Abstract: Certain configurations described herein are directed to autosamplers. In some instances, the autosampler may include a support comprising a body configured to receive two or more articles at separate sites of the body. The autosampler may also include a first motor coupled to the support and configured to rotate the support in an x-y plane, and a second motor configured to move the support in a z-direction to load one of the at least two articles at the separate sites in the body of the support. An encoder may also be used with the autosampler if desired.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods using counterflow sample introduction are described. In certain examples, the devices, systems and methods may be configured to introduce a fluid flow comprising a sample into a torch comprising a plasma in a direction that opposes the flow of a gas used to sustain the plasma. Optical emission devices, optical absorption devices and mass spectrometers using the counterflow sample introduction are also described.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to chromatography systems that include a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device can be fluidically coupled to a switching valve to provide for selective control of fluid flow in the chromatography system. In some examples, the microfluidic device may include a charging chamber, a bypass restrictor or other features that can provide for added control of the fluid flow in the system. Methods of using the devices and methods of calculating lengths and diameters to provide a desired flow rate are also described.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to detectors and systems using them. In some examples, the detector can include a plurality of dynodes, in which one or more of the dynodes are coupled to an electrometer. In some instances, an analog signal from a non-saturated dynode is measured and cross-calibrated with a pulse count signal to extend the dynamic range of the detector.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to chromatography systems that include a microfluidic device and that implement one or more methods to direct sample to a desired fluid flow path. The methods can be used to backflush a sample to a desired fluid flow path to select certain analytes within a sample.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to optical detector and optical systems. In some examples, the optical detector can include a plurality of dynodes, in which one or more of the dynodes are coupled to an electrometer. In other configurations, each dynode can be coupled to a respective electrometer. Methods using the optical detectors are also described.

Abstract: Certain configurations described herein are directed to encoders and encoding methods. In some instances, an encoder can be used with an article support to identify an absolute position of the article support based on reading the code of the encoder.

Abstract: A column connection device for use in gas chromatography is disclosed. The column connection device includes a housing with a piston, a piston spring retainer, and disk springs composed of an austenite nickel-chromium-based superalloy (e.g. Special Metals Corp.'s Inconel family of metals). The piston has a ferrule on its exposed end. The disk springs urge the ferrule against the mating portion of an external device maintaining a seal with the external device and creating a seal radially around a column disposed within. The column connection device also includes a release slider and a column base with a column retainer, column tab, and wire springs composed of an austenite nickel-chromium-based superalloy. The wire springs urge the column tab to frictionally engage the column, thereby inhibiting column movement. Depressing the release slider flexes the wire springs, urging the column tab away from the column, removing the frictional inhibition.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to a torch that includes a lanthanide or actinide material. In some embodiments, the torch can include one or more other materials in combination with the lanthanide or actinide material. In some embodiments, the torch can comprise cerium, terbium or thorium. In other embodiments, the torch can comprise a lanthanide or actinide material comprising a melting point higher than the melting point of quartz.

Abstract: Presented herein, in certain embodiments, are approaches for robust bone splitting and segmentation in the context of small animal imaging, for example, microCT imaging. In certain embodiments, a method for calculating and applying single and hybrid second-derivative splitting filters to gray-scale images and binary bone masks is described. These filters can accurately identify the split lines/planes of the bones even for low-resolution data, and hence accurately morphologically disconnect the individual bones. The split bones can then be used as seeds in region growing techniques such as marker-controlled watershed segmentation. With this approach, the bones can be segmented with much higher robustness and accuracy compared to prior art methods.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for automated tuning of multimode inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers (ICP-MS). In certain embodiments, a ‘single click’ optimization method is provided for a multi-mode ICP-MS system that automates tuning of the system in one or more modes selected from among the multiple modes, e.g., a vented cell mode, a reaction cell mode (e.g., dynamic reaction cell mode), and a collision cell mode (e.g., kinetic energy discrimination mode). Workflows and computational routines, including a dynamic range optimization technique, are presented that provide faster, more efficient, and more accurate tuning.

Abstract: Described herein are radiation detection systems and methods that provide improved discrimination between different types of radioactive events. The use of multiple discriminator settings based on pulse curve shape, rather than a single setting, is surprisingly found to improve discrimination between alpha and beta events. Results demonstrate significantly lowered % spill with minimal loss of efficiency due to the enhanced discrimination. These systems and methods are particularly important in the detection of extremely low-level alpha and beta events, and in the identification and quantification of isotopes with difficult-to-distinguish pulse shapes.

Abstract: Presented herein are efficient and reliable systems and methods for calculating and extracting three-dimensional central axes of bones of animal subjects—for example, animal subjects scanned by in vivo or ex vivo microCT platforms—to capture both the general and localized tangential directions of the bone, along with its shape, form, curvature, and orientation. With bone detection and segmentation algorithms, the skeletal bones of animal subjects scanned by CT or microCT scanners can be detected, segmented, and visualized. Three dimensional central axes determined using these methods provide important information about the skeletal bones.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to induction devices that can be used to sustain a plasma. In certain configurations, the induction device may comprise one or more radial fins electrically coupled to a base. The induction device may take numerous forms including, for example, coils and plate electrodes.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to collision cells that comprise one or more integrated lenses. In some examples, a lens is coupled to two sections of a sectioned quadrature rod assembly, the lens comprising an aperture and a plurality of separate conductive elements disposed each one side of the lens, in which a respective disposed conductive element on one side of the lens is configured to electrically couple to a first, second, third, and fourth pole segments of the sectioned quadrature rod assembly.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to generators that can be used to sustain a plasma. In some embodiments, the generator comprises an oscillation circuit configured to electrically couple to an induction device and provide power to the induction device in an oscillation mode to sustain the inductively coupled plasma in a torch body, the circuit configured to provide harmonic emission control during sustaining of the inductively coupled plasma in the torch body in the oscillation mode of the generator.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to induction devices comprising an oxidation resistant material. In certain examples, the induction device comprises a coil of wire that is produced from the oxidation resistant material. In some examples, the oxidation resistant induction device can be used to sustain an inductively coupled plasma in a torch.

Abstract: Methods and systems for reducing the run-to-run variability in measurement results obtained by a sample analysis system. The method and system utilize data from previous sample runs to optimize analysis parameters for future test runs. The methods and systems are particularly suitable for microfluidic sample analysis.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for the identification of one or more candidate chemical formulas from mass spectrometry data corresponding to an unidentified chemical compound. By restricting the generation of candidate formulas to those having repeating units and/or end units with specified limitations, the methods and apparatus may more efficiently iteratively search for a chemical formula having matching mass spectrometry output within a threshold tolerance. In another aspect, methods and apparatus are provided for the identification of one or more candidate chemical formulas from mass spectrometry data based at least in part upon neutral loss.

Abstract: RF ion guides are configured as an array of elongate electrodes arranged symmetrically about a central axis, to which RF voltages are applied. The RF electrodes include at least a portion of their length that is semi-transparent to electric fields. Auxiliary electrodes are then provided proximal to the RF electrodes distal to the ion guide axis, such that application of DC voltages to the auxiliary electrodes causes an auxiliary electric field to form between the auxiliary electrodes and the ion guide RF electrodes. A portion of this auxiliary electric field penetrates through the semi-transparent portions of the RF electrodes, such that the potentials within the ion guide are modified. The auxiliary electrode structures and voltages can be configured so that a potential gradient develops along the ion guide axis due to this field penetration, which provides an axial motive force for collision damped ions.