MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation' source. Sat, 28 Jan 2012 11:38:57 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5419575&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211001604%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes A new report from Avid Nano demonstrates how its BladeCell disposable cuvette improves dynamic light scattering (DLS) sample preparation time by a factor of 8 compared with using traditional quartz cuvettes. The 5-μL BladeCell cuvette is precision molded in black polycarbonate and requires no sample preparation beyond centrifuging to reduce the possibility of dust contamination that can affect DLS measurements. To fill, 5μL of sample is simply pipetted against the walls of the BladeCell liquid trap, where it is retained by surface tension. The prepared cuvette is placed into the temperature controlled sample holder of the Avid Nano W130i, where it can be analyzed by DLS in seconds. After analysis, the sample is recovered by dipping a pipette tip into the liquid trap and removing the cont... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5419575 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:04:03 +0100 5419575 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5419574&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211001616%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This was an exceptionally exciting year for JALA. It started off with news from Thomson’s Journal Citation Reports that JALA had been added to Thomson Reuter’s Science Citation Index Expanded (also known as SciSearch), Journal Citation Reports/Science Edition, Biological Abstracts, and BIOSIS Previews. This meant that JALA would have an impact factor! JALA was added with the 2009 volume, so during 2011, Thomson’s tracked citations to articles published in 2009 and 2010, and JALA’s first impact factor will be announced in June of 2012. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5419574 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:04:03 +0100 5419574 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5419573&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211001665%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5419573 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:04:03 +0100 5419573 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5419572&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211001653%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5419572 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:04:03 +0100 5419572 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5419571&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211001872%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes JALA is a multi-disciplinary international forum devoted to the advancement of technology in the laboratory. It is the official, peer-reviewed journal of the Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS). Six issues are published each year, providing a unique forum for the presentation of method-focused scientific papers, and related news, events, and product announcements. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5419571 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:04:03 +0100 5419571 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5419570&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211001628%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Jim was born on July 3, 1940, in Kansas City, MO. He began his successful career by earning a B.S. degree in chemistry from the University of Kansas in 1962 followed by his Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1967. Jim then joined Hercules Powder Company in Wilmington, DE, and shortly thereafter, he moved to Waters Associates (now Waters Corporation). I met Jim at Waters when I joined the company in late 1968, thus beginning almost 30 years of close collaboration, personal friendship, and business partnership at Waters and the Zymark Corporation. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5419570 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:04:03 +0100 5419570 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5419569&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211001586%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5419569 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:04:03 +0100 5419569 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5419562&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211001598%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Cardiac safety testing of lead drug candidates is an important part of the drug discovery and development process. All new chemical entities need to be subjected to extensive preclinical assessment for cardiac liability, especially for a potentially fatal form of ventricular arrhythmia referred to as Torsades de Pointes. We have developed an innovative label-free, real-time system, the xCELLigence RTCA Cardio System, which is designed to monitor contractility of cardiomyocytes based on impedance measurement. The assay is performed using specially designed microtiter plates that are integrated with gold microelectrodes. The system was validated using mouse embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, and rat neonatal primary cardiom... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5419562 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:04:03 +0100 5419562 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5419560&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS221106821100163X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5419560 Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:04:03 +0100 5419560 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5419561&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211001057%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology is a promising tool for identifying and characterizing unknown pathogens, but its usefulness in time-critical biodefense and public health applications is currently limited by the lack of fast, efficient, and reliable automated DNA sample preparation methods. To address this limitation, we are developing a digital microfluidic (DMF) platform to function as a fluid distribution hub, enabling the integration of multiple subsystem modules into an automated NGS library sample preparation system. A novel capillary interface enables highly repeatable transfer of liquid between the DMF device and the external fluidic modules, allowing both continuous-flow and droplet-based sample manipulations to be performed in one integrated system. Here, we highligh... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5419561 Mon, 26 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5419561 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5419568&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211001070%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This article describes how microfluidics can be exploited to come closer to this goal in combination with precision-cut liver slices (PCLS) as an improved organomimetic system. Recently, we developed a novel microfluidic-based system incorporating a microchamber for slice perifusion to perform drug metabolism studies with mammalian PCLS under continuous flow. In the present study, the viability and metabolism of human PCLS were assessed by the measurement of the leakage of liver-specific enzymes and metabolism of four different substrates: lidocaine, 7-hydroxycoumarin, 7-ethoxycoumarin, and testosterone. All experiments were verified with well plates, an excellent benchmark for these experiments. Clearly, however, human tissue is not readily available, and it is worth considering how to pe... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5419568 Fri, 23 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5419568 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5419566&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211001021%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The ability to interrogate and track single cells over time in a high-throughput format would provide critical information for fundamental biological understanding of processes and for various applications, including drug screening and toxicology. We have developed an ultrarapid and simple method to create single-cell wells of controllable diameter and depth with commodity shrink-wrap film and tape. Using a programmable CO2 laser, we cut hole arrays into the tape. The tape then serves as a shadow mask to selectively etch wells into commodity shrink-wrap film by O2 plasma. When the shrink-wrap film retracts upon briefly heating, high-aspect plastic microwell arrays with diameters down to 20μm are readily achieved. We calibrated the loading procedure with fluorescent microbeads. Finally, we... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5419566 Fri, 23 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5419566 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5419565&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211001082%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This article outlines some of the basic unit operations of acoustophoresis, where applications as cell washing, binary separation, free-flow acoustophoresis, and affinity acoustophoresis are highlighted. The most recent steps to move acoustophoresis into clinical and preclinical applications are also presented. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5419565 Fri, 23 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5419565 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5419563&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211001112%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Recent advances in imaging technology for biomedicine, including high-speed microscopy, automated microscopy, and imaging flow cytometry are poised to have a large impact on clinical diagnostics, drug discovery, and biological research. Enhanced acquisition speed, resolution, and automation of sample handling are enabling researchers to probe biological phenomena at an increasing rate and achieve intuitive image-based results. However, the rich image sets produced by these tools are massive, possessing potentially millions of frames with tremendous depth and complexity. As a result, the tools introduce immense computational requirements, and, more importantly, the fact that image analysis operates at a much lower speed than image acquisition limits its ability to play a role in critical ta... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5419563 Fri, 23 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5419563 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5205475&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS221106821100091X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This new note demonstrates how the Bravo liquid handling system provides an efficient platform for automation of a SISCAPA Magnetic Bead Workflow for protein biomarker quantification by MS. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5205475 Sun, 11 Sep 2011 07:52:40 +0100 5205475 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5205474&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211001100%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In the spirit of multidisciplinary research at the interface of fundamental science and engineering and technology translation, it is with great pleasure that we announce this year's JALA TEN. These honorees exemplify the heart of JALA's foundation, which seeks to highlight important discoveries that will impact the multitude of disciplines that our audience seeks to innovate, including laboratory automation, microfluidics and nanofluidics, drug screening and discovery, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and diagnostics. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5205474 Sun, 11 Sep 2011 07:52:40 +0100 5205474 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5205473&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS221106821100115X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5205473 Sun, 11 Sep 2011 07:52:40 +0100 5205473 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5205472&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211001148%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5205472 Sun, 11 Sep 2011 07:52:40 +0100 5205472 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5205471&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211001355%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes JALA is a multi-disciplinary international forum devoted to the advancement of technology in the laboratory. It is the official, peer-reviewed journal of the Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS). Six issues are published each year, providing a unique forum for the presentation of method-focused scientific papers, and related news, events, and product announcements. