CORE GRANT FOR VISION RESEARCH

描述（由申请人提供）：视觉研究核心基金将通过支持四个服务模块：数字成像、信息技术、组织学和机械加工，进一步推动明尼苏达大学20名视觉研究人员的研究目标。数字成像模块为Core Grant研究人员提供两项主要服务：(1)使用徕卡共聚焦显微镜和Prairie Technologies多光子显微镜的共聚焦设施，以及(2)图像分析设施。模块管理员维护共聚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。资讯科技模块有两个主要功能：(1)为资讯科技经理提供定制软件设计服务，并协助处理与电脑及网络有关的事宜；以及(2)为“理想核心补助金”网络提供基础设施和管理。数据库和调度程序以及研究数据的存档备份从网络服务器上运行。组织学模块提供了一个设备齐全的组织学实验室和一个组织学家的服务，以核心补助金调查人员和工作人员。服务包括石蜡和冷冻切片、切片苏木精和伊红染色、免疫组织化学、PCR、原位杂交、核酸酶保护试验、RNA提取、质粒设计和构建、序列分析、PAGE、HPLC和细胞培养。机器车间模块为调查人员提供熟练机械师的服务。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)安装制造的部件和设备。每个模块将由nei资助的既定调查员指导。核心奖助金将由一个由奖助金PI和模块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.