Informatics and Computing.

Abstract

This software application is for use with new and existing multichannel verification systems (MVS) and enables MVS users to track and manage the performance of their automated liquid handlers. ArtelWare aggregates the standardized measurements from the MVS for all of a user’s liquid handlers, providing detailed, actionable performance information and insight for the management of these critical laboratory tools. Users can quickly visualize the tip-by-tip status of any device as well as view performance over time and across multiple labs. Action limits can either be preassigned or determined based on the data. ArtelWare also provides the tools to manage and optimize instrument maintenance by viewing historical information on individual device availability and reliability. ArtelWare reduces troubleshooting time and expense by visualizing trends in instrument performance and enabling users to react to those trends before failures occur. ArtelWare can reduce time spent on false hits. More: www.artel-usa.com This next-generation acquisition software for the Beckman Coulter Gallios Cytometer combines data acquisition tools with ease of use to increase efficiency and performance in cell characterization and analysis workflows. Novel functionalities include the ability to set up experimental protocols offline and a Gallios simulator, which facilitates instrument training without running live experiments. The new software combines with Kaluza Analysis, a cytometry data analysis program, and together the packages provide a total cytometry data management solution. Kaluza for Gallios features a guided Windows-based drag-and-drop interface that is intuitive and facilitates easy creation of the right setup for accurate plot output. Visual management tools enable tracking of instrument function and experiment progress. Voltage and compensation can be quickly, accurately, and intuitively changed. The wizard function creates compensation matrices, and a radial menu means minimal click-through while creating gates and accessing editing tools. Unlimited “undo” aids new users. Kaluza for Gallios flow cytometry analysis software is provided on a Windows 7 (64-bit) operating system. More: www.kaluzasoftware.com Elsys Instruments has expanded its family of LAN-controlled transient recorders with this series of high-resolution PCIe data acquisition cards. The new TPCE-LE PCIe data acquisition waveform digitizing products deliver performance into a wider number of applications where the acquisition of high-speed, high-resolution, and high-precision waveform data is important. The high-precision, high-resolution digitizers offer features such as advanced trigger modes, continuous data acquisition mode, single-ended and differential inputs, digital input lines, and ICP coupling for powering piezo sensors. They enable the development of scalable systems. Free with each board purchase is the TranAX-LE operating and analysis software as well as LabVIEW Instrument driver, C++/C#, and IVI scope class driver. As with Elsys’ existing TPCX and TPCE platforms, the TPCE-LE modules can be housed in any existing TraNET system. More: www.elsys-instruments.com/products/tpce-le.php According to Genedata, the latest version of this single-platform screening solution provides new capabilities for data analysis of technologies such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR), thermal shift, combination and panel screens; broadens workflow support; and minimizes data analysis time. It features advanced image management functionality and a newly designed Analyzer module, which optimizes user efficiency and productivity—from loading data to generating final analysis results. Now, Genedata Screener also completely automates processing, from data import to results, which is considered especially useful in multi-step data analysis such as dose-response curve and compound combination experiments and in preprocessing for time-series and single-cell data. The new release also offers ease-of-use enhancements, time-saving features and enables the platform to be easily customized. Highlights include an Integrated Screener Core, which is a single application for accelerating the complete workflow, enabling complete analysis parameterization, automated result calculation upon data import, and single-click navigation from dose-response curves to well data and back. Screener for SPR analyzes data from any biosensor instrument and standardizes and automates SPR raw data loading, preprocessing, analysis, result generation, and reporting. Screener for Combination Screening computes synergy effects (using Loewe, Bliss) and offers enhanced display of combination results. There is flexible support for panel screens to measure multiple targets or cell lines in one experiment and streamlined image management for multi-instrument environments with fast secondary analysis. More: www.genedata.com Complimentary with all CytoSure array purchases, CytoSure Interpret Software is described by OGT as a powerful and easy-to-use package for the analysis of aCGH data and copy number variation (CNV) detection. Offering a combination of features, including Automatic Aberration Classification, the software allows the choice of standardized or customized user-defined data analysis. This latest version further facilitates and standardizes the data analysis workflow to deliver rapid access to meaningful results. By using information available in online databases, such as DECIPHER and settings defined by the user, the Automatic Aberration Classification enables users to configure the software to automatically perform an initial classification of any detected CNV, accelerating analysis and standardizing the interpretation process. CytoSure Interpret Software allows simultaneous access to sample and experiment information across a network, providing the potential for labs at multiple sites to access a central database. In situations in which IT infrastructures do not permit this, the software now provides the additional functionality for exporting sample and experiment information into other databases, further facilitating sharing of case information and aberration calls. In addition to the free text phenotype field, users are also now able to use Standardized Phenotype (Human Phenotype Ontology [HPO]) terms to simplify and normalize the phenotype description process via an HPO Phenotype Selector window. More: www.ogt.com/interpret GeneGlobe is a Web-based solution that enables users to search and select from more than 31 million PCR assay kits and next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay panel products. It includes genome-wide assay solutions for 28 species with any gene or pathway of interest. The search, selection, and interpretation solutions create a user experience that precisely identifies assays and reagents that fit a user’s experimental design and adds a comprehensive set of interpretation solutions. GeneGlobe also supports scientists with additional resources such as Pathway Central, Data Analysis Center, Custom Assay Design Tools, and the Plate Designer. This new version integrates biological knowledge through its Ingenuity Target Explorer bioinformatics