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5205471 Sun, 11 Sep 2011 07:52:40 +0100 5205471 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5205470&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211001069%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5205470 Sun, 11 Sep 2011 07:52:40 +0100 5205470 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5205469&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211001094%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes “We are proud to recognize the work that is inspiring the next-generation of medical advances.” (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5205469 Sun, 11 Sep 2011 07:52:40 +0100 5205469 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5205459&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211001124%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5205459 Sun, 11 Sep 2011 07:52:40 +0100 5205459 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5049707&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211000416%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The new white paper describes how the Agilent Bravo for Protein Purification Liquid-Handling Platform together with AssayMAP high-throughput microchromatography system was designed specifically to meet all of the technical requirements for quantitative sample preparation for protein analysis. The AssayMAP system is composed of a microchromatography cartridge, special-associated labware, and a liquid-handling device designed to interface with the cartridge and provide precise flow control in a 96-channel microplate format. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5049707 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 04:35:47 +0100 5049707 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5049706&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211000428%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Last month, I was pleased to announce that JALA was accepted for indexing by Thomson's Journal Citation Reports. This month, I am even more pleased to report that JALA also was accepted by the U.S. National Library of Medicine for indexing by MEDLINE, the largest component of PubMed. So now I shall repeat myself: Is this exciting news? Yes! Is this cause for celebration? Definitely! (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5049706 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 04:35:46 +0100 5049706 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5049705&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211000805%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5049705 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 04:35:46 +0100 5049705 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5049704&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211000799%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5049704 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 04:35:46 +0100 5049704 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5049703&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211000878%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes JALA is a multi-disciplinary international forum devoted to the advancement of technology in the laboratory. It is the official, peer-reviewed journal of the Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS). Six issues are published each year, providing a unique forum for the presentation of method-focused scientific papers, and related news, events, and product announcements. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5049703 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 04:35:45 +0100 5049703 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5049702&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS221106821100043X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This protocol describes regional photopatterning of polyacrylamide gels in glass microfluidic devices as a platform for seamless integration of multiple assay steps. The technology enables rapid, automated protein immunoblotting, demonstrated in this study for native western blotting. The fabrication procedure is straightforward and requires approximately 3h from the start of gel photopatterning to completion of native protein western blotting, a substantial time savings over slab-gel immunoblotting. The assay itself requires less than 5min. Importantly, all assay stages are programmably controlled by a high-voltage power supply and monitored by an epifluorescence microscope equipped with a charge-coupled device camera. This approach of M. He and A. E. Herr from University of California Be... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5049702 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 04:35:43 +0100 5049702 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5049700&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211000441%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The molecular biological techniques for plasmid-based assembly and cloning of gene open reading frames are essential for elucidating the function of the proteins encoded by the genes. High-throughput integrated robotic molecular biology platforms that have the capacity to rapidly clone and express heterologous gene open reading frames in bacteria and yeast and to screen large numbers of expressed proteins for optimized function are an important technology for improving microbial strains for biofuel production. The process involves the production of full-length complementary DNA libraries as a source of plasmid-based clones to express the desired proteins in active form for determination of their functions. Proteins that were identified by high-throughput screening as having desired charact... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5049700 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 04:35:40 +0100 5049700 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5049694&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211000775%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5049694 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 04:35:35 +0100 5049694 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5419567&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS221106821100074X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Protein analysis (using either specific protein quantitation by methods such as HPLC and immunoassays or structural analysis by methods such as LC-MS) usually requires significant sample preparation, including quantitative purification of the target protein from complex sample matrices and potentially enzymatic treatment or labeling. We have developed platform for high-throughput microchromatography, capable of running 96 or more small volume samples in parallel, producing from 10pg to 100μg of purified protein from each sample.The platform is based on disposable cartridge devices with 5μL packed bed of resin. The cartridges may be operated as spin columns or run on a modified 96-channel liquid handler with ultra-low dead volume syringes that directly connect to the cartridges, providing... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5419567 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5419567 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5419564&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211000751%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Tissue dynamics spectroscopy combines dynamic light scattering with short-coherence digital holography to capture intracellular motion inside multicellular tumor spheroid tissue models. The cellular mechanical activity becomes an endogenous imaging contrast agent for motility contrast imaging. Fluctuation spectroscopy is performed on dynamic speckle from the proliferating shell and hypoxic core to generate drug–response spectrograms that are frequency versus time representations of the changes in spectral content induced by an applied compound or an environmental perturbation. A combination of 28 reference compounds and conditions applied to rat osteogenic UMR-106 spheroids generated spectrograms that were crosscorrelated in a similarity matrix used for unsupervised hierarchical clusteri... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5419564 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5419564 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5205465&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211000763%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This article describes device integration with an emerging standard in laboratory automation. The architecture of a library is described, which offers smart adaptation to the standard and a smooth integration into a laboratory automation environment. The library has a plugin interface to allow making any device standard compliant. It allows the use on embedded hardware, and it supports its use with different programming languages. With a tiny starter application, the library can be used as a stand-alone application, and it can be started out of an existing device controller. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5205465 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5205465 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4840937&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211000386%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes A new technical note from Agilent Automation Solutions describes a BioCel System that offers the flexibility to accommodate different HTS assays as well as new protocols and hardware. The system includes a selection of liquid handlers and readers and an active environmental control for the entire system. A multimode reader, bulk reagent dispensers, plate washer, and the Agilent Vertical Pipetting Station allow assays to be run in 96-, 384-, or 1536-format. The active environmental control used by the Agilent BioCel System allows assays to be run at constant temperature (ambient up to 37°C), avoiding edge effects often caused by transport into and out of incubators. The high-precision, low-volume pipettor and the large plate storage capacity allow the compound plate bank to be run alongsid... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4840937 Thu, 19 May 2011 23:17:19 +0100 4840937 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4840936&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211000040%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The news that JALA was accepted for indexing by Thomson’s Journal Citation Reports marked another important milestone in JALA’s evolution and is a testament to the quality and commitment of the many scientific professionals who fuel JALA’s vision and craft its reality. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4840936 Thu, 19 May 2011 23:17:19 +0100 4840936 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4840935&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211000489%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4840935 Thu, 19 May 2011 23:17:19 +0100 4840935 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4840934&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211000477%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4840934 Thu, 19 May 2011 23:17:19 +0100 4840934 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4840933&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS221106821100057X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes JALA is a multi-disciplinary international forum devoted to the advancement of technology in the laboratory. It is the official, peer-reviewed journal of the Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS). Six issues are published each year, providing a unique forum for the presentation of method-focused scientific papers, and related news, events, and product announcements. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4840933 Thu, 19 May 2011 23:17:19 +0100 4840933 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4840932&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211000398%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Using a diverse collection of small molecules generated from a variety of sources, Clemons et al. from the Broad Institute measure protein-binding activities of each individual compound against each of 100 diverse (sequence-unrelated) proteins using small-molecule microarrays. They also analyze structural features, including complexity, of the small molecules. They find that compounds from different sources (commercial, academic, natural) have different protein-binding behaviors and that these behaviors correlate with general trends in stereochemical and shape descriptors for these compound collections. Increasing the content of sp(3)-hybridized and stereogenic atoms relative to compounds from commercial sources, which compose of the majority of current screening collections, improves bin... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4840932 Thu, 19 May 2011 23:17:19 +0100 4840932 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4840930&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211000027%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This report contains dye selection rationale for the S101 dye and its use in quantifying the performance of 96- and 384-well dilution protocols as tested on five identical instruments. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4840930 Thu, 19 May 2011 23:17:18 +0100 4840930 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4840929&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211000052%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Sample preparation is the most time-consuming part of the analytical method for powder for oral suspension (POS) assay, purity, and preservative analysis, as this involves multiple dilution and filtration steps. The Tablet Processing Workstation (TPW) was used to automate the sample preparation of a POS formulation. Although the TPW is typically used to automate the preparation of solid oral dosage forms and powders, it contains all of the necessary components to perform POS sample preparation. The TPW exhibited acceptable repeatability in testing 3 lots using 10 replicate preparations per lot. Acceptable linearity of the drug and preservative in the presence of excipients was demonstrated over the range corresponding to 50–150% of intent. Accuracy showed suitable recoveries for all poin... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4840929 Thu, 19 May 2011 23:17:18 +0100 4840929 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4840926&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211000039%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Implementation of regenerative medicine in the clinical setting requires not only biological inventions, but also the development of reproducible and safe method for cell isolation and expansion. As the currently used manual techniques do not fulfill these requirements, there is a clear need to develop an adequate robotic platform for automated, large-scale production of cells or cell-based products. Here, we demonstrate an automated liquid-handling cell-culture platform that can be used to isolate, expand, and characterize human primary cells (e.g., from intervertebral disc tissue) with results that are comparable to the manual procedure. Specifically, no differences could be observed for cell yield, viability, aggregation rate, growth rate, and phenotype. Importantly, all steps-from the ... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4840926 Thu, 19 May 2011 23:17:16 +0100 4840926 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4840925&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211000349%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This report presents the high-resolution image acquisition and processing instrument for compound management applications (HIAPI-CM). The HIAPI-CM combines imaging spectroscopy and machine-vision analysis to perform rapid assessment of high-throughput screening (HTS) compound library quality. It has been customized to detect and classify typical artifacts found in HTS compound library microtiter plates (MTPs). These artifacts include (1) insufficient volume of liquid compound sample, (2) compound precipitation, and (3) colored compounds that interfere with HTS assay detection format readout. The HIAPI-CM is also configured to automatically query and compare its analysis results to data stored in a LIMS or corporate database, aiding in the detection of compound registration errors. To demon... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4840925 Thu, 19 May 2011 23:17:16 +0100 4840925 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4840924&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211000404%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Microinjection is the most flexible transfection method in terms of choice of reagents to inject into cells. But this method lacks the high throughput to compete with less flexible methods like chemical- or viral-based approaches. Various approaches have been pursued to increase the throughput by automating the microinjection process. However, these approaches focused solely on the microinjection itself and disregarded the tasks before and after the injection, which also belong to the critical time path of the whole process, that is, sorting out viable cells from a cell suspension, placing the cell for injection, and collecting the cell after the injection. In the approach with our XenoFactor, we demonstrate a system capable of running the whole process automatically. By optimizing the Xen... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4840924 Thu, 19 May 2011 23:17:15 +0100 4840924 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4840923&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211000192%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The increasing interest in studying the interactions between cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM) has created a need for high throughput low-cost three-dimensional (3D) culture systems. The recent development of tubeless microfluidics via passive pumping provides a high throughput microchannel culture platform compatible with existing high throughput infrastructures (e.g., automated liquid handlers). Here, we build on a previously reported high throughput two-dimensional system to create a robust automated system for 3D culture. Operational controls including temperature and sample handling have been characterized and automated. Human mammary fibroblasts (HMFs) suspended in type I collagen are loaded and cultured in microchannel arrays and used to optimize the system operational param... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4840923 Thu, 19 May 2011 23:17:15 +0100 4840923 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4840922&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211000453%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4840922 Thu, 19 May 2011 23:17:15 +0100 4840922 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5049699&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211000362%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Traditionally, G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) were thought to function as monomeric units activating linear signaling pathways to reach a single functional response. However, it is now recognized that GPCRs can exist as higher order structures, such as homomers or heteromers. The potential for unique pharmacology attributed to these GPCR complexes has opened up the possibility of a new class of targets that can be exploited for drug discovery. In this innovation brief, a novel technology developed to identify and profile GPCR heteromers and their ligands will be reviewed. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5049699 Mon, 09 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5049699 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5049697&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211000350%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The BD ProbeTec CT Qx Amplified DNA Assay and the BD ProbeTec GC Qx Amplified DNA Assay (both BD Diagnostics, Sparks, MD) represent two new assays developed for use with the BD Viper System with XTR Technology (BD Diagnostics). These assays were built on the foundation of the former BD ProbeTec ET assays (BD Diagnostics) and its accompanying instrumentation. The study described below compared the new assay format, Extracted Mode, to the former assay format, Nonextracted Mode, with the primary objective of examining and measuring overall time expenditures and efficiency of operation. An 80–142-min reduction in “hands-on” total processing time was observed for the Extracted Mode whether testing urines or swabs. The second objective was to assess the accuracy of performance at low simul... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5049697 Mon, 09 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5049697 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5049696&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211000374%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Manipulation of biological cells becomes increasingly important in biomedical engineering to address challenge issues in cell–cell interaction, drug discovery, and tissue engineering. Significant demand for both accuracy and productivity in cell manipulation highlights the need for automated cell transportation with integrated robotics and micro/nano manipulation technologies. Optical tweezers, which use highly focused low-power laser beams to trap and manipulate particles at micro/nanoscale, have emerged as an essential tool for manipulating single cells. In this article, we propose to use a robot-tweezer manipulation system to solve the problem of automatic transportation of biological cells, where optical tweezers function as special robot end effectors. Dynamics equation of the cell ... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5049696 Mon, 09 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5049696 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5049695&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510002066%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes An automatic calibration and angle-scanning prism-type total internal reflection fluorescence microscope (TIRFM) was modified to function in both TIRFM and pseudo-TIRFM modes. When the incident angle of the excitation laser beam was controlled to be larger than the critical angle, the instrument served as a variable-angle TIRFM. A homemade computer program automatically calibrates the laser illumination spot in the sample to overlap with the center of the microscope’s field of view. Then, by measuring the fluorescence intensities at different incident angles, the z-positions of fluorescent nanospheres close to the cell basolateral membrane can be extracted. When the incident angle is reduced to be in the subcritical range, the instrument works as a pseudo-TIRFM. The whole cell body from ... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5049695 Sun, 03 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5049695 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4840928&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510002005%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this report, we demonstrate the performance of PocketTips on different automation platforms. In addition, we used a cell-based ß-lactamase reporter assay system to demonstrate that compound delivery by PocketTips compares favorably with a standard compound addition technique. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4840928 Sun, 03 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4840928 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5205466&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510002261%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Routine testing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for metal residues is an expectation of regulatory bodies such as the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). Sample preparation techniques are the rate-limiting step in the testing process and can be variable depending on the specific characteristics of the API under test. Simplification and standardization of the routine preparation of inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy sample solutions of organic compounds has been developed using a commercially available robotic workstation. Contamination from the metal components of the instrument and from sample tubes used in the methodology has been studied using a Design of Experiments approach. The optimized method described can be used for the measurement of trace metals in Pharma... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5205466 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5205466 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5205464&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510002017%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Endoscope localization is important as it provides location information for disease diagnosis and treatment. Here, we describe a simple and highly accurate electromagnetic method for endoscope localization. The system includes an emitter circuit, a receiver circuit, and a signal acquisition and processing circuit. A new receiver apparatus was designed to improve the sensitivity and accuracy of localization. A virtual colon imaging method is also presented. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5205464 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5205464 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5049698&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510002078%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Aqueous solubility is an important physicochemical parameter for any potential drug candidate, and high-throughput kinetic assays are frequently used in drug discovery to give an estimate of a compound’s aqueous solubility. However, the aqueous solubility data from an equilibrium (thermodynamic) shake-flask technique is considered more relevant, but is slower and more labor intensive to generate. A highly automated aqueous equilibrium solubility shake-flask technique is described and validated on a set of 15 marketed drugs, whose aqueous solubilities cover four orders of magnitude. The assay uses a Tecan Freedom Evo 200 liquid handling robot (Tecan Group Ltd., Männerdorf, Switzerland) with integrated appliances for the transportation, decapping and recapping, and centrifugation of sampl... