Abstract
FREE TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Agilent Automation Solutions
Application Note: Automated Sample Preparation and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Spotting
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.
More: www.chem.agilent.com/Library/applications/5990–6241en_lo%20CMS.pdf
Biotage
Webinar: Robotic Peptide Synthesizer with Microwave Heating, Synthesis of Difficult Peptide Sequences
This second installment in Biotage's series of free webinars focusing on peptide synthesis is a result of a research collaboration with Professor Knud J. Jensen at the Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, to develop new applications on the Biotage Syro Wave Parallel Peptide Synthesizer in the field of synthetic peptide and protein chemistry.
More: www.biotage.com/peptides
Greiner Bio-One
Online Technical Information
Greiner Bio-One's new Web site includes a collection of application notes, a guide to peer-reviewed articles, webinars and other videos, white papers, and other technical information related to bioscience for life-science laboratories and preanalytics for clinical laboratories.
More: www.us.gbo.com
QIAGEN
Brochure: Unlocking Your Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Archive
A new brochure from QIAGEN describes critical factors for molecular analysis of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples from preparation and storage to retrieval and analysis, and downstream applications such as reverse transcription and real-time PCR.
iPhone and iPad App
A new app for mobile devices offers tables of commonly used lab buffers and solutions and a variety of conversion and dilution calculators. The QIAGEN App also delivers more than 20 video tutorials on technologies in application areas such as automation, gene expression analysis, genotyping, and pyrosequencing. The iPad application offers a bundle for QIAcube users that includes protocol sheets, support documents, and updates.
More: www.qiagen.com/support/qiaapps/default.aspx or www.qiagen.com (in the Support—Tips & Tools section)
RTS Life Science
Technical Poster: How Digital Video Recording Can Monitor Processes and Help Resolve Problems Encountered in a Lab
This poster presents a case study detailing the use of digital video recording with solid-dose tablet dissolution. This study looks at the application and benefits achieved by using a six-camera system to monitor and record an extended release dosage during typical USP testing. The poster also outlines the broader use of the technology in auditing and debugging automation systems used in testing laboratories. According to RTS, advances in CCD cameras and processing technologies have made the implementation of video recording affordable to most operations. The RTS LabEye system incorporates up to 16 digital cameras with a digital video recording system that is PC based. The LabEye software is written to facilitate the type of qualitative analysis tasks that are prevalent in labs.
SP Scientific
Virtis and FTS Systems White Paper: Basic Principles of Freeze Drying
Available in English, Chinese, French, German, Portuguese, or Spanish, this new white paper provides an overview of the steps involved in freeze drying including product freezing, primary drying (sublimation), and secondary drying (desorption). Also introduced are the concepts of critical temperature (eutectic and glass transition), thermal treatment (annealing), vapor pressure of ice, product collapse, determination of completion of primary drying, and cycle optimization. Common freeze-dryer equipment designs are reviewed along with their typical components and subsystems.
Online Video: ControLyo Nucleation On-Demand Technology
Officially titled “Improving Lyophilization Manufacturing & Development with ContoLyo Nucleation On-Demand Technology (20100513 1302–1),” this new video by SP Scientific illustrates how Praxair's ControLyo Nucleation On-demand Technology (which is licensed by SP Scientific) can be used to control the nucleation of a product during freezing, such that the entire product nucleates at the same time and in the same way.
More: www.spscientific.com
APPLICATION AREAS
AMSBIO
Oris Pro 384 Cell Migration Assay
The new Oris Pro 384 Cell Migration Assay is designed specifically for fully automated high-throughput screening using high-content screening and high-content imaging systems. It uses a nontoxic biocompatible gel (BCG) to form a centrally located and temporary cell-free zone on cell-culture surfaces in a 384-well format. After cell seeding, the BCG dissolves to reveal a detection zone into which the migration of cells can be observed either in real time or after further experimental processing.
Apoptosis Assay Kits & Reagents
New kits from AMSBIO include a high-throughput PARP/Apoptosis Assay for measuring the activity of PARP in cell extracts before and during apoptosis, an Annexin V-based kit that enables fast and simple detection of apoptosis in living and isolation dead cells and a range of specially designed kits optimized for specific tissues including tumor, neurological, dermatological, and cardio tissues samples.
More: www.amsbio.com/Apoptosis-Detection-Assay-Kits-Reagents.aspx
ExpressArt Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded RNAready Kits
These new kits for the isolation of high-quality RNA from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues and LCM samples can be applied both to quantitative real-time PCR and a variety of microarray platforms. According to AMSBIO, they overcome the limitations associated with RNA degradation and interference from RNA cross-linking in FFPE tissues, and efficiently isolates and preserve mRNA using a lysis solution and a universal inhibitor of RNases that displaces tightly bound RNA from high-molecular weight aggregates. Subsequent treatment with a unique demodification reagent reverses formalin-induced cross links, resulting in total RNA optimized for reverse transcription reactions and subsequent downstream applications. FFPE RNAready together with ExpressArt RNA amplification TRinucleotide primer technology can amplify microgram quantities of high-quality RNA from very small amounts of degraded total RNA, with minimal loss of sequence.
