[The role of the ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus in sound signal processing and auditory ascending transmission]

The ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus (VNLL) is an important nucleus in the central auditory pathway which connects the lower brainstem and the midbrain inferior colliculus (IC). Previous studies have demonstrated that neurons in the VNLL could respond to sound signal parameters. Frequency tuning curves (FTCs) of VNLL neurons are generally wider than FTCs of IC neurons, suggesting that the VNLL does not enhance abilities of frequency discrimination and coding. Two types of rate-intensity functions (RIFs) are found in the VNLL: monotonic and non-monotonic RIFs. Intensity-tuning of VNLL neurons are affected by the temporal firing patterns during processing and encoding intensity. There are multiple temporal firing patterns in VNLL neurons. Onset pattern has a precise timing characteristic which is well suited to encode temporal features of stimuli, and also very important to animal behavior including bat's echolocation. The VNLL accepts inputs from lower nuclei, uploads glycine inhibitory outputs to IC, and modulates response characteristics generating and acoustic signal processing of IC neurons. Recent research suggests that fast inhibitory projection from the VNLL may delay the first spike latency of IC neurons, and the delayed inhibitory projection from the VNLL may mediate the temporal firing patterns of IC neurons. But how inhibitory inputs from the VNLL integrate in IC, and how inhibitory inputs from the VNLL enhance the ability of detecting sound signal of IC neurons are not very clear and need more direct evidence at the level of neurons. These questions will help further understand the role of upload during IC processes acoustic signal, which are our research target in the future. This article reviews the current literature regarding the roles of the VNLL in sound signal processing and the auditory ascending transmission, including advances in the relevant research in our laboratory.

Observation of a charged charmoniumlike structure in e+ e- → (D* D*)± π∓ at √s = 4.26 GeV

We study the process e+ e- →(D* D*)± π∓ at a center-of-mass energy of 4.26 GeV using a 827  pb(-1) data sample obtained with the BESIII detector at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider. Based on a partial reconstruction technique, the Born cross section is measured to be (137±9±15)  pb. We observe a structure near the (D* D*)± threshold in the π∓ recoil mass spectrum, which we denote as the Zc±(4025). The measured mass and width of the structure are (4026.3±2.6±3.7)  MeV/c2 and (24.8±5.6±7.7)  MeV, respectively. Its production ratio σ(e+ e- → Zc±(4025)π∓ → (D* D*)± π∓)/σ(e+ e- → (D* D*)± π∓) is determined to be 0.65±0.09±0.06. The first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic.

Observation of e+e- → γX(3872) at BESIII

With data samples collected with the BESIII detector operating at the BEPCII storage ring at center-of-mass energies from 4.009 to 4.420 GeV, the process e+e-→ γX(3872) is observed for the first time with a statistical significance of 6.3σ. The measured mass of the X(3872) is (3871.9 ± 0.7s tat ± 0.2 syst)  MeV/c(2), in agreement with previous measurements. Measurements of the product of the cross section σ[e+e- → γX(3872)] and the branching fraction B[X(3872)→π+π-J/ψ] at center-of-mass energies 4.009, 4.229, 4.260, and 4.360 GeV are reported. Our measurements are consistent with expectations for the radiative transition process Y(4260) → γX(3872).

Graphene-based passively mode-locked bidirectional fiber ring laser

We present an all-fiber bidirectional passively mode-locked soliton laser with a graphene-based saturable absorber for the first time to the best of our knowledge. Our design includes a four-port circulator to introduce different sections of cavity for the two counter-propagating pulses, so they have distinct output characteristics. Simultaneous bidirectional operation is achieved by appropriately adjusting the net cavity birefringence and loss. In the clockwise direction, the laser emits ~750 fs pulses at 1561.6 nm, with a repetition rate of 7.68 MHz. In the counter clockwise direction, the central wavelength, pulse width, and repetition rate are 1561.0 nm, ~850 fs, and 6.90 MHz, respectively.

