摘要:
An automated method and system for determining an optimal focus distance for scanning a molecular array scanner. Blocks of rows of a reference array are automatically scanned at successively greater distances of the stage from a light gathering medium, such as an optical fiber, or z-positions, to produce data providing a functional relationship between z-position and measured signal intensities. The data is then processed by a peak-height-based, or window-based, focus-finding routine that selects an optimal focus-distance for data scans.
摘要:
A reader is provided that, itself, addresses the issue of damage or degradation to arrays within the reader by virtue of air exposure. In doing so, experimental variability is reduced, and read/scan signal strength degradation is minimized for arrays/slides scanned or otherwise read toward the end of a run. The subject scanners employ a filter that reduces the amount of chemicals in the air inside the device that are harmful to the array, or the dye on the array. The implementation of adding a chemical filter to the reader device may be such that air is either drawn into or, alternatively, pushed through the filter into the same. It is possible that the entirety of the device may be provided with filtered air, or just the region holding slides to be scanned. Array readers so-constructed as well as associated methodology involving filtering incoming air while reading arrays are covered.
摘要:
A method and system for calibrating molecular arrays to a reference molecular array, and for subsequently calibrating the molecular arrays to maintain a constant signal-intensity-to-label-concentration ratio. In the first step of the two-step calibration method, a reference array coated with the fluorophore or chromophore used to label probe molecules is employed, while in the second step of the two-step method, a reference array coated with a stable dye is employed.
摘要:
Calibration devices for optical scanners and methods for their use are provided. The subject devices are characterized by having a polymeric coating with at least one fluorescent agent, where the devices have minimal local and global nonuniformities. The subject device may also include one or more photobleached regions. In using the subject devices, a surface is illuminated with at least one light source, fluorescence data is obtained from the surface and the optical system is calibrated based upon the obtained fluorescence data. The subject invention finds use in a variety of optical scanners, including biopolymeric array optical scanners. Also provided are kits for use in verifying and calibrating optical scanners.
摘要:
Devices and methods for performing an array assay are provided. Embodiments of the subject array assay devices include (1) a base, (2) a cover, and (3) a clamping member for holding the cover to the base, wherein when the cover is operatively held to the base about a structure that includes an array assembly spaced-apart from a backing element, the array assembly and the backing element are deflected to substantially the same curvature. Embodiments of the subject methods include contacting a sample with a backing element and placing the backing element supported sample in contact with an array assembly to form a structure that includes the backing element and array assembly. The structure is then held together using a subject array assay device and the array substrate and the backing element are deflected to substantially the same curvature.
摘要:
Calibration devices for optical scanners and methods for their use are provided. The subject devices are characterized by having a polymeric coating with at least one fluorescent agent, where the devices have minimal local and global nonuniformities. The subject device may also include one or more photobleached regions. In using the subject devices, a surface is illuminated with at least one light source, fluorescence data is obtained from the surface and the optical system is calibrated based upon the obtained fluorescence data. The subject invention finds use in a variety of optical scanners, including biopolymeric array optical scanners. Also provided are kits for use in verifying and calibrating optical scanners.
摘要:
A process for preparing calcium-supplemented, ready-to-serve, not-from-concentrate (NFC) fruit juice beverages is disclosed. This process involves circulating an acidified NFC juice stream containing citric and malic acid from a blend tank through a mixing zone that creates turbulent flow. A powdered source of calcium is then added to this acidified juice stream in the mixing zone. The calcium supplemented juice is recirculated back to the blend tank until the acidified juice comprises from about 0.05 to about 0.26% by weight solubilized calcium.
摘要:
A process for the analysis of organic pollutants from an aqueous sample is provided including injecting an extraction solvent under pressure in the form of a plurality of substantially uniform droplets into the sample containing one or more pollutants. The solvent droplets are collected and then analyzed for the presence of the pollutants. The apparatus includes a sample holding column, a solvent reservoir, a source of gas under pressure, and a nozzle having one or more outlet ports which subdivides the solvent into small uniform droplets to enhance mass transfer of pollutants from the sample into the solvent.
摘要:
Process timing and controlling system for use in photographic darkrooms involving multiple timing and control process steps including a control console, programmable in at least one channel to step through substantially all timing and control process steps, timing means in at least one channel for measuring time remaining in a particular process step, timing indicator means in at least one channel for indicating time remaining in a particular process step, a source of power connecting the console and the timing means which when activated supplies power to the console and timing mean, means for initiating a program step in at least one channel, switching means in at least one channel for stepping through the steps independently of the programmed time, a plurality of relays for operating programmed timing and control functions, and relay driving means programmed to select an appropriate output to activate the relay.