Abstract: Quaternary nitrogen heterocyclic boronic acid-containing compounds are described, which are sensitive to glucose and fructose, as well as a variety of other physiologically important analytes, such as aqueous chloride and iodide, and a method of using the compounds. Also disclosed is a contact lens doped with the quaternary nitrogen heterocyclic boronic acid-containing compound, and a method of using the doped contact lens to measure the concentration of analyte in tears under physiological conditions.

Abstract: When assessing the start time of the limulus reaction between biogenous biologically active substances and LAL and using the reaction start time to determine the concentration of the biogenous biologically active substances, in order to exclude the influence of progressive changes which occur regardless of the conditions of the limulus reaction, the strength of transmitted light or scattered light in the liquid mixture of the measurement sample and LAL is detected, the variation (delta) in the transmittance or number of gel particles is acquired at set intervals, and the time when the variation (delta) crosses a threshold value is taken as the reaction start time. Furthermore, the time intervals when acquiring the abovementioned delta are not uniform, and either change over time from the start of measurement as defined by a time function, or multiple sequences with differing time intervals are prepared in advance.

Abstract: A method of identifying a biopolymer in a sample that includes one or more biopolymers. The biopolymers may be polypeptides, polynucleotides, or polysaccharides. The method makes use of mass spectral datasets. A first dataset includes measured masses of the one or more biopolymers that are in the sample. A second dataset includes measured masses of a collection of fragments of the one or more biopolymers. The method selects a mass from the first dataset and then matches masses from the second dataset with the selected mass. The matched masses represent fragments of the biopolymer with the selected mass. Once the masses in the second dataset have been matched they are compared to determine a monomer sequence for the biopolymer with the selected mass. The method may be repeated with additional masses in the first dataset.

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: Method of selectively determining the concentration of beta-glucan in samples, in particular in liquid samples of cereal origin, and a kit for such analysis. The method comprises the steps of contacting of a beta-glucan containing sample and a dye in liquid phase, complexing the beta-glucan with the dye to provide a modified liquid phase, measuring photometrically the absorbance of the modified liquid phase, and determining the concentration of beta-glucan based on the absorbance of the modified liquid phase. According to the invention, the dye comprises a Calcofluor dye such as Calcofluor White or Calcofluor White M2R. It has been found that the same reagent, or reagent of the kind basic kind, gives the same result when the sample is measured using photometry as when the dye is used in a reaction wherein fluorescence is measured.

Abstract: Disclosed are field effect transistor-based (FET-based) sensors for the rapid and accurate detection of analytes both in vivo and in vitro. The FET-based sensors can include a substrate, a channel disposed on the substrate, a source electrode and a drain electrode electrically connected to the channel, and a recognition element for an analyte of interest immobilized on the surface of the channel via a linking group. The distance between the recognition element and the channel can be configured such that association of the analyte of interest with the recognition element induces a change in the electrical properties of the channel. In this way, an analyte of interest can be detected by measuring a change in an electrical property of the channel. Also provided are devices, including probes and multi-well plates, incorporating the FET-based sensors.

Abstract: This invention is related to the field of the prevention and treatment of kidney disease. The treatment of kidney disease may be tailored depending upon the need for, or expectation of, long-term dialysis. For example, prediction of long-term dialysis treatment can be determined by monitoring urine biomarkers related to the development of chronic kidney disease. For example, a normalized time course of hyaluronic acid can be used to determine whether a patient having suffered acute kidney injury will require long-term dialysis.

Abstract: Polymeric sequence probes and methods are described that enhance the speed and sensitivity of detection of target analytes by combining a multiplicity of binding moieties specific for analyte, at least two of which are linearly arranged and optionally a multiplicity of detectable labels.

Abstract: The invention provides a porous nanoscale membrane. In one embodiment, the membrane can be used as a filtration device to screen agents that disrupt or prevent molecular interactions. In one embodiment, the membrane allows for screening agents that disrupt or prevent molecular interactions using a small sample volume with efficient high-throughput screening applications.

Abstract: Provided herein are isolated genomic polynucleotide fragments from the p15 arm of chromosome 11 encoding HASH2 and methods of use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, device, and kit for analyzing a sample for determining the presence or amount of an analyte, particularly carbohydrate, more particularly sugar, in the sample using a fabric.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of sterol glucoside toxins, and provides methods for detecting and detoxifying the compounds, as well as therapeutic methods for treating subjects exposed to such toxins. In alternative embodiments, the toxins may for example include beta-sitostrol-beta-D-glucoside (5-cholesten-24b-ethyl-3b-ol-D-glucoside) or cholesterol glucoside (5-cholesten-3b-ol-3b-D-glucoside).

