related disorders are provided. Methods based on the same biomarkers are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a gel particle measurement reagent effective in quickly measuring a time point of initiation of production of gel particles. A gel particle measurement reagent R is a gel particle measurement reagent to be used to be agitated continuously with a sample S containing a target substance St as a measuring object to turn the target substance St into gel particles, including: a reagent base material 1 that undergoes a gelation reaction with the target substance St; and a biologically inactive particle formation accelerating factor 2 that is added to the reagent base material, has solubility in the sample S and dissolves therein at a concentration of 0.002 to 1%, and accelerates production of gel particles G whose particle sizes are centered in a predetermined range.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and systems for detecting the presence of explosive elements. A sample element may be used to swipe an object for a test sample. The sample element may be positioned in a sample holder of a testing device having a heater. The heater may be programmed to heat the sample element and sample in a controlled manner through two or three temperature increases from approximately 35 degrees to 165 degrees centigrade in approximately 40 seconds. Prior to each temperature increase a first, second and third reagent fluid is applied to the sample holder, and during the temperature rise the sample holder is observed for the presence of various explosive elements by detecting colors as compared to a color chart. The color observations may be based on time and temperature variations using a testing device.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an analyte detection system is provided that includes a nanochannel, an electrode arrangement, and a plurality of nanoFET devices disposed in the nanochannel. A plurality of nucleic acid base detection components can be used that include a plurality of nanopores, a plurality of nanochannels, a plurality of hybridization probes, combinations thereof, and the like. According to other embodiments of the present teachings, different coded molecules are hybridized to a target DNA molecule and used to detect the presence of various sequences along the target molecule. A kit including mixtures of coded molecules is also provided. In some embodiments, devices including nanochannels, nanopores, and the like, are used for manipulating movement of DNA molecules, for example, in preparation for a DNA sequencing detection. Nanopore structures and methods of making the same are also provided as are methods of nucleic acid sequencing using the nanopore structures.

Abstract: The invention features methods for evaluating the conformation of a polymer, for example, for determining the conformational distribution of a plurality of polymers and to detect binding or denaturation events. The methods employ a nanopore which the polymer, e.g., a nucleic acid, traverses. As the polymer traverses the nanopore, measurements of transport properties of the nanopore yield data on the conformation of the polymer.

Abstract: There is provided a method for quantitatively detecting 8-oxo 2?-deoxyguanosine in an aqueous sample solution with high sensitivity. A method for quantitatively detecting 8-oxo 2?-deoxyguanosine in an aqueous sample solution, including the steps of 1) immobilizing a fluorescent probe molecule showing a fluorescence response specific to 8-oxo 2?-deoxyguanosine on surfaces of fine particles via a spacer unit and bringing the sample solution into contact with the fine particles, and 2) measuring a physical property of the fine particles before and after the contact with the sample solution to determine a change in the physical property.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of sample analysis. In certain embodiments, the method comprises: a) cross-linking protein of a cell using a first compound to produce a first cross-linked product comprising cross-linked protein, and RNA; b) contacting the first cross-linked product and a second compound under conditions by which an oligonucleotide portion of the second compound hybridizes to the RNA; c) activating a reaction the first and second compound, thereby covalently crosslinking the oligonucleotide to the cross-linked protein to produce a second cross-linked product; d) isolating the second cross-linked product using an affinity tag; and e) analyzing the isolated second cross-linked product. Compounds for performing the method are also provided.

Abstract: To provide an anti-cancer agent sensitivity determination marker, which marker can determine whether or not the patient has a therapeutic response to the anti-cancer agent, and novel cancer therapeutic means employing the marker. The anti-cancer agent sensitivity determination marker, the anti-cancer agent including oxaliplatin or a salt thereof and fluorouracil or a salt thereof, contains one or more substances selected from among an amino-acid-metabolism-related substance, a nucleic-acid-metabolism-related substance, a substance in the pentose phosphate pathway, a substance in the glycolytic pathway, a substance in the TCA cycle, a polyamine-metabolism-related substance, 7,8-dihydrobiopterin, 6-phosphogluconic acid, butyric acid, triethanolamine, 1-methylnicotinamide, NADH, NAD+, and a substance involved in the metabolism of any of these substances.

