وأيد هذا العمل من قبل المعهد الوطني للعيون R15 1 غرانت EY13649 - 01 ، وقبل اكتشاف المنح الفردية من العلوم الطبيعية والهندسة مجلس البحوث كندا (NSERC). شكر خاص لغيليسبي ديدا لتشكيل المعادن ، وللتشاور بشأن تصميم الجهاز والبناء.

<ol>
	<li>Goldreich, D. &. a. m. p. ;. a. m. p., Kanics, I. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Tactile+acuity+is+enhanced+in+blindness.">Tactile acuity is enhanced in blindness.</a> J. Neurosci. 23, 3439-3445 (2003).</li><li>Goldreich, D. &. a. m. p. ;. a. m. p., Kanics, I. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Performance+of+blind+and+sighted+humans+on+a+tactile+grating+detection+task.">Performance of blind and sighted humans on a tactile grating detection task.</a> Percept. Psychophys. 68, 1363-1371 (2006).</li><li>Kontsevich, L. L. &. a. m. p. ;. a. m. p., Tyler, C. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Bayesian+adaptive+estimation+of+psychometric+slope+and+threshold.">Bayesian adaptive estimation of psychometric slope and threshold.</a> Vision. Res. 39, 2729-2737 (1999).</li><li>Bleyenheuft, Y., Cols, C., Arnould, C. &. a. m. p. ;. a. m. p., Thonnard, J. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Age-related+changes+in+tactile+spatial+resolution+from+6+to+16+years.">Age-related changes in tactile spatial resolution from 6 to 16 years.</a> Somatosens. Mot. Res. 23, 83-87 (2006).</li><li>Johnson, K. O. &. a. m. p. ;. a. m. p., Phillips, J. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Tactile+spatial+resolution.+I.+Two-point+discrimination,+gap+detection,+grating+resolution,+and+letter+recognition.">Tactile spatial resolution. I. Two-point discrimination, gap detection, grating resolution, and letter recognition.</a> J. Neurophysiol. 46, 1177-1192 (1981).</li><li>Gibson, G. O. &. a. m. p. ;. a. m. p., Craig, J. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+effect+of+force+and+conformance+on+tactile+intensive+and+spatial+sensitivity.">The effect of force and conformance on tactile intensive and spatial sensitivity.</a> Exp. Brain Res. 170, 172-181 (2006).</li><li>Johnson, K. O. &. a. m. p. ;. a. m. p., Phillips, J. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+rotating+drum+stimulator+for+scanning+embossed+patterns+and+textures+across+the+skin.">A rotating drum stimulator for scanning embossed patterns and textures across the skin.</a> J. Neurosci. Methods. 22, 221-231 (1988).</li><li>Craig, J. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Grating+orientation+as+a+measure+of+tactile+spatial+acuity.">Grating orientation as a measure of tactile spatial acuity.</a> Somatosens. Mot. Res. 16, 197-206 (1999).</li><li>Killebrew, J. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+dense+array+stimulator+to+generate+arbitrary+spatio-temporal+tactile+stimuli.">A dense array stimulator to generate arbitrary spatio-temporal tactile stimuli.</a> J. Neurosci. Methods. 161, 62-74 (2007).</li></ol>

