CORE--Information Technology

该核心补助金将通过支持四个研究和服务模块，进一步促进明尼苏达大学17名视觉研究人员的研究目标。数字成像模块由两个部分组成，共聚焦显微镜设施和图像分析设施。核心资助研究者将使用共聚焦设备从组织学切片和活组织中获取图像。图像分析设施将用于处理、分析和生成在共聚焦显微镜上获得的图像和在研究者实验室中生成的图像的硬拷贝。数字成像管理员将监督共聚焦和图像分析设施，并培训调查员和工作人员如何使用这些设备。信息技术单元将为数字成像单元以及使用微型计算机的调查员个人提供必要的技术支助。信息技术管理员将维持核心赠款网络服务器，向调查员提供联网和微型计算机支助，并将建立调查员数据的档案备份。组织学单元将提供一个设备齐全的组织学实验室，并由单元组织学家向核心赠款调查员提供服务。该设施提供的程序包括眼组织的石蜡和冷冻切片、切片的苏木精和伊红染色、免疫组织化学、PCR、原位杂交、核酸酶保护测定、RNA提取、质粒设计和构建以及序列分析。机械车间模块将提供一个熟练的机械师的服务，核心补助金的调查人员谁需要定制设计和加工的设备和部件的研究。这些单元将通过一个专用计算机网络连接在一起，这将便利调查员进入，并将提高设施的能力。每个模块都将由一位既定的NEI资助的研究者指导。核心补助金将由一个由补助PI和模块主任组成的咨询小组管理。通过提供研究和服务设施，核心补助金将进一步促进明尼苏达大学视觉研究人员的研究工作。

This Core Grant will further the research aims of 17 vision investigators at the University of Minnesota by supporting four research and service modules. The Digital Imaging module, consists of two components, the Confocal Microscope facility and the Image Analysis facility. The Confocal facility will be used by Core Grant investigators to acquire images from histological sections and from live tissue. The Image Analysis facility will be used to process, analyze and produce hard copies of images acquired on the confocal microscope and images produced in investigator laboratories. The Digital Imaging manager will supervise the Confocal and Image Analysis facilities and train investigators and staff on use of the equipment The Information Technology module will provide essential technical support for the Digital Imaging module as well as for individual investigators using microcomputers. The Information Technology manager will maintain the Core Grant network server, will provide networking and microcomputer support to investigators, and will create archival backups of investigator data. The Histology module will provide a fully equipped histology laboratory and the services of the module histologist to Core Grant investigators. Procedures offered by the facility include paraffin and frozen sections of ocular tissue, hematoxylin and eosin staining of sections, immunohistochemistry, PCR, in situ hybridization, nuclease protection assays, RNA extraction, plasmid design and construction, and sequence analysis. The Machine Shop module will provide the services of a skilled machinist to Core Grant investigators who require custom design and machining of equipment and components of their research. The modules will be linked together by a dedicated computer network that will facilitate investigator access and will enhance the capabilities of the facilities. Each module will be directed by an established NEI-funded investigator. The Core Grant will be administered by an advisory group comprised of the grant PI and module directors. The Core Grant, by providing research and service facilities, will further the research efforts of vision researchers at the University of Minnesota.