Small Alpha Research Articles

A novel knot‐tying approach for minimally invasive surgical robot systems

In robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery (MIS), knot-tying is an important but challenging task for surgeons when performing surgery by manipulating a master-slave robot system. Knot-tying in the conventional way is restricted by a confined workspace, which may cause the suture loop to be unstable and make knot-tying difficult and time-consuming in robot-assisted MIS. A knot-tying approach named 'bending-twisting knot-tying' (BTKT) has been developed for robot-assisted surgery systems operating in a confined workspace. The non-linear deformation of sutures during knot-tying is qualitatively described using knot theory. The length ratio of a knot (LoK) and the feasible coefficient (Fc) are introduced to evaluate the quality of BTKT knots. Simulations and experiments are performed based on finite segment dynamic models and the MicroHand surgical system, respectively, to describe the dynamic behaviours of the knots. Sensitive parameters, including the length of a suture (L), the distance between two ends (d) and the angle between tangents of the two ends (alpha) are analysed based on the model. For a terylene suture, the length of the suture L and the distance between the two ends d should satisfy 1.12d< or =L< or =14.4d. When L and alpha are constant, the smaller d is, the larger are LoK and Fc relative to different sutures. A knot of high quality can be tied with a small alpha. Simulation and experimental results show that BTKT requires a smaller workspace and can form more stable loops compared to conventional methods.

Optical lattice quantum Hall effect

We explore the behavior of interacting bosonic atoms in an optical lattice subject to a large artificial magnetic field. We extend earlier investigations of this system where the number of magnetic flux quanta per unit cell alpha is close to a simple rational number [Phys. Rev. Lett. 96, 180407 (2006)]. Interesting topological states such as the Laughlin and Read-Rezayi states can occur even if the atoms experience a weak trapping potential in one direction. An explicit numerical calculation near alpha = 1/2 shows that the system exhibits a striped vortex lattice phase of one species, which is analogous to the behavior of a two-species system for small alpha. We also investigate methods to probe the encountered states. These include spatial correlation functions and the measurement of noise correlations in time of flight expanded atomic clouds. Characteristic differences arise which allow for an identification of the respective quantum Hall states. We furthermore discuss that a counterintuitive flow of the Hall current occurs for certain values of alpha.

The effect of aging heat treatment on the sliding wear behaviour of Cu–Al–Fe alloys

Aluminium bronze is one of the versatile wear resisting engineering materials that work under a corrosive environment with high stress. Alloys were produced by casting of C95200 and C95300 aluminium bronzes and aged. Wear behaviors, friction coefficient, and microstructure were investigated. The results indicated that a suitable aging treatment resulted in the formation of smaller alpha grains than their cast condition. These small alpha grains could improve the hardness and wear resistance of Cu–Al–Fe alloys. But with increasing aging temperature, the wear rate of the aged Cu–Al–Fe alloys initially decreased and then began to increase.

Evidence for radiation hormesis after in vitro exposure of human lymphocytes to low doses of ionizing radiation.

Previous research has demonstrated that adding a very small gamma-ray dose to a small alpha radiation dose can completely suppress lung cancer induction by alpha radiation (a gamma-ray hormetic effect). Here we investigated the possibility of gamma-ray hormesis during low-dose neutron irradiation, since a small contribution to the total radiation dose from neutrons involves gamma rays. Using binucleated cells with micronuclei (micronucleated cells) among in vitro monoenergetic-neutron-irradiated human lymphocytes as a measure of residual damage, we investigated the influence of the small gamma-ray contribution to the dose on suppressing residual damage. We used residual damage data from previous experiments that involved neutrons with five different energies (0.22-, 0.44-, 1.5-, 5.9-, and 13.7-million electron volts [MeV]). Corresponding gamma-ray contributions to the dose were approximately 1%, 1%, 2%, 6%, and 6%, respectively. Total absorbed radiation doses were 0, 10, 50, and 100 mGy for each neutron source. We demonstrate for the first time a protective effect (reduced residual damage) of the small gamma-ray contribution to the neutron dose. Using similar data for exposure to gamma rays only, we also demonstrate a protective effect of 10 mGy (but not 50 or 100 mGy) related to reducing the frequency of micronucleated cells to below the spontaneous level.

