Abstract: Disclosed are methods for identifying genetic mosaicisms in cell populations. Suitable cell populations include, e.g., biopsy or body fluid samples or cultures of cancer cells. The method includes performing array-based comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), wherein a plurality of cloned genomic nucleic acid segments is provided in a plurality of identical replicas, each cloned segment immobilized to a discrete and known spot on a substrate surface to form the array, and the cloned genomic nucleic acid segments comprise a substantially complete first genome of a known first karyotype. The invention also provides methods for optimizing performance of an array-based comparative genomic hybridization (CGH).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for automatically sensing the presence (or absence) of spot dispensers such as pins in various possible mounting locations in the printhead of a microarray spotting instrument. Pin-location data obtained by the method and apparatus is provided to the computer controller of the instrument, which uses the data to control the motion of the printhead during operation of the instrument. A pin detection apparatus includes one or more sensor elements that automatically sense possible pin locations in the printhead for the presence of pins. The sensor elements are preferably arranged in an array corresponding to the array of pin locations in the printhead so that pin detection at each pin location can be performed simultaneously. Various types of sensor elements can be used to locate pins in a printhead. For example, sensors can be used that are remote from or attached to a printhead.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention provides compilations of nucleic acids, articles of manufacture, e.g., arrays, and methods for the detection of chromosomal abnormalities, such as a chromosomal aneuploidies, deletions, amplifications, and the like, and the diagnosis or prognosis of syndromes associated with a contiguous gene abnormality. Kits are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical gas generator including a substrate for providing a surface for electrode deposition, a first electrode deposited on the surface for providing an electrical connection with a conducting medium, a second electrode deposited on the substrate for generating a gas, and a plurality of members extending from at least one side of the first electrode placed alternately with a plurality of extensions protruding from at least one side of the second electrode for improving generator efficiency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a web-based instrument interface including software executing on an instrument controller computer system that receives a web file from a web browsing software executing on a remote computer. The web-based interface also extracts a command or a request for status information from the web file, generates and transmits to an analytical instrument a signal indicative of the extracted command or request for status information, receives a signal from the analytical instrument indicative of the status thereof, and generates and transmits to the web browsing software executing on the remote computer a web file based upon the received signal from the analytical instrument indicative of the status thereof.

Abstract: The disclosure features, inter alia, methods and compositions for detecting, isolating, and/or analyzing one or more analytes such as, but not limited to, biomolecules (e.g., proteins, glycoproteins, lipids (e.g., sphingolipids), and carbohydrates). Such methods and compositions are useful in, e.g., the discovery of novel proteins, or the amino acid sequence of novel proteins, or identifying biomarkers for diseases such as cancer, immunological disorders, or microbial infections.

Abstract: An analyte pre-concentrator for gas chromatography is disclosed generally comprising a tube having a restricted outlet and packed with an adsorbent, wherein the tube serves as the liner of a chromatographic injector, as an adsorbent trap coupled to a chromatographic column, and/or as an adsorbent trap coupled to a headspace sampler. Preferably, a heating device allows the tube to be heated. In a preferred embodiment, the analyte pre-concentrator further comprises a column isolating accessory so that a chromatographic column can be temporarily isolated from substances flowing through the tube.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed that include an optical device for providing information about one or more samples. The system includes well(s) for holding the sample(s), and in one embodiment, the optical device(s) have non-parallel sidewalls optically contacting the well(s) for providing the information about the sample(s) in the well(s). In some embodiments the optical devices may be truncated prism(s). In some embodiments the optical devices are part of a unibody structure with the well(s).

