Abstract: A dust cap assembly including a semi-trailer (2) and a towing vehicle (3). The dust cap assembly is for closing a king pin (21) which has been hollowed out with a borehole (22) for automatic fifth-wheel coupling. A dust cap device (1) is arranged in contact with the underside (20) of the semi-trailer (2) and such that it can rotate about the king pin (21). In order to mount the dust cap device (11) such that it can rotate about the king pin (21), a circular ring-shaped bearing disc (25) having a circular bearing seat (26) is provided, which is secured coaxially to the king pin (21) on the underside (20) of the semi-trailer (2). The circular bearing seat (26) on the circular ring-shaped bearing disc (25) has a first sliding bearing edge (261) on the inner circular opening and a second sliding bearing edge (262) on the outer rim, in which the dust cap device (1) engages. Also, a dust cap device for this assembly.

Abstract: Polypeptides with biophysical properties such as solubility, stability, high expression, monomericity, binding specificity or non-aggregation, including monomeric human heavy and light chain variable domains (VHs and VLs), are identified using a high throughput method for screening polypeptides, comprising the steps of obtaining a phage display library, allowing infection of a bacterial lawn by the library phage, and identifying phage which form larger than average plaques on the bacterial lawn. Sequences of monomeric human VHs and VLs are identified, which may be useful for immunotherapy or as diagnostic agents. Multimer complexes of human VHs and VLs are also identified. The VHs and VLs identified may be used to create further libraries for identifying additional polypeptides. Further, the VHs and VLs may be subjected to DNA shuffling to select for improved biophysical properties.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions for delivering a therapeutic or vaccine. Also described herein are methods for using the compositions described herein for delivering a therapeutic or a vaccine.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for point-of-care nucleic acid amplification and detection. One embodiment of the point-of-care molecular diagnostic system includes a cartridge and an instrument. The cartridge can accept a biological sample, such as a urine or blood sample. The cartridge, which can comprise one or more of a loading module, lysis module, purification module and amplification module, is inserted into the instrument which acts upon the cartridge to facilitate various sample processing steps that occur in order to perform a molecular diagnostic test.

Abstract: A flow test unit (1) with a housing (2) which is sealingly closed to the outside at least when coupled to a sample container. At least one test strip (3) is accommodated in the housing (2), and the housing (2) has at least one admission opening (4). The test strip (3) is arranged inside the housing (2) such that, after a liquid connection (22) to a sample container has been produced, a wetting region (5) can be wetted with liquid (6) entering via the at least one admission opening (4).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods related to mutant viruses, and in particular, mutant influenza viruses. The mutant viruses disclosed herein include a mutant M2 sequence, and are useful in immunogenic compositions, e.g., as vaccines. Also disclosed herein are methods, compositions and cells for propagating the viral mutants, and methods, devices and compositions related to vaccination.

Abstract: The invention relates to recombinant measles virus expressing Lassa virus polypeptides, and concerns in particular immunogenic LASV particles expressed by a measles virus and/or virus like particles (VLPs) that contain proteins of a Lassa virus. These particles are recombinant infectious particles able to replicate in a host after an administration. The invention provides means, in particular nucleic acid constructs, vectors, cells and rescue systems to produce these recombinant infectious particles. The invention also relates to the use of these recombinant infectious particles, in particular under the form of a composition, more particularly in a vaccine formulation, for the treatment or prevention of an infection by Lassa virus.

Abstract: Fluidic devices and related methods are generally provided. The fluidic devices described herein may be useful, for example, for diagnostic purposes (e.g., detection of the presence of one or more disease causing bacteria in a patient sample). Unlike certain existing fluidic devices for diagnostic purposes, the fluidic devices and methods described herein may be useful for detecting the presence of numerous disease causing bacteria in a patient sample substantially simultaneously (e.g., in parallel). In some embodiments, the fluidic devices and methods described herein provide highly sensitive detection of microbes in relatively large fluidic samples (e.g., between 0.5 mL and about 5 mL), as compared to certain existing fluidic detection (e.g., microfluidic) devices and methods. In an exemplary embodiment, increased detection sensitivity of microbial pathogens present in a patient sample (e.g., blood) is performed by selectively removing human nucleic acid prior to sensitive detection of microbial infection.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to antibodies binding to and neutralizing Japanese Encephalitis virus and methods for use thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for rapid detection of antibiotic resistance of a microorganism in a sample. A modified recombinant phage is also disclosed which comprises an indicator gene in the late gene region. The specificity of infectious agents allows a specific microorganism to be targeted, and an indicator signal may be amplified to optimize assay sensitivity.

