Functions of alpha-tocopherol (alpha-T) in vivo, other than those for fertility in females, are intensely debated. The discovery of alpha-T deficiency in patients with ataxia (AVED) followed by the identification of mutations in the gene encoding alpha-tocopherol transfer protein (TTP) in AVED patients demonstrates an essential role of alpha-T and TTP for normal neurological function. alpha-T molecular targets that account for alpha-T-sensitive neurological dysfunction remain to be discovered. We have used high-density oligonucleotide arrays to search for putative alpha-T-sensitive genes in the CNS and other tissues in an in vivo model of alpha-T deficiency imposed at birth by the deletion of the TTP gene in mice. Repression of genes affecting synaptic function and myelination and induction of genes for neurodegeneration in the motor cortex of alpha-T-deficient mice were identified. The expression of retinoic acid-related orphan receptor alpha (ROR-alpha) was repressed in the cortex and adrenal glands of TTP-deficient mice. Deficiency of ROR-alpha causes ataxia in mice and may account for ataxia in AVED patients. These observations suggest that some of the actions of alpha-T are mediated by the transcription factor ROR-alpha. The behavior of young TTP-null mice was essentially normal, but older mice showed inactivity, ataxia, and memory dysfunction. mRNA profiles of old alpha-T-deficient cerebral cortices are compatible with repressed activity of oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. In conclusion, gene-expression profiling studies have identified novel alpha-T-modulated genes and cells in the CNS that may be causatively linked with delayed neurodegeneration and age-related decline in behavioral repertoires.

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Abstract-For controlling robots in an urban search and rescue (USAR) application, we present a wearable joystick with improved sensing capability as well as Giant MagnetoResistance(GMR) sensor model for rare-earth magnet. Scientists have already begun to try to apply existing interactive devices to control USAR robots in a disaster. In a USAR task, the selection out of numerous interactive devices has to be carefully concerned. Some clumsy or irritating interactive devices can result in the burden of the carrying. We present a wearable joystick based on unencumbered mechanism. The features of the wearable joystick include easy and wire-free installation into regular gloves. We improved the hardware structure for sensor pad and alignment of magnets and applied band-typed sensor pad to completely wrap up wrist. This band-typed mechanism allows us to reliably obtain sensor data. However, in order to determine the performance of the new device, we perceived that we required an adequate evaluation method. We adopt movement time and Fractal dimension evaluation method to describe the degree of control path tortuosity. In addition, we present experimental results in both computer screen and real USAR robot test.

This paper describes the design and evaluation of the "gestural joystick," a wearable 2-D pointing controller for mobile robots in hazardous environments that uses hand gestures. Hazardous environments, such as that of a collapsed building search, require operators to wear a significant amount of protective clothing. This protective clothing, which may include hard hats, suits, gloves, goggles, etc., reduces comfort, mobility, dexterity, load capacity, and ability to interact with conventional computer input devices. The gestural joystick, which is embedded in protective clothing, mitigates some of these impacts, but at the cost of lesser familiarity for the user and, therefore, potentially lesser performance. Effective performance metrics are required to evaluate this interface mechanism. Path tortuosity has been proposed as a performance metric for the evaluation of teleoperation of a robot, but has not been proven to be distinct from time-to-complete metrics. By injecting controlled uncertainty between the user and robot, we show, for the first time, that path tortuosity is a useful and distinct metric for the evaluation of robot teleoperation.