Abstract: A mixed polynucleotide includes a first double stranded (ds) portion, a second portion including at least one single stranded (ss) portion, and a third ds portion. The second portion connects the first ds portion and the third ds portion to provide a modified polynucleotide.

Abstract: Unsymmetrical cyanine dyes that incorporate an aza-benzazolium ring moiety are described, including cyanine dyes substituted by a cationic side chain, monomeric and dimeric cyanine dyes, chemically reactive cyanine dyes, and conjugates of cyanine dyes. The subject dyes are virtually non-fluorescent when diluted in aqueous solution, but exhibit bright fluorescence when associated with nucleic acid polymers such as DNA or RNA, or when associated with detergent-complexed proteins. A variety of applications are described for detection and quantitation of nucleic acids and detergent-complexed proteins in a variety of samples, including solutions, electrophoretic gels, cells, and microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a sample sorter system adapted to receive and sort samples according to predetermined criteria. The sample sorter system comprises a receptacle that is adapted to receive and retain fluid and samples. The receptacle is operatively coupled with a drive and with a power source such that actuation of the drive causes the rotation of at least one circular component, which in turn causes the development of a flow regime in the receptacle such that the samples suspended in the fluid are conveyable along a closed path to at least one sample handling site that are positioned along said closed path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for quantifying the binding and dissociation kinetics of molecular interactions of small molecular bio materials with high sensitivity almost without the influence of a change in the reflective index resulting from a buffer solution by making polarized incident light incident on the binding layer of a bio material, formed in a thin dielectric film, so that the polarized incident light satisfies a p-wave non-reflecting condition and a quantifying method using the same.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and articles of manufacture for assaying a sample for a target polynucleotide are provided. A sample suspected of containing the target polynucleotide is contacted with a polycationic multichromophore and a sensor polynucleotide complementary to the target polynucleotide. The sensor polynucleotide comprises a signaling chromophore to receive energy from the excited multichromophore and increase emission in the presence of the target polynucleotide. The methods can be used in multiplex form. Kits comprising reagents for performing such methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methodologies and technologies for potentiating antibody-based cancer treatments by increasing complement-mediated cell cytotoxicity are disclosed. Further provided are methodologies and technologies for overcoming ineffective treatments correlated with and/or caused by sub-lytic levels of complement-activating monoclonal antibodies (“mAb”) against cancer antigens or cancer antigens with low tumor cell density. While detectable levels of passively administered or vaccine-induced mAb against some antigens are able to delay or prevent tumor growth, low levels of mAb induce sublytic levels of complement activation and accelerate tumor growth. This complement-mediated accelerated tumor growth initiated by low mAb levels results in activation of the PI3K/AKT survival pathway. Methodologies and technologies relating to administration of PI3K inhibitors to overcome low dose mAb-initiated, complement-mediated PI3K activation and accelerated tumor growth are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic-acid-responsive gel which allows (i) a larger volumetric change through structural design, (ii) adjustment of its recognition ability to recognize a nucleic acid, (iii) improvement of sensitivity, and (iv) flexible design according to, e.g., a sequence of target DNA. The nucleic-acid-responsive gel includes a probe formed of two single-stranded nucleic acids which are hybridized with each other. The probe is fixed within a network structure of a polymer gel. The two single-stranded nucleic acids are bound reversibly with each other.

