Abstract: The invention provides a diverse population of uniquely labeled probes, containing about thirty or more target specific nucleic acid probes each attached to a unique label bound to a nucleic acid. Also provided is a method of producing a population of uniquely labeled nucleic acid probes. Also provided is a method of detecting a nucleic acid analyte. The method consists of (a) contacting a mixture of nucleic acid analytes under conditions sufficient for hybridization with a plurality of target specific nucleic acid probes each having a different specifier; (b) contacting the mixture under conditions sufficient for hybridization with a corresponding plurality of anti-genedigits each having a unique label, the plurality of anti-genedigits having a diversity sufficient to uniquely hybridize to genedigits within the specifiers, and (c) uniquely detecting a hybridized complex between one or more analytes in the mixture, a target specific probe, and an anti-genedigit.

Abstract: New markers for diseased liver conditions have been identified. A combination of protein C (PROC) and retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) in blood are biomarkers to distinguish patients at different stages of hepatic fibrosis due, for example, to chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Also, alpha-1-B glycoprotein (A1BG), complement factor H (CFH) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein acid labile subunit (IGFALS) distinguish subjects with chronic or acute liver conditions such as hepatitis infection or liver fibrosis from healthy controls.

Abstract: Methods of using halogenated peptides as internal standards for liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and novel halogenated peptides useful for the same, are disclosed. In particular, methods of using halogenated peptides as internal standards in proteomic analyses, as well as methods of using halogenated peptides to conduct quality control assessments of and/or to calibrate liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry systems are disclosed.