Each biochip has hundreds to thousands of gel drops on a glass, plastic or membrane support. The biochip system can identify infectious disease strains in less than 15 minutes when testing protein arrays and in less than two hours when testing nucleic acid arrays.

Dec. 20 , 2006 -- Some of this week's stories:

Biochip technology could become standard diagnostic tool for human, veterinary medicine

Argonne researchers have developed a biochip technology system that may one day become a standard diagnostic tool for identifying human and veterinary infectious diseases.

“In the last two years we've transitioned from basic research to mainly development of assays,” said Dan Schabacker, team leader of the Biochip Group in Argonne's Energy Systems Division. “We know the technology works. Now it's time to refine its applications.”

The biochip system can identify infectious disease strains in less than 15 minutes when testing protein arrays and in less than two hours when testing nucleic acid arrays. The system can be used in hospitals and other laboratories as well as in the field. The technology provides a point-of-care diagnostic system that would save time and money compared to current systems, which require sending samples to a centralized lab for confirmatory diagnosis.

Each biochip has hundreds to thousands of gel drops, each about 100 microns in diameter (100 microns is about the width of an average human hair). A segment of a DNA strand, protein, peptide or antibody is inserted into each drop, tailoring it to recognize a specific biological agent or biochemical signature. These drops are in known positions so when a sample reacts, the reaction position can be detected, identifying the sample.

“The array of gel drops can be tailored to detect specific strains of infectious diseases or other biological organisms,” said Schabacker. “Each drop can detect trace quantities of the agents for which they are specific.”

The biochip can also be used to identify biological warfare agents. Easy sample preparation, standard operating protocols and a portable biochip reader that is smaller than a lunchbox make the system suitable for use in the field by first responders, military personnel and medical technicians.

The system makes use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a universal method for replicating billions of copies from one piece of genetic material. PCR allows trace quantities of DNA to be replicated to a level where they can be detected in the biochip system.

A sample to be tested is applied to a biochip, which is then put in a reader and scanned using patented side-illumination laser technology to detect reaction sites. Automated algorithms determine the agents present in the sample.

Working through Argonne's Office of Technology Transfer, three start-up companies currently hold licenses related to the system — Safeguard Biosystems Inc., Akonni Biosystems Inc. and Aurora Photonics Inc.

Schabacker believes the technology holds great promise for rapid diagnostic testing since the biochip allows technicians to test for so many different agents at once. Under current development is a respiratory syndrome chip that tests for strep throat, influenza A and influenza B. This chip would allow doctors to make a faster and more precise diagnosis when patients display symptoms common to several different ailments.

The biochip system also has great potential as a discovery tool. Current research aimed at the development of proteome chips has shown great promise. Proteome chips, which are biochips displaying all the proteins expressed by an organism at a specific time, provide the ability to screen for new cancer biomarkers, vaccine targets and therapeutic targets, as well as provide a means of characterizing disease states.

In the near future, Schabacker hopes to bring the licensees together in a cooperative program to assist them in a near-term commercial deployment strategy of the technologies for each licensee's initial target markets.

“These are start-up companies built largely on the biochip technology, and as a result, they are sources of jobs and growth in the economy, but they don't have the R&D infrastructure that is available at Argonne,” he said. “However, they can collaborate with us to develop their technologies. We are committed to adding value to the investment of each of our partners in their efforts to bridge the gap from research to commercial use and to introduce this technology to the market.”

Research is underway to shorten sample preparation time to about 10 minutes and increase system sensitivity, allowing full analysis to be done in less than one hour for nucleic acid arrays.

These companies all want to get a competitive product to market as soon as possible, Schabacker added. “They will all face many of the same challenges, so our respective objectives can be achieved a lot more quickly if we pool our resources. We need to get the technology out there and used so it can be accepted as a tool.”

‘Passion' will fuel lab's growth: Rosner

Argonne Director Robert Rosner presented a “personal perspective” for his State of the Laboratory address Dec. 7, touching on his vision for creating a unified laboratory culture and its paths for future growth.

Rosner said the standard organization chart doesn't describe his view of the laboratory. A jigsaw puzzle, with its interlocking relationships, comes closer.

