<h2 class="jove_title"><a href="https://www.jove.com/video/3436">MPI CyberMotion Simulator: Implementation of a Novel Motion Simulator to Investigate Multisensory Path Integration in Three Dimensions</a></h2>
Michael Barnett-Cowan1, Tobias Meilinger1, Manuel Vidal2, Harald Teufel1, Heinrich H. B&#252;lthoff1, 3 1Department of Human Perception, Cognition and Action, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, 2Laboratoire de Physiologie de la Perception et de l&#39;Action, Coll&#232;ge de France - CNRS, 3Department of Brain and Cognitive Engineering, Korea University
An efficient way to gain insight into how humans navigate themselves in three dimensions is described. The method takes advantage of a motion simulator capable of moving observers in ways unattainable by traditional simulators. Results confirm that movement in the horizontal plane is underestimated, while vertical movement is overestimated.
<h2 class="jove_title"><a href="https://www.jove.com/video/3586">Enhancement of Apoptotic and Autophagic Induction by a Novel Synthetic C-1 Analogue of 7-deoxypancratistatin in Human Breast Adenocarcinoma and Neuroblastoma Cells with Tamoxifen</a></h2>
Dennis Ma1, Jonathan Collins2, Tomas Hudlicky2, Siyaram Pandey1 1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Windsor, 2Chemistry Department and Centre for Biotechnology, Brock University
We have synthesized a novel analogue of pancratistatin with comparable anti-cancer activity as native pancratistatin; interestingly, combinatory treatment with tamoxifen yielded a drastic enhancement in apoptotic and autophagic induction by mitochondrial targeting with minimal effect on noncancerous fibroblasts. Thus, JCTH-4 in combination with tamoxifen could provide a safe anti-cancer therapy.
<h2 class="jove_title"><a href="https://www.jove.com/video/3730">Isolation and Culture of Human Fungiform Taste Cells</a></h2>
Hakan Ozdener1, Andrew I. Spielman2, Nancy E. Rawson3 1Monell Chemical Senses Center, 2New York University College of Dentistry, 3AFB International
We aimed to develop a reproducible protocol for isolating and maintaining long-term cultures of human fungiform taste papillae cells. Cells from human fungiform papillae obtained by biopsy were successfully maintained in culture for more than eight passages (12 months) without loss of viability.
<h2 class="jove_title"><a href="https://www.jove.com/video/3837">Local and global methods of assessing thermal nociception in Drosophila larvae </a></h2>
Abanti Chattopadhyay1,*, A&#39;Tondra V. Gilstrap1, 2,*, Michael J. Galko1, 3, 4, 5 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2Scholars Academy/MARC Scholar, University of Houston-Downtown, 3Genes and Development Graduate Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 4Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 5Genes and Development Graduate Program, University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences * These authors contributed equally
In this article, we demonstrate assays to study thermal nociception in Drosophila larvae. One assay involves spatially-restricted (local) stimulation of thermal nociceptors1,2 while the second involves a wholesale (global) activation of most or all such neurons3. Together, these techniques allow visualization and quantification of the behavioral functions of Drosophila nociceptive sensory neurons.
<h2 class="jove_title"><a href="https://www.jove.com/video/3903">Do-It-Yourself Device for Recovery of Cryopreserved Samples Accidentally Dropped into Cryogenic Storage Tanks </a></h2>
Rohini Mehta1, 2, 3, Ancha Baranova1, 2, 3, 4, Aybike Birerdinc1, 2, 3 1Molecular and Microbiology Department, George Mason University, 2Center for the Study of Genomics in Liver Diseases, George Mason University, 3Translational Research Institute, Inova Health System, 4Research Center for Medical Genetics RAMS
Here we present a low cost, durable cryotolerant device for sample retrieval from Dewar tanks filled with liquid nitrogen. The ease of construction and modular design of the device makes the process of sample retrieval from cryogenic tanks safe and easy.
<h2 class="jove_title"><a href="https://www.jove.com/video/3931">Electroantennographic Bioassay as a Screening Tool for Host Plant Volatiles</a></h2>
John J. Beck, Douglas M. Light, Wai S. Gee Plant Mycotoxin Research, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service
A method to rapidly screen host plant volatiles by measurement of the electrophysiological response of adult navel orangeworm (Amyelois transitella) antennae to single components and blends via electroantennographic analysis is demonstrated.
<h2 class="jove_title"><a href="https://www.jove.com/video/4039">Collection Protocol for Human Pancreas</a></h2>
Martha L. Campbell-Thompson, Emily L. Montgomery, Robin M. Foss, Kerwin M. Kolheffer, Gerald Phipps, Lynda Schneider, Mark A. Atkinson Department of Pathology, Immunology, and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida 
This video demonstrates a dissection procedure for processing human pancreas into multiple storage formats. Anatomical orientation is maintained throughout the pancreatic regions to allow definition of regional islet composition and density.