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5049698 Sun, 27 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5049698 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4840927&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510002273%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The 96-well microplate is a ubiquitous tool in the laboratory; its use is so extensive that in a limited number of situations it can be restrictive. Consider the situation where 96 samples need analysis or a downstream process in which the 96-well format leaves no space for additional standards or controls in the upstream 96-well processing. Consequently, plates are split or sample number reduced thereby incurring additional cost for plates, reagents, standards, controls, sample tracking, data files, and time to analyze the entire plate. A simple solution is proposed with the development of a companion 8×13-array microplate. The 104-well microplate was developed within the American National Standards Institute/Society for Biomolecular Science standards as to plate geometry and dimension, ... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4840927 Sun, 27 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4840927 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5205463&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS153555351000198X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We report the development of a system that enables robust sample preparation of nucleic acids. To enable completely automated sample preparation, a consumable cartridge and consumable module system were developed to emulate every step of the sample preparation process. This included enzyme and reagent addition, temperature-controlled incubations, noncontact mixing of enzymes and reagents, buffer exchanges, and sample elution. Using this system, completely automated methods were developed for the purification of viral RNA and DNA from plasma and whole blood and of bacterial genomic DNA from water and whole blood. Extracted nucleic acids were detected and quantified using real-time PCR. The data indicate that automated viral DNA extraction was more efficient than sample extractions performe... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5205463 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5205463 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4600325&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068210002937%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes According to Agilent, a new application note describes a protocol for automated sample preparation (cleansing and desalting of peptides) and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) spotting that proves that the Bravo Automated Liquid-Handling Platform is an effective tool for fully automated sample preparation with C18 VeloTips and subsequent MALDI target spotting processes. The protocol was developed with the protein analytics group of the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4600325 Thu, 17 Mar 2011 04:03:40 +0100 4600325 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4600324&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS221106821000313X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes … and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?” Likewise, if scientific achievements are confined to the laboratory in which they took place, are they really achievements? (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4600324 Thu, 17 Mar 2011 04:03:40 +0100 4600324 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4600323&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS221106821100009X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4600323 Thu, 17 Mar 2011 04:03:40 +0100 4600323 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4600322&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211000088%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4600322 Thu, 17 Mar 2011 04:03:39 +0100 4600322 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4600321&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211000180%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes JALA is a multi-disciplinary international forum devoted to the advancement of technology in the laboratory. It is the official, peer-reviewed journal of the Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS). Six issues are published each year, providing a unique forum for the presentation of method-focused scientific papers, and related news, events, and product announcements. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4600321 Thu, 17 Mar 2011 04:03:39 +0100 4600321 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4600320&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068210002901%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, F. J. Vizeacoumar et al. from the University of Toronto describe the application of a novel screening approach that combines automated yeast genetics, synthetic genetic array (SGA) analysis, and a high-content screening (HCS) system to examine mitotic spindle morphogenesis. The authors measure numerous spindle and cellular morphological parameters in thousands of single mutants and corresponding sensitized double mutants lacking genes known to be involved in spindle function. They focus on a subset of genes that appear to define a highly conserved mitotic spindle disassembly pathway, which is known to involve Ipl1p, the yeast aurora B kinase, and the cell cycle regulatory networks, mitotic exit network, and fourteen early anaphase release. They also dissect the function of ... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4600320 Thu, 17 Mar 2011 04:03:38 +0100 4600320 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4600317&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS153555351000225X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Shear stress plays a critical role in regulating platelet adhesion and thrombus formation at the site of vascular injury. As such, platelets are often examined in vitro under controlled shear flow conditions for their hemostatic and thrombotic functions. Common shear-based platelet analyses include the evaluation of genetic mutants, inhibitory or experimental compounds, matrix substrates, and the effects of different physiological and pathological shear forces. There are several laboratory instruments widely used for studying shear flow, including cone and plate viscometers and parallel plate perfusion chambers. These technologies vary widely in the types of samples, substrates, blood volumes, and throughput that are involved. Here, we describe a microfluidic system for platelet analys... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4600317 Thu, 17 Mar 2011 04:03:38 +0100 4600317 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4600316&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510001991%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Synthetic biology depends on the ability to rapidly produce strains with improved phenotypes but is limited by the ability to rapidly produce strain collections with directed mutations. Here, we present a system capable of overcoming this limitation through automated P1-phage transductions of Escherichia coli. By combining the Keio collection of single-gene deletion E. coli mutants with P1-phage, it is possible to generate an engineered host-strain collection consisting of every possible gene deletion mutant. This strategy was tested by transducing 355 genetic markers from the Keio collection into five different host strains, and it achieved a 98% success rate. This method offers an improved mechanism for rapidly engineering collections of microbes and provides one method for rapidly deplo... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4600316 Thu, 17 Mar 2011 04:03:37 +0100 4600316 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4600315&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510002455%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In conclusion, we demonstrated that (1) DNA extraction with magnetic beads and (2) PCR setup for accredited, forensic genetic short tandem repeat typing can be implemented on a simple automated liquid handler leading to the reduction of manual work, and increased quality and throughput. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4600315 Thu, 17 Mar 2011 04:03:37 +0100 4600315 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4600312&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510002443%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The global demand for the reduction of animal testing has led to the emergence of Zebrafish eggs/larvae as model organisms to replace current adult animal testing in, for example, toxicity testing. Because of the egg size (diameter 1.6mm) and the relatively easy maintenance of Zebrafish farms the eggs also offer high-throughput screening (HTS). However, the current bottleneck for HTS is the cost-efficient placing of individual organisms into single wells of a multiwell plate (MWP). The system presented here is capable of storing, sorting, and placing individual organisms in a highly reproducible manner. In about 11min a complete 96-MWP is filled, which corresponds to about 8sec per egg. The survival rate of fertilized transgenic and wild-type eggs was comparable to the one of the control (... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4600312 Thu, 17 Mar 2011 04:03:35 +0100 4600312 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4600311&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068211000064%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4600311 Thu, 17 Mar 2011 04:03:35 +0100 4600311 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4371676&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510002625%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4371676 Thu, 20 Jan 2011 01:07:20 +0100 4371676 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4371675&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510002091%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes According to Agilent, a new Webinar presents techniques for introducing reliable automation into small- and large-scale applications ranging from single cells to core laboratory applications, thereby minimizing the potential for introduction of errors into the PCR process. The webinar shares examples from the Quantitative Genomics Laboratory at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center, the Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Global Health at Brandeis University, and Agilent Automation Solutions. It provides guidelines for when to consider moving to a liquid handling robot, what constitutes good practice for using a robot, robot use for precision pipetting for qPCR applications, scaling up from a lab bench to an automated system, setting up automated qPCR assays on 96- and 384-well p... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4371675 Thu, 20 Jan 2011 01:07:20 +0100 4371675 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4371674&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510002054%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We begin this year on a very high note. Much work has been done by SLAS leadership, volunteers, and the professional team since the official formation of SLAS on July 1, 2010. Among many accomplishments, one important achievement stands out—the creation of the new SLAS Strategic Plan. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4371674 Thu, 20 Jan 2011 01:07:20 +0100 4371674 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4371673&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS153555351000208X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Emerging technologies and methodologies that serve as the foundation for discovery with increased efficiency and accuracy represent the lifeblood of the SLAS membership. Our scientific community and its resources are expanding at a remarkable rate, and even the most fundamental of changes are being harnessed to achieve translationally significant advancements by laboratory automation professionals. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4371673 Thu, 20 Jan 2011 01:07:20 +0100 4371673 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4371672&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068210002809%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4371672 Thu, 20 Jan 2011 01:07:20 +0100 4371672 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4371671&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068210002792%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4371671 Thu, 20 Jan 2011 01:07:20 +0100 4371671 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4371670&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510002042%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4371670 Thu, 20 Jan 2011 01:07:20 +0100 4371670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4371666&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510001322%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We describe the practical aspects of developing a semiautomated, higher-throughput plasma protein binding (PPB) assay. The assay has a capacity of 32 PPB measurements per screen using triplicate incubations per measurement, and it is flexible with respect to the number of compounds and the number of plasma types used. The described method is based on the 48-well format rapid equilibrium dialysis (RED) device in combination with a robotic liquid handling platform and quantitative bioanalysis. The RED device method was optimized with respect to equilibration time. Method validation was performed by comparison of results from the semiautomated RED PPB assay with both of those obtained using an alternative, manual equilibrium dialysis method and with literature values. Propranolol and warfarin... