Effect of a synesthete's photisms on name recall.

PubMed

Mills, Carol Bergfeld; Innis, Joanne; Westendorf, Taryn; Owsianiecki, Lauren; McDonald, Angela

2006-02-01

A multilingual, colored-letter synesthete professor (MLS), 9 nonsynesthete multilingual professors and 4 nonsynesthete art professors learned 30 names of individuals (first and last name pairs) in three trials. They recalled the names after each trial and six months later, as well as performed cued recall trials initially and after six months. As hypothesized, MLS recalled significantly more names than control groups on all free recall tests (except after the first trial) and on cued recall tests. In addition, MLS gave qualitatively different reasons for remembering names than any individual control participant. MLS gave mostly color reasons for remembering the names, whereas nonsynesthetes gave reasons based on familiarity or language or art knowledge. Results on standardized memory tests showed that MLS had average performance on non-language visual memory tests (the Benton Visual Retention Test-Revised--BURT-R, and the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test--CFT), but had superior memory performance on a verbal test consisting of lists of nouns (Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test--RAVLT). MLS's synesthesia seems to aid memory for visually or auditorily presented language stimuli (names and nouns), but not for non-language visual stimuli (simple and complex figures).

Strategic memory in adults with anorexia nervosa: are there similarities to obsessive compulsive spectrum disorders?

PubMed

Sherman, Bonnie J; Savage, Cary R; Eddy, Kamryn T; Blais, Mark A; Deckersbach, Thilo; Jackson, Safia C; Franko, Debra L; Rauch, Scott L; Herzog, David B

2006-09-01

There is growing interest in the relationship between anorexia nervosa (AN) and obsessive-compulsive (OC) spectrum disorders (e.g., OCD, body dysmorphic disorder [BDD]). Previous neuropsychological investigations of OC spectrum disorders have identified problems with the efficient use of strategy on complex measures of learning and memory. This study evaluated nonverbal strategic memory in AN outpatients using an approach previously applied to OC spectrum disorders. Eighteen patients with AN and 19 healthy control participants completed the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (RCFT), a widely used measure of nonverbal strategic planning, learning, and memory. Individuals with AN differed significantly from healthy controls in the organizational strategies used to copy the RCFT figure, and they recalled significantly less information on both immediate and delayed testing. Multiple regression analyses indicated that group differences in learning were mediated by copy organizational strategies. These results are identical to study findings in OCD and BDD, indicating important shared neuropsychological features among AN and these OC spectrum disorders. As in OCD and BDD, the essential cognitive deficit in AN was impaired use of organizational strategies, which may inform our understanding of the pathophysiology of AN and potentially offer treatment implications. Copyright (c) 2006 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Neuropsychological tests for predicting cognitive decline in older adults

PubMed Central

Baerresen, Kimberly M; Miller, Karen J; Hanson, Eric R; Miller, Justin S; Dye, Richelin V; Hartman, Richard E; Vermeersch, David; Small, Gary W

2015-01-01

Summary Aim To determine neuropsychological tests likely to predict cognitive decline. Methods A sample of nonconverters (n = 106) was compared with those who declined in cognitive status (n = 24). Significant univariate logistic regression prediction models were used to create multivariate logistic regression models to predict decline based on initial neuropsychological testing. Results Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (RCFT) Retention predicted conversion to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) while baseline Buschke Delay predicted conversion to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Due to group sample size differences, additional analyses were conducted using a subsample of demographically matched nonconverters. Analyses indicated RCFT Retention predicted conversion to MCI and AD, and Buschke Delay predicted conversion to AD. Conclusion Results suggest RCFT Retention and Buschke Delay may be useful in predicting cognitive decline. PMID:26107318

Verbal and Visual Memory Impairments in Bipolar I and II Disorder.

PubMed

Ha, Tae Hyon; Kim, Ji Sun; Chang, Jae Seung; Oh, Sung Hee; Her, Ju Young; Cho, Hyun Sang; Park, Tae Sung; Shin, Soon Young; Ha, Kyooseob

2012-12-01

To compare verbal and visual memory performances between patients with bipolar I disorder (BD I) and patients with bipolar II disorder (BD II) and to determine whether memory deficits were mediated by impaired organizational strategies. Performances on the Korean-California Verbal Learning Test (K-CVLT) and the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCF) in 37 patients with BD I, 46 patients with BD II and 42 healthy subjects were compared. Mediating effects of impaired organization strategies on poor delayed recall was tested by comparing direct and mediated models using multiple regression analysis. Both patients groups recalled fewer words and figure components and showed lower Semantic Clustering compared to controls. Verbal memory impairment was partly mediated by difficulties in Semantic Clustering in both subtypes, whereas the mediating effect of Organization deficit on the visual memory impairment was present only in BD I. In all mediated models, group differences in delayed recall remained significant. Our findings suggest that memory impairment may be one of the fundamental cognitive deficits in bipolar disorders and that executive dysfunctions can exert an additional influence on memory impairments.

Cognitive findings after transient global amnesia: role of prefrontal cortex.

PubMed

Le Pira, Francesco; Giuffrida, Salvatore; Maci, Tiziana; Reggio, Ester; Zappalà, Giuseppe; Perciavalle, Vincenzo

2005-01-01

The aim of this study is to verify, after recovery, the presence of specific patterns of cognitive dysfunctions in Transient Global Amnesia (TGA). Fourteen patients with the diagnosis of TGA were submitted to a battery of neuropsychological tests and compared to a matched control group. We found significant qualitative and quantitative differences between TGA patients and controls in the California Verbal Learning Test (CLVT) and Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test. Our data support the presence of selective cognitive dysfunctions after the clinical recovery. Moreover, for Verbal Fluency, Digit Span Backward, and Number of Clusters in the CVLT short-term memory test, the relation resulted as positively related with the temporal interval from the TGA episode. Reduction of categorical learning, attention, and qualitative alterations of spatial strategy seem to postulate a planning defect due to a prefrontal impairment.

Neurological and neurocognitive functions from intrauterine methylmercury exposure.

PubMed

Yorifuji, Takashi; Kado, Yoko; Diez, Midory Higa; Kishikawa, Toshihiro; Sanada, Satoshi

2016-05-03

In the 1950s, large-scale food poisoning caused by methylmercury was identified in Minamata, Japan. Although severe intrauterine exposure cases (ie, congenital Minamata disease patients) are well known, possible impacts of methylmercury exposure in utero among residents, which is likely at lower levels than in congenital Minamata disease patients, are rarely explored. In 2014, the authors examined neurological and neurocognitive functions among 18 exposed participants in Minamata, focusing on fine motor, visuospatial construction, and executive functions. More than half of the participants had some fine motor and coordination difficulties. In addition, several participants had lower performance for neurocognitive function tests (the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure test and Keio version of the Wisconsin card sorting test). These deficits imply diffuse brain damage. This study suggests possible neurological and neurocognitive impacts of prenatal exposure to methylmercury among exposed residents of Minamata.

Do Children and Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa Display an Inefficient Cognitive Processing Style?

PubMed

Lang, Katie; Lloyd, Samantha; Khondoker, Mizanur; Simic, Mima; Treasure, Janet; Tchanturia, Kate

2015-01-01

This study aimed to examine neuropsychological processing in children and adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa (AN). The relationship of clinical and demographic variables to neuropsychological functioning within the AN group was also explored. The performance of 41 children and adolescents with a diagnosis of AN were compared to 43 healthy control (HC) participants on a number of neuropsychological measures. There were no differences in IQ between AN and HC groups. However, children and adolescents with AN displayed significantly more perseverative errors on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, and lower Style and Central Coherence scores on the Rey Osterrieth Complex Figure Test relative to HCs. Inefficient cognitive processing in the AN group was independent of clinical and demographic variables, suggesting it might represent an underlying trait for AN. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Deficits of organizational strategy and visual memory in obsessive-compulsive disorder.

PubMed

Shin, M S; Park, S J; Kim, M S; Lee, Y H; Ha, T H; Kwon, J S

2004-10-01

This study was conducted to investigate the deficits of organizational strategy and visual memory in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Thirty OCD patients and 30 healthy controls aged 20-35 years participated. The Maudsley Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, and Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) test were administered to participants. The authors scored ROCF performances using the Boston Qualitative Scoring System. The OCD patients showed poorer planning ability and higher fragmentation than did healthy controls when copying the ROCF, and they showed even poorer performances in the immediate and delayed recall conditions. The authors found that the Organization score in the copy condition mediated the difference between the OCD group and the healthy group in immediate recall. The direct effect of diagnosis (OCD or healthy) on the immediate recall condition of the ROCF was also significant. This study indicates that people with OCD have poor memory function and organizational deficits.

Do Children and Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa Display an Inefficient Cognitive Processing Style?

PubMed Central

Lang, Katie; Lloyd, Samantha; Khondoker, Mizanur; Simic, Mima; Treasure, Janet; Tchanturia, Kate

2015-01-01

Objective This study aimed to examine neuropsychological processing in children and adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa (AN). The relationship of clinical and demographic variables to neuropsychological functioning within the AN group was also explored. Method The performance of 41 children and adolescents with a diagnosis of AN were compared to 43 healthy control (HC) participants on a number of neuropsychological measures. Results There were no differences in IQ between AN and HC groups. However, children and adolescents with AN displayed significantly more perseverative errors on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, and lower Style and Central Coherence scores on the Rey Osterrieth Complex Figure Test relative to HCs. Conclusion Inefficient cognitive processing in the AN group was independent of clinical and demographic variables, suggesting it might represent an underlying trait for AN. The implications of these findings are discussed. PMID:26133552

Declarative memory performance is associated with the number of sleep spindles in elderly women.

PubMed

Seeck-Hirschner, Mareen; Baier, Paul Christian; Weinhold, Sara Lena; Dittmar, Manuela; Heiermann, Steffanie; Aldenhoff, Josef B; Göder, Robert

2012-09-01

Recent evidence suggests that the sleep-dependent consolidation of declarative memory relies on the nonrapid eye movement rather than the rapid eye movement phase of sleep. In addition, it is known that aging is accompanied by changes in sleep and memory processes. Hence, the purpose of this study was to investigate the overnight consolidation of declarative memory in healthy elderly women. Sleep laboratory of University. Nineteen healthy elderly women (age range: 61-74 years). We used laboratory-based measures of sleep. To test declarative memory, the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test was performed. Declarative memory performance in elderly women was associated with Stage 2 sleep spindle density. Women characterized by high memory performance exhibited significantly higher numbers of sleep spindles and higher spindle density compared with women with generally low memory performance. The data strongly support theories suggesting a link between sleep spindle activity and declarative memory consolidation.

Effect of organizational strategy on visual memory in patients with schizophrenia.

PubMed

Kim, Myung-Sun; Namgoong, Yoon; Youn, Tak

2008-08-01

The aim of the present study was to examine how copy organization mediated immediate recall among patients with schizophrenia using the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCF). The Boston Qualitative Scoring System (BQSS) was applied for qualitative and quantitative analyses of ROCF performances. Subjects included 20 patients with schizophrenia and 20 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. During the copy condition, the schizophrenia group and the control group differed in fragmentation; during the immediate recall condition, the two groups differed in configural presence and planning; and during the delayed recall condition, they differed in several qualitative measurements, including configural presence, cluster presence/placement, detail presence/placement, fragmentation, planning, and neatness. The two groups also differed in several quantitative measurements, including immediate presence and accuracy, immediate retention, delayed retention, and organization. Although organizational strategies used during the copy condition mediated the difference between the two groups during the immediate recall condition, group also had a significant direct effect on immediate recall. Schizophrenia patients are deficient in visual memory, and a piecemeal approach to the figure and organizational deficit seem to be related to the visual memory deficit. But schizophrenia patients also appeared to have some memory problems, including retention and/or retrieval deficits.

Cognitive profile of patients with rotated drawing at copy or recall: a controlled group study.

PubMed

Molteni, Federica; Traficante, Debora; Ferri, Francesca; Isella, Valeria

2014-03-01

When copying or recalling a figure from memory, some patient with dementia or focal brain lesions may rotate the drawing through ±90° or 180°. We have tried to clarify the nature of this phenomenon by investigating the cognitive profile of 22 patients who rotated the copy of the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure and 27 who rotated (only) the recall, and two control groups of cases with the same neuropsychiatric diagnoses, but no misorientation deficit. Brain MRI and FDG-PET images were also analysed. Predictor of rotation at the copy versus rotation at the recall was visuospatial impairment as measured by the copy of the Rey Figure; predictors of rotation at the copy versus no rotation were, again, visuospatial deficits, in addition to an abnormal performance at the task of selective attention. No specific profile of cognitive impairment distinguished patients with and without rotation at the recall. Disproportionate temporo-parieto-occipital atrophy or hypometabolism were evident in cases with misorientation of the copy, while predominant frontal abnormalities were found in cases of rotated recall. Based on these findings, rotated drawing at the copy is interpreted as a dorsal visual stream deficit, whose occurrence is more probable when attentional control is impaired. Rotation at recall seems to have a distinct, more anterior, neural substrate, but its dysexecutive nature has yet to be demonstrated. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cultural influence on directional tendencies in children's drawing.

PubMed

Portex, Marine; Foulin, Jean-Noël; Troadec, Bertrand

2017-09-01

The present study was aimed at investigating how print experience as a cultural factor influences directional tendencies in children's drawing in the interplay with biomechanical (hand), syntactic (shape orientation) and semantic (shape meaning) factors. Eighty-eight right-handed children from three literacy/age groups (preliterate, first graders and third graders) had to copy a geometrical shape adapted from the Rey-Osterrieth complex figure. The shape was presented alternatively leftward and rightward, while using both dominant (right) and non-dominant (left) hands. Directional tendencies were assessed regarding directionality of drawing movements at global, intermediate and local levels and deviation error in centre line bisection. Results show a global improvement of drawing quality and strategies across groups and an advantage for the dominant right hand from 6 years onward. Regarding directional tendencies, a reinforcement of a congruency effect between conditions and writing direction was found from preliterates to third graders. These results are discussed as a cultural embodiment process and have implications for psychological testing.

Autism spectrum traits and visual processing in young adults with very low birth weight: the Helsinki Study of Very Low Birth Weight adults.

PubMed

Wolford, E; Pesonen, A-K; Heinonen, K; Lahti, M; Pyhälä, R; Lahti, J; Hovi, P; Strang-Karlsson, S; Eriksson, J G; Andersson, S; Järvenpää, A-L; Kajantie, E; Räikkönen, K

2017-04-01

Visual processing problems may be one underlying factor for cognitive impairments related to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). We examined associations between ASD-traits (Autism-Spectrum Quotient) and visual processing performance (Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test; Block Design task of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III) in young adults (mean age=25.0, s.d.=2.1 years) born preterm at very low birth weight (VLBW; <1500 g) (n=101) or at term (n=104). A higher level of ASD-traits was associated with slower global visual processing speed among the preterm VLBW, but not among the term-born group (P<0.04 for interaction). Our findings suggest that the associations between ASD-traits and visual processing may be restricted to individuals born preterm, and related specifically to global, not local visual processing. Our findings point to cumulative social and neurocognitive problems in those born preterm at VLBW.

Executive Functioning of Combat Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

PubMed

Gaines, Katy D; Soper, Henry V; Berenji, Gholam R

2016-01-01

This study investigates neuropsychological deficits in recently deployed veterans with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Veterans discharged from 2007 to 2012 were recruited from Veterans Affairs clinics. Independent groups of participants with mTBI (n = 57) and those without TBI (n = 57) were administered the Beck Depression Inventory-II, Combat Exposure Scale, Word Memory Test, and the Self-Awareness of Deficits Interview. Neuropsychological instruments included the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test, Letter and Category Fluency, Trail-Making Test-Parts A and B, Christiansen H-abbreviated, Soper Neuropsychology Screen, Wechsler Memory Scale subtests Logical Memory I and II, and the Street Completion Test. The mTBI group performed significantly worse on all of the executive and nonexecutive measurements with the exception of Category Fluency, after controlling for age, depression effort, and combat exposure. Depression and combat exposure were greater for the mTBI group. The mTBI group scored poorer on effort, but only the Multiple Choice subtest was significant. The mTBI group had good awareness of their deficits.

Low effective organizational strategies in visual memory performance of unmedicated alcoholics during early abstinence.

PubMed

Daig, Isolde; Mahlberg, Richard; Schroeder, Franziska; Gudlowski, Yehonala; Wrase, Jana; Wertenauer, Florian; Bschor, Tom; Esser, Guenter; Heinz, Andreas; Kienast, Thorsten

2010-12-14

Alcohol-dependent patients in early abstinence show an impairment of cognitive functions which can be seen in poor implementation of newly learned skills for avoiding relapse. Executive dysfunction may persist during abstinence in alcohol-dependent persons, thus mitigating long-term abstinence. This study assessed visual memory function and choice of organizational strategies in alcoholics, as these are major factors necessary to implement ongoing behavior changes which are required for maintaining abstinence. We investigated 25 severely alcohol-dependent male patients between days 7 to 10 of abstinence, immediately after clinical withdrawal symptoms have ceased, compared to 15 healthy age, sex, and education matched controls. Pharmacological therapy had been terminated at least four half-lifes before inclusion into the study. Visual perceptual learning and organizational strategies were assessed with the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (R-OCF). There were no group differences in copying or recalling the figure, but time differences occurred. Alcoholics and healthy controls performed worse in recalling than in copying. But, alcoholics used less effective organizational strategies. There was a deficit in choice of organizational strategy in newly abstinent and unmedicated alcohol-dependent patients. Due to the imperfect organizational strategies, alcoholics might need auxiliary therapeutic care to strengthen their cognitive ability.

Is attention to detail a similarly strong candidate endophenotype for anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa?

PubMed

Roberts, Marion E; Tchanturia, Kate; Treasure, Janet L

2013-08-01

To investigate whether attention to detail is a similarly strong candidate endophenotype of anorexia (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN), and to explore the incidence and clinical correlates of attention to detail. A total of 266 women (including AN, BN, recovered AN, unaffected sisters of AN/BN & control women) undertook a thorough clinical assessment and were administered two neuropsychological measures of attention to detail (Group Embedded Figure Test; Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure). Superior attention to detail was found across all AN groups including recovered AN and unaffected AN sisters. Those with BN and their unaffected sisters showed a profile more consistent with poor global integration. The combined effect of superior attention to detail and poor global integration ("weak coherence") was present in 42.3% of active cases and corresponded with a more severe illness, elevated obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and a higher likelihood of comorbid clinical anxiety and self-harm. Attention to detail is a stronger candidate endophenotype of AN compared to BN, where poor global integration may be more relevant. The unique contribution of both aspects of weak coherence (superior attention to detail/poor global integration) requires further exploration and understanding in both eating disorders. Integrating cognitive remediation of these traits into treatment for the subset of patients it is relevant for may improve outcome.

The effect of Nigella sativa Linn. seed on memory, attention and cognition in healthy human volunteers.

PubMed

Bin Sayeed, Muhammad Shahdaat; Asaduzzaman, Md; Morshed, Helal; Hossain, Md Monir; Kadir, Mohammad Fahim; Rahman, Md Rezowanur

2013-07-30

Experimental evidences have demonstrated that Nigella sativa Linn. seed (NS) has positive modulation effects on aged rats with memory impairments, prevents against hippocampal pyramidal cell loss and enhances consolidation of recall capability of stored information and spatial memory in rats. NS has neuroprotective, nephroprotective, lung protective, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective activities as established by previous studies on animals. Several clinical trials with NS on human have also demonstrated beneficial effect. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of NS on memory, attention and cognition in healthy elderly volunteers. Furthermore, safety profile of NS was assessed during the nine-week study period. Forty elderly volunteers were recruited and divided randomly into group A and group B--each consisting of 20 volunteers. The treatment procedure for group A was 500 mg NS capsule twice daily for nine weeks and Group B received placebo instead of NS in the similar manner. All the volunteers were assessed for neuropsychological state and safety profile twice before treatment and after nine weeks. The neuropsychological tests were logical memory test, digit span test, Rey-Osterrieth complex figure test, letter cancellation test, trail making test and stroop test. Safety profile was assessed by measuring biochemical markers of Cardiac (total cholesterol, triglycerides and high density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, creatine kinase-MB); Liver (aspartate aminotransferase, alanin aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin, bilirubin) and Kidney (creatinine and blood urea nitrogen) through using commercial kits. There was significant difference (p<0.05) in the score of logical memory test-I and II, total score of digit span, 30 min delayed-recall, percent score in Rey-Osterrieth complex figure test, time taken to complete letter cancellation test, time taken in trail making test-A and test-B, score in part C of stroop test due to ingestion of NS for nine weeks. There were not statistically significant changes (p>0.05) in any of the biochemical markers of cardiac, liver, kidney function during this nine-week study period. The current study demonstrates the role of NS in enhancing memory, attention and cognition. Therefore, whether NS could be considered as potential food supplement for preventing or slow progressing of Alzheimer disease needs further investigations. However, study with Alzheimer's patients with large population size for longer period of time is recommended before using NS daily and extensive phytochemical investigations are recommended for novel drug discovery from NS for treating cognitive disorders. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Constructional Apraxia in Older Patients with Brain Tumors: Considerations with an Up-To-Date Review of the Literature.

PubMed

Abete Fornara, Giorgia; Di Cristofori, Andrea; Bertani, Giulio Andrea; Carrabba, Giorgio; Zarino, Barbara

2018-06-01

Constructional apraxia (CA) is a neuropsychological impairment of either basic perceptual and motor abilities or executive functions, in the absence of any kind of motor or perceptual deficit. Considering patients with focal brain tumors, CA is common in left or right parietal and parieto-occipital lesions. In neuropsychology, the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCFT; or parallel forms) is commonly used for the assessment of CA. This study stems from a clinical observation of a difficulty with CA tests for the majority of older neurosurgical patients without occipitoparietal lesions. Patients were tested at 3 points: before surgery, 3 months after surgery, and 12 months after surgery. Thirty patients (15 meningiomas and 15 glioblastomas) were studied retrospectively. Older patients with focal brain lesions, regardless of the nature of the tumor, performed poorly at CA tests. More than 50% of patients obtained pathologic results at all 3 times considered. Our findings suggest that as CA complex tests involve multiple domains, poor results in copy task may reflect a global cognitive deficit of older patients with tumors, without a specific constructional praxis deficit. CA complex tests (such as the ROCFT) do not give significant informations about visuo-constructional abilities. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Real-world navigation in amnestic mild cognitive impairment: The relation to visuospatial memory and volume of hippocampal subregions.

PubMed

Peter, Jessica; Sandkamp, Richard; Minkova, Lora; Schumacher, Lena V; Kaller, Christoph P; Abdulkadir, Ahmed; Klöppel, Stefan

2018-01-31

Spatial disorientation is a frequent symptom in Alzheimer's disease and in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In the clinical routine, spatial orientation is less often tested with real-world navigation but rather with 2D visuoconstructive tasks. However, reports about the association between the two types of tasks are sparse. Additionally, spatial disorientation has been linked to volume of the right hippocampus but it remains unclear whether right hippocampal subregions have differential involvement in real-world navigation. Yet, this would help uncover different functional roles of the subregions, which would have important implications for understanding the neuronal underpinnings of navigation skills. We compared patients with amnestic MCI (aMCI; n = 25) and healthy elderly controls (HC; n = 25) in a real-world navigation task that engaged different spatial processes. The association between real-world navigation and different visuoconstructive tasks was tested (i.e., figures from the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease; CERAD, the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure task; and clock drawing). Furthermore, the relation between spatial navigation and volume of right hippocampal subregions was examined. Linear regression and relative weight analysis were applied for statistical analyses. Patients with aMCI were significantly less able to correctly navigate through a route compared to HC but had comparable map drawing and landmark recognition skills. The association between visuoconstructive tasks and real-world navigation was only significant when using the visuospatial memory component of the Rey figure. In aMCI, more volume of the right hippocampal tail was significantly associated with better navigation skills, while volume of the right CA2/3 region was a significant predictor in HC. Standard visuoconstructive tasks (e.g., the CERAD figures or clock drawing) are not sufficient to detect real-world spatial disabilities in aMCI. Consequently, more complex visuoconstructive tasks (i.e., the Rey figure) should be routinely included in the assessment of cognitive functions in the context of AD. Moreover, in those elderly individuals with impaired complex visuospatial memory, route finding behaviour should be evaluated in detail. Regarding the contribution of hippocampal subregions to spatial navigation, the right hippocampal tail seems to be particularly important for patients with aMCI, while the CA2/3 region appears to be more relevant in HC. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Embedded performance validity testing in neuropsychological assessment: Potential clinical tools.

PubMed

Rickards, Tyler A; Cranston, Christopher C; Touradji, Pegah; Bechtold, Kathleen T

2018-01-01

The article aims to suggest clinically-useful tools in neuropsychological assessment for efficient use of embedded measures of performance validity. To accomplish this, we integrated available validity-related and statistical research from the literature, consensus statements, and survey-based data from practicing neuropsychologists. We provide recommendations for use of 1) Cutoffs for embedded performance validity tests including Reliable Digit Span, California Verbal Learning Test (Second Edition) Forced Choice Recognition, Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test Combination Score, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test Failure to Maintain Set, and the Finger Tapping Test; 2) Selecting number of performance validity measures to administer in an assessment; and 3) Hypothetical clinical decision-making models for use of performance validity testing in a neuropsychological assessment collectively considering behavior, patient reporting, and data indicating invalid or noncredible performance. Performance validity testing helps inform the clinician about an individual's general approach to tasks: response to failure, task engagement and persistence, compliance with task demands. Data-driven clinical suggestions provide a resource to clinicians and to instigate conversation within the field to make more uniform, testable decisions to further the discussion, and guide future research in this area.

Is inefficient cognitive processing in anorexia nervosa a familial trait? A neuropsychological pilot study of mothers of offspring with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa.

