Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation RSS feed: Current Issue. JALA is a bimonthly, peer reviewed scientific publication that provides a unique forum for the presentation of method-focused scientific papers, and related news, events and products. JALA readers, reviewers and authors are academic, industry and government researchers, scientists and engineers who conduct research and develop new technologies to increase productivity, elevate experimental data quality, reduce lab process cycle times, or enable experimentation that otherwise would be impossible. JALA is the official journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation ( www.labautomation.org ).http://www.jalajournal.com/?rss=yesElsevier Inc.en © 2010 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation1535-5535154August 2010 © 2010 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. healthpermissions@elsevier.comhttp://www.jalajournal.com/article/PIIS1535553510001164/abstract?rss=yesCover 110.1016/S1535-5535(10)00116-4Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation 15, 4 (2010)2010-08-01Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation2010-08-01154S1535-5535(10)X0004-1OFCOFChttp://www.jalajournal.com/article/PIIS1535553510000912/abstract?rss=yes 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, 220–229).Automation Highlights from the LiteratureKerstin Thurow, Hilmar Weinmann10.1016/j.jala.2010.04.008Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation 15, 4 (2010)2010-08-01Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation2010-08-01154S1535-5535(10)X0004-1Literature Highlights281286http://www.jalajournal.com/article/PIIS1535553509002846/abstract?rss=yesQuantification of hemodynamics may be invaluable in a drug development setting. However, one of the challenges in the application of imaging technologies for compound screening purposes is the large volume of data in a short amount of time. This article focuses on methods developed for large-scale hemodynamic quantification, as measured from high-frequency Doppler ultrasound in rodents. An integrative semiautomated method for processing Doppler ultrasound images is described and validated. In the context of experimental biology, this toolbox allows for a comprehensive hemodynamic evaluation of in vivo physiology as the result of medical intervention, thus enabling rapid compound screening in preclinical drug development.High-Throughput Doppler Toolbox for Preclinical Drug DevelopmentKarim Azer, Michael C. Desiderio, Christopher Tong, Michelle Bunzel, Barry R. Campbell, Diane Shevell, Matthew Walker10.1016/j.jala.2009.12.002Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation 15, 4 (2010)2010-03-04Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation2010-03-04154S1535-5535(10)X0004-1Original Reports287296http://www.jalajournal.com/article/PIIS1535553509000744/abstract?rss=yesA totally integrated serial dilution assay plate preparation system that fully uses the high precision nanoliter dispensing capabilities of acoustic liquid handlers has been developed and implemented. The application uses a hybrid of a serial dilution method and a direct dilution method, achieving a wide concentration range for the dilution series, while avoiding additive errors inherent to traditional serial dilution methods. The method allows assay miniaturization, which greatly reduces reagent and consumable costs to the customers. The system is in production at AstraZeneca and has generated high-quality assay ready plates for high-throughput screening and secondary screening since 2005. Further development in recent years has expanded the flexibility of the assay ready plate creation process to meet varied screening requirements.We will discuss the requirements for assay ready plates for concentration response testing and describe the novel plate creation method in detail with the rigorous validation procedures. Along with method validation data, some real-life screening results will be presented to compare an experiment conducted on compounds prepared using the novel hybrid method and those prepared using a more traditional serial dilution method, which endorses the application of the novel method.An Innovative Way to Create Assay Ready Plates for Concentration Response Testing Using Acoustic TechnologyManori Turmel, Zina Itkin, Don Liu, Dalin Nie10.1016/j.jala.2009.04.002Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation 15, 4 (2010)2010-03-08Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation2010-03-08154S1535-5535(10)X0004-1Original Reports297305http://www.jalajournal.com/article/PIIS1535553509002834/abstract?rss=yesDrug candidates with poor physicochemical properties (such as solubility) tend to have low bioavailability. For example, basic compounds might dissolve under acidic stomach conditions but then precipitate because of a change in pH under the neutral conditions found in the intestines. Therefore, it is essential to prevent precipitation and maintain high drug concentrations in the intestines to improve in vivo plasma exposure. Substances that act as antiprecipitants have been reported as well as bio-relevant media that mimic conditions in the stomach and small intestine. This report describes the development of an antiprecipitant screening system for basic model compounds using 96-well plates and bio-relevant media. Fourteen potential antiprecipitants were screened on one plate, which resulted in the identification of four substances that maintained a supersaturation state. To confirm these results, supersaturation studies were conducted according to the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) II dissolution method, and the results of the newly developed system correlated well with those of the USP II method. This novel system is useful for small-scale formulation screening during early preclinical development. This 96-well plate system will be available for the easily automated system in comparison with the conventional USP II system.Antiprecipitant Screening System for Basic Model Compounds Using Bio-Relevant MediaTaro Yamashita, Tohru Kokubo, Chenhua Zhao, Yasuhiro Ohki10.1016/j.jala.2009.12.001Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation 15, 4 (2010)2010-03-04Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation2010-03-04154S1535-5535(10)X0004-1Original Reports306312http://www.jalajournal.com/article/PIIS1535553508002499/abstract?rss=yesPolymer latexes are essential components in a wide range of commercial products and formulations such as, paints, cosmetics, coatings, biotechnology, and functionalized supports. Many difficulties are intrinsic to the implementation of polymer latex research, particularly in the purification of the final latex dispersions and the control and reproducibility of particle size, therefore making high-throughput research in this area especially challenging. In this article, we demonstrate how the investigation of the influential synthesis factors on polymer latex materials properties can be swiftly and reproducibly achieved by the combinational use of experimental design, automated synthesis, and a newly developed high-throughput purification process. Through the implementation of flexible automated platforms, a significant increase in the throughput of this previously manual process was achieved. Reaction models were used to examine the synergistic and antagonistic effects of the latex synthesis parameters, thereby allowing the controlled synthesis of fully characterized libraries of surface–functional polymer latexes to be rapidly produced and screened for a wide range of applications.The Application of Automation to Significantly Accelerate Polymer Latex ResearchNeil L. Campbell, Jon Weaver10.1016/j.jala.2008.11.002Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation 15, 4 (2010)2010-03-08Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation2010-03-08154S1535-5535(10)X0004-1Innovation Brief313318http://www.jalajournal.com/article/PIIS1535553510000365/abstract?rss=yesThe 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 analyzers, potential areas for point-of-care clinical usage, current commercial systems with increasing portability, and recent research in improved miniaturization and automation, including developments in acoustic and inertial focusing techniques and novel detection methodologies.A Niche for Microfluidics in Portable Hematology AnalyzersDaniel Heikali, Dino Di Carlo10.1016/j.jala.2010.02.005Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation 15, 4 (2010)2010-04-12Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation2010-04-12154S1535-5535(10)X0004-1Technology Review319328http://www.jalajournal.com/article/PIIS1535553510000638/abstract?rss=yesWe 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.Toward a Fully Automated High-Throughput Phototransfection SystemDavid J. Cappelleri, Adam Halasz, Jai-Yoon Sul, Tae Kyung Kim, James Eberwine, Vijay Kumar10.1016/j.jala.2010.03.003Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation 15, 4 (2010)2010-05-11Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation2010-05-11154S1535-5535(10)X0004-1Feature Stories329341http://www.jalajournal.com/article/PIIS1535553509002433/abstract?rss=yesThis article details recent efforts where student innovation has been harnessed to address international needs for accessible healthcare technology, with a specific focus on global regions where the availability of needed instrumentation is rare. This article sheds insight into the history of the organization, its objectives, as well as its current progress and future roadmap.Engineering World Health at Northwestern University: “Students Making a Difference in Global Health”Emily Laermer, Kelly Shelden10.1016/j.jala.2009.10.011Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation 15, 4 (2010)2010-03-04Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation2010-03-04154S1535-5535(10)X0004-1Feature Stories342343http://www.jalajournal.com/article/PIIS1535553510001097/abstract?rss=yesAddressing 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.Introducing: The 2010 JALA TenDean Ho10.1016/j.jala.2010.05.001Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation 15, 4 (2010)2010-08-01Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation2010-08-01154S1535-5535(10)X0004-1Special Feature344347http://www.jalajournal.com/article/PIIS1535553510001188/abstract?rss=yesTable of Contents10.1016/S1535-5535(10)00118-8Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation 15, 4 (2010)2010-08-01Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation2010-08-01154S1535-5535(10)X0004-1FrontmatterA2A2http://www.jalajournal.com/article/PIIS153555351000119X/abstract?rss=yesEditorial Board10.1016/S1535-5535(10)00119-XJournal of the Association for Laboratory Automation 15, 4 (2010)2010-08-01Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation2010-08-01154S1535-5535(10)X0004-1FrontmatterA4A4http://www.jalajournal.com/article/PIIS1535553510000663/abstract?rss=yes 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.JALA Editorial Adjustments Reflect Continuous Quality ImprovementDean Ho10.1016/j.jala.2010.03.006Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation 15, 4 (2010)2010-08-01Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation2010-08-01154S1535-5535(10)X0004-1From the Editor-in-ChiefA6A6http://www.jalajournal.com/article/PIIS1535553510000699/abstract?rss=yesYou, 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!Welcome to SLAS!Malcolm Crook10.1016/j.jala.2010.04.003Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation 15, 4 (2010)2010-08-01Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation2010-08-01154S1535-5535(10)X0004-1From the PresidentA8A8http://www.jalajournal.com/article/PIIS1535553510000870/abstract?rss=yesA 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.World News10.1016/j.jala.2010.04.004Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation 15, 4 (2010)2010-08-01Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation2010-08-01154S1535-5535(10)X0004-1World NewsA11A11http://www.jalajournal.com/article/PIIS1535553510001280/abstract?rss=yesJALA Information for Authors10.1016/S1535-5535(10)00128-0Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation 15, 4 (2010)2010-08-01Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation2010-08-01154S1535-5535(10)X0004-1FrontmatterA27A27