600A: Real-Time Muscle Data Acquisition and Analysis System
The 600A Digital Controller serves to integrate components and provide the researcher control of system operations, data collection and signal analysis. Most importantly, commands and measurements are executed in real-time using a Linux-RTAI operating system. This ensures precise synchronization of equipment and real-time recording. A unique feature of our 600A is its software force and sarcomere length control capability. The 600A provides force control when using a length controller and a separate force transducer and sarcomere length control when using a length controller and our HVSL sarcomere measurement system.
The system includes our 650A real-time software, a custom PC with Linux OS and on-board 16-bit DAQ and a 604A signal interface with all required cables.
The unit is capable of controlling and receiving input from all 300E series muscle levers, 400C series force transducers, 700 series stimulators and seamlessly connects to all Aurora Scientific Linux-based software products such as 901D HVSL and 950A FluoroTrack. This permits everything from a simple force-pCa curve to complete mechanical characterization of the muscle or cell including kTr, length-tension, force-velocity and stiffness.
Also included with the system is an extensive library of standardized experimental protocols, making even the most demanding tests and multi-measurement processes straightforward and simple.
*requires HVSL System for sarcomere length measurements
Components
601B: Linux PC
603C: 16-bit Data Acquisition Card
604A: Signal Interface
650A: Real-Time Muscle Data Acquisition and Analysis Software
Parts & Accessories
600B: Upgrade 600A PC and 650A Software
600C: Upgrade 650A Software
608C: Monitor, 22″ Widescreen LCD
606A: BNC-BNC Cable
607A: BNC Terminator
607B: BNC T
Stories of Success
600A – Software and Support Enables Smooth Muscle Fiber Research
CHALLENGE
In 2012 Dr. Robert Moreland and his lab were studying smooth muscle and how its dynamic contractile properties are regulated. The lab had planned a number of experiments to study vascular and bladder smooth muscle fibers and were familiar with Aurora Scientific equipment. However, the function of smooth muscle is quite unique and it became apparent very quickly that to measure contraction velocity of the fibers, a powerful software with complex protocols would need to be written.
SOLUTION
The Aurora Scientific 600A proved to be the answer. The system acts as a digital controller to acquire data from a number of instruments, but also serves as a way to control the force and length of the tissue being tested. Due to the phasic nature of the tissue, indicated by unpredictable changes in resting tension, a control system and software capable of controlling force in real time was absolutely essential. After writing custom protocols and providing remote and on-site support, these complex experiments became possible to perform.
RESULTS
Dr. Moreland’s graduate student was able to complete her thesis work on time and the data obtained with the test system factored greatly in her work. The system is still an integral part of the lab and Aurora Scientific continues to work closely with Dr. Moreland and his students. The support staff also learned a great deal about smooth muscle and enjoyed the challenges of writing protocols that would result in consistent and reliable measurement data.
Select References
- Bagni, M. Angela et al “The effects of fatigue and oxidation on contractile function of intact muscle fibers and myofibrils isolated from the mouse diaphragm.” Scientific Reports (2019) DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39353-5
- Kazmierczak K. et al. “Slow-twitch skeletal muscle defects accompany cardiac dysfunction in transgenic mice with a mutation in the myosin regulatory light chain.” The FASEB Journal (2019) DOI: 10.1096/fj.201801402R
- Robbins N. et al. “Probenecid Improves Cardiac Function in Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction In Vivo and Cardiomyocyte Calcium Sensitivity In Vitro.” Journal of the American Heart Association (2018) DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.117.007148
- Ijpma, Gijs et al. “Human trachealis and main bronchi smooth muscle are normoresponsive in asthma.” American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2015) DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201407-1296OC
- McNamara, James W. et al. “Cardiac myosin binding protein-C phosphorylation regulates the super-relaxed state of myosin.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2019) DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1821660116
- Bagni, M. Angela et al “The effects of fatigue and oxidation on contractile function of intact muscle fibers and myofibrils isolated from the mouse diaphragm.” Scientific Reports (2019) DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39353-5
- Kazmierczak K. et al. “Slow-twitch skeletal muscle defects accompany cardiac dysfunction in transgenic mice with a mutation in the myosin regulatory light chain.” The FASEB Journal (2019) DOI: 10.1096/fj.201801402R
- Robbins N. et al. “Probenecid Improves Cardiac Function in Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction In Vivo and Cardiomyocyte Calcium Sensitivity In Vitro.” Journal of the American Heart Association (2018) DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.117.007148
- Ijpma, Gijs et al. “Human trachealis and main bronchi smooth muscle are normoresponsive in asthma.” American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2015) DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201407-1296OC
- Brynnel et al. “Downsizing the molecular spring of the giant protein titin reveals that skeletal muscle titin determines passive stiffness and drives longitudinal hypertrophy” eLife (2018) DOI: 10.7554/eLife.40532
Related Products
315D/322D: High-Speed Length Controllers
The 315D/322D High-Speed Length Controllers give physiologists the ability to control and measure length of single cells, fibers and whole muscle with ease.
Learn More
400C: Force Transducers
The 400C series of force transducers is the next generation of our widely used 400A and 400B series. The 400C series enables contractile measurements from a variety of muscle types and sizes and are designed to meet the needs of muscle researchers.
