Objective: Given the recent finding of an association between intermediate-length polyglutamine (polyQ) expansions in ataxin 2 and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), we sought to determine whether expansions in other polyQ disease genes were associated with ALS. Methods:We assessed the polyQ lengths of ataxin 1, ataxin 3, ataxin 6, ataxin 7, TBP, atrophin 1, and huntingtin in several hundred patients with sporadic ALS and healthy controls. Results:Other than ataxin 2, we did not identify a significant association with the other polyQ genes and ALS. Conclusions:These data indicate that the effects of ataxin 2 polyQ expansions on ALS risk are likely to be rooted in the biology of ataxin 2 or ataxin 2-specific interactions, rather than the presence of an expanded polyQ repeat per se. These findings have important consequences for understanding the role of ataxin 2 in ALS pathogenesis and provide a framework for future mechanistic studies. Neurology We recently identified intermediate-length polyglutamine repeat expansions in ataxin 2 as a risk factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).1 Ataxin 2 belongs to a family of at least 9 polyglutamine (polyQ) disease proteins.2 The normal ataxin 2 polyQ length is most frequently 22 or 23 Qs, polyQ expansions greater than 34 Qs cause spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2), 3 and, in our study, intermediate-length (27-33 Qs) repeats were significantly associated with increased risk for ALS.

Two-dimensional infrared scanning microscopy images of micro-structured surface patterns in an organic transistor device with metal electrode stripes on a polymer channel layer have been demonstrated. A compact single mode optical fiber scanning probe which has a micro dome-shape lens at the tip end was used for the scanning in which reflected beam intensities are coupled back to the optical fiber transceiver depending on the returned power of the sample material. Based on the experiment, the obtained structural dimensions of the micro structure specimen were well matched to the designed ones. These images were compared to the digital microscopy photos for a potential usage to conduct not only the in situ microscopic electrode pattern monitoring of the device but also to non-destructively investigate any surface reflecting material in micrometer scales.