CORE GRANT FOR VISION RESEARCH

描述(由申请者提供)：视觉研究核心助学金将支持明尼苏达大学20名视觉研究人员的研究目标，支持四个服务模块：数字成像、信息技术、组织学和机械车间。数字成像模块为Core Grant研究人员提供两项主要服务：(1)使用徕卡共焦显微镜和Prairie Technologies多光子显微镜的共焦设备，以及(2)图像分析设备。该单元管理员负责维护共焦显微镜和图像处理设备，并为调查人员和工作人员提供培训。信息技术(IT)模块有两个主要功能：(1)提供IT经理的服务，进行定制软件设计，并协助处理与计算机和网络有关的问题；(2)提供Vision Core Grant网络的基础设施和管理。数据库和调度程序以及研究数据的档案备份从网络服务器运行。组织学模块为Core Grant调查人员和工作人员提供设备齐全的组织学实验室和组织学家的服务。服务包括石蜡切片和冰冻切片、切片苏木精-伊红染色、免疫组织化学、聚合酶链式反应、原位杂交、核酸酶保护分析、RNA提取、质粒设计和构建、序列分析、PAGE、高效液相和细胞培养。机械车间模块为调查人员提供熟练的机械师服务。服务包括：1)设计和创建研究仪器和部件的工作图纸；(2)制造研究仪器；(3)安装已制造的部件和设备。每个模块将由NEI资助的一名既定调查员指导。核心赠款将由一个由赠款PI和单元主任组成的咨询小组管理。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The Core Grant for Vision Research will further the research goals of 20 vision researchers at the University of Minnesota by supporting four service modules: Digital Imaging, Information Technology, Histology, and Machine Shop. The Digital Imaging module offers two major services to Core Grant investigators: (1) a confocal facility utilizing a Leica confocal microscope and a Prairie Technologies multi-photon microscope, and (2) an image analysis facility. The module manager maintains the confocal microscopes and image processing equipment and provides training to investigators and staff. The Information Technology (IT) module has two major functions: (1) it offers the services of the IT manager for custom software design and assistance with computer- and network-related issues, and (2) it provides the infrastructure and administration of the Vision Core Grant network. Database and scheduling programs and archival backups of research data are run from the network servers. The Histology module provides a fully equipped histology laboratory and the services of a histologist to Core Grant investigators and staff. Services include paraffin and frozen sectioning, hematoxylin and eosin staining of sections, immunohistochemistry, PCR, in situ hybridization, nuclease protection assays, RNA extraction, plasmid design and construction, sequence analysis, PAGE, HPLC, and cell culture. The Machine Shop module provides the services of a skilled machinist to investigators. Services include, 1) design and creation of working drawings for research instruments and parts, (2) manufacture of research instruments, and (3) installation of manufactured parts and equipment. 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 the module directors.