Title Page - Current Protocols in Cytometry

Unit Title:

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Miniabstract of 2-3 sentences:



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Double-space the manuscript.

I. Unit Introduction

A. A few paragraphs to provide a context (Why are these protocols performed? If more than one protocol, how would you choose which one(s) to perform?). Define any important terminology here.

B. In the final paragraph of the introduction, mention each protocol by name and number to give a quick outline of the whole unit.

 

 

II. Protocols

The following items are necessary for each Basic, Alternate or Support Protocol.

A. Introduction: A paragraph or two summarizing the steps and purpose of the protocol.

 

B. Materials: List every item necessary for performing the protocol and indicate suggested suppliers if the item is not readily available. List both reagents and equipment. Recipes for reagents containing more than two ingredients should be listed in Reagents and Solutions following the protocol steps (see below).

 

C. Protocol Steps: Use active voice and numbered steps to describe the procedure. Use italicized annotations below steps to give hints. For example:

1. Assemble apparatus as shown in Figure 1. Label test tubes for triplicate determinations.

Be sure to include tubes for both non-specific binding and control reactions.

 

 

III. Reagents and Solutions (a single section after the last protocol and just before the Commentary)

A. Give each reagent a distinctive name.

B. Give complete recipes for each reagent.

C. Indicate storage parameters (recommended storage temperature and shelf life) and any other important information about the reagent (e.g., light-sensitive, make fresh daily).

 

IV. Commentary - each of the following elements are required (unless designated ‘optional’)

A. Background Information

Brief discussion of why the procedures are performed, major advantages/disadvantages, applications of the methods, etc.

B. Critical Parameters

Issues that should be considered before performing the protocols (e.g., samples must be kept in the dark and on ice while incubating).

C. Troubleshooting

This is based on your extensive experience with the procedure(s) and is consulted by the reader when their experiment didn’t work as expected. Be specific when describing a Problem avoiding wording like "Bad Results". Instead, for example, say "Cell culture contaminated with other cell types". The following format is suggested (although regular paragraph-text form is acceptable also):

Problem

Possible Cause

Solution

1.

    

2.

    

etc.

    

D. Anticipated Results

A few paragraphs discussing "typical" results. Also, figures and/or tables showing representative data belong here with appropriate discussion.

E. Time Considerations

A paragraph or two describing how much time the major components of each protocol take.

F. Literature Cited

Limit to recent articles including a few (<25) good, recent reviews.

List all authors, (year), title, journal, volume, page range.

G. Key References (optional)

Select 1-3 references (may or may not be from Lit Cited list) that are especially useful for performing and understanding the protocols.

Add an italicized sentence explaining why each is particularly useful.

H. Internet Resources (optional)

List useful internet sites.

Add an italicized sentence explaining why each is particularly useful