Biotage
ChemMatrix Resins
New to Biotage's peptide synthesis and purification products, ChemMatrix is a 100% PEG resin from Matrix Innovation that offers advantages over traditional PS- and PEG-based resins for solid-phase peptide synthesis. According to Biotage, this technological tool enables synthesis of complex molecules from biological origin, peptides, oligionucleotides, and small proteins. This resin is supplied as classical spherical beads.
More: www.biotage.com/peptides
Cell-Signaling Technology
PathScan EGF Receptor Activation Multiplex IF Kit #7967
The PathScan EGF Receptor Activation Multiplex IF Kit offers a novel method to simultaneously monitor the expression, localization, and activation state of EGF receptor, and downstream signaling through Erk1/2, using manual immunofluorescence microscopy or automated imaging and laser scanning high-content platforms. This kit contains a cocktail of three primary antibodies targeted against total EGF receptor, phospho-EGF receptor (Tyr1068), and phospho-p44/42 (Erk1/2) (Thr202/Tyr204), and a detection cocktail using the Alexa Fluor series of fluorescent dyes. Antibody and dye pairings have been preoptimized, and each kit contains enough reagents for 100 assays (based on a working volume of 100 μL/test).
More: www.cellsignal.com
Androgen Receptor (D6F11) XP Rabbit mAb #5153
Androgen receptor (AR), a zinc-finger transcription factor belonging to the nuclear receptor superfamily, is activated by phosphorylation and dimerization on ligand binding. This promotes nuclear localization and binding of AR to androgen response elements in the androgen target genes. AR plays a crucial role in several stages of male development and the progression of prostate cancer.
Succinyl-CoA Synthetae Antibody #5557
Succinyl-CoA synthetae α subunit (SUCLG1) catalyzes the conversion of succinate to succinyl-CoA and plays a key role in the citric acid cycle. Deficiency of this enzyme leads to a variety of diseases including fatal infantile lactic acidosis and mitochondrial hepatoencephalomyopathy.
SignalSilence p38α MAPK siRNA I #6269 and II #6277
SignalSilence p38α MAPK siRNA I and II #6277 allow users to specifically inhibit p38α MAPK expression using RNA interference, a method whereby gene expression can be selectively silenced through the delivery of double-stranded RNA molecules into the cell. All SignalSilence siRNA products from CST are tested in-house and shown to reduce target protein expression by western analysis. CST recommends transfection with 100 nM p38α MAPK siRNA I 48–72 h before cell lysis.
More: www.cellsignal.com/products/6269.html and www.cellsignal.com/products/6277.html
Phospho-SAPK/JNK(Thr183/Tyr185) (G9) Mouse mAb (PE Conjugate) #5755
Phospho-SAPK/JNK (Thr183/Tyr185) (G9) Mouse mAb (PE Conjugate) detects endogenous levels of p46 and p54 SAPK/JNK dually phosphorylated at Thr183 and Tyr185. The stress-activated protein kinase/Jun-amino-terminal kinase SAPK/JNK is potently and preferentially activated by a variety of environmental stresses including UV and gamma radiation, ceramides, inflammatory cytokines, and in some instances, by growth factors and G protein—coupled receptor agonists. As with the other MAPKs, the core-signaling unit is composed of a MAPKKK, typically MEKK1 —MEKK4, or by one of the mixed lineage kinases (MLKs), which phosphorylate and activate MKK4/7. Upon activation, MKKs phosphorylate and activate the SAPK/JNK kinase. Stress signals are delivered to this cascade by small GTPases of the Rho family (Rac, Rho, cdc42). Both Rac1 and cdc42 mediate the stimulation of MEKKs and MLKs. Alternatively, MKK4/7 can be activated in a GTPase-independent mechanism via stimulation of a germinal center kinase family member. SAPK/JNK, when active as a dimer, can translocate to the nucleus and regulate transcription through its effects on c-Jun, ATF-2, and other transcription factors.
Musashi-1 (D46A8) XP Rabbit mAb #5663
Musashi-1 (D46A8) XP Rabbit mAb detects endogenous levels of total Musashi-1 protein. Monoclonal antibody is produced by immunizing animals with a synthetic peptide corresponding to residues surrounding Met190 of human Musashi-1 protein. Musashi-1 and Musashi-2 are RNA-binding proteins that play a role in asymmetric cell division of ectodermal precursor cells by regulating the translation of target mRNA. Both family members augment Notch signaling and repress the translation of m-Numb, a protein that positively modulates differentiation of neural stem cells into neurons. Thus, Musashi contributes to the maintenance of neural stem cells. Although Musashi-1 is frequently used as a marker for proliferating neural precursor cells, it is also expressed in epithelial stem cells including intestinal and mammary gland stem cells.
