Layer-specific pyramidal neuron properties underlie diverse anterior cingulate cortical motor and limbic networks

The laminar cellular and circuit mechanisms by which the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) exerts flexible control of motor and affective information for goal-directed behavior have not been elucidated. Using multimodal tract-tracing, in vitro patch-clamp recording and computational approaches in rhesus monkeys (M. mulatta), we provide evidence that specialized motor and affective network dynamics can be conferred by layer-specific biophysical and structural properties of ACC pyramidal neurons targeting two key downstream structures -the dorsal premotor cortex (PMd) and the amygdala (AMY). AMY-targeting neurons exhibited significant laminar differences, with L5 more excitable (higher input resistance and action potential firing rates) than L3 neurons. Between-pathway differences were found within L5, with AMY-targeting neurons exhibiting greater excitability, apical dendritic complexity, spine densities, and diversity of inhibitory inputs than PMd-targeting neurons. Simulations using a pyramidal-interneuron network model predict that these layer- and pathway-specific single-cell differences contribute to distinct network oscillatory dynamics. L5 AMY-targeting networks are more tuned to slow oscillations well-suited for affective and contextual processing timescales, while PMd-targeting networks showed strong beta/gamma synchrony implicated in rapid sensorimotor processing. These findings are fundamental to our broad understanding of how layer-specific cellular and circuit properties can drive diverse laminar activity found in flexible behavior.

Age Conditional Probability of Ocular and Ocular Adnexal Malignancies

Aim

The aim of this study was to discuss and illustrate the role age-conditional probability has in communicating risk of developing ocular and ocular adnexal malignancies.

Methods

Cross-sectional incidence for retinoblastoma, uveal melanoma, conjunctival melanoma, and lacrimal gland carcinomas from 2000 to 2017 were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Incidence rates were age-adjusted to the 2000 United States population. Age-adjusted incidence was converted to age-interval and cumulative risks. Outcomes were examined in 20-year intervals and cumulatively for adult cancers and yearly for retinoblastoma.

Results

The risk of each malignancy displayed age-dependent variation. For adult malignancies, men were at higher risk at most age intervals. Uveal melanoma had the greatest cumulative lifetime risk. The probability of developing retinoblastoma declines precipitously after age 3 years.

Conclusions

Age-conditional probability of developing cancer is a conceptually friendly means of understanding and communicating risk. It is particularly useful in comparing the risks of uncommon or rare cancers, such as those found in and around the eye. The assessment of risk in terms of age-conditional probability is a versatile and an underutilized pedagogical tool.

Coherent electro-optical detection of terahertz radiation from an optical parametric oscillator

We report the realization of coherent electro-optical detection of nanosecond terahertz (THz) pulses from an optical parametric oscillator, which is pumped by a Q-switched nanosecond Nd:YVO4 laser at 1064 nm and emits at approximately 1.5 THz. The beam profile and wavefront of the THz beam at focus are electro-optically characterized toward the realization of a real-time THz camera. A peak dynamic range of approximately 37 dB/radical Hz is achieved with single-pixel detection.

Frequency control of a 1163 nm singly resonant OPO based on MgO:PPLN

We report the realization of a singly resonant optical parametric oscillator (SRO) that is designed to provide narrow-bandwidth, continuously tunable radiation at a wavelength of 1163 nm for optical cooling of osmium ions. The SRO is based on periodically poled, magnesium-oxide-doped lithium niobate and pumped at 532 nm. The output coupling of the resonant idler wave is adjusted to yield up to 400 mW of 1163 nm radiation, with a bandwidth of a few megahertz. For continuous frequency tuning of the idler wave, the SRO is equipped with an intracavity etalon, and the cavity length is controlled with a piezo-actuated mirror synchronized to the etalon angle.