Abstract: An aptamer-based SERS detection technique that directly monitors an aptamer-analyte capture event by generating spectroscopic information regarding the identity of the analyte that has been bound to the aptamer from a complex biological sample. A reproducible SERS spectrum is measured for an aptamer-analyte complex formed on a metal surface and this spectral information is used directly to identify the specific aptamer-analyte complex and optionally also to quantify the analyte in the sample, thus enabling discrimination between true and false positives in quantitative analyte assays on complex biological samples. In one embodiment the aptamer is attached directly to the metal surface and surrounded by a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of amphiphilic molecules. In an alternative embodiment the metal surface is coated with a SAM and the aptamer is attached to the amphiphilic molecules of the SAM.

Abstract: A method of collision detection is provided that allows for virtual objects having arbitrary shapes to be simulated with six degrees of freedom. The collision detection method is capable of providing full body contact by detecting each intersection between a representation of a first virtual object and a representation of a second virtual object. The full-body contact may be provided as haptic rendering signals indicating the full-body contact between the two virtual objects.

Abstract: A method of collision detection is provided that allows for virtual objects having arbitrary shapes to be simulated with six degrees of freedom. The collision detection method is capable of providing full body contact by detecting each intersection between a representation of a first virtual object and a representation of a second virtual object. The full-body contact may be provided as haptic rendering signals indicating the full-body contact between the two virtual objects.