Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an improved method for distinguishing tissue from an embedding medium, such as paraffin in a formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sample. The method involves the use of fluorescence of naturally-occurring species in tissue to determine the location of the tissue in the embedded sample. An embedded sample is generally excited by light of a selected wavelength, and the fluorescence emission at an emitted wavelength is used to locate the boundary or location of the tissue in the embedded sample.

Abstract: The invention provides metal liquid chromatography components with uniformly coated internal surfaces and methods for achieving the same. The invention addresses the problem of corrosion or interference of metal components in the flow path for LC analyses in which the sample interacts with metal ions or surfaces. The invention also alleviates the difficulties in coating very long metal tubes and very small metal channels with an inert, continuous coating that adheres well to metal surfaces. The metal flow path is rendered inert by the coating, and thus compatible with bioanalytical separations, for example, by using a vapor phase deposition process to coat the inner surfaces with a coating that continuously covers all metal surfaces in the flow path.

Abstract: A circuit and method for providing high-voltage radio-frequency (RF) energy to an instrument at multiple frequencies includes a plurality of inputs each configured to receive an RF voltage signal oscillating at a corresponding frequency, and a step-up circuit for generating magnified RF voltage signals based on the received RF voltage signals. The step-up circuit includes an LC network operable to isolate the RF voltage signals at the plurality inputs from one another while preserving a voltage magnification from each input to a common output at each of the corresponding frequencies.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating images of specimens is disclosed. The apparatus includes an imaging system, controller, and user interface. The imaging system generates a plurality of component images of a specimen, each component image corresponding to a different viewing condition. Each image is represented by an intensity as a function of location on the specimen. The controller stores the component images and generates a compound image from a plurality of the component images. The compound image includes a weighted sum of first and second ones of the component images, the controller displaying the compound image on a display controlled by the controller. The user interface is adapted to control a weighting factor used in generating the weighted sum in response to user input. The controller redisplays the compound image after the weighting factor is changed in response to user input.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a high voltage power supply includes a DC voltage input, a converter for converting a DC voltage at the DC voltage input to an AC voltage, a booster for boosting the AC voltage to a boosted AC voltage, a rectifier in DC isolation from the DC voltage input, the rectifier operable to convert the boosted AC voltage to a high DC voltage at an isolated rectifier output, a high voltage DC output for outputting the high DC voltage, a voltage control input, and an error circuit coupled to the voltage control input and operable to reduce variation in the high DC voltage by driving a return side of the isolated rectifier output in response to feedback based on the high DC voltage.

Abstract: In an inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) system, ions are transmitted into a collision/reaction cell. A DC potential is applied at an exit of the cell at a first magnitude to generate a DC potential barrier effective to prevent the ions from exiting the cell. The DC potential barrier is maintained during a confinement period to perform an interaction. After the confinement period, analyte ions or product ions are transmitted to a mass spectrometer by switching the exit DC potential to a second magnitude effective to allow the analyte ions or product ions to pass through the cell exit as a pulse. The analyte ions or product ions are then counted during a measurement period. The interaction may be ion-molecule reactions or ion-molecule collisions.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of improving the resolution of analytes by in electrophoretic separations using a gel by incorporating into the gel an effective amount of one or more tri- or tetra-hydroxyl quaternary ammonium compounds, or a mixture of such compounds.

Abstract: In a method for processing successive fluidic sample portions provided by a sample source, sample reception volumes are filled successively temporarily with at least a respective one of the sample sections, and the sample sections are emptied successively out of the sample reception volumes in such a way, that, while emptying, it is avoided to bring two respective ones of the sample sections, which have not left the sample source directly adjacent to one another, in contact with one another.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, devices, and kits to improve procedures for reducing carbohydrates, such as glycans released from glycoconjugates, or for labeling carbohydrates by reductive amination.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a power source for providing high-voltage radio-frequency (RF) energy to an instrument such as a mass spectrometer includes an RF power amplifier having an output, an oscillating RF signal generator configured to provide first and second RF signals respectively oscillating at first and second frequencies to the RF power amplifier, and a step-up circuit for magnifying the RF power amplifier output. The step-up circuit includes an LC resonator network tuned to the first and second frequencies, and an output for providing the magnified voltage to a rod assembly of the mass spectrometer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for analyzing particulates in a sample is disclosed. The method includes placing the sample on a moveable stage in an apparatus having a tunable MIR light scanner and a visible imaging system, the stage moving between the MIR light scanner and the visible imaging system, providing a visible image of the sample, and receiving user input as to a region of the sample that is to be analyzed. The sample is then moved to the MIR light scanner, the MIR light scanner generating an MIR light beam that is focused to a point on the specimen and measuring light reflected from the specimen. The specimen is then scanned at a first MIR wavelength by moving the specimen relative to the MIR light beam, and particles are identified that meet a selection criterion. The MIR absorption spectrum of each of the identified particle is then automatically measured.

