Abstract: A nucleic acid analysis method is provided which includes the steps of using a primer to amplify the nucleic acid; providing an array of probes, each probe comprising a sequence identical to the primer and an adjacent sequence; applying fragments of the amplifier nucleic acid under hybridisation conditions to the array, effecting enzymatic chain extension of any probe where the adjacent sequence matches that of a hybridised fragment of the amplified nucleic acid; and observing the location of probes of the array while chain extension has taken place.

Abstract: An access valve suitable for controlling fluid flow into and out of a chromatography column has a central axially movable probe with a head (71) acting as a spool valve in a barrel (6). Axial movement of the probe adjusts the valve between a fully open condition, in which both a first conduit (73) ending though the probe and a second conduit (51) defined around the probe are open to the column interior, a partly open condition in which a second sealing land (76) on the probe closes the second conduit (51), and a fully closed position in which both conduits are closed. The three options are useful for packing and unpacking chromatography media into and from the column. In the closed condition of the valve, the first and second conduits (73, 51) communicate with one another so that the valve interior can be cleaned while the column is operating.

Abstract: A method and a system for identifying mutations within nucleic acid sequences. Using raw data signals from conventional nucleic acid sequencing equipment, a method to create input signals that enables a properly trained neural network to output a mutation/no mutation signal is provided. Further, an instrument system to perform the method is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of calibrating an optical system, the system comprising a flash lamp as a light source (4), a lens system (6), a monochromator comprising a grating (10), a motor (20) for displacing the grating so as to enable scanning essentially monochromatic light over a detection system. The light source provides at least two high intensity peaks at distinct wavelengths. The method comprises scanning a first wavelength region comprising at least one of said at least two high intensity peaks, and measuring the intensities at a selected number of points during the scan. A first of said at least two peaks is coarsely located. A wavelength region around each of said at least two peaks is scanned, measuring the intensities at closer intervals than previously. At least two peaks are located by autocorrelation. The location of said peaks is determined in terms of a distance from a reference point, said distance corresponding to said displacement of the grating.

Abstract: A method of preparing a liquid mixture of controlled pH including (i) one or more buffering species, (ii) an acid or alternatively a base, (iii) optionally a salt; and (iv) a solvent wherein the proportions of the different components ((I) to (iv)) of the mixture are concomitantly varied in such a way as to take into account of the interrelationship of the ionic strength and the pH of the mixture.

Abstract: A device in a gel slab assembly for an electrophoresis system having a gel enclosure which is defined by two plates which are spaced by at least two spacing strips, the device being provided with at least one clamp which is arranged to mutually clamp together the plates in the area of a spacing strip. In the device, each clamp is provided with a web portion and two shank portions. The shank portions include force exerting portions. The shank portions have such an extension that lines between force exerting portions pass through a spacing strip when the clamp is in a mounted position. The force exerting portion of one of the shank portions constitutes a hinge portion for cooperation with a groove-like recess in a supporting frame of the gel slab.

Abstract: A cassette is used with a chemical immobilization and treatment system. The system with the cassette performs various complex chemistries with minimal human intervention, near-zero dead volume, and flow-through protocols pursuant to a predetermined instruction set encoded on a multiple-address chemical treatment cassette assembly. The cassette assembly comprises a plurality of analyte sample columns (“mini-columns”), having a high-pressure interface capability to permit direct insertion of the mini-column into a high-pressure solvent line for use as a support column for HPLC analysis. A sample loader loads analyte samples either singly or simultaneously into the multiple, addressable mini-columns without the need to load the sample funnel/column assembly into a separate reaction chamber.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a cassette chemical chemical treatment station. The system with the cassette performs various complex chemistries with minimal human intervention, near-zero dead volume, and flow-through protocols pursuant to a predetermined instruction set encoded on a multiple-address chemical treatment cassette assembly. The cassette assembly having a high pressure interface capability to permit direct insertion of the mini-column into a high-pressre solvent line for use as a support column for HPLC analysis. A sample loader loads analyte samples either singly or simultaneously into the multiple, addressable mini-columns without the need to load the sample funnel/column assembly into a separate reaction chamber.