No conflicts of interest declared.

may 2012: this month in jove

The May issue of JoVE (Journal of Visualized Experiments) includes a handful of articles that deal with the senses and perception. Specifically, articles involving gustation (taste), olfaction (smell), nociception (pain), and the vestibular senses (balance and inertial movement) will be released.
The vestibular system is important for perceiving inertial movement, and inertial information is an important component of path integration. Path integration is a process by which the brain integrates multisensory information during movement, so that we maintain a sense of our body&#x2019;s position, relative to a starting point. In nature, many organisms make use of this process, in order to find their way back to their nests or burrows after looking for food.
This May, JoVE will publish a method filmed at the Max Plank Institute of Biological Cybernetics , which explores how path integration occurs in three dimensions. Most studies of this phenomenon are conducted in two dimensions, but thanks to a motion simulator with a large range of motion, path integration can be assessed in the horizontal and vertical planes. By controlling the sensory stimuli delivered to subjects in this device, our authors can dissect the relative contributions of visual and inertial information to estimations of starting position.
Through an elegantly designed series of experiments, these investigators find that subjects are more likely to overestimate angles of movement in the horizontal plane versus the verticals. They also find that subjects were slower to point to the starting position when they had to rely only on inertial stimuli. The underlying neuronal mechanism behind path integration is poorly understood, and further experiments using this system will provide insight into how humans maintain spatial orientation during movement, which has implications that range from understanding vestibular disorders and training better pilots.
Concerning gustation, JoVE will publish a procedure for isolating and culturing human fungiform taste cells this May. Back in 2010, we published an article that dealt with isolation of human fungiform papillae &#x2013; a subtype of the tiny stuctures on our tongues that contain tastebuds. While papillae collection is suitable for acute experiments, long-term studies of taste cells require them to be isolated and cultured.
For the first time ever reported, our authors demonstrate the isolation and culture of human fungiform taste cells and show that they can be maintained in culture for up to 8 passages, or one year. The ability to culture these cells for an extended period of time enables studies of proliferation and regeneration, and obviates the need to repeatedly collect papillae from donors.
Regarding olfaction, JoVE will release an article from the Department of Agriculture, which describes an experiment that transforms the antennae of insects into a screening tool for new pesticide alternatives. After isolating plant volatile compounds via gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, these investigators screen the compounds for biological activity using the electroantennagram (EAG).
Because not all of the volatile compounds emitted by plants elicit biological responses, such a bioassay is incredibly important for finding candidate molecules that can affect insect behavior. In turn, behavioral experiments, can determine whether or not a plant volatile can attract an insect. Plant volatile attractants can be used to confuse insects and potentially could serve as a safe alternative to pesticides.
Thermal nociception, or the perception of noxious thermal stimuli, is the focus of an article from the University of Texas this May. Specifically, thermal nociception is investigated in Drosophila larvae using two methods: the heat probe assay and the heat plate assay. Interestingly, for both methods, larvae must first be treated with UV radiation to induce tissue damage and sensitize thermal nociceptive neurons, which usually respond with a very high threshold.
As its name implies, the heat probe assay, uses a custom-built thermal probe to locally administer thermal stimuli. Nociception is quantified by recording the latency between stimulus onset and withdraw behavior. Intuitively, the second method, or heat plate assay, involves placing drosophila larvae on a heating plate within a drop of water to test whole body responses to noxious heat. Upon placement, drosophila exhibit a series of characteristic behaviors including rolling, whipping, or even seizure-like activity. When combined with genetic manipulation, these assays can provide information about the genes underlying thermal nociception &#x2013; a highly conserved process, from larvae to mammals.
Naturally, an exploration of the senses is not all JoVE has to offer this may. Other notable publications involve painting the pancreas to maintain orientation during histology, using an automated operant device to test multi-cognitive functions in mice, examining tamoxifen-induced apoptosis using timelapse video microscopy, and creating a convenient tool for fishing out lost samples from liquid nitrogen tanks. Stay tuned.

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about May 2012: This Month in JoVE at JoVE.com

May 2012: This Month in JoVE

Here are some highlights from the May 2012 Issue of Journal of Visualized Experiments (JoVE).

The May issue of JoVE (Journal of Visualized Experiments) includes a handful of articles that deal with the senses and perception.   Specifically, ...

Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

Video: May 2012: This Month in JoVE

August 2012: This Month in JoVE

Traditional microscopy requires lens objectives to magnify specimens, and can involve numerous optical components like additional objectives, filters, and mirrors to refract and direct light to optical sensors. The August 2012 issue of JoVE (Journal of Visualized Experiments) is marked by the third publication from the Ozcan Lab (University of California, Los Angeles) on their lens free lens-free "on-chip" microscopy platform, which they have pioneered.
Back in 2009, the Ozcan lab published their first article, which demonstrated the use of a lens-free imaging platform that could image cells within whole blood. This imaging technique involves placing a sample directly on an optoelectric sensor array, like the CCD or CMOS chips found in the standard camcorder. Then, LED illumination from above the sample casts shadows on the chip, which are recorded as digital holograms that can be subjected to image processing. Not only does this lensless imaging system allow for an extremely large field of view (FOV of 0.6-8 cm2), the lack of bulky optical components makes it excellent for microfluidic applications. The Ozcan group demonstrates this in their follow-up 2011 JoVE article, in which fluorescently labeled white blood cells are imaged within a microfluidic chip.
This August in JoVE, the Ozcan group demonstrates further advancements to their lens-free microscopy platform by applying it to tomographic imaging of the nematode, C. elegans. By changing the angle of illumination, using a motorized rotation stage, the Ozcan group shows how multiple holographic slices may be generated for a sample-which, following processing, can be combined into tomograms. The Ozcan group confirms that their 3D reconstruction of the worm is successful by citing that the pharyngeal tube, a 5-micron-thick structure, is only visible in a single slice and in a 3D reconstructed cross section.
The compact and inexpensive nature of the lens-free imaging systems - designed and assembled by the Ozcan group - make them well suited for point-of-care diagnostic applications, or even cell phone based microscopy that can be performed in the field.
At the Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center at University of California, San Francisco JoVE learns how to visualize morphological changes in single cells using three-dimensional fluorescence microscopy and computer analysis. In this procedure, cells are given agonist, antagonist plus agonist, or no treatment, and prepared for immunofluorescence microscopy. Three-dimensional images are acquired with the help of a two-photon laser system, and the fluorescence data are processed on the computer using Imaris and Matlab.
To demonstrate the power of this technique, our authors quantify single-cell phenotypic changes in transfected HEK293 cells. Three-dimensional morphometric analysis shows dramatic changes in cells treated with agonist. These changes are not always apparent when using conventional 2D analysis. This technique allows morphological changes in single cells to be quantified and characterized in response to pharmacologic stimuli, offering a powerful new assessment tool to the arsenal of drug discovery research.
This month, in JoVE Applied Physics, we travel to South Carolina to visit the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Clemson University. Here, researchers show us how to construct lithium batteries for laboratory research.
The basic components of a lithium coin cell are the working electrode, the lithium electrolyte, and a lithium foil counter electrode. The different components of the coin cell are carefully assembled and sealed with a crimping machine. The finished coin cell can then be characterized in a battery tester. Using their homemade coin cells, our researchers can experiment with using different materials to make the cathodes of lithium coin cells.
This month in JoVE Immunology and Infection, we head to Basel, Switzerland to witness two techniques for diagnosing helminth infections. We also see how investigators perform the shuttle run test in children, in order to assess the effects of these infections on physical fitness.
Helminths are parasitic worms that can live inside humans and animals. Many species infect the intestinal tract, and may be transmitted through soil. Our authors demonstrate the Kato-Katz technique, which is used for diagnosing several common soil-transmitted helminths. They also demonstrate the Baermann technique, which uses light to stimulate the migration of certain types of phototactic helminths out of sample preparations. The various types of helminth species can subsequently be determined based on morphology.
Our authors then demonstrate how to set up and perform a 20-meter shuttle run test for children, and to measure the impact of helminth infections on physical fitness. This method can help determine the true burden of soil-transmitted helminth infections on overall health.
This brief summary highlights but a few notable video-articles that will be released in August. We'll also feature articles that demonstrate how to express genes in the midbrain of the chick embryo, study neutrophil transmigration in parallel flow chambers lined with endothelial cells, and precisely measure proteolytic degradation of the extracellular matrix.

Traditional microscopy requires lens objectives to magnify specimens, and can involve numerous optical components like additional objectives, filters, and mirrors to refract and direct light to optical sensors. The August 2012 issue of JoVE (Journal of Visualized Experiments) is marked by the third publication from the Ozcan Lab (University of California, Los Angeles) on their lens-free "on-chip" microscopy platform, which they have pioneered.