Expression of Small Glutamine-Rich Tetratricopeptide Repeat-Containing Protein Alpha (αSGT), a Novel Regulator of Androgen Receptor (AR) Activity, in the Human Ovary and Fallopian Tube.

Expression of Small Glutamine-Rich Tetratricopeptide Repeat-Containing Protein Alpha (αSGT), a Novel Regulator of Androgen Receptor (AR) Activity, in the Human Ovary and Fallopian Tube.

Development of Metabolically Stable Inhibitors of Mammalian Microsomal Epoxide Hydrolase

The microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH) plays a significant role in the metabolism of xenobiotics such as polyaromatic toxicants. Additionally, polymorphism studies have underlined a potential role of this enzyme in relation to a number of diseases, such as emphysema, spontaneous abortion, eclampsia, and several forms of cancer. We recently demonstrated that fatty amides, such as elaidamide, represent a new class of potent inhibitors of mEH. While these compounds are very active on recombinant mEH in vitro, they are quickly inactivated in liver extracts reducing their value in vivo. We investigated the effect of structural changes on mEH inhibition potency and microsomal stability. Results obtained indicate that the presence of a small alkyl group alpha to the terminal amide function and a thio-ether beta to this function increased mEH inhibition by an order of magnitude while significantly reducing microsomal inactivation. The addition of a hydroxyl group 9-10 carbons from the terminal amide function resulted in better inhibition potency without improving microsomal stability. The best compound obtained, 2-nonylsulfanyl-propionamide, is a competitive inhibitor of mEH with a K I of 72 nM. Furthermore, this new inhibitor significantly reduces mEH diol production in ex vivo lungs exposed to naphthalene, underlying the usefulness of the inhibitors described herein. These novel inhibitors could be valuable tools to investigate the physiological and biological roles of mEH.

Small glutamine-rich tetratricopeptide repeat-containing protein alpha (SGTA), a candidate gene for polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogenic, complex common genetic disease. Multiple pathways are involved in its pathogenesis, including the androgen signaling pathway and insulin signaling pathway. Small glutamine-rich tetratricopeptide repeat-containing protein alpha (SGTA) is a putative member of the androgen receptor-chaperone-co-chaperone complex, and may play a role in androgen signaling as a co-chaperone. Polymorphisms in the SGTA gene have not been evaluated for a role in PCOS. Women with and without PCOS (287 cases, 187 controls) were genotyped for three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in SGTA. SNPs and haplotypes were determined and tested for association with PCOS and component traits of PCOS. For SNP rs1640262, homozygotes for the minor allele were protected against PCOS (P = 0.009). Haplotype 1 (G-A-T) was associated with increased risk of PCOS (P = 0.015). In women with PCOS, haplotype 2 (A-G-C) was associated with increased insulin resistance (P = 0.013), consequently resulting in increased insulin secretion (P = 0.014). This study presents genetic evidence suggesting a potential role of SGTA in the pathogenesis of PCOS. SGTA may provide a connection between multiple pathways in PCOS.

Analytic central orbits and their transformation group

A useful crude approximation for Abelian functions is developed and applied to orbits. The bound orbits in the power-law potentials A*r^{-alpha} take the simple form (l/r)^k = 1 + e cos(m*phi), where k = 2 - alpha > 0 and 'l' and 'e' are generalisations of the semi-latus-rectum and the eccentricity. 'm' is given as a function of 'eccentricity'. For nearly circular orbits 'm' is sqrt{k}, while the above orbit becomes exact at the energy of escape where 'e' is one and 'm' is 'k'. Orbits in the logarithmic potential that gives rise to a constant circular velocity are derived via the limit of small alpha. For such orbits, r^2 vibrates almost harmonically whatever the 'eccentricity'. Unbound orbits in power-law potentials are given in an appendix. The transformation of orbits in one potential to give orbits in a different potential is used to determine orbits in potentials that are positive powers of r. These transformations are extended to form a group which associates orbits in sets of six potentials, e.g. there are corresponding orbits in the potentials proportional to r, r^{-2/3}, r^{-3}, r^{-6}, r^{4/3} and r^{-4}. A degeneracy reduces this to three, which are r^{-1}, r^2 and r^{-4} for the Keplerian case. A generalisation of this group includes the isochrone with the Kepler set.

