Abstract: A method for identifying a plurality of target nucleic acid molecules in a sample. The method provides a plurality of oligonucleotide probe sets. Each set comprises a first and a second probe, each having a target-specific portion and a tunable portion with an acceptor or a donor group. The first probe further comprises an endcapped hairpin. A reaction comprises a denaturation and hybridization cycle. Under the hybridization, the set of probes hybridize in a base-specific manner to their respective target nucleotide sequences, and ligate to one another to form a ligation product. Under conditions that permit hybridization of the tunable portions of the ligation product to one another, an internally hybridized ligation product formed, which allows the detection of the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). A method comprising PCR amplification is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting molecules in a fluidic environment are provided, including nanodevices and methods for fabricating, functionalizing, and operating such nanodevices. At least one of the methods includes selective heating of nanodevices in an array.

Abstract: A fastener assembly is configured for use in an associated fastener driving tool for driving a fastener from the assembly into an associated substrate. The assembly includes a row of fasteners, each having a shank, arranged substantially parallel to each other. A collation system is formed from a plastic material that is molded onto and adhered to the fasteners. The plastic material is molded to define a collar portion substantially encircling the fastener shank and a connecting portion extending between and connecting adjacent collar potions. The plastic material is formulated from an adhesive polymer. When the fastener is driven from the driving tool, the collar portion remains adhered to the fastener such that the collar portion penetrates the substrate with the fastener.

Abstract: A fastener assembly includes a row of fasteners having a head, a tip, and a portion of a shank coated with a polymer composition. The polymer composition includes a polymer material such as polyurethane and metal particles. The polymer composition is used to provide improved corrosion and ultraviolet radiation resistance when used with naturally corrosive or pressure preservative treated wood. The fastener assembly is coated with the polymer composition by vacuum coating a dispersion of the polymer composition in a solvent such as water and removing the solvent.

Abstract: A fastener assembly for use in a fastener driving tool includes a row of fasteners arranged substantially parallel to each other and a strip having a supporting substrate and an adhesive composition thereon. The supporting substrate has an elongated dimension extending generally in the direction of the row of fasteners. The substrate has embossings formed therein. The adhesive composition is bonded to the fasteners and maintains them in the substantially parallel arrangement in the row. A method for making the embossed strip is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for photochemical reactor characterization includes an application of using dyed microspheres exposed to UV irradiation under a collimated-beam system. Particle specific fluorescence intensity measurements are conducted using samples form the collimated beam and flow-through reactor results using flow cytometry. A numerical model may be used to simulate the behavior of the reactor system to provide a particle-tracking algorithm to interrogate the flow and intensity field simulations for purposes of developing a particle specific estimate of the dose delivery. A method for measuring UV dose distribution delivery in photochemical reactors is provided that includes introducing microspheres labeled with a photochemically-active compound in a UV reactor, The labeled microspheres are harvested downstream of the irradiated zone of a UV reactor and exposed to UV irradiation under a collimated beam of UV irradiation.

Abstract: Ligase detection reaction is utilized to distinguish minority template in the presence of an excess of normal template with a thermostable ligase. This process can be carried out with a mutant ligase, thermostable ligase, or a modified oligonucleotide probe. This procedure is particularly useful for the detection of cancer-associated mutations. It has the advantage of providing a quantitative measure of the amount or ratio of minority template.