Optimization of cDNA microarrays procedures using criteria that do not rely on external standards.

Background: The measurement of gene expression using microarray technology is a complicated process in which a large number of factors can be varied. Due to the lack of standard calibration samples such as are used in traditional chemical analysis it may be a problem to evaluate whether changes done to the microarray procedure actually improve the identification of truly differentially expressed genes. The purpose of the present work is to report the optimization of several steps in the microarray process both in laboratory practices and in data processing using criteria that do not rely on external standards.

GeneTools--application for functional annotation and statistical hypothesis testing.

Background: Modern biology has shifted from "one gene" approaches to methods for genomic-scale analysis like microarray technology, which allow simultaneous measurement of thousands of genes. This has created a need for tools facilitating interpretation of biological data in "batch" mode. However, such tools often leave the investigator with large volumes of apparently unorganized information.

Miniaturized fluorescent RNA dot blot method for rapid quantitation of gene expression.

Background: RNA dot blot hybridization is a commonly used technique for gene expression assays. However, membrane based RNA dot/slot blot hybridization is time consuming, requires large amounts of RNA, and is less suited for parallel assays of more than one gene at a time. Here, we describe a glass-slide based miniaturized RNA dot blot (RNA array) procedure for rapid and parallel gene expression analysis using fluorescently labeled probes.

A validated method for rapid analysis of ethane in breath and its application in kinetic studies in human volunteers.

Oxidative stress may initiate lipid peroxidation that generates ethane. Ethane, at low concentrations, is eliminated by pulmonary exhalation. Previous methods have not allowed frequent sampling, thus ethane kinetics has not been studied in man.