Abstract: A cassette chemical immobilization and treatment method enables the performance of various complex chemistries with minimal human intervention, near-zero dead volume, and flow-through protocols pursuant to a predetermined instruction set encoded on a multiple-address chemical treatment cassette assembly. The cassette assembly comprises a plurality of analyte sample columns ("mini-columns"), having a high-pressure interface capability to permit direct insertion of the mini-column into a high-pressure solvent line for use as a support column for HPLC analysis. A sample loader loads analyte samples either singly or simultaneously into the multiple, addressable mini-columns without the need to load the sample funnel/column assembly into a separate reaction chamber.

Abstract: An access valve suitable for controlling fluid flow into and out of a chromatography column has a central axially movable probe with a head (71) acting as a spool valve in a barrel (6). Axial movement of the probe adjusts the valve between a fully open condition, in which both a first conduit (73) extending through the probe and a second conduit (51) defined around the probe are open to the column interior, a partly open condition in which a second sealing land (76) on the probe closes the second conduit (51), and a fully closed position in which both conduits are closed. The three positions are useful for packing and unpacking chromatography media into and from the column. In the closed condition of the valve, the first and second conduits (73, 51) communicate with one another so that the valve interior can be cleaned while the column is operating.

Abstract: Process for separating off a peptide or a nucleic acid by an anion exchanger (I) characterized in that a) the anion exchanger (I) exhibits ligands, which (i) contain a primary, secondary or tertiary amino group and (ii) are covalently bound to an organic polymer (matrix), b) there on a carbon atom at a distance of 2 or 3 atoms away from an amino nitrogen in the ligands is a hydroxyl group or a primary, secondary or tertiary amino group, and c) the maximum elution ionic strength in the pH range 2-14 for at least one of the proteins transferrin, ovalbumin 1, ovalbumin 2, .beta.-lactoglobulin 1 and .beta.-lactoglobulin 2 on the anion exchanger is higher than the elution ionic strength required for a quaternary comparative ion exchanger.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a cassette chemical immobilization and treatment system and method for enabling the performance of various complex chemistries with minimal human intervention, near-zero dead volume, and flow-through protocols pursuant to a predetermined instruction set encoded on a multiple-address chemical treatment cassette assembly. The cassette assembly having a high-pressure interface capability to permit direct insertion of the mini-column into a high-pressure solvent line for use as a support column for HPLC analysis. A sample loader loads analyte samples either singly or simultaneously into the multiple, addressable mini-columns without the need to load the sample funnel/column assembly into a separate reaction chamber.

Abstract: A method for binding albumin by contacting an aqueous liquid containing an albumin with an albumin-binding compound is selected from albumin-binding compounds containing the scaffold --CO--NH--C(.dbd.C--)--CO--, and conjugates that are capable of binding albumin and exhibiting the scaffold --CO--NH--C(.dbd.C--)--CO--.

Abstract: An access valve suitable for controlling fluid flow into and out of a chromatography column has relatively movable valve elements preferably represented by a central axially movable probe with a head acting as a spool valve in a barrel. Axial movement of the probe adjusts the valve between a fully open condition, in which both a first conduit extending through the probe and a second conduit defined around the probe are open to the column interior, and a partly open condition in which a sealing component of the probe closes the second conduit. Also, further axial movement of the probe provides a fully closed position in which both conduits are closed. The partly open position is useful for packing chromatography media into its column while the third position is useful for unpacking the same. In the closed condition of the valve, the first and second conduits communicate with one another so that the valve interior can be cleaned while the column is operating.

Abstract: A method for hydrophilizing a hydrophobic plastic surface which exhibits a hydrophobic polymer that has hydrogens that bind to sp.sup.3 -hybridized carbon atoms, characterized by the steps of: (i) contacting the plastic surface with a liquid having dissolved therein (a) a hydrogen-abstracting UV-initiator and (b) a hydrophilic polymer which has one or more alkene groups; and (ii) irradiating the solution with UV light which activates the initiator.

Abstract: A liquid chromatography column including a chromatographic matrix, liquid flow inlet means and liquid flow outlet means, and a distributor located adjacent the inlet and functioning to distribute the incoming liquid. The column includes a matrix is that is monolithic and porous; and in that when eluant passes through the matrix a liquid accommodating gap which is devoid of matrix material is present between the matrix and the distributor.