Abstract: The present disclosure provides a capture assembly optionally for use in an automated sample analyzer. The sample analyzer includes an optical assembly for scanning a sample well of a planar substrate, e.g., a multiwell plate that is loaded onto and secured to the capture assembly to perform an assay, e.g., detection of an analyte in the sample. The capture assembly automatically aligns the planar substrate about a rotational axis of a drive shaft and secures the substrate to the drive shaft to prevent unwanted movement or slippage of the substrate during starting, stopping and rotation of the substrate at varying rotational velocities thereby ensuring the sample well is reliably detected by the optical assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an automated sample analyzer having a continuous scanning optical assembly for performing an assay. The optical assembly allows for robust detection of light emitted from a reaction mixture in a dynamically changing environment, such as detection of light from a reaction mixture that is being rotated about an axis at high rotational velocity.

Abstract: This invention relates to compounds of formula (I) and methods of treatment using the compounds. The invention also relates to processes and methods for producing the compounds of the invention. The compounds of the invention are modulators of Factor XII (e.g. Factor XIIa). In particular, the compounds are inhibitors of Factor XIIa and may be useful as anticoagulants.

Abstract: This invention relates to compounds of formula (I). The compounds of formula (I) are modulators of Factor XII, specifically Factor XIIa. The compounds are inhibitors of Factor XIIa and may be useful as anticoagulants. The compounds of formula (I) may be used in methods of treatment (or prevention) of blood disorders related to bleeding or coagulation.

Abstract: A pixel sensor element (200) including a photodetector (201) and a storage assembly having N storage arrays (205), each having an input shift register (207) and an output shift register (215) each with a number M of storage cells arranged in a column, and a storage shift register (211) with a number M of rows of storage cells, each row comprising a number P of storage cells, for signal transfer from the input shift register (207) to the output shift register (215). A number N of independently driveable signal transfer regions (203) transfer the signal from the photodetector (201) to a first cell (210) of one of a respective one of the input shift registers (207). A number N of signal read-out regions (219) read the signal from a last cell (217) of a respective one of the output shift registers (215). N is 2 or more. M is 1 or more. P is 1 or more. Image sensors, imaging devices, storage assemblies, and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A pixel sensor element (200) including a photodetector (201) and a storage assembly having N storage arrays (205), each having an input shift register (207) and an output shift register (215) each with a number M of storage cells arranged in a column, and a storage shift register (207) to the output shift register (215). A number N of independently driveable signal transfer regions (203) transfer the signal from the photodetector (201) to a first cell (210) of one of a respective one of the input shift registers (207). A number N of signal read-out regions (219) read the signal from a last cell (217) of a respective one of the output shift registers (215). N is 2 or more. M is 1 or more. P is 1 or more. Image sensors, imaging devices, storage assemblies, and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A conveyor belt is formed from a loop of material having opposite first and second side edges, and which when laid flat has opposite planar surfaces extending between the first and second edges. First and second sealing protrusions extend outwardly from the outer surface of the loop of material and extending continuously around the outer surface of the loop of material. In use, the sealing protrusions contact a hopper of a food patty forming machine to prevent the leakage of food material from the hopper.

Abstract: A conveyor belt is formed from a loop of material having opposite first and second side edges, and which when laid flat has opposite planar surfaces extending between the first and second edges. First and second sealing protrusions extend outwardly from the outer surface of the loop of material and extending continuously around the outer surface of the loop of material. In use, the sealing protrusions contact a hopper of a food patty forming machine to prevent the leakage of food material from the hopper.

Abstract: The introduction of reusable grocery bags has lead to contamination of these bags by bacteria, virus and E-coli. A steam sterilization and disinfection device is described including a chamber that will contain the reusable grocery bag while it undergoes steam cleaning and disinfection. The reusable grocery bag will be fitted. over a mandrel that will direct the steam to the inside surfaces of the bag. The cleaning chamber will have a cover door (10) such that the bag will be enclosed during the cleaning process. Additional attributes include 2 steam generators (2), electronic control system (5), water tank (3) supplying the steam generators, high pressure pump (7) to charge the steam generators, vacuum pump (9) to evacuate the steam after cleaning and disinfection, and refuse water tank (4) to contain the contaminated water after cleaning.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and methods for preventing condensation on the interior surfaces of sample tubes which are being exposed to temperature cycles, such as during a PCR amplification reaction. In particular, the invention relates to apparatus comprising a sample block comprising a plurality of sample wells for receiving sample tubes and heating elements disposed in the sample wells for heating at least a portion of the sides of sample tubes (e.g., at least the portion which forms the head space after a tube is filled with a PCR reaction mixture). In a preferred aspect, the sample block is part of a thermocycling device for performing PCR and the side-wall heater is used to enhance uniformity and speed of amplification reactions. For example, by decreasing or eliminating condensation, signal strength jumps in a real-time PCR assay can be minimized as can reaction non-homogeneity.