But ultimately, Rosner said he takes a “neighborhood” view of the laboratory. “We're not just responsible for our own piece of the puzzle; we're responsible for the whole. We all have responsibilities for each other … to make sure that the other folks around us can do their jobs. It's a two-way street. We all need to step outside of our puzzle pieces to help someone else.”

Ending the historical division between operations and program sides of the laboratory are one example of how this view of the laboratory can lead to greater success.

Rosner then moved on to a discussion of the two major challenges currently facing the laboratory, mentioning the cost of doing business and legacy nuclear waste.

As for the future, the laboratory must keep renewing itself to stay relevant to its mission, Rosner said, by helping “grow the next generation” of scientists and engineers, and “increasing our excellence” by recruiting and retaining the best and brightest.

“To the extent that we make Argonne an exciting, vibrant place, we will do well,” he said.

The nation faces a challenging environment, and Argonne is in the business of answering those challenges, Rosner said: developing the energy sources of the 21st Century, global warming, keeping the nation safe and answering the deepest questions of science.

“These are awfully good reasons to motivate us to get up in the morning and come to work,” Rosner said. “If we have passion for what we do, the growth of our lab will come of its own accord.”

Holiday shutdown to affect many site services

The Christmas-New Year closing at Argonne begins Friday, Dec. 22, and continues through Monday, Jan. 1. Only employees required to properly maintain the laboratory's facilities will be scheduled to work.

• Paychecks: Staff employee paychecks will be distributed or deposited Thursday, Dec. 21. Biweekly employee paychecks will be distributed or deposited Thursday Dec. 21, for the two-week period ending Sunday, Dec.10,

• The deadline for approving timecards for the two-week period ending Dec. 24 will be Thursday, Dec. 21, which will be paid on Jan. 5, 2007. For employees authorized to work Dec. 22, Dec. 23 and Dec. 24, time should be entered before Thursday, Dec. 21.

• There will be no early pickups of Dec. 21 paychecks. Employees who will not be available to pick up their checks on Dec. 21 are encouraged to call the Paymaster's Office at ext. 2-6893 to have their checks mailed to their home addresses.

• Employees reporting sick leave on the Dec. 21 timecard in excess of established laboratory and bargaining agreements must submit physician statements to the Medical Department by Wednesday, Dec. 20. Managers and supervisors of these employees will also need to submit an ANL-10 form (Sick Leave Form Bi-Weekly) to the Medical Department by that date.

• If an employee currently on disability leave is to be scheduled to return to duty during the holiday closure, an appointment to be seen in the Medical Department before Thursday, Dec. 21, must be obtained in order to obtain prior medical clearance. It will not be possible to arrange for medical evaluation during the period when the Medical Department is closed.

• Employees who require physician consultation, advice or assistance during the holiday closing should contact the Argonne Fire Department's officer in charge at ext. 2-6131. In the case of an emergency, call 911.

• Site access: North Gate will be open 24 hours a day through the holiday break. West Gate will be closed Dec. 23 through Dec. 25 and Dec. 30 through Jan. 1; on other dates, the gate will be open from 5:45 a.m. to 7:10 p.m. East Gate will be closed through the holiday break.

• The Argonne Information Center (AIC) will also be closed through the holiday break. Call the Argonne Information Center by Dec. 21 at ext. 2-5755 to register visitors expected during this period. Non-U.S. citizen visitors who have not been pre-registered prior to Dec. 21 will not be allowed access during the holiday shutdown.

• Deliveries, shipments: No deliveries can be accepted at the laboratory during the holiday break. Commercial package delivery companies will hold all shipments until Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2007.

• Employees expecting shipments to arrive during the break should make arrangements to have the items delivered off-site. Federal Express will collect items in on-site drop boxes once a day in the evening, except for Christmas Day and New Year's Day, when there will be no pickup. For more information, call ext. 2-4939.

• FMS-Site Services will refill liquid nitrogen Dewars Thursday, Dec. 21, at noon. There will be a liquid nitrogen Dewar pickup and delivery Wednesday, Dec. 27. Liquid helium orders may be set up for delivery dates of Dec. 26, 27, 28 and 29. Orders for liquid nitrogen must be called in by 9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 21. Orders for liquid helium must be called in by 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21. Call Mary Lipowski (PFS) at ext. 2-3440 to make arrangements.