والتسليم المراقب من المحفزات الميكانيكية تنظيما مكانيا تحديات لا تواجهها في تقديم محفزات بصرية أو سمعية ، والتي يمكن أن تستخدم المعدات المتاحة تجاريا (شاشات الكمبيوتر ، ومكبرات الصوت). لهذا السبب ، لا تزال تتم عن طريق اللمس كثير من التجارب الفيزياء النفسية باستخدام دليل التسليم التحفيز. تقديم دليل من المحفزات اللمس هو مضيعة للوقت ، ويحتاج إلى عناية كبيرة والتركيز على جزء من المحقق. على سبيل المثال ، Bleyenheuft آخرون 4 التقرير أنه &quot;تم استخدام تطبيق دليل حوالي 1-2 ملم من تشوه الجلد عمودي... الفاحص كان منتبها بشكل خاص لتجنب أي إجهاد القص بين الجلد وصريف التي يمكن أن تشوه هذا الاجراء. .. &quot; ربما لأن الحوافز دليل التسليم بطيئة نسبيا والتركيز المكثف ، قد استخدمت العديد من الدراسات باستخدام هذا الأسلوب نعم / لا (واحد فقط حافزا لكل محاكمة) بدلا من اثنين فاصل بروتوكولات الاختيار القسري. للأسف ، حتى عندما يتم أخذ الحذر الشديد ، دليل التسليم التحفيز يترك العديد من المعلمات التحفيز غير المنضبط. وتشمل هذه المعايير قوة التحفيز ، سرعة ظهور ، والمدة ، واستقرار السطح التحفيز على الجلد. من هذه المعلمات ، وربما أفضل درس فيما يتعلق تأثيرها على قوة الأداء هو التحفيز. البشر تظهر تحسنا تدريجيا في اتجاه التمييز مقضب على الإصبع على أنها تغييرات عمق المسافة البادئة 500-1200 ميكرون 5 ؛ أداء أفضل في قوة مما كانت عليه في 10 غرام 50 غرام النفاذ 1 ، على الرغم من ملاحظة وجود مزيد من التحسن بين 50 غراما و 200 غراما 6. لتطبيقات أخرى ، مثل الكشف عن صريف (تمييز على نحو سلس من سطح مخدد) ، ويزيد في قوة الأداء تحسن بشكل كبير في جميع أنحاء تتراوح بين 10 و 200 جرام 2،6. للتغلب على هذه التحديات المرتبطة الاختبار اليدوي ، قمنا بتطوير نظام آلي ، صنابير. وكان هدفنا في بناء TAPS لإنشاء بسيطة ، جهاز آمن وتنوعا وفعالية وبأسعار معقولة للرقابة تطبيق التحفيز عن طريق اللمس. استخدام تسيطر الجاذبية هي وسيلة بسيطة وآمنة لتطبيق التحفيز عن طريق اللمس. وتكفل السلامة ، وذلك لأن القوة ضد الجلد لا يمكن أن تتجاوز بسبب الجاذبية. خطي المحرك القوي يخدم فقط لنقل قوة الجاذبية على الجلد ، ومن ثم سحب جهة الاتصال. الجهاز متعدد الاستخدامات ، كما أنه سيتم استيعاب أي السطوح تشكيله في التحفيز (أو تعلق على) نهايات نصف قطرها بوصة قضبان ، ويمكن برمجتها لتشغيل مجموعة متنوعة من البروتوكولات النفسية. TAPS تتسم بالكفاءة ، وينتشر بسرعة المحفزات ، ويمكن للوقت تشغيل خوارزميات التكيفية. وأخيرا ، فإن مكونات TAPS هي في متناول أصحاب المنح الصغيرة. تكلفة المحركات حوالي 1500 $ ، والمكونات الكهربائية (باستثناء الكمبيوتر ، ولكن بما في ذلك المجالس PCI والسائر السائق المحرك) ، ما يقرب من 6،000 دولار. ويمكن شراء آلة صغيرة الطحن والملحقات لحوالي 1،000 دولار ، أو يمكن استأجرت الماكنه المهنية لمطحنة القطع التحفيز وجعل أجزاء صغيرة أخرى. نأمل أن تكون منسوخة هذا النظام من قبل الآخرين ، وتعمل على تعزيز التحرك نحو اختبار للرقابة عن طريق اللمس ، والتي في السنوات الأخيرة شهدت تقدما واعدا 5،7،8،9.

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		<div>
		<table border="1">
		<thead>
		<tr>
		<th>Material Name</th>
		<th>Type</th>
		<th>Company</th>
		<th>Catalogue Number</th>
		<th>Comment</th>
		</tr>
		</thead>
		<tbody>
		