Molecular cloning of the goose ACSL3 and ACSL5 coding domain sequences and their expression characteristics during goose fatty liver development

It has been demonstrated that ACSL3 and ACSL5 play important roles in fat metabolism. To investigate the primary functions of ACSL3 and ACSL5 and to evaluate their expression levels during goose fatty liver development, we cloned the ACSL3 and ACSL5 coding domain sequences (CDSs) of geese using RT-PCR and analyzed their expression characteristics under different conditions using qRT-PCR. The results showed that the goose ACSL3 (JX511975) and ACSL5 (JX511976) sequences have high similarities with the chicken sequences both at the nucleotide and amino acid levels. Both ACSL3 and ACSL5 have high expression levels in goose liver. The expression levels of ACSL3 and ACSL5 in goose liver and hepatocytes can be changed by overfeeding geese and by treatment with unsaturated fatty acids, respectively. Together, these results indicate that ACSL3 and ACSL5 play important roles during fatty liver development. The different expression characteristics of goose ACSL3 and ACSL5 suggest that these two genes may be responsible for specific functions.

Observation of a charged (DD*)± mass peak in e+ e- → πDD* at sqrt[s] = 4.26 GeV

We report on a study of the process e+ e- → π± (DD*)∓ at sqrt[s] = 4.26  GeV using a 525 pb(-1) data sample collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII storage ring. A distinct charged structure is observed in the (DD*)∓ invariant mass distribution. When fitted to a mass-dependent-width Breit-Wigner line shape, the pole mass and width are determined to be Mpole = (3883.9±1.5(stat)±4.2(syst))  MeV/c2 and Γpole = (24.8±3.3(stat)±11.0(syst))  MeV. The mass and width of the structure, which we refer to as Zc(3885), are 2σ and 1σ, respectively, below those of the Zc(3900) → π± J/ψ peak observed by BESIII and Belle in π+ π- J/ψ final states produced at the same center-of-mass energy. The angular distribution of the πZc(3885) system favors a JP = 1+ quantum number assignment for the structure and disfavors 1- or 0-. The Born cross section times the DD* branching fraction of the Zc(3885) is measured to be σ(e+ e- → π± Zc(3885)∓)×B(Zc(3885)∓ → (DD*)∓) = (83.5±6.6(stat)±22.0(syst))   pb. Assuming the Zc(3885) → DD* signal reported here and the Zc(3900) → πJ/ψ signal are from the same source, the partial width ratio (Γ(Zc(3885) → DD*)/Γ(Zc(3900) → πJ/ψ)) = 6.2±1.1(stat)±2.7(syst) is determined.

Enhanced stability of dispersion-managed mode-locked fiber lasers with near-zero net cavity dispersion by high-contrast saturable absorbers

We experimentally investigate the stability of dispersion-managed mode-locked fiber lasers using carbon-nanotube-based saturable absorbers (SAs) with different modulation depths. An unstable operation region of the mode-locked fiber laser with near-zero net cavity dispersion is observed, where the laser produces random pulse burst rather than stable pulse train. Through the implementation of high-contrast SAs in the laser, the unstable region is found to be shrunk by ~31.3% when the modulation depth of the SAs increases from 6.4% to 12.5%. The numerical simulation is consistent with the experimental observation.

