Abstract: An apparatus calibrates an optical downconverter configured to receive an optical input signal at a signal input and an optical reference signal at a reference input, and to provide at multiple output nodes characterizing signals for characterizing the optical input signal. The downconverter includes receivers having corresponding optical inputs and respectively providing the characterizing signals at the output nodes, and multiple optical signal paths connected between one of the signal and reference inputs and one of the optical inputs. The apparatus includes a signal analyzing unit coupled to the output nodes and configured to receive and analyze the characterizing signals, a first switch for selectively enabling the optical input signal, and a second switch for selectively enabling the reference signal.

Abstract: A method and system determine a location of an emitter using at least three sensors, each receiving a signal from the emitter. Cross-correlation data is determined for the received signals at sensor pairs, and one or more peaks are identified in the cross-correlation data. A likelihood function is determined for each sensor pair. A total likelihood function is determined for the sensors using the likelihood functions for each sensor pair, and the location of the emitter is determined as the point where the total likelihood function is maximized. The individual likelihood function for each sensor pair can be determined by selecting, at each point in a grid, a peak in the cross-correlation data that generates a minimum residual according to a minimum residual criterion, and using the selected peak in the cross-correlation data for each point in the grid to calculate the likelihood function.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include nucleotide and nucleoside monomers protected at the 5?- or 3?-hydroxyls with thioether substituted aryl carbonate protecting groups. In certain cases, the carbonate protecting groups include an aryl moiety, e.g., a phenyl group, attached to the carbonate, where the aryl moiety further includes a thioether group, e.g., an alkyl or aryl thioether group, bound directly to the aryl ring. Aspects of the invention further include methods of synthesizing nucleic acids, e.g., oligonucleotides, using such protected nucleoside monomer monomers, as well as nucleic acids produced using methods of the invention and compositions thereof.

Abstract: A sample detection apparatus for detecting a fluidic sample in a flow cell of a sample separation system, the sample detection apparatus comprising an electromagnetic radiation source having a chamber configured for generating a plasma, and an energy source configured for generating and directing an energy beam towards the plasma for heating the plasma so that the plasma emits primary electromagnetic radiation, and a detection path being arranged in a detection direction, wherein the detection direction is arranged angularly displaced with respect to a propagation direction of the energy beam, so that primary electromagnetic radiation propagating in the detection direction enters the detection path, wherein the detection path comprises an electromagnetic radiation detector configured for detecting secondary electromagnetic radiation being characteristic for the fluidic sample and resulting from an interaction between the fluidic sample and the primary electromagnetic radiation propagating in the detection dir

Abstract: A device includes a memory storing a persistence bit for each of a plurality of pixels of a display device, the persistence bit having a first value when a corresponding pixel should be illuminated for displaying a persistent image, and having a second value when the corresponding pixel should not be illuminated for the persistent image; a pseudorandom pixel value generator which during each video frame receives a seed value and generates pseudorandom pixel values for the plurality of pixels, each pseudorandom pixel value being not greater than a specified variable persistence value; a frame value generator outputting a frame value for each video frame; and a match detector which, during each video frame, compares the frame value to the pseudorandom pixel values for the plurality of pixels, and for each pixel where the comparison indicates a match, makes the persistence bit for the corresponding pixel have the second value.

Abstract: A method for designing an array is provided. In certain embodiments, this method includes grouping probes into a plurality of ranked groups of probes; and designing an array comprising the ranked groups of probes, wherein the array contains more replicates of probes in a higher ranked group as compared to probes of a lower ranked group of probes.

Abstract: A mass spectrometry system includes an ion-optics and a housing for the ion-optics. A panel is movable between an open and closed position relative to the housing. A first section of the ion-optics is within the housing, while a second section of the ion-optics is mounted to the panel. The ion-optics is surrounded by the housing and the panel when the panel is in the closed position. An alignment mechanism aligns the first and second sections of the ion-optics into a pre-determined alignment upon closing the panel.

Abstract: The invention provides novel extracts, proteins, and complexes that improve the polymerization activity of nucleic acid polymerases. Included within the aspects of the invention are methods for identifying compositions with a polymerase enhancing activity, methods for purifying and using these compositions, and specific extracts, proteins, and complexes that function to enhance polymerase activity. As an example, specifically described is nucleotide and amino acid sequence information for a Pyrococcus furiosus PEF (P45), which was used to produce a recombinant PEF.

Abstract: An embodiment discloses a fluid pump for use in a fluid separation system for separating compounds of a fluidic sample in a mobile phase, the fluid pump comprising a reciprocatable piston configured for moving the mobile phase, a pump drive configured for driving the reciprocatable piston, and a control unit configured for controlling the pump drive so that pressure ripples in a pressure profile of the fluid pump are at least partially compensated to thereby bring the pressure profile in accordance with a predefined target characteristic. Another embodiment discloses a fluid pump for use in a fluid separation system for separating compounds of a fluidic sample in a mobile phase, the fluid pump comprising a reciprocatable piston configured for moving the mobile phase, and a pump drive configured for driving the reciprocatable piston using a piezomechanism.

Abstract: A scanning probe system and method for using the same are disclosed. The system includes a probe that interacts with a specimen. The probe is caused to vibrate at a first frequency of the probe. A probe deflection signal indicative of an oscillation amplitude of the probe is generated and used to set the z-position probe position to maintain a property of the probe deflection signal at the first frequency at a predetermined value. A probe signal, having a DC and an AC component is applied between the specimen and the probe. The amplitude of a frequency component of the deflection signal at a mixing frequency of the first frequency and the second frequency is measured and used to generate an image or adjust the DC component.

