Abstract: Method and apparatus for scanning a region of interest (ROI) by a gamma detector. An exemplary method includes determining, for each of multiple detector configurations, a respective weight based on an absorption profile, associating each of a plurality of portions of the ROI with a respective gamma attenuation value; and detecting gamma radiation from multiple detector configurations for time periods allocated among the detector configurations based on the weights determined.

Abstract: Described are methods and systems for scanning at least a portion of a patient with a gamma detector mounted on an arm extending towards the patient. One described method includes: obtaining data indicative or coordinates of points on the outer surface of the patient; determining a target position for the gamma detector based on the data indicative, of the coordinates; and causing the gamma detector to detect gamma radiation from the patient when the gamma detector is at the target position.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for scanning a region of interest (ROI) by a gamma detector. An exemplary method includes determining, for each of multiple detector configurations, a respective weight based on an absorption profile, associating each of a plurality of portions of the ROI with a respective gamma attenuation value; and detecting gamma radiation from multiple detector configurations for time periods allocated among the detector configurations based on the weights determined.

Abstract: Described are methods and systems for scanning at least a portion of a patient with a gamma detector mounted on an arm extending towards the patient. One described method includes: obtaining data indicative or coordinates of points on the outer surface of the patient; determining a target position for the gamma detector based on the data indicative, of the coordinates; and causing the gamma detector to detect gamma radiation from the patient when the gamma detector is at the target position.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention provides a method for determining orientation of fibers in a fluid having polymer chains, characterized in that the determining of the orientation of the fibers is performed by taking into consideration an interaction between the fibers and the fluid, wherein the interaction between the fibers and the fluid comprises changes in configuration of the polymer chain to cause the entanglement or adsorption between the fibers and the polymer chains. Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for determining orientation of fibers in a fluid having polymer chains, the fibers in the fluid including a transitional movement and a rotatory movement, the method being characterized in that the determining of the orientation of the fibers is performed by taking into consideration a steric barrier effect on a rotary movement of the fibers.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention disclose a system in which multiple injections may be made into a capillary array. The injections are spaced in time with each injection followed by an interval of electrophoresis. Once all samples are loaded into the capillaries, continuous electrophoresis and detection is used to separate and detect target compounds within the sample. The interval between injections is matched to the target compound migration rate to be sufficient to allow the target compounds to be detectably separated when the compounds reach the detector.

Abstract: Methods for preparing nanoscale reactions using nucleic acids are presented. Nucleic acids are captured saturably, yet reversibly, on the internal surface of the reaction chamber, typically a capillary. Excess nucleic acid is removed and the reaction is performed directly within the capillary. Alternatively, the saturably bound nucleic acid is eluted, dispensing a metered amount of nucleic acid for subsequent reaction in a separate chamber. Devices for effecting the methods of the invention and a system designed advantageously to utilize the methods for high throughput nucleic acid sequencing reactions are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for preparing nanoscale reactions using nucleic acids are presented. Nucleic acids are captured saturably, yet reversibly, on the internal surface of the reaction chamber, typically a capillary. Excess nucleic acid is removed and the reaction is performed directly within the capillary. Alternatively, the saturably bound nucleic acid is eluted, dispensing a metered amount of nucleic acid for subsequent reaction in a separate chamber. Devices for effecting the methods of the invention and a system designed advantageously to utilize the methods for high throughput nucleic acid sequencing reactions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the selective covalent modification of nucleic acids with redox active moieties such as transition metal complexes. Electron donor and electron acceptor moieties are covalently bound to the ribose-phosphate backbone of a nucleic acid at predetermined positions. The resulting complexes represent a series of new derivatives that are bimolecular templates capable of transferring electrons over very large distances at extremely fast rates. These complexes possess unique structural features which enable the use of an entirely new class of bioconductors and photoactive probes.

Abstract: A method and device for preparing nanoscale reactions. An automated system utilizes an array of reaction chambers. The ends of the chambers are temporarily sealed with deformable membranes and reactions effected by incubation or temperature cycling. Reaction mixtures may be assembled by using the reaction containers to meter reaction components. After the reaction is finished, the reaction containers may be dispensed onto a substrate and the reaction products analyzed. An automated transfer device may be used for automated transport of the reaction container array or other transportable elements.

Abstract: Method and reagents for analysis of nucleic acid sequences is disclosed. In this method a plurality of padlock probes is provided. Each padlock probe may hybridize to a locus on a target nucleic acid under hybridization conditions. If a targeted variant is present at the locus, the padlock probe may be ligated to form an amplification target circle. The amplification target circle acts as a template for production of tandem-sequence DNA. The tandem-sequence DNA may then be digested into non-tandem detection fragments which are subsequently separated and detected. The plurality of padlock probes are designed such that ligation of the probes, amplification of the target circle, and digestion of the tandem-sequence DNA subsequently produced, and detection may all be effected with the same set of reagents.