Observation of a charged charmoniumlike structure Zc(4020) and search for the Zc(3900) in e+e-→π+π-hc

We study e+e-→π+π-hc at center-of-mass energies from 3.90 to 4.42 GeV by using data samples collected with the BESIII detector operating at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider. The Born cross sections are measured at 13 energies and are found to be of the same order of magnitude as those of e+e-→π+π-J/ψ but with a different line shape. In the π±hc mass spectrum, a distinct structure, referred to as Zc(4020), is observed at 4.02  GeV/c2. The Zc(4020) carries an electric charge and couples to charmonium. A fit to the π±hc invariant mass spectrum, neglecting possible interferences, results in a mass of (4022.9±0.8±2.7)  MeV/c2 and a width of (7.9±2.7±2.6)  MeV for the Zc(4020), where the first errors are statistical and the second systematic. The difference between the parameters of this structure and the Zc(4025) observed in the D*D[over ¯]* final state is within 1.5σ, but whether they are the same state needs further investigation. No significant Zc(3900) signal is observed, and upper limits on the Zc(3900) production cross sections in π±hc at center-of-mass energies of 4.23 and 4.26 GeV are set.

Enhancement of thermal damage threshold of carbon-nanotube-based saturable absorber by evanescent-field interaction on fiber end

We present a scheme of fiber-connector-type carbon-nanotube-based saturable absorber (CNT-SA) with enhanced thermal damage threshold, in which the CNTs are deposited on the fiber connector end in a ring pattern for evanescent-field interaction instead of direct interaction. The thermal damage threshold of such CNT-SA is found to be increased by around 130% compared with an evenly deposited one. An all-fiber Fabry-Perot (FP) linear cavity passively mode-locked laser is further constructed incorporating the prepared CNT-SA, where the optical power is confined in a relatively short laser cavity to investigate the thermal damage threshold and the performance of the CNT-SA. Stable output pulses with a fundamental repetition rate of 211.84 MHz and a pulse width of 680 fs are generated from the fiber laser. The mode-locking operation can be maintained an intra-cavity average power of 30 mW, indicating that the CNT-SA can withstand a relatively high optical power without performance degradation.

Observation of a charged charmoniumlike structure in e+ e- → π+ π- J/ψ at sqrt[s] = 4.26 GeV

We study the process ee+ e- → π+ π- J/ψ at a center-of-mass energy of 4.260 GeV using a 525  pb(-1) data sample collected with the BESIII detector operating at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider. The Born cross section is measured to be (62.9±1.9±3.7)  pb, consistent with the production of the Y(4260). We observe a structure at around 3.9  GeV/c2 in the π(±)J/ψ mass spectrum, which we refer to as the Z(c)(3900). If interpreted as a new particle, it is unusual in that it carries an electric charge and couples to charmonium. A fit to the π(±)J/ψ invariant mass spectrum, neglecting interference, results in a mass of (3899.0±3.6±4.9)  MeV/c2 and a width of (46±10±20)  MeV. Its production ratio is measured to be R = (σ(e+ e- → π(±)Z(c)(3900)(∓) → π+ π- J/ψ)/σ(e+ e- → π+ π- J/ψ)) = (21.5±3.3±7.5)%. In all measurements the first errors are statistical and the second are systematic.

Functional electrical stimulation increases neural stem/progenitor cell proliferation and neurogenesis in the subventricular zone of rats with stroke

BACKGROUND

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is known to promote the recovery of motor function in rats with ischemia and to upregulate the expression of growth factors which support brain neurogenesis. In this study, we investigated whether postischemic FES could improve functional outcomes and modulate neurogenesis in the subventricular zone (SVZ) after focal cerebral ischemia.

METHODS

Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats with permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) were randomly assigned to the control group, the placebo stimulation group, and the FES group. The rats in each group were further assigned to one of four therapeutic periods (1, 3, 7, or 14 days). FES was delivered 48 hours after the MCAO procedure and divided into two 10-minute sessions on each day of treatment with a 10-minute rest between them. Two intraperitoneal injections of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) were given 4 hours apart every day beginning 48 hours after the MCAO. Neurogenesis was evaluated by immunofuorescence staining. Wnt-3 which is strongly implicated in the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) was investigated by Western blotting analysis. The data were subjected to one- way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by a Tukey/Kramer or Dunnett post hoc test.

