Abstract: The invention provides methods for isolating a target molecule from a sample. In an embodiment, the method involves contacting a sample with a capture agent, the agent comprising a siderophore and a transition metal cation, under conditions wherein the agent is capable of binding a target molecule to form a target molecule-capture agent complex, wherein the target molecule is selected from the group consisting of a phosphorylated molecule, a nitrotyrosine-containing molecule and a sulfated molecule, and separating the target molecule-capture agent complex from the sample, thereby isolating the target molecule from the sample. Also provided are methods for determining the presence of a target molecule in a sample, that involve contacting a sample with a capture agent, the agent comprising a siderophore and a transition metal cation.

Abstract: A configurable mutual exclusion function oversees movement of appliances mobile over a common physical space in an automated laboratory workstation. A configurable mutex is allotted for each moveable appliance and is configurable to protect a task site when obtained for the respective appliance.

Abstract: Provided are methods for detecting a metabolic disorder in an individual using mass spectrometry. One method involves (a) contacting a sample containing (i) a metabolically indicative enzyme and (ii) a metabolic analyte, with a substrate for the enzyme to produce a reaction admixture, under conditions wherein the enzyme is capable of acting on a corresponding substrate to generate a product, and wherein a protease inhibitor is present; (b) contacting the reaction admixture with a reagent that inhibits the ability of the enzyme to act on a corresponding substrate, wherein the metabolic analyte and the product are soluble in the reagent; to produce a test sample and (c) determining the presence or amount of the metabolic analyte and the product contained in the test sample using mass spectrometry, wherein a determined presence or amount of the metabolic analyte and the product correlates with presence or absence of the metabolic disorder.

Abstract: Methods of evaluating molecular isomers of branched-chain amino acids are featured. The methods can include: derivatizing one or more molecular isomers of branched-chain amino acids in a sample comprising a branched-chain amino acid labeled with one or more heavy atoms as a first standard; adding, to the sample, after derivatization, a nonderivatized or derivatized branched chain amino acid that is labeled with one or more heavy atoms, as a second standard; evaluating the sample using tandem mass spectrometry; and detecting peaks indicative of derivatized and nonderivatized forms of one or more branched-chain amino acids in the sample.

Abstract: A gas chromatography system comprising a sample introduction device, an oven coupled to the sample introduction device and a detector coupled to the oven is disclosed. In certain examples, the oven may be configured to receive a chromatography column in a space in the oven. In some examples, the oven may be constructed and arranged to provide a substantially constant temperature to the space during an analysis stage of the gas chromatography system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of predicting pre-eclampsia (PE). The present invention also relates to a diagnostic kit for performing a method of predicting PE. In particular, the method determining the level of two or more markers selected from placenta growth factor (PlGF), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 (PAI-2) and leptin.

Abstract: A system for interfacing a sampling device and a chromatograph and for pre-concentrating analytes in a sample prior to introducing the sample into the chromatographic column is generally disclosed comprising an interface housing with a first channel and an adsorbent housing with a second channel, which contains at least one adsorbent. Valveless conduits permit fluid to be communicated between the sampling device and the first channel, between the first channel and the second channel, and the first channel and the column. In some embodiments, fluid flows in one direction when the analytes are adsorbed and in the opposite direction when analytes are desorbed. In certain embodiments, two different adsorbents are disposed in the second channel to adsorb different types of analytes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cooling a chromatographic column is disclosed generally, comprising heating a chromatographic column, supplying fluid into the column via the inlet end of the column at an inlet pressure, decreasing the temperature of the column, thereby causing the fluid in the column to contract, and controlling the fluid in the column such that the rate at which the fluid in the column contracts does not exceed the flow rate of the fluid supplied to the column. In certain embodiments, the rate of change of the volume of the fluid in the column as the column temperature decreases is modeled, and the rate of contraction of the gas in the column is estimated therefrom. In some embodiments, the column temperature and/or inlet pressure are controlled by a programmable chromatographic oven.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an array-based analytical system and method having an enhanced sensitivity which allows for simple and rapid analysis of relative unmodified samples which comprises an analytical system of the type having a plurality of different first members of a specific binding pair affixed in an array thereupon, a mixture including at least one second member of a specific binding pair capable of binding to one of the first members so as to form a specific binding pair which is affixed to the support member, and a reporter system that produces a detectable signal indicative of the presence of the specific binding pair on the support member and wherein the reporter system includes an amplified reporter system that is independent of layering.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a sensor comprising a support member, a sample sensor coupled to the support member and comprising a sample support electrically coupled to a first set of interconnects, and a reference sensor coupled to the support member and comprising a ring coupled to a second set of interconnects, in which the ring is positioned adjacent to and surrounding at least a portion of the sample support of the sample sensor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically locating and identifying labware using radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags are described herein. The methods and systems include a plurality of RFID tags (pre-programmed with unique data codes) that are associated with labware (or labware holders). For example, the RFID tags can be embedded within the locating pegs of the labware (or labware holders). The methods and systems also include a plurality of RFID tag readers that mount near known locations of an instrument deck which receives the labware. The RFID tag readers automatically scan for the presence of RFID tags such that when a piece of labware is added to the instrument deck, and then report to a processing device the specific known location on deck where each tag was found, as well as the unique data code of each tag. Using this information, the methods and systems determine one or more of the location, orientation, and identity of the received labware.