Structural and enzymatic characterization of DR1281: A calcineurin‐like phosphoesterase from Deinococcus radiodurans

We have determined the crystal structure of DR1281 from Deinococcus radiodurans. DR1281 is a protein of unknown function with over 170 homologs found in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. To elucidate the molecular function of DR1281, its crystal structure at 2.3 A resolution was determined and a series of biochemical screens for catalytic activity was performed. The crystal structure shows that DR1281 has two domains, a small alpha domain and a putative catalytic domain formed by a four-layered structure of two beta-sheets flanked by five alpha-helices on both sides. The small alpha domain interacts with other molecules in the asymmetric unit and contributes to the formation of oligomers. The structural comparison of the putative catalytic domain with known structures suggested its biochemical function to be a phosphatase, phosphodiesterase, nuclease, or nucleotidase. Structural analyses with its homologues also indicated that there is a dinuclear center at the interface of two domains formed by Asp8, Glu37, Asn38, Asn65, His148, His173, and His175. An absolute requirement of metal ions for activity has been proved by enzymatic assay with various divalent metal ions. A panel of general enzymatic assays of DR1281 revealed metal-dependent catalytic activity toward model substrates for phosphatases (p-nitrophenyl phosphate) and phosphodiesterases (bis-p-nitrophenyl phosphate). Subsequent secondary enzymatic screens with natural substrates demonstrated significant phosphatase activity toward phosphoenolpyruvate and phosphodiesterase activity toward 2',3'-cAMP. Thus, our structural and enzymatic studies have identified the biochemical function of DR1281 as a novel phosphatase/phosphodiesterase and disclosed key conserved residues involved in metal binding and catalytic activity.

The Mouse Mutation “Thrombocytopenia and Cardiomyopathy” (trac) Is within the ABCG5 Gene: A Single Gene Model for Human Mediterranean Macrothrombocytopenia.

Homozygosity for a new spontaneous mouse mutation named “thrombocytopenia and cardiomyopathy” (trac) results in thrombocytopenia, dilated cardiomyopathy, and infertility. A/J-trac/trac mice show a precipitous drop in platelet numbers and increases in platelet volume by 4 weeks of age. By 2–3 months of age, trac/trac mice have a 20-fold decrease in platelet number, a 3-fold increase in platelet volume, and a greatly increased bleeding time. Blood smears showed abnormally large platelets and megakaryocytoid cells. Homozygotes (trac/trac) also developed mild microcytic anemia accompanied by the presence of stomatocytes, a doubling of reticulocyte numbers, and a two-fold decrease in WBC counts. Increased numbers of megakaryocytes were present in bone marrow, spleen, and lungs. Ultrastructural studies of trac/trac megakaryocytes showed a poorly developed demarcation system and a failure to form platelet territories. The trac/trac platelets were enlarged, spherical, and contained numerous small alpha granules. The thrombocytopenia was not associated with defects intrinsic to bone marrow progenitor cells. Although thrombopoietin (TPO) levels were decreased, TPO treatment failed to reverse the thrombocytopenia. To identify the responsible gene, we produced a fine structure genetic map of a 5 megabase interval containing the trac locus on mouse chromosome 17. The human syntenic region is Chr 2p21–p22. Analyses of 1100 F2 progeny from intercross matings of (A/J x C57BL/6) F1 +/trac mice narrowed the interval to 0.3 Mb containing 4 genes. Sequencing of these genes revealed a G to A mutation at base 1435 (refseq nm031884) of Abcg5 (ATP-binding cassette sub-family G, member 5). This G>A base change results in a tryptophan codon (UGG) at amino acid position 463(uniprot) being changed to a premature stop codon (UAG). The transmembrane helices prediction program, TMHMM, predicts that the premature stop codon would truncate the last four of the six transmembrane domains of the ABCG5 protein. No DNA alterations were found in any of the other candidate genes. Genetic crosses of +/trac mice with mice doubly transgenic for the closely linked human ABCG5 and ABCG8 genes (stock B6SJL-Tg(ABCG5/ABCG8)14-2Hobb/J) showed that the transgenes normalized platelet counts and volumes in trac/trac mice. ABCG5 (sterolin-1) functions as part of a heterodimer, with ABCG8, that regulates plant sterol uptake. The trac/trac mutant mice have greatly elevated plasma levels of plant sterols. When placed on a phytosterol-free diet, the thrombocytopenia is reversed. Recent studies have shown that Mediterranean Macrothrombocytopenia is caused by mutations in ABCG5 or ABCG8. Identification of the molecular basis of the mouse Abcg5trac mutation provides a new model for studying the role of phytosterols in pathogenic changes in the hematopoietic, cardiovascular, and reproductive systems.

