Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying and removing spikes in data sets representing PCR growth curves or other sigmoid type curves or growth curves. A double sigmoid function with parameters determined using a Levenberg-Marquardt regression algorithm is used to find an approximation to the curve, and a statistical test such as a z-test is then used to identify spikes by identifying data points in the data set that do not fit well with the approximation. The identified spike(s) are removed from the data set and/or replaced with interpolated data points determined by using data points surrounding the identified spike(s). In one aspect, a spline interpolation process such as a cubic spline interpolation process is used to find an approximation to the data set with the identified spike points removed. Interpolated values to replace the spike points are then calculated using the cubic spline interpolation approximation curve.

Abstract: Subjects of the invention are a method for determination of an analyte using a particular algorithm based on a mathematical model for transforming measurement data into a growth curve and an analytical instrument comprising a computing unit for more precise determination of an analyte.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying and removing spikes in data sets representing PCR growth curves or other sigmoid type curves or growth curves. A double sigmoid function with parameters determined using a Levenberg-Marquardt regression algorithm is used to find an approximation to the curve, and a statistical test such as a z-test is then used to identify spikes by identifying data points in the data set that do not fit well with the approximation. The identified spike(s) are removed from the data set and/or replaced with interpolated data points determined by using data points surrounding the identified spike(s). In one aspect, a spline interpolation process such as a cubic spline interpolation process is used to find an approximation to the data set with the identified spike points removed. Interpolated values to replace the spike points are then calculated using the cubic spline interpolation approximation curve.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining characteristic transition values such as elbow values in sigmoid or growth-type curves, such as the cycle threshold (Ct) value in PCR amplification curves. A double sigmoid function with parameters determined by a Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) regression process is used to find an approximation to a curve that fits a PCR dataset. Once the parameters have been determined, the curve can be normalized using one or more of the determined parameters. Normalization is advantageous for determining the Ct value if one chooses the arbitrary fluorescence level (AFL) approach to calculating Ct values for amplification curves. After normalization, the normalized curve is processed by applying a root-finding algorithm to determine the root of the function representing the normalized curve, which root corresponds to the Ct value. The Ct value is then returned and may be displayed or otherwise used for further processing.

Abstract: A doped semiconductor wafer of float zone-pulled semiconductor material contains a dopant added to a molten material and has a radial macroscopic resistance distribution of less than 12% and striations of ?10% to +10%. There is also a process for producing a doped semiconductor wafer by float zone pulling of a single crystal and dividing up the single crystal, in which process, during the float zone pulling, a molten material which is produced using an induction coil is doped with a dopant. It is exposed to at least one rotating magnetic field and is solidified. The single crystal which is formed during the solidification of the molten material is rotated. The single crystal and the magnetic field are rotated with opposite directions of rotation and the magnetic field has a frequency of 400 to 700 Hz.

Abstract: To determine the presence of a specific nucleic acid sequence within a sample, a labelled substance, capable of binding the nucleic acid to be determined, or a labelling substance is added, the substance having the ability to label the nucleic acid or being representative for the nucleic acid. The nucleic acid is amplified, the presence of which is to be determined and the increase of the labelled substance and/or the effect initiated by the labelled substance due to the increase of this specific nucleic acid is determined. The signal increase and/or the effect against time is analysed using a model for determining a deviation from a linear curve.

Abstract: A doped semiconductor wafer of float zone-pulled semiconductor material contains a dopant added to a molten material and has a radial macroscopic resistance distribution of less than 12% and striations of −10% to +10%. There is also a process for producing a doped semiconductor wafer by float zone pulling of a single crystal and dividing up the single crystal, in which process, during the float zone pulling, a molten material which is produced using an induction coil is doped with a dopant. It is exposed to at least one rotating magnetic field and is solidified. The single crystal which is formed during the solidification of the molten material is rotated. The single crystal and the magnetic field are rotated with opposite directions of rotation and the magnetic field has a frequency of 400 to 700 Hz.

Abstract: An analytical device separates magnetic microparticles from a suspension. The separating portion of the device contains two permanent magnets between which the reaction vessel containing the suspension is disposed. For the purpose of more rapid, complete separation of the magnetic microparticles, magnets are positioned diametrically opposite one another relative to the reaction vessel. The polar axes of the magnets and the longitudinal axis of the reaction vessel include an acute angle.

Abstract: An analytical device incorporating a system for suspending particles includes a conveying device for positioning a pipetting needle at a distance from the central longitudinal axis of the reaction vessel. Particles are suspended by delivering amounts of liquid reagent to two different positions at a predetermined distance from the central longitudinal axis of a reaction vessel, such delivery generates a flow in the reaction vessel which suspends particles exclusively by injection of liquid, thus avoiding the need for subsequent shaking.

Abstract: An analytical device incorporating a system for suspending particles includes a conveying device for positioning a pipetting needle at a distance from the central longitudinal axis of the reaction vessel. Particles are suspended by delivering amounts of liquid reagent to two different positions at a predetermined distance from the central longitudinal axis of a reaction vessel, such delivery generates a flow in the reaction vessel which suspends particles exclusively by injection of liquid, thus avoiding the need for subsequent shaking.