Abstract: Methods for determining deposit formation tendencies for a plurality of fluid samples of different compositions is provided. Each sample includes fuel additive compositions containing one or more fuel additives or fuel compositions containing one or more fuels and one or more fuel additives. The methods can advantageously be optimized using combinatorial chemistry, in which a database of combinations of fuel compositions are generated. As market conditions vary and/or product requirements or customer specifications change, conditions suitable for forming desired products can be identified with little or no downtime.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system or matrix approach for determining compatibility of a pharmaceutically active substance, such as small molecule drug candidate, therapeutic proteins, peptides, vaccines or RNAi, with materials used in the research and development of pharmaceuticals, including plastics, polymers, resins, rubbers, elastomers, glass and steel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of pooling samples to be analyzed for a categorical variable, wherein the analysis involves a quantitative measurement of an analyte, said method of pooling samples comprising providing a pool of n samples wherein the amount of individual samples in the pool is such that the analytes in the samples are present in a molar ratio of x0:x1:x2:x(n?1), and wherein x is equal to a positive value other than 1 representing the pooling factor.

Abstract: The present invention provides efficient methods for obtaining a protein with one or more beneficial attributes in industrial, consumer or pharmaceutical applications. In some preferred embodiments, the present invention provides methods for producing superior enzymes for a given application through screening an abbreviated set of candidate enzymes.

Abstract: A substrate includes; a fiducial mark disposed on the substrate, an area on the substrate on which a probe material is configured to be immobilized, the area being separated from the fiducial mark, and a probe immobilization compound disposed on the area on the substrate on which the probe material is configured to be immobilized, wherein the fiducial mark has a structure which reflects irradiated light at a greater intensity than an intensity of reflected irradiated light form the area on the substrate not corresponding to the fiducial mark.

Abstract: The present invention provides an array for rapidly identifying a host cell population capable of producing heterologous protein with improved yield and/or quality. The array comprises one or more host cell populations that have been genetically modified to increase the expression of one or more target genes involved in protein production, decrease the expression of one or more target genes involved in protein degradation, or both. One or more of the strains in the array may express the heterologous protein of interest in a periplasm compartment, or may secrete the heterologous protein extracellularly through an outer cell wall. The strain arrays are useful for screening for improved expression of any protein of interest, including therapeutic proteins, hormones, a growth factors, extracellular receptors or ligands, proteases, kinases, blood proteins, chemokines, cytokines, antibodies and the like.

Abstract: Biomarkers that are diagnostic of type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and/or diabetic disorder are identified. Detection of different biomarkers of the invention are also diagnostic of the degree of severity of type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and/or diabetic disorder. An analysis includes the parameters of matching for BMI and Tanner stage. Receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curves were established to assess association of the biomarkers with a disease.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for real-time, simultaneous, quantitative measurement for detecting a single nucleotide polymorphism in a target nucleic acid is provided. This method involves combining a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique with invader assay technique.

Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a high throughput method for measuring total fermentables using a small amount of plan tissue. A high throughput screening tool for gene discovery aiming for increasing total fermentables is further provided.

Abstract: A method for archiving sample devices such as microarray slides and membranes is described using an optically clear, solidifying solution. Also described are related methods and kits.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fiber optic device consisting of a fiber bundle having multiple legs of silica fibers, using a plurality of microspheres construct to attach target cells, for the assay of cytotoxic compounds. Each leg of silica fibers consists of twenty-five or more silica fibers treated with biotin and streptavidin treated microspheres which chemically bind the microspheres to the silica fibers. Further, the present invention is directed to the unique microspheres. The microspheres have a core, preferably alginate, with an outer surface of chitosan. The present invention is further directed to the use of the described fiber optic device to isolate, research and develop biological medicaments and diagnostic cytotoxic compounds. The fiber optic device utilizes thousands of fibers and the unique microspheres to provide a high-throughput screening device.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for direct characterization of microdomains and/or three-dimensional microstructure arrays bearing high densities of reactive sites using Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometery (MALDI-MS) and other analytical techniques. The high site density of the arrays can provide sufficient sample of each array element and/or materials bound to each element to obtain directly using common analytical techniques such as MALDI-MS. Spatially directed synthesis of heteropolymers is done through the use of pliotolabile, electrically labile, and chemically labile protecting group(s).

Abstract: Disclosed are substrates for detecting one or more target molecules and methods for detecting molecules using surface plasmon resonance.