SRF (D71A9) XP Rabbit mAb #5147
The serum response factor (SRF) (D71A9) XP Rabbit mAb recognizes endogenous levels of total SRF protein. Monoclonal antibody is produced by immunizing animals with a synthetic peptide corresponding to residues surrounding Ser375 of human SRF protein. The SRF is a 67-kDa phospho-protein that, together with auxiliary factors, modulates transcription of immediate early genes containing serum response elements at their promoters. SRF contains several phosphorylation sites, but functional consequences of phosphorylation have not been identified unequivocally. Several growth factor- and calcium-regulated kinases, such as p90RSK and CaM kinase IV, can phosphorylate SRF at Ser103, and Ser103 of SRF is also a nuclear target for MAPKAP kinase 2.
Vimentin (D21H3) XP Rabbit mAb #5741
Vimentin (D21H3) XP Rabbit mAb detects endogenous levels of total vimentin protein. Monoclonal antibody is produced by immunizing animals with a synthetic peptide corresponding to residues surrounding Arg45 of human vimentin protein. Vimentin is present in sarcomas, but not carcinomas, and its expression is examined in conjunction with that of other markers to distinguish between the two. Vimentin's dynamic structural changes and spatial reorganization in response to extracellular stimuli helps to coordinate various signaling pathways. Phosphorylation of vimentin at Ser56 in smooth muscle cells regulates the structural arrangement of vimentin filaments in response to serotonin. Remodeling of vimentin and other intermediate filaments is important during lymphocyte adhesion and migration through the endothelium.
Ubiquityl-Histone H2B (Lys120) (D11) XP Rabbit mAb #5546
Ubiquityl-Histone H2B (Lys120) (D11) XP Rabbit mAb detects endogenous levels of histone H2B protein only when ubiquitylated on Lys120. Mono-ubiquitylated histone H2B lysine 120 is associated with the transcribed region of active genes. Mono-ubiquitylation of histone H2B stimulates transcriptional elongation by facilitating FACT-dependent chromatin remodeling. In addition, it is essential for subsequent methylation of histone H3 lysines 4 and 79, two additional histone modifications that regulate transcriptional initiation and elongation. Interestingly, de-ubiquitylation of histone H2B lysine 120 by USP22, a subunit of the human SAGA histone acetyltransferase complex, is a required step in transcriptional activation. Thus, it appears that the ubiquitylation state of histone H2B is dynamic during transcription and may serve as an intermediate step in transcriptional activation.
GE Healthcare
Amersham ECL Prime
According to G.E., its new Amersham ECL (enhanced chemiluminescence) Prime is a highly sensitive reagent characterized by stable signal emission up to 3 h after addition of the reagent, allowing for the possibility of repeated exposures and making it easier to process several blots in the same experimental run. High signal intensity means that proteins may be detected using more dilute primary and secondary antibodies, which reduces background noise and reagent consumption.
Amersham ECL Prime is optimized for imaging with ImageQuant LAS 4000 (CCD-based imaging) and is compatible with Amersham Hyperfilm. The reagent is also compatible with Rainbow Molecular Weight Markers and Amersham ECL DualVue Western Blotting Markers. It is optimized for use with Amersham Hybond-P (polyvinylidene difluoride) membranes and compatible with Amersham Hybond-ECL (nitrocellulose) membranes.
More: www.gelifesciences.com
Membrane Protein Purification Kit
This new kit is designed for detergent screening of histidinetagged membrane proteins, enabling simultaneous evaluation of solubilization and purification efficiency. Analysis and evaluation can be performed by a number of methods such as Western blot, gel filtration, or light scattering. The Kit contains seven detergents in ready-to-use solution (purity ≥ 99% by HPLC analysis), His Mag Sepharose Ni, buffer stock solutions, and an easy-to-follow protocol, is sufficient for two complete screening experiments.
More: www.gelifesciences.com
HiScreen Prepacked Chromatography Columns
GE Healthcare has increased the total number of media now available in this format to 23. Four new columns are packed with a range of BioProcess chromatography media. HiScreen columns' 10-cm bed height is considered suitable for method optimization and parameter screening (e.g., for selectivity and capacity), and the columns are easily connected in series for a 20-cm bed height. HiScreen columns have a small bed volume (4.7 mL), and the columns are made of biocompatible polypropylene that does not interact with biomolecules. The four new columns are available prepacked with the following chromatography media: The Ni Sepharose 6 Fast Flow; Blue Sepharose 6 Fast Flow; DEAE Sepharose Fast Flow; and Butyl Sepharose High Performance.
More: www.gelifesciences.com
Phenomenex
Kinetex XB-C18 and Kinetex C8 Core-Shell HPLC/UHPLC Columns
The new Kinetex XB-C18 provides a unique selectivity, incorporating two iso-butyl side chains at the base of the C18 ligand to reduce secondary interactions with residual silanols. These columns deliver enhanced separation and peak shape of basic compounds under neutral and acidic pH conditions. In comparison studies with other C18 columns, this new Kinetex phase has produced differences in peak elution order and improved separation of co-eluting compounds. The new Kinetex C8 phase meets the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) specifications for Classification Code L7, enabling laboratories using L7 columns to realize the benefits of Kinetex core-shell technology while staying compliant with USP-allowable adjustments.