RESULTS

FES significantly increased the number of BrdU-positive cells and BrdU/glial fibrillary acidic protein double- positive neural progenitor cells in the SVZ on days 7 and 14 of the treatment (P < 0.05). The number of BrdU/doublecortin (DCX) double-positive migrating neuroblast cells in the ipsilateral SVZ on day 14 of the FES treatment group ((522.77 ± 33.32) cells/mm(2)) was significantly increased compared with the control group ((262.58 ± 35.11) cells/mm(2), P < 0.05) and the placebo group ((266.17 ± 47.98) cells/mm(2), P < 0.05). However, only a few BrdU/neuron-specific nuclear protein-positive cells were observed by day 14 of the treatment. At day 7, Wnt-3 was upregulated in the ipsilateral SVZs of the rats receiving FES ((0.44 ± 0.05)%) compared with those of the control group rats ((0.31 ± 0.02)%, P < 0.05) or the placebo group rats ((0.31 ± 0.04)%, P < 0.05). At day 14, the corresponding values were (0.56 ± 0.05)% in the FES group compared with those of the control group rats ((0.50 ± 0.06)%, P < 0.05) or the placebo group rats ((0.48 ± 0.06)%, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

FES augments the proliferation, differentiation, and migration of NSCs and thus promotes neurogenesis, which may be related to the improvement of neurological outcomes.

Observation of two new N* resonances in the decay ψ(3686)→ppπ0

Based on 106×10(6)ψ(3686) events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII facility, a partial wave analysis of ψ(3686)→ppπ0 is performed. The branching fraction of this channel has been determined to be B(ψ(3686)→ppπ0)=(1.65±0.03±0.15)×10(-4). In this decay, 7 N* intermediate resonances are observed. Among these, two new resonances, N(2300) and N(2570) are significant, one 1/2+ resonance with a mass of 2300(-30-0)(+40+109)  MeV/c2 and width of 340(-30-58)(+30+110)  MeV/c2, and one 5/2- resonance with a mass of 2570(-10-10)(+19+34)  MeV/c2 and width of 250(-24-21)(+14+69)  MeV/c2. For the remaining 5 N* intermediate resonances [N(1440), N(1520), N(1535), N(1650) and N(1720)], the analysis yields mass and width values that are consistent with those from established resonances.

Evidence for the direct two-photon transition from ψ(3686) to J/ψ

The two-photon transition ψ(3686)→γγJ/ψ is studied in a sample of 1.06×10(8) ψ(3686) decays collected by the BESIII detector. The branching fraction is measured to be (3.1±0.6(stat)(-1.0)(+0.8)(syst))×10(-4) using J/ψ→e(+)e(-) and J/ψ→μ(+)μ(-) decays, and its upper limit is estimated to be 4.5×10(-4) at the 90% confidence level. This work represents the first measurement of a two-photon transition among charmonium states. The orientation of the ψ(3686) decay plane and the J/ψ polarization in this decay are also studied. In addition, the product branching fractions of sequential E1 transitions ψ(3686)→γχ(cJ) and χ(cJ)→γJ/ψ(J=0,1,2) are reported.

First observation of the M1 transition ψ(3686)→γη(c)(2S)

Using a sample of 106×10(6) ψ(3686) events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII storage ring, we have made the first measurement of the M1 transition between the radially excited charmonium S-wave spin-triplet and the radially excited S-wave spin-singlet states: ψ(3686)→γη(c)(2S). Analyses of the processes ψ(3686)→γη(c)(2S) with η(c)(2S)→K(S)(0)K(±)π(∓) and K(+)K(-)π(0) give an η(c)(2S) signal with a statistical significance of greater than 10 standard deviations under a wide range of assumptions about the signal and background properties. The data are used to obtain measurements of the η(c)(2S) mass (M(η(c)(2S))=3637.6±2.9(stat)±1.6(syst) MeV/c(2)), width (Γ(η(c)(2S))=16.9±6.4(stat)±4.8(syst) MeV), and the product branching-fraction (B(ψ(3686)→γη(c)(2S))×B(η(c)(2S)→KKπ)=(1.30±0.20(stat)±0.30(syst))×10(-5)). Combining our result with a BABAR measurement of B(η(c)(2S)→KKπ), we find the branching fraction of the M1 transition to be B(ψ(3686)→γη(c)(2S))=(6.8±1.1(stat)±4.5(syst))×10(-4).