Abstract: A combinatorial screening method and system are provided. The combinatorial system and method provide rapid data generation for characterization of phase change material. The characterization data is collected through a multipoint probe card where multiple regions are characterized in a single annealing cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an engineered polymerase with an expanded substrate range characterized in that the polymerase is capable of incorporating an enhanced occurrence of detection agent-labeled nucleotide analogue into nucleic acid synthesized by that engineered polymerase as compared with the wild type polymerase from which it is derived.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to technology and methods for analyzing the structure of RNA molecules. More particularly, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to methods of, compositions for, and computer program products for RNA structure analysis through alkoxide-selective 2?-hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension.

Abstract: Provided is a set of mass labels, each mass label in the set comprising a mass marker moiety attached via a cleavable linker to a mass normalisation moiety, each mass label in the set having a common mass; wherein the set comprises a plurality of groups of mass labels, the mass of the mass marker moiety being the same for mass labels within a group, the mass of the mass marker moiety being different between groups; the mass marker moiety is capable of fragmentation into two or three fragments; and the mass of at least one fragment of the mass marker moiety differs between mass labels within a group.

Abstract: The present invention provides combinatorial encoding nucleic acid tiling arrays and methods for their use and synthesis.

Abstract: Detects the presence of binding between a sample biopolymer and a probe biopolymer and the amount of binding, without modifying the sample biopolymer in any way. The present invention provides a reagent for biopolymer detection comprising semiconductor nanoparticles on which a functional group having a positive or negative charge is exposed, and a method for biopolymer detection which detects the presence of binding between a sample biopolymer and a probe biopolymer and the amount of binding by electrostatically binding a semiconductor nanoparticle on which a functional group having a positive or negative charge is exposed to a negative or positive charge of the sample biopolymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of characterizing biochips with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization and time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS).

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods of temperature referencing for melt curve data collection. More specifically, the present invention relates to systems and methods for collecting DNA melt curve data for a DNA sample and a temperature reference material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biological detection devices wherein melting curve analysis is performed an electrical sensor and a programmable heating element. The device optionally further comprises means for optically detecting nucleic acids within the device.

Abstract: Method for determining deposit formation tendencies for a plurality of fluid samples of different compositions is provided. Each sample includes one or more lubricating oil compositions containing at least one or more base oils of lubricating viscosity and one or more lubricating oil additives. The methods can advantageously be optimized using combinatorial chemistry, in which a database of combinations of lubricating oil compositions are generated. As market conditions vary and/or product requirements or customer specifications change, conditions suitable for forming desired products can be identified with little or no downtime.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a principle in which, in a state in which metal nano-particles are attached to target probes and used as markers, and the metal nano-particles have a proper density according to a bio reaction between the target probes and fixed probes, when the metal nano-particles are irradiated with a laser beam having a proper intensity from the optical pick-up head, a higher optical energy is delivered to the phase change layer by an optical amplification effect caused by the metal nano-particles, thereby better inducing an amorphous-to-crystalline phase change.

Abstract: The present invention provides biochips that include: (a) a plurality of cards, each card having a plurality of card apertures extending therethrough, each respective card aperture having one or more cross sectional areas; and (b) a plurality of gaskets, at least one gasket residing intermediate two neighboring cards, each gasket having a plurality of gasket apertures extending therethrough. At least some of the gasket apertures have an area that is greater than that of at least one adjacent card aperture. Different sets of the gasket apertures and card apertures define a plurality of fluidic flow channels. Also provided herein are methods of making and using biochips.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of designing and generating polypeptide variants that have altered function compared to a parent polypeptide. The present invention further provides a computer program product for carrying out the design of a variant polypeptide. The present invention further provides nucleic acids encoding terpene cyclase variants, as well as vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acids. The present invention further provides variant terpene cyclases; methods of producing the variant terpene cyclases; and methods of producing isoprenoid compounds.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention relates to a method for testing a chemical entity for its capability to modulate a (poly)peptide that is malfunctioning by means of an interaction of said chemical entity and said (poly)peptide, the method using single-molecule force spectroscopy. In another aspect the invention relates to a method for testing a chemical or physical entity for its capability to interact with a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) in its natural membrane environment, the method using single-molecule force spectroscopy.

Abstract: Described is a method for determining a nucleotide sequence within cDNA, the frequency of a nucleotide sequence in a cDNA sample, as well as a method for (unbiased) determination of relative transcript levels of genes without sequence information of these genes being required, said methods using complexity reduction and (high throughput) sequencing.