Abstract: A gas chromatography system comprising a sample introduction device, an oven coupled to the sample introduction device and a detector coupled to the oven is disclosed. In certain examples, the oven may be configured to receive a chromatography column in a space in the oven. In some examples, the oven may be constructed and arranged to provide a substantially constant temperature to the space during an analysis stage of the gas chromatography system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of predicting pre-eclampsia (PE). The present invention also relates to a diagnostic kit for performing a method of predicting PE. In particular, the method determining the level of two or more markers selected from placenta growth factor (PlGF), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 (PAI-2) and leptin.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a sensor comprising a support member, a sample sensor coupled to the support member and comprising a sample support electrically coupled to a first set of interconnects, and a reference sensor coupled to the support member and comprising a ring coupled to a second set of interconnects, in which the ring is positioned adjacent to and surrounding at least a portion of the sample support of the sample sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of predicting pre-eclampsia (PE). The present invention also relates to a diagnostic kit for performing a method of predicting PE. In particular, the method determining the level of two or more markers selected from placenta growth factor (PlGF), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 (PAI-2) and leptin.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for measuring a capacitance between a probe and a liquid, pausing movement of the probe based on a rate of change of the capacitance, further measuring the capacitance while the probe is paused, and, based on the further measurements, performing one or more of: resuming movement of the probe, determining a position of the probe, aspirating liquid into the probe, and dispensing from the probe. Resuming movement of the probe can include returning iteratively to measuring a capacitance, and the further measuring can be performed for a time interval that can vary based on the further measured capacitance(s), a probe movement characteristic, and/or a sampling rate.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to methods and apparatus for dispensing liquids to and aspirating liquids from a container. In particular, one aspect is directed to a liquid level sensing system that includes a probe constructed and arranged to be moved relative to a liquid sample, a signal source coupled to the probe to apply an applied signal to the probe, at least one detector coupled to the probe to detect at least one detected signal, the detected signal being related to the applied signal and having a rising edge and a falling edge, and a controller coupled to the detector and configured to detect presence of a noise signal based on at least one of the rising edge and the falling edge of the detected signal.

Abstract: The invention provides assay particles useful, for example, for detecting analytes and binding molecule interactions. One type of assay particle includes a core portion encased by a shell portion, wherein the shell portion comprises an inorganic phosphor that binds selectively to a target molecule. Another type of an assay particle includes a core portion encased by a shell portion, and a coat portion covering the shell portion, wherein the coat portion comprises an inorganic phosphor that binds selectively to a target molecule. A further type of assay particle includes a core portion encased by a shell portion, and a coat portion covering the shell portion, wherein the coat portion comprises an inorganic phosphor and a target selective binding moiety, and wherein the assay particle is buoyant in aqueous media.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical gas sensor having a substrate, substrate surface for depositing electrodes thereon, counter and sensing electrodes for measuring current flow, an electrolyte for providing an electrical connection between the electrodes, and an electrode surface having minimal porosity, pore size, and thickness for deterring flooding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing a reactor having a heater, a passage for transporting a reactant, and a chamber containing a gas sample and being coupled to the passage for receiving the reactant and mixing the reactant with the gas sample. The reactor further includes a connector leading from the chamber to the heater for transporting a mixture of the reactant and gas sample, and wherein the heater heats the mixture of the reactant and gas sample.