Down-regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor in human retinal pigment epithelial cells by small hairpin loop RNA targeting hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha under hypoxia condition

To explore the effect of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1 alpha) gene on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in human retinal pigment epithelial (hRPE) cells under hypoxia conditions by using small hairpin loop RNA (shRNA) to silence HIF-1 alpha. CoCl(2) (150 micromol/L) was used to simulate the hypoxia environment for hRPE cells. After choosing a target site of HIF-1 alpha mRNA, shRNA was designed and synthesized by this target site. hRPE cells were transfected by this shRNA in vitro. Then, these cells were cultured under hypoxia conditions (150 micromol/L CoCl(2)). The mRNA expression of HIF-1 alpha and VEGF was measured by semi-quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). The protein level of HIF-1 alpha and VEGF was studied by western blot analysis. After hRPE cells were transfected by HIF-1 alpha-specific shRNA, RT-PCR showed that the expression of HIF-1 alpha mRNA was inhibited by 77.1%, and western blot analysis showed that the level of HIF-1 alpha protein was significantly decreased in hRPE cells under hypoxia conditions. Moreover, the expression of VEGF mRNA was inhibited by 27.8% and the level of VEGF protein was also significantly decreased in transfected hRPE cells under hypoxia conditions. Under hypoxia conditions, HIF-1 alpha-specific shRNA effectively keeps HIF-1 alpha gene silenced, and consequently down-regulates VEGF expression against hypoxia. These results suggest that HIF-1 alpha is one of the most important cytokines for retinal neovascularization.

Natural limit on the γ/hadron separation for a stand alone air Cherenkov telescope

The γ/hadron separation in the imaging air Cherenkov telescope technique is based on differences between images of a hadronic shower and a γ induced electromagnetic cascade. One may expect for a large telescope that a detection of hadronic events containing Cherenkov light from one γ subcascade only is possible. In fact, simulations show that for the MAGIC telescope their fraction in the total protonic background is about 1.5% to 5.2% depending on the trigger threshold. It has been found that such images have small sizes (mainly below 400 photoelectrons) which correspond to the low energy primary γ's (below 100 GeV). It is shown that parameters describing shapes of images from one subcascade have similar distributions to primary γ events, so those parameters are not efficient in all methods of γ selection. Similar studies based on MC simulations are presented also for the images from 2γ subcascades which are products of the same π0 decay. The ratio of the number of the expected background from false γ and one π0 to the number of the triggered high energy photons from the Crab direction has been estimated for images with a small alpha parameter to show that the occurrence of this type of protonic shower is the reason for the difficulties with true γ selection at low energies.

The Epidermis of Scales in Gecko Lizards Contains Multiple Forms of β-Keratins Including Basic Glycine-Proline-Serine-Rich Proteins

The epidermis of scales of gecko lizards comprises alpha- and beta-keratins. Using bidimensional electrophoresis and immunoblotting, we have characterized keratins of corneous layers of scales in geckos, especially beta-keratins in digit pad lamellae. In the latter, the formation of thin bristles (setae) allow for the adhesion and climbing vertical or inverted surfaces. alpha-Keratins of 55-66 kDa remain in the acidic and neutral range of pI, while beta-keratins of 13-18 kDa show a broader variation of pI (4-10). Some protein spots for beta-keratins correspond to previously sequenced, basic glycine-proline-serine-rich beta-keratins of 169-191 amino acids. The predicted secondary structure shows that a large part of the molecule has a random-coiled conformation, small alpha helix regions, and a central region with 2-3 strands (beta-folding). The latter, termed core-box, shows homology with feather-scale-claw keratins of birds and is involved in the formation of beta-keratin filaments. Immunolocalization of beta-keratins indicates that these proteins are mainly present in the beta-layer and oberhautchen layer, including setae. The sequenced proteins of setae form bundles of keratins that determine their elongation. This process resembles that of feather-keratin on the elongation of barbule cells in feathers. It is suggested that small proteins rich in glycine, serine, and proline evolved in reptiles and birds to reinforce the mechanical resistance of the cytokeratin cytoskeleton initially present in the epidermis of scales and feathers.

