Real-time dynamics of clusters. III. I_2Ne_n (n=2–4), picosecond fragmentation, and evaporation

In this paper (III) we report real-time studies of the picosecond dynamics of iodine in Ne clusters I*2Nen(n = 2–4) --> I*2 + nNe. The results are discussed in relation to vibrational predissociation (VP), basic to the I2X systems, and to the onset of intramolecular vibrational-energy redistribution (IVR). The latter process, which is a precursor for the evaporation of the host atoms or for further fragmentation, is found to be increasingly effective as the cluster size increases; low-energy van der Waals modes act as the accepting (bath) modes. The reaction dynamics for I2Ne2 are examined and quantitatively compared to a simple model which describes the dynamics as consecutive bond breaking. On this basis, it is concluded that the onset of energy redistribution is observed in I2Ne2. Comparison of I2Ne and I2Ne2 to larger clusters (n=3,4) is accomplished by introducing an overall effective reaction rate. From measurements of the rates and their dependence on v[script ']i, the initial quantum number of the I2 stretch, we are able to examine the dynamics of direct fragmentation and evaporation, and compare with theory

Real-time dynamics of clusters. II. I_2X_n (n=1; X=He, Ne, and H_2), picosecond fragmentation

In this second paper (II) of a series, we report our picosecond time-resolved studies of the state-to-state rates of vibrational predissociation in iodine–rare gas (van der Waals) clusters. Particular focus is on the simplest system, I2He, which serves as a benchmark for theoretical modeling. Comparisons with I2Ne and I2H2 are also presented. The results from measurements made in real time are compared with those deduced from linewidth measurements, representing a rare example of a system studied by both methods under identical conditions and excited to the same quantum (v[script ']i) states. The discrepancies are discussed in relation to the origin of the broadening and preparation of the state. The rates as a function of v[script ']i display a nonlinear behavior which is examined in relation to the energy-gap law. The measured absolute rates and their dependence on v[script ']i are compared with numerous calculations invoking classical, quantum, and semiclassical theories. In the following paper (III in this series), the cluster size of the same system, I2Xn, is increased (n=2–4) and the dynamics are studied

Direct observation of the picosecond dynamics of I_2-Ar fragmentation

Picosecond real‐time observations of the dynamics of I_2–Ar fragmentation are reported. The state‐to‐state rates, k(ν^i,,ν^f,), are directly measured and related to the homogeneous broadening of the initial state, and to product state distributions in the exit channel. Comparisons with different theories of vibrational (and electronic) predissociation are made

Deconvoluting mTOR biology

In metazoans, TOR is an essential protein that functions as a master regulator of cellular growth and proliferation. Over the past decade, there has been an explosion of information about this critical master kinase, ranging from the composition of the TOR protein complex to its ability to act as an integrator of numerous extracellular signals. Unfortunately, this plethora of information has also raised numerous questions regarding TOR function. Currently, the prevailing view is that mammalian TOR (mTOR) exists in at least two molecular complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, which are largely defined by the presence of either RAPTOR or RICTOR. However, additional co-factors have been identified for each complex, and their importance in mediating mTOR signals has been incompletely elucidated. Similarly, there are differences in mTOR function that reflect the tissue of origin. In this review, we present an alternative view to mTOR complex formation and function, which envisions mTOR regulation and signal propagation as a reflection of cell type- and basal state-dependent conditions. The re-interpretation of mTOR biology in this framework may facilitate the design of therapies most likely to effectively inhibit this central regulator of cell behavior

The role of microglia and macrophages in glioma maintenance and progression

There is a growing recognition that gliomas are complex tumors composed of neoplastic and non-neoplastic cells, which each individually contribute to cancer formation, progression and response to treatment. The majority of the non-neoplastic cells are tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), either of peripheral origin or representing brain-intrinsic microglia, that create a supportive stroma for neoplastic cell expansion and invasion. TAMs are recruited to the glioma environment, have immune functions, and can release a wide array of growth factors and cytokines in response to those factors produced by cancer cells. In this manner, TAMs facilitate tumor proliferation, survival and migration. Through such iterative interactions, a unique tumor ecosystem is established, which offers new opportunities for therapeutic targeting