Abstract: A system includes a sensor including a sensor pad and includes a well wall structure defining a well operatively connected to the sensor pad. The sensor pad is associated with a lower surface of the well. The well wall structure defines an upper surface and a wall surface extending between the upper surface and the lower surface. The upper surface is defined by an upper buffer material having an intrinsic buffer capacity of at least 2×1017 groups/m2. The wall surface is defined by a wall material having an intrinsic buffer capacity of not greater than 1.7×1017 groups/m2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for obtaining nucleic acid aptamers that bind to cancer cell-surface epitopes, to the aptamers generated using this method and their use for therapeutic, diagnostic and prognostic purposes.

Abstract: Among others, the present invention provides apparatus for detecting a disease, comprising a system delivery biological subject and a probing and detecting device, wherein the probing and detecting device includes a first micro-device and a first substrate supporting the first micro-device, the first micro-device contacts a biologic material to be detected and is capable of measuring at the microscopic level an electric, magnetic, electromagnetic, thermal, optical, acoustical, biological, chemical, physical, or mechanical property of the biologic material.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions which can mimic DNA and/or RNA in cells of a subject and methods of using them as a substrate in testing efficacy of one or more compositions in reducing and/or preventing radiation, such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation-caused DNA and/or RNA damage of said subject. Also disclosed are systems related to the disclosed methods.

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: In a measuring apparatus for measuring a target substance in a sample cell via a gelation reaction, a sample cell houses a specimen containing the substance to be measured, and a solution containing a gelating reagent is irradiated with a laser beam. The solution in the sample cell is stirred to generate minute and uniform gel particles, which are caused to pass through the laser beam. Scattered light from the gel particles generated in the sample cell is detected by a photodiode array, and the scattered-light intensity of the generated gel particles or the diameter and the number thereof is measured on time series by a computer on the basis of a scattered-light detection output of the photodiode array.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for characterizing complex polymeric mixture of interest. Candidate solutions are eliminated from a solution space using one or more experimental measurements of a polymeric mixture of interest. The elimination step can be repeated one or more times using different experimental measurements produced by various chemical and physical protocols, so that the remaining candidate solutions converge to describe the actual polymeric mixture under investigation. Once the composition of the complex polymeric mixture has been characterized, the information thus generated can be used to facilitate, for example, the manufacture of a bio-equivalent of the complex polymeric mixture.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for confirming the nucleotide sequence of an oligonucleotide is provided. In certain embodiments, the method comprises: a) inputting the nucleotide sequence of an oligonucleotide; b) executing an algorithm that provides the predicted molecular formulas of fragments of the oligonucleotide; c) comparing the predicted m/z values of the predicted molecular formulas to experimentally-obtained m/z values obtained by analysis of the oligonucleotide by tandem mass spectrometry to determine if the predicted masses correspond with the experimentally-obtained masses. The method may be used, for example, to confirm the identity of an oligonucleotide after it is synthesized.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for identifying a subject being susceptible to a cardiac therapy, comprising (a) determining the amounts of liver fatty acid binding protein, and at least one further polypeptide from the group of a cardiac troponin and a natriuretic peptide in at least one sample of a subject suffering from heart failure, (b) comparing the thus determined amounts to suitable reference amounts, and (c) identifying a subject being susceptible to a cardiac therapy. Also described is a device and a kit adapted to carry out the method of the present invention. Also described is the use of liver fatty acid binding protein and at least one further polypeptide from the group of a cardiac troponin and a natriuretic peptide for identifying a subject being susceptible to a cardiac therapy.

Abstract: The present invention discloses new nanoassembled complexes consisting of a central nucleus formed by a high-affinity interaction from nucleic acids and avidin, wherein said nucleus is stabilized in aqueous solutions, even saline, and protected from further unspecific unwanted interactions by means of suitable polymeric agents capable to mask totally or partially the nucleus itself. The nanocomplexes obtained have been shown to be stable in aqueous solutions and to have nanoparticle features. In addition, the nano-complexes have shown characteristics useful for use in biotechnological field and in nanomedicine.

Abstract: The disclosure features methods of analyzing preparations of heparin, and materials derived from heparin using strong anion exchange high performance liquid chromatography (SAX-HPLC).

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: A reagent composition for nucleic acid chromatography or immunochromatography which includes a water-soluble polymer having a weight average molecular weight of 8,000 or more, a salt of a divalent or trivalent metal, a nonionic surfactant, and an aprotic water-soluble organic compound. The reagent composition is capable of determining an analyte accurately and rapidly even when it has a low concentration in a measurement by nucleic acid chromatography or immunochromatography, by reducing the binding of components other than the analyte through a non-specific reaction and enhancing the dispersion capability of the analyte to improve the developability on a chromatography carrier and to promote a specific reaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to imidazolium salts, particularly imidazolium salts of the general formula I as well as the respective carbene metal complexes and their utilisation as bioanalytical tags for biomolecules.

