Random Tips

• When manipulating lists of 384 well plates in excel spreadsheets it is sometimes necessary to convert between digit formats of the type: A01 to A1. This formual converts from 2 digit format to single digit format:

  =IF(MID(B2,2,1)="0",LEFT(B2,1)&RIGHT(B2,1),B2)

  To convert in the other direction, from single digit to two digit format (A1 to A01), the following formula will work:

  =IF(LEN(B2)<3,LEFT(B2,1)&"0"&RIGHT(B2,1),B2)

• Using VLOOKUP to expand a list. A method for re-mapping a sublist onto a complete list (for instance a partial 384 well plate description onto a complete 384 well plate template).

Random Utilities

• Venn Diagram Generator - compares lists of things to determine commonality and differences. Returns dissected lists and a figure.
• List to String - converts lists pulled from excel (delimited by whitespace - either carriage returns, tabs, or spaces), into quoted, comma-delimited lists for use in programs. Example:

  thing1 thing2 thing3

  -->

  "thing1", "thing2", "thing3"

Random Scripts

• gal_fix.pl.html - GenePix GAL files are expected to be prefectly rectangular below the header region. That is, every row of the file should contain an identical number of tab delimited fields, even if some of the fields are empty. However sometimes while manipulating this file in excel or other programs, empty trailing fields get left out, and the file becomes irregular. This little program looks at the header to see how many fields should be in the file, and it makes sure that every row contains the same number of fields.