Abstract: Described is an aqueous composition comprising: (a) at least one non-ionic cellulose ether, and (b) benzoic acid within the range of from 0.2 wt % to 0.3 wt % based on the total weight of the composition, wherein said composition has a viscosity equal to or above 24 000 cP, an osmolality of from 100 to 400 mOsmol/kg, and a pH of from 3 to 5. The aqueous composition may be used in the treatment and/or prevention of a human fungal infection such as a vaginal fungal infection.

Abstract: Compounds useful as fluorescent or colored dyes are disclosed. The compounds have the following structure (I): including stereoisomers, salts and tautomers thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, M1, M2, A, q, w and n are as defined herein. Methods associated with preparation and use of such compounds are also provided.

Abstract: Detector systems are described, based on a primary binding compound and a secondary binding compound used in combination with a support to detect a target in a sample. The detection systems include a liquid medium hosting a first binding compound specific to a target, the first binding compound comprising a label; and a solid medium hosting a second binding compound specific to the target, the second binding compound being different from and non-competitive with respect to the first binding compound.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for stimulating toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) are provided. More particularly, immunostimulatory oligonucleotides, methods of enhancing immunostimulatory properties of oligonucleotides, and methods of eliciting immune responses are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a calibration curve creation method performed by an analyzer, the calibration curve creation method including: preparing a plurality of calibrators at different dilution rates by dispensing a calibrator in a container into one or more different containers; obtaining a plurality of measurement values by measuring each of the prepared plurality of calibrators; creating a calibration curve by use of the plurality of measurement values; selecting a first measurement value to be re-measured, among the plurality of measurement values used for the calibration curve; preparing another calibrator at a dilution rate corresponding to a calibrator from which the selected first measurement value is obtained; obtaining a second measurement value by measuring the prepared another calibrator; and creating a new calibration curve by replacing the first measurement value, among the plurality of measurement values, with the second measurement value.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for determining how to stimulate, monitor and/or inhibit virus production in whole blood culture. The invention relates to a test kit for performing the method and to the use of a suitable blood sampling system. The system can be used to determine how to activate or target latently HIV-infected cells, for clinical management of HIV treatments and for personalized therapeutic strategies.

Abstract: This disclosure provides, e.g., methods for coupling Formation of Surface Carboxylates on PES an entity to a solid substrate. The method can comprise treating the with Exposure Time substrate with a plasma, e.g., a CO2 plasma, to increase its reactivity. The entity can be, e.g., a biological polymer that binds a microbe. Substrates produced by these methods can be used in a variety of applications, including hemodialysis and diagnostic assays.

Abstract: The disclosure in some aspects relates to recombinant adeno-associated viruses having nuclease grafted to one or more capsid proteins. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to isolated AA V capsid proteins having terminally grafted nucleases and isolated nucleic acids encoding the same. Recent approaches to delivering nucleases to cells for gene editing have focused on delivering of expression vectors engineered to express the nucleases in target cells. However, these approaches have proved to be problematic in many instances due to genotoxicity resulting from to prolonged expression of gene editing system in vivo. To prevent such off-target genotoxicity due to prolonged presence of a gene editing system, several studies explored delivery of mRNA or protein instead of delivering the gene coding for the nucleases in cell culture.

Abstract: Methods are provided for a sensitive and specific assay for the determination of viral load and genotyping of RSV in a biological sample. Compositions and kits for use in the methods also are provided, including optimized primers for the amplification of and detection of the RSV open reading frames from subtypes A and B, and probes for distinguishing between the subtypes. Also provided are methods for amplifying and sequencing an open reading from of an RSV F protein, and compositions and kits for use in the methods.

Abstract: A multiplexed lateral flow device includes an impermeable internal reservoir having an opening to receive a sample deposition. A fluid distributor pad is arranged in fluid communication with a lower surface of the internal reservoir. The fluid distributor pad includes a paper based microfluidic element having a pattern of a hydrophobic material to distribute a portion of the sample deposition substantially equally among a plurality of flow paths. Lateral flow assays having a plurality of flow lines are aligned with flow paths of the distributor pad. An impermeable top cover has a first window arranged over the opening of the internal reservoir, and at least a second window arranged over the test results of the lateral flow assays. A housing element houses the reservoir, the distributor pad and lateral flow assays.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for identifying a protein domain based on a protein three-dimensional structure image. According to the present application, the protein domain is identified based on a structure similarity, the identification errors and omissions of the protein domain caused by protein multi-sequence alignment errors when sequence consistency is not high can be effectively solved. According to the present application, the point cloud segmentation model based on the dynamic graph convolutional neural network is constructed, and by integrating global structural features and local structural features, segmentation of the protein domain and acquisition of semantic labels of the protein domain can be completed at the same time.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for improved nucleic acid amplification assays. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid amplification assay is a tagged amplicon primer extension (TAPE) nucleic acid amplification reaction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, inter alia, are compositions and methods of use thereof for interrogating a cell.