Abstract: A method for detecting a predisposition to breast cancer in a subject is provided. The method includes detecting in a biological sample from the subject one or more polymorphisms in the sequence of CD44 gene. The presence of one or more polymorphisms in the sequence of CD44 gene indicates that the subject has a predisposition for developing breast cancer.

Abstract: A method for detecting a target substance involves: a step of preparing a complex (4) including a first aptamer (1) that binds specifically with a target substance (5) contained in a test sample and a second aptamer (2) that binds specifically with a second ligand (6) other than the target substance (5), the first aptamer (1) having at least one double-strand forming section which is formed of a double strand, the second aptamer (2) having at least two double-strand forming sections, the base sequence of the first aptamer (1), which binds with the target substance (5), including at least a portion of the base sequence of the double-strand forming section of the first aptamer (1), the base sequence of the second aptamer (2), which binds with the second ligand (6), including at least a portion of the base sequence of said at least two double-strand forming sections of the second aptamer (2); a step of binding the target substance (5) and the first aptamer (1); a step of binding the second ligand (6) and the sec

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of plant breeding and aphid resistance. More specifically, the invention includes a method for breeding soybean plants containing quantitative trait loci that are associated with resistance to aphids, Aphis glycines. The invention further includes method for monitoring the introgression quantitative trait loci (QTL) conferring aphid resistance into elite germplasm in a breeding program.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are provided for calibrating heat sources of thermal cyclers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems that result in high quality, reproducible, thermal melt analysis on a microfluidic platform. The present invention relates to methods and systems using thermal systems including heat spreading devices, including interconnection methods and materials developed to connect heat spreaders to microfluidic devices. The present invention also relates to methods and systems for controlling, measuring, and calibrating the thermal systems of the present invention.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided for the detection of biomolecular interactions. The interactions between one or more target DNA strands, one or more receptor DNA strands, and one or more probe DNA strands, if necessary, are used to detect the one or more target DNA strands. The one or more target DNA strands or the one or more probe DNA strands may be coupled to a magnetic bead, and the one or more receptor strands may be coupled to the Hall device.

Abstract: A method for separating and purifying the active hematinic species (AHS) present in iron-saccharidic compositions, including AHS such as sodium ferric gluconate complex, ferric hydroxide-sucrose complex and ferric saccharate complex and others of similar form and function. The method separates the AHS from one or more excipients and, preferably, lyophilizes the separated AHS. Separation of the AHS permits its analytical quantification, further concentration, purification and/or lyophilization as well as preparation of new and useful products and pharmaceutical compositions, including those useful for the treatment of humans and animals.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for isolating a target nucleic acid from a sample comprising said target nucleic acid, comprising the steps of mixing a sample containing said target nucleic acid with a binding solution and a nucleic acid binding matrix, binding at least part of said target nucleic acid to said nucleic acid binding matrix, wherein said nucleic acid binding matrix is treated simultaneously or has been previously treated with at least one compound comprising a metal substance selected from the group consisting of metals of the main groups 13 to 16, semimetals and transition metals for reducing non-target nucleic acid contaminations or wherein said nucleic acid binding matrix is modified with hydrophobic groups. Furthermore, respective kits and reagents are provided with the teaching of the present invention.

Abstract: A surface grafted conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE) is formed by coupling a CPE by a coupling moiety to the surface of a substrate. The substrate can be of any shape and size, and for many uses of the surface grafted CPE, it is advantageous that the substrate is a nanoparticle or microparticle. Surface grafted CPEs are presented that use silica particles as the substrate, where a modified silane coupling agent connects the surface to the CPE by a series of covalent bonds. Two methods of preparing the surface grafted CPEs are presented. One method involves the inclusion of the surface being modified by the coupling agent and condensed with monomers that form the CPE in a grafted state to the substrate. A second method involves the formation of a CPE with terminal groups that are complimentary to functionality that has been placed on the surface of the substrate by reaction with a coupling agent. The surface grafted CPEs are also described for use as biosensors and biocides.

Abstract: A method for determining a sequence of a biomolecule, the method including binding a plurality of uniform probes to a biomolecule fragment, creating a collection of binding signatures for the fragment with each binding signature representing a series of distances between binding sites within the fragment, and grouping the binding signatures into a plurality of signature clusters based at least in part on distances between the binding sites in each binding signature. For each binding signature in a first cluster, a potential successor binding signature is selected from signature clusters other than the first signature cluster, and one of the potential successor binding signatures is identified as a successor binding signature. The last two steps are repeated until the successor signature represents a terminal signature, resulting in a sequence of signatures representing at least a portion of the biomolecule.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods for conducting chemical assays and biological assays using microfluidic devices are disclosed. The microfluidic devices do not require external connections, tethers, tubing, valves and actuators. The microfluidic devices are useful in methods for analyzing a wide variety of chemical and biological assays such as, for example, molecule-molecule interactions, enzyme-substrate interactions, molecule identification, minimum inhibitory concentrations, therapeutically effective amounts, and toxic amounts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for analysing carbohydrates. The invention is in particular useful in detecting a terminal monosaccharide which may be released from a glycosylated substrate for example using an exoglucosidase. After relase from the glycosylated substrate the terminal monosaccharide may be captured on a solid support, incubated with a boronate detection agent and detected by aid of the boronate detection agent. The methods of the invention are useful for a variety of purposes including sequencing of carbohydrates, wherein exoglycosidases with predetermined specificity are employed for the release.