Abstract: A gold nanoparticle-based assay for the detection of a target molecule, such as Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) RNA in serum samples, that uses positively charged gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in solution based format. The assay has been tested on 74 serum clinical samples suspected of containing HCV RNA, with 48 and 38 positive and negative samples respectively. The developed assay has a specificity and sensitivity of 96.5% and 92.6% respectively. The results obtained were confirmed by Real-Time PCR, and a concordance of 100% for the negative samples and 89% for the positive samples has been obtained between the Real-Time PCR and the developed AuNPs based assay. Also, a purification method for the HCV RNA has been developed using HCV RNA specific probe conjugated to homemade silica nanoparticles. These silica nanoparticles have been synthesized by modified Stober method. This purification method enhanced the specificity of the developed AuNPs assay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quality control marker and method of using such marker in qualitative and quantitative authentication of Dendrobium officinale Kimura et Migo, which is known as a Chinese medicine under the name of Tiepi Shihu ().

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the field of diagnostics for hyperthyroidism and toxicological assessments for risk stratification of chemical compounds. Specifically, it relates to a method for diagnosing hyperthyroidism. It also relates to a method for determining whether a compound is capable of inducing such hyperthyroidism in a subject and to a method of identifying a drug for treating hyperthyroidism. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a device and a kit for diagnosing hyperthyroidism.

Abstract: A general methodology to design label-free fluorescent functional nucleic acid sensors using a vacant site approach and an abasic site approach is described. In one example, a method for designing label-free fluorescent functional nucleic acid sensors (e.g., those that include a DNAzyme, aptamer or aptazyme) that have a tunable dynamic range through the introduction of an abasic site (e.g., dSpacer) or a vacant site into the functional nucleic acids. Also provided is a general method for designing label-free fluorescent aptamer sensors based on the regulation of malachite green (MG) fluorescence. A general method for designing label-free fluorescent catalytic and molecular beacons (CAMBs) is also provided. The methods demonstrated here can be used to design many other label-free fluorescent sensors to detect a wide range of analytes. Sensors and methods of using the disclosed sensors are also provided.

Abstract: As a result of collecting blood from pancreatic cancer patients, esophageal cancer patients, and stomach cancer patients, and conducting mass spectrometry on N-linked sugar chains in the plasmas, sugar chains whose abundances are significantly different from those of healthy subjects have been successfully identified from the blood samples of the cancer patients.

Abstract: A method an system is disclosed for the detection and/or allocation of at least one point mutation in target DNA and/or RNA duplexes. The method comprises obtaining a functionalized surface which is coated with probe DNA and/or RNA whereto target DNA and/or RNA duplexes are attached, contacting said functionalized surface to an electrolytic solution having a neutral pH in a flow cell and measuring a first impedance value within said electrolytic solution, and then adding a chemical to the electrolytic solution which is able to achieve denaturation of the target DNA and/or RNA. The method further comprises measuring a second impedance value within the flow cell after completion of the denaturation of the DNA and/or RNA target, and then obtaining a value representative for the impact of the chemical on the impedance of the electrolytic solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high purity heparin useful to be a pharmaceutical product, cosmetics, research reagent, or the like, and a method for producing the same, more specifically, a heparin which does not substantially contain a nitrous acid degradation-resistant impurity and a method for producing a heparin, comprising mixing an aqueous solution of 5 to 30% by weight of the heparin with ethanol having an amount (volume) 0.2 to 1 times the amount (volume) of the aqueous heparin solution to obtain a colloidal precipitate of heparin.

Abstract: Verifying a user's identity in real-time using DNA-based information includes obtaining a chromosomal DNA sample from a user, and causing a chromosome of the DNA sample to become mounted in a DNA sampler. The DNA sampler includes a linear array of capacitors in which pairs of capacitor plates are disposed end-to-end along a linear gap. The chromosome mounted in the DNA sampler is disposed in the linear gap with the pairs of capacitor plates located along a length of the chromosome. A chromosomal signature of the chromosome is obtained by measuring, for each pair of capacitor plates, an electrical property at the pair of capacitor plates. The electrical property can include one of capacitance, resistance, or conductance. A determination is made as to whether the obtained chromosomal signature is associated with the user by comparing the obtained chromosomal signature to stored chromosomal signatures of chromosomes of the user.

