Abstract: The invention provides a method for distinguishing biological materials. The method provides: providing at least one segmented image of at least two cells; applying a distance transform to the at least one segmented image of the confluent cells; applying a region growing technique to the distance transform of the at least one segmented image to form a region grown image, wherein a plurality of regions are formed in the at least one segmented image; assigning at least one label to at least one of the plurality of regions of the at least one segmented image of the confluent cells; applying a merging technique to at least two of the plurality of regions if it is determined that at least two of the plurality of regions are neighboring regions; determining whether to assign a same label to the neighboring regions or retain existing labels; and merging the neighboring regions of the region grown image if labels are changed to form at least one image of at least one cell.

Abstract: An automatic pipette assembly for an isothermal titration micro calorimetry system, comprising a pipette housing, a syringe with a titration needle arranged to be inserted into a sample cell for supplying titrant, and a linear activator for driving a plunger in the syringe, the titration needle is rotatable with respect to the housing and is provided with a stirring paddle arranged to stir fluid in the sample cell, wherein the automatic pipette assembly comprises a stirring motor for driving the rotation of the titration needle. There is also provided an isothermal titration micro calorimetry system.

Abstract: A system for measuring parameters in a container is disclosed. A system for measuring multiple parameters includes a container having a solution, at least one sensor in conjunction with a tag is in proximity to an impedance analyzer and a reader that constitute a measurement device. The at least one sensor is configured to determine at least one parameter of the solution. The tag is configured to provide a digital ID associated with the sensor, where the container is in proximity to the reader and an impedance analyzer. The impedance analyzer is configured to send and receive a given range of frequencies from the sensor, based on the parameter and calculate parameter changes based on the response.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for providing purified thermostable enzymes, particularly thermostable DNA polymerases, that are free of exogenous detergents. The present invention also provides methods for providing such purified thermostable DNA polymerases to assays in an active form by adding one or more detergents. The present invention further provides compositions and kits comprising purified thermostable DNA polymerases for use in a variety of applications, including amplification and sequencing of nucleic acids.

Abstract: Automated isothermal titration micro calorimetry (ITC) system comprising a micro calorimeter with a sample cell and a reference cell, the sample cell is accessible via a sample cell stem and the reference cell is accessible via a reference cell stem. The system further comprises an automatic pipette assembly comprising a syringe with a titration needle arranged to be inserted into the sample cell for supplying titrant, the pipette assembly comprises an activator for driving a plunger in the syringe, a pipette translation unit supporting the pipette assembly and being arranged to place pipette in position for titration, washing and filling operations, a wash station for the titrant needle, and a cell preparation unit arranged to perform operations for replacing the sample liquid in the sample cell when the pipette is placed in another position than the position for titration.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for generating an image are disclosed. A processor may generate a first output image based on a plurality of input images and remove an artefact, if any, from the first output image to generate a second output image. For example, in an embodiment, the processor may calculate a contribution of the artefact to image intensity values and subtract the calculated contribution from the image intensity values. In another embodiment, the processor may delete a predetermined portion of a transform image representing transform data obtained by applying an image transform to the first output image, thereby modifying the transform data, and may generate a non-transform image based on the modified transform data.

Abstract: Improved processes for the amplification of target DNA sequences in the form of single or double stranded circular DNA molecules, especially those present in colony and plaque extracts, using multiple specific and/or random sequence oligonucleotide primers are disclosed. The product of this amplification is used for analysis by restriction enzyme digestion or DNA sequencing and other analyses that involve hybridization. Kits containing components for use in the method are also described. Also described are further uses of this amplified DNA in sequencing, genotyping and haplotyping, and other molecular biology applications.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method that allows for time-resolved fluorescent imaging of fluorescent samples. The user is able to receive temporally filtered pictures of the sample with a reduced amount of the scattered excitation light and the short lived background fluorescence. The system allows for adjustment of fluorescent gating time and delay time.

