Abstract: The present invention provides methods of designing molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) which have applications in extracting bioactive compounds from a range of bioprocessing feedstocks and wastes. The present invention is further directed to MIPs designed by the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: A system and method for automated processing of nucleic acids and other samples includes a disposable container comprising a tray and a flexible barrier. The barrier is configured to seal with a top edge of the tray, providing a closed, aseptic work area within the sealed tray. A pipette head and/or other sample manipulation device can be attached to the inside of the barrier, and the barrier can include an interface for a robotic arm or other device. When the barrier is sealed over the tray, the barrier separates the contents of the tray from the robot or other manipulation device. The barrier can be flexible, and allow the robotic arm to move the pipette head throughout the work area of the tray. All samples, reagents, pipette tips and other tools or devices for processing nucleic acid samples may remain within the closed compartment provided by the container during processing.

Abstract: A system and method for automated processing of nucleic acids and other samples includes a disposable container comprising a tray and a flexible barrier. The barrier is configured to seal with a top edge of the tray, providing a closed, aseptic work area within the sealed tray. A pipette head and/or other sample manipulation device can be attached to the inside of the barrier, and the barrier can include an interface for a robotic arm or other device. When the barrier is sealed over the tray, the barrier separates the contents of the tray from the robot or other manipulation device. The barrier can be flexible, and allow the robotic arm to move the pipette head throughout the work area of the tray. All samples, reagents, pipette tips and other tools or devices for processing nucleic acid samples may remain within the closed compartment provided by the container during processing.

Abstract: A biological reaction apparatus for receiving at least one substrate having a sample located in a sample region, and a separate cover, such that a reaction chamber is formed between the cover and substrate over the sample region, wherein the apparatus includes a locating means to locate the substrate; a cover locating means for locating and moving the cover with respect to the substrate; a fluid dispensing means for dispensing fluid into the reaction chamber; and a draining mechanism; wherein the draining mechanism includes wicking means.

Abstract: A biological reaction apparatus for receiving at least one substrate having a sample located in a sample region, and a separate cover, such that a reaction chamber is formed between the cover and substrate over the sample region, wherein the apparatus includes a locating means to locate the substrate; a cover locating means for locating and moving the cover with respect to the substrate; a fluid dispensing means for dispensing fluid into the reaction chamber; and a draining mechanism; wherein the draining mechanism includes wicking means.

Abstract: A system and method for automated processing of nucleic acids and other samples includes a disposable container comprising a tray and a flexible barrier. The barrier is configured to seal with a top edge of the tray, providing a closed, aseptic work area within the sealed tray. A pipette head and/or other sample manipulation device can be attached to the inside of the barrier, and the barrier can include an interface for a robotic arm or other device. When the barrier is sealed over the tray, the barrier separates the contents of the tray from the robot or other manipulation device. The barrier can be flexible, and allow the robotic arm to move the pipette head throughout the work area of the tray. All samples, reagents, pipette tips and other tools or devices for processing nucleic acid samples may remain within the closed compartment provided by the container during processing.

Abstract: Method, apparatus and computer usable medium tangibly embodying a program of instructions is provided for performing advanced cost/benefit analysis of subplans of a query execution plan, in a computer system having a database software server. Method augments a cost estimation model, obtained from an optimizer of the software server after determination of an optimal query execution plan, with a cost/benefit analysis of operating each subplan of the query execution plan asynchronously. It calculates a subplan elapsed time benefit of making the subplan asynchronous using a set of cost estimates for each subplan operation and knowledge of the execution sequence of the query execution plan operations, all provided by the query optimizer. Set of subplans for asynchronous execution is chosen to form an optimal set of subplans while respecting a resource constraint, for providing a maximal reduction of the total query elapsed time while conserving system resources of the software server.

Abstract: An identification badge includes a badge holder having at least one surface, means to receive a name tag, an RFID tag affixed to the badge holder or the name tag, and a spacer adapted to extend away from the at least one surface. The spacer creates a first distance between the RFID tag and a body of a person wearing the identification badge.

Abstract: A biological reaction apparatus (10) for receiving at least one substrate having a sample located in a sample region, and a separate cover, such that a reaction chamber is formed between the cover and substrate over the sample region, wherein the apparatus (10) includes a locating means to locate the substrate; a cover locating means for locating and moving the cover with respect to the substrate; a fluid dispensing means for dispensing fluid into the reaction chamber and a draining mechanism; wherein the draining mechanism includes wicking means.

Abstract: A human machine interface includes a knob with an integrated electronic display located in the center of the knob. The knob may be used for operation with multiple functions corresponding to a menu on the electronic display. A plurality of buttons are located about the knob in the form of a circle and correspond to menu selections provided on the display.

Abstract: A human machine interface includes user control with a touch sensor, a controller, and a display. The controller is configured to control the display based on the touch sensor. When the touch sensor senses contact with the user control, the controller activates the display. In addition, the controller may display a symbol corresponding to the user setting manipulated by the user control and a graphic indicating the level of the user setting.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the position of a surgical robot, prior to its use for computer-aided surgery, has a probe (37) on the end of a robot, allowing the location of the robot to be registered with respect to a bone (33) to be cut. Prior to the procedure, the location of the robot is also registered with respect to a bone clamp (10) by touching the end of the probe (37) into depressions (15) formed in the clamp surface. If the robot needs to be moved, with respect to the bone, its position can be accurately re-registered by touching the probe tip back into some of the depressions (15) in the clamp. The system allows easy re-registration without the need either for expensive tracking systems or the use of fiducial markers inserted into the patient's bone.

Abstract: A novel antigen derived from H.pyloria is disclosed. Its diagnostic and therapeutic use is also described, as are kits comprising the antigen and/or nucleic acid molecules coding for the antigen.