Abstract: A system for performing automated cell screening in drug discovery, includes an automated microscope, a fast autofocus device, and a digital imaging system. Processes are implemented in software through which relevant cellular material is segmented and quantified with minimal user interaction. Improvements in the following areas: known methods for image processing are implemented in such a way that automated segmentation is achieved; sets of known measurements (pixel counting, etc.) are implemented as methods which demonstrate aspects of biology in a reliable fashion; components for automated positioning, focusing, imaging and processing of a multiplicity of samples are integrated as systems within which the segmentation and measurement methods may be mounted; and components and methods are adapted into systems which yield more highly automated and more rapid cell screening.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for measuring the absorbance of a substance in a solution, comprising: i) a sample cell (30) of known path length (b) for containing said solution (S), said cell being transparent to light of a predefined wavelength spectrum; ii) plural LED's each being independently operable by means of a controller (25) each for emitting light, within said predefined wavelength spectrum, along a light path; iii) a band pass filter (22) in the light path; iv) a beam splitter (24) for dividing light from said source propagating along the path into a first portion and a second portion, said first portion being directable by the beam splitter toward a reference detector (42) and said second portion being directable into the cell (30); v) a reference detector (42) for detecting the intensity of said first portion of light directed by said beam splitter; and vi) a sample detector (40) for detecting the intensity of the second portion propagating from the cell; the apparatus allowing a sample in the cell

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a system 100 for automated cellular assay data analysis. The system 100 comprises a virtual assay module (VAM) 115 operable to generate simulated images of cell responses to one or more stimuli. The system 100 also comprises a comparator module 116 operable to compare the actual and simulated images, and an analysis module 117 operable to quantify the differences between phenotypes represented by the actual and simulated images. Various aspects and embodiments of present invention may account for stochastic variations in the response of single cells, to provide additional useful information relating to, for example, toxological effects and/or for use as part of a feedback mechanism to refine dynamically a virtual assay model such that it is not limited by way of there being only inadequate static fitting expressions available.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separation matrix comprised of a porous or non-porous support to which ligands have been immobilized, wherein said ligands comprise at least one aliphatic sulfamide. The invention also relates to a chromatography column that contains the described separation matrix, as well as to a method of isolating immunoglobulins, such as IgG, Fab fragments, fusion proteins containing immunoglobulins etc, by adsorption to a separation matrix that comprises the aliphatic sulfamide ligands of the invention.

Abstract: Electrophoresis gel cassette comprising a first and a second face wall member and one or more side wall members, defining a gel compartment for a gel member with a first and second face, wherein the first face wall member has high gel adhesion compared to the second face wall member, whereby a gel member molded in the cassette will stay attached to the high gel adhesion face wall member when the cassette is opened, and wherein the first face wall member is provided with at least one removable section to expose a section of the first face of the gel member, the removable section of the first face wall member having lower gel adhesion compared to the non-removable part of the first face wall member.

Abstract: Heterocyclic compounds of formula (I) useful as imaging probes of Tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease are described. Compositions and methods of making such compounds are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of purification of [18F]-fluciclatide via solid phase extraction (SPE). The method is amenable to automation, and is suitable for use in conjunction with automated synthesizer apparatus—especially cassette-based synthesizers. Also provided are cassettes for carrying out the purification method.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus to monitor component status in a bioprocessing environment are disclosed and described. Certain examples provide a sensor device for a disposable bioprocessing component. The example sensor device includes a first portion affixed to the component, the first portion configured to provide an identifier associated with the component. The example sensor device also includes a second portion configured to provide a status indication based on a state of the component. The example sensor device is configured to transmit the identifier and status indication to a control computer associated with a bioproces sing platform including the component.

Abstract: Electrophoresis tray arranged to support an electrophoresis cassette for miming electrophoresis experiments, the electrophoresis cassette comprising a gel member in a housing with a front and a back face, wherein the tray comprises a cassette support surface for supporting at least the separation zone of the electrophoresis cassette during electrophoresis, and wherein the cassette support surface is flanked by a pair of buffer pad holders each one arranged to hold a buffer pad in a mating position with respect to buffer connection sections at the back face of the electrophoresis cassette.