Measurements of the mass and width of the η(c) using the decay ψ(3686)→γη(c)

The mass and width of the lowest-lying S-wave spin singlet charmonium state, the η(c), are measured using a data sample of 1.06×10(8) ψ(3686) decays collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII storage ring. We use a model that incorporates full interference between the signal reaction, ψ(3686)→γη(c), and a nonresonant radiative background to describe the line shape of the η(c) successfully. We measure the η(c) mass to be 2984.3±0.6±0.6 MeV/c(2) and the total width to be 32.0±1.2±1.0 MeV, where the first errors are statistical and the second are systematic.

Retinoblastoma protein-interacting zinc-finger gene 1 (RIZ1) dysregulation in human malignant meningiomas

Retinoblastoma protein-interacting zinc-finger gene 1 (RIZ1) expression is often silenced in many types of human tumors. However, the relationship between RIZ1 expression and malignant meningiomas remains unclear. Here we have found for the first time that the expression of RIZ1 genes are associated with meningiomas progression through extensive analyses of Affymetrix GeneChip microarray data. Further validation methods for gene expression included quantitative PCR (qPCR), western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis, and these methods confirmed that RIZ1 is significantly downregulated in malignant meningioma tissues, as compared with benign meningiomas. In addition, malignant meningioma cells were stably transfected with ectogenic RIZ1 using Lentivirus-mediated transfection, and the transfections were followed by an in vitro 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridin incorporation assay, colony formation assay, cell cycle analysis, invasive analysis, apoptotic assay and western blot analysis. Our results demonstrate that the forced expression of RIZ1 in a malignant meningioma cell line inhibited cellular proliferation and arrested the cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. We also confirmed that overexpression of RIZ1 may induce apoptosis of malignant meningioma cells. Furthermore, RIZ1 overexpression in malignant meningioma cells was associated with the downregulation of c-myc expression. These results from our study indicate that RIZ1 expression is significantly downregulated as the formation of meningiomas progressed, and suggest that RIZ1 may represent a promising candidate tumor suppressor gene that contributes to malignant meningiomas.

First observation of η(1405) decays into f(0)(980)π0

The decays J/ψ → γ π+ π- π0 and J/ψ → γ π0 π0 π0 are analyzed using a sample of 225×10(6) J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector. The decay of η(1405) → f(0)(980)π0 with a large isospin violation is observed for the first time. The width of the f(0)(980) observed in the dipion mass spectra is anomalously narrower than the world average. Decay rates for three-pion decays of the η' are also measured precisely.

Spin-parity analysis of pp¯ mass threshold structure in J/ψ and ψ(3686) radiative decays

A partial wave analysis of the pp¯ mass-threshold enhancement in the reaction J/ψ→γpp¯ is used to determine its J(PC) quantum numbers to be 0(-+), its peak mass to be below threshold at M=1832(-5)(+19)(stat)(-17)(+18)(syst)±19(model) MeV/c(2), and its total width to be Γ<76 MeV/c(2) at the 90% C.L. The product of branching ratios is measured to be BR[J/ψ→γX(pp¯)]BR[X(pp¯)→pp¯]=[9.0(-1.1)(+0.4)(stat)(-5.0)(+1.5)(syst)±2.3(model)]×10(-5). A similar analysis performed on ψ(3686)→γpp¯ decays shows, for the first time, the presence of a corresponding enhancement with a production rate relative to that for J/ψ decays of R=[5.08(-0.45)(+0.71)(stat)(-3.58)(+0.67)(syst)±0.12(model)]%.