Abstract: Described herein, among other things, is a method of estimating efficiency of an oligonucleotide synthesis reaction. In some embodiments, the method comprises subjecting the products of one or more oligonucleotide synthesis reactions to LC-MS to produce a series of mass spectra, analyzing the mass spectra, and estimating the overall efficiency of an oligonucleotide synthesis reaction and/or the efficiency of addition of one or more of G, A, T or C individually in an oligonucleotide synthesis reaction.

Abstract: One or more liquids are transferred from a source array to one or more remotely positioned destination sites such as chambers by utilizing one or more movable transfer elements, such as contact pins or capillaries. The source array may include a predetermined organization of addresses at which materials are positioned. One or more materials may be selected for transfer. Based on the selection, one or more addresses may be accessed by the transfer element(s). The addresses may correspond to spots on a surface of the source array. Each spot may be a feature containing one or more (bio)chemical compounds. At the chamber(s), the material(s) may be processed, such by reaction with one or more reagents. The reaction(s) may entail synthesis of one or more desired products. Alternatively, reaction(s) may be performed at the source array, and the product(s) then transferred to the chamber(s).

Abstract: A control device for controlling at least part of a sample separation apparatus for separating a fluidic sample, the sample separation apparatus including at least two fluid accommodation volumes having different flow through properties and each being configured for temporarily accommodating fluidic sample, wherein the control device is configured for controlling operation of at least part of the sample separation apparatus for at least partially compensating sample separation artifacts resulting from the different flow through properties of the fluid accommodation volumes.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for improving the analysis of analytes by using electrophoresis apparatus. Exemplary methods provide an increase in the yield of useful results, e.g., quantity and quality of useable data, in automated peak detection, in connection with an electrophoretic separation, e.g., capillary electrophoresis. In various embodiments, the system virtualizes the raw data, transforming the migration time into virtual units thereby allowing the visual comparison of analyte electropherograms and the reliable measurement of unknown analytes. The analytes can be, for example, any organic or inorganic molecules, including but not limited to nucleic acids (DNA, RNA), proteins, peptides, glycans, metabolites, secondary metabolites, lipids, or any combination thereof. Analyte detection can be performed by any method including, but not limited to, fluorescence detection or UV absorption.

Abstract: In embodiments, a packing material for supported liquid extraction has a sorbent media that includes synthetic silica particles. In embodiments, the synthetic silica particles can have physical properties relating to one or more of particle surface area, shape, size, or porosity. In one embodiment, synthetic silica particles have a surface area less than about 30 m2/g. In another embodiment, the synthetic silica particles have an approximately uniform particle shape. In further examples, synthetic silica particles have a particle size in a range of about 30-150 ?m inclusive or greater than about 200 ?m. In another embodiment, synthetic silica particles are arranged to have a pore size greater than about 500 Angstroms. In an embodiment, an apparatus for supported liquid extraction includes a container and a sorbent media that includes synthetic silica particles. In a further embodiment, a method for extracting target analytes through supported liquid extraction is provided.

Abstract: A system adapted for characterizing gain chips and a method for characterizing gain chips are disclosed. The system includes a probe light source that generates an output light signal characterized by a wavelength that can be varied in response to a wavelength control signal and a mounting stage adapted for receiving a gain chip characterized by a waveguide having a reflective face on a first surface of the gain chip and a transparent face on a second surface of the gain chip. The system also includes an optical system that focuses the output light signal into the waveguide through the transparent face; and a controller that causes the probe light source to generate the output light signal and measures an intensity of light both with and without the gain chip being powered for each of a plurality of different wavelengths to form a gain profile for the gain chip.

Abstract: A system adapted for characterizing gain chips and a method for characterizing gain chips are disclosed. The system includes a probe light source that generates an output light signal characterized by a wavelength that can be varied in response to a wavelength control signal and a mounting stage adapted for receiving a gain chip characterized by a waveguide having a reflective face on a first surface of the gain chip and a transparent face on a second surface of the gain chip. The system also includes an optical system that focuses the output light signal into the waveguide through the transparent face; and a controller that causes the probe light source to generate the output light signal and measures an intensity of light both with and without the gain chip being powered for each of a plurality of different wavelengths to form a gain profile for the gain chip.

Abstract: A method for the repair of a unit, by specific diagnosis of the undesired state, and its appropriate repair, using said specific diagnosis as a means to repair in an appropriate way said unit. The diagnosis and repair processes may involve chemical, physical, or mechanical means. The units being diagnosed and repaired include live matter (e.g. human beings, animals, plants) as well as non-live matter (e.g. buildings, electronic equipment, polymer materials).

Abstract: A liquid chromatography (LC) column includes a wall having a length along a central axis from the inlet end to the outlet end, the wall enclosing a column interior and having a column radius relative to the central axis, the wall comprising a structured portion configured such that the column radius varies along the length; and a plurality of particles packed in the column interior, wherein at least some of the particles are in contact with the structured portion.