Abstract: A method of enhancing a footwear impression formed on a porous surface using a potassium ferrocyanide solution for footwear impression enhancement includes: forming a porous surface sample by leaving footwear impressions into an object having a porous surface; preparing a potassium ferrocyanide solution for footwear impression enhancement; and applying the potassium ferrocyanide solution for footwear impression enhancement to the porous surface sample.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and/or controlling the extent of denaturation and/or bond cleavages of proteins on any surface (e.g., biological tissues, biofilms, etc.). In one embodiment, a low power laser (e.g., a 5 mW, 362 nm diode laser) is directed through a biological sample to a photodetector. The sample is heated by a set of radiant heaters to between about 220° C. and about 250° C. in a time period of between 10 seconds to 60 seconds. The baseline transmissivity of the sample is monitored continuously throughout treatment of the biological sample via continuous monitoring of the signal voltage detected at the photodetector. Upon detection of increase in relative transmissivity in the biological sample, the heating treatment is concluded and the biological sample is removed for in situ protein identification as part of an imaging MALDI-MS measurement.

Abstract: Described herein is a process for protein purification, particularly a process for the purification of a glycoprotein, such as an HIV envelope protein, useful for vaccines or biotherapeutics.

Abstract: To provide a pellicle in which outgas from an adhesive layer is suppressed. The pellicle includes a pellicle film, a support frame for supporting the pellicle film, a protrusion part arranged in the support frame, a first adhesive layer arranged on the protrusion part; and an inorganic material layer arranged at a position closer to the pellicle film than the first adhesive layer. The inorganic material layer may include a first inorganic material layer arranged at a first side surface of the first adhesive layer, the first side surface of the first adhesive layer intersecting the pellicle film, and arranged at a position closer to the pellicle film.

Abstract: A probe comprising a reporter region for detecting a first single nucleotide polymorphism, an anchor region for detecting a second single nucleotide polymorphism, and a linker region is disclosed. The reporter region comprises an oligonucleotide consisting of a sequence perfectly matching with the first target sequence, and a fluorescent dye that quenches when hybridized to the first target sequence where the first single nucleotide polymorphism is present. The anchor region comprises an oligonucleotide consisting of a sequence perfectly matching with a second target sequence where the second single nucleotide polymorphism is present. A length of the oligonucleotide of the reporter region is shorter than a length of the oligonucleotide of the anchor region.

Abstract: Genetically modified CCNT1 and XPO1 genes encoding proteins that inhibit virus infection in cells. The genetically modified CCNT1 gene encodes a protein with a C261Y substitution with respect to the human CCNT1 protein. The genetically modified XPO1 gene encodes a protein with P411T, M412V, and/or F414S substitutions with respect to the human XPO1 protein. The genetically modified CCNT1 and XPO1 genes can be introduced in cells. The cells comprising the genetically modified CCNT1 and XPO1 genes can be introduced in a subject with a virus infection to treat the infection.

Abstract: A non-injectable formulation or formulation for instillation, including self-assembling hydrogels formed of gelators such as the Food and Drug Administration's Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS) compounds like ascorbyl palmitate, in the form of capsules, tablets, oral suspensions, enemas, and rectal or vaginal suppositories or inserts have been developed. In a preferred embodiment, the formulation contains anti-inflammatories, anti-infectives, or other therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic agents that can be administered orally, especially when lower blood levels relative to tissue levels of agent are preferred. In the most preferred formulation, the composition contains tacrolimus-loaded ascorbyl palmitate gel microfibers containing nanostructures (“hydrogels”).

Abstract: In one example, a flow cell includes a substrate, an electrode positioned on the substrate, and a patterned material positioned on the electrode. In this example, the patterned material includes depressions separated by interstitial regions, and a functionalized surface of the electrode is exposed at each of the depressions. In this example, the flow cell further includes a primer grafted to the functionalized surface in each of the depressions. In another example, a flow cell includes a substrate and a patterned electrode positioned on the substrate. In this other example, the patterned electrode includes depressions separated by interstitial regions, and a functionalized surface of the substrate exposed at each of the depressions. In this other example, a primer is grafted to the functionalized surface in each of the depressions.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for altitude-aware energy saving. The method may include receiving, from a network element, information including a coupling loss change or a reduced transmit power command. The method may also include controlling an uplink transmission based on the received information.

