Abstract: The invention provides methods for diagnosing biological states or conditions based on ratios of gene expression data from tissue samples, such as cancer tissue samples. The invention also provides sets of genes that are expressed differentially in malignant pleural mesothelioma. These sets of genes can be used to discriminate between normal and malignant tissues, and between classes of malignant tissues. Accordingly, diagnostic assays for classification of tumors, prediction of tumor outcome, selecting and monitoring treatment regimens and monitoring tumor progression/regression also are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for diagnosing biological states or conditions based on ratios of gene expression data from tissue samples, such as cancer tissue samples. The invention also provides sets of genes that are expressed differentially in malignant pleural mesothelioma. These sets of genes can be used to discriminate between normal and malignant tissues, and between classes of malignant tissues. Accordingly, diagnostic assays for classification of tumors, prediction of tumor outcome, selecting and monitoring treatment regimens and monitoring tumor progression/regression also are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for diagnosing biological states or conditions based on ratios of gene expression data from tissue samples, such as cancer tissue samples. The invention also provides sets of genes that are expressed differentially in malignant pleural mesothelioma. These sets of genes can be used to discriminate between normal and malignant tissues, and between classes of malignant tissues. Accordingly, diagnostic assays for classification of tumors, prediction of tumor outcome, selecting and monitoring treatment regimens and monitoring tumor progression/regression also are provided.

Abstract: A method for quantitatively determining the total organic carbon and vitrinite reflectance of rocks and sediments utilizes the entire visible light spectrum. A sample is prepared and placed in a spectrophotometer. The spectrophotometer has a light source that produces the entire visible light spectrum. A monochromator passes narrow wavelength bands of the source light therethrough to illuminate the sample. The total diffuse reflectance spectrum is obtained from the sample using the spectrophotometer. The reflectance spectral data are processed by determining the first derivative and by comparing it to calibration data of known total organic carbon and vitrinite reflectance.