PubMed

Lang, Katie; Treasure, Janet; Tchanturia, Kate

2016-06-01

Inefficient set shifting and poor global processing are thought to be possible traits in anorexia nervosa (AN). This study aimed to investigate the neuropsychological processing style of unaffected mothers of offspring with AN (unaffected AN mothers). The performance of 21 unaffected AN mothers were compared to 20 mothers of healthy control offspring on neuropsychological measures of set shifting (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, WCST) and central coherence (Fragmented Pictures Task, FPT, and Rey Osterrieth Complex Figures Task, ROCFT). Associations between neuropsychological performance and clinical measures were examined in the unaffected AN mothers group. There were significant differences in perseverative errors on the WCST (P≤0.01), with the unaffected mothers displaying a more inflexible thinking style compared to the control group. There were also significant differences on the FPT (P ≤ 0.01) and the ROCFT (P ≤ 0.01), whereby unaffected AN mothers showed lower levels of global processing. The results of this study support the idea of the familial nature of cognitive styles in AN. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Organizational strategy influence on visual memory performance after stroke: cortical/subcortical and left/right hemisphere contrasts.

PubMed

Lange, G; Waked, W; Kirshblum, S; DeLuca, J

2000-01-01

To examine how organizational strategy at encoding influences visual memory performance in stroke patients. Case control study. Postacute rehabilitation hospital. Stroke patients with right hemisphere damage (n = 20) versus left hemisphere damage (n = 15), and stroke patients with cortical damage (n = 11) versus subcortical damage (n = 19). Organizational strategy scores, recall performance on the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF). Results demonstrated significantly greater organizational impairment and less accurate copy performance (i.e., encoding of visuospatial information on the ROCF) in the right compared to the left hemisphere group, and in the cortical relative to the subcortical group. Organizational strategy and copy accuracy scores were significantly related to each other. The absolute amount of immediate and delayed recall was significantly associated with poor organizational strategy scores. However, relative to the amount of visual information originally encoded, memory performances did not differ between groups. These findings suggest that visual memory impairments after stroke may be caused by a lack of organizational strategy affecting information encoding, rather than an impairment in memory storage or retrieval.

[Examination of the hypothesis 'the factors and mechanisms of superiority'].

PubMed

Sierra-Fitzgerald, O; Quevedo-Caicedo, J; López-Calderón, M G

INTRODUCTION. The hypothesis of Geschwind and Galaburda suggests that specific cognitive superiority arises as a result of an alteration in development of the nervous system. In this article we review the co existence of superiority and inferiority . PATIENTS AND METHODS. A study was made of six children aged between 6 and 8 years old at the Instituto de Belles Artes Antonio Maria Valencia in Cali,Columbia with an educational level between second and third grade at a primary school and of medium low socio economic status. The children were considered to have superior musical ability by music experts, which is the way in which the concept of superiority was to be tested. The concept of inferiority was tested by neuropsychological tests = 1.5 DE below normal for the same age. We estimated the perinatal neurological risk in each case. Subsequently the children s general intelligence and specific cognitive abilities were evaluated. In the first case the WISC R and MSCA were used. The neuropsychological profiles were obtained by broad evaluation using a verbal fluency test, a test using counters, Boston vocabulary test, the Wechster memory scale, sequential verbal memory test, super imposed figures test, Piaget Head battery, Rey Osterrieth complex figure and the Wisconsin card classification test. The RESULTS showed slight/moderate deficits in practical construction ability and mild defects of memory and concept abilities. In general the results supported the hypothesis tested. The mechanisms of superiority proposed in the classical hypothesis mainly involve the contralateral hemisphere: in this study the ipsilateral mechanism was more important.

Set shifting and visuospatial organization deficits in body dysmorphic disorder.

PubMed

Greenberg, Jennifer L; Weingarden, Hilary; Reuman, Lillian; Abrams, Dylan; Mothi, Suraj S; Wilhelm, Sabine

2017-11-24

Individuals with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) over-attend to perceived defect(s) in their physical appearance, often becoming "stuck" obsessing about perceived flaws and engaging in rituals to hide flaws. These symptoms suggest that individuals with BDD may experience deficits in underlying neurocognitive functions, such as set-shifting and visuospatial organization. These deficits have been implicated as risk and maintenance factors in disorders with similarities to BDD but have been minimally investigated in BDD. The present study examined differences in neurocognitive functions among BDD participants (n = 20) compared to healthy controls (HCs; n = 20). Participants completed neuropsychological assessments measuring set-shifting (Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery Intra-Extra Dimensional Set Shift [IED] task) and visuospatial organization and memory (Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test [ROCF]). Results revealed a set-shifting deficit among BDD participants compared to HCs on the IED. On the ROCF, BDD participants exhibited deficits in visuospatial organization compared to HCs, but they did not differ in visuospatial memory compared to HCs. Results did not change when accounting for depression severity. Findings highlight neurocognitive deficits as potential endophenotype markers of clinical features (i.e., delusionality). Understanding neuropsychological deficits may clarify similarities and differences between BDD and related disorders and may guide targets for BDD treatment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Visuospatial impairment in Parkinson's disease: the role of laterality.

PubMed

Karádi, Kázmér; Lucza, Tivadar; Aschermann, Zsuzsanna; Komoly, Sámuel; Deli, Gabriella; Bosnyák, Edit; Acs, Péter; Horváth, Réka; Janszky, József; Kovács, Norbert

2015-01-01

Asymmetry is one of the unique and mysterious features of Parkinson's disease (PD). Motor symptoms develop unilaterally either on the left (LPD) or the right side (RPD). Incongruent data are available whether the side of onset has an impact on cognition in PD. The objective of this study is to compare the visuospatial performance of RPD and LPD patients. Seventy-one non-demented, non-depressive and right-handed patients were categorized into RBD (n = 36) and LPD (n = 35) groups. Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCF) was evaluated by both the Taylor's and Loring's scoring systems. Subsequently, we also performed subgroup analyses on patients having short disease duration (≤5 years, 15 RBD and 15 LPD patients). The standard analysis of ROCF (Taylor's system) did not reveal any differences; however, the utilization of the Loring's system demonstrated that LPD patients had significantly worse visuospatial performance than the RPD subjects (3.0 vs. 2.0 points, median, p = 0.002). Correlation between the number of spatial errors and the degree of asymmetry was significant (r = -0.437, p = 0.001). However, this difference could not be observed in PD patients with short disease duration. LPD patients had worse visuospatial performance than the RPD subjects and the number of errors tightly correlated with the degree of asymmetry and long disease duration.

Does depression matter in neuropsychological performances in anorexia nervosa? A descriptive review.

PubMed

Abbate-Daga, Giovanni; Buzzichelli, Sara; Marzola, Enrica; Aloi, Matteo; Amianto, Federico; Fassino, Secondo

2015-09-01

This review aims to examine the impact of depressive symptoms on the assessment of cognitive flexibility, central coherence, and decision-making in individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN). An online search was carried out using PubMed and PsycInfo. Articles were selected for review if they were published in English between 1990 and 2014 and used the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, the Trail Making Task parts A and B, the Brixton Test, the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test, and/or the Iowa Gambling Task. Sixty-two studies were included. Thirty (48%) of the studies statistically assessed the association between depression and neurocognition in AN versus healthy controls. Where significant correlations were found, it became clear that the more serious the depression, the greater the neuropsychological impairment. Only six (10%) studies examined whether increased depressive symptoms were able to eliminate the differences between individuals with AN and healthy controls, and one study found that depressive symptoms did eliminate group differences in cognitive flexibility and decision-making. Only a subgroup of articles on neuropsychology in AN adjusted for depression. However, given the role of depression that some articles suggest, future studies should pay closer attention to the evaluation of this potential confounder. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Measuring learning potential in people with schizophrenia: A comparison of two tasks.

PubMed

Rempfer, Melisa V; McDowd, Joan M; Brown, Catana E

2017-12-01

Learning potential measures utilize dynamic assessment methods to capture performance changes following training on a cognitive task. Learning potential has been explored in schizophrenia research as a predictor of functional outcome and there have been calls for psychometric development in this area. Because the majority of learning potential studies have utilized the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), we extended this work using a novel measure, the Rey Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCFT). This study had the following aims: 1) to examine relationships among different learning potential indices for two dynamic assessment tasks, 2) to examine the association between WCST and ROCFT learning potential measures, and 3) to address concurrent validity with a performance-based measure of functioning (Test of Grocery Shopping Skills; TOGSS). Eighty-one adults with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder completed WCST and ROCFT learning measures and the TOGSS. Results indicated the various learning potential computational indices are intercorrelated and, similar to other studies, we found support for regression residuals and post-test scores as optimal indices. Further, we found modest relationships between the two learning potential measures and the TOGSS. These findings suggest learning potential includes both general and task-specific constructs but future research is needed to further explore this question. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of the relationship between cognitive functioning in patients with borderline personality disorder and their general functioning.

PubMed

Mosiołek, Anna; Gierus, Jacek; Koweszko, Tytus; Szulc, Agata

2018-02-28

The purpose of the study was to examine the relation between cognitive functioning in people with borderline personality disorder and their overall functioning level, as well as psychopathology intensification specific for this type of disorders. 64 patients aged 18-55 (M = 30.09) with borderline personality disorder (emotionally unstable personality - borderline type in the ICD-10) were examined. The study used: demographic-descriptive questionnaire, SCID II, Borderline Symptom Checlist-23, and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). For cognitive assessment, The Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, The Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure test, TMTA, TMTB, verbal fluency test, Stroop test and Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) were used. The average GAF score in the sample was M =43.65. Significant differences between the comorbidity group and non-comorbidity group were observed with respect to the GAF scores (Mann-Whitney U = 300.500, p = 0.008) as well as a number of significant (p < 0.05) correlations between the level of cognitive functions and functioning in patients with no co-morbidity. Clinically significant disturbances in general and social functioning persisted in the group of subjects with borderline personality disorder. The obtained data seem to suggest that the cognitive functions affect the overall functioning only in patients with psychiatric co-morbidity. In people without psychiatric co-morbidity there is a relationship of cognitive functions only with certain aspects of psychopathology specific to BPD.

Fine Motor Skill Mediates Visual Memory Ability with Microstructural Neuro-correlates in Cerebellar Peduncles in Prematurely Born Adolescents.

PubMed

Thomas, Alyssa R; Lacadie, Cheryl; Vohr, Betty; Ment, Laura R; Scheinost, Dustin

2017-01-01

Adolescents born preterm (PT) with no evidence of neonatal brain injury are at risk of deficits in visual memory and fine motor skills that diminish academic performance. The association between these deficits and white matter microstructure is relatively unexplored. We studied 190 PTs with no brain injury and 92 term controls at age 16 years. The Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCF), the Beery visual-motor integration (VMI), and the Grooved Pegboard Test (GPT) were collected for all participants, while a subset (40 PTs and 40 terms) underwent diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. PTs performed more poorly than terms on ROCF, VMI, and GPT (all P < 0.01). Mediation analysis showed fine motor skill (GPT score) significantly mediates group difference in ROCF and VMI (all P < 0.001). PTs showed a negative correlation (P < 0.05, corrected) between fractional anisotropy (FA) in the bilateral middle cerebellar peduncles and GPT score, with higher FA correlating to lower (faster task completion) GPT scores, and between FA in the right superior cerebellar peduncle and ROCF scores. PTs also had a positive correlation (P < 0.05, corrected) between VMI and left middle cerebellar peduncle FA. Novel strategies to target fine motor skills and the cerebellum may help PTs reach their full academic potential. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press.

The association between symptoms of autism and neuropsychological performance in females with Anorexia Nervosa.

PubMed

Westwood, Heather; Mandy, William; Tchanturia, Kate

2017-12-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and performance on measures of set-shifting and central coherence in a sample of females with anorexia nervosa (AN). Ninety-nine females aged 12-47, recruited from inpatient and day patient eating disorder services, were assessed with the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd edition (ADOS-2), as well as the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence, 2nd edition (WASI-II); Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST); Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCFT) and self-report questionnaires assessing eating disorder pathology, depression, cognitive rigidity and attention to detail. Individuals scoring above clinical cut-off on the ADOS-2 (N = 35) reported significantly higher levels of cognitive rigidity than those with lower levels of ASD symptoms but there was no difference between groups on self-reported attention to detail. There group with high levels of ASD symptoms also made significantly more perseverative errors on the WCST but there was no association between ASD symptoms and performance on the ROCFT. The group who scored above cut-off on the ADOS-2 were significantly younger than the sub-clinical groups. The presence of symptoms associated with ASD appears to be related to increased cognitive rigidity in females with AN. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Cognitive deficit in patients with paranoid schizophrenia: Its clinical and laboratory correlates.

PubMed

Dorofeikova, Mariia; Neznanov, Nikolay; Petrova, Nataliia

2018-04-01

The aim of this study was to search for correlates of cognitive impairment in patients with paranoid schizophrenia among clinical, demographic, anamnestic and biochemical markers (NSE, S100B protein, BDNF, hs-CRP). Patients with paranoid schizophrenia (n=125) were examined using the Brief Assessment of Cognitive Function in Schizophrenia, the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure task, and a number of clinical scales including the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. The majority of patients demonstrated cognitive impairment. The type of impairment was highly heterogeneous and individual. Relationships were found between the degree of executive functioning and family history of mental illness; working memory and age of onset of schizophrenia; and visual memory and psychopathological symptomatology. Negative and affective symptoms were not significantly associated with cognitive functioning. Treatment with first generation antipsychotics was associated with a more frequent impairment of motor skills, and concomitant anticholinergic drugs, with reduced accuracy. Use of second-generation antipsychotics only was associated with better accuracy, working memory and speech fluency. Among the patients, 21.4% had signs of a systemic inflammatory response, indicating a possible role of inflammatory response in the development of schizophrenia. CRP, S100B and NSE levels reflected features of the course of illness and therapeutic response. Patients with lower concentrations of BDNF were characterized by lower processing speeds. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Stable cognitive deficits in schizophrenia patients with comorbid obsessive-compulsive symptoms: a 12-month longitudinal study.

PubMed

Schirmbeck, Frederike; Rausch, Franziska; Englisch, Susanne; Eifler, Sarah; Esslinger, Christine; Meyer-Lindenberg, Andreas; Zink, Mathias

2013-11-01

Amongst schizophrenia patients, a large subgroup of up to 25% also suffers from comorbid obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCSs). The association between comorbid OCSs in these patients and neuropsychological impairment remains unclear and somewhat contradictory. Longitudinal approaches investigating the stability of OCS-associated cognitive deficits are missing. Thirty-seven patients with schizophrenia and comorbid OCSs and 43 schizophrenia patients without OCS were assessed with a comprehensive cognitive test battery and compared at baseline and, again, 12 months later. Schizophrenia patients with comorbid OCSs showed significant pronounced deficits, with increasing effect sizes over the 12-month assessment period in specific cognitive areas such as visuospatial perception and visual memory (WAIS-R block design, Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test), executive functioning (perseveration in the Wisconsin Card Sorting test), and cognitive flexibility (Trail Making test B). These cognitive domains are correlated with OCS severity and are known to be candidate cognitive domains in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). OCSs in schizophrenia is associated with specific and longitudinally stable cognitive deficits, strongly arguing for at least partially overlapping neurobiological mechanisms with OCD. Prospective studies involving patients with at-risk mental states for psychosis are necessary to decipher the interaction of cognitive impairment and the clinical manifestations of schizophrenia and OCSs. This might facilitate the definition of patients at high risk for OCSs, an early detection of subclinical levels, therapeutic interventions, and clinical monitoring.

Do organizational strategies mediate nonverbal memory impairment in drug-naïve patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder?

PubMed

Shin, Na Young; Kang, Do-Hyung; Choi, Jung-Seok; Jung, Myung Hun; Jang, Joon Hwan; Kwon, Jun Soo

2010-07-01

The present study aimed to examine nonverbal memory and organizational skill functions in psychotropic-naïve patients with OCD. Forty-one drug-naïve, 41 medicated OCD patients and 41 healthy controls, all of whom were matched for gender, age, education and intelligence, were included in the study. The Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (RCFT) was administered to evaluate nonverbal memory ability and organizational skill. OCD patients demonstrated impaired nonverbal memory irrespective of medication status (F = 6.54, p < .01, eta(2)p = .098 for immediate recall; F = 7.76, p < .01, eta(2)p = .114 for delayed recall). Medicated patients showed deficits in organizational strategies (eta(2)p = .079), which mediated nonverbal memory impairment (Z = -2.20, p = .027). The difference of organizational skill between drug-naïve and control groups did not reach statistical significance (eta(2)p = .054) and the association between organization and nonverbal memory was weak in the drug-naïve sample (Z = -1.74, = .081). There was no significant difference between the patient groups in RCFT indices. Our findings suggest that the organizational strategies may not be an effective mediator of nonverbal memory impairment in OCD and indicate that the clinical characteristics may be important to be considered in future research. Further studies are needed to improve understanding of the nature of nonverbal memory dysfunction in OCD.

Evaluating executive function in schoolchildren with symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

PubMed

Vélez-van-Meerbeke, A; Zamora, I P; Guzmán, G; Figueroa, B; López Cabra, C A; Talero-Gutiérrez, C

2013-01-01

To identify impairment of executive functions (EF) in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A case-control study was performed on a sample of schoolchildren with low socioeconomic levels in Bogota, Colombia. ADHD was diagnosed using the DSM IV checklist and the Behavior Assessment System for Children scale. Children with cognitive deficits were excluded. We evaluated scores from six measurements of executive function (EF). We conducted a bivariate statistical analysis to compare the variables, a multivariate study controlled by sex and age, and a logistic regression analysis. The study sample included 119 children with ADHD and 85 controls, all aged between 6 and 12 years. Controlling by sex, age, and type of school showed that EF measurements in children with ADHD were significantly more impaired than in controls, especially for measurements of verbal and graphic fluency, Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure, and cognitive flexibility. Comparison of ADHD subgroups showed that results in children with multiple deficits were similar to those in the global ADHD group. Graphic fluency impairment was the sole impairment in cases with only attention deficit or only hyperactivity-impulsivity manifestations. EF measures in children with ADHD revealed more problems, particularly those having to do within planning, inhibition, working memory and cognitive control. Age and sex may affect the degree of EF impairment. Copyright © 2012 Sociedad Española de Neurología. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Distinct neuroanatomical bases of episodic and semantic memory performance in Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Hirni, Daniela I; Kivisaari, Sasa L; Monsch, Andreas U; Taylor, Kirsten I

2013-04-01

Alzheimer's disease (AD) neurofibrillary pathology begins in the medial perirhinal cortex (mPRC) before spreading to the entorhinal cortex (ERC) and hippocampus (HP) in anterior medial temporal lobe (aMTL). While the role of the ERC/HP complex in episodic memory formation is well-established, recent research suggests that the PRC is required to form semantic memories of individual objects. We aimed to test whether commonly used clinical measures of episodic and semantic memory are distinctly associated with ERC/HP and mPRC integrity, respectively, in healthy mature individuals and very early AD patients. One hundred thirty normal controls, 32 amnestic mild cognitive impairment patients, some of whom are in the earliest (i.e., preclinical) stages of AD, and ten early-stage AD patients received neuropsychological testing and high-resolution anatomic and diffusion MRI. Voxel-based regression analyses tested for regions where episodic memory (delayed recall scores on the California Verbal Learning and Rey Osterrieth Complex Figure Tests) and semantic memory (Boston Naming Test, category fluency) performance correlated with gray matter (GM) regions of interest and whole-brain fractional anisotropy (FA) voxel values. When controlling for the opposing memory performance, poorer episodic memory performance was associated with reduced bilateral ERC/HP GM volume and related white matter integrity, but not with mPRC GM volume. Poor semantic memory performance was associated with both reduced left mPRC and ERC/HP GM volume, as well as reduced FA values in white matter tracts leading to the PRC. These results indicate a partial division of labor within the aMTL and suggest that mPRC damage in very early AD may be detectable with common clinical tests of semantic memory if episodic memory performance is controlled. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Delayed memory effects after intense stress in Special Forces candidates: exploring path processes between cortisol secretion and memory recall.

PubMed

Taverniers, John; Taylor, Marcus K; Smeets, Tom

2013-05-01

The aim of this paper is twofold. First, it explores delayed effects of high endogenously evoked cortisol concentrations on visuo-spatial declarative memory. Subsequently, it applies multiple mediation (MM) analyses to reveal path processes between stress and cognitive performance in a sample of 24 male Special Forces (SF) candidates (mean age = 27.0 years, SD = 4.1). The SF candidates were randomly assigned to a control (n = 12) or an intense stress group (n = 12), and cortisol secretion for the intense stress condition was triggered by a brusque 60 min prisoner of war exercise. Stress exposure provoked robust increases in cortisol concentrations and a significant decline in immediate recall performance, measured with the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF). The relative retrieval differences in regard to the ROCF persisted even after a recovery period of 24 h, as both groups showed similar levels of memory decline over 24 h. Next, the study applied a MM design that involved distribution-independent asymptotic and resampling strategies to extend traditional bivariate analyses. MM results showed that ROCF performance was mediated by increases in cortisol concentrations. Considering the studied variables, the current analysis was the first to provide statistical support for the generally accepted thesis that cortisol secretion in itself, rather than subjective strain or the experimental treatment, affects cognitive performance. The revelation of such path processes is important because it establishes process identification and may refine existing paradigms.

Cognitive effects of creatine monohydrate adjunctive therapy in patients with bipolar depression: Results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

PubMed

Toniolo, Ricardo Alexandre; Fernandes, Francy de Brito Ferreira; Silva, Michelle; Dias, Rodrigo da Silva; Lafer, Beny

2017-12-15

Depressive episodes and cognitive impairment are major causes of morbidity and dysfunction in individuals suffering from bipolar disorder (BD). Novel treatment approaches that target clinical and cognitive aspects of bipolar depression are needed, and research on pathophysiology suggests that mitochondrial modulators such as the nutraceutical creatine monohydrate might have a therapeutic role for this condition. Eighteen (N=18) patients with bipolar depression according to DSM-IV criteria who were enrollled in a 6-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of creatine monohydrate 6g daily as adjunctive therapy were submitted to neuropsychological assessments (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Digit Span subtest of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Third Edition, Stroop Color-Word Test, Rey-Osterrieth complex figure test, FAS Verbal Fluency Test) at baseline and week 6. There was a statistically significant difference between the treatment groups of the change on the total scores after 6 weeks in the verbal fluency test, with improvement in the group receiving adjunctive treatment with creatine. We did not find significant differences between the groups of the changes on other neuropsychological tests. Small sample and lack of a control group of healthy subjects. Our trial, which was the first to investigate the cognitive effects of creatine monohydrate on bipolar depression, indicates that supplementation with this nutraceutical for 6 weeks is associated with improvement in verbal fluency tests in patients with this condition. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Duration and frequency of migraines affect cognitive function: evidence from neuropsychological tests and event-related potentials.

PubMed

Huang, Lifang; Juan Dong, Hong; Wang, Xi; Wang, Yan; Xiao, Zheman

2017-12-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in the cognitive performance of migraine patients using a comprehensive series of cognitive/behavioral and electrophysiological tests. A randomized, cross-sectional, within subject approach was used to compare neuropsychological and electrophysiological evaluations from migrane-affected and healthy subjects. Thirty-four patients with migraine (6 males, 28 females, average 36 years old) were included. Migraineurs performed worse in the majority of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) (p = 0.007) compared to the healthy subjects, significantly in language (p = 0.005), memory (p = 0.006), executive functions (p = 0.042), calculation (p = 0.018) and orientation (p = 0.012). Migraineurs had a lower score on the memory trial of the Rey-Osterrieth complex figure test (ROCF) (p = 0.012). The P3 latency in Fz, Cz, Pz was prolonged in migraineurs compared with the normal control group (P < 0.001). In addition, we analyzed significant correlations between MoCA score and the duration of migraine. We also observed that a decrease in the MoCA-executive functions and calculation score and in the ROCF-recall score were both correlated to the frequency of migraine. Migraineurs were more anxious than healthy subjects (p = 0.001), which is independent of cognitive testing. Differences were unrelated to age, gender and literacy. Cognitive performance decreases during migraine, and cognitive dysfunction can be related to the duration and frequency of a migraine attack.

Students Apply Research Methods to Consumer Decisions About Cognitive Enhancing Drinks

PubMed Central

Walters, Charles B.; Hill, Katherine G.; Zavilla, Anastasia R.; Erickson, Cynthia A.

2014-01-01

The goal of this class project was to provide students with a hands-on research experience that allowed autonomy, but eliminated duplication of effort and could be completed within one semester. Our resources were limited to a small supply budget and an introductory psychology subject pool. Six students from a behavioral neuroscience class tested claims made by a drink company that their product improves cognitive function. The students each chose a cognitive task for their part of the project. The tasks included the Donders Reaction Time Task, the Stroop Task, the Raven’s Progressive Matrices, a short-term memory span test, the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test and a simple measure of prefrontal EEG activity. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental or control drink. The experimental group received the putative cognitive enhancing drink and the control group received a placebo drink that was very similar in color and taste. The two drinks shared no active ingredients. Results suggest that the putative cognitive enhancing drink did not improve performance on any of the tasks and decreased performance on the short-term memory task. These findings are discussed in regard to implications for consumers as well as further research into supplements and their ability to improve cognitive performance. Each student presented his/her results at a university-wide research conference. This project provided a rich experience in which students had the opportunity to carry out a research project from conception to presentation. PMID:25565916

Memory functions of children born with asymmetric intrauterine growth restriction.

PubMed

Geva, Ronny; Eshel, Rina; Leitner, Yael; Fattal-Valevski, Aviva; Harel, Shaul

2006-10-30

Learning difficulties are frequently diagnosed in children born with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Models of various animal species with IUGR were studied and demonstrated specific susceptibility and alterations of the hippocampal formation and its related neural structures. The main purpose was to study memory functions of children born with asymmetric IUGR in a large-scale cohort using a long-term prospective paradigm. One hundred and ten infants diagnosed with IUGR were followed-up from birth to 9 years of age. Their performance was compared with a group of 63 children with comparable gestational age and multiple socioeconomic factors. Memory functions (short-term, super- and long-term spans) for different stimuli types (verbal and visual) were evaluated using Visual Auditory Digit Span tasks (VADS), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (Rey-AVLT), and Rey Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCF). Children with IUGR had short-term memory difficulties that hindered both serial verbal processing system and simultaneous processing of high-load visuo-spatial stimuli. The difficulties were not related to prematurity, neonatal complications or growth catch-up, but were augmented by lower maternal education. Recognition skills and benefits from reiteration, typically affected by hippocampal dysfunction, were preserved in both groups. Memory profile of children born with IUGR is characterized primarily by a short-term memory deficit that does not necessarily comply with a typical hippocampal deficit, but rather may reflect an executive short-term memory deficit characteristic of anterior hippocampal-prefrontal network. Implications for cognitive intervention are discussed.