ηπ+ π- resonant structure around 1.8 GeV/c(2) and η(1405) in J/ψ → ωηπ+ π-

We present results of a study of the decay J/ψ → ωηπ+ π- using a sample of (225.2 ± 2.8) × 10(6) J/ψ events collected by the BESIII detector, and report the observation of a new process J/ψ → ωX(1870) with a statistical significance of 7.2σ, in which X(1870) decays to a(0)(±)(980)π±. Fitting to ηπ+ π- mass spectrum yields a mass M = 1877.3 ± 6.3(stat)(-7.4)(+3.4)(syst) MeV/c(2), a width Γ = 57 ± 12(stat)(-4)(+19)(syst) MeV/c(2), and a product branching fraction B(J/ψ → ωX) × B(X→a(0)(±)(980)π±) × B(a(0) (±)(980) → ηπ±) = [1.50 ± 0.26(stat)(-0.36)(+0.72) (syst)] × 10(-4). Signals for J/ψ → ωf(1)(1285) and J/ψ → ω η(1405) are also clearly observed and measured.

In ovo administration of rhIGF-1 to duck eggs affects the expression of myogenic transcription factors and muscle mass during late embryo development

In ovo administration of IGF-1 to poultry eggs has effective roles on post hatching muscle development. However, the secondary muscle development stages at the late embryo development stage are important for muscle fiber formation and differentiation. To investigate the roles of in ovo administration of IGF-1 on duck secondary muscle development, we injected rhIGF-1 into duck eggs in hatching at day 12. After administration on days 18, 21, 24, and 27 in hatching (E18d, E21d, E24d, and E27d, respectively), muscle samples were isolated, and the muscle tissue weight, muscle fiber parameters, and myoblast proliferation rate in leg and breast muscle were analyzed. Additionally, the expression levels of the transcription factors MyoG and MRF4 were detected using qPCR. Results show that embryo body weight and muscle fiber parameters, including muscle fiber diameter (MFD) and the number of myofibers per unit area, are upregulated in IGF-1-treated groups. Moreover, the transcription factors MyoG and MRF4 are expressed at higher levels in the experimental groups compared with the control groups. These results suggest that in ovo administration of IGF-1 to poultry eggs can mediate the expression of MyoG and MRF4, induce myoblast proliferation, and finally influence muscle development during the secondary muscle development stages.

Thermodynamic analysis on wetting behavior of hierarchical structured superhydrophobic surfaces

Superhydrophobicity of biological surfaces has recently been studied intensively with the aim to design artificial surfaces. It has been revealed that nearly all of the superhydrophobic surfaces consist of the intrinsic hierarchical structures. However, the role of such structures has not been completely understood. In this study, different scales of hierarchical structures have been thermodynamically analyzed using a 2-D model. In particular, the free energy (FE) and free energy barrier (FEB) for the composite wetting states are calculated, and the effects of relative pillar height (h(r)) and relative pillar width (a(r)) on contact angle (CA) and contact angle hysteresis (CAH) have been investigated in detail. The results show that if the geometrical parameter ratio is the same (e.g., a:b:h = 2:2:1), the equilibrium CA for the composite of the three-, dual-, and single- scale roughness structures is 159.8°, 151.1°, and 138.6°, respectively. Furthermore, the nano- to microstructures of such surfaces can split a large FEB into many small ones and hence can decrease FEB; in particular, a hierarchical geometrical structure can lead to a hierarchical "FEB structure" (e.g., for a dual-scale roughness geometrical structure, there is also a dual-scale FEB structure). This is especially important for a droplet to overcome the large FEBs to reach a stable superhydrophobic state, which can lead to an improved self-cleaning property. Moreover, for extremely small droplets, the secondary or third structure (i.e., submicrostructure or nanostructure) can play a dominant role in resisting the droplets into troughs, so that a composite state can be always thermodynamically favorable for such a hierarchical structured system.