Abstract: An ion guide includes a plurality of curved electrodes and an ion deflecting device. The electrodes are arranged about and radially spaced from a central curved axis, and circumscribe a curved ion guide region from an ion entrance to an ion exit. The ion deflecting device may include a device for applying a DC electric field to one or more electrodes in a radial direction. The magnitude of the DC electric field, and thus the ion deflecting force, varies along the curved axis. The ion guide may for example operate as a collision cell or like instrument.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for optimizing the performance of a mass spectrometer system when multiple measurements are made. For example, the total settling time of different components or stages of a mass spectrometer, such as a tandem mass spectrometer, are decreased by optimally ordering the measurements.

Abstract: A fluid conduit comprises an inner conduit configured for conducting a fluid, and an outer conduit circumferentially enclosing the inner conduit. The outer conduit's inner diameter is larger than the inner conduit's outer diameter, with an interspace being formed between the inner conduit's outer surface and the outer conduit's inner surface. The interspace between the inner conduit's outer surface and the outer conduit's inner surface contains an interspace liquid. The inner conduit is configured for guiding light coupled into the inner conduit, and dependent on the light's angle of incidence, total reflection occurs at a boundary between the inner conduit's outer surface and the interspace between the inner conduit and the outer conduit.

Abstract: A fluidic apparatus for a sample separation system includes a fluid inlet path for supplying a fluid, an inlet sensor adapted for measuring a flow rate of the fluid in the fluid inlet path, a splitting point arranged downstream of the fluid inlet path and adapted for splitting the fluid into a first path and into a second path, and a second path sensor adapted for measuring a flow rate of a part of the fluid conducted into the second path.

Abstract: A detection signal generated in response to incident ions accelerated at temporally-irregular intervals having an average repetition rate greater than a reference repetition rate represents detection events each having an event time and an intensity. For each detection event, respective allowed TOFs between the event time and the transient times are calculated. Using respective initial probabilities, initial apportionments of the intensity of each detection event among the allowed TOFs linked thereto are determined. For each allowed TOF, the intensity apportionments thereto are accumulated to generate an intensity accumulation linked thereto. For each detection event, respective revised probabilities are iteratively determined using the intensity accumulations linked to the allowed TOFs linked thereto, and the respective intensity is iteratively reapportioned among the allowed TOFs linked thereto using the revised probabilities to transform the detection signal to a time-of-flight spectrum.

Abstract: A mounting pedestal is designed to hold a DUT in position for both electrical testing and vibration testing. The design is such that the pedestal can remain thermally sealed from an environment created within a confined area so as to impart vibration to a DUT positioned within the environmentally protected area, the vibration coming from a vibrator outside the environmentally sealed area. The pedestal, in one embodiment, extends through the base of a DUT holding tray while still preserving the environment within the sealed area. In one embodiment, the pedestal can position the DUT in any of several selected orientations.

Abstract: A fitting element, in particular for an HPLC application, is configured for providing a fluidic coupling of a tubing to a fluidic device. The fitting element includes a gripping piece configured to exert, upon coupling of the tubing to the fluidic device, a grip force between the fitting element and the tubing. The gripping piece includes a grip force distributor configured to transform an axial force, provided in an axial direction with respect to the tubing, into a plurality of individual grip force components, each grip force component is exerting on the tubing spaced apart in the axial direction from another grip force component, and the plurality of individual grip force components result in the grip force.

Abstract: The method provides a superconducting magnet arrangement (10), a method of mounting the magnet arrangement, and a kit for assembling a magnet arrangement. The magnet arrangement comprises: a pair of spaced apart coil members (34a, 34a?, 34a?; 34b, 34b?, 34b?), wherein the coil members are axially aligned along a common axis (12); a pair of spaced apart preferably toroidal chambers (33a, 33b), wherein the chambers are aligned along the common axis (12), wherein each chamber houses one of the coil members (34a, 34a?, 34a?; 34h, 34b?, 34b?) and wherein each chamber is adapted to receive and store a liquid coolant; and a plurality of support structures (17, 35a, 35b) arranged about a periphery of the chambers (33a, 33b) and mechanically coupled therewith providing a predetermined gap between said chambers and fixing the position of said superconducting coil members (34a, 34a, 34a?; 34b, 34b?, 34b?).

Abstract: A slide cover for enclosing a region comprising an active region on a slide is provided. A slide cover and a slide are also provided. A slide cover for enclosing a region comprising an active region on a slide, where the slide is placed in a clamshell slide holder is also provided.

Abstract: A method and system for employing signal-intensity data contained within areas of a scanned image of a chemical array corresponding to features and feature backgrounds in order to determine whether or not the features or feature backgrounds have non-uniform signal intensities and are thus outlier features and outlier feature backgrounds. A signal intensity variance model is provided to dynamically adjust to the signals read from the scanned image of the array. Calculated variance from measured values of the signal intensities and pixel distributions within a feature or feature background is compared to a maximum allowable variance calculated for the feature or feature background based on the dynamically adjusting signal intensity variance model. When the calculated variance (from the measured values) is less than or equal to the maximum allowable variance, the feature or feature background is considered to have acceptable signal-intensity uniformity.