Differential effect of an anticholinergic antidepressant on sleep-dependent memory consolidation.

PubMed

Goerke, Monique; Cohrs, Stefan; Rodenbeck, Andrea; Kunz, Dieter

2014-05-01

Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep is considered critical to the consolidation of procedural memory - the memory of skills and habits. Many antidepressants strongly suppress REM sleep, however, and procedural memory consolidation has been shown to be impaired in depressed patients on antidepressant therapy. As a result, it is important to determine whether antidepressive therapy can lead to amnestic impairment. We thus investigated the effects of the anticholinergic antidepressant amitriptyline on sleep-dependent memory consolidation. Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel-group study. Sleep laboratory. Twenty-five healthy men (mean age: 26.8 ± 5.6 y). 75 mg amitriptyline versus placebo. To test memory consolidation, a visual discrimination task, a finger-tapping task, the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test, and the Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test were performed. Sleep was measured using polysomnography. Our findings show that amitriptyline profoundly suppressed REM sleep and impaired perceptual skill learning, but not motor skill or declarative learning. Our study is the first to demonstrate that an antidepressant can affect procedural memory consolidation in healthy subjects. Moreover, considering the results of a recent study, in which selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors were shown not to impair procedural memory consolidation, our findings suggest that procedural memory consolidation is not facilitated by the characteristics of REM sleep captured by visual sleep scoring, but rather by the high cholinergic tone associated with REM sleep. Our study contributes to the understanding of potentially undesirable behavioral effects of amitriptyline.

Central coherence in adolescents with bulimia nervosa spectrum eating disorders.

PubMed

Darcy, Alison M; Fitzpatrick, Kathleen Kara; Manasse, Stephanie M; Datta, Nandini; Klabunde, Megan; Colborn, Danielle; Aspen, Vandana; Stiles-Shields, Colleen; Labuschagne, Zandre; Le Grange, Daniel; Lock, James

2015-07-01

Weak central coherence-a tendency to process details at the expense of the gestalt-has been observed among adults with bulimia nervosa (BN) and is a potential candidate endophenotype for eating disorders (EDs). However, as BN behaviors typically onset during adolescence it is important to assess central coherence in this younger age group to determine whether the findings in adults are likely a result of BN or present earlier in the evolution of the disorder. This study examines whether the detail-oriented and fragmented cognitive inefficiency observed among adults with BN is observable among adolescents with shorter illness duration, relative to healthy controls. The Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (RCFT) was administered to a total of 47 adolescents with DSM5 BN, 42 with purging disorder (PD), and 25 healthy controls (HC). Performance on this measure was compared across the three groups. Those with BN and PD demonstrated significantly worse accuracy scores compared to controls in the copy and delayed recall condition with a moderate effect size. These findings were exacerbated when symptoms of BN increased. Poorer accuracy scores reflect a fragmented and piecemeal strategy that interferes with visual-spatial integration in BN spectrum disorders. This cognitive inefficiency likely contributes to broad difficulties in executive functioning in this population especially in the context of worsening bulimic symptoms. The findings of this study support the hypothesis that poor global integration may constitute a cognitive endophenotype for BN. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Developing a Virtual Reality-Based Vocational Rehabilitation Training Program for Patients with Schizophrenia.

PubMed

Sohn, Bo Kyung; Hwang, Jae Yeon; Park, Su Mi; Choi, Jung-Seok; Lee, Jun-Young; Lee, Ji Yeuon; Jung, Hee-Yeon

2016-11-01

Maintaining employment is difficult for patients with schizophrenia because of deterioration of psychosocial and cognitive functions. Such patients usually require vocational rehabilitation training, which is both demanding and costly. In this study, we developed a virtual reality-based vocational rehabilitation training program (VR-VRTP) for such patients and evaluated its feasibility as an alternative to traditional rehabilitation programs. We developed the VR-VRTP to include various situations commonly encountered in two types of occupations: convenience store employee and supermarket clerk. We developed practical situations, as well as a system for providing feedback, to ensure patients would not lose interest during training. Nine participants each performed the VR-VRTP repeatedly per week for a total of 8 weeks. At baseline and after training, all participants were evaluated using the following clinical and neuropsychological tests: Manchester Scale, Clinical Global Impression, Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Zung Depression Rating Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Stroop Test, Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (RCFT), and Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT). After training, patient scores improved on the PSP, general symptoms on the Manchester Scale, AVLT, and delayed recall on the RCFT. The Manchester positive symptom score showed a trend of improvement. No significant changes were observed for other measures. The VR-VRTP may improve general psychosocial function and memory, potentially influencing real-world vocational performance. These findings provide preliminary evidence regarding the utility of the VR-VRTP in patients with schizophrenia.

Cognitive effects of testosterone and finasteride administration in older hypogonadal men

PubMed Central

Borst, Stephen E; Yarrow, Joshua F; Fernandez, Carmen; Conover, Christine F; Ye, Fan; Meuleman, John R; Morrow, Matthew; Zou, Baiming; Shuster, Jonathan J

2014-01-01

Serum concentrations of neuroactive androgens decline in older men and, in some studies, low testosterone is associated with decreased cognitive function and incidence of depression. Existing studies evaluating the effect of testosterone administration on cognition in older men have been largely inconclusive, with some studies reporting minor to moderate cognitive benefit, while others indicate no cognitive effect. Our objective was to assess the cognitive effects of treating older hypogonadal men for 1 year with a supraphysiological dose of testosterone, either alone or in combination with finasteride (a type II 5α-reductase inhibitor), in order to determine whether testosterone produces cognitive benefit and whether suppressed dihydrotestosterone influences cognition. Sixty men aged ≥60 years with a serum testosterone concentration of ≤300 ng/dL or bioavailable testosterone ≤70 ng/dL and no evidence of cognitive impairment received testosterone-enanthate (125 mg/week) versus vehicle, paired with finasteride (5 mg/day) versus placebo using a 2×2 factorial design. Testosterone caused a small decrease in depressive symptoms as assessed by the Geriatric Depression Scale and a moderate increase in visuospatial memory as assessed by performance on a recall trial of the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test. Finasteride caused a small increase in performance on the Benton Judgment of Line Orientation test. In total, major improvements in cognition were not observed either with testosterone or finasteride. Further studies are warranted to determine if testosterone replacement may improve cognition in other domains. PMID:25143719

Decision making, central coherence and set-shifting: a comparison between Binge Eating Disorder, Anorexia Nervosa and Healthy Controls.

PubMed

Aloi, Matteo; Rania, Marianna; Caroleo, Mariarita; Bruni, Antonella; Palmieri, Antonella; Cauteruccio, Maria Antonella; De Fazio, Pasquale; Segura-García, Cristina

2015-01-24

Several studies have investigated the cognitive profile in patients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and Bulimia Nervosa (BN); on the contrary few studies have evaluated it in patients with Binge Eating Disorder (BED). The purpose of this study was to compare decision making, central coherence and set-shifting between BED and AN patients. A battery of neuropsychological tests including the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (RCFT), the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), the Trial Making Task (TMT) and the Hayling Sentence Completion Task (HSCT) were administered in a sample of 135 women (45 AN, 45 BED, 45 Healthy Controls [HC]). Furthermore, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was administered to evaluate depressive symptoms. Years of education, age, Body Mass Index (BMI) and depression severity were considered as covariates in statistical analyses. BED and AN patients showed high rates of cognitive impairment compared to HC on the domains investigated; furthermore, the cognitive profile of BED patients was characterised by poorer decision making and cognitive flexibility compared to patients with AN. Cognitive performance was strongly associated with depressive symptoms. In the present sample, two different neurocognitive profiles emerged: a strong cognitive rigidity and a central coherence based on the details was predominant in patients with AN, while a lack of attention and difficulty in adapting to changes in a new situation seemed to better describe patients with BED. The knowledge of the different cognitive profiles of EDs patients may be important for the planning their psychotherapeutic intervention.

The cognitive profile of myotonic dystrophy type 1: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Okkersen, Kees; Buskes, Melanie; Groenewoud, Johannes; Kessels, Roy P C; Knoop, Hans; van Engelen, Baziel; Raaphorst, Joost

2017-10-01

To examine the cognitive profile of patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) on the basis of a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature. Embase, Medline and PsycInfo were searched for studies reporting ≥1 neuropsychological test in both DM1 patients and healthy controls. Search, data extraction and risk of bias analysis were independently performed by two authors to minimize error. Neuropsychological tests were categorized into 12 cognitive domains and effect sizes (Hedges' g) were calculated for each domain and for tests administered in ≥5 studies. DM1 participants demonstrated a significantly worse performance compared to controls in all cognitive domains. Effect sizes ranged from -.33 (small) for verbal memory to -1.01 (large) for visuospatial perception. Except for the domains global cognition, intelligence and social cognition, wide confidence intervals (CIs) were associated with moderate to marked statistical heterogeneity that necessitates careful interpretation of results. Out of the individual tests, the Rey-Osterrieth complex figure-copy (both non-verbal memory and visuoconstruction) showed consistent impairment with acceptable heterogeneity. In DM1 patients, cognitive deficits may include a variable combination of global cognitive impairment with involvement across different domains, including social cognition, memory and visuospatial functioning. Although DM1 is a heterogeneous disorder, our study shows that meta-analysis is feasible, contributes to the understanding of brain involvement and may direct bedside testing. The protocol for this study has been registered in PROSPERO (International prospective register of systematic reviews) under ID: 42016037415. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Neuropsychological Profile of Comorbid Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Adult ADHD.

PubMed

Antshel, Kevin M; Biederman, Joseph; Spencer, Thomas J; Faraone, Stephen V

2016-12-01

ADHD and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are often comorbid yet despite the increased comorbidity between the two disorders, to our knowledge, no data have been published regarding the neuropsychological profile of adults with comorbid ADHD and PTSD. Likewise, previous empirical studies of the neuropsychology of PTSD did not control for ADHD status. We sought to fill this gap in the literature and to assess the extent to which neuropsychological test performance predicted psychosocial functioning, and perceived quality of life. Participants were 201 adults with ADHD attending an outpatient mental health clinic between 1998 and 2003 and 123 controls without ADHD. Participants completed a large battery of self-report measures and psychological tests. Diagnoses were made using data obtained from structured psychiatric interviews (i.e., Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children Epidemiologic Version). Differences emerged between control participants and participants with ADHD on multiple neuropsychological tests. Across all tests, control participants outperformed participants with ADHD. Differences between the two ADHD groups emerged on seven psychological subtests including multiple Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Third edition and Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test measures. These test differences did not account for self-reported quality of life differences between groups. The comorbidity with PTSD in adults with ADHD is associated with weaker cognitive performance on several tasks that appear related to spatial/perceptual abilities and fluency. Neuropsychological test performances may share variance with the quality of life variables yet are not mediators of the quality of life ratings. © The Author(s) 2014.

Effects of manganese exposure on visuoperception and visual memory in schoolchildren.

PubMed

Hernández-Bonilla, D; Escamilla-Núñez, C; Mergler, D; Rodríguez-Dozal, S; Cortez-Lugo, M; Montes, S; Tristán-López, L A; Catalán-Vázquez, M; Schilmann, A; Riojas-Rodriguez, Horacio

2016-12-01

Manganese (Mn) is an essential metal involved in multiple physiological functions. Environmental exposure to airborne Mn is associated with neurocognitive deficits in humans. Children, whose nervous system is in development, are particularly susceptible to Mn neurotoxicity. The objective of this study was to assess the association between Mn environmental exposure, and effects on visuoperception and visual memory in schoolchildren. We assessed schoolchildren between 7 and 11 years old, with similar socioeconomic status, from the mining district of Molango (n=148) and Agua Blanca (n=119, non-mining area) in Hidalgo state, Mexico. The Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) test was used to assess visuoperception and short-term visual memory. Hair manganese (MnH) concentrations were determined. Linear regression models were constructed to estimate the associations between MnH and ROCF scores, adjusted for potential confounders. The geometric mean MnH was nine times higher in schoolchildren from the Mn mining area (5.25μg/g) than in schoolchildren from the non-mining area (0.55μg/g). For the ROCF Copy trial, MnH was significantly associated with an increase in distortion errors (tangency, closure), angle errors, overtracing (partial overtracing). In the Immediate Recall trial, MnH was significantly associated with increased overtracing (partial overtracing) and omissions, and negatively associated with the number of perceptual drawn units, total score and percentage immediate recall. MnH is associated with alterations in visuoperception and short-term visual memory in schoolchildren exposed to airborne Mn. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

+Gz load and executive functions.

PubMed

Biernacki, Marcin P; Tarnowski, Adam; Lengsfeld, Kamila; Lewkowicz, Rafał; Kowalczuk, Krzysztof; Dereń, Miroslaw

2013-05-01

Pilots are constantly exposed to a number of environmental factors, which include +Gz load. Physiological changes evoked by +Gz stimuli have already been well investigated in aviation medicine. However, the influence of +Gz stimulation on executive functions in pilots has not yet been thoroughly explored. There were 20 pilot cadets between the ages of 19 and 22 yr who volunteered to participate in the experiment. The subjects were divided into two groups: the G-load group, which was exposed to accelerations in the centrifuge, and the control group, which did not undergo this stimulation. Executive functions were assessed by means of the Schulte tables and the Rey-Osterrieth complex figure test. +Gz load exposure significantly improved attention switching. This relationship was valid for performance speed (M = 268.09 s in the pretest in the G-load group; M = 228.09 s in the posttest in the G-load group) and for the cumulative time of mistakes (M = 26.73 s in the pretest in the G-load group; M = 12 s in the posttest in the G-load group), whereas reproduction of visuospatial stimuli from memory deteriorated significantly under the influence of +Gz stimulation (M = 17.18 points in the posttest in the G-load group; M = 28.18 points in the posttest in the control group). These results suggest that the impact of +Gz load is not homogenous and unidirectional, since it improves attention switching but visuospatial working memory decreases under its influence. These aspects are particularly important for understanding the mechanisms responsible for maintaining situational awareness during the flight.

Are Weight Status and Cognition Associated? An Examination of Cognitive Development in Children and Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa 1 Year after First Hospitalisation.

PubMed

Kjaersdam Telléus, Gry; Fagerlund, Birgitte; Jepsen, Jens Richardt; Bentz, Mette; Christiansen, Eva; Valentin, Jan Brink; Thomsen, Per Hove

2016-09-01

The aim of this study was to characterise the association between the cognitive profile and weight restoration in children and adolescents with anorexia nervosa. The study was a longitudinal, matched case-control, multicentre study. An assessment of cognitive functions was conducted by using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-III/the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III, the Test of Memory and Learning-second edition, Trail Making Tests A and B, the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test and the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery. One hundred twenty individuals, 60 patients with anorexia nervosa with mean age of 14.65 (SD 1.820) years and 60 healthy controls with mean age of 14.76 (SD 1.704) years, participated. No association was found between weight recovery and cognitive functions. However, a significant increase in motor speed was found in Trail Making Test A (p = 0.004), Reaction Time (RTI) five-choice movement time (p = 0.002) and RTI simple movement time (p = 0.011), resulting in a normalisation corresponding to that found in healthy controls. Furthermore, a significantly lower score in the perceptual organization index (p = 0.029) was found at follow-up. Weight recovery appears not to be associated with cognition. Copyright © 2016 The Authors European Eating Disorders Review published by Eating Disorders Association and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Copyright © 2016 The Authors European Eating Disorders Review published by Eating Disorders Association and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Deficits in memory and visuospatial learning correlate with regional hippocampal atrophy in MS.

PubMed

Longoni, Giulia; Rocca, Maria A; Pagani, Elisabetta; Riccitelli, Gianna C; Colombo, Bruno; Rodegher, Mariaemma; Falini, Andrea; Comi, Giancarlo; Filippi, Massimo

2015-01-01

The hippocampus has a critical role in episodic memory and visuospatial learning and consolidation. We assessed the patterns of whole and regional hippocampal atrophy in a large group of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, and their correlations with neuropsychological impairment. From 103 MS patients and 28 healthy controls (HC), brain dual-echo and high-resolution 3D T1-weighted images were acquired using a 3.0-Tesla scanner. All patients underwent a neuropsychological assessment of hippocampal-related cognitive functions, including Paired Associate Word Learning, Short Story, delayed recall of Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure and Paced Auditory Serial Attention tests. The hippocampi were manually segmented and volumes derived. Regional atrophy distribution was assessed using a radial mapping analysis. Correlations between hippocampal atrophy and clinical, neuropsychological and MRI metrics were also evaluated. Hippocampal volume was reduced in MS patients vs HC (p < 0.001 for both right and hippocampus). In MS patients, radial atrophy affected CA1 subfield and subiculum of posterior hippocampus, bilaterally. The dentate hilus (DG:H) of the right hippocampal head was also affected. Regional hippocampal atrophy correlated with brain T2 and T1 lesion volumes, while no correlation was found with disability. Damage to the CA1 and subiculum was significantly correlated to the performances at hippocampal-targeted neuropsychological tests. These results show that hippocampal subregions have a different vulnerability to MS-related damage, with a relative sparing of the head of the left hippocampus. The assessment of regional hippocampal atrophy may help explain deficits of specific cognitive functions in MS patients, including memory and visuospatial abilities.

Cognitive impairment is associated with Hoehn and Yahr stages in early, de novo Parkinson disease patients.

PubMed

Siciliano, Mattia; De Micco, Rosa; Trojano, Luigi; De Stefano, Manuela; Baiano, Chiara; Passaniti, Carla; De Mase, Antonio; Russo, Antonio; Tedeschi, Gioacchino; Tessitore, Alessandro

2017-08-01

The relationship between motor impairment and cognitive deterioration has long been described in Parkinson's disease (PD). The aim of the study was to compare cognitive performance of de novo PD patients in relation to the motor impairment severity according to Hoehn and Yahr (HY) stages. Forty de novo PD patients at HY stage I and 40 patients at HY stage II completed a standardized neuropsychological battery. A multivariate analysis of covariance was used to compare cognitive performance between HY groups. Odds ratios (ORs) were employed to explore the risk of cognitive impairment between HY stages. Finally, the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was estimated for patients in HY stage I and II. Patients at HY stage I obtained better scores on neuropsychological tests than patients at HY stage II (p = 0.001). Univariate analysis of covariance revealed significant differences between HY stages on Rey's auditory verbal learning test -immediate recall (p < 0.0001), 10 points Clock Drawing Test (p = 0.002), and Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test -copy (p < 0.0001). ORs of having cognitive impairment were greater for HY stage II than stage I group. MCI occurred in 7.5% of patients in HY stage I, and in 42.5% of patients in HY stage II. In de novo PD patients, the severity of motor impairment at the diagnosis is associated to cognitive deficits and higher risk of MCI. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Influence of Genetic and Environmental Factors among MDMA Users in Cognitive Performance

PubMed Central

Cuyàs, Elisabet; Verdejo-García, Antonio; Fagundo, Ana Beatriz; Khymenets, Olha; Rodríguez, Joan; Cuenca, Aida; de Sola Llopis, Susana; Langohr, Klaus; Peña-Casanova, Jordi; Torrens, Marta; Martín-Santos, Rocío; Farré, Magí; de la Torre, Rafael

2011-01-01

This study is aimed to clarify the association between MDMA cumulative use and cognitive dysfunction, and the potential role of candidate genetic polymorphisms in explaining individual differences in the cognitive effects of MDMA. Gene polymorphisms related to reduced serotonin function, poor competency of executive control and memory consolidation systems, and high enzymatic activity linked to bioactivation of MDMA to neurotoxic metabolites may contribute to explain variations in the cognitive impact of MDMA across regular users of this drug. Sixty ecstasy polydrug users, 110 cannabis users and 93 non-drug users were assessed using cognitive measures of Verbal Memory (California Verbal Learning Test, CVLT), Visual Memory (Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test, ROCFT), Semantic Fluency, and Perceptual Attention (Symbol Digit Modalities Test, SDMT). Participants were also genotyped for polymorphisms within the 5HTT, 5HTR2A, COMT, CYP2D6, BDNF, and GRIN2B genes using polymerase chain reaction and TaqMan polymerase assays. Lifetime cumulative MDMA use was significantly associated with poorer performance on visuospatial memory and perceptual attention. Heavy MDMA users (>100 tablets lifetime use) interacted with candidate gene polymorphisms in explaining individual differences in cognitive performance between MDMA users and controls. MDMA users carrying COMT val/val and SERT s/s had poorer performance than paired controls on visuospatial attention and memory, and MDMA users with CYP2D6 ultra-rapid metabolizers performed worse than controls on semantic fluency. Both MDMA lifetime use and gene-related individual differences influence cognitive dysfunction in ecstasy users. PMID:22110616

Persistent non-verbal memory impairment in remitted major depression - caused by encoding deficits?

PubMed

Behnken, Andreas; Schöning, Sonja; Gerss, Joachim; Konrad, Carsten; de Jong-Meyer, Renate; Zwanzger, Peter; Arolt, Volker

2010-04-01

While neuropsychological impairments are well described in acute phases of major depressive disorders (MDD), little is known about the neuropsychological profile in remission. There is evidence for episodic memory impairments in both acute depressed and remitted patients with MDD. Learning and memory depend on individuals' ability to organize information during learning. This study investigates non-verbal memory functions in remitted MDD and whether nonverbal memory performance is mediated by organizational strategies whilst learning. 30 well-characterized fully remitted individuals with unipolar MDD and 30 healthy controls matching in age, sex and education were investigated. Non-verbal learning and memory were measured by the Rey-Osterrieth-Complex-Figure-Test (RCFT). The RCFT provides measures of planning, organizational skills, perceptual and non-verbal memory functions. For assessing the mediating effects of organizational strategies, we used the Savage Organizational Score. Compared to healthy controls, participants with remitted MDD showed more deficits in their non-verbal memory function. Moreover, participants with remitted MDD demonstrated difficulties in organizing non-verbal information appropriately during learning. In contrast, no impairments regarding visual-spatial functions in remitted MDD were observed. Except for one patient, all the others were taking psychopharmacological medication. The neuropsychological function was solely investigated in the remitted phase of MDD. Individuals with MDD in remission showed persistent non-verbal memory impairments, modulated by a deficient use of organizational strategies during encoding. Therefore, our results strongly argue for additional therapeutic interventions in order to improve these remaining deficits in cognitive function. Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Contralateral interictal and ictal EEG epileptiform activity accentuate memory impairment in unilateral mesial temporal sclerosis patients.

PubMed

Pinto, Lecio F; Adda, Carla C; Silva, Liliane C A; Banaskiwitz, Natalie H C; Passarelli, Valmir; Jorge, Carmen L; Valerio, Rosa M; Castro, Luiz H

2017-03-01

Memory impairment is a recognized complication of mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS). Epileptiform activity may negatively impact on cognition. We evaluated the impact of contralateral EEG involvement on memory in unilateral MTS (uMTS) patients. Retrospective review of 121 right-handed uMTS patients (69 left) evaluated with prolonged video-EEG and verbal and nonverbal memory tests (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test and Rey-Osterrieth Complex figure), with additional very delayed trials. Patients were classified according to ictal/interictal EEG findings and MTS side as left or right concordant or discordant. Thirty-nine normal individuals who underwent the same neuropsychological battery served as controls. Demographic, disease, and treatment features did not differ among groups. On the 7-day verbal memory free recall, left discordant performed significantly worse than controls and right concordant, recognized fewer words, and had more recognition errors than all other groups, including left concordant. For nonverbal memory, right discordant performed significantly worse than controls on delayed recall, and attained lower scores than other groups on immediate and 7-day recall, but this difference did not reach statistical significance. Left discordant had higher scores of memory complaints than controls and disclosed a trend toward accentuated memory impairment compared with the other groups over time. Our results suggest that contralateral electrographic involvement in uMTS was associated with more pronounced memory impairment for verbal material in left discordant patients, and to a lesser extent, for nonverbal material in right discordant patients. Left discordant group also had increased memory complaints. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

Sex-based memory advantages and cognitive aging: a challenge to the cognitive reserve construct?

PubMed

Caselli, Richard J; Dueck, Amylou C; Locke, Dona E C; Baxter, Leslie C; Woodruff, Bryan K; Geda, Yonas E

2015-02-01

Education and related proxies for cognitive reserve (CR) are confounded by associations with environmental factors that correlate with cerebrovascular disease possibly explaining discrepancies between studies examining their relationships to cognitive aging and dementia. In contrast, sex-related memory differences may be a better proxy. Since they arise developmentally, they are less likely to reflect environmental confounds. Women outperform men on verbal and men generally outperform women on visuospatial memory tasks. Furthermore, memory declines during the preclinical stage of AD, when it is clinically indistinguishable from normal aging. To determine whether CR mitigates age-related memory decline, we examined the effects of gender and APOE genotype on longitudinal memory performances. Memory decline was assessed in a cohort of healthy men and women enriched for APOE ɛ4 who completed two verbal [Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT), Buschke Selective Reminding Test (SRT)] and two visuospatial [Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (CFT), and Benton Visual Retention Test (VRT)] memory tests, as well as in a separate larger and older cohort [National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC)] who completed a verbal memory test (Logical Memory). Age-related memory decline was accelerated in APOE ɛ4 carriers on all verbal memory measures (AVLT, p=.03; SRT p<.001; logical memory p<.001) and on the VRT p=.006. Baseline sex associated differences were retained over time, but no sex differences in rate of decline were found for any measure in either cohort. Sex-based memory advantage does not mitigate age-related memory decline in either APOE ɛ4 carriers or non-carriers.

Neural Basis of Cognitive Assessment in Alzheimer Disease, Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Subjective Memory Complaints.

