Abstract
Scientific description of gene action & gene products. Describes research studies & methods. Bacterial clones. Phenotypes of genes; post embryonic phenotypes. Types & functions of genes. Genes responsible for axonal guidance in the developing brain. Experiments & various techniques used by researchers. How genes mediate their effects on an organism.

From the Paper
"Fraser et al (2000) used RNA-mediated interference (RNAi) to target approximately 90 percent of the predicted genes on C. elegans chromosome 1 by feeding these worms with a bacterium that expresses double-stranded RNA. RNAi transiently inhibits the activity of a gene by introducing double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) with a sequence specific to the target gene. Feeding these bacteria to the worms makes it possible to produce a library of dsRNA-expressing bacteria that can then be used for high-throughput genome-wide RNAi screens at very low cost. The only drawback to this technique is that RNAi does not efficiently inhibit all genes, so the method will miss some relevant genes.

Using such a library of bacteria which express dsRNA responding to genes on chromosome 1, this group were able to..."

Tags:SCIENCE

Abstract
This paper examines how multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system malfunctions and targets and destroys the myelin and oligodendrocyte cells of the brain and spinal cord. It looks at how the disease also causes irreparable damage in the central nervous system (CNS) by destroying targeted axons. It also discusses how treatment of the disease includes the treatment of acute symptoms and treatments to reduce the frequency of the relapse of the disease.

From the Paper
"The pathology of MS involves inflammation of the targeted area, demyelination of the axon and axon degeneration. Axon degeneration permanently destroys the demyelinated axon and causes irreversible damage to the CNS. This damage is responsible for the persistent disabling features of the disease. The CNS performs as a distributed network of activities. MS attacks individual parts of the CNS causing varied degrees of disabilities in specific domains of neurological function. Therefore, no two MS patients are affected in exactly the same way. MS is usually first diagnosed between 15 and 50 years of age (Randall, & Schapiro 2003). "

Tags:brain, spinal, cord, axon

Abstract
The paper discuses the ways sensory neurons differ from other cells of the body. Their structure is detailed especially the dendrites, axons and neurotransmitters.

From the Paper
"Sensory Neurons are everywhere in your body. Without them, a task as simple as walking would be utterly impossible. Sensory Neurons take information from all over the body and bring it to the brain for processing and interpretation. They can run from a receptor cell in a receptor organ (the eye for example) to another Sensory Neuron or they can run between two Sensory Neurons."

Tags:nucleus, mitochondria, dendrites, axon, terminal, myelin, sheath

Abstract
This paper presents a case study of Lester Electronics Inc. (LEI) and explains that the company is in a situation in which it must calculate the best possible financial situation for its potential merger with Shang-wa Electronics. With this in mind, the paper then reviews financial concepts including the weighted average cost of capital, optimized capital structure, associated risk and dividend policies. The review of financial concepts is then followed by a review of the financing of ten mergers that can be used for benchmarking in this case study.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Key Course Concepts
Weighted Average Cost of Capital
Financing Mix that Optimizes Capital Structure
Risk Associated with Investment Decisions
Dividend Policy on Wealth Maximization
Company Synopsis
Nissan-Renault
Panasonic
Ocado
Axon
Northwest/Delta
Hyundai
AT&T and Cingular
Daimler-Benz and Chrysler
Disney and Pixar
HP and Tower Software

From the Paper
"Disney acquired computer animated leader, Pixar, in an all-stock transition. A total of 2.3 shares of stock were offered for each Pixar share. Based on the fully diluted shares of Pixar that were outstanding, the transaction was valued at 7.4 billion dollars. The acquisition combines Pixar's creativity and technology with Disney's portfolio of entertainment, theme parks, characters and other franchises giving the opportunity for innovations and future growth. Pixar's Chairman and CEO was appointed to the Disney Board of Directors."

Tags:investors flexibility, cash flow, northwest/delta, daimler-benz and chrysler

Abstract
This paper describes the pathophysiology, incidence, signs and symptoms and typical progression of Guillain-Barreacute syndrome (GBS), a temporary disorder known to affect the peripheral nervous system. The paper includes an illustration.

Paper Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Pathophysiology
Incidence & Diagnosis
Signs, Symptoms, Treatment & Progression
Conclusion
References

From the Paper
"There is currently no cure for the syndrome but with early detection, the condition is often reversible although it can at times be life threatening. Because an exact cause is not known, modern theory suggests that GBS is an autoimmune disorder that may occur from viral infections, surgery, trauma, or some reaction to immunization (s). However, because immune-mediated disorders such as Guillain-Barre Syndrome lead to peripheral neuropathies, it is logical to understand the pathophysiology of that process."

Tags:autoimmune, axonal, degeneration, EMG

Abstract
The paper reviews the study "Prefrontal microcircuits: Membrane Proper Ties and Excitatory Input of Local, Medium, and Wide Arbor Interneurons" by L. Krimer and P. Goldman-Rakic that explored the function of cortical neurons in the production and preservation of visual memory. The paper outlines the methods of research used in this study as well as its findings. The paper relates that this study was a complete success in fulfilling its goal of furthering understanding of the mechanisms and differentiations in neural functions. The paper also explains the implications of this study.

From the Paper
"This study incorporates advances in mathematical modeling as well as technological improvements in measuring capabilities to identify heretofore unknown differentiations in axon form and functions, specifically in regards to their arbor size. Research conducted by the authors also confirmed the results and deepened the understanding of other neural identifiers and functions, especially an understanding of the relationship axon differentiations in size/structure to function and transmission speed of axons (Krimer & Goldman-Rakic, 2001). Of overriding importance to the authors of this study was the role that lateral inhibition plays in neural transmission throughout the cortex; to this end, research was focused on the relationship of primary neurons to adjacent local neurons in areas known from previous research to be involved with memory formation, storage, and retrieval in an attempt to determine the overall role of pyramidal-neurons in neural transmission (Krimer & GOlcman-Rakic, 2001)."

Tags:visual, memory, synapses, inhibition, transmission, axons