Abstract: A capillary valve, connector and router where one or more cylindrical fibers, which may be capillaries, plugged capillaries, optical fibers, or the like, including at least one capillary tube are contained in a first cylindrical bundle of fibers that terminates at a first face. A second cylindrical bundle of fibers also containing one or more fibers including at least one capillary tube terminates in a second face abutting the first face. A fastener or adapter holds the members together with faces in mutually biased alignment, allowing relative rotation of the two cylindrical bundles which terminate in rotatable ferrules. Various functions achieved by rotation include a zero dead volume slide valve, a fluid router and a manifold. The fibers in each sleeve are preferably of uniform size for close symmetrical packing, but could be of disparate sizes, allowing connection of macroscale tubes to capillary tubes.

Abstract: A sample substrate for use in a fluorescence imaging system includes a rigid base with a specularly reflective surface, typically metal, on which is deposited a transparent coating layer. The coating layer has a thickness selected so that a particular fluorescence excitation wavelength, corresponding to a specified fluorescent constituent to be sought in sample material, has an optical path from the top of the coating layer to the reflecting surface in the base of substantially an odd multiple of one-quarter wavelength, so that the standing wave of the fluorescence excitation wavelength of light incident on the substrate has an antinode located at or near where sample material would be disposed on top of the coating layer. This maximizes fluorescence excitation of the sample on the reflective substrate. The transparent coating layer may be a dielectric material (e.g. silica) or may be a multilayer structure with a top layer of biologically active material for binding a specified sample constituent.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention disclose a system in which multiple injections may be made into a capillary array. The injections are spaced in time with each injection followed by an interval of electrophoresis. Once all samples are loaded into the capillaries, continuous electrophoresis and detection is used to separate and detect target compounds within the sample. The interval between injections is matched to the target compound migration rate to be sufficient to allow the target compounds to be detectably separated when the compounds reach the detector.

Abstract: A method for performing separation assays of biochemical samples includes computing a quality metric based on peak data produced during the separation run. The quality metric is the basis for selecting a subsequent step in the assay, including whether to re-run the separation when the quality metric indicates a low quality separation run. In a preferred embodiment, the quality metric is computed based on a peak resolution metric indicative of the peak resolution of the sample peaks in the data and a signal-to-noise ratio of the data. When a co-migrating standard is included in the separation run, the quality metric is further based on the degree of migration linearity of the reference peaks produced by the standard. The method was reduced to practice in separations to size and sort DNA fragments in high-throughput capillary array electrophoresis separations.

Abstract: A sample substrate for use in a fluorescence imaging system includes a rigid base with a specularly reflective surface, typically metal, on which is deposited a transparent coating layer. The coating layer has a thickness selected so that a particular fluorescence excitation wavelength, corresponding to a specified fluorescent constituent to be sought in sample material, has an optical path from the top of the coating layer to the reflecting surface in the base of substantially an odd multiple of one-quarter wavelength, so that the standing wave of the fluorescence excitation wavelength of light incident on the substrate has an antinode located at or near where sample material would be disposed on top of the coating layer. This maximizes fluorescence excitation of the sample on the reflective substrate. The transparent coating layer may be a dielectric material (e.g. silica) or may be a multilayer structure with a top layer of biologically active material for binding a specified sample constituent.

Abstract: A multi-functional photometer includes a scanning mechanism having a housing that bears a movable linkage. The linkage is coupled to an optical scanning head and incorporates light-transmitting paths with at least one reflective surface for transmitting radiant energy to and from the scanning head. The arm comprises a C-shaped elbow member, pivotally attached to a shoulder member. In turn, the shoulder member of the arm is pivotally connected to the housing. In one embodiment the reflective surfaces are optically coupled and are mounted onto the housing, shoulder member and elbow member, such that the shapes of the light-transmitting paths remain fixed regardless of the orientation of the arm. The housing further incorporates a Cartesian-coordinate table for positioning the scanning head with respect to a microplate that contains a plurality of analyte samples.

Abstract: A coaxial illumination and collection laser scanning system designed to provide increased sensitivity by reducing auto-fluorescence while having a substantially uniform detection sensitivity across the field of view of an objective lens by reducing lateral chromatic aberrations at the expense of amplifying axial chromatic aberrations. Axial chromatic aberrations in the system are removed in the path of a retro-beam. A laser is in optical communication with the objective lens. The laser produces a collimated beam of coherent light that is directed by a scanner through the objective lens to illuminate a raster of spots on the sample's surface, thereby stimulating a series of small regions of the sample to emit light. The system may be used as a confocal or non-confocal imaging system.

Abstract: A microspot deposition system featuring a hollow cylindrical wall extending from a closed end, terminating in an open end and including a longitudinal gap extending from the open end toward the closed end to allow the rapid exhaustion of the atmosphere and efficient cleaning within the cylindrical wall. The cylindrical wall defines a lumen with both the lumen and the gap adapted to facilitate capillary action of liquid in fluid communication therewith to form a meniscus proximate to the open end. To facilitate deposition of liquid contained within the lumen, the gap may be tapered so that it is narrowest proximate to the open end. The narrowed portion of the gap results in a meniscus having a reduced area to ensure preferential fluid flow toward the open end, which facilitates deposition via capillary action between the liquid in the lumen and a working surface on which the liquid is to be deposited.

Abstract: A method for coupling DNA to a glass substrate by aminating the glass substrate with an aminosilane, reacting DNA with a carbodiimide/imidazole solution to create a 5'-phosphorimidazolide, and reacting the aminated glass substrate and phosphorimidazolide to couple the DNA to the substrate.