PubMed

Matías-Guiu, Jordi A; Cabrera-Martín, María Nieves; Valles-Salgado, María; Pérez-Pérez, Alicia; Rognoni, Teresa; Moreno-Ramos, Teresa; Carreras, José Luis; Matías-Guiu, Jorge

2017-07-01

Interpreting cognitive tests is often challenging. The same test frequently examines multiple cognitive functions, and the functional and anatomical basis underlying test performance is unknown in many cases. This study analyses the correlation of different neuropsychological test results with brain metabolism in a series of patients evaluated for suspected Alzheimer disease. 20 healthy controls and 80 patients consulting for memory loss were included, in which cognitive study and 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET were performed. Patients were categorized according to Reisberg's Global Deterioration Scale. Voxel-based analysis was used to determine correlations between brain metabolism and performance on the following tests: Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT), Boston Naming Test (BNT), Trail Making Test, Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure test, Visual Object and Space Perception Battery (VOSP), and Tower of London (ToL) test. Mean age in the patient group was 73.9 ± 10.6 years, and 47 patients were women (58.7%). FCSRT findings were positively correlated with metabolism in the medial and anterior temporal region bilaterally, the left precuneus, and posterior cingulate. BNT results were correlated with metabolism in the middle temporal, superior, fusiform, and frontal medial gyri bilaterally. VOSP results were related to the occipital and parietotemporal regions bilaterally. ToL scores were correlated to metabolism in the right temporoparietal and frontal regions. These results suggest that different areas of the brain are involved in the processes required to complete different cognitive tests. Ascertaining the functional basis underlying these tests may prove helpful for understanding and interpreting them. Copyright © 2017 American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Executive Dysfunction in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Anterior Cingulate-Based Resting State Functional Connectivity

PubMed Central

Yun, Je-Yeon; Jang, Joon Hwan; Jung, Wi Hoon; Shin, Na Young; Kim, Sung Nyun; Hwang, Jae Yeon

2017-01-01

Objective Executive dysfunction might be an important determinant for response to pharmacotherapy in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and could be sustained independently of symptom relief. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) has been indicated as a potential neural correlate of executive functioning in OCD. The present study examined the brain-executive function relationships in OCD from the ACC-based resting state functional connectivity networks (rs-FCNs), which reflect information processing mechanisms during task performance. Methods For a total of 58 subjects [OCD, n=24; healthy controls (HCs), n=34], four subdomains of executive functioning were measured using the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (RCFT), the Stroop Color-Word Test (SCWT), the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), and the Trail Making Test part B (TMT-B). To probe for differential patterns of the brain-cognition relationship in OCD compared to HC, the ACC-centered rs-FCN were calculated using five seed regions systemically placed throughout the ACC. Results Significant differences between the OCD group and the HCs with respect to the WCST perseverative errors, SCWT interference scores, and TMT-B reaction times (p<0.05) were observed. Moreover, significant interactions between diagnosis×dorsal ACC [S3]-based rs-FCN strength in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex for RCFT organization summary scores as well as between diagnosis×perigenual ACC [S7]-based rs-FCN strength in the left frontal eye field for SCWT color-word interference scores were unveiled. Conclusion These network-based neural foundations for executive dysfunction in OCD could become a potential target of future treatment, which could improve global domains of functioning broader than symptomatic relief. PMID:28539952

Evaluation of individual cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) for the treatment of young people with anorexia nervosa.

PubMed

Giombini, Lucia; Moynihan, Jennifer; Turco, Matteo; Nesbitt, Sophie

2017-12-01

Research suggests that there are cognitive inefficiencies underlying Anorexia Nervosa (AN), with CRT showing promise in improving these inefficiencies in adults. This area has yet to be explored in a younger population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of CRT for young people. A within-subjects design was used to compare the performance of children and adolescents with AN on several neuropsychological measures administered before and after a course of CRT. Ninety-two female participants diagnosed with AN aged between 11 and 17 (M = 14.8, SD = 1.6), all receiving treatment at a specialist inpatient unit. The assessment consisted of the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure test (ROCFT), the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Self-Report (BRIEF-SR), and the D-KEFS Colour-Word Interference Test (CWT). Repeated-measures t tests were used to analyse the ROCFT and BRIEF-SR data. There was a significant improvement in Central Coherence Index (p < .001), Immediate Recall (p < .001), Shift (p < .001) Cognitive Shift (p = 002), Behavioural shift (p < .001), Emotional Control (p < .001), Working Memory (p = .001), Plan/Organize (p < .001), Monitor (p = .001) BRI (p < .001), MI (p = .001), and GEC (p < .001). On the D-KEFS CWT, a repeated-measure Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed a significant improvement in Error Rate (p = .019) and a repeated-measures t test revealed a significant improvement in time taken (p < .001). Results suggest that CRT for children and adolescents with AN could strengthen specific cognitive domains.

Cognitive dysfunctions in middle-aged type 2 diabetic patients and neuroimaging correlations: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

García-Casares, Natalia; Jorge, Ricardo E; García-Arnés, Juan A; Acion, Laura; Berthier, Marcelo L; Gonzalez-Alegre, Pedro; Nabrozidis, Alejandro; Gutiérrez, Antonio; Ariza, María José; Rioja, Jose; González-Santos, Pedro

2014-01-01

The aim was to assess the neuropsychological performance of a group of middle-aged patients with well-controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to examine whether the neuropsychological deficits correlate with structural and functional brain alterations. We compared 25 subjects with T2DM aged 45-65 years with 25 control participants matched for age, gender, and educational level. The neuropsychological battery was designed to examine executive functions, attention, information processing speed, and verbal memory. Severity of depression was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and cardiovascular risk factors were assessed using the Framingham Cardiovascular Risk Profile Score. The presence of at least one APOEε4 allele was determined. Reduced gray matter density was analyzed using voxel-based morphometry and brain glucose metabolic changes were assessed by 18FDG-PET. T2DM subjects had significantly lower scores than subjects without T2DM in the Trail-making Test B (p < 0.004), Color-Word Stroop test (p < 0.005), Semantic Fluency (p < 0.006), Digit-Symbol modalities test (p < 0.02), Text Recall from the Wechsler Memory Scale (p < 0.0001), Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure-copy (p < 0.004), and delayed reproduction (p < 0.03). Worse executive functions and memory functioning correlated predominantly with less gray matter density and reduced glucose metabolism in the orbital and prefrontal cortex, temporal (middle gyrus, parahippocampus and uncus), and cerebellum regions (p < 0.001). T2DM subjects presented cognitive dysfunctions compared with controls. Clinical-neuroimaging correlations corresponded to brain changes (reduced gray matter density and glucose metabolism) mainly in fronto-temporal areas.

Is Traumatic Brain Injury Associated with Reduced Inter-Hemispheric Functional Connectivity? A Study of Large-Scale Resting State Networks following Traumatic Brain Injury

PubMed Central

Duff, Melissa C.; McAuley, Edward; Kramer, Arthur F.; Voss, Michelle W.

2016-01-01

Abstract Traumatic brain injury (TBI) often has long-term debilitating sequelae in cognitive and behavioral domains. Understanding how TBI impacts functional integrity of brain networks that underlie these domains is key to guiding future approaches to TBI rehabilitation. In the current study, we investigated the differences in inter-hemispheric functional connectivity (FC) of resting state networks (RSNs) between chronic mild-to-severe TBI patients and normal comparisons (NC), focusing on two externally oriented networks (i.e., the fronto-parietal network [FPN] and the executive control network [ECN]), one internally oriented network (i.e., the default mode network [DMN]), and one somato-motor network (SMN). Seed voxel correlation analysis revealed that TBI patients displayed significantly less FC between lateralized seeds and both homologous and non-homologous regions in the opposite hemisphere for externally oriented networks but not for DMN or SMN; conversely, TBI patients showed increased FC within regions of the DMN, especially precuneus and parahippocampal gyrus. Region of interest correlation analyses confirmed the presence of significantly higher inter-hemispheric FC in NC for the FPN (p < 0.01), and ECN (p < 0.05), but not for the DMN (p > 0.05) or SMN (p > 0.05). Further analysis revealed that performance on a neuropsychological test measuring organizational skills and visuo-spatial abilities administered to the TBI group, the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test, positively correlated with FC between the right FPN and homologous regions. Our findings suggest that distinct RSNs display specific patterns of aberrant FC following TBI; this represents a step forward in the search for biomarkers useful for early diagnosis and treatment of TBI-related cognitive impairment. PMID:25719433

Cognitive impairment in schizophrenia across age groups: a case-control study.

PubMed

Mosiołek, Anna; Gierus, Jacek; Koweszko, Tytus; Szulc, Agata

2016-02-24

The potential dynamics of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia is discussed in the literature of the field. Recent publications suggest modest changes in level of cognitive impairment after first psychotic episode. Present article attempts to explore cognitive differences between patients and controls across age groups and differences between age groups in clinical group. One hundred and twenty-eight hospitalized patients with schizophrenia (64 women and 64 men) and 68 individuals from the control group (32 women and 32 men) aged 18-55 years were examined. The patients were divided into age groups (18-25, 26-35, 36-45, 46-55). Both groups were examined using Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Rey Osterrieth Complex Figure Test, Trail Making Test (A and B), Stroop Test, verbal fluency test and Wechsler digit span. Patients with schizophrenia obtained significantly lower scores versus the control group in regard to all the measured cognitive functions (Mann-Whitney U; p < 0.05. Most deficits were present in all age groups, however, statistically important impairment in executive functions (WCST) were present only in "older" groups. Patients with schizophrenia obtained less favourable results than the control group in all age groups. Deficits regarding executive functions do not seem to be at a significant level among the youngest group, whereas they are more noticeable in the group of 46-55-year-olds. Executive functions are significantly lowered in the group aged 36-45 in comparison to the "younger" groups. The level of cognitive functions shows a mild exacerbation in connection with age, whereas cognitive rigidity proved to be related to the number of years spent without hospital treatment.

Does Bacopa monnieri improve memory performance in older persons? Results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial.

PubMed

Morgan, Annette; Stevens, John

2010-07-01

The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Bacopa monnieri Linn. for improvement of memory performance in healthy older persons. This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The trial took place in Lismore, NSW, Australia between February and July 2005. Ninety-eight (98) healthy participants over 55 years of age were recruited from the general population. Participants were randomized to receive an extract of Bacopa monnieri called BacoMind(TM) (Natural Remedies Pvt. Ltd.), 300 mg/day, or an identical placebo. Following screening, neuropsychologic and subjective memory assessments were performed at baseline and at 12 weeks. Audioverbal and visual memory performance were measured by the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT), the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (CFT), and the Reitan Trail Making Test (TMT). Subjective memory performance was measured by the Memory Complaint Questionnaire (MAC-Q). One hundred and thirty-six (136) subjects volunteered; 103 met entry criteria, 98 commenced, and 81 completed the trial. Bacopa significantly improved verbal learning, memory acquisition, and delayed recall as measured by the AVLT: trial a4 (p = 0.000), trial a5 (p = 0.016); trial a6 (p = 0.000); trial a7 (delayed recall) (p = 0.001); total learning (p = 0.011); and retroactive interference (p = 0.048). CFT, MAC-Q, and TMT scores improved but group differences were not significant. Bacopa versus placebo caused gastrointestinal tract (GIT) side-effects. Bacopa significantly improved memory acquisition and retention in healthy older Australians. This concurs with previous findings and traditional use. Bacopa caused GIT side-effects of increased stool frequency, abdominal cramps, and nausea.

A Preliminary Study on the Feasibility of Using a Virtual Reality Cognitive Training Application for Remote Detection of Mild Cognitive Impairment.

PubMed

Zygouris, Stelios; Ntovas, Konstantinos; Giakoumis, Dimitrios; Votis, Konstantinos; Doumpoulakis, Stefanos; Segkouli, Sofia; Karagiannidis, Charalampos; Tzovaras, Dimitrios; Tsolaki, Magda

2017-01-01

It has been demonstrated that virtual reality (VR) applications can be used for the detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The aim of this study is to provide a preliminary investigation on whether a VR cognitive training application can be used to detect MCI in persons using the application at home without the help of an examiner. Two groups, one of healthy older adults (n = 6) and one of MCI patients (n = 6) were recruited from Thessaloniki day centers for cognitive disorders and provided with a tablet PC with custom software enabling the self-administration of the Virtual Super Market (VSM) cognitive training exercise. The average performance (from 20 administrations of the exercise) of the two groups was compared and was also correlated with performance in established neuropsychological tests. Average performance in terms of duration to complete the given exercise differed significantly between healthy(μ  = 247.41 s/ sd = 89.006) and MCI (μ= 454.52 s/ sd = 177.604) groups, yielding a correct classification rate of 91.8% with a sensitivity and specificity of 94% and 89% respectively for MCI detection. Average performance also correlated significantly with performance in Functional Cognitive Assessment Scale (FUCAS), Test of Everyday Attention (TEA), and Rey Osterrieth Complex Figure test (ROCFT). The VR application exhibited very high accuracy in detecting MCI while all participants were able to operate the tablet and application on their own. Diagnostic accuracy was improved compared to a previous study using data from only one administration of the exercise. The results of the present study suggest that remote MCI detection through VR applications can be feasible.

Aberrant Interhemispheric Connectivity in Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome.

PubMed

Liu, Yu-Ting; Zhang, Hui-Xin; Li, Hui-Jun; Chen, Ting; Huang, Ya-Qing; Zhang, Lian; Huang, Zhi-Chun; Liu, Bin; Yang, Ming

2018-01-01

To determine the changes in interhemispheric functional coordination in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) relative to controls, using a recently introduced method of analysis: voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC). Twenty-nine patients with OSAHS and twenty-six normal sex-, age-, and education-matched controls were recruited and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were obtained. We employed VMHC to analyze the interhemispheric functional connectivity differences between groups. The z -values of alterations in VMHC in brain region were correlated with clinical characteristics. Compared with controls, patients with OSAHS had significantly higher scores for body mass index ( t  = 5.749, P  < 0.001), apnea-hypopnea index (AHI; t  = 7.706, P  < 0.001), oxygen desaturation index ( t  = 6.041, P  < 0.001), and Epworth sleepiness scale ( t  = 3.711, P  < 0.001), but significantly lower scores on the Rey-Osterrieth complex figure test-immediate recall ( t  = -3.727, P  < 0.05). On the same basis, the VMHC showed significant increases in bilateral calcarine cortex and precuneus. Moreover, significant, positive correlations were found in only these areas between the AHI and the VMHC change coefficients ( r  = 0.399, P  = 0.032; r  = 0.378, P  = 0.043). We found a memory defect in patients with OSAHS. The correlation between the abnormal VMHC and the AHI in patients with OSAHS suggested that AHI might be a key factor in cognitive dysfunction, which might offer new insights into the neural pathophysiology underlying OSAHS-related cognitive deficits.

Exposure-response relationship and risk assessment for cognitive deficits in early welding-induced manganism.

PubMed

Park, Robert M; Bowler, Rosemarie M; Roels, Harry A

2009-10-01

The exposure-response relationship for manganese (Mn)-induced adverse nervous system effects is not well described. Symptoms and neuropsychological deficits associated with early manganism were previously reported for welders constructing bridge piers during 2003 to 2004. A reanalysis using improved exposure, work history information, and diverse exposure metrics is presented here. Ten neuropsychological performance measures were examined, including working memory index (WMI), verbal intelligence quotient, design fluency, Stroop color word test, Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure, and Auditory Consonant Trigram tests. Mn blood levels and air sampling data in the form of both personal and area samples were available. The exposure metrics used were cumulative exposure to Mn, body burden assuming simple first-order kinetics for Mn elimination, and cumulative burden (effective dose). Benchmark doses were calculated. Burden with a half-life of about 150 days was the best predictor of blood Mn. WMI performance declined by 3.6 (normal = 100, SD = 15) for each 1.0 mg/m3 x mo exposure (P = 0.02, one tailed). At the group mean exposure metric (burden; half-life = 275 days), WMI performance was at the lowest 17th percentile of normal, and at the maximum observed metric, performance was at the lowest 2.5 percentiles. Four other outcomes also exhibited statistically significant associations (verbal intelligence quotient, verbal comprehension index, design fluency, Stroop color word test); no dose-rate effect was observed for three of the five outcomes. A risk assessment performed for the five stronger effects, choosing various percentiles of normal performance to represent impairment, identified benchmark doses for a 2-year exposure leading to 5% excess impairment prevalence in the range of 0.03 to 0.15 mg/m3, or 30 to 150 microg/m3, total Mn in air, levels that are far below those permitted by current occupational standards. More than one-third of workers would be impaired after working 2 years at 0.2 mg/m3 Mn (the current threshold limit value).

The LIFE Cognition Study: design and baseline characteristics

PubMed Central

Sink, Kaycee M; Espeland, Mark A; Rushing, Julia; Castro, Cynthia M; Church, Timothy S; Cohen, Ronald; Gill, Thomas M; Henkin, Leora; Jennings, Janine M; Kerwin, Diana R; Manini, Todd M; Myers, Valerie; Pahor, Marco; Reid, Kieran F; Woolard, Nancy; Rapp, Stephen R; Williamson, Jeff D

2014-01-01

Observational studies have shown beneficial relationships between exercise and cognitive function. Some clinical trials have also demonstrated improvements in cognitive function in response to moderate–high intensity aerobic exercise; however, these have been limited by relatively small sample sizes and short durations. The Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) Study is the largest and longest randomized controlled clinical trial of physical activity with cognitive outcomes, in older sedentary adults at increased risk for incident mobility disability. One LIFE Study objective is to evaluate the effects of a structured physical activity program on changes in cognitive function and incident all-cause mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Here, we present the design and baseline cognitive data. At baseline, participants completed the modified Mini Mental Status Examination, Hopkins Verbal Learning Test, Digit Symbol Coding, Modified Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure, and a computerized battery, selected to be sensitive to changes in speed of processing and executive functioning. During follow up, participants completed the same battery, along with the Category Fluency for Animals, Boston Naming, and Trail Making tests. The description of the mild cognitive impairment/dementia adjudication process is presented here. Participants with worse baseline Short Physical Performance Battery scores (prespecified at ≤7) had significantly lower median cognitive test scores compared with those having scores of 8 or 9 with modified Mini Mental Status Examination score of 91 versus (vs) 93, Hopkins Verbal Learning Test delayed recall score of 7.4 vs 7.9, and Digit Symbol Coding score of 45 vs 48, respectively (all P<0.001). The LIFE Study will contribute important information on the effects of a structured physical activity program on cognitive outcomes in sedentary older adults at particular risk for mobility impairment. In addition to its importance in the area of prevention of cognitive decline, the LIFE Study will also likely serve as a model for exercise and other behavioral intervention trials in older adults. PMID:25210447

Cognitive impairments in poly-drug ketamine users.

PubMed

Liang, H J; Lau, C G; Tang, A; Chan, F; Ungvari, G S; Tang, W K

2013-11-01

Cognitive impairment has been found to be reversible in people with substance abuse, particularly those using ketamine. Ketamine users are often poly-substance users. This study compared the cognitive functions of current and former ketamine users who were also abusing other psychoactive substances with those of non-users of illicit drugs as controls. One hundred ketamine poly-drug users and 100 controls were recruited. Drug users were divided into current (n = 32) and ex-users (n = 64) according to the duration of abstinence from ketamine (>30 days). The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADSA) and the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS) were used to evaluate depression and anxiety symptoms and the severity of drug use, respectively. The cognitive test battery comprised verbal memory (Wechsler Memory Scale III: Logic Memory and Word List), visual memory (Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure, ROCF), executive function (Stroop, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, and Modified Verbal Fluency Test), working memory (Digit Span Backward), and general intelligence (Information, Arithmetic and Digit-Symbol Coding) tests. Current users had higher BDI and HADSA scores than ex-users (p < 0.001 for BDI and p = 0.022 for HADSA) and controls (p < 0.001 for BDI and p = 0.002 for HADSA). Ex-users had higher BDI (p = 0.006) but equal HADSA scores (p = 1.000) compared to controls. Both current and ex-users had lower scores on Logical Memory delayed recall (p = 0.038 for current users and p = 0.032 for ex-users) and ROCF delayed recall (p = 0.033 for current users and p = 0.014 for ex-users) than controls. Current users also performed worse on ROCF recognition than controls (p = 0.002). No difference was found between the cognitive functions of current and ex-users. Ketamine poly-drug users displayed predominantly verbal and visual memory impairments, which persisted in ex-users. The interactive effect of ketamine and poly-drug use on memory needs further investigation. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Preliminary findings on the reliability and validity of the Cantonese Birmingham Cognitive Screen in patients with acute ischemic stroke

PubMed Central

Pan, Xiaoping; Chen, Haobo; Bickerton, Wai-Ling; Lau, Johnny King Lam; Kong, Anthony Pak Hin; Rotshtein, Pia; Guo, Aihua; Hu, Jianxi; Humphreys, Glyn W

2015-01-01

Background There are no currently effective cognitive assessment tools for patients who have suffered stroke in the People’s Republic of China. The Birmingham Cognitive Screen (BCoS) has been shown to be a promising tool for revealing patients’ poststroke cognitive deficits in specific domains, which facilitates more individually designed rehabilitation in the long run. Hence we examined the reliability and validity of a Cantonese version BCoS in patients with acute ischemic stroke, in Guangzhou. Method A total of 98 patients with acute ischemic stroke were assessed with the Cantonese version of the BCoS, and an additional 133 healthy individuals were recruited as controls. Apart from the BCoS, the patients also completed a number of external cognitive tests, including the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test (MoCA), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Albert’s cancellation test, the Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Test, and six gesture matching tasks. Cutoff scores for failing each subtest, ie, deficits, were computed based on the performance of the controls. The validity and reliability of the Cantonese BCoS were examined, as well as interrater and test–retest reliability. We also compared the proportions of cases being classified as deficits in controlled attention, memory, character writing, and praxis, between patients with and without spoken language impairment. Results Analyses showed high test–retest reliability and agreement across independent raters on the qualitative aspects of measurement. Significant correlations were observed between the subtests of the Cantonese BCoS and the other external cognitive tests, providing evidence for convergent validity of the Cantonese BCoS. The screen was also able to generate measures of cognitive functions that were relatively uncontaminated by the presence of aphasia. Conclusion This study suggests good reliability and validity of the Cantonese version of the BCoS. The Cantonese BCoS is a very promising tool for the detection of cognitive problems in Cantonese speakers. PMID:26396522

Different effects of anterior temporal lobectomy and selective amygdalohippocampectomy on verbal memory performance of patients with epilepsy.

PubMed

Boucher, Olivier; Dagenais, Emmanuelle; Bouthillier, Alain; Nguyen, Dang Khoa; Rouleau, Isabelle

2015-11-01

The advantage of selective amygdalohippocampectomy (SAH) over anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) for the treatment of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) remains controversial. Because ATL is more extensive and involves the lateral and medial parts of the temporal lobe, it may be predicted that its impact on memory is more important than SAH, which involves resection of medial temporal structures only. However, several studies do not support this assumption. Possible explanations include task-specific factors such as the extent of semantic and syntactic information to be memorized and failure to control for main confounders. We compared preoperative vs. postoperative memory performance in 13 patients with SAH with 26 patients who underwent ATL matched on side of surgery, IQ, age at seizure onset, and age at surgery. Memory function was assessed using the Logical Memory subtest from the Wechsler Memory Scales - 3rd edition (LM-WMS), the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), the Digit Span subtest from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, and the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test. Repeated measures analyses of variance revealed opposite effects of SAH and ATL on the two verbal learning memory tests. On the immediate recall trial of the LM-WMS, performance deteriorated after ATL in comparison with that after SAH. By contrast, on the delayed recognition trial of the RAVLT, performance deteriorated after SAH compared with that after ATL. However, additional analyses revealed that the latter finding was only observed when surgery was conducted in the right hemisphere. No interaction effects were found on other memory outcomes. The results are congruent with the view that tasks involving rich semantic content and syntactical structure are more sensitive to the effects of lateral temporal cortex resection as compared with mesiotemporal resection. The findings highlight the importance of task selection in the assessment of memory in patients undergoing TLE surgery. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The edge complex: implicit memory for figure assignment in shape perception.

PubMed

Peterson, Mary A; Enns, James T

2005-05-01

Viewing a stepped edge is likely to prompt the perceptual assignment of one side of the edge as figure. This study demonstrates that even a single brief glance at a novel edge gives rise to an implicit memory regarding which side was seen as figure; this edge complex enters into the figure assignment process the next time the edge is encountered, both speeding same-different judgments when the figural side is repeated and slowing these judgments when the new figural side is identical to the former ground side (Experiments 1A and 1B). These results were obtained even when the facing direction of the repeated edge was mirror reversed (Experiment 2). This study shows that implicit measures can reveal the effects of past experience on figure assignment, following a single prior exposure to a novel shape, and supports a competitive model of figure assignment in which past experience serves as one of many figural cues.

Antigen size and charge in immune complex glomerulonephritis. II. Passive induction of immune deposits with dextran-anti-dextran immune complexes.

PubMed Central

Isaacs, K. L.; Miller, F.

1983-01-01

Utilizing dextrans of restricted sizes (10,000, 70,000, 500,000 daltons), modified with regard to charge (neutral, polycationic, polyanionic) and an anti-dextran murine IgA myeloma, W3129, the authors have examined a model that may be used in the study of the combined effect of size and charge on renal deposition of immune complexes. Polycationic DEAE dextran complexes, using the 10,000 dalton antigen, showed a mesangiocapillary pattern of deposition. The other antigens showed focal to diffuse mesangial localization of varying degree. This indicates the potential usefulness of this system in examining the factors important in glomerular immune injury. The relevance to other observations, importance of polysaccharide antigens, and role in circulating versus in situ or "planted" immune complex models are considered. Images Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 PMID:6190406

Interaction of murine intestinal mast cell proteinase with inhibitors (serpins) in blood; analysis by SDS-PAGE and western blotting.

PubMed Central

Irvine, J; Newlands, G F; Huntley, J F; Miller, H R

1990-01-01

The interaction of mouse intestinal mast cell proteinase (IMCP) with serine proteinase inhibitors (serpins) in blood was analysed: (i) by examining the capacity of the inhibitors in blood to block the binding of the irreversible serine esterase inhibitor [3H]diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP); (ii) by Western blotting. The binding of [3H]DFP to IMCP was blocked very rapidly by inhibitors in mouse serum and, by Western blotting, this inhibition was associated with the appearance of a 73,000 MW proteinase/inhibitor complex together with a series of higher (greater than 100,000) MW complexes. IMCP was not dissociated from these complexes when electrophoresed under reducing conditions, although prior heat treatment of mouse serum (60 for 30-160 min) abolished the formation of all proteinase/inhibitor complexes. Similarly, the activity of a 48,000 MW inhibitor of chymotrypsin was abolished by heat treatment. A titration experiment established that between 0.5 and 5 mg IMCP were inhibited per ml of serum. The properties and MW of the IMCP inhibitor complexes are typical of serpins and suggest that IMCP secreted during intestinal immunological reactions would be rapidly and irreversibly inactivated by plasma-derived inhibitors. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 PMID:2312150

A multi-factor Rasch scale for artistic judgment.

