A differentially expressed enolase gene isolated from the gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) under high-density conditions is up-regulated in brain after in vivo lipopolysaccharide challenge

To investigate the effect of different population densities on gene transcription in the sea bream brain (Sparus aurata), the messenger RNA (mRNA) differential display (DD) technique was used to analyse gene expression. Sea bream were held at different densities, 6 or 26 kg m(-3), over a period of 14 days. We identified seven differentially expressed sequences of which one sequence was functionally identified. The S. aurata enolase gene homologue (S-enolase), pertaining to the alpha non-neuronal enolase group of the enzyme superfamily, was up-regulated in the brain of fish in the high-density population group. S-enolase mRNA expression was also found in other tissues including heart, liver and head kidney suggesting a ubiquitous nature. Furthermore, brain S-enolase mRNA is highly up-regulated 48 h after intra-peritoneal bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration. Therefore, S-enolase gene expression is linked to the incidence of different stressors, density and infective agents, in the sea bream and may be a potential molecular biomarker for stress diagnosis in this fish. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier B.V

A New Active Organic Component for Flexible Ammonia Gas Sensors

The objective of this study was to realize flexible gas sensors using low cost solution processing such as drop casting. As active sensor material, a p-type organic semiconductor, αα-ωω-hexyl-distyrylbithiophene (DH-DS2T), was used. DH-DS2T based transistors exhibit high mobility together with a good air stability. As a chemical compound, DH- DS2T presents a good solubility in common organic solvent, which means thin films could also processed by solution fabrication. Sensor responses were studied by measuring the current through the semiconductor organic film as an ammonia gas concentration function (NH3: 25, 50, and 100 ppm). We demonstrate here that DH-DS2T has efficient sensor responses and leads to an efficient fully solution processed gas sensor on flexible substrate

Developing technology for autism:an interdisciplinary approach

We present an interdisciplinary methodology for designing interactive multi-modal technology for young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). In line with many other researchers in the field, we believe that the key to developing technology in this context is to embrace perspectives from diverse disciplines to arrive at a methodology that delivers satisfactory outcomes for all stakeholders. The ECHOES project provided us with the opportunity to develop a technology-enhanced learning (TEL) environment that facilitates acquisition and exploration of social skills by typically developing (TD) children and children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). ECHOES’ methodology and the learning environment rely crucially on multi-disciplinary expertise including developmental psychology, visual arts, human–computer interaction, artificial intelligence, education, and several other cognate disciplines. In this article, we reflect on the methods needed to develop a TEL environment for young users with ASDs by identifying key features, benefits, and challenges of this approach

Ground tilt seismic spectrum measured with a new high sensitivity rotational accelerometer

We describe a new rotational accelerometer exhibiting excellent rotational acceleration sensitivity of 2-3 X 10(-9) rad s(-2)/root Hz for frequencies below 2 Hz and increasing as the square of frequency for frequencies higher than 2 Hz. The sensitivity to horizontal linear accelerations and static tilts is 60 dB less than its rotational sensitivity. The accelerometer has been used to characterize the seismic ground tilt spectrum. Measurements of the performance of the device and of the seismic rotational spectrum are presented. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physics