Digital imaging for pathology, research and education

Olympus has introduced a new improved version of its highly successful dotSlide virtual slide system. The new VS110 combines microscopy seamlessly with imaging to create a virtual slide that is an exact copy of the real specimen. Generating a high resolution image of the whole specimen, this can be viewed and analysed from the overview image at low magnification up to maximum magnification by simply zooming in. All samples can be evaluated around the world instantly and simultaneously as they are stored electronically on a central server. As a result, the VS110 is ideal for use in a number of areas including pathology, research and education.

Virtual microscopy enabled by VS110 allows the information from a single glass slide to be shared in real time with multiple personnel across the globe. All users are able to review the same sample, yet control the position and magnification individually, as if it were a real slide. This ability to acquire complete slides at high magnification and resolution virtually, delivers significant benefits to pathologists and researchers, as well as students in professional education when diagnosing, analysing and archiving samples for discussion, both remotely or via online conferences.

The flexibility of the VS110 technology within all clinical applications and teaching environments enables users to exceed the limits of conventional digital microscopy and telepathology in both the size and resolution of image files that can be discussed, as well as in time and location of discussion with colleagues. For example, it is possible to remotely access virtual slides with the functionality of a microscope, but without the instrument itself; ideal for a tutor working with a number of students. In addition, users can see and analyse macro overviews of slides that are simply not possible with traditional microscopes.

Within life science research the VS110 offers excellent throughput for extensive image analysis and superb documentation of tissue sections, cell cultures and even tissue microarrays.

All VS110 system components are designed to interact seamlessly, producing a fully automated, high-speed scanning system with excellent flexibility and simple operation. These ensure that users gain the best results for all types of specimens with minimum effort. The Net Image Server SQL for the Olympus VS110 system is a real client-server-based data management system and storage facility specifically developed for microscopy. This, together with the VS110 platform, helps the user by keeping everything clearly structured for easy management and efficient sharing of images and data.

For further information contact, Esther Ahrent, e-mail: microscopy@olympus-europa.com or view website: www.microscopy.olympus.eu   Refer to page 269

Agilent Technologies' new version of Agilent OpenLAB
Electronic Lab Notebook accelerates analytical chemistry workflows

Agilent Technologies' OpenLAB Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) version 4.1 offers scientists in analytical research and development an optimized way to document and share experiments and results.

OpenLAB ELN v4.1 introduces experimental templates that enable scientists to create, share and reuse their own custom experiment views. The new flexible templates facilitate data entry by allowing scientists to view the experimentdesktop as they prefer. These templates can be designed for SOP-driven processes, increasing laboratory efficiencies.

Agilent has also streamlined the analytical request workflow by reducing the number of steps between request and result. This dramatically improves lab productivity. A specific analytical module has been added for documenting analytical methods, generating sequence files and capturing results. The new module facilitates report creation across one or more samples and techniques. Chromatograms and result files from Agilent ChemStation, Waters Empower or other chromatography data systems (CDS) can be automatically uploaded and associated with the experiment through the seamless integration with Agilent OpenLAB ECM scientific data management system. Agilent offers the complete solution.

In addition, the new delegation workflow facilitates collaboration. Multiple scientists can collaborate on a single experiment, enter data and results from multiple techniques on a single sample or multiple samples. Audit trails are maintained in an environment that delivers the highest level of intellectual property protection.

"Ideally, software helps people be more productive with very little additional thought or effort," said Bruce von Herrmann, vice president and general manager, Agilent Software and Informatics. "This is the motivation behind the entire Agilent OpenLAB portfolio of laboratory systems."

OpenLAB ELN is a Web-based scalable, integrated system to manage experiments and results. It is designed for multiple disciplines including analytical chemistry, synthetic/medicinal chemistry, biology and other research environments. OpenLAB ELN supports 21 CFR Part 11 requirements and is built around an open architecture.

For further information, view website:  www.agilent.com   Refer to page 253

Cooling and freezing? With CoolBox it's
highly reproducible and completely ice-free!

BioCision's CoolBox™ offers an innovative cooling and freezing system for all-day ice-free sample temperature control. The reusable cartridge technology is convenient, portable and eliminates the risk of contamination and temperature variability associated with the use of ice.

