Abstract: An automated radiopharmaceutical production and quality control system includes a particle accelerator, a radiopharmaceutical micro-synthesis subsystem, and quality control subsystem. The micro-accelerator of the improved biomarker generator is optimized for producing radioisotopes useful in synthesizing radiopharmaceuticals in quantities on the order of multiple unit doses, allowing for significant reductions in size, power requirements, and weight when compared to conventional radiopharmaceutical cyclotrons. The radiopharmaceutical micro-synthesis subsystem encompasses a small volume chemical synthesis system comprising a microreactor and/or a microfluidic chip and optimized for synthesizing the radiopharmaceutical in small quantities, allowing for significant reductions in processing time and in the quantity of radioisotope required. The automated quality control subsystem is used to test the composition and characteristics of the radiopharmaceutical to ensure that it is safe to inject.

Abstract: A sequence of polymer units in a polymer (3), eg. DNA, is estimated from at least one series of measurements related to the polymer, eg. ion current as a function of translocation through a nanopore (1), wherein the value of each measurement is dependent on a k-mer being a group of k polymer units (4). A probabilistic model, especially a hidden Markov model (HMM), is provided, comprising, for a set of possible k-mers: transition weightings representing the chances of transitions from origin k-mers to destination k-mers; and emission weightings in respect of each k-mer that represent the chances of observing given values of measurements for that k-mer. The series of measurements is analysed using an analytical technique, eg. Viterbi decoding, that refers to the model and estimates at least one estimated sequence of polymer units in the polymer based on the likelihood predicted by the model of the series of measurements being produced by sequences of polymer units.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new method of determining the presence, absence or characteristics of an analyte. The analyte is coupled to a membrane. The invention also relates to nucleic acid sequencing.

Abstract: Microfluidic radiopharmaceutical production system and process for synthesizing per run approximately, but not less than, ten (10) unit doses of radiopharmaceutical biomarker for use in positron emission tomography (PET). A radioisotope from an accelerator or other radioisotope generator is introduced into a reaction vessel, along with organic and aqueous reagents, and the mixture heated to synthesize a solution of a pre-selected radiopharmaceutical. The solution is purified by passing through a combination of solid phase extraction purification components, trap and release components, and a filter. The synthesis process reduces waste and allows for production of biomarker radiopharmaceuticals on site and close to the location where the unit dose will be administered to the patient.

Abstract: An automated radiopharmaceutical production and quality control system includes a particle accelerator, a radiopharmaceutical micro-synthesis subsystem, and quality control subsystem. The micro-accelerator of the improved biomarker generator is optimized for producing radioisotopes useful in synthesizing radiopharmaceuticals in quantities on the order of multiple unit doses, allowing for significant reductions in size, power requirements, and weight when compared to conventional radiopharmaceutical cyclotrons. The radiopharmaceutical micro-synthesis subsystem encompasses a small volume chemical synthesis system comprising a microreactor and/or a microfluidic chip and optimized for synthesizing the radiopharmaceutical in small quantities, allowing for significant reductions in processing time and in the quantity of radioisotope required. The automated quality control subsystem is used to test the composition and characteristics of the radiopharmaceutical to ensure that it is safe to inject.

Abstract: An automated HPLC-based quality control system to perform quality control testing on a radiopharmaceutical solution shortly after synthesis. An automated HPLC-based quality control system makes efficient use of sample volume and is compatible with a variety of radioisotopes and radiopharmaceutical compounds. In several embodiments, the automated nature of an automated HPLC-based quality control system allows for quality control tests to be conducted quickly and with minimal impact on user workflow. When used as part of an integrated PET biomarker radiopharmaceutical production system, the present general inventive concept permits a manufacturer to produce product and conduct quality control tests with lower per dose costs and shorter testing times.

Abstract: Microfluidic radiopharmaceutical production system and process for synthesizing per run approximately, but not less than, ten (10) unit doses of radiopharmaceutical biomarker for use in positron emission tomography (PET). A radioisotope from an accelerator or other radioisotope generator is introduced into a reaction vessel, along with organic and aqueous reagents, and the mixture heated to synthesize a solution of a pre-selected radiopharmaceutical. The solution is purified by passing through a combination of solid phase extraction purification components, trap and release components, and a filter. The synthesis process reduces waste and allows for production of biomarker radiopharmaceuticals on site and close to the location where the unit dose will be administered to the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new method of determining the presence, absence or characteristics of an analyte. The analyte is coupled to a membrane. The invention also relates to nucleic acid sequencing.

Abstract: A device for testing exhaust emissions of an internal combustion engine utilizes wireless real time data transfer to permit outdoors testing via an indoors base station (14). A hand portable display device (18) provides instructions to an operator, and a gas sensor/analyser (16) detects combustion gas content. The base station, display device and sensor/analyser preferably communicate by radio.

Abstract: In a cable lock and seal device a roller is rotatable about a single axis normal to the axis of an inextensible member and with respect to a ramp which, in turn, is inclined with respect to the axis of the inextensible member. The roller is moveable up and down the ramp between a retracted position in which the member can be drawn through a passage in which the device and a locking position in which the roller rolls up the ramp to clamp the member against movement in the opposite direction with the member trapped between the roller and the opposite face of the passage. A spring acts on the roller to urge it up the ramp at all times.