Abstract: A flow-through conductivity sensor assembly comprises a housing (4) having a flow passage with an inlet end and an outlet end. The cross section of at least a section of the flow passage extension between the inlet and outlet ends is divided into a conductivity measuring channel (2) and a parallel by-pass channel (3) of larger cross-sectional area than the measuring channel (2).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of radio fluorination of biological targeting molecules (BTMs) with the radioisotope 18F. Also provided are novel conjugates useful in the 18F-radio fluorination method, and the use of such conjugates and automated synthesizer apparatus including cassettes for carrying out the method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a composition comprising hyperpolarised 13C-pyruvate, the composition and its use as an imaging agent for MR imaging.

Abstract: The present invention is relates to method for production of a biomolecule adsorbent with a pentadentate ligand with very strong chelating properties, and to methods for use thereof for, for example, protein purification, detection or binding. The biomolecule adsorbent comprises the formula: wherein Q is a carrier, S is a spacer, L is an amide linkage, X is COOH, and n=2 or 3.

Abstract: Biological samples, such as saliva, are commonly collected on a swab and subsequently transferred to an absorbent storage medium. Embodiments of the present invention provide a biological sample collection device comprising a collection portion and a body portion, the body portion including a holding portion for holding a biological sample storage medium, and a sample transfer means, such as a cover. The collection portion can be arranged in a first position separated from the body portion for collecting a sample, and in a second position at least partly between the sample transfer means and the holding portion, with the sample transfer means being operable to push the collection portion towards a position at which the holding means is arranged to hold the biological sample storage medium, enabling a sample held in the collection portion to be transferred to the latter. This provides an improved means of collecting a biological sample.

Abstract: A rotary selection valve (1) is disclosed having a stator (20) and a rotor (40) having complementary abutting fluid tight surfaces (30,50) for relative rotation between the stator (20) and the rotor (40) about a rotational axis. The stator or rotor has at least one connection port in fluid communication with an associated orifice at said stator or rotor abutment surfaces (30,50). The stator and/or rotor further comprise a separate fluid recess extending radially beyond said associated orifice or orifices and open to the complementary abutment surfaces for improving the automatic cleaning of the valve.

Abstract: A chromatography column distribution system (101) comprises a set of first bed support ribs (107) extending radially from a inner, first radial position (R1) near the centre of the plate to a outer radial position nearer to the periphery (109) of the plate and at least one set of intermediate bed support ribs (117, 119) starting at an intermediate radial position (R2, R3) and extending to an outer radial position nearer to the periphery (109) of the plate (101), whereby channels are formed between adjacent bed support ribs (107, 117, 119).

Abstract: The invention discloses an immunoglobulin-binding protein comprising one or more mutated immunoglobulin-binding domains (monomers) of staphylococcal Protein A (E, D, A, B, C) or protein Z or a functional variant thereof, wherein in at least one of the one or more mutated monomers, the asparagine or histidine at the position corresponding to H18 of the B domain of Protein A or of Protein Z has been deleted or substituted with a first amino acid residue which is not proline or asparagine and wherein, if the amino acid residue at position 57 is proline and the amino acid residue at position 28 is asparagine, then the amino acid residue at the position corresponding to H18 of the B domain of protein A or of protein Z is not serine, threonine or lysine.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for inhibiting the actions of non-coding RNAs such as miRNAs and piRNAs are provided. The compositions comprise single or double stranded oligonucleotides conjugated with Minor Groove Binders (“MGBs”). The oligonucleotides can vary in length, can contain nucleotides having one or more modifications, and have regions that are substantially complementary to one or more mature miRNAs or piRNAs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of cardiac imaging using hyperpolarised 13C-pyruvate as MR imaging agent, which allows determination of the viability of cells in the myocardium.