Abstract: Methods of characterizing an analyte using a detector such as a nanopore and an enzyme are provided. One aspect features methods for characterizing a double-stranded polynucleotide using a detector, e.g., without using a hairpin connecting a template and a complement of the double-stranded polynucleotide. Another aspect features methods for characterizing an analyte using a tag-modified nanopore with increased sensitivity and/or higher throughput. Compositions and systems including, e.g., adaptors for attachment to double-stranded polynucleotides and tag-modified nanopores, which can be used in the methods are also provided.

Abstract: Blobs are detected in an image using closed curves having a predetermined shape such as a circle. Positions in the image are analysed. The size is determined at which there is a maximum in the differential of the average intensity around a closed curve with respect to the size of the closed curve. Detection scores are derived, representing the proportion of rays, out of a plurality of rays crossing a closed curve of the determined size, along which the intensity differential across the closed curve exceeds a contrast threshold. Detection of blobs is performed on the basis of the detection scores exceeding a threshold. Pixels of a detected blob are segmented for calculation of a centroid using a blob-separation threshold which is the average intensity around the closed curve of the determined size. The technique allows accurate and rapid detection of blobs of the predetermined shape.

Abstract: Blobs are detected in an image using closed curves having a predetermined shape such as a circle. Positions in the image are analysed. The size is determined at which there is a maximum in the differential of the average intensity around a closed curve with respect to the size of the closed curve. Detection scores are derived, representing the proportion of rays, out of a plurality of rays crossing a closed curve of the determined size, along which the intensity differential across the closed curve exceeds a contrast threshold. Detection of blobs is performed on the basis of the detection scores exceeding a threshold. Pixels of a detected blob are segmented for calculation of a centroid using a blob-separation threshold which is the average intensity around the closed curve of the determined size. The technique allows accurate and rapid detection of blobs of the predetermined shape.

Abstract: The insulation barrier is formed of a body of foamed polystyrene, either expanded or extruded, which is provided with a protective coating formed of a metallic-based inorganic material and is applied over at least one surface of the body. Optionally, a fire resistant composition of any inorganic silicate, boric acid, any salts of boric acid, hydrated sodium borate (borax) or mixtures thereof, and preferably sodium silicate, is applied in solution form and maintained within the body by a wetting agent in the solution. The protective coating is being applied by a coating roller followed drying of the polystyrene body.

Abstract: The insulation barrier is formed of a body of foamed polystyrene, either expanded or extruded, which is provided with a protective coating formed of a metallic-based inorganic material and is applied over at least one surface of the body. Optionally, a fire resistant composition of any inorganic silicate, boric acid, any salts of boric acid, hydrated sodium borate (borax) or mixtures thereof, and preferably sodium silicate, is applied in solution form and maintained within the body by a wetting agent in the solution. The protective coating is being applied by a coating roller followed drying of the polystyrene body.