Abstract: A biomolecule detection reagent comprising semiconductor nanoparticles and magnetic nanoparticles, incorporated in a bead comprising an inorganic compound or an organic polymer, and a surface of the beads is modified with a biomolecule detection molecule.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining antisense oligonucleotides with activity against a desired target are provided. Methods of identifying oligonucleotide sequence motifs which are predictive of antisense oligonucleotide activity are provided, as are motifs identified according to this method. Methods of selecting effective antisense oligonucleotide sequences and effective antisense target sequences are provided, as are sequences selected according to these methods. In other methods of the invention, oligonucleotides are designed to hybridize to target sequences containing one or more activity-enhancing motifs. Antisense oligonucleotides designed according to these methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems for combined SPP and Raman scattering-based bio-detection are provided. Embodiments include a bio-detection system having a microfluidics chip, a Surface Plasmon Polariton (SPP)-based system component, and a Raman scattering-based system component. The SPP-based and the Raman scattering-based system components can be used simultaneously or individually separately to detect biological and/or chemical analytes. The bio-detection system further includes an aerosol collector chip. Embodiments of the present invention can be used aboard means of propagation of biological and/or chemical analytes, including, for example, commercial aircrafts. Embodiments of the present invention can be used to enable an aircraft warning system.

Abstract: System for detection and/or analysis of nucleic acids using nanowires to detect covalent modification of nucleic acids.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting the presence of analytes are described. A fluid or gas sample containing one or more analytes may pass through a particle-based sensor array. Detection and analysis techniques may be applied to determine the identity and quantity of the analytes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for screening of ligands wherein the target is a membrane protein, which is reconstituted into a membrane environment, using the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology. In particular, the target is a VDAC protein.

Abstract: A device and methods for performing biological or chemical analysis is provided. The device includes an array of three-dimensional microcolumns projecting away from a support plate. Each microcolumn has a relatively planar, first surface remote from the support plate. An array of multiple, different biological materials may be attached to the first surface. The device, when used in combination with existent micro-titer well plates, can improve efficiency of binding assays using microarrays for high-throughput capacity.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously determining a genetic expression profile for an individual member of a species relative to an entire standard genome for the species. The method can comprise distributing a liquid sample into an array of reaction chambers of a substrate. The array can comprise a primer set and a probe for each polynucleotide target along the entire standard genome. The liquid sample can comprise substantially all genetic material of the member. Each of the reaction chambers can comprise the primer set and the probe for at least one of the polynucleotide targets and a polymerase. The method can further comprise amplifying the liquid sample in the array, detecting a signal emitted by at least one of the probes, and identifying the genetic expression profile in response to the signal.

Abstract: Systems including apparatus, methods, compositions, and kits for multiplexed analysis of biological systems using nonpositional and/or positional arrays of coded carriers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substrate that overcomes the performance limitations of conventional microscope slides, microarrays, or microtiter plates when optically interrogated through the thickness of the substrate. With conventional microscope slides, image quality and resolution are degraded as a result of distortions introduced by imaging through the thickness of the glass. Fiber Optic Interrogated Microslides (FOI) consist of many fiber optics that have been fused together. When sliced and polished to form microscope slides, the fibers effectively transfer optical images from one surface of the microslide to the other. The finished microslide is the optical equivalent of a zero thickness window. The image of an object on the top surface is transferred to the bottom surface allowing it to be viewed without focusing through the thickness of the slide. In addition to providing improved image quality, FOI microslides allow objects to be directly imaged without complex and expensive focusing optics.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technology called Pulse-Multiline Excitation or PME. This technology provides a novel approach to fluorescence detection with application for high-throughput identification of informative SNPs, which could lead to more accurate diagnosis of inherited disease, better prognosis of risk susceptibilities, or identification of sporadic mutations. The PME technology has two main advantages that significantly increase fluorescence sensitivity: (1) optimal excitation of all fluorophores in the genomic assay and (2) “color-blind” detection, which collects considerably more light than standard wavelength resolved detection. Successful implementation of the PME technology will have broad application for routine usage in clinical diagnostics, forensics, and general sequencing methodologies and will have the capability, flexibility, and portability of targeted sequence variation assays for a large majority of the population.

Abstract: The invention provides a bio-sensing nanodevice comprising: a stabilized biologically-derived G-protein coupled receptor—the olfactory receptor—on a support, a real time receptor-ligand binding detection method, an odorant delivery system and an odorant recognition program. The biologically-derived G-protein coupled receptor can be stabilized on nanotechnology using surfactant peptide. The said nanodevice provides a greater surface area for better precision and sensitivity to odorant detection. The invention further provides a microfluidic chip containing a stabilized biologically-derived G-protein coupled receptor—the olfactory receptor—immobilized on a support, and arranged in at least two dimensional microarray system. The invention also provides a method of delivering odorant comprising the step of manipulating the bubbles in complex microfluidic networks wherein the bubbles travel in a microfluidic channel carrying a variety of gas samples to a precise location on a chip.