Abstract: Techniques are for detecting presence of a problematic cellular entity in a target. In an example, using an analysis model, a fluorescence-based image is analyzed. The analysis model is trained using a number of reference fluorescence-based images for detecting the presence of problematic cellular entities in targets. Based on the analysis, a problematic cellular entity present in the target is detected. To perform the detection, the analysis model is trained to differentiate between the fluorescence in the fluorescence-based image emerging from the problematic cellular entity and the fluorescence in the fluorescence-based image emerging from regions other than the problematic cellular entity.

Abstract: A spectroscopic analyzer includes: an irradiator that irradiates a target measurement object with lights of a plurality of different wavelengths sequentially as a pre-irradiation, and, after the pre-irradiation, further irradiates the target measurement object with lights of a plurality of different wavelengths sequentially as a measurement-irradiation; a detector that, during the measurement-irradiation, detects reflected light, transmitted light, or a transmitted reflected light from the target measurement object at each of the plurality of different wavelengths of the measurement-irradiation and that outputs absorbance spectral data; a data analyzer that analyzes the absorbance spectral data; and a result display that displays analysis results related to components of the target measurement object.

Abstract: Indirect ELISAs to detect exposure to Felis catus gammaherpesvirus 1 (FcaGHV1) in domestic cats. These ELISAs detect feline serum antibodies to ORF52 and ORF38 of FcaGHV1. The ELISA assays are sensitive, specific, and adaptable for scale up use in high throughput diagnostics.

Abstract: Instrument control and data acquisition in advanced analytic systems that utilize optical pulses for sample analysis are described. Clocking signals for data acquisition, data processing, communication, and/or other data handling functionalities can be derived from an on-board pulsed optical source, such as a passively mode-locked laser. The derived clocking signals can operate in combination with one or more clocking signals from a stable oscillator, so that instrument operation and data handling can tolerate interruptions in operation of the pulsed optical source.

Abstract: The present relates to a measurement device (1) for the detection and/or measurement of particles in a fluid, the measurement device comprising a fluid source (11) for producing a flow of fluid (111) along a fluid flow path, a first laser source (12) positioned for emitting a first laser beam (120) of laser light in a measurement volume of the fluid flow path for light scattering; a scattered light detecting means (13) for detecting a presence of a particle in the fluid flow path through detection and measurement of laser beam light scattered on different angles by said particle, wherein it further comprises a second laser source (14) positioned for emitting a second laser beam (140) of laser light in said measurement volume of the fluid flow path for Raman and fluorescence excitation; a Raman and fluorescence detecting means (15) for detecting a Raman scattering signal emitted by the fluid and a Fluorescence signal emitted by said particle upon excitation by said second laser beam (140).

Abstract: A process for analysing epigenetically active regions of the genome.

Abstract: A composition and method for activating immune cells ex-vivo, or inducing an immune response in a subject including a composition comprising at least one chiral cationic lipid. The chiral cationic lipid in one embodiment comprises a nonsteroidal cationic lipid having a structure represented by formula (I); wherein in R1 is a quaternary ammonium group, Y1 is a space chosen from a hydrocarbon chain, an ester, a ketone, and a peptide, C* is a chiral carbon, R2 and R3 are independently chosen from a saturated fatty acid, an unsaturated fatty acid, an ester-linked hydrocarbon, phosphor-diesters, and combination thereof.

Abstract: A measurement method and a measurement reagent for cardiac troponin which enable accurate measurement of the amount of cardiac troponin contained in a sample irrespective of the type of the sample and the presence or absence of other components are disclosed. The measurement method for cardiac troponin, wherein cardiac troponin in a sample separated from a body is measured by an immunoassay, includes a pretreatment step of mixing the sample separated from a body with a pretreatment liquid containing one or both of a surfactant and an acidifier. The reagent for immunoassay of cardiac troponin includes a pretreatment liquid containing one or both of a surfactant and an acidifier.

Abstract: A method for providing variable function medical tests, comprising providing by a mobile device application a plurality of selectable medical test functions, receiving information from the mobile device application regarding test results from a test performed using a testing device, wherein the testing device includes an alignment target disposed on the testing device and a plurality of immunoassay test strips receiving at the server an image of the testing device from the mobile device application, determining by the server RGB values for a plurality of pixels of the image, normalizing by the server the RGB values into a single value, comparing by the server the single value to a control value stored on the server, and providing by the server a risk indicator, wherein the risk indicator indicates a likelihood of a presence of a medical condition.

