Abstract: A method of controlling a sample separation apparatus, for separating a fluidic sample using a mobile phase provided from at least one mobile phase container, includes determining a weight and volume reduction behavior according to which weight and volume of mobile phase in a mobile phase container are reduced during conveying mobile phase from the mobile phase container in the sample separation apparatus, and determining a tare weight of the mobile phase container based on a gross weight information, a volume information, and the determined weight and volume reduction behavior. The gross weight information is indicative of an initial gross weight of the mobile phase container including its mobile phase, and the volume information is indicative of an initial mobile phase volume in the mobile phase container.

Abstract: For testing the imaging performance of an optical system, a test target is positioned at an object plane of the optical system, and illuminated to generate an image beam. One or more images of the test target are acquired from the image beam. From the imaging data acquired, Edge Spread Functions at a plurality of locations within the test target are calculated. A model of Point Spread Functions is constructed from the Edge Spread Functions. Based on the Point Spread Functions, a plurality of imaging performance values corresponding to the plurality of locations are calculated. The imaging performance values are based on Ensquared Energy, Encircled Energy, or Strehl ratio.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of assembling long nucleic acids by enzymatically ligating oligonucleotide molecules hybridized to an indexed splint oligonucleotide molecules. Also disclosed are oligonucleotide structures comprising an indexed splint oligonucleotide useful in performing the disclosed method.

Abstract: Carrier gas connection devices (100, 402, 404, 406, 408) enable one to change the carrier gas provided to a gas chromatography channel. The carrier gas connection devices (100, 402, 404, 406, 408) comprise a channel adaptor (102, 202), a carrier block (104, 302), and a clamping system, and two or more channel adaptor positions. In each of the channel adaptor positions, a fluid-tight flow path for carrier gas out of the carrier block (104,302) into the channel adaptor (102, 202) is formed. Carrier gas distribution systems (400), gas chromatography instruments, and methods of changing a carrier gas supplied to a GC are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a ventless GC-MS interface are described herein. The system can include a gas chromatograph. The system can include a mass spectrometer connected to the gas chromatograph by a mass spectrometer flow path. The system can include a fitting. The fitting can include a sealing surface and one or more gas purge flow paths. The fitting can be fluidically connected to the mass spectrometer. The system can include a column disposed in a ferrule.

Abstract: An injector, for injecting a fluidic sample into a flow path between a fluid drive and a sample separation unit, includes a sample accommodation volume, a sample drive, and a fluidic valve switchable to selectively couple the volume with the flow path or decouple the volume from the flow path. In an injection switching state, the fluid drive, the separation unit and the sample drive are coupled by the valve so that fluid driven by the sample drive and flowing from the volume to the separation unit and further fluid driven by the fluid drive and flowing from the fluid drive to the separation unit are combined at a fluidic connection upstream of the separation unit. A control unit controls an outlet flow rate value according to which a combination of the mobile phase and the fluidic sample is driven through the separation unit.

Abstract: A fluid supply system, for supplying a mobile phase in a sample separation device for separating a fluidic sample in a separation path, includes a proportioning unit for proportioning multiple solvent components for composing the mobile phase, a fluid drive unit for driving the solvent components of the mobile phase, and a control unit for controlling the proportioning unit and the fluid drive unit so that an undefined portion of the mobile phase is removed from the mobile phase before delivering the mobile phase from the fluid drive unit to the separation path.

Abstract: Methods and systems for estimating gas supply pressure are described herein. The method can include measuring a runtime valve duty cycle for a valve of a gas chromatography system. The method can include estimating a runtime supply pressure from the runtime valve duty cycle and at least one of a runtime flow rate or downstream pressure based on one or more calibration valve duty cycles corresponding to one or more calibration supply pressures and one or more calibration flow rates. The method can include, responsive to determining the runtime supply pressure is greater than a threshold supply pressure value, generating a notification that the runtime supply pressure is greater than the threshold supply pressure value.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for hybridizing at least one molecule to a target. The invention may, for example, eliminate the use of, or reduce the dependence on formamide in hybridization. Compositions for use in the invention include an aqueous composition comprising at least one nucleic acid sequence and at least one polar aprotic solvent in an amount effective to denature double-stranded nucleotide sequences.

Abstract: A fluid processing apparatus includes a first fluid processing unit and a second fluid processing unit. A fluid unit is fluidically coupled to the first fluid processing unit and includes a first buffering unit configured for buffering fluid, and/or a mask flow source configured for providing a mask fluid or a flow thereof. A first coupling point is fluidically coupled between the first fluid processing unit and the fluid unit. A modulation unit is configured, selectively, for withdrawing fluid from the first coupling point, or for transferring withdrawn fluid into the second fluid processing unit. The apparatus may be utilized for chromatography.