PubMed

Bezruczko, Nikolaus

2002-01-01

Measurement properties are reported for a combined scale of abstract and figurative artistic judgment aptitude items. Abstract items are synthetic, rule-based images from Visual Designs Test which implements a statistical algorithm to control design complexity and redundancy, and figurative items are canvas paintings in five styles, Fauvism, Post-Impressionism, Surrealism, Renaissance, and Baroque especially created for this research. The paintings integrate syntactic structure from VDT Abstract designs with thematic content for each style at four levels of complexity while controlling redundancy. Trained test administrators collected preference for synthetic abstract designs and authentic figurative art from 462 examinees in Johnson O'Connor Research Foundation testing offices in Boston, New York, Chicago, and Dallas. The Rasch model replicated measurement properties for VDT Abstract items and identified an item hierarchy that was statistically invariant between genders and generally stable across age for new, authentic figurative items. Further examination of the figurative item hierarchy revealed that complexity interacts with style and meaning. Sound measurement properties for a combined VDT Abstract and Figurative scale shows promise for a comprehensive artistic judgment construct.

Hydration of nucleic acid fragments: comparison of theory and experiment for high-resolution crystal structures of RNA, DNA, and DNA-drug complexes.

PubMed Central

Hummer, G; García, A E; Soumpasis, D M

1995-01-01

A computationally efficient method to describe the organization of water around solvated biomolecules is presented. It is based on a statistical mechanical expression for the water-density distribution in terms of particle correlation functions. The method is applied to analyze the hydration of small nucleic acid molecules in the crystal environment, for which high-resolution x-ray crystal structures have been reported. Results for RNA [r(ApU).r(ApU)] and DNA [d(CpG).d(CpG) in Z form and with parallel strand orientation] and for DNA-drug complexes [d(CpG).d(CpG) with the drug proflavine intercalated] are described. A detailed comparison of theoretical and experimental data shows positional agreement for the experimentally observed water sites. The presented method can be used for refinement of the water structure in x-ray crystallography, hydration analysis of nuclear magnetic resonance structures, and theoretical modeling of biological macromolecules such as molecular docking studies. The speed of the computations allows hydration analyses of molecules of almost arbitrary size (tRNA, protein-nucleic acid complexes, etc.) in the crystal environment and in aqueous solution. Images FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2 FIGURE 5 FIGURE 6 FIGURE 9 FIGURE 12 FIGURE 13 PMID:7542034

Optimal Periodic Control Theory.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-08-01

single pair of complex eigenvalues are restricted to the unit circle in the complex plane . This is shown by first applying the reciprocity property to a...figure 6.2a and for H in figure 6.2b. Traversing the right half plot of figure 6.1a in a counter-clockwise direction, beginning at the origin...respectively. Only the lower half of the plots are shown because this region provides the solutions of most interest to the optimal periodic control problem

Bioassay of complex mixtures derived from fossil fuels.

PubMed Central

Bingham, E; Barkley, W

1979-01-01

The conversion or processing of shale, coal, or petroleum involves elevated temperatures and altered pressures, and under these conditions polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons are likely to form. Certain compounds of this type exhibit carcinogenic activity for a variety of organ sites in experimental animals and epidemiological evidence strongly implicates their role as carcinogens in man. It is then not unexpected that many liquid fractions derived from shale and coal are carcinogenic when subjected to bioassay. Benzo(a)pyrene, [B(a)P], is frequently considered to be an indicator substance. It is clear that when a small quantity of B(a)P is present in a fraction, the fraction will exhibit carcinogenic activity in a bioassay (mouse skin). However, it does not follow that the lack of detectable B(a)P insures that the fraction will be noncarcinogenic. Several fractions have been analyzed for their content of B(a)P and then subjected to bioassay. A method for testing complex mixtures for their carcinogenic potential is described. The carcinogenic potency of these fractions are compared to petroleum fractions. Images FIGURE 1. FIGURE 2. FIGURE 3. FIGURE 4. FIGURE 5. FIGURE 6. FIGURE 7. FIGURE 8. FIGURE 9. PMID:446446

EEG signatures accompanying auditory figure-ground segregation

PubMed Central

Tóth, Brigitta; Kocsis, Zsuzsanna; Háden, Gábor P.; Szerafin, Ágnes; Shinn-Cunningham, Barbara; Winkler, István

2017-01-01

In everyday acoustic scenes, figure-ground segregation typically requires one to group together sound elements over both time and frequency. Electroencephalogram was recorded while listeners detected repeating tonal complexes composed of a random set of pure tones within stimuli consisting of randomly varying tonal elements. The repeating pattern was perceived as a figure over the randomly changing background. It was found that detection performance improved both as the number of pure tones making up each repeated complex (figure coherence) increased, and as the number of repeated complexes (duration) increased – i.e., detection was easier when either the spectral or temporal structure of the figure was enhanced. Figure detection was accompanied by the elicitation of the object related negativity (ORN) and the P400 event-related potentials (ERPs), which have been previously shown to be evoked by the presence of two concurrent sounds. Both ERP components had generators within and outside of auditory cortex. The amplitudes of the ORN and the P400 increased with both figure coherence and figure duration. However, only the P400 amplitude correlated with detection performance. These results suggest that 1) the ORN and P400 reflect processes involved in detecting the emergence of a new auditory object in the presence of other concurrent auditory objects; 2) the ORN corresponds to the likelihood of the presence of two or more concurrent sound objects, whereas the P400 reflects the perceptual recognition of the presence of multiple auditory objects and/or preparation for reporting the detection of a target object. PMID:27421185

Collaborative Research and Development (CR&D). Task Order 0061: Modeling Complex Structural Geometry and Process Interaction

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-05-01

a Titanium and Gamma-TiAl Alloy, JOM, September 2005, 50-54 4 Chapter 1 [ref3] Caton, M.J., Jha, S.K., Larsen, J.M., Rosenberger, A.H., TMS...Figure 5: Notch 3 strain distribution at 900MPa 25 Chapter 3 Figure 6 : Notch 3 inverse pole figure of local microstructure. Figure 7: Notch 4 ...showing the local grain structure Figure 6 : Local strain distribution at 986MPa calculated from 36 Chapter 4 Figure 7: Secondary electron

Time-resolved delayed luminescence image microscopy using an europium ion chelate complex.

PubMed Central

Marriott, G.; Heidecker, M.; Diamandis, E. P.; Yan-Marriott, Y.

1994-01-01

Improvements and extended applications of time-resolved delayed luminescence imaging microscopy (TR-DLIM) in cell biology are described. The emission properties of europium ion complexed to a fluorescent chelating group capable of labeling proteins are exploited to provide high contrast images of biotin labeled ligands through detection of the delayed emission. The streptavidin-based macromolecular complex (SBMC) employs streptavidin cross-linked to thyroglobulin multiply labeled with the europium-fluorescent chelate. The fluorescent chelate is efficiently excited with 340-nm light, after which it sensitizes europium ion emission at 612 nm hundreds of microseconds later. The SBMC complex has a high quantum yield orders of magnitude higher than that of eosin, a commonly used delayed luminescent probe, and can be readily seen by the naked eye, even in specimens double-labeled with prompt fluorescent probes. Unlike triplet-state phosphorescent probes, sensitized europium ion emission is insensitive to photobleaching and quenching by molecular oxygen; these properties have been exploited to obtain delayed luminescence images of living cells in aerated medium thus complementing imaging studies using prompt fluorescent probes. Since TR-DLIM has the unique property of rejecting enormous signals that originate from scattered light, autofluorescence, and prompt fluorescence it has been possible to resolve double emission images of living amoeba cells containing an intensely stained lucifer yellow in pinocytosed vesicles and membrane surface-bound SBMC-labeled biotinylated concanavalin A. Images of fixed cells represented in terms of the time decay of the sensitized emission show the lifetime of the europium ion emission is sensitive to the environment in which it is found. Through the coupling of SBMC to streptavidin,a plethora of biotin-based tracer molecules are available for immunocytochemical studies. Images FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2 FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4 FIGURE 5 FIGURE 6 FIGURE 7 PMID:7811952

Performance of Complex Spreading MIMO Systems With Interference

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-06-01

14 III. PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF DS -PSK MISO ...............................................15 A. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION...15 Figure 9. BER of DS PSK system for broadband jamming and diversity L=1. ..............20 Figure 10. BER of DS PSK system for...broadband jamming and diversity L=2. .............21 Figure 11. BER of DS PSK system for broadband jamming and diversity L=3. ..............22 Figure 12

EEG signatures accompanying auditory figure-ground segregation.

PubMed

Tóth, Brigitta; Kocsis, Zsuzsanna; Háden, Gábor P; Szerafin, Ágnes; Shinn-Cunningham, Barbara G; Winkler, István

2016-11-01

In everyday acoustic scenes, figure-ground segregation typically requires one to group together sound elements over both time and frequency. Electroencephalogram was recorded while listeners detected repeating tonal complexes composed of a random set of pure tones within stimuli consisting of randomly varying tonal elements. The repeating pattern was perceived as a figure over the randomly changing background. It was found that detection performance improved both as the number of pure tones making up each repeated complex (figure coherence) increased, and as the number of repeated complexes (duration) increased - i.e., detection was easier when either the spectral or temporal structure of the figure was enhanced. Figure detection was accompanied by the elicitation of the object related negativity (ORN) and the P400 event-related potentials (ERPs), which have been previously shown to be evoked by the presence of two concurrent sounds. Both ERP components had generators within and outside of auditory cortex. The amplitudes of the ORN and the P400 increased with both figure coherence and figure duration. However, only the P400 amplitude correlated with detection performance. These results suggest that 1) the ORN and P400 reflect processes involved in detecting the emergence of a new auditory object in the presence of other concurrent auditory objects; 2) the ORN corresponds to the likelihood of the presence of two or more concurrent sound objects, whereas the P400 reflects the perceptual recognition of the presence of multiple auditory objects and/or preparation for reporting the detection of a target object. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Synthesis of Stereoisomeric - Metal Complexes Using Phase-Transfer Catalysis and Photochemical Transforms.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-05-25

bonded arrangement (2) as depicted in Figure 1-1. Fe Fe.’. % V3 1 2 Figure I-1 Proposed Structures of Ferrocene In order to understand clearly the... phosphines (PR3) or methanol (CH3OH) results in the formation nf o-alkylmetal complexes (Scheme Ill-1, 1). If stable, further reaction of these

The Development of Ambiguous Figure Perception

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wimmer, Marina C.; Doherty, Martin J.

2011-01-01

Ambiguous figures have fascinated researchers for almost 200 years. The physical properties of these figures remain constant, yet two distinct interpretations are possible; these reverse (switch) from one percept to the other. The consensus is that reversal requires complex interaction of perceptual bottom-up and cognitive top-down elements. The…

Effects of orientation on Rey complex figure performance.

PubMed

Ferraro, F Richard; Grossman, Jennifer; Bren, Amy; Hoverson, Allysa

2002-10-01

An experiment was performed that examined the impact of stimulus orientation on performance on the Rey complex figure. A total of 48 undergraduates (24 men, 24 women) were randomly assigned to one of four Rey figure orientation groups (0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees ). Participants followed standard procedures for the Rey figure, initially copying it in whatever orientation group they were assigned to. Next, all participants performed a 15-20 min lexical decision experiment, used as a filler task. Finally, and unbeknownest to them, participants were asked to recall as much of the figure as they could. As expected, results revealed a main effect of Task (F = 83.92, p < .01), in which copy performance was superior to recall performance. However, the main effect for orientation was not significant, nor did orientation interact with task (Fs < .68, ps > .57). The results are important from an applied setting, especially if testing conditions are less than optimal and a fixed stimulus position is not possible (e.g., testing at the bedside).

Subsurface Optical Microscopy of Coarse Grain Spinels. Phase 1

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-12-01

A 456 nm LED line bar illuminated in figure 15 and a Xenon fiber optic bar illuminator is shown for figure 16. The optical in situ or subsurface ... imaging of coarse grain spinels and AlONs is optically more complex than expected. An overhead view of the side illumination field is shown in figure 20

Neural Correlates of Auditory Figure-Ground Segregation Based on Temporal Coherence.

PubMed

Teki, Sundeep; Barascud, Nicolas; Picard, Samuel; Payne, Christopher; Griffiths, Timothy D; Chait, Maria

2016-09-01

To make sense of natural acoustic environments, listeners must parse complex mixtures of sounds that vary in frequency, space, and time. Emerging work suggests that, in addition to the well-studied spectral cues for segregation, sensitivity to temporal coherence-the coincidence of sound elements in and across time-is also critical for the perceptual organization of acoustic scenes. Here, we examine pre-attentive, stimulus-driven neural processes underlying auditory figure-ground segregation using stimuli that capture the challenges of listening in complex scenes where segregation cannot be achieved based on spectral cues alone. Signals ("stochastic figure-ground": SFG) comprised a sequence of brief broadband chords containing random pure tone components that vary from 1 chord to another. Occasional tone repetitions across chords are perceived as "figures" popping out of a stochastic "ground." Magnetoencephalography (MEG) measurement in naïve, distracted, human subjects revealed robust evoked responses, commencing from about 150 ms after figure onset that reflect the emergence of the "figure" from the randomly varying "ground." Neural sources underlying this bottom-up driven figure-ground segregation were localized to planum temporale, and the intraparietal sulcus, demonstrating that this area, outside the "classic" auditory system, is also involved in the early stages of auditory scene analysis." © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press.

Interference-Fit-Fastener Investigation

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-09-01

Crack Initiation . .*. . . .* e . . .*. . . .*. 20 Figure 9. Actual and Predicted Fatigue Life Behavior of Notched Open Hole Plates for 2024 - T351 ... Aluminum (Reference 19) * .. . . . . . . . .. . 22 Figure 10. Gage I Strain Response With Cycles . . . . . . . . 24 Figure 11. Fatigue Damage - Life ... Fatigue Behavior", Effect of Environment and Complex Load History on Fatigue Life , ASTM STP 462, pp 74-91 (1970). (7) Grosskreutz, J. C., and Shaw, G. G

Novel Processing of Boron Carbide (B4C): Plasma Synthesized Nano Powders and Pressureless Sintering Forming of Complex Shapes

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-12-01

Figure 4. B4C plates formed via hot pressing with a curved shape. Commercial B4C shows a large number of lenticular graphitic inclusions, Figure 5...materials and they act as crack initiation points in flexure testing. Figure 5. SEM micrograph showing large lenticular graphitic inclusions in commercial

Early and Late Processes in Syllogistic Reasoning: Evidence from Eye-Movements

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Espino, Orlando; Santamaria, Carlos; Meseguer, Enrique; Carreiras, Manuel

2005-01-01

An eye-movement monitoring experiment was carried out to examine the effects of the difficulty of the problem (simple versus complex problems) and the type of figure (figure 1 or figure 4) on the time course of processing categorical syllogisms. The results showed that the course of influence for these two factors is different. We found early…

Contingency diagrams as teaching tools

PubMed Central

Mattaini, Mark A.

1995-01-01

Contingency diagrams are particularly effective teaching tools, because they provide a means for students to view the complexities of contingency networks present in natural and laboratory settings while displaying the elementary processes that constitute those networks. This paper sketches recent developments in this visualization technology and illustrates approaches for using contingency diagrams in teaching. ImagesFigure 2Figure 3Figure 4 PMID:22478208

Hidden Figures Tour Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-12-12

In the IMAX Theater of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Cast and crew members of the upcoming motion picture "Hidden Figures" participate in a question and answer session. From the left are Ted Melfi, writer and director of “Hidden Figures,” Octavia Spencer, who portrays Dorothy Vaughan in the film, Taraji P. Henson, who portrays Katherine Johnson, Pharrell Williams, musician and producer of “Hidden Figures," and Janelle Monáe, who portrays Mary Jackson. The movie is based on the book of the same title, by Margot Lee Shetterly. It chronicles the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who worked for NASA as human "computers.” Their mathematical calculations were crucial to the success of Project Mercury missions including John Glenn’s orbital flight aboard Friendship 7 in 1962. The film is due in theaters in January 2017.

Hidden Figures Tour Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-12-12

In the IMAX Theater of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Cast and crew members of the upcoming motion picture "Hidden Figures" participate in a question and answer session. From the left are Octavia Spencer, who portrays Dorothy Vaughan in the film, Taraji P. Henson, who portrays Katherine Johnson, Janelle Monáe, who portrays Mary Jackson, Pharrell Williams, musician and producer of “Hidden Figures," Ted Melfi, writer and director of “Hidden Figures,” center director Bob Cabana, and Janet Petro, deputy center director. The movie is based on the book of the same title, by Margot Lee Shetterly. It chronicles the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who worked for NASA as human "computers.” Their mathematical calculations were crucial to the success of Project Mercury missions including John Glenn’s orbital flight aboard Friendship 7 in 1962. The film is due in theaters in January 2017.

Tyrosine phosphorylation of P-selectin in intact platelets and in a disulphide-linked complex with immunoprecipitated pp60c-src.

PubMed Central

Modderman, P W; von dem Borne, A E; Sonnenberg, A

1994-01-01

P-selectin is a 140 kDa membrane glycoprotein found in secretory granules of platelets and endothelial cells where it is rapidly translocated to the plasma membrane upon cell activation. It then functions as a receptor for various types of leucocytes. Metabolic labelling of resting platelets with 32Pi showed that P-selectin is primarily phosphorylated on serine residues, although some tyrosine phosphorylation was observed as well. However, tyrosine phosphorylation of P-selectin was greatly stimulated by treatment with the permeating phosphatase inhibitor, pervanadate. When P-selectin immunoprecipitates were incubated with [gamma-32P]ATP (in vitro kinase assay), a fraction of P-selectin was phosphorylated on its tyrosine residues by a co-precipitated kinase. P-selectin phosphorylated in vitro co-migrated with 140 kDa surface-labelled 125I-P-selectin during SDS/PAGE under reducing conditions. Under non-reducing conditions, however, phosphorylated P-selectin was disulphide-linked to unknown protein(s) in a 205 kDa complex. In vitro kinase assays of the most abundant platelet tyrosine kinase, pp60c-src, demonstrated the presence of similar 140 and 205 kDa phosphorylated proteins in SDS/PAGE under reducing and non-reducing conditions respectively. Extraction and reprecipitation studies with proteins phosphorylated in vitro indicated that P-selectin and pp60c-src form a 205 kDa 1:1 disulphide-linked complex. In the complex, pp60c-src autophosphorylation is inhibited and P-selectin is phosphorylated on tyrosine residues. As protein disulphides in the cytoplasm of intact cells are extremely rare, our results suggest that P-selectin and pp60c-src, which co-localize in platelet dense granules, may be non-covalently associated and spontaneously form disulphide bridges during lysis. In addition, the observed tyrosine phosphorylation of P-selectin in intact platelets suggests that its function might be regulated by phosphorylation by pp60c-src. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 PMID:7514867

A Computer Graphics Human Figure Application Of Biostereometrics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fetter, William A.

1980-07-01

A study of improved computer graphic representation of the human figure is being conducted under a National Science Foundation grant. Special emphasis is given biostereometrics as a primary data base from which applications requiring a variety of levels of detail may be prepared. For example, a human figure represented by a single point can be very useful in overview plots of a population. A crude ten point figure can be adequate for queuing theory studies and simulated movement of groups. A one hundred point figure can usefully be animated to achieve different overall body activities including male and female figures. A one thousand point figure si-milarly animated, begins to be useful in anthropometrics and kinesiology gross body movements. Extrapolations of this order-of-magnitude approach ultimately should achieve very complex data bases and a program which automatically selects the correct level of detail for the task at hand. See Summary Figure 1.

The oculocerebrorenal syndrome gene product is a 105-kD protein localized to the Golgi complex.

PubMed Central

Olivos-Glander, I M; Jänne, P A; Nussbaum, R L

1995-01-01

The oculocerebrorenal syndrome of Lowe (OCRL) is a multisystem disorder affecting the lens, kidney, and CNS. The predicted amino acid sequence of the OCRL gene, OCRL-1, was used to develop antibodies against the OCRL-1 protein. Western blot analysis using affinity-purified serum against the amino terminus of the OCRL-1 gene product (ocrl-1) demonstrates a single protein of 105 kD in fibroblasts of a normal individual that is absent in fibroblasts of an OCRL patient who lacks OCRL-1 transcript. A single protein with the same electrophoretic mobility is found by western analysis in various human cultured cell lines, and approximately the same size protein is also found in all mouse tissues tested. Northern analysis of various human and mouse tissues demonstrate that OCRL-1 transcript is expressed in nearly all tissues examined. By immunofluorescence, the ocrl-1 antibody stains a juxtanuclear region in normal fibroblast cells, while no specific staining is evident in the OCRL patient who produces no transcript. Colocalization of the ocrl-1 protein to the Golgi complex was demonstrated using a known monoclonal antibody against a Golgi-specific coat protein, beta-COP (beta coatomer protein). Images Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 PMID:7573041

Hidden Figures Tour Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-12-12

In the IMAX Theater of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Cast and crew members of the upcoming motion picture "Hidden Figures" participate in a question and answer session. From the left are Ted Melfi, writer and director of “Hidden Figures,” and Octavia Spencer, who portrays Dorothy Vaughan in the film. The movie is based on the book of the same title, by Margot Lee Shetterly. It chronicles the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who worked for NASA as human "computers.” Their mathematical calculations were crucial to the success of Project Mercury missions including John Glenn’s orbital flight aboard Friendship 7 in 1962. The film is due in theaters in January 2017.

Structure Formation in Complex Plasma

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-08-24

Dewer bottle (upper figures) or in the vapor of liquid helium (lower figures). Liq. He Ring electrode Particles Green Laser RF Plasma ... Ring electrode CCD camera Prism mirror Liq. He Glass Tube Liq. N2 Glass Dewar Acrylic particles Gas Helium Green Laser CCD camera Pressure

Mammary gland neoplasia in long-term rodent studies.

PubMed Central

Russo, I H; Russo, J

1996-01-01

Breast cancer, the most frequent spontaneous malignancy diagnosed in women in the western world, is continuously increasing in incidence in industrialized nations. Although breast cancer develops in women as the result of a combination of external and endogenous factors such as exposure to ionizing radiation, diet, socioeconomic status, and endocrinologic, familial, or genetic factors, no specific etiologic agent(s) or the mechanisms responsible of the disease has been identified as yet. Thus, experimental models that exhibit the same complex interactions are needed for testing various mechanisms and for assessing the carcinogenic potential of given chemicals. Rodent mammary carcinomas represent such a model to a great extent because, in these species, mammary cancer is a multistep complex process that can be induced by either chemicals, radiation, viruses, or genetic factors. Long-term studies in rodent models have been particularly useful for dissecting the initiation, promotion, and progression steps of carcinogenesis. The susceptibility of the rodent mammary gland to develop neoplasms has made this organ a unique target for testing the carcinogenic potential of specific genotoxic chemicals and environmental agents. Mammary tumors induced by indirect- or direct-acting carcinogens such as 7, 12-dimethlbenz(a)anthracene or N-methyl-N-nitrosourea are, in general, hormone dependent adenocarcinomas whose incidence, number of tumors per animal, tumor latency, and tumor type are influenced by the age, reproductive history, and endocarinologic milieu of the host at the time of carcinogen exposure. Rodent models are informative in the absence of human data. They have provided valuable information on the dose and route of administration to be used and optimal host conditions for eliciting maximal tumorigenic response. Studies of the influence of normal gland development on the pathogenesis of chemically induced mammary carcinomas have clarified the role of differentiation in cancer initiation. Comparative studies with the development of the human breast and the pathogenesis of breast cancer have contributed to validate rodent-to-human extrapolations. However, it has not been definitively established what type of information is necessary for human risk assessment, whether currently toxicity testing methodologies are sufficient for fulfilling those needs, or whether treatment-induced tumorigenic responses in rodents are predictive of potential human risk. An alternative to the traditional bioassays are mechanism-based toxicology and molecular and cellular approaches, combined with comparative in vitro systems. These approaches might allow the rapid screen of chemicals for setting priorities for further studies to determine the dose-response relationship for chemical effects at low doses, to assess effects other than mutagenesis and/or tumorigenesis, or to establish qualitative and quantitative relationships of biomarkers to toxic effects. Until there is enough information on the predictive value of mechanism-based toxicology for risk assessment, this approach should be used in conjunction with and validated by the traditional in vivo long-term bioassays. Images Figure 1. Figure 2. Figure 3. Figure 4. Figure 5. Figure 6. Figure 7. A Figure 7. B Figure 8. A Figure 8. B Figure 9. Figure 10. Figure 11. Figure 12. Figure 13. Figure 14. Figure 15. Figure 16. Figure 17. Figure 18. Figure 19. Figure 20. Figure 21. Figure 22. Figure 23. Figure 24. Figure 25. Figure 26. PMID:8899375

Bioinspired, Mobile Robots With High Stability, Functionality and Low Cost

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-02-19

actuators with complex actuating modes (e.g., extending and multiple bending modes; Figure 5-3). Figure 5-1. (left panel) 3D printed molds...failure (e.g., cellulose , KevlarTM, polystyrene). We designed a two part mold (Figure 6-a) to pattern the exterior and interior pleating and then...variety of objects. The 3D molding technique used to fabricate this actuator, however, limits the pneumatic channel geometry. To achieve pneu-net

Dancing your moves away: How memory retrieval shapes complex motor action.

PubMed

Tempel, Tobias; Loran, Igor; Frings, Christian

2015-09-01

Human memory is subject to continuous change. Besides the accumulation of contents as a consequence of encoding new information, the accessing of memory influences later accessibility. The authors investigated how retrieval-related memory-shaping processes affect intentionally acquired complex motion patterns. Dance figures served as the material to be learned. The authors found that selectively retrieving a subset of dance moves facilitated later recall of the retrieved dance figures, whereas figures that were related to these but that did not receive selective practice suffered from forgetting. These opposing effects were shown in experiments with different designs involving either the learning of only 1 set of body movements or 2 sets of movements categorized into 2 dances. A 3rd experiment showed that selective restudy also entailed a recall benefit for restudied dance figures but did not induce forgetting for related nonrestudied dance figures. The results suggest that motor programs representing the motion patterns in a format closely corresponding to parameters of movement execution were affected. The reported experiments demonstrate how retrieval determines motor memory plasticity and emphasize the importance of separating restudy and retrieval practice when teaching people new movements. (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved).