• Travel: The Omega World Travel on-site travel office in Argonne Building 201 will be closed Dec. 22-Jan. 1. Business travelers with trips scheduled during the holiday break or immediately after the laboratory reopens should pick up their tickets and travel packets before 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20. Travel authorizations for trips starting Dec. 22 through Jan. 5 should be received by the Travel Office by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20.

• To make arrangements or change travel arrangements during the holiday break, business travelers should call Omega at (800) 856-9224, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST. On weekends, holidays, weekdays and after 5 p.m., call (888) 281-6412. Employees should identify themselves as Argonne business travelers, reference S*73SA-ANL, and provide their travel authorization numbers.

• Credit union: Argonne Credit Union offices at Argonne and Building 900 will be closed Dec. 22 through Jan. 1. Mail will not be received until Tuesday, Jan. 2. During this time, refer all business to their Green Ridge Center Branch in Woodridge at (630) 810-9600 or the Romeoville branch at (815) 267-7700. Branch offices will only be closed on Dec. 26 and Jan. 1. Online and ATM banking are always available.

• Food service: The Building 213 Cafeteria will be closed after lunch Thursday, Dec. 22, and will reopen Tuesday, Jan. 2.

• The Guest House restaurant will close at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21. It will reopen Tuesday, Jan. 2, for lunch. The 401 Grill will be closed Dec. 24, Dec. 25, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. It will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22, and Tuesday, Dec. 26, through Friday, Dec. 29.

• The Guest House front desk will close at 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21, and will reopen Tuesday, Jan. 2 at 6 a.m.

• Shuttle Bus: There will be no shuttle bus service to The University of Chicago Friday, Dec. 22, through Monday, Jan. 1. Service will resume Jan. 2.

Consult Shipping Dept. before shipping batteries

Lithium-ion batteries may possibly overheat and pose a risk of fire. Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used in cell phones, digital cameras, power tools, camcorders, MP3 players, etc. Primary (non-rechargeable) or metal, lithium batteries are used in products such as cameras, memory backup circuits, calculators and watches.

There have been more than 60 incidents of fire, smoke or heat involving batteries in aviation since 1991, according to the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board. In May 2006, a spare laptop battery caught fire in the overhead luggage bin of a Lufthansa passenger jet about to depart from O'Hare International Airport. A flight attendant tossed it to the tarmac, where the fire was extinguished.

The NTSB has documented dozens of other fires and explosions involving dry alkaline, nickel metal hydride or other types of common batteries. Most incidents appear to involve short circuits where a piece of metal has bridged the terminals or jostling has caused them to contact each other.

Doreen Schoening, a traffic analyst in Argonne's Shipping Office, said the U.S. Department of Transportation banned the shipment of non-rechargeable lithium batteries from passenger aircraft in late 2004. This interim rule does not apply to batteries in devices carried onboard by passengers for personal use. However, when shipping batteries all regulations must be complied with and the Argonne Shipping Department should be consulted, Shoening said.

The greatest risk to aviation comes from undeclared hazmat items, regulators say. Argonne employees can assist the Shipping Department by listing any potentially hazardous material, including batteries, on the shipping form.

3 Argonne scientists honored by American Physical Society

Three Argonne researchers have been named Fellows of the American Physical Society (APS), recognizing their outstanding contributions to physics.

Alex Lumpkin, physicist in the Accelerator Systems Division of the Advanced Photon Source, was honored for his “pioneering work in the time-resolved imaging of particle and photon beams, which has led to a better understanding of the dynamics of accelerator and photon source-related physical processes.”

Stephen Klippenstein, chemist in the Chemistry Division, was honored “for fundamental contributions to the development and application of quantitative theoretical methods for predicting the kinetics of chemical reactions in the gas phase.”

Peter Ostroumov, physicist in the Physics Division, was honored for “creativity and leadership in the design and development of both normal conducting and superconducting ion linear accelerators.”

Members of the American Physical Society are eligible for nomination and election to fellowship. Each nomination is evaluated by the Fellowship Committee of the appropriate APS division, topical group or forum. After review by the APS Fellowship Committee, the successful candidates are elected by APS Council. Fellowship is a distinct honor, signifying recognition by one's professional peers, and is limited to no more than one half of one percent of APS membership.

