Abstract: A chromatographic method and device for separating one or several organic substances in a liquid sample. According to the method said sample of substances is passed through a chromatographic device containing as separation medium at least one continuous macroporous matrix. The macroporous matrix comprises a cross-linked organic polymer prepared by polymerization of a high internal phase emulsion system of a water-in-oil emulsion of organic monomers, said emulsion containing at least 75% by weight of water phase. The polymerization results in an open porous structure, to allow a convective flow to pass through the macroporous matrix, whereby said organic substances separate from each other and/or the liquid. The pores of the macroporous matrix are unmodified, or surface modified in a manner that the convective flow is not hampered.

Abstract: A method and a kit for detecting a mutation from a non-mutated sequence of a target polynucleotide in a sample, by using a mismatch binding protein. The method comprises: a) providing non-mutated and mutated target polynucleotide; b) forming duplex of the non-mutated and mutated single strands of the target polynucleotide in a); c) adding a single strand binding protein to the polynucleotide from b); d) incubating the mismatch binding protein with an activating agent; e) adding the incubated mismatch binding protein from d) to the polynucleotide from c), whereby the mismatch binding protein binds to the duplex formed by one non-mutated and one mutated single strand of the target polynucleotide; f) detecting the presence of any mismatch binding protein bound to the target polynucleotide.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting gas bubbles, in a liquid flow, comprises a one-piece housing (1) of a material that is transmissive to ultrasound, a liquid passage (2) extending through the housing (1), inlet and outlet means on the housing (1) for connecting the liquid passage (2) to the liquid flow, and ultrasonic transducer means (3, 4) on the housing on each side of the liquid passage (2), one transducer means being arranged as sender and the other transducer means being arranged as receiver, with the liquid passage (2) positioned in the sound transmission path between the sender and the receiver, whereby inhomogeneities in the liquid flow can be detected based on the emitted ultrasound energy that is received by the receiver. The housing (1) has two opposed recesses (6, 7), one on the sender side of the liquid passage (2) and one on the receiver side thereof, which recesses in a direction perpendicular to the sound transmission path as well as to the liquid passage.

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: Nucleoside analogues in which a group M replaces the natural base where M is (1) or (2) or (3), where each of X1, X2 and X3 are C or N, each of R6 and R7 is the same or different and each is H, NO2, CO, COR8, OR8, CN, O, CON(R8)2, COOR8, SO2R8, SO3R8, SR8, NHCHO, (CH2)n(R8)2, halogen, or a reporter moiety, each of R8 and R9 is H or hydrocarbyl or a reporter moiety, and n is 0-4. The analogues are substrates for polymerase and terminal transferase enzymes.

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 method of therapeutical treatment of tumors, by photodynamic therapy comprising administering to a subject in need of said treatment an effective amount of a tumor-localizing photosensitizer consisting of a metal phthalocyanine, together with a minor amount of a tracer consisting of said metal phthalocyanine labelled with a radioactive isotope and non-invasively monitoring the concentration of said tracer in the target tumoral tissue and in the peritumoral tissue, thereby to identify the appropriate post-administration interval for performing the photodynamic therapy.

Abstract: Benzophenoxazine compounds have formula (I) where X is O or NH, Y is NR.sup.1 R.sup.2 or H, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are alkyl or -L-A, L is a linker and A may be a reactive group by means of which the compound is linked to a biomolecule. The compounds can be used as fluorescent dyes for labelling biomolecules.

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: The invention concerns novel compounds having defined structural formulae and methods of mutating a nucleic acid sequence, the method comprising replicating a template sequence in the presence of a nucleoside triphosphate analogue in accordance with the invention, so as to form non-identical copies of the template sequence comprising one or more nucleoside triphosphate analogue residues, and a kit for use in performing the method of the invention.

Abstract: Tripodal chelating agents incorporating imine C.dbd.N bonds are disclosed for the formation of lanthanide and other metal complexes which are relatively stable in the presence of water at neutral pH.

Abstract: Novel squarate dyes are described, and adducts of these dyes with biologically significant chemical species such as nucleosides or nucleotides. The adducts have useful properties for fluorescent nucleic acid sequencing methods.

Abstract: Additives are proposed for compositions comprising radiolabelled organic compounds e.g. 32P-labelled nucleotides. Stabilizers are selected from tryptophan, para-aminobenzoate, indoleacetate and the azole group. Dyes are selected from Sulphorhodamine B, Xylene Cyanol, Azocarmine B and New Coccine. Preferred compositions contain both stabilizer and dye.

Abstract: An improved brachytherapy seed having (a) a casing for encapsulating a radioactive material, wherein a center portion of the casing has a diameter that is substantially larger than the diameter of two end portions of the casing, and/or (b) a carrier for the radioisotope, wherein the carrier has a polygonal cross section, and, optionally, one end of the carrier is rotated around the longitudinal axis of the carrier.