Learn More
650A: Real-Time Muscle Data Acquisition and Analysis Software
A precision, real-time controller and data acquisition system for Aurora Scientific apparatus and measurement devices
Learn More
801C: Small Intact Muscle Apparatus – Microscope Mountable
Highly integrated apparatus, optimally designed to test small, intact muscle contractility
Learn More
802D: Permeabilized Fiber Apparatus – Microscope Mountable
A multi-well automated test system for quick and accurate measurement of permeabilized fiber dynamics
Learn More
803B: Permeabilized Myocyte Apparatus – Microscope Mountable
Innovative 8–well plate designed for quick cell attachment and measurement of myocyte mechanical properties
Learn More
804A: Permeabilized Fiber ATPase Apparatus
The 804A ATPase apparatus was designed to enable physiology researchers to measure consumption of ATP along with contractile force and length changes of permeabilized fibers. The 804A works in conjunction with an Aurora Scientific model 315D or 322D high-speed length controller and an Aurora 400C series force transducer.
Learn More
901D: High-Speed Video Sarcomere Length
A simple, turn-key system for measuring sarcomere spacing in isolated muscle preparations.
Learn More
950A: Calcium Fluorescence System
The 950A calcium fluorescence system enables physiology researchers to easily measure intracellular calcium along with tissue length, force and sarcomere length.
Learn MoreRelated Systems
1400A: Permeabilized Fiber System – Microscope Mountable
The 1400A and 1410A Permeabilized Fiber Systems are designed to enhance experimental throughput and simplify complex permeabilized fiber experiments.
Learn More
1500A: Isolated Muscle System – Microscope Mountable
The Isolated Muscle Systems (1500A, 1510A and 1530A) are highly integrated, turnkey systems providing physiology researchers a simple way to control and measure intact muscle and physiological small tissue samples.
Learn More
1600A: Permeabilized Myocyte System – Microscope Mountable
The 1600A Permeabilized Myocyte Test System is designed to simplify the complex testing of contractile properties of skinned myocytes.
Learn More
1700A: Myofibril System – Microscope Mountable
The 1700A Myofibril System is the first commercially available myofibril system specifically designed to measure the nano Newton forces arising from activation of single myofibrils.
Learn MoreResources
Specifications
| System Specifications | 600A |
|---|---|
| Instruments Included in System | 601B – PC with Real-Time Linux 603C – 16-bit Data Acquisition Card 604A – Signal Interface 650A – Real-Time Muscle Data Acquisition and Analysis Software |
| Aurora Scientific Instruments Controlled | 300 series length controllers, 400 series force transducers, 700 series stimulators, 800 series apparatus, 901D HVSL sarcomere length, 950A Fluorescence |
| 601B PC Specifications | 600A |
|---|---|
| Processor [GHz] | 3.3, 6 cores |
| RAM [GB] | 8 |
| Hard Disk [TB] | 1 |
| DVD ROM | DVD-R, CD-R |
| 603C Data Acquisition Specifications | 600A |
|---|---|
| Analog Input | Number of Channels: 8 Resolution: 16 bits Sampling Rate: 250,000 samples per second |
| Analog Output | Number of Channels: 2 Resolution: 16 bits Sampling Rate: 833,000 updates per second |
| Digital I/O | Number of Ports: 61 Type: TTL |
1 = 6 available on 604A Signal Interface, 24 available on Data Acquisition card
| 604A Signal Interface Specifications |
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Connector | BNC – isolated, male | |
| A/D Inputs | 8: Length In, Force In, Aux 1-6 In | |
| A/D Outputs | 2: Length Out, Force Out | |
| Digital I/O | 6 total: 2 Inputs: Trg In 1, Trg In 2, 4 Outputs: Trg Out 1, Trg Out 2, Stimulator, Inhibit |
| 650A Software Specifications | 600A |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Linux – RTAI, real-time |
| Companion Software | 470A, 602A, 802D, 820A, 901D, 950A |
| Data Channels Recorded | Length, Force, Sarcomere Length, Stimulation Timing, Auxiliary 1, Auxiliary 22 |
| Main Window | Elapsed Time, Time since Last Stimulus, Length and Force Readouts. Display: graph of test results as they are collected. Buttons for: Start Sequence, Start Test, Next Test, Stop Test and Zero Lout. Dropdown menus: File, Edit, Calibrate, Setup, Protocol, Analysis, Scope, Burst and Help. |
| Protocol Functions | Length: Step, Ramp, Square, Sine, Sweep, Sample, Hold Force: Step, Ramp, Square, Sine, Sweep, Sample, Hold, Clamp Sarcomere Length: Step, Ramp, Sample, Hold, Trigger, Track Stimulation: Stimulus, Trigger 1, Trigger 2 Control: Sync Stimulus, Data Enable, Data Disable, Data Burst, Trigger FLA, Bath, Repeat, Stop |
| Sequencer | Allows protocols to be run in a pre-determined manner with control of time between each protocol |
| Scope Data Display | Real-time data output of chosen channels. Displays up to 4 hours of data – zoom function, time base control, pause function |
| Analysis | Load last data or saved data Display: Length, Force, Velocity, dF/dt, SL, Aux1, Aux2 Set Display Units: Length [um, mm, cm, Lo, Lf, volts], Force [mN, N, gm, kg, Fmax, Pa, kPa, volts], Time [ms, s] Plot Zoom Controls: enter start and end time or use cursor to click zoom Data Filter: Savitsky-Golay smoothing filter, length (1-16) |
| Export Analysis | Creates ASCII data files of the data presented on the Analysis window |
2 = Auxiliary Channels: can be configured to suit, common usages are: Experimental monitors: Temperature, pH, Fluorescence: Numerator, Denominator