Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to growing plants. In one aspect, an apparatus include a platform, a light emitting diode (LED) panel, one or more imaging modules, a liquid handling unit, a robotic arm, with these components being positioned in a chamber. A first surface of the platform including features defining a plurality of areas, with each area defining a space for a plant growth device. The LED panel is positioned to illuminate the first surface of the platform. The heat exchanger is in thermal contact with a second surface of the platform. The imaging module includes an imaging device from the group a microscope, a camera, and a scanner. The liquid handling unit is operable to add and remove liquids from the plant growth device. The robotic arm is operable to pick up and move the plant growth device from the platform to an imaging module.

Abstract: Method and apparatus, including computer program products, implement techniques for quantifying a target nucleic acid (target) in a test sample.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems, including computer program products, implement techniques for determining an amount of target nucleic acid (“target”) in a sample. Signal data is received for a plurality of cycles of an amplification experiment performed on the target and a standard nucleic acid (“standard”). The signal data includes a series of signal values indicating a quantity of standard present during cycles of the standard amplification, and a series of signal values indicating a quantity of target present during cycles of the target amplification. A target growth curve value is defined using the target signal values and a standard growth curve value is defined using the standard signal values. An initial amount of the target is calculated according to a calibration equation using an initial amount of the standard, and the target and standard growth curve values, where the calibration equation is a nonlinear equation.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for simultaneously detecting mRNA expression levels of hormonal receptors, particularly both estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR), optionally in combination with growth factor receptors, particularly epidermal growth factor receptor ERBB2 (Her-2), and further optionally in combination with control genes, such as the housekeeping genes NUP214 and/or PPIG. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are useful for determining hormonal receptor and/or growth factor receptor status, particular both ER and PR status and optionally also ERBB2 status, such as for assessing or treating breast cancer.

Abstract: Method and apparatus, including computer program products, implement techniques for quantifying a target nucleic acid (target) in a test sample.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems, including computer program products, implement techniques for determining an amount of target nucleic acid (“target”) in a sample. Signal data is received for a plurality of cycles of an amplification experiment performed on the target and a standard nucleic acid (“standard”). The signal data includes a series of signal values indicating a quantity of standard present during cycles of the standard amplification, and a series of signal values indicating a quantity of target present during cycles of the target amplification. A target growth curve value is defined using the target signal values and a standard growth curve value is defined using the standard signal values. An initial amount of the target is calculated according to a calibration equation using an initial amount of the standard, and the target and standard growth curve values, where the calibration equation is a nonlinear equation.