More: www.phenomenex.com
AUTOMATED SYSTEMS
Beckman Coulter
MoFlo Astrios Cell Sorter
This next-generation sorter leverages the fluidic design of the original MoFlo and the electronic processing of the MoFlo XDP while expanding sorting capabilities with laser options. A range of software components further enhances functionality. Complex, multicolor sorting is enabled by seven pinholes that spatially separate each of the seven lasers. Auto start-up allows users to define when lasers and fluidics turn on. The multifiber Beam Shaping Optic creates flat-top beam profiles, providing short alignment times and high-level optic stability. Two stages control the alignment for all seven lasers to simplify sorter preparation.
Beckman Coulter's IntelliSort II is a bead-less drop delay determination and monitoring system. Camera images and proprietary algorithms determine optimal drop delay without fluorescent beads being incorporated in the sample line. A quick-release nozzle design enables easy removal or swapping of the nozzle body and tip through the use of a single lever. The auto-quality control allows system performance to be tracked and trended across 32 available parameters, whereas the updated Summit Software permits six-way sorting into tubes and sorting into plates having as many as 1536 wells. Index-sorting logic tracks each plate-sorted cell back to its histogram or scatter plot. A touchscreen control panel facilitates daily set-up with operations designed around core laboratory workflow.
More: www.beckmancoulter.com
Optima MAX-XP Micro-Ultracentrifuge
The Optima MAX-XP Micro-Ultracentrifuge now offers nine native languages. English, Japanese, German, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, and Russian can be selected via menu.
More: www.beckmancoulter.com
CaridianBCT
Quantum Cell Expansion System
This new automated system for growing adherent and suspension cells in a closed environment is designed for multiple cell types and protocol flexibility. The Quantum system offers controls that streamline cell culture and reduce risk of contamination for clinical cell manufacturing. The Quantum system delivers scalability for increased cell expansion capability while limiting the required manual labor; automation for easy and consistent cell loading, media exchange and cell harvest; reduction in contamination potential via closed cell-culture methodologies; and customization of automated tasks.
More: www.caridianbct.com
Dorton Analytical
SEC-3010 Triple Detector System
Designed for characterization of polymers and proteins using gel permeation chromatography/size exclusion chromatography (GPC/SEC), the new SEC-3010 triple detector system is a complete GPC system composing of a pump, autosampler, viscosity/refractive index detector, multiangle light-scattering detector, and ParSEC-enhanced software.
The SEC-3010 Viscosity/Refractive Index Detector allows the simultaneous determination of the refractive index and the intrinsic viscosity of a polymer solution, and can overcome the disadvantages usually encountered by coupled detectors. The asymmetrical bridge circuit allows 80% of the sample to reach the measuring arm compared with 50% in conventional instruments, thus increasing sensitivity by a factor of 2. The direct integration of the refractive index measuring cell in the analytical arm of the viscometer allows the determination of the intrinsic viscosity and the refractive index in exactly the same sample segment.
The Multiangle Light-Scattering Detector is an intuitive, seven-angle detector for the comprehensive characterization of macromolecular compounds. Samples are illuminated by a very precise, temperature-controlled laser beam. The scattered light is collected by a highly sensitive CCD detector, which transmits the data to the ParSEC Enhanced software, which provides comprehensive polymer characterization via multidetector GPC. The software records and evaluates the data from various combinations of GPC detectors. It calculates the specific and intrinsic viscosity, Mark-Houwink coefficients, absolute molecular weights, Mn, Mw, Mz, Rg, the Mw/Mn structure coefficients, and the branching parameters from the scattered light data. All analytical methods, raw data, calibrations, results, and sample information are stored in a single database.
FEI Company
Magellan Extreme Resolution SEM
According to FEI, its new Magellan Extreme Resolution scanning electron microscope (SEM) enables life science researchers and cell biologists to view the entire organization of a cell in its natural, fully hydrated state. The Magellan's workflow solution includes cryogenic sample preparation and handling, and is a repeatable, optimized process. The Magellan SEMs provide high-throughput, subnanometer resolution even at low accelerating voltages.
More: www.fei.com
Fluxion Biosciences
BioFlux 1000Z
This new system provides an integrated solution for running live-cell assays under flow using Fluxion's Well Plate Microfluidic devices. It features a fully automated imaging workstation built around the ZEISS AxioObserver microscope. New modules for this platform include the Carl Zeiss Definite Focus LED-based autofocus mechanism and PlasDIC module for differential internal contrast imaging. As with the original BioFlux 1000, the 1000Z system is driven by the BioFlux Montage software, which ties together all of the hardware components. It features automated scanning routines and analysis solutions for BioFlux microfluidic flow experiments.
