Direct Photography of Colonies of Bacteri

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Aiming Attention Using Selective Stimulation of Locus Coeruleus and Its Medial Prefrontal Efferents

Appropriate modification of behavior in response to dynamic environmental conditions is essential for the adaptation and survival of most biological organisms. This adaptability allows for organisms to maximize the benefit of behavior related energy expenditure (utility) while minimizing cost. Modern theories of locus coeruleus (LC) function implicate a pivotal role for the noradrenergic (NA) nucleus in mediating switches between focused behavior during periods of high utility (exploit) versus disengagement of behavior and exploration of other, more rewarding opportunities. Two modes of activity in LC neurons have been well characterized. During periods of accurate and focused behavior, LC neurons exhibit suppressed baseline activity and task-related phasic bursts. However, as focus and accuracy wanes, phasic activity is suppressed and baseline (tonic) impulse activity is elevated. These experiments sought to exogenously induce a tonic pattern of activity in LC neurons and their medial prefrontal cortical (mPFC) efferents to test the tenets of adaptive gain theory. This theory posits that phasic activity facilitates focused task performance whereas tonic activity promotes disengagement from ongoing behaviors. Thus, tonic activation immediately following a rule change should be sufficient to improve performance on a set-shifting task. Indeed, DREADD mediated stimulation of LC terminals within the mPFC decreased trials to reach criterion. However, this effect appears to result from improved application of the new rule rather than an induction of a behaviorally flexible phenotype. Further, these results were not seen for manipulations administered within the LC. These findings may reflect a new understanding of the role of LC in set-shifting and flexible behavior

The Strengths and Abilities of Autistic People in the Workplace

INTRODUCTION: At present, very few autistic people are employed, even though many want to be. It is important that their strengths are identified and valued to help them to find jobs that they enjoy, and that make good use of their skills. The aim of this study was to investigate what strengths autistic people have in the workplace, self-reported by autistic people themselves. METHODS: In this study, autistic participants (n = 66) completed an online questionnaire that asked their views about employment-related strengths that they experienced. We analyzed these data using thematic analysis to identify commonalities across participants' experiences, and areas where they felt that they could perform better than their nonautistic colleagues. RESULTS: The main strengths identified from these data revealed cognitive advantages such as superior creativity, focus, and memory; increased efficiency and personal qualities such as honesty and dedication; and the ability to offer a unique autism-specific perspective. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this study suggests that autistic people have many employment-related strengths that should be recognized and valued by autistic people and employers alike. By understanding the strengths that could be associated with autism in the workplace, autistic people may be better able to identify their own strengths in the workplace (with the help of support workers, where necessary). The results should also encourage employers to make an effort to recruit and retain autistic employees, making appropriate adjustments to interview processes and working conditions, and seeking out training when needed

Absolute Calibration of a Large-diameter Light Source

A method of absolute calibration for large aperture optical systems is presented, using the example of the Pierre Auger Observatory fluorescence detectors. A 2.5 m diameter light source illuminated by an ultra--violet light emitting diode is calibrated with an overall uncertainty of 2.1 % at a wavelength of 365 nm.Comment: 15 pages, 8 figures. Submitted to JINS

Effects of radiation on charge-coupled devices

The effects of 1 MeV electron irradiation upon the performance of two phase, polysilicon aluminum gate CCDs are reported. Both n- and p-surface channel and n-buried channel devices are investigated using 64- and 128-stage line arrays. Characteristics measured as a function of radiation dose include: Transfer inefficiency, threshold voltage, field effect mobility, interface state density, full well signal level and dark current. Surface channel devices are found to degrade considerably at less than 10 to the 5th power rads (Si) due to the large increase in fast interface state density caused by radiation. Buried channel devices maintain efficient operation to the highest dose levels used

Innovative Knowledge Management At Disney: Human Capital And Queuing Solutions For Services

It is well known that most activities in which a service is provided require customers to wait in a queue during the experience. One thing that is inherent in waiting lines is the universal dislike for the process. In fact, the feelings and opinions developed in waiting lines influence the customers perception of the awaited experience. In this paper, Disney is used as a case study for queuing solutions. In particular, we examine their implementation of Knowledge Management (KM) solutions to improve the waiting line process. The use of Disney cast members as human capital combined with the knowledge of customer preferences has made the FASTPASS an innovative solution to enhance queuing in the Disney theme parks. In the past, KM has been thought of as the collection of technological assets and managerial policies that compensate for information failures. In fact, the individuals need for human interaction provides the richest opportunity for knowledge acquisition. Disneys ability to capture customers in virtual queues while giving them a pleasurable waiting experience has made them a leader in KM initiatives in the service industry

Targeted silencing of Jab1/Csn5 in human cells downregulates SCF activity through reduction of F-box protein levels

BACKGROUND: SCF ubiquitin ligases target numerous proteins for ubiquitin dependent proteolysis, including p27 and cyclin E. SCF and other cullin-RING ligases (CRLs) are regulated by the ubiquitin-like protein Nedd8 that covalently modifies the cullin subunit. The removal of Nedd8 is catalyzed by the Jab1/MPN domain metalloenzyme (JAMM) motif within the Csn5 subunit of the Cop9 Signalosome. RESULTS: Here, we conditionally knock down Csn5 expression in HEK293 human cells using a doxycycline-inducible shRNA system. Cullin levels were not altered in CSN-deficient human cells, but the levels of multiple F-box proteins were decreased. Molecular analysis indicates that this decrease was due to increased Cul1- and proteasome-dependent turnover. Diminished F-box levels resulted in reduced SCF activity, as evidenced by accumulation of two substrates of the F-box protein Fbw7, cyclin E and c-myc, in Csn5-depleted cells. CONCLUSION: We propose that deneddylation of Cul1 is required to sustain optimal activity of SCF ubiquitin ligases by repressing 'autoubiquitination' of F-box proteins within SCF complexes, thereby rescuing them from premature degradation