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical gas generator including a substrate for providing a surface for electrode deposition, a first electrode deposited on the surface for providing an electrical connection with a conducting medium, a second electrode deposited on the substrate for generating a gas, and a plurality of members extending from at least one side of the first electrode placed alternately with a plurality of extensions protruding from at least one side of the second electrode for improving generator efficiency.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds of the general formulas: wherein Y is a moiety capable of being cleaved by a hydrolytic enzyme; L is a detectable label; X is a linking group; Z is a halogen; and R is hydrogen, an alkyl, or a halogen. Compounds of this general formula can be used as substrates in an analyte-dependent enzyme activation system, such as that employed in connection with catalyzed reporter depositions. Also disclosed are assays using the compounds, and kits for carrying out the assays.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for isolating an analyte of interest in a sample suspected of containing the analyte of interest using two-dimensional planar electrochromatography. The methods comprise treating at least a portion of the sample with a mobility modifier capable of modifying the mobility of the analyte of interest after the second dimension of planar electrochromatography. Kits and compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods that include a thermal desorption unit, a chromatographic column, and an interface device between the unit and the column. The interface device controls the fluid flowing into the column, such as by providing additional carrier gas to maintain a substantially constant gas flow or velocity, by proving a controlled temperature increase, or by venting a portion of the gas received from the thermal desorption unit, thereby removing the dependence on the thermal desorption unit for such control. In some embodiments, the interface is a chromatographic injector. In certain embodiments, a transfer line from the desorption unit is coupled to the same port of the interface device as the chromatographic column. In some of these embodiments, this is accomplished by employing a special adaptor.

Abstract: Detection apparatus for performing surface plasmon resonance (SPR) measurements on a sample includes a support having side walls and a bottom wall defining a plurality of adjacent wells. The bottom wall has integrated therein SPR detectors underlying the wells for detecting the refractive indexes of samples deposited in the wells. Each SPR detector includes a prism having an exterior entrance surface, an exterior exit facet and an interior sensing surface located at the bottom of the overlying well, and a thin metal layer coated on the sensing surface. The prism may be molded from a transparent polymer into the bottom of a standard-format microplate structure. That structure may be used in conjunction with an SPR measuring or reading instrument to perform label-less assay measurements on various samples in an efficient and reliable manner. A method of acquiring the assay measurements is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods that include providing a vessel having an adsorbent disposed therein, the vessel having an inlet and an outlet for communicating a carrier gas through the vessel; determining a differential pressure between the inlet and the outlet for a known flow rate at the outlet; and, determining a geometric measure for the vessel based on a ratio of the known flow rate and the differential pressure. In some embodiments, the methods and systems can include a viscosity in the ratio, determining a flow rate at ambient pressure using a factor based on a ratio of a gas pressure at the output and ambient pressure, and/or, determining a flow rate at ambient temperature using a factor based on a ratio of a temperature at the output and ambient temperature.

Abstract: The technology described herein relates to methods of detecting or predicting pre-eclampsia (PE). The technology described herein also relates to commercial packages, such as diagnostic kits, for performing a method of detecting or predicting PE. In particular, the technology described herein provides methods of predicting pre-eclampsia when determining the levels of biochemical markers.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and compositions useful in detecting enzymatic activity. Also featured are methods for diagnosing enzyme deficiencies such as metabolic disorders.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for multiplexed assays using magnetic and non-magnetic particles. Also disclosed are methods and compositions for performing multi-step assays within a single assay vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for evaluating genomic content using encoded particles to evaluate multiple samples in parallel.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for a chromatography system having a chromatographic column for separating gases in a mixture from one another and an electrochemical gas sensor coupled to the chromatographic column for detecting a gas being emitted from the column. The electrochemical gas sensor further includes a substrate having a surface for depositing electrodes thereon, an ionomer membrane in contact with the surface, an electrode in contact with the surface, and an opening in the ionomer membrane in a location proximate to the electrode for permitting a gas to diffuse through the opening to simultaneously contact the electrode and the ionomer membrane within the opening.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed that include an optical device for providing information about one or more samples. The system includes well(s) for holding the sample(s), and in one embodiment, the optical device(s) have non-parallel sidewalls optically contacting the well(s) for providing the information about the sample(s) in the well(s). In some embodiments the optical devices may be truncated prism(s). In some embodiments the optical devices are part of a unibody structure with the well(s).