Abstract: The invention relates to baseline subtraction algorithms developed to reduce tube-to-tube and cycle-to-cycle variabilities during real time PCR amplification. Particularly, the invention relates to algorithms for determining the threshold cycle for the first reliable detection of the amplified nucleic acid product. The invention also relates to computer programs comprising the algorithm and methods and/systems implementing the algorithm.

Abstract: An automated microscope and computer system captures a set of images for a capture area in a plurality of focal planes. The images can then be integrated into composite images for browsing to simulate viewing an item, such as a biological sample, under a microscope. A corrective filter can be constructed from the images to avoid an effect called “tiling.” Before capture, variable focal plane error can be avoided by collecting z locations for a set of points in the capture area. During image browsing, entire composite images can be loaded into memory in compressed form. Compressed image portions can be pre-decompressed to avoid delay as a browsing user navigates throughout the composite images. Pre-decompression can be done by a thread separate from the thread performing navigation operations.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I) in free or salt or solvate form, wherein X has the meaning indicated in the specification, are useful for treating conditions that are prevented or alleviated by activation of the ?2-adrenoreceptor. Pharmaceutical compositions that contain the compounds and processes for preparing the compounds are also described.

Abstract: A compact optical module for fluorescence excitation and detection and methods for using same are disclosed. An apparatus for detecting fluorescence includes a substrate base, a detector adjacent to the substrate base for determining the amount of fluorescence, an emission filter adjacent to the detector, a light source for emitting an excitation light, the light source engaging the emission filter, and a cover formed over the detector, the emission filter, and the light source.

Abstract: A system and method for fluorescence excitation and detection having distinct optical paths is disclosed. A system for detecting fluorescence comprises a light source that emits an excitation light into an illumination tube; a plurality of collection optics located around an aperture in the illumination tube for collecting fluorescence; and a detector for determining the amount of fluorescence. A method for detecting fluorescence comprises emitting an excitation light from a light source into an illumination tube; directing the excitation light to an excitation filter; illuminating a sample with the excitation light to generate an emission light; and detecting the optical characteristics of the emission light using a plurality of collection optics located around the illumination tube.

Abstract: Compounds of formula I free or salt form, wherein —C—Y—, R1 and R2 are G have the meanings as indicated in the specification, are useful for treating conditions that are prevented or alleviated by activation of the ?2-adrenoreceptor. Pharmaceutical compositions that contain the compounds and a process for preparing the compounds are also described.

Abstract: A system and method for a pulsed light source used in detecting fluorescence from a plurality of samples of biological material discretely, continuously or intermittently during thermal cycling of DNA to accomplish a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). An apparatus for sampling at least one sample of a biological material comprises a light source that emits a pulsed excitation light that interacts with the sample and a detector sensitive to fluorescence emitted from the sample. A method of sampling at least one sample to detect fluorescence comprises generating a pulsed excitation light with a pulsed light source; directing the pulsed excitation light into the sample; illuminating a sample with the pulsed excitation light to generate an emission light; and detecting the optical characteristics of the emission light.

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I) in free or salt or solvate form, wherein X has the meaning indicated in the specification, are useful for treating conditions that are prevented or alleviated by activation of the ?2-adrenoreceptor. Pharmaceutical compositions that contain the compounds and processes for preparing the compounds are also described.

Abstract: An automated microscope and computer system captures a set of images for a capture area in a plurality of focal planes. The images can then be integrated into composite images for browsing to simulate viewing an item, such as a biological sample, under a microscope. A corrective filter can be constructed from the images to avoid an effect called “tiling.” Before capture, variable focal plane error can be avoided by collecting z locations for a set of points in the capture area. During image browsing, entire composite images can be loaded into memory in compressed form. Compressed image portions can be pre-decompressed to avoid delay as a browsing user navigates throughout the composite images. Pre-decompression can be done by a thread separate from the thread performing navigation operations.

Abstract: Compounds of formula I in free or salt form, wherein R1, R2 and R3 have the meanings as indicated in the specification, are useful for treating conditions mediated by of phosphodiesterase type 4 or the down-regulation or inhibition of TNF-? release, particularly obstructive or inflammatory airways diseases. Pharmaceutical compositions that contain the compounds and processes for preparing the compounds are also described.