White matter integrity deficit in treatment-naïve adult patients with major depressive disorder

OBJECTIVES

The fronto-limbic system plays critical roles in cognitive functions, including emotion. This is supported by recent reports in the studies of major depressive disorder using diffusion tensor imaging of the brain. This study examined white matter integrity and correlations to cognitive function in treatment-naive adult patients with major depressive disorder.

METHODS

Fractional anisotropy values, derived from diffusion tensor imaging, were compared in 18 treatment-naïve adult patients with major depressive disorder and 18 well-matched healthy controls by voxel-based analysis. Correlation of fractional anisotropy with performance of cognitive tests was also analysed.

RESULTS

Lower fractional anisotropy values in the bilateral medial frontal gyri, right subgyral frontal and temporal lobes, and left middle frontal and cingulate gyri were observed in patients than in controls. However, no correlation between mean fractional anisotropy values and cognitive scores was found.

CONCLUSION

These findings support the notion that deficit of white matter integrity in the fronto-limbic system may be the neural substrate of major depressive disorder.

Nutrigenomic targeting of carbohydrate craving behavior: can we manage obesity and aberrant craving behaviors with neurochemical pathway manipulation by Immunological Compatible Substances (nutrients) using a Genetic Positioning System (GPS) Map?

Genetic mediated physiological processes that rely on both pharmacological and nutritional principles hold great promise for the successful therapeutic targeting of reduced carbohydrate craving, body-friendly fat loss, healthy body recomposition, and overall wellness. By integrating an assembly of scientific knowledge on inheritable characteristics and environmental mediators of gene expression, we review the relationship of genes, hormones, neurotransmitters, and nutrients as they correct unwanted weight gain coupled with unhappiness. In contrast to a simple one-locus, one-mechanism focus on pharmaceuticals alone, we hypothesize that the use of nutrigenomic treatment targeting multi-physiological neurological, immunological, and metabolic pathways will enable clinicians to intercede in the process of lipogenesis by promoting lipolysis while attenuating aberrant glucose cravings. In turn, this approach will enhance wellness in a safe and predictable manner through the use of a Genetic Positioning System (GPS) Map. The GPS Map, while presently incomplete, ultimately will serve not only as a blueprint for personalized medicine in the treatment of obesity, but also for the development of strategies for reducing many harmful addictive behaviors and promoting optimal health by using substances compatible with the body's immune system.

Finite-element study of strain field in strained-Si MOSFET

The strain field in the channel of a p-type metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor fabricated by integrating Ge pre-amorphization implantation for source/drain regions is evaluated using a finite-element method combining with large angle convergent-beam electron diffraction (LACBED). The finite-element calculation shows that there is a very large compressive strain in the top layer of the channel region caused by a low dose of Ge ion implantation in the source and drain extension regions. Moreover, a transition region is formed in the bottom of the channel region and the top of the Si substrate. These calculation results are in good agreement with the LACBED experiments.

Hypothesizing that brain reward circuitry genes are genetic antecedents of pain sensitivity and critical diagnostic and pharmacogenomic treatment targets for chronic pain conditions

While it is well established that the principal ascending pathways for pain originate in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and in the medulla, the control and sensitivity to pain may reside in additional neurological loci, especially in the mesolimbic system of the brain (i.e., a reward center), and a number of genes and associated polymorphisms may indeed impact pain tolerance and or sensitivity. It is hypothesized that these polymorphisms associate with a predisposition to intolerance or tolerance to pain. It is further hypothesized that identification of certain gene polymorphisms provides a unique therapeutic target to assist in the treatment of pain. It is hereby proposed that pharmacogenetic testing of certain candidate genes (i.e., mu receptors, PENK etc.) will result in pharmacogenomic solutions personalized to the individual patient, with potential improvement in clinical outcomes.