Abstract: The present invention is directed in part to a method for detecting a target nucleic acid using detector oligonucleotides detectable by mass spectrometry. This method takes advantage of the 5? to 3? nuclease activity of a nucleic acid polymerase to cleave annealed oligonucleotide probes from hybridized duplexes and releases labels for detection by mass spectrometry. This process is easily incorporated into a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification assay. The method also includes embodiments directed to quantitative analysis of target nucleic acids.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel additive for improved analysis by mass spectrometry. More specifically, ascorbic acid has been found to reduce or eliminate the presence of adducts commonly present in mass spectra. The improved processes and compositions of the invention allow for increased accuracy, sensitivity and throughput for samples analyzed by mass spectrometry.

Abstract: Provided are animal containment systems and components, including single-use animal containment cages and modular rack units. Also provided are methods for assembling and using components of the animal containment systems.

Abstract: Provided herein are libraries of nucleic acid species each comprising a transcription unit having a promoter region operatively linked to a coding sequence. The coding sequence of each nucleic acid species encodes a RNA cleavage substrate comprising a unique compomer species and a cleavage site. Each compomer species has a molecular mass distinguishable from the molecular mass of other compomer species in the library, and cleavage at a cleavage site releases a polynucleotide comprising the compomer species from the RNA cleavage substrate.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a various embodiments of a system for coupling at least one fiber optic device to a laser and include at least one fiber coupler device having a body defining at least one coupling chamber in communication an inlet and an outlet, the coupling chamber sized to receive at least one fiber optic device therein, at least one light stripping element positioned within the coupling chamber, and a housing assembly configured to couple the laser to the fiber coupler device.

Abstract: Blood plasma of pregnant women contains fetal and (generally>90%) maternal circulatory extracellular DNA. Most of said fetal DNA contains .Itoreq.500 base pairs, said maternal DNA having a greater size. Separation of circulatory extracellular DNA of .Itoreq.500 base pairs results in separation of fetal from maternal DNA. A fraction of a blood plasma or serum sample of a pregnant woman containing, due to size separation (e.g. by chromatography, density gradient centrifugation or nanotechnological methods), extracellular DNA substantially comprising .Itoreq.500 base pairs is useful for non-invasive detection of fetal genetic traits (including the fetal RhD gene in pregnancies at risk for HDN; fetal Y chromosome-specific sequences in pregnancies at risk for X chromosome-linked disorders; chromosomal aberrations; hereditary Mendelian genetic disorders and corresponding genetic markers; and traits decisive for paternity determination) by e.g.

Abstract: A system and method of developing better-designed medical devices, particularly cardiovascular stents and endovascular grafts. The system comprises a geometry generator, a mesh generator, a stress/strain/deformation analyzer, and a visualization tool. In one embodiment, the geometry generator receives three-dimensional volumetric data of an anatomical feature and generates a geometric model. The mesh generator then receives such geometric model of an anatomical feature or an in vitro model and a geometric model of a candidate medical device. In another embodiment, the mesh generator only receives a geometric model of the candidate medical device. Using the geometric model(s) received, the mesh generator creates or generates a mesh or a finite element model. The stress/strain/deformation analyzer then receives the mesh, and the material models and loads of that mesh.

Abstract: Methods and devices for coupling the output of multiple emitters of a laser diode bar using a beam transform system with high brightness and coupling efficiency. Some embodiments may include wavelength locking with devices such as VBGs and other suitable devices and methods.

Abstract: Fragmentation-based methods and systems, particularly mass spectrometric methods and systems, for the analysis of sequence variations are provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for detecting and sequencing target nucleic acid sequences, to mass modified nucleic acid probes and arrays of probes useful in these methods, and to kits and systems which contain these probes. Useful methods involve hybridizing the nucleic acids or nucleic acids which represent complementary or homologous sequences of the target to an array of nucleic acid probes. These probes comprise a single-stranded portion, an optional double-stranded portion and a variable sequence within the single-stranded portion. The molecular weights of the hybridized nucleic acids of the set can be determined by mass spectroscopy, and the sequence of the target determined from the molecular weights of the fragments. Nucleic acids whose sequences can be determined include DNA or RNA in biological samples such as patient biopsies and environmental samples.

Abstract: Provided herein are libraries of nucleic acid species each comprising a transcription unit having a promoter region operatively linked to a coding sequence. The coding sequence of each nucleic acid species encodes a RNA cleavage substrate comprising a unique compomer species and a cleavage site. Each compomer species has a molecular mass distinguishable from the molecular mass of other compomer species in the library, and cleavage at a cleavage site releases a polynucleotide comprising the compomer species from the RNA cleavage substrate.

Abstract: Fast and highly accurate mass spectrometry-based processes for detecting particular nucleic acid molecules and mutations in the molecules are provided. In some embodiments, a process comprises: amplifying one or more target nucleic acid molecules from a biological sample; ionizing and volatilizing the amplified product; and analyzing a product by mass spectrometry to determine an observed molecular mass of the product.

Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing driver power dissipation efficiency in a low noise current supply utilizing a power supply and a voltage regulator to power an output current regulator. An analog processing circuit adjusts the voltage drop on the voltage regulator, to make it equal with the voltage drop on current regulator.

Abstract: Provided are animal containment systems and components, including single-use animal containment cages and modular rack units. Also provided are methods for assembling and using components of the animal containment systems.

Abstract: Provided are animal containment systems and components, including single-use animal containment cages, modular rack units and controllers. Also provided are methods for assembling and using components of the animal containment systems. The single-use animal containment cages contain controllers that regulate airflow or air pressure and have a user interface and processor.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to eluting coils having a relaxed coiled state and a straightened state that may be deployed at a fixed location within a patient's body and may accurately dispense and distribute fluids and or dissolvable substances at site specific locations of the body. Some embodiments of eluting elements are configured to be subsequently retrieved from a delivery site.

Abstract: Systems and methods for penetrating a tissue membrane to gain access to a target site are disclosed. In some examples, systems and methods for accessing the left atrium from the right atrium of a patient's heart are carried out by puncturing the intra-atrial septal wall. One embodiment provides a system for transseptal cardiac access that includes a guiding catheter, an access catheter and a guidewire. The access catheter may include a tissue penetration member disposed within a housing wherein the tissue penetration member is substantially contained within the housing when in a retracted configuration. When the distal end of the access catheter is disposed adjacent the septal wall, the user can initiate an actuator switch, which may be in a proximal portion of the system, to cause the tissue penetration member to extend through the septal wall.

Abstract: Methods and devices for coupling the output light energy of one or more stacked laser emitter bar arrays using a beam interleaver and beam combiner to achieve high brightness and coupling efficiency. Some embodiments may include wavelength control devices and methods such as VIGs and the like.