Roche
Cobas e 602 Analyzer
Now available in the United States, the cobas e 602 analyzer is the latest addition to the cobas 8000 modular analyzer series for diagnostic labs with high-volume workloads. The
More: www.roche-diagnostics.us
Syrris
Asia Range of Flow Chemistry Systems
According to Syrris, its new Asia portfolio is scalable and modular for any flow chemistry requirements and offers maximum chemical resistance, wide temperature (-15 to 300 ° C) and pressure (0–20 bar) range, and the ability to safely provide accurate temperature control. With fast reaction times and microgram to kilogram scalability, it enables manual or automated operation with optional PC control. The Asia flow chemistry range consists of three different series, each with three preconfigured systems providing varying levels of functionality. The Asia 1-series is manually operated. The Asia 2-series systems can automatically perform one experiment at a time, with automated parameters such as reaction temperature, pressure, and collection timings. Fully automated for process optimization, the Asia 3-series is considered ideal for high-end applications.
More: www.syrris.com
The Automation Partnership
12-Well Version of Real Architecture for 3D Tissue
The new Real Architecture for 3D Tissue generates reproducible, 3D collagen tissue models. It consists of a workstation, consumables, and reagents to create consistent models in less than 1 h. The 12-well and 24-well plate options allow the flexibility to produce a range of 3D tissues including multicellular models, barrier models, and air—liquid interface cultures. The constructs generated can be used for a wide range of cell-based assays or regenerative medicine applications.
Zinsser Analytic
CALLI QC Robotic Platform
This new platform automates sample preparation for analysis (e.g. HPLC, LC/MS, GC). Raw samples (liquids, solids, pastes, creams, or viscous media) are weighed in; dissolved; filtered by using standard commercially available cartridges, filter plates, or filtration disks; diluted if necessary; and finally transferred to the chromatography vials or directly injected to an HPLC, LC/MS, or GC system. Barcode control ensures full traceability.
More: www.zinsser-analytic.com
INSTRUMENTATION AND HARDWARE
A2 Technologies
Integrated FTIR Analyzer
Designed for the rapid analysis of liquids by FTIR spectroscopy and based on A2's ML analyzer, this new FTIR spectrometer occupies 8 in.2 on a lab bench. DialPath technology features a tumbler-like optical head that can be rotated into position to provide one of three, factory set, selectable sample path lengths between 30 and 250 μm. To analyze a sample, a drop of the liquid is placed on a stationary infrared-transparent window mounted on the top surface of the analyzer, and then a second window is rotated into position, thus sandwiching the sample between the two windows and creating a highly reproducible, fixed sample path length between the two windows.
More: www.a2technologies.com
Fluid Metering
C100A Variable Speed Controller
The C100A features manual speed adjustment using a front panel mounted rotary dial, electronic speed control via a 4–20-mA signal from an external source, IR compensation, current limiting circuit, minimum and maximum speed adjustment, transient voltage protection, and an AC fuse.
The C100A is considered ideal for 24/7/365 operations and for controlling FMI's Chloritrol Valveless Hypochlorite Injection System and FMI's CTS Chemical Treatment System.
More: www.fmipump.com
MDrive
Ethernet Systems
According to MDrive, its new Ethernet Systems feature integrated motor, drive and fully programmable controller, with standardized IP addressing system that allows up to 255 devices on a network while eliminating wiring and software configuring of traditional multidrop systems using RS-422/485 communications. MDrive Ethernet systems use standard RJ45 connectors and CAT5/6 cabling.
MDrive Ethernet systems support the industrial standard MODBUS/TCP and MCode/TCP, which makes existing MDrive programs portable to the new Ethernet-based products. An additional enhancement for MDrive Ethernet products is Hybrid Motion Technology, a hardware-based system for real-time response that delivers smooth movement while eliminating unintentional stalling. It saves energy and lowers heat with variable current setting, enables operation at 100% of motor torque, and operates in torque mode.
More: www.imshome.com/downloads/ethernet_overview.html or www.imshome.com/mdrive_hybrid.html
Olympus
UPLSAPO 30x and 60x Silicone Oil Objectives
According to Olympus, the new UPLSAPO 30x and UPLSAPO 60x objectives can markedly improve optical performance for live-cell confocal, widefield fluorescence, multiphoton, differential interference contrast, and other applications. The new silicone oil objectives have advantages over both traditional oil and water immersion objectives for deep and long-term imaging. They provide higher resolution and brighter images when imaging within deep samples when compared with oil immersion objectives, and are useful in long-term imaging experiments where, in the past, water evaporation has been an issue. The new 30x, 1.05 NA, 0.8 mm working distance and 60x, 1.3 NA, 0.3 mm working distance objectives reduce loss of contrast because of spherical aberration when compared with conventional oil objectives. By reducing the mismatch between the refractive index of the specimen and that of the immersion medium into which the objective is dipped, they provide higher resolution and brightness when imaging into thick samples. More: www.olympusamerica.com/30x
BX63 Customizable Motorized Research Microscope
According to Olympus, its new BX63 microscope allows users to control all observation and image-capture functions with a programmable touchscreen. Both the motorized and coded fluorescence illuminators feature the Olympus fly's-eye lens system, ensuring that the field of view is illuminated homogeneously.