Traditional microscopy requires lens objectives to magnify specimens, and can involve numerous optical components like additional objectives, filters, and ...

2012: A Year In Review

Here's a look at some of the milestones and highlights of the year 2012 in Journal of Visualized Experiments (JoVE).
At the start of 2012, JoVE reached a major milestone by publishing our 1500th article. In this publication, in JoVE Bioengineering, Yu et al. described a method for analyzing the free radical composition of cigarette smoke. This method simulated cigarette puffing with a single-port smoking device, and combined it with electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy to measure the degree to which antioxidant compounds can scavenge free radicals in cigarette smoke. A possible outcome of this research is the creation of less harmful cigarettes.
JoVE Bioengineering also contained the most-viewed article of 2012. Owczarczak et al. described a method for hacking a standard inkjet printer, loading ink cartridges with a cell-suspension "bioink," and printing lines of live cells onto glass slides. The thermal inkjet printing process creates temporary pores in the cell membrane, visualized by the incorporation of fluorescently labeled actin monomers. This concept, called "bioprinting," has many potential applications in cell and tissue engineering.
Also in 2012, JoVE Bioengineering featured a protocol by Hsia et al. for isolating and purifying spider silk protein, spinning it into fibers, and assessing the fiber strength. This protocol for laboratory-scale production of spider silk, which is stronger than tensile steel, can potentially be extended to large-scale manufacturing.
In JoVE Clinical and Translational Medicine, we featured a number of articles related to stroke, one of which. In one article, M&ouml;bius-Winkler et al. demonstrated placement of the WATCHMAN left atrial appendage occlusion device from Boston Scientific. This device is designed to prevent strokes by trapping clots within the left atrial appendage of the heart before they exit. Our authors demonstrated how to insert the guide wire through the femoral artery into the heart, advance the device into the left atrium, and deploy the device in the left atrial appendage.
Another article focused on stroke, Hamel et al. described the use of a driving simulator to study how patients compensate for visual field defects following stroke. By analyzing the compensatory gaze behavior of patients as they navigated through virtual driving courses with varying degrees of complexity, our authors see great potential for the use of driving simulators in stroke rehabilitation.
In JoVE Immunology and Infection, we published an article by Keyel et al. describing the real-time kinetics of immune cell responses to bacterial toxins using live cell microscopy. Combined with high-speed 3D confocal microscopy, this technique can also visualize the cellular repair response.
Also in JoVE Immunology and Infection, we featured an article by Yap et al. describing methods for diagnosing helminth infections in children. Helminths are parasitic worms that can infect the intestinal tract of humans and animals, and may be distinguished based on their morphology. The same article demonstrated how to measure the impact of helminth infections on physical fitness in children, which is a measure of overall health.
In JoVE Neuroscience, we featured a method by Hoffmann et al., who used tiny headphones to alter the auditory feedback in songbirds, and analyzed the computational and neurophysiological basis of vocal learning in birds when they adjust their singing in response to altered acoustic signals.
Also in JoVE Neuroscience, we moved from birds to bees with a method that assesses associative and non-associative tactile learning in honeybees. This method, by Mujagi&#263; et al., allowed bees to scan different metal surfaces with their antennae, then conditioned them to expect sugar water when their antennae touched particular surfaces, and analyzed the corresponding changes in antennal movement.
In 2012, we launched a brand-new section: JoVE Applied Physics, which features articles on subjects ranging from plasma physics to material science. The Applied Physics section also contained JoVE's 2000th video article, filmed in a synchrotron radiation facility, where Borisenko et al. showed how to determine the electronic structure of complex materials using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy.
In the JoVE General section, we published an article by Artioli et al. demonstrating the use of a portable gas analyzer to measure oxygen consumption during complex exercise - such as judo. By analyzing oxygen consumption and collecting blood for measuring plasma lactate concentration, this method can determine the relative contributions of different energy systems to specific aspects of complex exercise.
Finally, JoVE followed Dolhi et al. to a permanently ice-covered saline lake in Antarctica. There, scientists drilled through the ice to study single-celled microorganisms called protists that live in the harsh conditions of Antarctica.
This Year in Review was just a brief glimpse of a few of over 600 video articles that JoVE offered in 2012. Browse the JoVE archives to see thousands of other videos, and stay tuned for what's coming up this year in JoVE: The Journal of Visualized Experiments.

Here's a look at some of the milestones and highlights of the year 2012 in Journal of Visualized Experiments (JoVE).

 
 
Here's a look at some of the milestones and highlights of the year 2012 in Journal of Visualized Experiments (JoVE).
At the start of 2012, JoVE ...

May 2012: This Month in JoVE

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