Abstract: The invention provides novel compounds, reagents, systems, and methods for detecting a metabolite related to a NRTI in a biological sample, and use thereof in monitoring adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis or anti-retroviral treatment. Such reagents comprise NRTI derivatives, analogs, NRTI derivatives conjugates, along with antibodies directed to same, which are useful for anti-body-based methods, such as a lateral flow immunoassay and other point of care devices.

Abstract: Methods are provided herein utilizing a stable cell line capable of efficient infection by African swine fever virus (ASFV) and also provides for the detection of the presence of virus in samples applied to the cells. Detection of the virus by means such as red blood cell rosetting is a surprising result given that the cell line is derived from African green monkeys. This cell line provides a marked improvement over the currently available testing strategies.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for a multi-port storage-class memory interface are described. A memory controller of the storage-class memory subsystem may receive, from a host device, a request associated with host addresses. The memory controller may generate interleaved addresses with a low latency based on the host addresses. The interleaved addresses parallelize processing of the request utilizing a set of memory media ports. Each memory media port of the set of memory media port may operate independent of each other to obtain a desired aggregated data transfer rate and a memory capacity. The interleaved address may leave no gaps in memory space. The memory controller may control a wear-leveling operation to distribute access operations across one or more zones of the memory media port.

Abstract: A microfluidic routing device for routing objects of interest in a microfluidic flow includes a substrate; a first layer provided on the substrate, in which the first layer forms a bottom wall of a microfluidic channel. At least two holes through the first layer form respectively an inlet and an outlet for the microfluidic channel The microfluidic routing device further includes a second layer spaced away from the first layer, in which the second layer forms a top wall of the microfluidic channel. The second layer is configured to transmit an optical signal from the microfluidic channel. The microfluidic routing device includes an actuator for actuating the objects of interest in a sorting junction of the microfluidic channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods to detect an amount of DNA that originates from cells of a given type, where the sample comprising such DNA in admixture with DNA that does not originate from such cells. Such methods are based on differential methylation, at certain regions, of the DNA that originates from the given type of cells compared to the admixed DNA. Such methods have particular application in the detection, from a biological fluid from a pregnant female, of cell free DNA that originates from a foetus or the placenta of a foetus, or the detection, from a biological fluid from an individual, of cell free DNA that originates from cells of a tumour.

Abstract: A measurement method and a measurement reagent for thyroglobulin, which enable measurement of a more accurate amount of thyroglobulin by a single test without being influenced by interference of anti-thyroglobulin antibody, are disclosed. The measurement method for thyroglobulin, wherein thyroglobulin in a sample separated from a body is measured by an immunoassay, includes a pretreatment step of mixing the sample separated from a body with a pretreatment liquid containing one or both of a surfactant and an acidifier. The reagent for immunoassay of thyroglobulin includes a pretreatment liquid containing one or both of a surfactant and an acidifier.

Abstract: A system that indicates the presence or absence of microorganisms in fluid food products. The system has a bottle for receiving sample to be tested. The bottle has a sensor that will monitor and detect changes in at least one sample parameter, but no additives that contain nutrients that support microbial growth. The bottle is placed in an incubator and the sensor in the bottle is monitored for changes. The incubator is programed so that, if the sensor detects that the value of the monitored parameter has reached a certain value, then the sample is determined to be positive for microbial growth.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a method for determining the likelihood of being at or beyond a certain rate and/or risk of visual field progression (VFP) of a user, that may include measuring ocular biomechanical properties (OBP) through a continuous-wear sensor placed on or implanted in the eye; recording the user's ocular biomechanical properties in the form of at least one OBP time series plot in a recorder, a processing step wherein at least one of a plurality of OBP parameters are extracted from the recorded OBP time series plot; a calculation step wherein the at least one of a plurality of OBP parameters are associated to VFP, and a determining step wherein one determines whether the visual field progression is at or beyond a certain VFP threshold and/or the probability that the said visual field progression is comprised within a specific range.

Abstract: Described herein are devices, systems, fluidic devices, kits, and methods for detection of target nucleic acids associated with diseases, cancers, genetic disorders, a genotype, a phenotype, or ancestral origin. The devices, systems, fluidic devices, kits, and methods may comprise reagents of a guide nucleic acid targeting a target nucleic acid, a programmable nuclease, and a single stranded detector nucleic acid with a detection moiety. The target nucleic acid of interest may be indicative of a disease, and the disease may be communicable diseases, or of a cancer or genetic disorder. The target nucleic acid of interest may be indicative of a genotype, a phenotype, or ancestral origin.