Acquisition of Automated DNA Sequencer

菲尔德博物馆要求为其生物化学实验室购买一台自动DNA测序仪应用生物系统373A，这是一个核心设施，为菲尔德博物馆的工作人员和学生提供了在基础研究和分类学研究培训中使用基因扩增（PCR）和DNA测序的机会。检查实验室使用的水平和模式表明为什么需要这个仪器。1994年，由美国国家科学基金会资助的生物化学实验室进行了翻新，使用非常频繁：10名策展人员和研究助理独立使用了这些设施，其中6名研究人员正在进行或计划在不久的将来进行重大的DNA测序项目。由于对设备的需求不断增加，以及在之前的步骤（DNA提取、PCR和扩增子纯化）中建立可靠的协议，测序和碱基调用现在已成为限制实验室生产力的主要因素。生产率和成本分析支持以下论点：收购373A将导致：1)更高的实验室生产率；2)通过释放实验室专用空间来增加实验室容量；3)每次测序反应可节省约40%的成本。后者将使实验室以目前的生产力水平在不到三年的时间内收回采购成本。应用生物系统公司373A与竞争仪器相比有几个优势，包括：1)4染料荧光标记系统，每个PAGE凝胶可运行多达4倍的样品；2)专利染料标记的双脱氧核苷酸终止物，允许在~q循环测序和Sequenase格式中使用未标记的寡核苷酸引物。使用未标记引物的能力为Field Museum项目提供了经济和多功能性，因为测序完全来自从无数植物，真菌和动物来源扩增的PCR产品。菲尔德博物馆拥有完善的各级培训项目。科研人员在邻近的机构（例如，芝加哥大学和伊利诺伊大学芝加哥分校）有兼职，并通过这些机构提供系统学方面的研究生培训。这些学生通常使用实验室进行他们的研究生研究项目。最后，实验室是菲尔德博物馆暑期实习项目的积极参与者，该项目面向高中生和本科生，特别是那些代表少数群体的学生。所有实验室的能力将大大增强，通过收购这台仪器，为学生提供额外的机会，以获得在系统学的研究经验。NSF表135~ (1194)a—1

Field Museum requests funds to purchase an automated DNA sequencer, the Applied Biosystems 373A, for its Biochemistry Laboratories, a core facility that provides opportunities for Field Museum staff and students to use gene amplification (PCR) and DNA sequencing in basic research and research training in systematics. Examination of the levels and patterns of Lab use indicate why this instrument is needed. The Biochemistry Laboratories, which are undergoing NSF funded renovation in 1994, are heavily used: 10 curatorial staff and research associates independently have used the facilities, and at six of these research staff are now pursuing or planning major DNA sequencing projects in the near future. The effect of this increasing demand on the facilities and the concomitant establishing of reliable protocols in the preceding steps (DNA extraction, PCR, and amplicon purification), is that sequencing and base calling have now become the primary factors limiting the Labs' productivity. Productivity and cost analyses support the contention that acquisition of the 373A will result in: 1) greater lab productivity; 2) an increase in lab capacity by freeing otherwise dedicated lab space; and 3) a cost savings of about 40% per sequencing reaction. The latter will allow the Labs to recoup purchase costs iTI less than three years at present productivity levels. The Applied Biosystems 373A has several advantages over competing instruments, including: 1) a 4-dye fluorescent-labeling system that enables running up to 4 times as many samples per PAGE gel; and 2) patented dye-labeled dideoxynucleotide terminators that permit use of unlabeled oligonucleotide primers in both ~q cycle sequencing and Sequenase formats. Ability to use unlabeled primers offers an economy and versatility for Field Museum projects, as sequencing is entirely from PCR products amplified from a myriad of plant, fungi, and animal sources. Field Museum has well-developed training pro grams at all levels. Scientific staff have adjunct appointments at neighboring institutions (e.g., U. of Chicago and U. of Illinois, Chicago) and offer graduate training in systematics through these institutions. These students generally use the Labs for their graduate research projects. Finally, the Laboratories are an active participant in Field Museum's summer intern program, which targets high school and undergraduate students, especially those representing minority groups. llhe Labs' capacity will be significantly augmented by the acquisition of this instrument, providing additional opportunities for students to gain research experience in systematics. NSF FORM 135~ (1194) A--1