Abstract: A vacuum pumping system includes a vacuum pump and a motor for driving the vacuum pump. A motor stator and a motor rotor are received in a pumping chamber of the vacuum pump. Thanks to such arrangement, the vacuum pumping can be made as a single, sealed unit and the need for dynamic seals can be avoided. Moreover, the vacuum pumping system can be more compact and lighter than prior vacuum pumping systems. A pump rotor of the vacuum pump may be at least partially made as a hollow body, and the motor may be received inside the pump rotor.

Abstract: A vacuum pumping system includes a plurality of positive displacement vacuum pumps, and more particularly a plurality of positive displacement vacuum pumps working in parallel. The vacuum pumping system includes a management unit that carries out a synchronized control of all the positive displacement vacuum pumps of the vacuum pumping system and thus allows to check possible risk of contamination of the vacuum pumping system and carry out, if needed, the necessary corrective actions without requiring any modification to the construction of the vacuum pumping system.

Abstract: A method of handling a fluidic sample includes taking fluidic sample from a sample source by a sample shaping tool so that a pre-shaped planar fluidic sample is held by the sample shaping tool with at least one main surface, or both opposing main surfaces, of the pre-shaped planar fluidic sample being exposed, and processing the pre-shaped planar fluidic sample such as by separating the pre-shaped planar fluidic sample in a sample separation device.

Abstract: A substrate orientation device includes a frame that supports a substrate on which liquid is dispensed, for example as may relate to (bio)chemical microarray fabrication. The frame is movable to different positions, such as for mounting the substrate to the frame, depositing droplets on the substrate, and applying a bulk liquid to the substrate. The substrate orientation device may be movable to different locations, such as different liquid dispensing devices, for example a printer and a flow cell.

Abstract: A configurable injector for injecting a fluidic sample in a separation path of a sample separation apparatus includes a sample accommodation volume for accommodating the fluidic sample to be injected into the separation path, a valve arrangement fluidically couplable with the separation path, fluidically coupled with the sample accommodation volume, and being controllable for injecting the fluidic sample into the separation path, an input interface configured for receiving input data indicative of an injection profile of an injector to be emulated by the configurable injector, and a control unit configured for controlling the configurable injector, in particular the valve arrangement, so that the configurable injector is operated in accordance with the injection profile to thereby emulate the injector to be emulated.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for inducing CRISPR/Cas-based gene regulation (e.g., genome editing or gene expression) of a target nucleic acid (e.g., target DNA or target RNA) in a cell. The methods include using modified single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) that enhance gene regulation of the target nucleic acid in a primary cell for use in ex vivo therapy or in a cell in a subject for use in in vivo therapy. Additionally, provided herein are methods for preventing or treating a genetic disease in a subject by administering a sufficient amount of a modified sgRNA to correct a mutation in a target gene associated with the genetic disease.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a computer-implemented method of automatically identifying the presence of one or more elements in a sample via optical emission spectroscopy.

Abstract: A sample management device which comprises a source flow path in which a fluidic sample can flow, a volume flow adjustment unit configured for adjusting a volume flow of the fluidic sample to be branched off from the source flow path at a fluidic coupling point, and a fluidic valve fluidically coupled with the source flow path and with the volume flow adjustment unit, wherein the fluidic valve is switchable into a branch off state in which the fluidic coupling point is established within the source flow path to branch off an adjustable volume of the fluidic sample from the source flow path via the fluidic coupling point while a flow of the fluidic sample in the source flow path continues.

Abstract: A rocker valve for opening or closing a fluid connection includes a valve chamber into which at least one opening feeds, a pivotally mounted rocker switch, and a membrane surface located between the rocker switch and the opening. By pivoting the rocker switch, the opening can be fluidically opened or closed relative to the valve chamber. The rocker valve further includes a sealing element that is located between the membrane surface and the opening when the rocker switch closes the opening relative to the valve chamber.

Abstract: A vacuum scroll pump having an inlet portion having a pump inlet, and an exhaust portion having a pump outlet; a frame; a stationary scroll plate fixed to the frame and comprising a stationary plate comprising at least one stationary scroll blade; an orbiting scroll plate comprising an orbiting plate comprising at least one orbiting scroll blade projecting axially from a front side of the orbiting plate toward the stationary plate; a drive mechanism supported by the frame and operatively connected to the orbiting scroll plate so as to cause the orbiting scroll plate to orbit about a longitudinal axis of the vacuum scroll pump and thereby pump a process gas; a double-sided thrust bearing supporting the orbiting scroll plate; and a bellows which isolates the process gas from the drive mechanism.