The new mythologies and premature aging in the youth culture

Comparative studies of aging men in a variety of preliterate traditional societies suggest that older men, across cultures, are relatively mild and uncompetitive, as compared to younger men from the same communities. Older men are more interested in receiving than in producing, more interested in communion than in agency; their sense of pleasure and security is based on food, religion, and the assurance of love. The counterculture gives priority to the same themes, and thereby seems to sponsor a premature senescence, in the psychological sense. Various contemporary myths stemming from affluence and consumerism that have led to the new geriatrics are examined, particularly the myth of the all-including, omnipotential self, which is seen as a translation of socialist, collectivist ideals into the domain of personality. The effects of the new psychic collectivism on ego development in the adolescent and postadolescent periods are also considered.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/45279/1/10964_2005_Article_BF02214091.pd

Shared developmental gait disruptions across two mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders

BACKGROUND: Motor deficits such as abnormal gait are an underappreciated yet characteristic phenotype of many neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including Williams Syndrome (WS) and Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). Compared to cognitive phenotypes, gait phenotypes are readily and comparably assessed in both humans and model organisms and are controlled by well-defined CNS circuits. Discovery of a common gait phenotype between NDDs might suggest shared cellular and molecular deficits and highlight simple outcome variables to potentially quantify longitudinal treatment efficacy in NDDs. METHODS: We characterized gait using the DigiGait assay in two different murine NDD models: the complete deletion (CD) mouse, which models hemizygous loss of the complete WS locus, and the Nf1 RESULTS: Compared to wildtype littermate controls, both models displayed markedly similar spatial, temporal, and postural gait abnormalities during development. Developing CD mice also displayed significant decreases in variability metrics. Multiple gait abnormalities observed across development in the Nf1 CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the subcomponents of gait affected in NDDs show overlap between disorders as well as some disorder-specific features, which may change over the course of development. Our incorporation of spatial, temporal, and postural gait measures also provides a template for gait characterization in other NDD models and a platform to examining circuits or longitudinal therapeutics

A conserved alternative splice in the von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis (NF1) gene produces two neurofibromin isoforms, both of which have GTPase-activating protein activity

Sequence analysis has shown significant homology between the catalytic regions of the mammalian ras GTPase-activating protein (GAP), yeast Ira1p and Ira2p (inhibitory regulators of the RAS-cyclic AMP pathway), and neurofibromin, the protein encoded by the NF1 gene. Yeast expression experiments have confirmed that a 381-amino-acid segment of neurofibromin, dubbed the GAP-related domain (GRD), can function as a GAP. Using the RNA polymerase chain reaction with primers flanking the NF1-GRD, we have identified evidence for alternative splicing in this region of the NF1 gene. In addition to the already published sequence (type I), an alternative RNA carrying a 63-nucleotide insertion (type II) is present in all tissues examined, although the relative amounts of types I and II vary. The insertion is conserved across species but is not present in GAP, IRA1, or IRA2. GenBank searches have failed to identify significant similarity between the inserted sequence and known DNA or protein sequences, although the basic amino acid composition of the insertion shares features with nuclear targeting sequences. Expression studies in yeasts show that despite the partial disruption of the neurofibromin-IRA-GAP homology by this insertion, both forms of the NF1-GRD can complement loss of IRA function. In vivo assays designed to compare the GAP activity of the two alternatively spliced forms of the NF1-GRD show that both can increase the conversion of GTP-bound ras to its GDP-bound form, although the insertion of the 21 amino acids weakens this effect. The strong conservation of this alternative, splicing suggests that both type I and II isoforms mediate important biological functions of neurofibromin