PC-Cillin software may expire as the new year arrives

With the new year approaching, users of Trend Micro PC-Cillin Internet Security Suite may start seeing pop-up boxes letting them know the program is about to expire.

Users who do not update the serial number and let the software expire will not receive updates with the latest virus detection signatures.

To update the serial number, uninstall the old product and re-install with the latest copy of PC-Cillin. Directions are available online. When the program asks for a serial number, use the one found at the directions Web site under the “PC-Cillin Internet Security” bullet. Then, use the code that corresponds to the version being used, either PC-Cillin 2006 or 2007. To determine the version, start the main console (Click Start >Programs or All Programs >Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security 2006 >Main Console), then click “About” in the lower right-hand corner.

For more information or assistance, contact the Help Desk at ext. 2-9999 or help@anl.gov.

Security: Lock up before leaving for shutdown

Laboratory employees are strongly encouraged to secure their valuable equipment, offices and laboratories during the holiday shutdown to minimize or prevent theft, according to Dave Metta, deputy director of Security.

The holiday shutdown, Friday, Dec. 22, through Monday, Jan. 1, provides an increased opportunity for theft because there are fewer employees on site, reducing the chance of detection and apprehension, said Metta.

“The laboratory's first line of defense against criminal activity is employee awareness and reporting,” Metta said. “Protective force personnel can't be everywhere all of the time. Successful site security is in large part dependent on employees observing and reporting suspicious and criminal activity.”

“Reasonable, common-sense deterrents” are the second line of defense, he said. In general, and especially during the shutdown period, employees should:

• Lock buildings, office doors, desks, filing cabinets and storage areas.

• Check double doors: Some have a brass bolt-lever on the upper and lower inside edge of the left door in addition to the key lock on the right.

• Secure all keys and attractive, valuable and easily transportable items. Locking cable “tie-downs” should be used on all computer equipment.

• Remove valuable items from places where they'll be unattended: docks, hallways, wire mesh storage areas or other areas that don't provide “six-sided, lockable protection.” These items should be secured in areas where they can't be seen by passers-by whenever possible.

For assistance in securing equipment or areas, contact the Lockshop at ext. 2-5742.

To report crimes in progress, call 911. Report suspicious activity to the Protective Force at ext. 2-5731 or ext. 2-5730.

Additional building patrols and other preventive measures will be in place during the shutdown. “But for these efforts to be truly effective, we need the assistance and involvement of each and every employee,” Metta said.

For more information on property protection, call ext. 2-4888.

Lab, employees work together for winter weather preparedness

Now that winter weather is in full swing, it's important to be aware of Argonne's winter weather preparedness plan and procedures for keeping employees safe.

The potential for injuries — mainly slips and falls — sharply increases when snow starts to fall. To help prevent incidents, actions are taken at the laboratory to reduce the hazards of slippery surfaces throughout the winter.

“Slips, trips and falls already have a high impact on personnel safety,” said Bob McCook, EQO Director. “We care about all Argonne employees and want them to have a very happy holiday and enjoy the winter season without the aches and pains of a slip or fall due to winter climate issues whether they are at home, play or work. While it may seem elementary to keep discussing this topic, it is something we all need reminding of on a regular basis.”

The Facilities Management and Services (FMS) Grounds and Custodial personnel have a Snow and Ice Control Plan which provides a timely response to winter weather events. From Dec. 1 to Mar. 30, a designated janitorial team begins at 6 a.m. The remainder of the day crew begins at 7 a.m. before most employees arrive. If extra assistance is needed, crews may be called in earlier.

Road and parking lot snow removal is completed over the most commonly traveled roads first. High-pedestrian-traffic areas are frequently checked throughout the day to ensure prompt removal of snow and ice. Snow/ice melt is applied around building and entrance walkways. Moisture-absorbing mats have been installed in building entrances with high traffic flow to reduce wet floors that can lead to hazardous slip conditions.

Although the laboratory takes these actions to reduce the hazards associated with winter weather, employees can take steps at work and at home to reduce their risk of injury:

• Employees who arrive before normal business hours should be aware that snow and ice removal may still be in progress.