Segregation and persistence of form in the lateral occipital complex.

PubMed

Ferber, Susanne; Humphrey, G Keith; Vilis, Tutis

2005-01-01

While the lateral occipital complex (LOC) has been shown to be implicated in object recognition, it is unclear whether this brain area is responsive to low-level stimulus-driven features or high-level representational processes. We used scrambled shape-from-motion displays to disambiguate the presence of contours from figure-ground segregation and to measure the strength of the binding process for shapes without contours. We found persisting brain activation in the LOC for scrambled displays after the motion stopped indicating that this brain area subserves and maintains figure-ground segregation processes, a low-level function in the object processing hierarchy. In our second experiment, we found that the figure-ground segregation process has some form of spatial constancy indicating top-down influences. The persisting activation after the motion stops suggests an intermediate role in object recognition processes for this brain area and might provide further evidence for the idea that the lateral occipital complex subserves mnemonic functions mediating between iconic and short-term memory.

Cobalt Complexes as Antiviral and Antibacterial Agents

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

observed. Complex 26 has antibacterial activity against E. coli, S. aureus and Micrococcus lysodeikiticus, showing better growth inhibitory activity in...complexes exhibited activity towards E. coli, B. subtilis, S. aureus and Micrococcus lysodeikiticus. Figure 15. Selenium containing and

Automated Threshold Selection for Template-Based Sonar Target Detection

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-08-01

test based on the distribution of the matched filter correlations. From the matched filter output we evaluate target sized areas and surrounding...synthetic aperture sonar data that were part of the evaluation . Figure 3 shows a nearly uniform seafloor. Figure 4 is more complex, with

META II Complex Systems Design and Analysis (CODA)

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-08-01

37  3.8.7  Variables, Parameters and Constraints ............................................................. 37  3.8.8  Objective...18  Figure 7: Inputs, States, Outputs and Parameters of System Requirements Specifications ......... 19...Design Rule Based on Device Parameter ....................................................... 57  Figure 35: AEE Device Design Rules (excerpt

Planning: Complex Endeavors

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-04-01

Figure 18: Achieving Self- Synchronization ................................154 Figure 19: Planning Maturity Model...and to leverage, shared awareness and understanding. Planning, a process that creates the necessary conditions for synchronizing actions and effects...cen- tric thinking holds that self- synchronization requires some level of shared awareness.6 In this case, that means cross-domain awareness as well

The Development of Peer Perception Systems in Childhood and Early Adolescence

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barratt, Barnaby B.

1977-01-01

During individual interviews, each of 64 subjects, aged 8 to 14, generated a peer perception grid in which 17 supplied figures were rated on 10 individually elicited bipolar concepts. Three aspects are examined: attributional characteristics of concepts, level of differentiation between peer figures, and organizational complexity of relations…

Not so Complex: Iteration in the Complex Plane

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

O'Dell, Robin S.

2014-01-01

The simple process of iteration can produce complex and beautiful figures. In this article, Robin O'Dell presents a set of tasks requiring students to use the geometric interpretation of complex number multiplication to construct linear iteration rules. When the outputs are plotted in the complex plane, the graphs trace pleasing designs…

Figure-ground discrimination in the avian brain: the nucleus rotundus and its inhibitory complex.

PubMed

Acerbo, Martin J; Lazareva, Olga F; McInnerney, John; Leiker, Emily; Wasserman, Edward A; Poremba, Amy

2012-10-01

In primates, neurons sensitive to figure-ground status are located in striate cortex (area V1) and extrastriate cortex (area V2). Although much is known about the anatomical structure and connectivity of the avian visual pathway, the functional organization of the avian brain remains largely unexplored. To pinpoint the areas associated with figure-ground segregation in the avian brain, we used a radioactively labeled glucose analog to compare differences in glucose uptake after figure-ground, color, and shape discriminations. We also included a control group that received food on a variable-interval schedule, but was not required to learn a visual discrimination. Although the discrimination task depended on group assignment, the stimulus displays were identical for all three experimental groups, ensuring that all animals were exposed to the same visual input. Our analysis concentrated on the primary thalamic nucleus associated with visual processing, the nucleus rotundus (Rt), and two nuclei providing regulatory feedback, the pretectum (PT) and the nucleus subpretectalis/interstitio-pretecto-subpretectalis complex (SP/IPS). We found that figure-ground discrimination was associated with strong and nonlateralized activity of Rt and SP/IPS, whereas color discrimination produced strong and lateralized activation in Rt alone. Shape discrimination was associated with lower activity of Rt than in the control group. Taken together, our results suggest that figure-ground discrimination is associated with Rt and that SP/IPS may be a main source of inhibitory control. Thus, figure-ground segregation in the avian brain may occur earlier than in the primate brain. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Figure-ground discrimination in the avian brain: The nucleus rotundus and its inhibitory complex

PubMed Central

Acerbo, Martin J.; Lazareva, Olga F.; McInnerney, John; Leiker, Emily; Wasserman, Edward A.; Poremba, Amy

2012-01-01

In primates, neurons sensitive to figure-ground status are located in striate cortex (area V1) and extrastriate cortex (area V2). Although much is known about the anatomical structure and connectivity of the avian visual pathway, the functional organization of the avian brain remains largely unexplored. To pinpoint the areas associated with figure-ground segregation in the avian brain, we used a radioactively labeled glucose analog to compare differences in glucose uptake after figure-ground, color, and shape discriminations. We also included a control group that received food on a variable-interval schedule, but was not required to learn a visual discrimination. Although the discrimination task depended on group assignment, the stimulus displays were identical for all three experimental groups, ensuring that all animals were exposed to the same visual input. Our analysis concentrated on the primary thalamic nucleus associated with visual processing, the nucleus rotundus (Rt), and two nuclei providing regulatory feedback, the pretectum (PT) and the nucleus subpretectalis/interstitio-pretecto-subpretectalis complex (SP/IPS). We found that figure-ground discrimination was associated with strong and nonlateralized activity of Rt and SP/IPS, whereas color discrimination produced strong and lateralized activation in Rt alone. Shape discrimination was associated with lower activity of Rt than in the control group. Taken together, our results suggest that figure-ground discrimination is associated with Rt and that SP/IPS may be a main source of inhibitory control. Thus, figure-ground segregation in the avian brain may occur earlier than in the primate brain. PMID:22917681

Ultrastructure of the synovial membrane in seronegative inflammatory arthropathies.

PubMed Central

Morris, C J; Farr, M; Hollywell, C A; Hawkins, C F; Scott, D L; Walton, K W

1983-01-01

The ultrastructure of the synovial membrane has been studied in 6 patients with seronegative inflammatory arthropathies: Reiter's (2), Crohn's (2), Whipple's (1) and Behçet's disease (1). The most striking changes were found in the synovial B cells, many containing abnormally large mitochondria with altered cristae surrounded by fibrillar material. Similar material was present in dilated endoplasmic reticulum which was the probable source of groups of extracellular fibrillar spheroidal bodies. The B cells also contained electron dense granular lysosomes of very variable size which, in common with the abnormal mitochondria, were often associated with bundles of orientated microfilaments and large golgi complexes. Light microscopy of the synovial membrane was consistent with an inflammatory arthritis, as were the high white cell counts in the synovial fluid. Systemic activity in the patients was indicated by raised ESR and C-reactive protein (CRP). Images Figure 1. Figure 2. Figure 3. Figure 4. Figure 5. A Figure 5. B PMID:6186810

Neural Correlates of Auditory Figure-Ground Segregation Based on Temporal Coherence

PubMed Central

Teki, Sundeep; Barascud, Nicolas; Picard, Samuel; Payne, Christopher; Griffiths, Timothy D.; Chait, Maria

2016-01-01

To make sense of natural acoustic environments, listeners must parse complex mixtures of sounds that vary in frequency, space, and time. Emerging work suggests that, in addition to the well-studied spectral cues for segregation, sensitivity to temporal coherence—the coincidence of sound elements in and across time—is also critical for the perceptual organization of acoustic scenes. Here, we examine pre-attentive, stimulus-driven neural processes underlying auditory figure-ground segregation using stimuli that capture the challenges of listening in complex scenes where segregation cannot be achieved based on spectral cues alone. Signals (“stochastic figure-ground”: SFG) comprised a sequence of brief broadband chords containing random pure tone components that vary from 1 chord to another. Occasional tone repetitions across chords are perceived as “figures” popping out of a stochastic “ground.” Magnetoencephalography (MEG) measurement in naïve, distracted, human subjects revealed robust evoked responses, commencing from about 150 ms after figure onset that reflect the emergence of the “figure” from the randomly varying “ground.” Neural sources underlying this bottom-up driven figure-ground segregation were localized to planum temporale, and the intraparietal sulcus, demonstrating that this area, outside the “classic” auditory system, is also involved in the early stages of auditory scene analysis.” PMID:27325682

Field Performance of Three-Phase Amorphous Metal Core Distribution Transformers at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-08-01

transformer core, such as loose or fractured core laminations . A sound level meter with an A- weighting frequency network was used for the...loaded on flatbed trucks as shown in Figure 2 and permanently installed at various sites throughout the Pearl Harbor complex. Figure 3 shows the final

2D Potential Theory using Complex Algebra: New Perspectives for Interpretation of Marine Magnetic Anomaly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Le Maire, P.; Munschy, M.

2017-12-01

Interpretation of marine magnetic anomalies enable to perform accurate global kinematic models. Several methods have been proposed to compute the paleo-latitude of the oceanic crust as its formation. A model of the Earth's magnetic field is used to determine a relationship between the apparent inclination of the magnetization and the paleo-latitude. Usually, the estimation of the apparent inclination is qualitative, with the fit between magnetic data and forward models. We propose to apply a new method using complex algebra to obtain the apparent inclination of the magnetization of the oceanic crust. For two dimensional bodies, we rewrite Talwani's equations using complex algebra; the corresponding complex function of the complex variable, called CMA (complex magnetic anomaly) is easier to use for forward modelling and inversion of the magnetic data. This complex equation allows to visualize the data in the complex plane (Argand diagram) and offers a new way to interpret data (curves to the right of the figure (B), while the curves to the left represent the standard display of magnetic anomalies (A) for the model displayed (C) at the bottom of the figure). In the complex plane, the effect of the apparent inclination is to rotate the curves, while on the standard display the evolution of the shape of the anomaly is more complicated (figure). This innovative method gives the opportunity to study a set of magnetic profiles (provided by the Geological Survey of Norway) acquired in the Norwegian Sea, near the Jan Mayen fracture zone. In this area, the age of the oceanic crust ranges from 40 to 55 Ma and the apparent inclination of the magnetization is computed.

Schur Stability Regions for Complex Quadratic Polynomials

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cheng, Sui Sun; Huang, Shao Yuan

2010-01-01

Given a quadratic polynomial with complex coefficients, necessary and sufficient conditions are found in terms of the coefficients such that all its roots have absolute values less than 1. (Contains 3 figures.)

On the generality of the topological theory of visual shape perception.

PubMed

Kanbe, Fumio

2013-01-01

This study used a series of six closely related experiments to examine whether individuals use topological structures to discriminate figures. Strict control was exerted over the selection of stimuli, which were a specific type of randomly generated lined figures that can be classified using isomorphic sets defined by graph theory. Any two figures within an isomorphic set possessed the same topological structure. The experiments described here used a same/different discrimination task with simultaneously presented pairs of figures: (a) identical pairs (Id pairs), in which each pair of figures had the same topological and superficial properties; (b) nonidentical and isomorphic pairs (Iso pairs), in which each pair had the same topological but different superficial properties; and (c) nonidentical and nonisomorphic pairs (Noniso pairs), in which each pair had different topological properties. Within these experiments I varied the conditions related to the intersecting line segments, presentation of points defining each figure, figure complexity, stimulus aspect ratios, and the parity of the total line-segment lengths between the figures in each pair. These variations showed that the latencies for making accurate discriminations were shorter for Noniso pairs than for Iso pairs, suggesting that individuals are sensitive to topology when distinguishing figures.

Recurrence Density Enhanced Complex Networks for Nonlinear Time Series Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Costa, Diego G. De B.; Reis, Barbara M. Da F.; Zou, Yong; Quiles, Marcos G.; Macau, Elbert E. N.

We introduce a new method, which is entitled Recurrence Density Enhanced Complex Network (RDE-CN), to properly analyze nonlinear time series. Our method first transforms a recurrence plot into a figure of a reduced number of points yet preserving the main and fundamental recurrence properties of the original plot. This resulting figure is then reinterpreted as a complex network, which is further characterized by network statistical measures. We illustrate the computational power of RDE-CN approach by time series by both the logistic map and experimental fluid flows, which show that our method distinguishes different dynamics sufficiently well as the traditional recurrence analysis. Therefore, the proposed methodology characterizes the recurrence matrix adequately, while using a reduced set of points from the original recurrence plots.

Stochastic correlative firing for figure-ground segregation.

PubMed

Chen, Zhe

2005-03-01

Segregation of sensory inputs into separate objects is a central aspect of perception and arises in all sensory modalities. The figure-ground segregation problem requires identifying an object of interest in a complex scene, in many cases given binaural auditory or binocular visual observations. The computations required for visual and auditory figure-ground segregation share many common features and can be cast within a unified framework. Sensory perception can be viewed as a problem of optimizing information transmission. Here we suggest a stochastic correlative firing mechanism and an associative learning rule for figure-ground segregation in several classic sensory perception tasks, including the cocktail party problem in binaural hearing, binocular fusion of stereo images, and Gestalt grouping in motion perception.

Configuration color vision tests: the interaction between aging and the complexity of figure-ground segregation.

PubMed

Stanford, T; Pollack, R H

1984-09-01

A cross-sectional study comparing response time and the percentage of items correctly identified in three color vision tests (Pflügertrident, HRR-AO pseudoisochromatic plates, and AO pseudoisochromatic plates) was carried out on 72 women (12 in each decade) ranging from ages 20 to 79 years. Overall, time scores increased across the age groups. Analysis of the correctness scores indicated that the AO pseudoisochromatic plates requiring the identification of numbers was more difficult than the other tests which consisted of geometric forms or the letter E. This differential difficulty increased as a function of age. There was no indication of color defect per se which led to the conclusion that figure complexity may be the key variable determining performance. The results were similar to those obtained by Lee and Pollack (1978) in their study of the Embedded Figures Test.

Figure-Ground Organization in Visual Cortex for Natural Scenes

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Abstract Figure-ground organization and border-ownership assignment are essential for understanding natural scenes. It has been shown that many neurons in the macaque visual cortex signal border-ownership in displays of simple geometric shapes such as squares, but how well these neurons resolve border-ownership in natural scenes is not known. We studied area V2 neurons in behaving macaques with static images of complex natural scenes. We found that about half of the neurons were border-ownership selective for contours in natural scenes, and this selectivity originated from the image context. The border-ownership signals emerged within 70 ms after stimulus onset, only ∼30 ms after response onset. A substantial fraction of neurons were highly consistent across scenes. Thus, the cortical mechanisms of figure-ground organization are fast and efficient even in images of complex natural scenes. Understanding how the brain performs this task so fast remains a challenge. PMID:28058269

Metrics of Justice. A Sundial's Nomological Figuration.

PubMed

Behrmann, Carolin

2015-01-01

This paper examines a polyhedral dial from the British Museum made by the instrument maker Ulrich Schniep, and discusses the status of multifunctional scientific instruments. It discerns a multifaceted iconic meaning considering different dimensions such as scientific functionality (astronomy), the complex allegorical figure of Justice (iconography), and the representation of the sovereign (politics), the court and the Kunstkammer of Albrecht v of Bavaria. As a numen mixtum the figure of "Justicia" touches different fields that go far beyond pure astronomical measurement and represents the power of the ruler as well as the rules of economic justice.

Models for Aircrew Safety Assessment: Uses, Limitations and Requirements (la Modelisation des conditions de securite des equipages: applications, limitations et cahiers des charges)

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-08-01

immediately, re- ducing venous return artifacts during the first beat of the simulation. tn+1 - W+ on c+ / \\ W_ on c_ t 1 Xi-l Xi+1 Figure 4...s) Figure 5: The effect of network complexity. The aortic pressure is shown in Figure 5 during the fifth beat for the networks with one and three...Mechanical Engineering Department, Uni- versity of Victoria. [19] Huyghe J.M., 1986, "Nonlinear Finite Element Models of The Beating Left

Children's Understanding of Ambiguous Figures: Which Cognitive Developments Are Necessary to Experience Reversal

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Doherty, M.J.; Wimmer, M.C.

2005-01-01

In two experiments involving one hundred and thirty-eight 3- to 5-year-olds we examined the claim that a complex understanding of ambiguity is required to experience reversal of ambiguous stimuli [Gopnik, A., & Rosati, A. (2001). Duck or rabbit? Reversing ambiguous figures and understanding ambiguous representations. Developmental Science, 4,…

The Common Core State Standards' Quantitative Text Complexity Trajectory: Figuring out How Much Complexity Is Enough

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Williamson, Gary L.; Fitzgerald, Jill; Stenner, A. Jackson

2013-01-01

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) set a controversial aspirational, quantitative trajectory for text complexity exposure for readers throughout the grades, aiming for all high school graduates to be able to independently read complex college and workplace texts. However, the trajectory standard is presented without reference to how the…

From socialist principles to motorcycle maintenance: the origin and development of the salaried physician model in the Israeli Public Health Services, 1918 to 1998.

PubMed Central

Shvarts, S; de Leeuw, D L; Granit, S; Benbassat, J

1999-01-01

For more than 70 years, physicians in the Israeli health care system have been employed on a fixed salary rather than on a fee-for-service basis. The present report is a brief review of the origin and development of this unique salaried physician model and its effect on the terms of physicians' employment. Archival documents were reviewed. The salaried physician model was introduced to ensure egalitarian health care for patients rather than equal payment for physicians. It was accepted by physicians because it guaranteed their employment and income. However, over the years, the salaried physician model has evolved into a complex wage scale, with multiple fringe benefits that bypass formal agreements in order to reward individual physicians. In addition, the salaried physician model has encouraged illegal private practice, which is viewed today as one of the major problems of the Israeli Public Health Services. Images FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2 FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4 FIGURE 5 FIGURE 6 FIGURE 7 PMID:9949759

Globally inconsistent figure/ground relations induced by a negative part.

PubMed

Kim, Sung-Ho; Feldman, Jacob

2009-09-10

Figure/ground interpretation is a dynamic and complex process involving the cooperation and competition of a number of perceptual factors. Most research has assumed that figure/ground assignment is globally consistent along the entire contour of a single figure, meaning that the one side of each boundary is interpreted as figure along the entire length of the boundary, and the other side interpreted as ground. We investigated a situation that challenges this assumption, because local cues to figure/ground conflict with global cues: a "negative part," a contour region that appears locally convex but that the global form requires be concave. To measure figure/ground assignment, we use a new task based on local contour motion attribution that allows us to measure border ownership locally at points along the contour. The results from two experiments showed that the more salient a negative part is, the more border ownership tended to locally reverse within it, creating an inconsistency in figure/ground assignments along the contour. This suggests that border ownership assignment is not an all-or-none process, but rather a locally autonomous process that is not strictly constrained by global cues.

A Lamellar Complex of Lecithin and Poly-l-Tyrosine

PubMed Central

Giannoni, G.; Padden, F. J.; Roe, R. J.

1971-01-01

Complexes of poly-L-tyrosine (PT) with dipalmitoyllecithin, synthetic, (DPL) and with egg lecithin (EL) have been obtained by precipitation from methanol-water solutions. Chemical analysis indicates that both lecithins bind PT up to a limiting ratio of about 4 tyrosine residues/lecithin molecule. DPL-PT complexes have a lamellar structure closely resembling lecithin itself. In fact, DPL and DPL-PT lamellae have very nearly the same thickness as precipitated from methanol-water, although their swelling behavior on resuspension in pure water is different. The complexes crystallize in the form of hexagonal platelets, some monolayers and some with terraced spiral growths, with a thickness of 50-55 A. In X-ray and electron diffraction they yield sharp reflections at 4.14 A which are characteristic of hexagonal packing of phospholipid paraffinic chains. The order-disorder transition temperature of this crystalline lattice, determined by differential scanning calorimetry, is somewhat higher in the complex than in pure DPL. Physical models consistent with these observations are discussed. ImagesFIGURE 1 aFIGURE 1 b PMID:5134208

Pulmonary and generalized lysosomal storage induced by amphiphilic drugs.

PubMed Central

Hruban, Z

1984-01-01

Administration of amphiphilic drugs to experimental animals causes formation of myelinoid bodies in many cell types, accumulation of foamy macrophages in pulmonary alveoli and pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. These changes are the result of an interaction between the drugs and phospholipids which leads to an alteration in physicochemical properties of the phospholipids. Impairment of the digestion of altered pulmonary secretions in phagosomes of macrophages results in accumulation of foam cells in pulmonary alveoli. Impairment of the metabolism of altered phospholipids removed by autophagy induces an accumulation of myelinoid bodies. The administration of amphiphilic compounds thus causes pulmonary intra-alveolar histiocytosis which is a part of a drug-induced lysosomal storage or generalized lipidosis. The accumulation of drug-lipid complexes in myelinoid bodies and in pulmonary foam cells may lead to alteration of cellular functioning and to clinical disease. Currently over 50 amphiphilic drugs are known. Unique pharmacological properties necessitate clinical use of some of these drugs. The occurrence and severity of potential clinical side effects depend on the nature of each drug, dosage and duration of treatment, simultaneous administration of other drugs and foods, individual metabolic pattern of the patient and other factors. Further studies on factors preventing and potentiating adverse effects of amphiphilic drugs are indicated. Images FIGURE 1. FIGURE 2. FIGURE 3. FIGURE 4. FIGURE 5. FIGURE 6. FIGURE 7. FIGURE 8. FIGURE 9. FIGURE 10. PMID:6376111

Rey Figure Test with recognition trial: normative data for Lebanese adults.

PubMed

Darwish, Hala; Zeinoun, Pia; Farran, Natali; Fares, Souha

2018-06-12

This study aimed to provide normative data for four trials of the Rey figure Test - a complex design used to assess visuoconstructional abilities, aspects of visual memory, and aspects of executive functioning. Despite its frequent clinical and research use in the Arab region, published studies regarding the measures' adaptation or normative data remain absent. We administered the Rey figure on a convenience sample of Lebanese (n = 254) aged 30 years to 99. We examined the impact of relevant demographics, and found that age, gender, and years of education impacted scores, and norms were derived based on these variables. Such normative data for the Rey figure enhance its practicality and psychometric adequacy for use in research and clinical settings in Lebanon.

Application of Relational Contracting Methods to Federal Construction Projects

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-24

59 viii List of Figures Page Figure 1 Wittgenstein Model (Chan et al., 2010...a precise and comprehensive definition of the concept (Chan et al, 2010). Ludwig Wittgenstein argued that complex concepts are unable to be defined...recently, Chan et al. (2010) utilized the Wittgenstein concept and both of these previous researchers’ work to develop a model of the elements of

West Closure Complex Pump Intake Model, New Orleans, Louisiana

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-02-01

72  Figure 71. Velocities in Pump 12 intake, intake level = 2.0, only Pump 12 operating. Cross section looking downstream...intake level = 2.0, Pumps 11-13 operating. Cross -section looking downstream. Discharge = 1,740 cfs...73  Figure 73. Velocities in Pump 12 intake, intake level = 2.0, all 11 pumps operating. Cross - section looking downstream. Discharge

Scan patterns when viewing natural scenes: Emotion, complexity, and repetition

PubMed Central

Bradley, Margaret M.; Houbova, Petra; Miccoli, Laura; Costa, Vincent D.; Lang, Peter J.

2011-01-01

Eye movements were monitored during picture viewing and effects of hedonic content, perceptual composition, and repetition on scanning assessed. In Experiment 1, emotional and neutral pictures that were figure-ground compositions or more complex scenes were presented for a 6 s free viewing period. Viewing emotional pictures or complex scenes prompted more fixations and broader scanning of the visual array, compared to neutral pictures or simple figure-ground compositions. Effects of emotion and composition were independent, supporting the hypothesis that these oculomotor indices reflect enhanced information seeking. Experiment 2 tested an orienting hypothesis by repeatedly presenting the same pictures. Although repetition altered specific scan patterns, emotional, compared to neutral, picture viewing continued to prompt oculomotor differences, suggesting that motivationally relevant cues enhance information seeking in appetitive and defensive contexts. PMID:21649664

Emotional event-related potentials are larger to figures than scenes but are similarly reduced by inattention

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background In research on event-related potentials (ERP) to emotional pictures, greater attention to emotional than neutral stimuli (i.e., motivated attention) is commonly indexed by two difference waves between emotional and neutral stimuli: the early posterior negativity (EPN) and the late positive potential (LPP). Evidence suggests that if attention is directed away from the pictures, then the emotional effects on EPN and LPP are eliminated. However, a few studies have found residual, emotional effects on EPN and LPP. In these studies, pictures were shown at fixation, and picture composition was that of simple figures rather than that of complex scenes. Because figures elicit larger LPP than do scenes, figures might capture and hold attention more strongly than do scenes. Here, we showed negative and neutral pictures of figures and scenes and tested first, whether emotional effects are larger to figures than scenes for both EPN and LPP, and second, whether emotional effects on EPN and LPP are reduced less for unattended figures than scenes. Results Emotional effects on EPN and LPP were larger for figures than scenes. When pictures were unattended, emotional effects on EPN increased for scenes but tended to decrease for figures, whereas emotional effects on LPP decreased similarly for figures and scenes. Conclusions Emotional effects on EPN and LPP were larger for figures than scenes, but these effects did not resist manipulations of attention more strongly for figures than scenes. These findings imply that the emotional content captures attention more strongly for figures than scenes, but that the emotional content does not hold attention more strongly for figures than scenes. PMID:22607397

Quantitative Risk - Phase 1

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-03

SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S) 11 . SPONSOR/MONITOR’S REPORT NUMBER(S) 12. DISTRIBUTION... 11 Connecting technical risk and types of complexity...24 Figure 11 . Complexity evolution throughout the systems acquisition lifecycle ......................................... 25

Quantitative Risk - Phases 1 & 2

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-11-12

MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S) 11 . SPONSOR/MONITOR’S REPORT NUMBER(S) 12. DISTRIBUTION/AVAILABILITY... 11 Connecting technical risk and types of complexity...24 Figure 11 . Complexity evolution throughout the systems acquisition lifecycle

Planetary radar targets 1999 AP10, 2000 TO64, 2000 UJ1, and 2000 XK44: Four S-complex near-Earth asteroids.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hicks, M.; Lawrence, K.