Rose + Kruger
RK DuoLine 160
This new generation of RK DuoLine linear units are supplied with a spindle or timing belt. Optional coupling and motor adapters can be attached to all four hollow-shaft outputs on the idler unit to simplify positioning and allow users to configure and adjust the axial motor. The DuoLine with spindle drive is fitted with a newly developed spindle support for increased rotational speeds. A vmax of 2 m/s with stroke lengths of around 5 m is possible. All DuoLine variants are magnetically sealed with a steel band increasing the protection rating to IP40. The enclosed ball rail system also provides an efficiency rating above 85% on the spindle variant and brings the no-load torque for the timing belt variant down to 2.5 Nm. The variants also share common features in terms of the table installation options. The BLOCAN profile slots have T-rails with tapped holes to simplify the attachment of loads and provide flexibility. The central lubricator on the table, which supplies grease to the guide system and spindles depending on the type, reduces maintenance. The DuoLine generation begins with the 160 × 100 size corresponding to the length of the edge on the guide profile in millimeters.
More: www.rose-krieger.com
T&D Corporation
RTR-500NW Ethernet LAN Connected Data Collector for Wireless Data Loggers
The RTR-500NW acts as a wireless base unit for any of TandD's RTR-500 Series Data Loggers as remote units. It automatically downloads recorded data from the remote units via a 900-MHz wireless link and transmits the data via e-mail or to an FTP server, without a PC, making it possible to share and manage data over a network. It can also send warning reports via e-mail or issue a warning via contact output when a remote unit has entered or recovered from a warning condition. The RTR-500NW is fully compatible with TandD's free WebStorage Service.
More: www.tandd.com
Thermo Fisher Scientific
ThermoChill I and ThermoChill II Recirculating Chillers
These compact, floor-standing recirculating chillers provide a temperature range of 5–30 °C and have a cooling capacity from 700 to 2000 W. With 24 configurations available, users can select cooling capacity, voltage, and pump type. High- and low-temperature alarms alert users to temperature deviations. The fill port has a large opening and is located at the top of the unit.
Accel 250 and Accel 500 Polar Series Thermostatic Laboratory Chillers
Thermo's new Polar Series has a temperature range from −10 to 80 °C, allowing users to select the optimal set point for each application. Thermostatic technology enables fast temperature ramping, and this delivers immediate heating and cooling for efficient workflow. The chillers feature an internal reservoir; pump and cooling capacity options on an integrated fill port, drain, and site tube design; and an intuitive plug and play design.
Westermo
i-line Family of Ethernet Products
Westermo's new i-line family of Ethernet products includes standard and compact Ethernet switches, media converters, and Power over Ethernet switches. It offers industry grade components, easy-to-use features, and reliable and consistent operation. All i-line devices are DIN rail mountable and have dual 24VDC power screw terminal inputs making them suitable for applications where a secondary power source is used to maintain high-system integrity. Each device in the range incorporates a configurable relay that triggers an alarm signal for port or power events. The rugged IP-31-rated aluminum alloy enclosure is considered ideal for heat dissipation and enables a wide operating temperature range.
More: www.westermo.com
Ziath
Tube Arrayer
The new Ziath Tube Arrayer is designed to assist in transferring sets of sealed tubes from one or more source racks into one or more destination racks by guided positional illumination and barcode verification. Three separate reads of the tube barcodes are used to eliminate the chances of removal of incorrect tubes from source racks or the placement of tubes into incorrect positions in the destination racks.
LABWARE AND LAB SUPPLIES
Air Science
DWS Downflow Workstations
Designed to provide a small bench-mounted unit with unrestricted access for operations that are difficult to perform in a conventional fume hood, these units operate at low noise levels and because they recirculate, they do not exhaust conditioned or heated air. The downflow action takes contaminated air away from the user and an alarm sounds when the airflow falls to an unacceptable level. The main filter can be chosen from 14 different types of carbon, including specialty media for vapors of organics, solvents, acids, mercury, and formaldehyde. High-efficiency particulate air filters also are available.
More: www.airscience.com
Bio-Rad Laboratories
Criterion TGX Stain-Free Precast Gels
According to Bio-Rad, when combined with its Gel Doc EZ Imager, its new Criterion Tris-Glycine eXtended (TGX) precast gels can use the standard Laemmli system to achieve protein separation, gel imaging, and data analysis in 25 min without the need for staining. In addition, proteins can be transferred onto a polyvinylidene difluoride or nitrocellulose membrane in as little as 20 min. The same gel can be used for western blotting, standard staining methods, and mass spectrometry analysis. After a run, gels can be visualized on the Gel Doc EZ imager, and the gel documentation system provides publication-quality images in as little as 5 min. Criterion TGX Stain-Free gels can be stored for up to 12 months without losing performance quality and are available in 4–15%, 4–20%, and a unique formulation, any kD, that allow the resolution of proteins across a wide range of molecular weights (10–250 kD).
Dorton Analytical
Legato 100 Syringe Pump
According to Dorton, its new Legato 100 is a single-syringe infusion-only pump with a touch-screen interface. It offers a flow rate range of 1.28 pL/min to 88.28 mL/min, accuracy of 0.5%, and reproducibility of 0.05%. Stainless steel, plastic, or glass syringes from 0.5 μL to 60 mL can be used in the unit and are held in place by a new clamping mechanism. A large color display shows syringe size, flow rates, volume delivered, and the elapsed time.
Olympus
BX53 Motorized Advanced Research Microscope and BX43 Motorized Clinical and Research Microscope
According to Olympus, these new microscope stands are powerful and easy-to-use complete microscopy systems that can be customized to meet specific needs. Their motorized components are controlled by Olympus cellSens software.
The BX53 Motorized Advanced Research Microscope offers flexibility for optical performance in a variety of advanced transmitted light techniques, and includes an eight-position motorized filter turret for advanced fluorescence. Through the automated integration of objectives and the motorized universal condenser, users can now turn their BX53 system into an optimal fluorescence, phase contrast, darkfield, or differential interference contrast prism research microscope with just the touch of a button. Other motorized components include the attenuator wheel (used instead of a neutral density filter to attenuate the light source) and fluorescence illuminator. Users also can control automated functions with a handset.
The BX43 Motorized Clinical and Research Microscope is optimized for users who need to control microscope functions automatically to ensure maximum repeatability and streamlined operation over long hours of use. A programmable handset also is available.
Ultra-Slim MicroProbe Stick Objectives
For FluoView FV1000 and FV1000-MPE microscope users, Olympus offers three ultra-slim microscope objectives designed for minimally invasive, high-resolution in vivo imaging. With these stick objectives, users can visualize dynamic events and structures deep within live animals over long periods of time, while causing minimal stress or injury to the animals.
The three stick lenses compose of a class of objectives designed for obtaining high-resolution intravital microscope images. Users can select from a 27x, NA 0.70 objective; a 20x, NA 0.50 objective; and a 6x, NA 0.13 objective. The lenses include two slim objectives (20x and 6x, each 1.3 mm in diameter—about 1/20 of an inch).
Porvair Filtration Group
New BioVyon Porous Plastics for Healthcare Applications
Porvair's BioVyon line of porous polymeric, composite, and functionalized materials has been expanded to include new USP Class VI BioVyon sintered porous plastics that offer the high degree of biocompatibility and bio-safety required by many healthcare applications. Using processes to immobilize materials such as carbon, C18 coated silica, and antimicrobials onto the BioVyon matrix, Porvair can change the properties of the sintered porous plastic to optimally suit different applications.
Application developments include catheter vents incorporating cellulosic materials that swell in contact with fluids such as blood, providing an instant ”shut-off“ device that prevents bypass of potential hazards; BioVyon plastics incorporating activated carbon remove impurities in water; and BioVyon with active resin immobilized on the matrix enables removal of specific chemical molecules in samples before diagnostic analysis. In addition, by direct chemical or biochemical modification of the BioVyon material surface, Porvair has created a range of new functionalized separation materials that can be used for different diagnostic applications.
Porvair Sciences
MicroSeal Manual Microplate Heat Sealer
Designed to meet the needs of low- to medium-throughput laboratories for microplate sealing, the compact MicroSeal has an ergonomic pull-down mechanism that allows fast and easy single-action heat sealing of a wide range of plates. It uses a preset temperature of 170 °C and dual LED status display of power and heating. A built-in thermostat prevents overheating of plates.
More: www.porvair-sciences.com
Seward Limited
Strainer Bags
For processing samples that produce large amounts of debris that can block pipettes, these irradiated sterile bags are available in 80- and 400-mL sizes and are fully compatible with all laboratory blenders. According to Seward, they deliver fully homogenous, virtually debris-free sample every time to ensure trouble-free pipetting and quality results.
More: www.seward.co.uk
Torrey Pines Scientific
Chilling/Heating Incubators
This new range of fully programmable, chilling/heating, bench top incubators with temperature ramping includes models IN35 and IN45, which are Peltier-based units with no compressors or CFCs. They have 27.5- and 55-L volumes, respectively. Temperature range is from 4.0 to 70.0 °C with control to 0.1 °C (even at room temperature). The fully programmable controls are capable of storing three routines in memory with each routine capable of 10 steps. Each program step is a temperature, time, and a temperature ramping rate (if required). Each program can be made to repeat from 1 to 99 times automatically. Programs are stored in CMOS for instant recall and use at any time. Units have an RS232 interface for data collection, and 99-day timer readable to 1 s and are UL, CSA, and CE listed. They are available in 100, 115, and 230 VAC, 50/60 Hz models.