<tr>
<td>Delrin plastic rods 0.5&#x201D; diameter 3&#x201D; long </td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Small Parts</td>
<td>ZRD-08</td>
<td>Rods from which the stimulus pieces are made</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chrome-steel bearing, 0.5" bore diameter</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Small Parts</td>
<td>BR-08-01</td>
<td>Pivot for the rotating rod</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Plastic bearing, 0.5&#x201D; bore, 1.125&#x201D; outer diameter, 0.25&#x201D; thick</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Small Parts</td>
<td>BRP-08-01</td>
<td>Wheel at end of rotating rod</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fiberglass curtain, 0.75&#x201D; thick</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>McMaster-Carr</td>
<td>9781T83</td>
<td>Sound absorbing curtain around lower table</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Silicone O-rings 5/16" inside diameter</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>McMaster-Carr</td>
<td>AS568A- 011</td>
<td>To reduce vibration of stimulus pieces</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Anti-Vibration Pads 2"x 2", 93 PSI max </td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>McMaster-Carr</td>
<td>60105K61</td>
<td>Put under the linear actuator</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rubber sandwich mounts 1/2" H x 3/8" W </td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>McMaster-Carr</td>
<td>9378K11</td>
<td>Put under linear actuator base</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stepper motor Nema 23, 3-stack </td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Industrial Devices</td>
<td>S23</td>
<td>For rotating the stimulus disk</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Linear rodless actuator</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Industrial Devices</td>
<td>R2S23N-105A-18-l-M35M</td>
<td>To control rotating bar movement</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1 Hall effect switch &#x201C;normally open&#x201D; config. </td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Industrial Devices</td>
<td>RP1</td>
<td>Actuator home sensor</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2 Hall effect switches &#x201C;normally closed&#x201D; config. </td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Industrial Devices</td>
<td>RP2</td>
<td>Actuator limit sensors</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Micro switch</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Honeywell</td>
<td>FSG15N1A</td>
<td>Finger force sensor</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Retro-reflective sensor</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Honeywell</td>
<td>FE7B-RB6VG-M</td>
<td>Piece position sensor</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Motor controller board, closed-loop control</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>National Instruments</td>
<td>PCI-step-4CX</td>
<td>Mediates communication between computer and Nudrive</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nudrive stepper motor driver</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>National Instruments</td>
<td>Nudrive 4SX-211</td>
<td>Sends command voltages to the linear actuator and disk stepper motors</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Data acquisition board</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>National Instruments</td>
<td>PCI-MIO-16E-1</td>
<td>Reads finger force sensor</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LabVIEW</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>National Instruments</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Programming language</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Valuemotion library</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>National Instruments</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Motor control routines</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Photoelectric sensor</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Panasonic</td>
<td>PM-K53-C1</td>
<td>Disk home sensor</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mini milling machine</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Sherline</td>
<td>2010-DRO</td>
<td>For machining the stimulus surfaces</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ohaus precision mass set</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Edmund Scientific</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Mass on rotating bar</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Parrish Magic Line aluminum cake pan bottom, 9&#x201D; diam.</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Sur La Table</td>
<td>&nbsp;</td>
<td>Rotating disk machined with square cut-outs to hold the stimulus pieces</td>
</tr>		</tbody>
		</table>
		</div>

a tactile automated passive-finger stimulator (taps)

على الرغم من أن تستخدم عن طريق اللمس اختبارات حدة الأبحاث المكانية في علم الأعصاب على حد سواء والتقييم السريري ، والأجهزة الآلية المتبعة لتقديم بعض الحوافز للرقابة تنظيما مكانيا على الجلد. وبالتالي ، والمحققين كثيرا ما تنطبق المنبهات اللمسية يدويا. دليل تطبيق الحافز هو مضيعة للوقت ، ويتطلب عناية كبيرة والتركيز على جزء من المحقق ، ويترك العديد من المعلمات التحفيز غير المنضبط. نحن هنا وصف الكمبيوتر التي تسيطر عليها نظام التحفيز عن طريق اللمس ، واللمس الآلي سلبية الاصبع محفز (الصنابير) ، الذي ينطبق مكانيا المحفزات منظم على الجلد ، والسيطرة على سرعة ظهور قوة الاتصال ومدة الاتصال. TAPS هو تنوعا ، ونظام للبرمجة ، وقادرة على القيام بكفاءة مجموعة متنوعة من الإجراءات النفسية. نحن تصف مكونات TAPS ، وتبين كيفية استخدام TAPS لإدارة لمدة الفاصل الزمني للخيار التوجه القسري صريف اللمس الاختبار. المقابلة المؤلف : دانيال Goldreich

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about A Tactile Automated Passive-Finger Stimulator TAPS at JoVE.com

A Tactile Automated Passive-Finger Stimulator TAPS

نحن تصف جهاز الكمبيوتر التي تسيطر عليها عن التحقيق في حاسة اللمس : اللمس في الأصابع الآلي سلبية محفز (TAPS). نحن تصف مكونات TAPS ، وتبين كيفية استخدام TAPS لإدارة لمدة الفاصل الزمني للخيار التوجه القسري صريف اللمس الاختبار.