2009-12-01

We report taxonomic classifications of four near-Earth asteroids (1999 AP10, 2000 TO64, 2000 UJ1, and 2000 XK44) scheduled for radar observation by the JPL radar group at the Arecibo facility in Oct-Nov 2009, using long-slit CCD spectroscopy acquired at the Palomar 5-m telescope on 2009 Nov 09 UT. Table 1 lists the observation circumstances. Normalized reflectance spectra are shown in Figures 1-4 [1]Determination of the order of substrate addition to MspI DNA methyltransferase using a novel mechanism-based inhibitor.

PubMed Central

Taylor, C; Ford, K; Connolly, B A; Hornby, D P

1993-01-01

The cloning and overexpression of the MspI DNA methyltransferase as a functional fusion with glutathione S-transferase is described. The fusion enzyme retains full biological activity and has been used to investigate the interaction of substrates and inhibitors with MspI DNA methyltransferase. The fusion enzyme has been purified to homogeneity in a single step on GSH-agarose and is free from contaminating exonuclease activity. The enzyme can be photolabelled with S-adenosyl-L-methionine and the level of incorporation of label is enhanced by the presence of a nonspecific DNA duplex. In the presence of a cognate oligodeoxynucleotide, no photolabelling was observed since methyl transfer occurs instead. The inclusion of a mechanism-based inhibitor of C-5 deoxycytidine DNA methylation (an oligodeoxynucleotide containing the base 2-pyrimidinone-1-beta-D-2'-deoxyribofuranoside in the position of the deoxycytidine to which methyl addition occurs), which is thought to form a covalent interaction with the reactive cysteine of such enzymes, led to an enhancement of S-adenosyl-L-methionine photolabelling which suggests that, in contrast with results obtained with EcoRII DNA methyltransferase [Som and Friedman (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 2937-2945], methylcysteine is not the photolabelled product. The implications of the results obtained with this mechanism-based inhibitor are discussed with respect to other C-5-specific DNA methyltransferases. Gel-retardation assays in the presence of cognate oligodeoxynucleotides that contain the reactive pyrimidinone base in place of the deoxycytidine target base are described. These demonstrate that most probably a stable covalent bond is formed between the methyltransferase and this oligodeoxynucleotide. However, the alternative of extremely tight non-covalent binding cannot be rigorously excluded. Furthermore, the results from these experiments indicate that the reaction mechanism proceeds in a manner similar to that of HhaI DNA methyltransferase with sequence-specific DNA binding being followed by addition of S-adenosyl-L-methionine and concomitant isomerization of the ternary complex leading to methyl transfer. S-Adenosyl-L-homocysteine appears to inhibit the reaction pathway as a result of either competition with the methyl donor and potentiation of a high-affinity interaction between the enzyme and DNA in an abortive ternary complex or through an allosteric interaction. Images Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 11 Figure 12 Figure 13 Figure 14 PMID:8484730

Hazard evaluation of chemicals that cause accumulation of alpha 2u-globulin, hyaline droplet nephropathy, and tubule neoplasia in the kidneys of male rats.

PubMed Central

Hard, G C; Rodgers, I S; Baetcke, K P; Richards, W L; McGaughy, R E; Valcovic, L R

1993-01-01

This review paper examines the relationship between chemicals inducing excessive accumulation of alpha 2u-globulin (alpha 2u-g) (CIGA) in hyaline droplets in male rat kidneys and the subsequent development of nephrotoxicity and renal tubule neoplasia in the male rat. This dose-responsive hyaline droplet accumulation distinguishes CIGA carcinogens from classical renal carcinogens. CIGA carcinogens also do not appear to react with DNA and are generally negative in short-term tests for genotoxicity, CIGA or their metabolites bind specifically, but reversibly, to male rat alpha 2u-g. The resulting complex appears to be more resistant to hydrolytic degradation in the proximal tubule than native, unbound alpha 2u-g. Single cell necrosis of the tubule epithelium, with associated granular cast formation and papillary mineralization, is followed by sustained regenerative tubule cell proliferation, foci of tubule hyperplasia in the convoluted proximal tubules, and renal tubule tumors. Although structurally similar proteins have been detected in other species, including humans, renal lesions characteristic of alpha 2u-g nephropathy have not been observed. Epidemiologic investigation has not specifically examined the CIGA hypothesis for humans. Based on cancer bioassays, hormone manipulation studies, investigations in an alpha 2u-g-deficient strain of rat, and other laboratory data, an increased proliferative response caused by chemically induced cytotoxicity appears to play a role in the development of renal tubule tumors in male rats. Thus, it is reasonable to suggest that the renal effects induced in male rats by chemicals causing alpha 2u-g accumulation are unlikely to occur in humans. Images FIGURE 1. FIGURE 2. FIGURE 3. FIGURE 4. FIGURE 5. FIGURE 6. FIGURE 7. FIGURE 8. FIGURE 9. FIGURE 10. FIGURE 11. FIGURE 12. FIGURE 13. PMID:7686485

Studies on the functional morphology and ecology of the atyid prawns of Dominica.

PubMed

Fryer, G

1977-02-25

Six species of atyid prawns, representing five genera, occur in streams on the West Indian island of Dominica (figures 1-6). The ecology and habits of each are described and the relation of features of gross morphology to ways of life noted. Xiphocaris elongata, the most primitive living atyid, is a lightly built prawn whose adult habits are related to life in quiet pools in streams. An agile species and an excellent swimmer, it picks up individual small food particles with specialized chelipeds (figures 18 and 19) that differ from those of all other atyids and manipulates them with mouthparts (figure 77) which, while highly complex, are more primitive than those described for any other member of the family. Atya innocous and A. scabra, representing perhaps the most specialized atyid genus, are very similar in gross morphology and are robustly built ambulatory species. A. innocous is common in a variety of situations: A. scabra is rare and has been found only in fast-flowing water. Both have chelipeds whose three distal segments are extremely specialized (figure 36) and whose propus and dactylus are armed with an exceedingly complex array of long, slender bristles. These can be used either as brushes for collecting finely particulate detritus (figures 58-60) or as filtering fans (figures 68 and 69) which, held passively in flowing water, extract suspended particles. The Atyidae is unique among the Malacostraca in having representatives that filter passively by means of the chelipeds. The bristles (figure 40) are extended (figure 49), not by muscles, of which there are none in the distal parts of the propus and none anywhere in the dactylus, but by hydraulic forces. The return of the bristles to rest is by means of a cuticular spring. Some of the bristles of A. innocous are armed distally with minute denticles (figures 41 and 42) that facilitate scraping and sweeping: no such are present in A. scabra. The difference is related to the relative importance of scraping in the two species: A. innocous scrapes frequently, A. scabra seldom. Finely particulate food is transferred and manipulated by the extremely complex oral machinery (figure 78). One of the most elaborate parts of this is a teaselling device in which components of the maxillae and first maxillipeds participate (figures 80 and 81). The feeding mechanism is described. Morphologically and functionally Micratya poeyi can be regarded as a miniature version of Atya. It can both sweep and filter. Potimirim glabra is rare in Dominica and its habits but little known. Morphologically it is similar to, but more primitive than, Micratya. Its cheliped bristles are clearly specialized for sweeping and show few signs of being used for passive filtration. Jonga serrei occupies a separate and well-defined niche in the quieter parts of streams. For this it shows many morphological specializations and lacks such attributes as stout claws and robust walking legs that are the hallmark of its relatives living in fast-flowing waters.

A Human Systems Integration Perspective to Evaluating Naval Aviation Mishaps and Developing Intervention Strategies

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-12-01

SWISS CHEESE ” MODEL........................................... 16 1. Errors and Violations...16 Figure 5. Reason’s Swiss Cheese Model (After: Reason, 1990, p. 208) ........... 20 Figure 6. The HFACS Swiss Cheese Model of...become more complex. E. REASON’S “ SWISS CHEESE ” MODEL Reason’s (1990) book, Human Error, is generally regarded as the seminal work on the subject

"Does Knowing Stuff like PSHE and Citizenship Make Me a Better Teacher?": Student Teachers in the Teacher Training Figuration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Velija, Philippa; Capel, Susan; Katene, Will; Hayes, Sid

2008-01-01

One of the key elements of figurational sociology is the emphasis on understanding complex networks of interdependencies in which people are involved. The focal point of this paper is the process of initial teacher training (ITT) and the relationships of which student teachers are part during their ITT course. The paper does not look at what…

Brain bases for auditory stimulus-driven figure-ground segregation.

PubMed

Teki, Sundeep; Chait, Maria; Kumar, Sukhbinder; von Kriegstein, Katharina; Griffiths, Timothy D

2011-01-05

Auditory figure-ground segregation, listeners' ability to selectively hear out a sound of interest from a background of competing sounds, is a fundamental aspect of scene analysis. In contrast to the disordered acoustic environment we experience during everyday listening, most studies of auditory segregation have used relatively simple, temporally regular signals. We developed a new figure-ground stimulus that incorporates stochastic variation of the figure and background that captures the rich spectrotemporal complexity of natural acoustic scenes. Figure and background signals overlap in spectrotemporal space, but vary in the statistics of fluctuation, such that the only way to extract the figure is by integrating the patterns over time and frequency. Our behavioral results demonstrate that human listeners are remarkably sensitive to the appearance of such figures. In a functional magnetic resonance imaging experiment, aimed at investigating preattentive, stimulus-driven, auditory segregation mechanisms, naive subjects listened to these stimuli while performing an irrelevant task. Results demonstrate significant activations in the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) and the superior temporal sulcus related to bottom-up, stimulus-driven figure-ground decomposition. We did not observe any significant activation in the primary auditory cortex. Our results support a role for automatic, bottom-up mechanisms in the IPS in mediating stimulus-driven, auditory figure-ground segregation, which is consistent with accumulating evidence implicating the IPS in structuring sensory input and perceptual organization.

Temporal dynamics of different cases of bi-stable figure-ground perception.

PubMed

Kogo, Naoki; Hermans, Lore; Stuer, David; van Ee, Raymond; Wagemans, Johan

2015-01-01

Segmentation of a visual scene in "figure" and "ground" is essential for perception of the three-dimensional layout of a scene. In cases of bi-stable perception, two distinct figure-ground interpretations alternate over time. We were interested in the temporal dynamics of these alternations, in particular when the same image is presented repeatedly, with short blank periods in-between. Surprisingly, we found that the intermittent presentation of Rubin's classical "face-or-vase" figure, which is frequently taken as a standard case of bi-stable figure-ground perception, often evoked perceptual switches during the short presentations and stabilization was not prominent. Interestingly, bi-stable perception of Kanizsa's anomalous transparency figure did strongly stabilize across blanks. We also found stabilization for the Necker cube, which we used for comparison. The degree of stabilization (and the lack of it) varied across stimuli and across individuals. Our results indicate, against common expectation, that the stabilization phenomenon cannot be generally evoked by intermittent presentation. We argue that top-down feedback factors such as familiarity, semantics, expectation, and perceptual bias contribute to the complex processes underlying the temporal dynamics of bi-stable figure-ground perception. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hidden Figures Tour Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-12-12

Cast and crew members of the upcoming motion picture "Hidden Figures" participate in a question and answer session at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. From the left are Pharrell Williams, musician and producer of “Hidden Figures," Taraji P. Henson, who portrays Katherine Johnson in the film, Janelle Monáe, who portrays Mary Jackson, and Octavia Spencer, who portrays Dorothy Vaughan. They are seated in front of the original consoles of the Mercury Mission Control room with the world map that was used to follow the path of capsules between tracking stations. The movie is based on the book of the same title, by Margot Lee Shetterly. It chronicles the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who worked for NASA as human "computers.” Their mathematical calculations were crucial to the success of Project Mercury missions including John Glenn’s orbital flight aboard Friendship 7 in 1962. The film is due in theaters in January 2017.

Scan patterns when viewing natural scenes: emotion, complexity, and repetition.

PubMed

Bradley, Margaret M; Houbova, Petra; Miccoli, Laura; Costa, Vincent D; Lang, Peter J

2011-11-01

Eye movements were monitored during picture viewing, and effects of hedonic content, perceptual composition, and repetition on scanning assessed. In Experiment 1, emotional and neutral pictures that were figure-ground compositions or more complex scenes were presented for a 6-s free viewing period. Viewing emotional pictures or complex scenes prompted more fixations and broader scanning of the visual array, compared to neutral pictures or simple figure-ground compositions. Effects of emotion and composition were independent, supporting the hypothesis that these oculomotor indices reflect enhanced information seeking. Experiment 2 tested an orienting hypothesis by repeatedly presenting the same pictures. Although repetition altered specific scan patterns, emotional, compared to neutral, picture viewing continued to prompt oculomotor differences, suggesting that motivationally relevant cues enhance information seeking in appetitive and defensive contexts. Copyright © 2011 Society for Psychophysiological Research.

Neural dynamics of feedforward and feedback processing in figure-ground segregation

PubMed Central

Layton, Oliver W.; Mingolla, Ennio; Yazdanbakhsh, Arash

2014-01-01

Determining whether a region belongs to the interior or exterior of a shape (figure-ground segregation) is a core competency of the primate brain, yet the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Many models assume that figure-ground segregation occurs by assembling progressively more complex representations through feedforward connections, with feedback playing only a modulatory role. We present a dynamical model of figure-ground segregation in the primate ventral stream wherein feedback plays a crucial role in disambiguating a figure's interior and exterior. We introduce a processing strategy whereby jitter in RF center locations and variation in RF sizes is exploited to enhance and suppress neural activity inside and outside of figures, respectively. Feedforward projections emanate from units that model cells in V4 known to respond to the curvature of boundary contours (curved contour cells), and feedback projections from units predicted to exist in IT that strategically group neurons with different RF sizes and RF center locations (teardrop cells). Neurons (convex cells) that preferentially respond when centered on a figure dynamically balance feedforward (bottom-up) information and feedback from higher visual areas. The activation is enhanced when an interior portion of a figure is in the RF via feedback from units that detect closure in the boundary contours of a figure. Our model produces maximal activity along the medial axis of well-known figures with and without concavities, and inside algorithmically generated shapes. Our results suggest that the dynamic balancing of feedforward signals with the specific feedback mechanisms proposed by the model is crucial for figure-ground segregation. PMID:25346703

Neural dynamics of feedforward and feedback processing in figure-ground segregation.

PubMed

Layton, Oliver W; Mingolla, Ennio; Yazdanbakhsh, Arash

2014-01-01

Determining whether a region belongs to the interior or exterior of a shape (figure-ground segregation) is a core competency of the primate brain, yet the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Many models assume that figure-ground segregation occurs by assembling progressively more complex representations through feedforward connections, with feedback playing only a modulatory role. We present a dynamical model of figure-ground segregation in the primate ventral stream wherein feedback plays a crucial role in disambiguating a figure's interior and exterior. We introduce a processing strategy whereby jitter in RF center locations and variation in RF sizes is exploited to enhance and suppress neural activity inside and outside of figures, respectively. Feedforward projections emanate from units that model cells in V4 known to respond to the curvature of boundary contours (curved contour cells), and feedback projections from units predicted to exist in IT that strategically group neurons with different RF sizes and RF center locations (teardrop cells). Neurons (convex cells) that preferentially respond when centered on a figure dynamically balance feedforward (bottom-up) information and feedback from higher visual areas. The activation is enhanced when an interior portion of a figure is in the RF via feedback from units that detect closure in the boundary contours of a figure. Our model produces maximal activity along the medial axis of well-known figures with and without concavities, and inside algorithmically generated shapes. Our results suggest that the dynamic balancing of feedforward signals with the specific feedback mechanisms proposed by the model is crucial for figure-ground segregation.

Ion beam figuring of Φ520mm convex hyperbolic secondary mirror

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meng, Xiaohui; Wang, Yonggang; Li, Ang; Li, Wenqing

2016-10-01

The convex hyperbolic secondary mirror is a Φ520-mm Zerodur lightweight hyperbolic convex mirror. Typically conventional methods like CCOS, stressed-lap polishing are used to manufacture this secondary mirror. Nevertheless, the required surface accuracy cannot be achieved through the use of conventional polishing methods because of the unpredictable behavior of the polishing tools, which leads to an unstable removal rate. Ion beam figuring is an optical fabrication method that provides highly controlled error of previously polished surfaces using a directed, inert and neutralized ion beam to physically sputter material from the optic surface. Several iterations with different ion beam size are selected and optimized to fit different stages of surface figure error and spatial frequency components. Before ion beam figuring, surface figure error of the secondary mirror is 2.5λ p-v, 0.23λ rms, and is improved to 0.12λ p-v, 0.014λ rms in several process iterations. The demonstration clearly shows that ion beam figuring can not only be used to the final correction of aspheric, but also be suitable for polishing the coarse surface of large, complex mirror.

Reservoir Analysis Model for Battlefield Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-05-01

courtesy of the Imperial War Museum; Figure 2 is used courtesy of Frederick A. Praeger, Inc.; Figures 7, 8, and 9 are used courtesy of the Society of...operational and tactical levels of war . Military commanders today are confronted with problems of unprecedented complexity that require the application of...associated with operating reservoir systems in theaters of war . Without these tools the planner stands little chance of maximizing the utilization of his water

Physical Model Study of Flowerpot Discharge Outlet, Western Closure Complex, New Orleans, Louisiana

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-05-01

FPDO ........................................................................................ 12  3  Flowerpot Model with Straight Pipe Immediately...used at downstream end of 90-degree elbow. .................... 23  Figure 18. 1:20.377-scale preliminary FPDO model showing 7-ft-long PVC pipe ...27  Figure 23. 1:20.377-scale preliminary model with 1.3 in. lip. The black material at base of pipe was a sealant used to

Broadband Impedance Microscopy for Research on Complex Quantum Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-02-08

function in various materials. Figure 2. Sensitivity limit of the broadband impedance microscope (BIM). Figure 3. Preliminary BIM data on YMnO3...2 Statement of the Problem The objective of this DURIP award is to construct a broadband impedance microscope (BIM) for frequency-dependent...platforms and specialized cantilever probes [1] in the PI’s lab, the BIM can now simultaneously obtain microscopic (10 – 100 nm) and quasi- spectroscopic

Health Care in Modern Cuba

PubMed Central

Campos-Outcalt, Douglas; Janoff, Edward

1980-01-01

An extensively organized, centrally controlled system, aimed at equalizing and improving the distribution and quality of medical services according to population and geography, characterizes the modern Cuban health care complex. Facilities of increasing sophistication are located in urban areas while an expanding series of ambulatory, multipotential polyclinics attempts to provide most health services in both urban and rural settings. Maternal and child care, immunization programs and other forms of preventive medicine represent major priorities for expenditures. Occupational health is increasingly understood as a valuable resource, and medical professionals on all levels are being trained in significant numbers for Cuba and its allies. ImagesFigure 1.Figure 2.Figure 3. PMID:7376666

A methodology to determine the elastic moduli of crystals by matching experimental and simulated lattice strain pole figures using discrete harmonics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wielewski, Euan; Boyce, Donald E.; Park, Jun-Sang

Determining reliable single crystal material parameters for complex polycrystalline materials is a significant challenge for the materials community. In this work, a novel methodology for determining those parameters is outlined and successfully applied to the titanium alloy, Ti-6Al-4V. Utilizing the results from a lattice strain pole figure experiment conducted at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source, an iterative approach is used to optimize the single crystal elastic moduli by comparing experimental and simulated lattice strain pole figures at discrete load steps during a uniaxial tensile test. Due to the large number of unique measurements taken during the experiments, comparisons weremore » made by using the discrete spherical harmonic modes of both the experimental and simulated lattice strain pole figures, allowing the complete pole figures to be used to determine the single crystal elastic moduli. (C) 2016 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.« less

Figures of Merit for Lunar Simulants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Slane, Frederick A.; Rickman, Douglas L.

2012-01-01

At an earlier SRR the concept for an international standard on Lunar regolith simulants was presented. The international standard, ISO 10788, Lunar Simulants, has recently been published. This paper presents the final content of the standard. Therefore, we are presenting an update of the following: The collection and analysis of lunar samples from 1969 to present has yielded large amounts of data. Published analyses give some idea of the complex nature of the regolith at all scales, rocks, soils and the smaller particulates commonly referred to as dust. Data recently acquired in support of NASA s simulant effort has markedly increased our knowledge and quantitatively demonstrates that complexity. It is anticipated that future analyses will further add to the known complexity. In an effort to communicate among the diverse technical communities performing research on or research using regolith samples and simulants, a set of Figures of Merit (FoM) have been devised. The objective is to allow consistent and concise comparative communication between researchers from multiple organizations and nations engaged in lunar exploration. This paper describes Figures of Merit in a new international standard for Lunar Simulants. The FoM methodology uses scientific understanding of the lunar samples to formulate parameters which are reproducibly quantifiable. Contaminants and impurities in the samples are also addressed.

SAP- FORTRAN STATIC SOURCE CODE ANALYZER PROGRAM (IBM VERSION)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Manteufel, R.

1994-01-01

The FORTRAN Static Source Code Analyzer program, SAP, was developed to automatically gather statistics on the occurrences of statements and structures within a FORTRAN program and to provide for the reporting of those statistics. Provisions have been made for weighting each statistic and to provide an overall figure of complexity. Statistics, as well as figures of complexity, are gathered on a module by module basis. Overall summed statistics are also accumulated for the complete input source file. SAP accepts as input syntactically correct FORTRAN source code written in the FORTRAN 77 standard language. In addition, code written using features in the following languages is also accepted: VAX-11 FORTRAN, IBM S/360 FORTRAN IV Level H Extended; and Structured FORTRAN. The SAP program utilizes two external files in its analysis procedure. A keyword file allows flexibility in classifying statements and in marking a statement as either executable or non-executable. A statistical weight file allows the user to assign weights to all output statistics, thus allowing the user flexibility in defining the figure of complexity. The SAP program is written in FORTRAN IV for batch execution and has been implemented on a DEC VAX series computer under VMS and on an IBM 370 series computer under MVS. The SAP program was developed in 1978 and last updated in 1985.

SAP- FORTRAN STATIC SOURCE CODE ANALYZER PROGRAM (DEC VAX VERSION)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Merwarth, P. D.

1994-01-01

The FORTRAN Static Source Code Analyzer program, SAP, was developed to automatically gather statistics on the occurrences of statements and structures within a FORTRAN program and to provide for the reporting of those statistics. Provisions have been made for weighting each statistic and to provide an overall figure of complexity. Statistics, as well as figures of complexity, are gathered on a module by module basis. Overall summed statistics are also accumulated for the complete input source file. SAP accepts as input syntactically correct FORTRAN source code written in the FORTRAN 77 standard language. In addition, code written using features in the following languages is also accepted: VAX-11 FORTRAN, IBM S/360 FORTRAN IV Level H Extended; and Structured FORTRAN. The SAP program utilizes two external files in its analysis procedure. A keyword file allows flexibility in classifying statements and in marking a statement as either executable or non-executable. A statistical weight file allows the user to assign weights to all output statistics, thus allowing the user flexibility in defining the figure of complexity. The SAP program is written in FORTRAN IV for batch execution and has been implemented on a DEC VAX series computer under VMS and on an IBM 370 series computer under MVS. The SAP program was developed in 1978 and last updated in 1985.

Brief report: human figure drawings by children with Asperger's syndrome.

PubMed

Lim, Hui Keow; Slaughter, Virginia

2008-05-01

Twenty-nine children with Asperger's syndrome and 28 typically developing children, matched on gender, chronological age and nonverbal IQ, were asked to produce a free drawing, then requested to draw a person, a house and a tree. The drawings were scored using standardized procedures for assessing accuracy, detail and complexity. There were no differences between the diagnostic groups on the tree or house drawing scores. The human figure drawing scores of children with Asperger's syndrome were significantly lower than those of the typically developing children, and there was a positive correlation between human figure drawing scores and communication sub-scores on the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales, for the Asperger's group. These results suggest that the selective deficit in generating human figure representations may derive from a relative lack of interest in the social world, and/or limited practice in drawing people.

Interhemispheric Resource Sharing: Decreasing Benefits with Increasing Processing Efficiency

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maertens, M.; Pollmann, S.

2005-01-01

Visual matches are sometimes faster when stimuli are presented across visual hemifields, compared to within-field matching. Using a cued geometric figure matching task, we investigated the influence of computational complexity vs. processing efficiency on this bilateral distribution advantage (BDA). Computational complexity was manipulated by…

Pre-operative planning and intra-operative guidance in modern neurosurgery: a review of 300 cases.

PubMed Central

Wadley, J.; Dorward, N.; Kitchen, N.; Thomas, D.

1999-01-01

Operative neurosurgery has recently entered an exciting era of image guided surgery or neuronavigation and application of this novel technology is beginning to have a significant impact in many ways in a variety of intracranial procedures. In order to fully assess the advantages of image guided techniques over conventional planning and surgery in selected cases, detailed prospective evaluation has been carried out during the advanced development of an optically tracked neuronavigation system. Over a 2-year period, 300 operative neurosurgical procedures have been performed with the assistance of interactive image guidance, as well as the development of new software applications and hardware tools. A broad range of intracranial neurosurgical procedures were seen to benefit from image guidance, including 163 craniotomies, 53 interactive stereotactic biopsies, 7 tracked neuroendoscopies and 37 complex skull base procedures. The most common pathological diagnoses were cerebral glioma in 98 cases, meningioma in 64 and metastasis in 23. Detailed analysis of a battery of postoperative questions revealed benefits in operative planning, appreciation of anatomy, lesion location, safety of surgery and greatly enhanced surgical confidence. The authors believe that image guided surgical technology, with new developments such as those described, has a significant role to play in contemporary neurosurgery and its widespread adoption in practice will be realised in the near future. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 PMID:10615186

Quantifying female bodily attractiveness by a statistical analysis of body measurements.