MICROPLATES
Porvair Sciences
24-Well Microplates for Large-Scale, High-Yield Growth of Yeast
Produced under class 10,000 clean-room conditions from virgin polypropylene, the new 24-well plate has a working volume of 10 mL/well and contains no contaminants that may leach out and affect yeast growth. The wells of the highvolume plate are rectangular in shape with a “v” bottom to facilitate easy yeast concentration and recovery.
More: www.porvair-sciences.com
Low-Profile 96-Well Microplate
Designed to minimize space required for compound storage, this new low-profile 96-well plate achieves a storage volume of 1.1 mL/well in a height of just 27 mm. A new matching antievaporation cap mat, manufactured from thermoplastic elastomer, is also available to ensure long-term integrity of stored samples.
More: www.porvair-sciences.com
INFORMATICS AND COMPUTING
Advion BioSystems
LESA Points Software
Designed as a planned user enhancement to the TriVersa NanoMate, chip-based nanoelectrospray ion source for mass spectrometry, LESA Points software is available now free of charge to existing users and bundled in all new purchases. LESA offers direct surface analysis without the need for sample preparation from TLC plates, tissue slices, MALDI plates, dried blood spots, and any other planar surface with extractable analytes. Benefits of the system include more information from complex samples, timesaving, and increased sensitivity.
More: www.advion.com
Beckman Coulter
Kaluza 1.1 Flow Cytometry Analysis Software
According to Beckman Coulter, its new Kaluza 1.1 software processes multicolor files of up to 10 million events in real time and when used with the NVIDIA Tesla Supercomputer option, Kaluza 1.1 sets a new standard for flow cytometry data processing speed. Kaluza 1.1 also can analyze data from a variety of platforms, including MoFlo Series sorters, CyAn ADP and Gallios flow cytometry analyzers, and even systems such as the iCys and the iCyte automated imaging cytometers. This new version of Kaluza is offered in a variety of language translations.
More: www.beckmancoulter.com
Elsys Instruments
LAN-Controlled Transient Recorders
The new compact TPCX-24014 and TPCX-12014 series of LAN-controlled transient recorders offer sampling speeds of 240 or 120 MS/s at 14-bit or 16-bit vertical resolution. Housed in a single-width PCI slot, the new transient recorders feature analog bandwidth at Nyquist frequency of 120 MHz for 240 M/s versions and 60 MHz for 120 M/s versions. The new modules feature four single-ended channels that can be switched into two true, fully differential channels. Four differential channel recorders are obtained by mechanically and electrically integrating a pair of two-channel differential units. Standard acquisition memory length on the new units is 32 Mpoints/channel with an optional 128 Mpoints/channel available for increased digital bandwidth so that signals may be sampled proportionally faster for the same event duration. Other features include a large input voltage range of up to 100 V and an offset range of up to FSR on all sensitivity settings, 50 ω and 1 Mω inputs, advanced trigger capabilities with external trigger inputs, programmable anti-aliasing filters, ICP current supply for piezoelectric sensors, and digital input markers.
Hamilton Storage Technologies
asm Manager 3.1.0
This upgraded software package for Hamilton's active sample manager (asm) systems adds to existing functionality with new visual displays and system alarm features that provide more feedback; alerts for when conditions might compromise stored samples; additional password protection; new run logic architecture for cherry picking; and a new progress bar that reports job status and completion rates in real time.
More: www.hamilton-storage.com
Olympus
cellSens Software
The latest version of the cellSens version 1.4 software controls all automated functions and components for the Olympus BX3 series motorized microscopes, including the instruments' revolving nosepieces, fluorescence illuminators, universal condensers, and the attenuation wheel that controls the intensity of the mercury light source for research fluorescence imaging. cellSens is fully compatible with the Microsoft Windows 7 (32-bit) operating system. A handset is available with many preset functions; the handset also can be customized so that specific hardware configurations can be turned into templates for repeated use in image capture or analysis.
SERVICES
Integrated DNA Technologies and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
UNAFold Secondary Structure Prediction Software
UNAFold is a comprehensive software package for nucleic acid folding and hybridization prediction. The name is derived from “Unified Nucleic Acid Folding and hybridization package.” It is designed to more accurately detect secondary structures within sequences submitted by users. UNAFold may be downloaded freely for academic and other non-commercial use. Commercial use requires a license from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The UNAFold software powers the DINAMelt web server that has been running at Rensselaer since 2005.
More: www.idtdna.com
The Automation Partnership
Cedex Cell Counter Maintenance and Support
The Automation Partnership (TAP) Service and Support Group now offers maintenance contracts and preventative maintenance (PM) visits for standalone Cedex cell counters, and those integrated into TAP systems. PM visits include system recalibration and replacement of worn parts. Visits can be scheduled within 4 weeks and booked alongside other planned servicing to minimize downtime and disruption.