Abstract: A multi-mode, multiplexed array of probe elements of various forms attached to a common support and methods of using the array are disclosed. The array is used for the concurrent and/or sequential detection of combinations of more than one chemical and/or biological material, such as: target nucleic acid sequences, genomic DNA, pcr products, RNA (including microRNA), single nucleotide polymorphisms, proteins, peptides, carbohydrates, polysaccharides, phosphorylation or methylation state of target molecules, chromosomal abnormalities, and other biomolecules, moieties, metals, or chemical compounds in a biological sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to functionalized porous carriers which comprise a material having at least one porous surface, nanoparticles having molecule-specific recognition sites being present in the pores of the material surface, and to a process for producing functionalized porous carriers. The invention further relates to functional elements produced using the functionalized carriers, such as microtiter plates, microarrays and flow devices, and also to uses of the functionalized carriers and functional elements.

Abstract: A microchannel array, a method of manufacturing the same, and a blood test method. The microchannel array is formed by joining first and second substrates, each including a fluid inlet and outlet on their surfaces. An internal space structure connects the fluid inlet and outlet, and includes an upstream flow channel connected with the fluid inlet, a downstream flow channel connected with the fluid outlet with a gap therebetween, and a micro flow channel connecting the upstream and downstream flow channels. A minimum distance from a center of a sectional surface of the micro flow channel to a side wall of the micro flow channel is smaller than that of the upstream and downstream flow channels. Each surface of the first and second substrates includes grooves for creating the upstream and downstream flow channels, and the surface of the second substrate has grooves for creating the micro flow channel.

Abstract: Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic (SERS) systems and methods for detecting biomolecules of interest, such as a virus, bacterium, or other infectious agent, are provided. A spectroscopic assay based on surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) using a silver nanorod array substrate fabricated by oblique angle deposition has been developed that allows for rapid detection of trace levels of viruses or bacteria with a high degree of sensitivity and specificity. This novel and improved SERS assay can detect minor spectral differences within strains of a single virus type such as respiratory syncytial virus or influenza virus in the presence of biological media. The method provides rapid diagnostics for direct molecular and structural characterization of virus strains and virus gene deletion mutants generating reproducible viral spectra without viral manipulation.

Abstract: A microsphere-based analytic chemistry system and method for making the same is disclosed in which microspheres or particles carrying bioactive agents may be combined randomly or in ordered fashion and dispersed on a substrate to form an array while maintaining the ability to identify the location of bioactive agents and particles within the array using an optically interrogatable, optical signature encoding scheme. A wide variety of modified substrates may be employed which provide either discrete or non-discrete sites for accommodating the microspheres in either random or patterned distributions. The substrates may be constructed from a variety of materials to form either two-dimensional or three-dimensional configurations. In a preferred embodiment, a modified fiber optic bundle or array is employed as a substrate to produce a high density array. The disclosed system and method have utility for detecting target analytes and screening large libraries of bioactive agents.

Abstract: An apparatus and system are provided for simultaneously analyzing a plurality of analytes anchored to microparticles. Microparticles each having a uniform population of a single kind of analyte attached are disposed as a substantially immobilized planar array inside of a flow chamber where steps of an analytical process are carried out by delivering a sequence of processing reagents to the microparticles by a fluidic system under microprocessor control. In response to such process steps, an optical signal is generated at the surface of each microparticle which is characteristic of the interaction between the analyte carried by the microparticle and the delivered processing reagent. The plurality of analytes are simultaneously analyzed by collecting and recording images of the optical signals generated by all the microparticles in the planar array.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microarray for detecting a genotype at a polymorphic site in a plurality of nucleic acid samples, comprising a first set of nucleic acid fragments derived from the samples and a second set of nucleic acid fragments derived from a plurality of references immobilized thereon. The invention also provides a microarray comprising a set of nucleic acid fragments immobilized on the surface of the microarray, wherein the nucleic acid fragments are derived from the samples by amplifying a region in the sample containing the polymorphism through asymmetric PCR amplification. Methods of using and making the microarrays are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for generating proteases with altered specificity for the target molecules they cleave. The invention further discloses methods of using these proteases to treat diseases in which the target proteins are involved with. Cleaving certain target proteins at certain substrate sequences with a protease is a method for treating these pathologies.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a micro-electrode array comprising the steps of coating an electrode with an insulating polymer coating by screen printing an insulating polymer onto the electrode and then curing said polymer; and sonically ablating the insulating polymer coating to produce a plurality of micro-pores.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to biosensor technology, and pertains more particularly to novel multifunctional biosensors based on ordered arrays of metallic, semiconductors and magnetic nano-islands for medical, biological, biochemical, chemical and environmental applications.