Software method for the conversion, storage and querying of the data of cellular biological assays on the basis of experimental design

Abstract

An improved system for the conversion, storage and querying of cellular biological assay data on the basis of experimental design. The system relies on a library of data entry forms inclusive of separate forms for prompting a user to enter data characterizing the effects of a test agent applied to a test cell population's experimental group as compared to its control group with all other agents being identical between the experimental group and control group, and assay forms for prompting a user to enter data characterizing an experimental effect of an agent on said test cell population. The collected data is stored in different data storage records inclusive of a first data storage record incorporating characteristics of all agents entered by said agent data entry forms, and a second data storage record incorporating all experimental effects of agents as entered by said assay data entry forms. The first data storage record is related to the second data storage record by one or more shared fields. In addition, a library of query forms is maintained for allowing a user to submit queries about the experimental effect of any agent on the test cell population. The system includes suitable implementing hardware such as a conventional computer workstation with standard internal components. The system provide the ability to store and query heterogeneous data using a single data model in order to minimize difficulties associated in searching multiple databases. It supports a broad range of data including protein or mRNA expressions, as well as functional cellular data such as apoptosis or adherence.

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