Abstract: A spherical aberration adjustment system is disclosed, which includes a plurality of objective lenses, where at least one of the plurality of objective lenses has a spherical aberration collar. The plurality of objective lenses are mounted onto an objective holder, where the objective holder is configured to place the at least one of the plurality of objective lenses in an imaging position. A driving mechanism is coupled by a mechanical link to the at least one of the plurality of objective lenses, where the mechanical link is configured to transmit motion from the driving mechanism to the spherical aberration collar. A control system is configured to manipulate the driving mechanism to move the spherical aberration collar of the at least one of the plurality of objective lenses in the imaging position to a specific spherical aberration adjustment setting.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method for the purification of nucleic acid molecules, which method comprises generating a cellular lysate containing the nucleic acid; contacting the lysate with an anion exchanger bound to a solid support matrix under conditions such that the anion exchanger binds the nucleic acid; followed by eluting the nucleic acid from the anion exchanger with an aqueous mobile phase comprising an elution solution; and desalting the eluted nucleic acid such that it is suitable for downstream applications. The improvement of the method includes adding in the elution solution a composition such that the pH of the aqueous mobile phase is between about pH 9 and about pH 13, wherein the presence of the composition in the elution solution provides an increase in nucleic acid recovery, as compared with the recovery in the absence of the composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for separating and/or purifying a nucleic acid by elution of the nucleic acid from anion exchange resins under conditions of high salt concentration and the presence in the eluant of an additive comprising guanidine, or a guanidine-like derivative. The process allows high recovery of nucleic acids from anion exchange resins without impairing the nucleic acid stability as compared with conventional ion exchange chromatographic procedures.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method for the purification of nucleic acid molecules, which method comprises generating a cellular lysate containing the nucleic acid; contacting the lysate with an anion exchanger bound to a solid support matrix under conditions such that the anion exchanger binds the nucleic acid; followed by eluting the nucleic acid from the anion exchanger with an aqueous mobile phase comprising an elution solution; and desalting the eluted nucleic acid such that it is suitable for downstream applications. The improvement of the method includes providing the anion exchanger in a packed column, wherein the column is packed using a salt solution containing an antimicrobial agent. In addition, the salt solution has a salt concentration similar to that of the lysate, such that the column does not need equilibration prior to sample loading.

Abstract: A system for measuring parameters in a container is disclosed. A container has a solution. A protective layer is deposited over at least one sensor and at least one wall of the container, where the protective layer is attached to the wall of the container to form a seal between the container and the at least one sensor. The at least one sensor is configured to have an operable electromagnetic field based on a thickness of the container and the protective layer. The at least one sensor in conjunction with a tag is in proximity to an impedance analyzer and a reader that constitute a measurement device. The at least one sensor is configured to determine at least one parameter of the solution. The tag is configured to provide a digital ID associated with the at least one sensor, where the container is in proximity to the reader and an impedance analyzer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biological sample preparation system including ambient temperature stable reagent mixture and a separation filter or membrane. In particular, the system includes a dried reagent in a glassy, porous state, on top of a separation column, whereby sample preparation is streamlined and simplified. Also provided are methods of making and using the system. A kit for preparing a biological sample is also provided.

Abstract: The invention related to a method of making a dried reagent preparation, comprising the steps of: providing an aqueous solution of at least one buffered biological reagent; mixing a glass forming filler material with the buffered reagent solution to form a mixture wherein the concentration of the filler material is sufficient to facilitate formation of a glassy, porous composition; dispensing the mixture in the form of substantially uniform droplets into wells of a multi-well container, wherein a single droplet is dispensed into each well; drying the droplets in the container to form the reagent preparation. The reagent preparation is water soluble and has a Tg sufficient for room temperature stability.

Abstract: A filtration housing is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of characterizing a nucleic acid sample is provided that includes the steps of: (a) conducting a DNA polymerase reaction that includes the reaction of a template, an allele specific primer, at least one terminal phosphate-labeled nucleotide, DNA polymerase, and optionally an enzyme having 3??5? exonuclease activity when the primer is non-hydrolyzable, which reaction results in the production of labeled polyphosphate; (b) permitting the labeled polyphosphate to react with a phosphatase to produce a detectable species; (c) detecting the detectable species; and (d) characterizing the nucleic acid sample based on such detection.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, formulation and kits for the synthesis of long nucleic acid fragments. An improved PCR method is provided for amplifying long DNA fragments. In particular, a single thermostable DNA polymerase is used for the rapid amplification of over 10 kb long DNA fragments. Also provided is a method for extending long complementary DNA strands using this single enzyme formulation.

Abstract: We disclose quality controls methods that allow quick and accurate verification of a test oligonucleotide deposited on a solid support. It is especially useful for the verification of oligonucleotides representing alleles of a multi-allelic locus. It employs single base extension, with labeled dideoxynucleotides, to locate and verify the identity of test oligonucleotides. This approach involves synthesizing a complement probe oligonucleotide for each oligonucleotide being tested. Probe oligonucleotides are optionally grouped. They are then hybridized to test oligonucleotides, and the hybridized pair is subject to single base extension and detection. It requires the presence of one unique base, either in the last two bases at the free hanging end of the test oligonucleotide—as opposed to the end anchored to the solid support surface, or in the last two bases at one end of the probe oligonucleotide.