Abstract: Reagents and methods are disclosed for detection of oxidizers and inorganic salts and other analytes of interest. The reagents can interact with their target analytes, especially oxidizer compositions or oxidizer-based explosives, to selectively enhance their ionization yield, interacting by chemical reaction or by forming an associative adduct which facilitates their detection. For example, the reagents can adduct with the counter-ion of the intended analyte for improved direct detection and/or react chemically via acid-base reactions to produce a new product for detection. In another aspect of the invention, reactive reagents and methods are also disclosed that facilitate indirect detection of the analyte at lower temperatures based on reduction-oxidation (redox) chemistry. These reagents are particularly useful in detecting oxidizer analytes.

Abstract: UV-Absorbing and fluorescent pl markers for isoelectric focusing separations and fluorescent labeling, and methods for making and using the markers.

Abstract: The method according to the invention includes choosing a reaction presumed reaction mechanism; selecting, for said mechanism, at least one first function characteristic of a thermokinetic property that is invariant with the periodic variation frequency of a control parameter influencing said reaction, the first characteristic function being calculated at least from first-order oscillation amplitudes of the concentration of at least one of the species involved in said reaction. The method includes calculating a plurality of values of the first characteristic function from first-order oscillation amplitudes obtained experimentally and analyzing the calculated values of the first characteristic function to determine whether the first characteristic function is constant based on the calculated values, and if the first characteristic function is constant, assigning the presumed mechanism to said reaction.

Abstract: A method and system for using spatially modulated excitation/emission and relative movement between a particle (cell, molecule, aerosol, . . . ) and an excitation/emission pattern are provided. In at least one form, an interference pattern of the excitation light with submicron periodicity perpendicular to the particle flow is used. As the particle moves along the pattern, emission is modulated according to the speed of the particle and the periodicity of the stripe pattern. A single detector, which records the emission over a couple of stripes, can be used. The signal is recorded with a fast detector read-out in order to capture the “blinking” of the particles while they are moving through the excitation pattern. This concept enables light detection with high signal-to-noise ratio and high spatial resolution without the need of expensive and bulky optics.

Abstract: An optical measuring apparatus and method for analysis of samples contained in liquid drops provided by a liquid handling system has a liquid handling tip. A light source irradiates the liquid drop; a detector measures sample light; and an optics system with first optical elements transmits irradiation light, and a processor processes the measurement signals. The liquid drop is suspended at the liquid handling orifice of the liquid handling tip in a position where the liquid drop is penetrated by a first optical axis defined by the light source and the first optical elements. The liquid drop is physically touched only by the liquid handling tip and the liquid sample inside the liquid handling tip. A mutual adaption of the size and position of the liquid drop with respect to the first optical elements is achieved.

Abstract: Sequences of ribonucleic acid interference molecules are provided. For example, in one aspect, at least one nucleic acid molecule comprising at least one of one or more precursor sequences having SEQ_ID NO: 1 through SEQ_ID NO: 3,197 and one or more corresponding mature sequences having SEQ_ID NO: 3,198 through SEQ_ID NO: 6,565 is provided. Techniques are also provided for regulating gene expression.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for identifying soybean plants that are tolerant or have improved tolerance, or those that are susceptible to, iron deficient growth conditions. The methods use molecular markers to identify, select, and/or introgress genetic loci modulating phenotypic expression of an iron deficiency tolerance trait in soybean plant breeding. Methods are provided for screening germplasm entries for the performance and expression of this trait.

Abstract: There is provided herein vesicles comprising a bilayer comprising porphyrin-phospholipid conjugate, wherein the porphyrin-phospholipid conjugate comprises one porphyrin, porphyrin derivative or porphyrin analog covalently attached to a lipid side chain, preferably at the sn-1 or the sn-2 position, of one phospholipids, wherein the vesicle is 1-100 microns in diameter.