A - سلبية الآلي اللمس فنجر محفز (TAPS)

Although tactile spatial acuity tests are used in both neuroscience research and clinical assessment, few automated devices exist for delivering ...

a-tactile-automated-passive-finger-stimulator-taps

Nanyang Technological University

Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

A Tactile Automated Passive-Finger Stimulator (TAPS)

13.6K Views.  Duquesne University. نحن تصف جهاز الكمبيوتر التي تسيطر عليها عن التحقيق في حاسة اللمس : اللمس في الأصابع الآلي سلبية محفز (TAPS). نحن تصف مكونات TAPS ، وتبين كيفية استخدام TAPS لإدارة لمدة الفاصل الزمني للخيار التوجه القسري صريف اللمس الاختبار.

Video: A Tactile Automated Passive-Finger Stimulator TAPS

Semi-automated Optical Heartbeat Analysis of Small Hearts

We have developed a method for analyzing high speed optical recordings from Drosophila, zebrafish and embryonic mouse hearts (Fink, et. al., 2009). Our Semi-automatic Optical Heartbeat Analysis (SOHA) uses a novel movement detection algorithm that is able to detect cardiac movements associated with individual contractile and relaxation events. The program provides a host of physiologically relevant readouts including systolic and diastolic intervals, heart rate, as well as qualitative and quantitative measures of heartbeat arrhythmicity. The program also calculates heart diameter measurements during both diastole and systole from which fractional shortening and fractional area changes are calculated. Output is provided as a digital file compatible with most spreadsheet programs. Measurements are made for every heartbeat in a record increasing the statistical power of the output. We demonstrate each of the steps where user input is required and show the application of our methodology to the analysis of heart function in all three genetically tractable heart models.

We have developed a Semi-automated Optical Heartbeat Analysis method (SOHA) for analyzing high speed optical recordings from Drosophila, zebrafish and embryonic mouse hearts. We demonstrate the application of our methodology to the analysis of heart function in fruit fly and embryonic mouse hearts.

شبه الآلي التحليل البصري نبضات القلوب الصغيرة

We have developed a method for analyzing high speed optical recordings from Drosophila, zebrafish and embryonic mouse hearts (Fink, et. al., 2009). Our ...

Digital Microfluidics for Automated Proteomic Processing

Clinical proteomics has emerged as an important new discipline, promising the discovery of biomarkers that will be useful for early diagnosis and prognosis of disease. While clinical proteomic methods vary widely, a common characteristic is the need for (i) extraction of proteins from extremely heterogeneous fluids (i.e. serum, whole blood, etc.) and (ii) extensive biochemical processing prior to analysis. Here, we report a new digital microfluidics (DMF) based method integrating several processing steps used in clinical proteomics. This includes protein extraction, resolubilization, reduction, alkylation and enzymatic digestion. Digital microfluidics is a microscale fluid-handling technique in which nanoliter-microliter sized droplets are manipulated on an open surface. Droplets are positioned on top of an array of electrodes that are coated by a dielectric layer - when an electrical potential is applied to the droplet, charges accumulate on either side of the dielectric. The charges serve as electrostatic handles that can be used to control droplet position, and by biasing a sequence of electrodes in series, droplets can be made to dispense, move, merge, mix, and split on the surface. Therefore, DMF is a natural fit for carrying rapid, sequential, multistep, miniaturized automated biochemical assays. This represents a significant advance over conventional methods (relying on manual pipetting or robots), and has the potential to be a useful new tool in clinical proteomics.
Mais J. Jebrail, Vivienne N. Luk, and Steve C. C. Shih contributed equally to this work.
Sergio L. S. Freire's current address is at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia located at 600 South 43rd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104.

Digital Microfluidics is a technique characterized by the manipulation of discrete droplets (~nL - mL) on an array of electrodes by the application of electrical fields. It is well-suited for carrying out rapid, sequential, miniaturized automated biochemical assays. Here, we report a platform capable of automating several proteomic processing steps.

الرقمية على microfluidics لتصنيع البروتين الآلي

Clinical proteomics has emerged as an important new discipline, promising the discovery of biomarkers that will be useful for early diagnosis and ...

Development of automated imaging and analysis for zebrafish chemical screens. 

We demonstrate the application of image-based high-content screening (HCS) methodology to identify small molecules that can modulate the FGF/RAS/MAPK pathway in zebrafish embryos. The zebrafish embryo is an ideal system for in vivo high-content chemical screens. The 1-day old embryo is approximately 1mm in diameter and can be easily arrayed into 96-well plates, a standard format for high throughput screening. During the first day of development, embryos are transparent with most of the major organs present, thus enabling visualization of tissue formation during embryogenesis. The complete automation of zebrafish chemical screens is still a challenge, however, particularly in the development of automated image acquisition and analysis. We previously generated a transgenic reporter line that expresses green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the control of FGF activity and demonstrated their utility in chemical screens 1. To establish methodology for high throughput whole organism screens, we developed a system for automated imaging and analysis of zebrafish embryos at 24-48 hours post fertilization (hpf) in 96-well plates 2. In this video we highlight the procedures for arraying transgenic embryos into multiwell plates at 24hpf and the addition of a small molecule (BCI) that hyperactivates FGF signaling 3. The plates are incubated for 6 hours followed by the addition of tricaine to anesthetize larvae prior to automated imaging on a Molecular Devices ImageXpress Ultra laser scanning confocal HCS reader. Images are processed by Definiens Developer software using a Cognition Network Technology algorithm that we developed to detect and quantify expression of GFP in the heads of transgenic embryos. In this example we highlight the ability of the algorithm to measure dose-dependent effects of BCI on GFP reporter gene expression in treated embryos.

Development of automated imaging and analysis for zebrafish chemical screens.

We report the development of a system for automated imaging and analysis of zebrafish transgenic embryos in multiwell plates. This demonstrates the ability to measure dose dependent effects of a small molecule, BCI, on Fibroblast Growth Factor reporter gene expression and provide technology for establishing high-throughput zebrafish chemical screens.

تطوير التصوير والتحليل الآلي للشاشات الكيميائية الزرد.

We demonstrate the application of image-based high-content screening (HCS) methodology to identify small molecules that can modulate the FGF/RAS/MAPK ...

Using an Automated Cell Counter to Simplify Gene Expression Studies: siRNA Knockdown of IL-4 Dependent Gene Expression in Namalwa Cells

The use of siRNA mediated gene knockdown is continuing to be an important tool in studies of gene expression.  siRNA studies are being conducted not only to study the effects of downregulating single genes, but also to interrogate signaling pathways and other complex interaction networks.  These pathway analyses require both the use of relevant cellular models and methods that cause less perturbation to the cellular physiology.  Electroporation is increasingly being used as an effective way to introduce siRNA and other nucleic acids into difficult to transfect cell lines and primary cells without altering the signaling pathway under investigation. There are multiple critical steps to a successful siRNA experiment, and there are ways to simplify the work while improving the data quality at several experimental stages.  To help you get started with your siRNA mediated gene knockdown project, we will demonstrate how to perform a pathway study complete from collecting and counting the cells prior to electroporation through post transfection real-time PCR gene expression analysis.  The following study investigates the role of the transcriptional activator STAT6 in IL-4 dependent gene expression of CCL17 in a Burkitt lymphoma cell line (Namalwa).  The techniques demonstrated are useful for a wide range of siRNA-based experiments on both adherent and suspension cells.  We will also show how to streamline cell counting with the TC10 automated cell counter, how to electroporate multiple samples simultaneously using the MXcell electroporation system, and how to simultaneously assess RNA quality and quantity with the Experion automated electrophoresis system.

This procedure describes a quick and easy workflow to introduce siRNA into difficult to transfect cell lines and follow gene expression by real-time PCR. Use of an automated cell counter, multi-well electroporation plate, and automated electrophoresis station provide quick and reliable results without the need for expensive robotic handling.

باستخدام خلية مكافحة الآلي لتبسيط دراسات التعبير الجيني : ضربة قاضية سيرنا من IL - 4 التعبير الجيني في الخلايا التابعة Namalwa

The use of siRNA mediated gene knockdown is continuing to be an important tool in studies of gene expression.  siRNA studies are being conducted not only ...

LeafJ: An ImageJ Plugin for Semi-automated Leaf Shape Measurement

High throughput phenotyping (phenomics) is a powerful tool for linking genes to their functions (see review1 and recent examples2-4). Leaves are the primary photosynthetic organ, and their size and shape vary developmentally and environmentally within a plant. For these reasons studies on leaf morphology require measurement of multiple parameters from numerous leaves, which is best done by semi-automated phenomics tools5,6. Canopy shade is an important environmental cue that affects plant architecture and life history; the suite of responses is collectively called the shade avoidance syndrome (SAS)7. Among SAS responses, shade induced leaf petiole elongation and changes in blade area are particularly useful as indices8. To date, leaf shape programs (e.g. SHAPE9, LAMINA10, LeafAnalyzer11, LEAFPROCESSOR12) can measure leaf outlines and categorize leaf shapes, but can not output petiole length. Lack of large-scale measurement systems of leaf petioles has inhibited phenomics approaches to SAS research. In this paper, we describe a newly developed ImageJ plugin, called LeafJ, which can rapidly measure petiole length and leaf blade parameters of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. For the occasional leaf that required manual correction of the petiole/leaf blade boundary we used a touch-screen tablet. Further, leaf cell shape and leaf cell numbers are important determinants of leaf size13. Separate from LeafJ we also present a protocol for using a touch-screen tablet for measuring cell shape, area, and size. Our leaf trait measurement system is not limited to shade-avoidance research and will accelerate leaf phenotyping of many mutants and screening plants by leaf phenotyping.

Demonstration of key methods for high throughput leaf measurements. These methods can be used to accelerate leaf phenotyping when studying many plant mutants or otherwise screening plants by leaf phenotype.

LeafJ: البرنامج المساعد ليماغيج نصف الآلي ورقة قياس الشكل

High throughput phenotyping (phenomics) is a powerful tool for linking genes to their functions (see review1 and recent examples2-4). Leaves are the ...

Semi-automated Imaging of Tissue-specific Fluorescence in Zebrafish Embryos

Zebrafish embryos are a powerful tool for large-scale screening of small molecules. Transgenic zebrafish that express fluorescent reporter proteins are frequently used to identify chemicals that modulate gene expression. Chemical screens that assay fluorescence in live zebrafish often rely on expensive, specialized equipment for high content screening. We describe a procedure using a standard epifluorescence microscope with a motorized stage to automatically image zebrafish embryos and detect tissue-specific fluorescence. Using transgenic zebrafish that report estrogen receptor activity via expression of GFP, we developed a semi-automated procedure to screen for estrogen receptor ligands that activate the reporter in a tissue-specific manner. In this video we describe procedures for arraying zebrafish embryos at 24-48 hours post fertilization (hpf) in a 96-well plate and adding small molecules that bind estrogen receptors. At 72-96 hpf, images of each well from the entire plate are automatically collected and manually inspected for tissue-specific fluorescence. This protocol demonstrates the ability to detect estrogens that activate receptors in heart valves but not in liver.

Described here is a protocol for semi-automated imaging of tissue-specific fluorescence in zebrafish embryos.

التصوير الآلي شبه الإسفار من الأنسجة محددة في الزرد الأجنة

Zebrafish embryos are a powerful tool for large-scale screening of small molecules. Transgenic zebrafish that express fluorescent reporter proteins are ...

Automated Analysis of Dynamic Ca2+ Signals in Image Sequences

Intracellular Ca2+ signals are commonly studied with fluorescent Ca2+ indicator dyes and microscopy techniques. However, quantitative analysis of Ca2+ imaging data is time consuming and subject to bias. Automated signal analysis algorithms based on region of interest (ROI) detection have been implemented for one-dimensional line scan measurements, but there is no current algorithm which integrates optimized identification and analysis of ROIs in two-dimensional image sequences. Here an algorithm for rapid acquisition and analysis of ROIs in image sequences is described. It utilizes ellipses fit to noise filtered signals in order to determine optimal ROI placement, and computes Ca2+ signal parameters of amplitude, duration and spatial spread. This algorithm was implemented as a freely available plugin for ImageJ (NIH) software. Together with analysis scripts written for the open source statistical processing software R, this approach provides a high-capacity pipeline for performing quick statistical analysis of experimental output. The authors suggest that use of this analysis protocol will lead to a more complete and unbiased characterization of physiologic Ca2+ signaling.

Automated Analysis of Dynamic Ca2+ Signals in Image Sequences

Here a novel region of interest analysis protocol based on sorting best-fit ellipses assigned to regions of positive signal within two-dimensional time lapse image sequences is demonstrated. This algorithm may enable investigators to comprehensively analyze physiological Ca2+ signals with minimal user input and bias.

التحليل الآلي من ديناميك كا<sup&gt; 2 +</sup&gt; إشارات في تسلسلات الصور

Intracellular Ca2+ signals are commonly studied with fluorescent Ca2+ indicator dyes and microscopy techniques. However, quantitative analysis of Ca2+ ...

High-resolution Time-lapse Imaging and Automated Analysis of Microtubule Dynamics in Living Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

The physiological process by which new vasculature forms from existing vasculature requires specific signaling events that trigger morphological changes within individual endothelial cells (ECs). These processes are critical for homeostatic maintenance such as wound healing, and are also crucial in promoting tumor growth and metastasis. EC morphology is defined by the organization of the cytoskeleton, a tightly regulated system of actin and microtubule (MT) dynamics that is known to control EC branching, polarity and directional migration, essential components of angiogenesis. To study MT dynamics, we used high-resolution fluorescence microscopy coupled with computational image analysis of fluorescently-labeled MT plus-ends to investigate MT growth dynamics and the regulation of EC branching morphology and directional migration. Time-lapse imaging of living Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) was performed following transfection with fluorescently-labeled MT End Binding protein 3 (EB3) and Mitotic Centromere Associated Kinesin (MCAK)-specific cDNA constructs to evaluate effects on MT dynamics. PlusTipTracker software was used to track EB3-labeled MT plus ends in order to measure MT growth speeds and MT growth lifetimes in time-lapse images. This methodology allows for the study of MT dynamics and the identification of how localized regulation of MT dynamics within sub-cellular regions contributes to the angiogenic processes of EC branching and migration.

Protocols for Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cell (HUVEC) culture, transient transfection of fluorescently-labeled markers of microtubule growth, live-cell imaging and automated analysis of interphase microtubule growth dynamics are detailed.

عالية الدقة التصوير الوقت الفاصل بين وتحليل الآلي للأنيبيب حيوية في المعيشة السري الإنسان خلايا الوريد غشائي

The physiological process by which new vasculature forms from existing vasculature requires specific signaling events that trigger morphological changes ...

Open Source High Content Analysis Utilizing Automated Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy

We present an open source high content analysis instrument utilizing automated fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) for assaying protein interactions using F&#246;rster resonance energy transfer (FRET) based readouts of fixed or live cells in multiwell plates. This provides a means to screen for cell signaling processes read out using intramolecular FRET biosensors or intermolecular FRET of protein interactions such as oligomerization or heterodimerization, which can be used to identify binding partners. We describe here the functionality of this automated multiwell plate FLIM instrumentation and present exemplar data from our studies of HIV Gag protein oligomerization and a time course of a FRET biosensor in live cells. A detailed description of the practical implementation is then provided with reference to a list of hardware components and a description of the open source data acquisition software written in &#181;Manager. The application of FLIMfit, an open source MATLAB-based client for the OMERO platform, to analyze arrays of multiwell plate FLIM data is also presented. The protocols for imaging fixed and live cells are outlined and a demonstration of an automated multiwell plate FLIM experiment using cells expressing fluorescent protein-based FRET constructs is presented. This is complemented by a walk-through of the data analysis for this specific FLIM FRET data set.

We present an open source high content analysis (HCA) instrument utilizing automated fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) for assaying protein interactions using F&#246;rster resonance energy transfer (FRET) based readouts. Data acquisition for this openFLIM-HCA instrument is controlled by software written in &#181;Manager and data analysis is undertaken in FLIMfit.

المصدر المفتوح تحليل عالية المحتوى الاستفادة الآلي الإسفار مدى الحياة التصوير المجهري

We present an open source high content analysis instrument utilizing automated fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) for assaying protein interactions ...

Measuring the Confluence of iPSCs Using an Automated Imaging System

This study focuses on understanding how growing iPSCs on different ECM coating substrates can affect cell confluence. A protocol to assess iPSC confluence in real time has been established without the need to count cells in single cell suspension to avoid any growth perturbation. A high-content image analysis system was used to assess iPCS confluence on 4 different ECMs over time in an automated manner. Different analysis settings were used to assess cell confluence of adherent iPSCs and only a slight difference (at 24 and 48 hours with laminin) has been observed whether a 60, 80 or 100% mask was applied. We also show that laminin lead to the best confluence compared to Matrigel, vitronectin and fibronectin.

The goal of the protocol is to compare different extracellular matrix (ECM) coating conditions to assess how differential coating affects the growth rate of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). In particular, we aim to set up conditions to obtain optimal growth of iPSC cultures.

قياس التقاء iPSCs باستخدام نظام التصوير الآلي.

This study focuses on understanding how growing iPSCs on different ECM coating substrates can affect cell confluence. A protocol to assess iPSC confluence ...