Unlike sealed plastic coolers, which require refreezing overnight, CoolBox gives unlimited cooling duration by simply switching cartridges. The cartridges consist of a gel pack with a novel thermo-conductive alloy shell which enables fast recharge in a standard -20ºC lab freezer. A single cartridge provides 4-10 hours of ice-free cooling at 0.5ºC to 4ºC, depending on whether the CoolBox lid is off or on, and when a CoolRack is placed on the cartridge the system provides unparalleled ice-free temperature consistency and control.

BioCision's CoolBox PCR96 and CoolBox PCR384 system kits each include one CoolBox Microplate with lid, one CoolRack PCR (either 384- or 96-well) and one +2ºC cooling cartridge. Additional +2ºC cartridges are available separately.

Using CoolBox Microplate, PCR set-up and cooling is hassle-free and ice-free, with experimental reproducibility enhanced by true iso-temperature control during the entire cooling period. In addition, the excellent thermo-conductivity of CoolRack PCR ensures the system will quickly equilibrate to +2ºC with less than 0.1ºC variation between wells, eliminating temperature inconsistencies between centre and outer rows.

Commenting on the wide range of applications for CoolBox, Brian Schryver, Vice President, Research and Product Development, commented: 'The compact design and ice-free technology make CoolBox the ideal choice for use in tissue culture hoods, biosafety cabinets, GMP suites and other situations where space is restricted or where ice could be a source of contamination.'
'
The versatility of the system is unrivalled, with the option of using dry ice rather than a cartridge cooling source, when CoolBox becomes a personal benchtop cryo-station. Samples can be safely snap-frozen, without the use of alcohol, in less than 30 seconds.'

The light-weight, fracture-proof construction makes CoolBox highly portable, facilitating use for patient or any biomedical sample collection and protecting samples during transportation between laboratories. In addition to CoolRack PCR384 and 96, CoolBox Microplate is also compatible with CoolSink SBS format thermoconductive multiwell plate holders and CoolRack for 96 x 1ml storage tubes such as from Matrix, Micronics and others. For further information, view website: www.biocision.com  Refer to page 276

New Thermo Scientific K-Alpha X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS)

Thermo Fisher Scientific's new version of the Thermo Scientific K-Alpha X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) is a fully integrated surface characterization tool designed to meet the demands of surface engineers whether working in cutting-edge research and development of new surface chemistries, or dealing with routine characterization of surfaces, thin films and coatings. The Thermo Scientific K-Alpha will be unveiled at booth 217 at the AVS 57th International Symposium and Exhibition 2010, October 17-22, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The original K-Alpha was designed to offer scientists and engineers a new XPS solution by offering unprecedented ease of operation, and a streamlined workflow via the Thermo Scientific Avantage data system. The latest revision of the award-winning K-Alpha platform has those same valued benefits and in addition features dramatically improved spectroscopic performance, delivering increased countrates, faster analysis times and improved chemical detection. Further enhancements include improvements to the unique sample viewing system, better automation, and a new glove box option for handling air-sensitive samples.

The new instrument integrates premier spectrometer performance with the latest version of the Thermo Scientific Avantage XPS acquisition and processing user interface. This combination of instrumentation and software combines high sample throughput with market leading analytical performance, essential for tackling the complex materials characterization needs of today's surface analysis applications. The high level of integration between hardware and software enables users to calibrate their instrument with a single button press and incorporates full traceability of all system parameters.

The Avantage Data System is designed to offer exceptional levels of productivity via an optimized workflow that guides analysts through data acquisition, interpretation, processing and report generation. Avantage offers full digital tool control while providing a comprehensive range of XPS spectrum and image processing routines. Customized laboratory reporting templates allow analysis reports to be easily exported to standard PC applications, such as Microsoft Office, at the click of a mouse. The new Avantage Indexer (AI) system allows quick and easy management of all stored data sets, allowing management by element, chemistry, acquisition date and other important parameters.

"Thermo Scientific K-Alpha has enabled us to drive significant progress in the area of materials analysis, helping scientists overcome many challenges. With improved performance and new software features in the upgraded instrument, our customers will continue to make bold progress in the area of surface characterization," said Mike Jost, vice president and general manager of molecular spectroscopy and surface analysis and microanalysis for Thermo Fisher Scientific.

For further information, email: analyze@thermofisher.com    Refer to next page