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4371666 Thu, 20 Jan 2011 01:07:19 +0100 4371666 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4371661&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS2211068210002779%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4371661 Thu, 20 Jan 2011 01:07:18 +0100 4371661 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4196790&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510001796%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes A new online webinar features insight on adopting and using automation for next-generation sequencing (NGS) applications. With presentations from the internationally renowned Hudson Alpha Institute of Biotechnology, Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard and Agilent Automation Solutions, the webinar provides a comprehensive overview of the developments in NGS technologies, with an emphasis on the challenges that are routinely encountered at various stages in the sequencing and analysis of samples. It offers detailed information on the specific challenges associated with sample preparation and the benefits of using automation to alleviate some bottlenecks. Information is also provided on ways to increase and improve sample throughput in sequencing and the application of automated NGS platforms in... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4196790 Wed, 24 Nov 2010 17:41:35 +0100 4196790 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4196789&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510002030%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4196789 Wed, 24 Nov 2010 17:41:34 +0100 4196789 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4196788&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510002029%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In the past 8 years, some of us filled our spare time by trying to crack the da Vinci code, watching Donald Trump fire people, playing Guitar Hero, and slipping our feet into big rubber Crocs to run out and buy smart phones, iPods and iPads to keep up with our Facebook pages and tweets. While all of this was going on, two dedicated SLAS members were meticulously scouring the annals of scientific, medical, and engineering literature, taking note of the bits and pieces that could be helpful to laboratory automation professionals. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4196788 Wed, 24 Nov 2010 17:41:31 +0100 4196788 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4196787&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510002133%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4196787 Wed, 24 Nov 2010 17:41:31 +0100 4196787 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4196786&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510002121%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4196786 Wed, 24 Nov 2010 17:41:31 +0100 4196786 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4196785&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS153555351000242X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4196785 Wed, 24 Nov 2010 17:41:31 +0100 4196785 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4196779&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510001577%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes A library of 117 ligands is combined by C. de Bellefon et al. with three transition metals Ru, Rh, and Ir, and screened with three different operating conditions for the asymmetric H-transfer reduction of acetophenone into phenylethanol. The combinatorial approach is based on the evolution of a first library containing 60 ligands. For the evolution, operators, such as replication, regression, crossover, and mutation, are used. The study is performed with an XYZ robot and fast chiral GC analysis. Over only four generations, the average targeted criterion, enantioselectivity, increased from 20% to ca. 80% for the fourth generation. The best results provide enantiomeric excess up to 93% (Comb. Chem. High Throughput Screen. 2010, 13, 393–413). (Source: Journal of the Association for Laborat... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4196779 Wed, 24 Nov 2010 17:41:22 +0100 4196779 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4196778&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510002108%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4196778 Wed, 24 Nov 2010 17:41:22 +0100 4196778 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4600319&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510001589%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The culture-independent and automated detection of bacteria in the environment is a scientific and technological challenge. For detection alone, a number of sensitive methods are known (e.g., PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA], fluorescent in situ hybridization) but a major problem remaining is the enrichment and separation of the bacteria that usually occur at low concentrations. Here, we present an automated capturing and separation system, which can easily be combined with one of the sensitive detection techniques.We have developed a method for enrichment and detection of Legionella pneumophila in liquid media. Concentrated microorganisms were either detected by PCR or by sandwich ELISA. The limit of detection with the immunological assay was about 750 bacteria. Using PCR, t... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4600319 Fri, 08 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4600319 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4600314&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510001607%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Antibody microarrays are gaining popularity as a high-throughput technology to investigate the proteome. However, protein extracts from most body fluid or biopsy samples are available in very small volumes and are often unsuitable for large-scale antibody microarray studies. To demonstrate the potential for protein analysis with as little as a few nanoliters of sample, we have developed a new technology called NanoProbeArrays based on piezoelectric liquid dispensing for non-contact printing and probing of antibody arrays. Instead of flooding the protein sample on the antibody microarray surface, as in conventional microarray screening, a piezoelectric inkjet printer is used to dispense nanoliters of fluorescently labeled proteins over the antibody spots on the array. The ability of NanoPro... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4600314 Fri, 08 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4600314 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4600313&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510001334%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this report, atomic force microscopy (AFM) methods of lithography known as nanoshaving and nanografting are used to write nanopatterns within organic thin films. Commercial instruments provide software to control the length, direction, speed, and applied force of the scanning motion of the tip. For nanoshaving, higher forces are applied to an AFM tip to selectively remove regions of the matrix monolayer, exposing bare areas of the gold substrate. Nanografting is accomplished by force-induced displacement of molecules of a matrix SAM, followed immediately by the surface self-assembly of n-alkanethiol molecules from solution. Advancements in AFM automation enable rapid protocols for nanolithography, which can be accomplished within the tight time restraints of undergraduate laboratories. ... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4600313 Fri, 08 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4600313 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4196784&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510001978%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Microfluidic devices offer unparalleled capability for digital microfluidic automation of sample processing and complex assay protocols in medical diagnostic and research applications. In our own work, monolithic membrane valves have enabled the creation of two platforms that precisely manipulate discrete, nanoliter-scale volumes of sample. The digital microfluidic automaton uses two-dimensional microvalve arrays to combinatorially process nanoliter-scale sample volumes. This programmable system enables rapid integration of diverse assay protocols using a universal processing architecture. Microfluidic emulsion generator array (MEGA) devices integrate actively controlled three microvalve pumps to enable on-demand generation of uniform droplets for statistical encapsulation of microbeads an... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4196784 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4196784 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4196781&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510001346%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The key concepts and technologies developed in our laboratories in Purdue University for the miniaturization of mass spectrometry analysis systems are introduced. Mass analyzers of simple geometries with a novel atmospheric pressure interface were used to allow reduction in the size of the ion trap mass spectrometer. Ambient ionization methods were developed and coupled to miniature mass spectrometers to allow direct MS analysis of complex samples without sample preparation and chemical separation. The performance of desorption electrospray ionization, low temperature plasma probe, paper spray, and two handheld MS systems, Mini 10 and Mini 11, are described with demonstrations of capabilities for chemical analysis. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4196781 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4196781 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5049701&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510001590%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Increased worldwide trade and processing of seafood has increased the potential for species substitution on the commercial market. To detect and prevent species substitution, several deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-based methods have been developed that can be used to identify species in a variety of food types. For large-scale applications, such as regulatory screening, these methods must be rapid, cost-effective, reliable, and have high potential for automation. This review highlights recent technological advances in DNA-based identification methods, with a focus on seafood species identification in automated, high-throughput settings. Advances in DNA isolation methods include silica-based columns for use in high-throughput operations and magnetic bead particles for increased and targeted re... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5049701 Sun, 03 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 5049701 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4012668&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510001802%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4012668 Wed, 29 Sep 2010 22:32:17 +0100 4012668 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4012667&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510001371%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The objective of the described project was to reduce human manual steps while increasing the capacity and turnaround time of laboratory workflow processes. With this project, the authors describe a protocol to generate 450 compound plates (384 to 384 dispense) per run. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4012667 Wed, 29 Sep 2010 22:32:17 +0100 4012667 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4012666&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510001358%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes As I write this, the SLAS Board of Directors, the SBS and ALA Executive Councils, and the SLAS professional staff team continue to work hard at making the merger of our two great organizations a working reality. As you read this, our core headquarters staff team is set to relocate into new, highly functional, cost-efficient, and centrally located offices near Chicago in St. Charles, Illinois. New contact information is as follows: (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4012666 Wed, 29 Sep 2010 22:32:17 +0100 4012666 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4012665&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510001565%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Fluorescence has been a valuable tool for years in the biotechnology laboratory. Fluorescent assays provide high sensitivity and specificity that enable development of massively multiplexed high-throughput analysis systems. However, the frequent need for confocal lens systems and high-power laser beams can make this technology prohibitively expensive for some. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4012665 Wed, 29 Sep 2010 22:32:17 +0100 4012665 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4012664&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS153555351000153X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes As a multidisciplinary journal that is committed to featuring the top breakthroughs in laboratory, clinical, and broader automation technology, JALA has been fortunate to have published key papers from all over the world. I am pleased to say that recently JALA furthered its roadmap of increasing its international presence through a stellar panel of presentations given by the ALA LabAutomation2010 Innovation Award finalists at the ACHEMAsia Biotechnology Congress in Beijing, China, which was held June 1 through June 4. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4012664 Wed, 29 Sep 2010 22:32:16 +0100 4012664 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4012663&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510001656%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4012663 Wed, 29 Sep 2010 22:32:16 +0100 4012663 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4012662&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510001644%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4012662 Wed, 29 Sep 2010 22:32:16 +0100 4012662 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4012660&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510001553%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Microarrays used for measuring chromosomal aberrations in genomic DNA and for defining gene expression patterns have become almost routine. A microarray consists of an arrayed series of microscopic spots each containing either DNA or protein molecules known as feature reporters. Advances in microarray fabrication and in feature detection systems, such as high-resolution scanners and their associated software, lead to high-throughput screening of the genome or the transcriptome of a cell or a group of cells in only few days. Despite the potential of high-density microarrays, several problems about data interpretation are still to be solved. In addition, targeted microarrays are shown to be useful tools for rapid and accurate diagnosis of diseases. The aim of this review was to discuss the i... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4012660 Wed, 29 Sep 2010 22:32:15 +0100 4012660 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4012654&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510001528%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Advances in laboratory instrumentation often increase the complexity, size, and cost of the device. The resulting complexity and cost, however, then reduce the accessibility of the device to many laboratories. We examine ways to use technological advances to simplify the design of laboratory devices, retaining the essential components that yield sufficient capabilities for routine uses. Inverted fluorescence microscopes, for example, have evolved into large complex instruments with exquisite imaging capability and are loaded with features requiring trained users and costing tens of thousands of dollars. This has limited their potential ubiquity within laboratories. For simple fluorescence microscopy applications, a much smaller and less expensive device with far fewer features would minimi... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4012654 Wed, 29 Sep 2010 22:32:13 +0100 4012654 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4012653&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS153555351000136X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In the family of biologically active heterocyclic templates, quinoxalines, quinoxalinones, and quinoxalinols have received much attention owing to the wide range of their biological activities. Approaches to the combinatorial synthesis of these compounds are surveyed by H. Xu et al. and in a review that discusses solid-phase, solution-phase, solvent-free, and microwave-assisted parallel synthesis of quinoxalines, quinoxalinones, and quinoxalinols (Comb. Chem. High Throughput Screen. 2010, 13, 293–301). (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4012653 Wed, 29 Sep 2010 22:32:13 +0100 4012653 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4012652&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510001620%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4012652 Wed, 29 Sep 2010 22:32:13 +0100 4012652 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4012661&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510001541%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this report, assays for measuring human IgG, glucose, and lactate concentrations, and oxygen consumption were automated using the Biomek NXP Span-8 workstation, and analyzed on the PARADIGM Detection Platform. The human-IgG homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence (HTRF) (All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.) assay from Cisbio Inc. (Cisbio US, Bedford, MA) was automated in a 384-well plate format and detected on the PARADIGM with a HTRF Detection Cartridge. Glucose and lactate assays were automated in a 96-well plate format and detected on the PARADIGM with a Fluorescence Intensity Cartridge. Oxygen consumption was determined by the 96-well calibration-free OxoPlate (All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.) (PreSens Inc., PreSens - Precision Sen... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4012661 Thu, 05 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4012661 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4012657&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510001140%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Robotic liquid-handling systems can be equipped with disposable pipetting tips or fixed reusable pipetting tips. The use of disposable tips is perceived as the best option to avoid carry over (CO) of analyte from sample to sample. We recently developed standardized CO test procedures that allow precise and reproducible quantification of CO for fixed reusable tips. We used these test procedures to reduce CO of the analytes fluorescein, IgG, and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) to minimal levels. Variations of washing intensity, using water as a washing solution, did not lower CO below acceptable target levels. These target levels would preclude a false-positive detection of IgG and HBsAg in human serum when a negative sample is measured subsequent to a sample with a high analyte concentr... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4012657 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4012657 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4371667&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510000900%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes A mechanism for controlling the mixing of highly viscous biosamples at the microliter scale is presented. Existing methods for mixing biosamples using microstirrers or shaking microwells are only effective for non-highly viscous materials. The proposed mechanism mixes monoolein, a highly viscous biosample, with water/membrane protein solution in a microdevice called microcapsule using a microchannel and centrifugation. To achieve effective mixing, the design of the microcapsule along with the microchannel is presented and so is the hydrodynamic model describing the flow of viscous materials in the microchannel. The mixing process is analyzed according to the Reynolds number of the biosamples using computer simulation, which is observed during the experiment using digital images for further... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4371667 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4371667 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4371664&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510001139%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The uridine 5'-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) family of enzymes is involved in the metabolism of various compounds. These enzymes transfer a hydrophilic glucuronic acid moiety to their substrates, rendering them more water soluble and amenable to excretion. The UGTs act on various endogenous substrates, such as bilirubin, 17β-estradiol, and testosterone, and drugs and other xenobiotics. The function of these enzymes is essential for the clearance of drugs and toxicants, and alteration of UGT activity is a potential cause of adverse drug–drug interactions in vivo. This has stimulated an increased interest in the study of UGT function and inhibition, and the desire to profile new drug entities against UGT enzymes, similar to CYP450 profiling. However, certain factors have hinder... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4371664 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4371664 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4196783&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510001103%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this report, we provide a general introduction of the ALCAT microtechnology platform and its application to enhancing biomolecular assays. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4196783 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4196783 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4196782&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510001115%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The integration of microfabrication technologies with advanced biomaterials has led to the development of powerful tools to control the cellular microenvironment and the microarchitecture of engineered tissue constructs. Here, we review this area with a focus on the work accomplished in our laboratory. In particular, we discuss techniques to develop hydrogel microstructures for controlling cell aggregate formation to regulate stem cell behavior as well as a bottom-up and a top-down microengineering approach to creating biomimic tissue-like structures. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4196782 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4196782 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4196780&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510001127%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study will provide insights in designing microfluidic devices for electrokinetic manipulation of biological samples toward laboratory automation applications in the future. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4196780 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4196780 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4012658&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510001152%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Array-based comparative genomic hybridization is rapidly becoming a standard assay for research and clinical cytogenetics laboratories. Certain automated workflows are used to achieve economies in running this relatively expensive assay. Here, we describe the ways in which our medium throughput laboratory has investigated automation at various points in our workflow to achieve economies and improve the resulting data for our investigators. We investigate an automated hybridization station to improve microarray hybridization, an autoloading scanner to facilitate the rapid scanning of multiple arrays, and a software package that allows for quick and easy access to many external resources to extend the analysis. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4012658 Sun, 25 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4012658 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3784021&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510001280%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3784021 Sat, 24 Jul 2010 07:59:44 +0100 3784021 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3784020&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510000870%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes A new configuration of Agilent's BioCel System allows users to fully automate cell-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) procedures. According to Agilent, the handling of cells in automated systems requires smooth and reliable operation and specialized equipment. Agilent Automation Solutions designed this BioCel System to dispense cells into microplates and perform a series of alternating incubations and reagent additions. Automated control of intermediate plate batches, cell medium removal, and absorbance detection also formed part of the process. The BioCel System is considered ideal for this complex assay format because of its dynamic scheduling software, flexible liquid-handling options, and ability to simply integrate third-party instruments. (Source: Journal of the Associat... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3784020 Sat, 24 Jul 2010 07:59:44 +0100 3784020 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3784019&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510000699%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes You, the ALA members of 2010, have established a place in history! For years to come, you will be remembered for recognizing and embracing the value and advantages that a merger with the Society for Biomolecular Sciences offered. Your consent speaks to the innovative character of our community and our ability to see an opportunity and embrace it with both hands… The consistency of your consent reflects the unity we feel as like-minded professionals. In fact, more than double the bylaws-required number of ALA members voted, and more than 94% of the ALA members and SBS members who voted said yes! (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3784019 Sat, 24 Jul 2010 07:59:44 +0100 3784019 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3784018&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510000663%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes You will notice that a couple of things are different about this issue of JALA. The World News section has been reorganized, and the Meetings and Events calendar has been eliminated from our printed pages. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3784018 Sat, 24 Jul 2010 07:59:44 +0100 3784018 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3784017&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS153555351000119X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3784017 Sat, 24 Jul 2010 07:59:44 +0100 3784017 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3784016&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510001188%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3784016 Sat, 24 Jul 2010 07:59:44 +0100 3784016 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3784015&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510001097%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Addressing the most pressing needs in areas like medicine and energy represent some of the greatest challenges of our time and require multidisciplinary innovation that unites expertise from all over the world. This year, JALA introduces The JALA Ten, which highlights a spectrum of the top breakthroughs of the year in broad disciplines that include bioengineering, chemistry, materials science, energy, automation, lab-on-a-chip technology, and beyond. Our honorees come from academia and industry, representing a bridge between the inception of innovation and real-life application. We are pleased to present to our readers The 2010 JALA Ten and look forward to featuring top scientific discoveries for years to come. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3784015 Sat, 24 Jul 2010 07:59:44 +0100 3784015 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3784007&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510000912%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes O. Sperandio et al. claim that protein–protein interactions (PPIs) might be one of the next major classes of therapeutic targets, although they are too intricate to tackle with standard approaches. This could be attributed, in part, to the inadequacy of today's chemical libraries. However, the emergence of a growing number of experimentally validated inhibitors of PPIs (i-PPIs) allows drug designers to use chemoinformatics and machine-learning technologies to unravel the nature of the chemical space covered by the reported compounds. Key characteristics of i-PPIs can then be revealed, and they highlight the importance of specific shapes and aromatic bonds, enabling the design of i-PPI-enriched focused libraries and of cost-effective screening strategies (Drug Discov. Today 2010, 15, 2... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3784007 Sat, 24 Jul 2010 07:59:43 +0100 3784007 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3784006&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510001164%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3784006 Sat, 24 Jul 2010 07:59:43 +0100 3784006 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5205460&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510000882%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The rise of new experimental techniques, such as high-throughput combinatorial methods, and the availability of large data sets by means of the Internet have greatly increased the amount of data that must be managed by relatively small projects. Scientific data management systems developed for large projects are often not available, suitable, nor affordable for projects with lesser resources. Increasing numbers of open-source frameworks have made available numerous options for smaller facilities to build for themselves effective and robust data management solutions. We will present considerations of these options and a case study. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5205460 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 04:00:00 +0100 5205460 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4600318&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510000894%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes A method to evaluate adhesives has been developed and used to reformulate a recently patented adhesive which is based on sugar and citric acid. Factors affecting adhesive performance were uncovered, such as an optimal curing temperature of 60°C. The addition of maltodextrin and soy protein at optimized levels was shown to nearly double the bonding strength of the adhesive, from 0.46±0.076 to 0.74±0.26kN, under our test conditions. Also discussed is the potential for this method to be automated using commercially available equipment. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4600318 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4600318 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4371663&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510000687%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes A synthetic Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB) gene open reading frame (ORF) for expression in yeast was constructed, and the lycotoxin-1 (Lyt-1) C3 variant gene ORF, potentially to improve the availability of the active enzyme at the surface of the yeast cell, was added in frame with the CALB ORF using an automated PCR assembly and DNA purification protocol on an integrated robotic workcell. Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains expressing CALB protein or CALB Lyt-1 fusion protein were first grown on 2% (w/v) glucose, producing 9.3g/L ethanol during fermentation. The carbon source was switched to galactose for GAL1-driven expression, and the CALB and CALB Lyt-1 enzymes expressed were tested for fatty acid ethyl ester (biodiesel) production. The synthetic enzymes catalyzed the formation of fat... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4371663 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4371663 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4012659&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510000675%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this report, we summarize the development of genetically encoded fluorescent and bioluminescent probes to study various molecular events in live cells and animals for potential drug candidates against different diseases. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4012659 Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4012659 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4840931&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510000651%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Preparative HPLC-MS is often the method of choice for purification of small amounts ( (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4840931 Sun, 16 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4840931 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5205461&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510000183%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes On-column solvent exchange, using many of the principles of solid-phase extraction, has been implemented to significantly reduce evaporation cycle time following reverse-phase preparative HPLC. Additional benefits, such as a reduced potential for salt formation, thermal decomposition, and residual solvent, are also described.Fractions obtained from preparative separations, typically in a large volume of acetonitrile:water, are injected into the preparative HPLC and then eluted in acetonitrile, creating a new fraction in a volatile organic solvent. Minimal modification to the instrument was required, and unattended operation is possible. Acetonitrile evaporation is achieved within 3h, compared with 17h for aqueous-based fractions; lower temperatures can be used during the evaporation step; ... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5205461 Fri, 14 May 2010 04:00:00 +0100 5205461 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4012655&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS153555351000064X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We describe the Cells-to-CT technology, a workflow that was designed in conjunction with real-time analysis to completely eliminate the need for traditional purification while maintaining performance relative to purified RNA. High-density sample preparation is accomplished in less than 8min and is highly amenable to automation. We demonstrate that results are equivalent to RNA purified using traditional methods over a broad range of sample input while offering advantages when dealing with automated liquid handlers. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4012655 Mon, 10 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4012655 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3784013&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510000638%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We have designed and implemented a framework for creating a fully automated high-throughput phototransfection system. Integrated image processing, laser target position calculation, and stage movements show a throughput increase of >23× over the current manual phototransfection method although the potential for even greater throughput improvements (>110×) is described. A software tool for automated off-line single-cell morphological measurements, as well as real-time image segmentation analysis, has also been constructed and shown to be able to quantify changes in the cell before and after the process, successfully characterizing them, using metrics such as cell perimeter, area, major and minor axis length, and eccentricity values. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Autom... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3784013 Mon, 10 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3784013 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3549108&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510000754%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3549108 Mon, 10 May 2010 16:42:44 +0100 3549108 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3549107&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510000079%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In the December 2009 issue of the Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation, the article by King et al. entitled “Pathway reporter assays reveal small molecule mechanisms of action” (2009;14:374–382) an author's name was misspelled. The correct author listing for this article is Frederick J. King, Douglas W. Selinger, Felipa A. Mapa, Jeff Janes, Hua Wu, Timothy R. Smith, Qing-Yin Wang, Pornwaratt Niyomrattanakit, Daniel G. Sipes, Achim Brinker, Jeffrey A. Porter, and Vic E. Myer. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3549107 Mon, 10 May 2010 16:42:44 +0100 3549107 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3549106&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510000389%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes According to A2 Technologies, its newest portable FTIR system, Flexscan, is a superior-performing mid-IR spectrometer for laboratory and field use. This is a result of a new modulator that has an extremely short internal path length while retaining a large optical aperture. Flexscan's handheld optics and compact size are considered ideal for applications that require repetitive analyses on large surfaces or in locations that are physically restricted. Flexscan offers a variety of sampling interfaces including diffuse, grazing angle, attenuated total reflection, and specular reflectance for the analysis of a broad range of materials, including polished or roughened metals, polymers, composites, plastics, and most other solids. Flexscan consists of two parts: an optics module that contains t... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3549106 Mon, 10 May 2010 16:42:44 +0100 3549106 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3549105&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510000626%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The advent of microfluidic platforms equipped with novel nanomaterials and molecular processes within a biomedical context has been regarded as the transformative technology for a wide range of applications from clinical diagnostics and drug discovery to monitoring of therapeutic efficiency. The implementation of such technology into a format that is suitable for laboratory automation represents an essential step for translating fundamental research in microfluidics into reality in biomedicine. This issue of JALA is dedicated to highlighting emerging research areas in microfluidics and nanomaterials for driving a new paradigm in laboratory automation applications. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3549105 Mon, 10 May 2010 16:42:44 +0100 3549105 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3549104&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510000390%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Thanks to an energetic scientific committee led by Adam Woolley of Brigham Young University in Salt Lake City, UT; plans are already well under way for LabAutomation2011 (January 29 to February 2 in Palm Springs, CA). Among many other highlights, we look forward to welcoming Dr. Chad A. Mirkin as one of our plenary speakers. Dr. Mirkin is the Director of the International Institute for Nanotechnology and the George B. Rathmann Professor of Chemistry, Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, and Professor of Medicine at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. He is also a member of President Obama's Council of Advisors for Science and Technology and serves as a scientific advisor to JALA. (Source:... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3549104 Mon, 10 May 2010 16:42:44 +0100 3549104 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3549103&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510000614%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3549103 Mon, 10 May 2010 16:42:44 +0100 3549103 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3549102&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510000730%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3549102 Mon, 10 May 2010 16:42:44 +0100 3549102 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3549101&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510000729%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3549101 Mon, 10 May 2010 16:42:44 +0100 3549101 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3549100&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510000407%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes June 1–4 ACHEMAsia 2010: Beijing, China (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3549100 Mon, 10 May 2010 16:42:43 +0100 3549100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3549088&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510000377%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Complex organic molecules such as active pharmaceutical ingredients are often prepared by multiple reactions that require a workup and isolation of the intermediates. Recent interest in microfluidic systems for continuous-flow synthesis has triggered the integration of multiple chemical reactions and separations in an attempt to streamline the process. Stephen L. Buchwald and Klavs F. Jensen et al. have designed a microfluidic distillation operation that exploits differences in volatility among components in liquid mixtures. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3549088 Mon, 10 May 2010 16:42:42 +0100 3549088 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3549087&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510000705%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3549087 Mon, 10 May 2010 16:42:42 +0100 3549087 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3784012&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510000365%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The complete blood count (CBC) has by and large remained confined to the traditional laboratory setting since its inception. Used in a variety of diagnostic assessments, the CBC has essentially become limited to clinical laboratories because of reliance on large automated hematology devices. With many potential uses at the point of care and clinical settings, as well as the research laboratory, a portable low-cost hematology analyzer could aid in earlier detection of a wide variety of medical conditions. Using smaller sample volumes, inexpensive polymers, and low power consumption, microfluidic devices present one such route toward miniaturization of the traditional flow cytometer-based hematology analyzers. This review focuses on challenges for development of cost-effective portable analy... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3784012 Sun, 11 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3784012 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3549096&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510000171%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes A microfluidic system for the enrichment of biological particles, operating on the principle of dielectrophoresis (DEP), is presented. Through the use of a unique manifestation of DEP, contactless DEP (cDEP), this system illustrates the potential to sidestep the common trade-off between sample throughput and selectivity without the need of a complicated fabrication process. The ability to concentrate particles from a sample fluid is validated experimentally through the concentration of 2-μm polystyrene beads and live THP-1 human leukemia cells from a heterogeneous media solution. Finite element analysis of the electric field within the microfluidic channel of the device allows for the determination of effective experimental parameters and accurate predictions of a particle's trajectory th... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3549096 Thu, 01 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3549096 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4371665&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510000067%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The determination of inhibitory effects that lead compounds have on cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes is an important part of today's drug discovery process. Assays can be performed early in the discovery process to predict adverse drug–drug interactions caused by CYP inhibition and to minimize the costs associated with terminating candidates in late stage development or worse, removing a drug from the market after launch. For early discovery work, testing substantial numbers of compounds is desirable, thus automated “mix and read” assays are beneficial. Here, we demonstrate the automation of the CYP profiling process using a simple, yet robust robotic platform. Compound titration, as well as transfer of compounds and assay components was performed by the same automated pipetting system.... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4371665 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4371665 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3549099&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510000146%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Immunoassays have long been widely used in a variety of applications, such as for medical diagnostics, pharmaceutical analysis, environmental, food safety testing, and for basic scientific investigations because of its simplicity, sensitivity, and specificity. Microfluidic systems, also well known as a “lab-on-a-chip” or a “micro-total-analysis-system” have attracted a lot of attention in the past two decades because of advantages associated with miniaturization, integration, and automation. A promising platform for the combination of these two technologies, microfluidic immunoassays, has been extensively explored in recent years. The aim of this article is to review recent advancements in microfluidic immunoassays. A brief introduction to immunoassays and microfluidic devices wil... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3549099 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3549099 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3549097&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510000158%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Many components in biological matrices influence the result of an analysis, affecting assay sensitivity and reproducibility. Improved matrix management becomes critical as requirements for higher assay sensitivity and increased process throughput become more demanding. There are several robotic laboratory automation systems that are commercially available, which serve to minimize matrix interference by performing purification and extraction protocols. However, there is an unmet need of inline matrix effect reduction solutions to reduce the processing time and cost for automated sample preparation. In microfluidics, effective matrix management is essential for developing fully integrated systems capable of meeting these requirements. This review surveys current biological matrix management ... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3549097 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3549097 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3549094&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510000110%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes An electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) microfluidic system of coplanar electrode type was designed for parallel DNA ligation of an ultra-micro volume, which was applied to droplet manipulation containing DNA, a ligation enzyme and a multi-salt reaction buffer. For environmental reasons, we applied a concept of a water–oil core–shell droplet; such droplets of volume ∼0.3μL were generated from reservoirs between one plate with coplanar electrodes and another plate with a hydrophobic surface free of electrodes. The experimental results show that the best mixing sequence for the DNA ligation involves mixing first the insert DNA and vector DNA, and then adding the ligase solution. The waiting time was less than 5min. In one cloning test, the total usage of reagents in an ultramicro-volum... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3549094 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3549094 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3549092&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS153555351000016X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Aptamers are oligonucleotides that can bind to various non-nucleic acid targets, ranging from proteins to small molecules, with a specificity and an affinity comparable with those of antibodies. Most aptamer-based detection strategies require modification on the aptamer, which could lead to a significant loss in its affinity and specificity to the target. Here, we report a generic strategy to design aptamer-based optical probes. An unmodified aptamer specific to the target and a fluorogenic competitor complementary to the aptamer are used for target recognition and signal generation, respectively. The competitor is a hairpin oligonucleotide with a fluorophore attached on one end and a quencher attached on the other. When no target is present, the competitor binds to the aptamer. However, w... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3549092 Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3549092 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3358717&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510000328%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3358717 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:48:13 +0100 3358717 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3358716&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553509003128%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes According to Petrolab, this new tool is for monitoring and control of oxidation stability (aging) of oils, fats, greases, and other products such as proprietary antioxidant and shelf life additives used by food, fragrance, and cosmetic industries. Among the key features of the new tester are faster test times, compared with traditional testing methods as well as clear and easily understood test results. The tester offers excellent repeatability and reproducibility of results along with simple handling procedures, small sample sizes, improved user safety, automatic operation, and simple cleaning procedures. The user-friendly PetroOXY is considered ideal for fast and simple stability spot checks as well as routine monitoring of products. (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Aut... Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3358716 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:48:13 +0100 3358716 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3358715&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510000043%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3358715 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:48:13 +0100 3358715 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3358714&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553509003104%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3358714 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:48:13 +0100 3358714 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3358713&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510000055%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3358713 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:48:13 +0100 3358713 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3358712&cid=s_38542_166_f&fid=38542&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jalajournal.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1535553510000225%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation) Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3358712 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:48:13 +0100 3358712