Abstract: Some implementations of the disclosure relate to an imaging system including one or more image sensors and a Z-stage. The imaging system is configured to perform operations including: capturing, using the one or more image sensors, a first image of a first pair of spots projected at a first sample location of a sample; determining whether or not the first image of the first pair of spots is valid; and when the first image is determined to be valid: obtaining, based on the first image, a current separation distance measurement of the first pair of spots; and controlling, based at least on the current separation distance measurement, the Z-stage to focus the imaging system at the first sample location.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a flow cell, an imaging assembly, and a processor. The flow cell includes a channel and a plurality of reaction sites. The imaging assembly is operable to receive light emitted from the reaction sites in response to an excitation light. The processor is configured to drive relative movement between at least a portion of the imaging assembly and the flow cell along a continuous range of motion to thereby enable the imaging assembly to capture images along the length of the channel. The processor is also configured to activate the imaging assembly to capture one or more calibration images of one or more calibration regions of the channel, during a first portion of the continuous range of motion. The processor is also configured to activate the imaging assembly to capture images of the reaction sites during a second portion of the continuous range of motion.

Abstract: Provided are methods for treating enhancing brain tumors in patients in need thereof using a combination of an inhibitor of mutant IDH1/2 enzyme and an anti PD-1 agent.

Abstract: Generation and use of a focus quality metric that is intensity independent is described. In one example, the focus quality metric is generated by acquiring an image, such as an image of a patterned surface of a flow cell, and processing all or part (e.g., a sub-region or sub-image) to generate a Fourier transform of the respective image data. By way of example, in one embodiment a discrete Fourier transform may be applied to a sub-region of an image of a patterned flow cell surface. A focus quality metric that is intensity independent may be derived from the Fourier transform of the image data.