Abstract: The technical solution of the present invention provides a method for measuring content of chitosan fiber in textile by using a series of equations. The method calculates the content of chitosan fiber in textile according to the following equations: W1=C×f×(V1?V2)×0.001×161.15×100/W3 W2=C×f×(V1?V2)×0.001×203.19×100/W3×(1?D·D)/D·D g=(W1+W2)/W×100% The error is very small in this method. Besides, a highly sensitive, simple, and fast method for measuring content of chitosan fiber in textile is established.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated nucleic acid molecules and their corresponding encoded polypeptides able confer the trait of modulated plant size, vegetative growth, organ number, plant architecture, sterility or seedling lethality in plants. The present invention further relates to the use of these nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides in making transgenic plants, plant cells, plant materials or seeds of a plant having such modulated growth or phenotype characteristics that are altered with respect to wild type plants grown under similar conditions.

Abstract: This invention provides a composition matter comprising rare earth-doped up-conversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) encapsulated with a silica shell. In one embodiment, a photosensitizer is incorporated into the silica shell. In another embodiment, the composition further comprises a targeting molecule. In still another embodiment, a small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecule is also attached to the silica shell with the targeting molecule. The invention further provides methods for synthesizing such compositions and for using them in therapeutic and diagnostic applications. These applications use infrared or near infrared activation to excite the UCNPs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to antisense oligonucleotides that modulate the expression of and/or function of Membrane Bound Transcription Factor Peptidase, site 1 (MBTPS1), in particular, by targeting natural antisense polynucleotides of Membrane Bound Transcription Factor Peptidase, site 1 (MBTP-S1). The invention also relates to the identification of these antisense oligonucleotides and their use in treating diseases and disorders associated with the expression of MBTPS1.

Abstract: Methods of evaluating heparin preparations, e.g., for suitability for use as a drug or for use in making a drug, by determining the absence, presence or amount of a structural signature that is indicative of the methods used to make the heparin preparation.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfabricated substrates and methods of conducting reactions within these substrates. The reactions occur in plugs transported in the flow of a carrier-fluid.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and apparatus for determining one or more characterizing features of a macromolecule, in particular torque and/or twist of nucleic acids like DNA, using magnetic fields.

Abstract: Methods of forming graphene by graphite exfoliation, wherein the methods include: providing a graphite sample having atomic layers of carbon; introducing a salt and a solvent into the space between the atomic layers; expanding the space between the atomic layers using organic molecules and ions from the solvent and the salt; and separating the atomic layers using a driving force to form one or more sheets of graphene; the graphene produced by the methods can be used to form solar cells, to perform DNA analysis, and for other electrical, optical and biological applications.

Abstract: This invention pertains to methods for authenticating an article comprising tagging the article with light emitting optical reporter particles, and more specifically tagging the articles with up-converting phosphor particles (UCP), linked to nucleic acids of detectable sequence.

Abstract: The present invention relates to providing improved hydrogen peroxide assays, as well as droplet actuators for conducting such assays. The droplet actuators of the invention may be used to conduct droplet-based hydrogen peroxide assays. They may also be associated with detectors for analyzing the results of the hydrogen peroxide assays of the invention. They may be provided as components of systems which control droplet operations and/or detection for conducting the hydrogen peroxide assays. Measurement by the detector may be used to quantify the presence of an analyte in a sample.

Abstract: System and method for capturing, concentrating, and detecting a diagnostic target in a liquid, comprising applying a magnetic field to a mixture comprising a co-aggregate in the liquid to provide a collected co-aggregate in the liquid, wherein the co-aggregate comprises a magnetic particle having a stimuli-responsive polymer attached thereto and a non-magnetic particle having a stimuli-responsive polymer and a diagnostic target attached thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for modulating the expression of growth factor gene. In particular, this invention relates to compounds, particularly oligonucleotide compounds, which, in preferred embodiments, hybridize with nucleic acid molecules encoding the Insulin Like Growth Factor I receptor (IGF-I receptor or IGF-IR) and in particular human IGF-IR. Such compounds are exemplified herein to modulate proliferation which is relevant to the treatment of proliferative and inflammatory skin disorders and cancer. It will be understood, however, that the compounds can be used for any other condition in which the IGF-IR is involved including inflammatory condition.