PubMed

Gründl, Martin; Eisenmann-Klein, Marita; Prantl, Lukas

2009-03-01

To investigate what makes a female figure attractive, an extensive experiment was conducted using high-quality photographic stimulus material and several systematically varied figure parameters. The objective was to predict female bodily attractiveness by using figure measurements. For generating stimulus material, a frontal-view photograph of a woman with normal body proportions was taken. Using morphing software, 243 variations of this photograph were produced by systematically manipulating the following features: weight, hip width, waist width, bust size, and leg length. More than 34,000 people participated in the web-based experiment and judged the attractiveness of the figures. All of the altered figures were measured (e.g., bust width, underbust width, waist width, hip width, and so on). Based on these measurements, ratios were calculated (e.g., waist-to-hip ratio). A multiple regression analysis was designed to predict the attractiveness rank of a figure by using figure measurements. The results show that the attractiveness of a woman's figure may be predicted by using her body measurements. The regression analysis explains a variance of 80 percent. Important predictors are bust-to-underbust ratio, bust-to-waist ratio, waist-to-hip ratio, and an androgyny index (an indicator of a typical female body). The study shows that the attractiveness of a female figure is the result of complex interactions of numerous factors. It affirms the importance of viewing the appearance of a bodily feature in the context of other bodily features when performing preoperative analysis. Based on the standardized beta-weights of the regression model, the relative importance of figure parameters in context of preoperative analysis is discussed.

Progress on high-performance rapid prototype aluminum mirrors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woodard, Kenneth S.; Myrick, Bruce H.

2017-05-01

Near net shape parts can be produced using some very old processes (investment casting) and the relatively new direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) process. These processes have significant advantages for complex blank lightweighting and costs but are not inherently suited for producing high performance mirrors. The DMLS process can provide extremely complex lightweight structures but the high residual stresses left in the material results in unstable mirror figure retention. Although not to the extreme intricacy of DMLS, investment casting can also provide complex lightweight structures at considerably lower costs than DMLS and even conventional wrought mirror blanks but the less than 100% density for casting (and also DMLS) limits finishing quality. This paper will cover the progress that has been made to make both the DMLS and investment casting processes into viable near net shape blank options for high performance aluminum mirrors. Finish and figure results will be presented to show performance commensurate with existing conventional processes.

Ingredients for Life (Artist's Concept)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2005-01-01

[figure removed for brevity, see original site] Figure 1: Artist's Conception Symbolically Represents Complex Organic Molecules

This artist's conception symbolically represents complex organic molecules, known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, seen in the early universe. These large molecules, comprised of carbon and hydrogen, are considered among the building blocks of life.

NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope is the first telescope to see polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons so early -- 10 billion years further back in time than seen previously. Spitzer detected these molecules in galaxies when our universe was one-fourth of its current age of about 14 billion years.

These complex molecules are very common on Earth. They form any time carbon-based materials are not burned completely. They can be found in sooty exhaust from cars and airplanes, and in charcoal broiled hamburgers and burnt toast.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are pervasive in galaxies like our own Milky Way, and play a significant role in star and planet formation.

Charge-transfer mechanism for electrophilic aromatic nitration and nitrosation via the convergence of (ab initio) molecular-orbital and Marcus-Hush theories with experiments.

PubMed

Gwaltney, Steven R; Rosokha, Sergiy V; Head-Gordon, Martin; Kochi, Jay K

2003-03-19

The highly disparate rates of aromatic nitrosation and nitration, despite the very similar (electrophilic) properties of the active species: NO(+) and NO(2)(+) in Chart 1, are quantitatively reconciled. First, the thorough mappings of the potential-energy surfaces by high level (ab initio) molecular-orbital methodologies involving extensive coupled-cluster CCSD(T)/6-31G optimizations establish the intervention of two reactive intermediates in nitration (Figure 8) but only one in nitrosation (Figure 7). Second, the same distinctive topologies involving double and single potential-energy minima (Figures 6 and 5) also emerge from the semiquantitative application of the Marcus-Hush theory to the transient spectral data. Such a striking convergence from quite different theoretical approaches indicates that the molecular-orbital and Marcus-Hush (potential-energy) surfaces are conceptually interchangeable. In the resultant charge-transfer mechanism, the bimolecular interactions of arene donors with both NO(+) and NO(2)(+) spontaneously lead (barrierless) to pi-complexes in which electron transfer is concurrent with complexation. Such a pi-complex in nitration is rapidly converted to the sigma-complex, whereas this Wheland adduct in nitrosation merely represents a high energy (transition-state) structure. Marcus-Hush analysis thus demonstrates how the strongly differentiated (arene) reactivities toward NO(+) and NO(2)(+) can actually be exploited in the quantitative development of a single coherent (electron-transfer) mechanism for both aromatic nitrosation and nitration.

Roles of hippocampal subfields in verbal and visual episodic memory.

PubMed

Zammit, Andrea R; Ezzati, Ali; Zimmerman, Molly E; Lipton, Richard B; Lipton, Michael L; Katz, Mindy J

2017-01-15

Selective hippocampal (HC) subfield atrophy has been reported in older adults with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. The goal of this study was to investigate the associations between the volume of hippocampal subfields and visual and verbal episodic memory in cognitively normal older adults. This study was conducted on a subset of 133 participants from the Einstein Aging Study (EAS), a community-based study of non-demented older adults systematically recruited from the Bronx, N.Y. All participants completed comprehensive EAS neuropsychological assessment. Visual episodic memory was assessed using the Complex Figure Delayed Recall subtest from the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). Verbal episodic memory was assessed using Delayed Recall from the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT). All participants underwent 3T MRI brain scanning with subsequent automatic measurement of the hemispheric hippocampal subfield volumes (CA1, CA2-CA3, CA4-dente gyrus, presubiculum, and subiculum). We used linear regressions to model the association between hippocampal subfield volumes and visual and verbal episodic memory tests while adjusting for age, sex, education, and total intracranial volume. Participants had a mean age of 78.9 (SD=5.1) and 60.2% were female. Total hippocampal volume was associated with Complex Figure Delayed Recall (β=0.31, p=0.001) and FCSRT Delayed Recall (β=0.27, p=0.007); subiculum volume was associated with Complex Figure Delayed Recall (β=0.27, p=0.002) and FCSRT Delayed Recall (β=0.24, p=0.010); CA1 was associated with Complex Figure Delayed Recall (β=0.26, p<0.002) and FCSRT Delayed Recall (β=0.20, p=0.025). Our findings confirm previous research on the specific roles of CA1 and subiculum in episodic memory. Our results suggest that hippocampal subfields have sensitive roles in the process of visual and verbal episodic memory. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Saccadic velocity measurements in strabismus.

PubMed Central

Metz, H S

1983-01-01

Traditional evaluation of strabismus has included cover test measurements, evaluation of the range of ocular rotations, and an array of subjective sensory tests. These studies could not always differentiate paresis of an extraocular muscle from restrictions and from various neuro-ophthalmic motility disorders. The measurement of horizontal and vertical saccadic movements can provide an objective test of rectus muscle function. Using EOG, saccades can be recorded easily, inexpensively, and repeatably at any age. In ocular muscle paresis or paralysis, saccadic speed is reduced mildly to markedly and can be used to monitor recovery. Assessment of saccadic velocity does not appear useful in evaluating superior oblique palsy, although it is valuable in sixth nerve palsy, Duane's syndrome, and third nerve palsy. When restrictions are the major cause of limited rotation, as in thyroid ophthalmopathy and orbital floor fracture, saccadic speed is unaffected. The induction of OKN or vestibular nystagmus is helpful in the study of children too young to perform voluntary saccadic movements. In patients with limitation of elevation or depression, this technique can separate innervational from mechanical causes of diminished rotation. The specific saccadic velocity pattern in myasthenia gravis, progressive external ophthalmoplegia, internuclear ophthalmoplegia, and Möbius' syndrome is helpful in differentiating these disorders from other neuroophthalmic motility problems. Transposition surgery of the rectus muscle is effective because of an increase in force, seen as an improvement in saccadic velocity and resulting from the change of insertion of the muscles. Saccadic velocities can also be of assistance in diagnosing a lost or disinserted muscle following surgery for strabismus. Although analysis of saccadic velocity is not required for the proper evaluation of all problems in strabismus and motility, it can be of inestimable value in the diagnosis of many complex and confusing disorders. Together with forced duction testing, a clinical profile can be obtained concerning muscle force and muscle and orbital restrictions, which are required information for appropriate surgical planning. Images FIGURE 25 FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2 FIGURE 5 FIGURE 6 FIGURE 10 FIGURE 11 FIGURE 12 FIGURE 13 FIGURE 16 FIGURE 18 FIGURE 19 FIGURE 28 FIGURE 29 FIGURE 43 FIGURE 44 PMID:6676980

Structures and Techniques For Implementing and Packaging Complex, Large Scale Microelectromechanical Systems Using Foundry Fabrication Processes.

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-06-01

switches 5-43 Figure 5-27. Mechanical interference between ’Pull Spring’ devices 5-45 Figure 5-28. Array of LIGA mechanical relay switches 5-49...like coating DM Direct metal interconnect technique DMD ™ Digital Micromirror Device EDP Ethylene, diamine, pyrocatechol and water; silicon anisotropic...mechanical systems MOSIS MOS Implementation Service PGA Pin grid array, an electronic die package PZT Lead-zirconate-titanate LIGA Lithographie

Project UNITY: Cross Domain Visualization Collaboration

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-10-18

location is at the Space Operations Coordination Center (UK-SPOCC) in High Wycombe, UK. Identical AFRL-developed ErgoWorkstations (see Figure 2) were...installed in both locations. The AFRL ErgoWorkstation is made up of a high performance Windows-based PC with three displays: two 30” Dell Cinema ...system can be seen in Figure 1. The intent of using identical hardware is to minimize complexity, to simplify debugging, and to provide an opportunity

Real-Time Measurement of Host Bioenergetics During Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Infection

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-05-01

antimycobacterial drugs on Mtb bioenergetics. We focused on Clofazimine (CFZ, targets Complex I), Bedaquiline (BDQ/TMC207, targets Complex V) and Q203 (targets... Complex III). Firstly we investigated the effect of CFZ and BDQ on the OCR profiles of Mtb mc2 6230 (Figure 3). These experiments were done in...addition with of CFZ. The decrease in OCR is consistent with ETC complex inhibition. BDQ caused a very surprising concentration-depended increase

Linear Dichroism Characteristics of Ethidium and Proflavine Supercoiled DNA Complexes

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-01-01

of Ethidium-and Proflavine -Supercoi led DNA Complexes CHARLES E. SWENBERG, 1 SUSAN E. CARBERRV, 2 * and NICHOLAS E. GEACINTOV’ SRadliationl Biochenitr...drug were stained with EB, photographed under uv light, molecules, EB and proflavine (PF) (Figure 1), and the bands were quantitated by densitometry

Peliosis hepatis and sinusoidal dilation during infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). An ultrastructural study.

PubMed Central

Scoazec, J. Y.; Marche, C.; Girard, P. M.; Houtmann, J.; Durand-Schneider, A. M.; Saimot, A. G.; Benhamou, J. P.; Feldmann, G.

1988-01-01

The description of hepatic sinusoidal lesions in a significant number of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients prompted the authors to undertake an ultrastructural study of the sinusoidal barrier abnormalities during human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, in order to compare these lesions with those described in other conditions and to discuss their possible origin. In a series of 29 patients with serologic evidence of HIV infection and liver abnormalities, 8 (28%) had sinusoidal lesions. Peliosis hepatis was present in 2 cases, and sinusoidal dilatation in 6. These patients were classified as follows: 3 AIDS, 4 AIDS-related complex, 1 unclassifiable. Ultrastructural lesions of the sinusoidal barrier were observed in all the cases. They closely mimicked the changes previously reported in peliotic and peliotic-like changes of various origins. A striking particularity was, however, the presence of numerous and hyperplastic sinusoidal macrophages. This work suggests that an injury of the endothelial cells, directly or indirectly related to the presence of HIV, may be incriminated in the pathogenesis of sinusoidal lesions during HIV infection. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 PMID:3354642

Software systems for modeling articulated figures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Phillips, Cary B.

1989-01-01

Research in computer animation and simulation of human task performance requires sophisticated geometric modeling and user interface tools. The software for a research environment should present the programmer with a powerful but flexible substrate of facilities for displaying and manipulating geometric objects, yet insure that future tools have a consistent and friendly user interface. Jack is a system which provides a flexible and extensible programmer and user interface for displaying and manipulating complex geometric figures, particularly human figures in a 3D working environment. It is a basic software framework for high-performance Silicon Graphics IRIS workstations for modeling and manipulating geometric objects in a general but powerful way. It provides a consistent and user-friendly interface across various applications in computer animation and simulation of human task performance. Currently, Jack provides input and control for applications including lighting specification and image rendering, anthropometric modeling, figure positioning, inverse kinematics, dynamic simulation, and keyframe animation.

Level II Documentation of Launch Complex 31/32, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-12-01

a mobile launcher tied down on the concrete pad, with a concrete flame bucket descending off one side of the surface area (Figure...pedestal (Figure 9). The complex’s Launch Pad 10 was a hex- agonal reinforced concrete surface with tie down points and a concrete flame bucket at its...fuel propel- lant.126 This allowed for rapid deployment, and for a more effective and less expensive weapon system . Technological advancements

Preliminary Analysis of Helicopter Options to Support Tunisian Counterterrorism Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-04-27

locations along roads and tracks in border areas, and small settlements in complex terrain (Figure 1, right; examples shown in Figure 2). Analysis For...political implications. In this preliminary analysis , we focus on the question of cost-effectiveness in the UH-60M’s primary role: Which alternative...platforms could perform the assault mission, and at what cost? The core of our analysis is detailed modeling of key “mission tasks” on a sortie-by-sortie

MEDICARE SUBVENTION DEMONSTRATION: DOD’s Pilot HMO Appealed to Seniors, Underscored Management Complexities

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-06-01

Senior Prime illustrated issues that arose in bringing older retirees into DOD managed care. A major change in health care arrangements for Medicare...including dependents) aged 65 and older could receive limited health care. DOD delivers care through about 600 MTFs worldwide. TRICARE covers a broad range of...Medicare Subvention Demonstration Sites 7 Table 2: Age -ins Were One-Fifth of Total Senior Prime Enrollment 12 Figures Figure 1: Features of the

"Extreme" or tariff sports: their injuries and their prevention (with particular reference to diving, cheerleading, gymnastics, and figure skating).

PubMed

Foley, E C; Bird, H A

2013-04-01

The interface between sports medicine and performing arts medicine is closest for "tariff" sports, where the sportsperson can select their own programme of varying difficulty with the more complex skills carrying potential for higher marks. Inevitably, some performers over-reach themselves. Examples of injuries and prevention strategies to avoid such injuries are discussed in a preliminary analysis of four sports: diving, cheerleading, gymnastics, and figure skating.

3D Modeling of Iran and Surrounding Areas From Simultaneous Inversion of Multiple Geophysical Datasets

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-01

which are primarily sensitive to upper crustal structures, are difficult to measure and especially true in tectonically and geologically complex areas...slice through the model (compare Figure 6 and Figure 9). The fit to the receiver function is not perfect and the spread of the slower deep crustal ...Although the final fit is certainly not perfect, note the improvement in timing of the main crustal conversion and reverberation (vertical lines) from the

The Fraser illusion: complex figures.

PubMed

Stuart, G W; Day, R H

1991-05-01

The cause of the Fraser illusion, which occurs when a line made up of tilted segments itself appears tilted, is examined further. In this series of experiments, we used figures that resembled the original Fraser illusion; they were more complex than those reported on in our previous paper (Stuart & Day, 1988). The figures were used to explore two theories of the Fraser illusion further: that it is the result of interactions between orientation selective units, and that it is a consequence of the local, distributed processing of orientation. The presence of background elements like those used in the original illusion led to an increase in the strength of the illusion, but the shape of these elements had no differential effect on illusion strength. There was a differential effect of the background on the assimilative and contrast illusions, owing respectively to small and large tilts of the inducing elements. The illusion was markedly reduced at small visual angles when the background was absent, but it was only slightly affected when the background was present. All these findings are difficult to explain in terms of interactions between single units, either at the same or at different scales in the image. The effects of luminance contrast and isoluminance on the illusion were not consistent with either theory, but they indicated that researchers need to consider the role of figure-ground organization in this illusion.

Mechanism of formation of subepithelial electron-dense deposits in active in situ immune complex glomerulonephritis.

PubMed Central

Kagami, S.; Kawakami, K.; Okada, K.; Kuroda, Y.; Morioka, T.; Shimizu, F.; Oite, T.

1990-01-01

The influences of the epitope density on cationic antigens on the fate of immune reactants and the formation of subepithelial electron dense deposits (EDD) were studied in a model of active in situ immune complex glomerulonephritis (ICGN), using a hapten-carrier system. Three weeks after immunization with trinitrophenol conjugated bovine serum albumin (TNP17.3-BSA), the left kidneys of rats were perfused with 500 micrograms of TNP6.2-cationized human immunoglobulin G (C-HIgG) or TNP31.3-C-HIgG. The renal tissues were then examined at intervals by light, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopies. The perfused kidneys of rats given high-valency antigens (TNP31.3) showed marked subepithelial EDDs with foot process retraction associated with proteinuria. In contrast, those of rats given low-valency antigens (TNP6.2) showed only small subepithelial EDDs beneath the slit membrane, which consisted of apparently normal epithelial cells, and did not develop proteinuria. Kinetic studies on immunofluorescence showed that glomerular depositions of immune reactants (TNP-carrier conjugate, rat IgG, and C3) were present longer in rats treated with high-valency antigens than in those treated with low-valency antigens. We conclude that the epitope density on cationic antigens strongly influences the retention of immune reactants and the formation of subepithelial EDDs, as well as development of glomerular injury. Images Figure 4 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 PMID:1690511

Mathematical figures.

PubMed

Fara, Patricia

2009-06-01

Renaissance philosophers believed that God had created a harmonious cosmos bonded together mathematically. This intellectual approach was also embraced by some artists, who incorporated complex numerical and geometrical symbolism within their portraits.

An empirically derived figure of merit for the quality of overall task performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lemay, Moira

1989-01-01

The need to develop an operationally relevant figure of merit for the quality of performance of a complex system such as an aircraft cockpit stems from a hypothesized dissociation between measures of performance and those of workload. Performance can be measured in terms of time, errors, or a combination of these. In most tasks performed by expert operators, errors are relatively rare and often corrected in time to avoid consequences. Moreover, perfect performance is seldom necessary to accomplish a particular task. Moreover, how well an expert performs a complex task consisting of a series of discrete cognitive tasks superimposed on a continuous task, such as flying an aircraft, does not depend on how well each discrete task is performed, but on their smooth sequencing. This makes the amount of time spent on each subtask of paramount importance in measuring overall performance, since smooth sequencing requires a minimum amount of time spent on each task. Quality consists in getting tasks done within a crucial time interval while maintaining acceptable continuous task performance. Thus, a figure of merit for overall quality of performance should be primarily a measure of time to perform discrete subtasks combined with a measure of basic vehicle control. Thus, the proposed figure of merit requires doing a task analysis on a series of performance, or runs, of a particular task, listing each discrete task and its associated time, and calculating the mean and standard deviation of these times, along with the mean and standard deviation of tracking error for the whole task. A set of simulator data on 30 runs of a landing task was obtained and a figure of merit will be calculated for each run. The figure of merit will be compared for voice and data link, so that the impact of this technology on total crew performance (not just communication performance) can be assessed. The effect of data link communication on other cockpit tasks will also be considered.

Ammonia release method for depositing metal oxides

DOEpatents

Silver, G.L.; Martin, F.S.

1994-12-13

A method is described for depositing metal oxides on substrates which is indifferent to the electrochemical properties of the substrates and which comprises forming ammine complexes containing metal ions and thereafter effecting removal of ammonia from the ammine complexes so as to permit slow precipitation and deposition of metal oxide on the substrates. 1 figure.

Language Muse: Automated Linguistic Activity Generation for English Language Learners

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Madnani, Nitin; Burstein, Jill; Sabatini, John; Biggers, Kietha; Andreyev, Slava

2016-01-01

Current education standards in the U.S. require school students to read and understand complex texts from different subject areas (e.g., social studies). However, such texts usually contain figurative language, complex phrases and sentences, as well as unfamiliar discourse relations. This may present an obstacle to students whose native language…

Neurobehavioral toxicology of pyrethroid insecticides

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Crofton, K.M.

1986-01-01

Pyrethroid insecticides are classified as either Type I or Type II based upon in vivo toxic signs, and neurophysiological and biochemical data. Both axonal sodium channels and the ..gamma..-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor complex have been proposed as the major site of action of the Type II pyrethroids. This investigation characterized the behavior and biochemical effects of low dosages of pyrethroids in rats. Type I and II pyrethroids were tested for effects on figure-eight maze activity and the acoustic startle response (ASR). All compounds decreased figure-eight maze activity. Interactions of Type I and II pyrethroids with the three major binding sitesmore » on the GABA complex were determined in vivo. Radioligand binding experiments assessed in vitro interactions of pyrethroids with the three major GABA-complex binding sites. None of the pyrethroids competed for (/sup 3/H)-muscimol or (/sup 3/H)-flunitrazepam binding. Only Type II pyrethroids inhibited binding of (/sup 35/S)-t-butylbicyclophosphorothionate (TBPS) in cortical synaptosome preparations with K/sub i/ values of 5 to 10 ..mu..M. The (/sup 35/S)-TBPS data implicate the TBPS/picrotoxinin binding site in the mechanism of Type II pyrethroid toxicity. The results of these experiments support the classification of pyrethroids into two classes, and demonstrate the utility of the figure-eight maze and the ASR in studies to elucidate neurotoxic mechanisms. The interaction of the Type II pyrethroids is probably restricted to the TBPS/picrotoxinin binding domain on the GABA complex as shown by both the in vivo and in vitro studies.« less

Uroplakins, specific membrane proteins of urothelial umbrella cells, as histological markers of metastatic transitional cell carcinomas.

PubMed Central

Moll, R.; Wu, X. R.; Lin, J. H.; Sun, T. T.

1995-01-01

Uroplakins (UPs) Ia, Ib, II, and III, transmembrane proteins constituting the asymmetrical unit membrane of urothelial umbrella cells, are the first specific urothelial differentiation markers described. We investigated the presence and localization patterns of UPs in various human carcinomas by applying immunohistochemistry (avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method), using rabbit antibodies against UPs II and III, to paraffin sections. Positive reactions for UP III (sometimes very focal) were noted in 14 of the 16 papillary noninvasive transitional cell carcinomas (TCCs) (88%), 29 of the 55 invasive TCCs (53%), and 23 of the 35 TCC metastases (66%). Different localization patterns of UPs could be distinguished, including superficial membrane staining like that found in normal umbrella cells (in papillary carcinoma), luminal (microluminal) membrane staining (in papillary and invasive carcinoma), and, against expectations, peripheral membrane staining (in invasive carcinoma). Non-TCC carcinomas of various origins (n = 177) were consistently negative for UPs. The presence of UPs in metastatic TCCs represents a prime example of even advanced tumor progression being compatible with the (focal) expression of highly specialized differentiation repertoires. Although of only medium-grade sensitivity, UPs do seem to be highly specific urothelial lineage markers, thus operating up interesting histodiagnostic possibilities in cases of carcinoma metastases of uncertain origin. Images Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 PMID:7485401

Progress in ion figuring large optics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Allen, L.N.

1995-12-31

Ion figuring is an optical fabrication method that provides deterministic surface figure error correction of previously polished surfaces by using a directed, inert and neutralized ion beam to physically sputter material from the optic surface. Considerable process development has been completed and numerous large optical elements have been successfully final figured using this process. The process has been demonstrated to be highly deterministic, capable of completing complex-shaped optical element configurations in only a few process iterations, and capable of achieving high-quality surface figure accuracy`s. A review of the neutral ion beam figuring process will be provided, along with discussion ofmore » processing results for several large optics. Most notably, processing of Keck 10 meter telescope primary mirror segments and correction of one other large optic where a convergence ratio greater than 50 was demonstrated during the past year will be discussed. Also, the process has been demonstrated on various optical materials, including fused silica, ULE, zerodur, silicon and chemically vapor deposited (CVD) silicon carbide. Where available, results of surface finish changes caused by the ion bombardment process will be discussed. Most data have shown only limited degradation of the optic surface finish, and that it is generally a function of the quality of mechanical polishing prior to ion figuring. Removals of from 5 to 10 {mu}m on some materials are acceptable without adversely altering the surface finish specularity.« less

Radiopharmaceuticals for imaging the heart

DOEpatents

Green, M.A.; Tsang, B.W.

1994-06-28

Radiopharmaceuticals for imaging myocardial tissues are prepared by forming lipophilic, cationic complexes of radioactive metal ions with metal chelating ligands comprising the Schiff base adducts of triamines and tetraamines with optionally substituted salicylaldehydes. The lipophilic, cationic, radioactive complexes of the invention exhibit high uptake and retention in myocardial tissues. Preferred gallium-68(III) complexes in accordance with this invention can be used to image the heart using positron emission tomography. 6 figures.

Success in Acquisition: Using Archetypes to Beat the Odds

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-01

Burnout and Turnover 49 5.7 Underbidding the Contract 52 5.8 Longer Begets Bigger 55 5.9 Robbing Peter to Pay Paul 58 5.10 “Happy Path” Testing 61...Causal Loop Diagram of “PMO vs. Contractor Hostility” 47 Figure 17: Causal Loop Diagram of “Staff Burnout and Turnover” 50 Figure 18: Causal Loop...backs to avoid Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and so on. People want to believe that there are straightforward solutions to complex and

Second Generation Organometallic Materials for Non-Linear Optical Application

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-05-26

University of Florida I . Project Objectives, Significance and Overview During the past several years in an AFOSR sponsored project our group has...Ar i PR3 rr\\3 PR 3 Pt—=— Ar- PRs n Pt-acetylide oligomer Pt-acetylide polymer Figure 1. Structure of platinum-acetylide materials. Work...Solvent - CH,C1 Energyu»» i /J Figure 9. Top: Structures of TPA-M complexes. Bottom: Nonlinear transmission for 10 and 20 mM, CH2C12 solutions of

Environmental Assessment for the Joint Advanced Weapons Scoring System Installation in the Oklahoma Range, Donnelly West Training Area, Alaska

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-06-01

complex, formally known as the Birch Creek Shist. