Joany Jackman

Methods for Synchronizing Cells at Specific Stages of the Cell Cycle

Exponentially growing cells are asynchronous with respect to the cell cycle stage. Detection of cell cycle‐related events is improved by enriching the culture for cells at the stage during which the particular event occurs. Methods for synchronizing cells are provided here, including those based on morphological features of the cell (mitotic shake‐off), cellular metabolism (thymidine inhibition, isoleucine depravation), and chemical inhibitors of cell progression in G1 (lovastatin), S (aphidicolin, mimosine), and G2/M (nocodazole). Applications of these methods and the advantages and disadvantages of each are described.

Rapid Identification of Biothreat and Other Clinically Relevant Bacterial Species by Use of Universal PCR Coupled with High-Resolution Melting Analysis

ABSTRACT A rapid assay for eubacterial species identification is described using high-resolution melt analysis to characterize PCR products. Unique melt profiles generated from multiple hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene for 100 clinically relevant bacterial pathogens, including category A and B biothreat agents and their surrogates, allowed highly specific species identification.

National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering Point-of-Care Technology Research Network: Advancing Precision Medicine

To advance the development of point-of-care technology (POCT), the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering established the POCT Research Network (POCTRN), comprised of Centers that emphasize multidisciplinary partnerships and close facilitation to move technologies from an early stage of development into clinical testing and patient use. This paper describes the POCTRN and the three currently funded Centers as examples of academic-based organizations that support collaborations across disciplines, institutions, and geographic regions to successfully drive innovative solutions from concept to patient care.To advance the development of point-of-care technology (POCT), the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering established the POCT Research Network (POCTRN), comprised of Centers that emphasize multidisciplinary partnerships and close facilitation to move technologies from an early stage of development into clinical testing and patient use. This paper describes the POCTRN and the three currently funded Centers as examples of academic-based organizations that support collaborations across disciplines, institutions, and geographic regions to successfully drive innovative solutions from concept to patient care.

Spectral Refractive Index and Extinction Cross-Section of BG Spores

Despite the wide spread need for optical cross-section data on single spore bio-aerosols, available databases are sparse and unreliable. Information reported is based on short path measurements on high concentration media containing particle clusters. This represents an upper bound to the single spore cross-section. Measurements on single spore aerosolized media demand long path lengths and moderate particle concentration. Transmittance measurements need to be in the single scatter limit as well. These requirements are often difficult to meet. We present a procedure that leads to aerosol extinction and backscatter cross-sections in a straightforward manner. Transmittance measurements of thin films of bio-aerosols are used to obtain the bulk refractive index. This result and the measured size distribution can be used in a T-matrix calculation to yield the desired cross-sections. To illustrate this technique, infrared cross-sections are obtained for Bacillus globigii.