• When opening a car door after parking, check the ground before taking that first step. There may be a thin layer of hard-to-see ice.

• Wear appropriate winter footwear with good traction.

• Keep one arm free to maintain balance when carrying items.

• Keep hands out of pockets to help maintain balance.

• Walk along well-lit paths.

• Snow sticking to shoes will melt and puddle near building entrances and in work areas, leaving a wet, possibly slippery condition on tile and chair mats.

• When using stairs, hold onto railings to maintain balance.

Throughout the winter season, any employee encountering a location needing attention should contact a building manager, who will notify the appropriate FMS personnel to remedy the situation. Any falls should be promptly reported so appropriate medical attention can be provided and a review of the conditions can be conducted to ensure any deficient surface is corrected.

If severe winter weather strikes during overnight hours, employees may be asked to delay their arrival until conditions improve. If laboratory operations are affected by the weather, information will be immediately posted on the Argonne Home Page (www.anl.gov) and on the Argonne Info-Line (603-252-INFO [4636]).

State proclaims ‘Argonne Day' to mark 60th anniversary

As Argonne's celebration of its 60th anniversary continues, Argonne has been given a special “day” by the State of Illinois.

On Nov. 28, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich declared “Argonne National Laboratory Day” in Illinois in recognition of Argonne's 60 years of world-renowned research and development.

“The research technology at Argonne has translated into significant scientific and economic benefits for our state, and this growing facility will continue to play an important role in the emergence of Illinois as a national center for science and technology,” Gov. Blagojevich said in making the announcement. “We look forward to continue working together to leverage larger investments at this important facility, advance cutting-edge research and create more high-tech, high-paying Illinois jobs.”

The State of Illinois has committed nearly $93 million in funding for projects at Argonne over the past five years, including the Center for Nanoscale Materials, Ricketts Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, the Advanced Protein Crystallization Facility and I-WIRE.

“As Argonne celebrates its 60th anniversary, we are pleased to have this recognition from Governor Blagojevich,” said Argonne Director Robert Rosner. “On behalf of Argonne's 2,900 employees and more than 5,000 users annually of our scientific facilities, I thank the governor and the people of Illinois for this recognition.”

Argonne was chartered as the first U.S. national laboratory in 1946 as an extension of the World War II Metallurgical Laboratory at the University of Chicago, which produced the first controlled nuclear chain reaction.

Lusk named director of Mathematics and Computer Science

Ewing “Rusty” Lusk has been named director of Argonne's Mathematics and Computer Science Division (MCS).

“Rusty has played a key role in advancing Argonne's reputation in high-end computing and parallel programming tools,” said Rick Stevens, associate laboratory director of Computing and Life Sciences and former director of the MCS Division. “I am confident that Rusty will do an excellent job in leading the division and the laboratory as it addresses new challenges in science and engineering applications.”

Lusk joined Argonne in 1982 and is a leading member of the team responsible for MPICH2, an implementation of the MPI message-passing interface standard and winner of an R&D 100 award in 2005 from R&D magazine.

“I think that the development of the MPI Standard is probably the most important project I have worked on,” said Lusk. “The process of developing a community standard in cooperation with vendors, computer scientists and users was fascinating. We shared a common goal and knew that our success would have a major impact on an entire generation of parallel programmers.”

The MPICH open source implementation has been adopted by leading computer vendors including IBM, Microsoft, Cray, HP and Sun.

Lusk is the coauthor of five books and more than 100 research articles in mathematics, automated deduction and parallel computing, and has chaired numerous professional events.

The Mathematics and Computer Science Division, part of the Computing and Life Sciences directorate at Argonne, consists of approximately 140 staff members. Its mission is to increase scientific productivity in the 21st century by providing intellectual and technical leadership in the computing sciences. Areas of focus include applied mathematics, performance and optimization analysis, very large scale computing, scientific visualization and wide-area distributed computing.

A Kansas native, Lusk received his B.A. in mathematics from the University of Notre Dame in 1965 and his Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Maryland in 1970. He began his career as an assistant professor of mathematics at Northern Illinois University, later moving to the Computer Science Department, where he became a full professor and acting chairman.