Role of Transcription Factor Foxb1 in Oligodendrocyte Development

Oligodendrocytes are the myelin-forming cells of the white matter of the central nervous system (CNS). Oligodendrocytes are derived from Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cells (OPC) or from Neural Stem Cells (NSC) at different development stages. Although numerous factors involved in oligodendrocyte production have been identified, the transcriptional control of oligodendrocytogenesis remains largely unknown. However, the treatment of demyelination diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS) and periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) could greatly benefit from this knowledge. The forkhead (Fox) gene family encodes transcription factors characterized by a DNA binding domain with a variant of the helix-turn-helix configuration. Foxb1 encodes a forkhead transcription factor expressed in the mouse neural plate and early mesoderm in the primitive streak stage. In midgestation, Foxb1 is expressed in restricted areas of the neuroepithelium (ventricular zone) as well as the brain parenchyma of midbrain, thalamus, hypothalamus, superior and inferior colliculi, pons, medulla oblongata and spinal cord. Preliminary work in our lab showed that the number of CNS cells belonging to the Foxb1 lineage (i.e. born from Foxb1-expressing ventricular zone) is much larger than the number of CNS cells actually express Foxb1 in the adult mouse. For my PhD work I wanted to know, first, which CNS cells are generated by Foxb1-expressing NSC; second, I wanted to learn about the specific function of Foxb1 in those cells. To approach those questions I analyzed the phenotype of heterozygous (Foxb1Cre/+) and homozygous (Foxb1Cre/Cre) mice of the knock in-knock out Foxb1-Cre-EGFP mouse line (generated previously in our lab). I found that the Foxb1-expressing neuroepithelium generates large numbers of oligodendrocytes (as well as some astrocytes and neurons); in mice deficient in Foxb1, immature oligodendrocytes as well as OPC are abnormally abundant but can differentiate into oligodendrocytes able to produce normal myelin sheaths. I concluded that transcription factor Foxb1 is a novel player in the regulation of OPC generation, on which it exerts a potent inhibitory function

Advances in the Application of Chromatographic Techniques in Forensic Toxicology Fund

With the gradual advancement of knowledge and civilization, forensic science and technology is steadily developing and evolving. Chromatography, as an important analytical technique with the advantages of simplicity, rapidity and high sensitivity, has been widely used by researchers in various countries in the process of detecting toxic substances and drugs in forensic science. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis and exploration of chromatographic techniques from three perspectives: the development of chromatography, its classification according to the two-phase state, chromatographic separation mechanism and the nature of the stationary phase, and the applications of chromatographic techniques. The future development trend of chromatographic analysis technology is also prospected in order to provide new ideas for the development and research2o2f other technologies in thefield of forensic science

Seismic and Power Generation Performance of U-Shaped Steel Connected PV-Shear Wall under Lateral Cyclic Loading

BIPV is now widely used in office and residential buildings, but its seismic performance still remained vague especially when the photovoltaic (PV) modules are installed on high-rise building facades. A new form of reinforced concrete shear wall integrated with photovoltaic module is proposed in this paper, aiming to apply PV module to the facades of high-rise buildings. In this new form, the PV module is integrated with the reinforced concrete wall by U-shaped steel connectors through embedded steel plates. The lateral cyclic loading test is executed to investigate the seismic behavior and the electric and thermal performance with different drift angles. The seismic behavior, including failure pattern, lateral force-top displacement relationship, and deformation capacity, was investigated. The power generation and temperature variation on the back of the PV module and both sides of the shear wall were also tested. Two main results are demonstrated through the experiment: (1) the U-shaped steel connectors provide enough deformation capacity for the compatibility of the PV module to the shear wall during the whole cyclic test; (2) the electricity generation capacity is effective and stable during this seismic simulation test