Effect of proteasomal inhibition by MG-132 on inclusion body formation in astrocytes

The small heat shock proteins (sHSPs), HSP25/27 and alpha B-crystallin, are more prominent in glia than in neurons, act as molecular chaperones and specifically interact with cytoskeletal elements. They represent prominent constituents in inclusion bodies originating in astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, and have been described to be involved in Alexander's disease, a human neurodegenerative disorder with astrocytic inclusions called Rosenthal fibres (RF). These protein aggregates also contain GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) and ubiquitin, indicating that inclusion body formation might be causally related to an impairment of the ubiquitin proteasome pathway (UPS).

A Role For Lte1p (a Low Temperature Essential Protein Involved in Mitosis) in Proprotein Processing in the Yeast Secretory Pathway

We previously identified six single gene disruptions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae that allow enhanced immunoreactive insulin secretion primarily because of defective Kex2p-mediated endoproteolytic processing. Five eis mutants disrupted established VPS (vacuolar protein sorting) genes, The sixth, LTE1, is a Low Temperature (<15 degrees C) Essential gene encoding a large protein with potential guanine nucleotide exchange (GEF) domains. Lte1p functions as a positive regulator of the mitotic GTPase Tem1p, and overexpression of Tem1p suppresses the low temperature mitotic defect of lte1. By sequence analysis, Tem1p has highest similarity to Vps21p (yeast homolog of mammalian Rab5). Unlike TEM1, LTE1 is not restricted to mitosis but is expressed throughout the cell cycle. Lte1p function in interphase cells is largely unknown. Here we confirm the eis phenotype of lte1 mutant cells and demonstrate a defect in proalpha factor processing that is rescued by expression of full-length Lte1p but not a C-terminally truncated Lte1p lacking its GEF homology domain. Neither overexpression of Tem1p nor 13 other structurally related GTPases can suppress the secretory proprotein processing defect. However, overexpression of Vps21p selectively restores proprotein processing in a manner dependent upon the active GTP-bound form of the GTPase. By contrast, a vps21 mutant produces a synthetic defect with lte1 in proprotein processing, as well as a synthetic growth defect. Together, the data underscore a link between the mitotic regulator, Lte1p, and protein processing and trafficking in the secretory/endosomal system.

Systems without low-productive sources

Information production processes (IPPs) without low-productive sources are studied. A success-breeds-success or preferential attachment mechanism is established in which, from some point in time on, no new sources are created. Such systems are called mature systems. When time increases in mature systems the expected number of sources with a low number of items strictly decreases. An adaptation of the Naranan–Egghe model indicates that IPPs without low-productive sources must have small alpha exponents ( α < 2) in their size-frequency power law descriptions. A positive reinforcement model explains all the essential properties. Using this approach it is shown that, when time increases in mature systems the alpha exponent of the power size-frequency function decreases, while, moreover, the minimum source size increases. This is the main result of this article. Examples related to country and city sizes illustrate the concepts and results discussed in this article.

A bidirectional “αvβ3 integrin‐ERK1/ERK2 MAPK” connection regulates the proliferation of breast cancer cells

