We developed an algorithm, Lever, that systematically maps metazoan DNA regulatory motifs or motif combinations to sets of genes. Lever assesses whether the motifs are enriched in cis-regulatory modules (CRMs), predicted by our PhylCRM algorithm, in the noncoding sequences surrounding the genes. Lever analysis allows unbiased inference of functional annotations to regulatory motifs and candidat...

Atomic force microscopes typically require knowledge of the cantilever spring constant and optical lever sensitivity in order to accurately determine the force from the cantilever deflection. In this study, we investigate a technique to calibrate the optical lever sensitivity of rectangular cantilevers that does not require contact to be made with a surface. This noncontact approach utilizes th...

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Lever systems within a skeleton transmit force with a capacity determined by the mechanical advantage, A. A is the distance from input force to a joint, divided by the distance from the joint to the output force. A lever with a relatively high A in static equilibrium has a great capacity to generate force but moves a load over a small distance. Therefore, the geometry of a skeletal lever presen...

BACKGROUND Administration of psychomotor stimulants like amphetamine facilitates behavior in the presence of incentive distal stimuli, which have acquired the motivational properties of primary rewards through associative learning. This facilitation appears to be mediated by the mesolimbic dopamine system, which may also be involved in facilitating behavior in the presence of distal stimuli tha...

A composite cavity semiconductor laser structure that consists of two active (gain) sections is analyzed. One of the sections has a grating corrugation, while the other is flat. The operation of the device is enhanced by utilizing the gain-lever effect. A round-trip analysis is combined with the rate equations pertinent for this structure to study the characteristics of the device. The performa...

With the ultimate goal of creating autonomous microrobots, we have developed a new five-mask process that combines two polysilicon structural layers with 35 μm thick SOI structures and a backside substrate etch. The polysilicon layers provide 3D hinged structures, high compliance structures, and electrical wiring. The SOI structural layer yields much stronger structures and large-force actuator...

The goal of this study was to clarify the role of the nucleus accumbens septi (NAS) in the expression of cocaine self-administration behaviors. Rats were trained in a continuous reinforcement schedule to press a lever to activate a pump that provided an intravenous injection of cocaine. Once the rats were trained, neuronal activity in the NAS was monitored during cocaine self-administration wit...