A single-vector intersectional AAV strategy for interrogating cellular diversity and brain function.

As discovery of cellular diversity in the brain accelerates, so does the need for tools that target cells based on multiple features. Here we developed Conditional Viral Expression by Ribozyme Guided Degradation (ConVERGD), an adeno-associated virus-based, single-construct, intersectional targeting strategy that combines a self-cleaving ribozyme with traditional FLEx switches to deliver molecular cargo to specific neuronal subtypes. ConVERGD offers benefits over existing intersectional expression platforms, such as expanded intersectional targeting with up to five recombinase-based features, accommodation of larger and more complex payloads and a vector that is easy to modify for rapid toolkit expansion.

Indirect and direct cannabinoid agonists differentially affect mesolimbic dopamine release and related behaviors.

The cannabinoid system is being researched as a potential pharmaceutical target for a multitude of disorders. The present study examined the effect of indirect and direct cannabinoid agonists on mesolimbic dopamine release and related behaviors in C57BL/6J (B6) mice. The indirect cannabinoid agonist N-arachidonoyl serotonin (AA-5-HT) indirectly agonizes the cannabinoid system by preventing the metabolism of endocannabinoids through fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibition while also inhibiting transient receptor potential vanilloid Type 1 channels.

Impulsive choice in two different rat models of ADHD-Spontaneously hypertensive and knockout rats.

Introduction: Impulsivity is a symptom of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and variants in the ) gene (OMIM 616417) have been linked to ADHD. This project utilized a delay-discounting (DD) task to examine the impact of deletion in rats on impulsive choice. "Positive control" measures were also collected in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), another animal model of ADHD.

Evaluation of Endospore-Forming Bacteria for Suppression of Postharvest Decay of Apple Fruit.

The use of microbial biocontrol agents for control of postharvest disease has been the subject of intensive research over the past three decades resulting in commercialization of several biocontrol products. The objective of this research was to test endospore-forming bacteria collected from apple leaves for suppression of bitter rot and blue mold on apple. Bacteria were collected from abandoned, low-input, organic, and conventionally managed orchards in Pennsylvania and were screened for their ability to produce endospores, hydrolyze chitin, reduce pathogen growth in vitro, and suppress postharvest disease in vivo.

Evaluation of Disease Severity and Molecular Relationships Between Isolates on Species in New Hampshire.

Quinoa is a potential new crop for New England; however, its susceptibility to downy mildew, caused by , is a key obstacle for cultivation. The objectives of this study were to evaluate differential resistance within the genus, identify novel sources of resistance for use in future genetic studies or breeding programs, and investigate phylogenetic relationships of isolates from different hosts. The long-term goal of this research is to develop a resistant variety of quinoa to be grown in New England.