Introduction to WEll

Introduction to Well
Well is the Sesame module for use with protein crystallization screens. Well is multi-functional and can be used to both control the crystallization robot and to record the results of the screen. A wide variety of plate types can be accomodated and multiple droplets are possible for each well. Both preset and custom screens can be run using this module.
The Well interface is organized in a manner similar to other Sesame modules. A search box occupies the upper portion of the interface while the lower portion displays 4 panels containing information on a given screen. With the Search function, any lab member is able to locate and examine the records within the lab group. The General panel contains information regarding the name and owner of the screen and the type of screen. Several of the fields are automatically filled in when a screen is initiated or saved, while others are text boxes or have choices hidden in a pull down menu that becomes visible only when the field is selected. The functions associated with the remaining panels will be covered in subsequent pages.

As in other modules, the Options menu contains commands that allow the user to move between different views. The Lab Resources section of Well is considerably more complex those in other Sesame modules. This stems from the fact that a large number of solutions are necessary to survey a broad range of crystallization conditions. The Stock Solutions view under Lab Resources contains screens where a variety of different solution types are stored, including precipitants, salts, buffers, addivitves, pH adjusters and homemade solutions. To add a new solution, select Add Row from the Stock Solutions pull down menu. A new line will appear at the bottom of the table. Fill in the relevant fields. Don't forget to Save Table after you are finished. Solutions can be removed from a list using the Remove Row option.

Options in the Lab Resources menu also allow the user to define plate types and create robot racks of stock solutions. The default Result Template is also located here. The Lab Master is able to modify the tree as neccesary using the options located in the Results Template menu. To save changes made to the tree, make sure to select Update Tree in the Results Template menu. If you do make changes to the tree, remember that this tree will be the default tree for all future screens.

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