Abstract: A data mining tool is described that includes a data structure populator that stores one or more first sets of data selected for querying into a first data structure. The tool also has a query builder that builds at least a first query based, at least in part, on one or more query parameters. Also included in the tool is a query manager that interrogates the first data structure with the first query. The one or more first sets of data are based, at least in part, on experiments using both synthesized probe arrays and spotted probe arrays.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparation of a substrate containing a plurality of sequences. Photoremovable groups are attached to a surface of a substrate. Selected regions of the substrate are exposed to light so as to activate the selected areas. A monomer, also containing a photoremovable group, is provided to the substrate to bind at the selected areas. The process is repeated using a variety of monomers such as amino acids until sequences of a desired length are obtained. Detection methods and apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that may be applied to scanning biological materials in or on probe arrays. For example, a system is described that includes a scanner that has one or more excitation sources and an emission receiving element, such as an objective lens, that receives from locations of the probe array an emission signal responsive to the excitation sources. The scanner also has a radial position generator that generates radial positions of the emission receiving element. Also included in the system is a computer memory having stored therein a plurality of position data, each representing a radial position of the emission receiving element. Also stored in the computer memory unit is a set of comparator instructions that generate a clock signal based, at least in part, on comparing one or more of the plurality of radial positions with one or more of the plurality of position data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparation of a substrate containing a plurality of sequences. Photoremovable groups are attached to a surface of a substrate. Selected regions of the substrate are exposed to light so as to activate the selected areas. A monomer, also containing a photoremovable group, is provided to the substrate to bind at the selected areas. The process is repeated using a variety of monomers such as amino acids until sequences of a desired length are obtained. Detection methods and apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: An attachment device is described for attaching a part to a structure. The part may be, for example, an optical element such as a lens or a mirror, that is to be attached, for example, to an optical instrument such as a scanner used to scan biological materials. The device includes a base and two or more holding elements coupled to the base. The holding elements may include a first group of two or more opposing holding elements of a first length and a second group of two or more opposing holding elements of a second length shorter than the first length. Each holding element flexibly engages at least one surface of the part when the device is engaged with the part. A third group of two or more opposing holding elements may also be provided that also are shorter than the first length and that rigidly engage the part. The base and the holding elements may be formed of a single piece of flexible material.

Abstract: Labeled targets on a support synthesized with polymer sequences at known locations according to the methods disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,143,854 and PCT WO 92/10092 or others, can be detected by exposing marked regions of sample to radiation from a source and detecting the emission therefrom, and repeating the steps of exposition and detection until the sample is completely examined.

Abstract: A synthetic strategy for the creation of large scale chemical diversity. Solid-phase chemistry, photolabile protecting groups, and photolithography are used to achieve light-directed spatially-addressable parallel chemical synthesis. Binary masking techniques are utilized in one embodiment. A reactor system, photoremovable protective groups, and improved data collection and handling techniques are also disclosed. A technique for screening linker molecules is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for blocking an unwanted sequence from been amplified, duplicated or reverse transcribed by using a blocking molecule. Preferred embodiments of the blocking molecule have sequences complimentary at least partially to the unwanted sequence. The preferred blocking molecule can be made of nucleic acids and analogues, for example, peptide nucleic acid and locked nucleic acid.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing items in parallel. Selected samples of items to be manufactured are subjected to additional steps in a manufacturing process. If such sample items meet the requisite quality control standard, remaining items are subjected to further manufacturing steps. If the sample items which have been further processed do not meet the requisite quality control standard, the lot from which the samples do not undergo the additional manufacturing step. Invention provides an improved method of manufacturing in that it prevents unnecessary manufacturing steps.