In addition to their role in cell migration and adhesion, integrins elicit a series of transduction events that regulate cell-cycle progression and apoptosis in a process known as "outside-in" signaling. A second mode of integrin regulation known as "inside-out" signaling, in which the activation of major cell transduction cascades can influence the activation status of some integrins, has also been described. Here, we have assessed the role of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1)/ERK2, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and phospoinositide 3-kinase (PI-3'K) signaling pathways in the expression and function of alpha(v)beta(3) integrin in breast cancer models. Pharmacological inhibition of MEK1 and MEK2 with U0126 drastically increased the levels of alpha(v)beta(3) in Heregulin (HRG)-overexpressing MDA-MB-231 cells (231/WT, 231/VEC) and derivatives transfected with the antisense orientation of the HRG-beta2 full length cDNA (231/ASPOOL, 231/AS31). Interestingly, this was related to a significant decrease of viability and of the S- and G2/M subcompartment of the cell cycle in MDA MB 231 cells in response to U0126. Furthermore, specific inhibition of the PI-3'K pathway with LY294002 also induced an increase of alpha(v)beta(3) levels but to a lesser extent. Moreover, pretreatment of MDA-MB-231 cells with U0126 antagonized the effects of small peptidomimetic alpha(v)beta(3) antagonists. Remarkably, inhibition of the PI-3'K/AKT pathway did not exert the same effects, thus suggesting that the "outside-in" as well as the "inside-out" alpha(v)beta(3)-mediated signaling goes primarily through the ERK1/ERK2 MAPK pathway in MDA MB 231 breast cancer cells. Collectively, these results strongly suggest the existence of a bidirectional molecular connection alpha(v)beta(3)-ERK1/ERK2 MAPK that would regulate breast cancer cells survival and proliferation.

An estimation of radiobiologic parameters from clinical outcomes for radiation treatment planning of brain tumor

To estimate a plausible set of radiobiologic parameters such as alpha, alpha/beta values, from clinical outcomes for biologically based radiation treatment planning of brain tumors. Linear-quadratic (LQ) formalism and the concept of equivalent uniform dose were used to analyze a series of published clinical data for malignant gliomas involving different forms of radiation therapy. A plausible set of LQ parameters was obtained for gliomas: alpha = 0.06 +/- 0.05 Gy(-1), alpha/beta = 10.0 +/- 15.1 Gy, the tumor cell doubling time T(d) = 50 +/- 30 days, with the repair half-time of 0.5 h. The present estimated biologic parameters can reasonably predict the effectiveness of most of the recently reported clinical results employing either single or combined radiation therapy modalities. Different LQ parameters between Grade 3 and Grade 4 astrocytomas were found, implying the radiosensitivity for different grade tumors may be different. Smaller alpha, beta from in vivo was observed, indicating lower radiosensitivity occurred in vivo as compared with in vitro. A plausible set of radiobiologic parameters for gliomas was estimated based on clinical data. These parameters can reasonably predict most of the clinical results. They may be used to design new treatment fractionation schemes and to evaluate and optimize treatment plans.

高エネルギーＸ線のコンクリートに対する微分線量アルベド

We computed the differential dose albedo (alpha(D)) for high-energy X-rays on a concrete slab when the incident angle, reflection angle, and azimuth angle were changed, by means of Monte Carlo simulation. We found that alpha(D) changed with incident, reflection, and azimuth angles to the concrete slab. On the whole, the larger the incident angle, the larger alpha(D) tended to become. If the incident angle and reflection angle were the same, the larger the azimuth angle, the smaller alpha(D) tended to become. When the incident, reflection, and azimuth angles were the same, the smaller the X-ray energy was, the larger alpha(D) became, in the order of 10 MV, 6 MV, and 4 MV X-rays.

Alpha and beta changes in cortical oscillatory activity in a go/no go randomly-delayed-response choice reaction time paradigm

Objective Predictable movements induce oscillatory changes over the contralateral motor cortex that begin before the movement, but their significance has not been fully established. We studied non-phase-locked changes in cortical oscillatory activity in a S1-centred double-stimulus go/no go paradigm with random interstimulus interval. Methods About 58 reference-free EEG channels were analyzed by means of Gabor transforms in a group of 10 healthy subjects. A 2000 Hz tone (S1go, 84% probability) indicated the subject to make a brisk wrist extension after a second 2000 Hz tone (S2go). The S1–S2 interval was either 1.5, 3 or 4.5 s. A 1000 Hz tone (S1 no go, 16% probability) indicated the subject not to move (and wait for another S1 tone). Results A frontal 15 Hz synchronization was observed after S1 in all conditions. No further significant changes were observed in the no go condition. A small pre-S2 alpha and beta desynchronization could be observed only in the 3 and 4.5 s-interval go conditions, being larger in the latter. Conclusions These results suggest that the predictability of the timing of a movement influences the appearance of the pre-movement oscillatory changes; not only motor planning (the ‘go’ decision) is necessary, but also an estimation of when to move. Significance Our findings provide new insight on the relationship between the decision-making process, movement, and cortical oscillatory activity.