application with GeneGlobe’s library of wet lab assay solutions. By linking biological interpretation and references with the relevant laboratory assays, GeneGlobe offers utility for experimental design, assay selection, and data analysis. More: www.geneglobe.com QIAGEN’s portfolio of bioinformatics solutions now includes BIOBASE biological databases, software, and services. With access to HGMD, QIAGEN expands itself as a literature source for research and diagnosis and the analysis and interpretation of next-generation sequencing data. BIOBASE offers interpretation solutions organized in an easily searchable manner that enable users to identify connections between disparate pieces of information and apply that knowledge. In addition to the continued availability of BIOBASE products on a standalone basis, QIAGEN is integrating first products into QIAGEN’s Ingenuity Knowledge Base and the QIAGEN bioinformatics solutions that draw upon it, including the HGMD Human Gene Mutation Database and PGMD PharmacoGenomic Mutation Database. HGMD integration also is available to users of QIAGEN’s Ingenuity Variant Analysis and will be included in Ingenuity Clinical, a new Web-based solution for clinical interpretation and reporting of insights from NGS-based tests. More: www.biobase-international.com/products. According to QIAGEN, the CLC Cancer Research Workbench is the first complete bioinformatics software suite for rapid analysis, user-friendly visualization, and accurate interpretation of advanced next-generation sequencing (NGS) data in cancer research. Its user-friendly software enables users to identify prognostic markers, identify subclonal somatic mutations, detect inherited traits, find biomarkers for drug response, and determine new oncogenes. Advanced resequencing tools, in combination with an intuitive graphical user interface, can provide rapid analysis and accurate interpretation of advanced NGS data. It also enables all results to be filtered, visualized, and compared with relevant databases such as COSMIC, ClinVar, or in-house curated ones, as well as with other data sets. More: www.qiagen.com For tracking multiple next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform workflows from request through processing and analysis, the flexible Exemplar NGS Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) can accommodate diverse requirements in data organization, process flow, and library preparations. It features prebuilt workflows for leading platforms, instrument integration, automation support, graphical and intuitive interface with an executive dashboard for viewing activity in any time frame, and complete consumables management. It is a 100% Web-based solution that does not require extra software for the client. It also is tablet-enabled and scalable. More: www.sapiosciences.com According to Terumo BCT, updated software is now available for its Quantum system, an automated flask-based, cell culture platform. The new software automates traditional manual reporting with electronic data capture for cell culture processes; keeps users informed with customized, remote alarm notifications, in the event of a disruption to cell culture processes; provides improved process control with user authentication, tracking tasks, and configuration changes performed by operators and administrators for enhanced traceability; and restores the system to its prior running state after power failures, reinstating the most recent system task. More: www.terumobct.com This new platform for pathology training and collaboration provides tools to build interactive training, from course development to student evaluation, and can be used to quickly and easily share scanned images with colleagues around the globe. Ventana Vector software can help standardize training content by enabling students to view high-quality, consistent slide images and eliminating the frustration of having to share limited resources such as slide sets and multihead microscopes. It offers a fully customizable interface and ability for users to view on mobile devices with both cloud and local hosting options, and it is fully compatible with iScan Coreo and Ventana iScan HT slide scanners. More: www.ventana.com These three new solutions offer improved software performance such as customizable workflow capabilities and multiuser workgroup server-based connectivity. Plus, each application features a comprehensive library of relevant molecules to optimize application methods. These solutions can be deployed and configured to meet user needs and offer UNIFI capabilities to multiuser, server-based workgroups for the capture, storage, and management of analytical LC, LC/MS, and LC/MS/MS data. The Glycan Application Solution with UNIFI features an extensive N-glycan Glucose Unit (GU) reference database, which, when used with Waters’ bioseparations-focused analytical technologies to characterize glycosylation, enables delivery of well-characterized biotherapeutics from discovery through development and QC operations. The solution facilitates routine assignment of N-linked glycan structures and enables profiling of released glycans for individual sample analysis and expedites multibatch comparability studies for either innovator biotherapeutics or biosimilars. The Forensic Toxicology Screening Application Solution with UNIFI features a platform that integrates chromatography method, mass spectrometry, and software for an end-to-end solution that requires minimal or no method development. The software includes a comprehensive database of compounds of toxicological interest that can easily be extended to address “unknown” analytes that may be germane to the evidence. Also built on the Waters Screening Platform Solution, the Natural Products Application Solution with UNIFI enables users to readily move from sample extract to product knowledge using a sensitive and accurate-mass analytical platform integrated with fit-for-purpose workflows and reporting. The solution features a “Traditional Medicines” library including all the herbs detailed in the 2010 Chinese Pharmacopeia. More: www.waters.comAbout JALA World News:E-mail new product announcements for consideration to nhallock@slas.org. MSWord documents and 300+ dpi image files are preferred. Deadlines are at least two months prior to publication. JALA editors reserve the right to select the products they deem most appropriate for the section and may revise copy as necessary. Product descriptions are based on information provided by the manufacturer. Inclusion in this section in no way implies endorsement by the Journal of Laboratory Automation or the Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening. E-mail new product announcements for consideration to nhallock@slas.org. MSWord documents and 300+ dpi image files are preferred. Deadlines are at least two months prior to publication. JALA editors reserve the right to select the products they deem most appropriate for the section and may revise copy as necessary. Product descriptions are based on information provided by the manufacturer. Inclusion in this section in no way implies endorsement by the Journal of Laboratory Automation or the Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening.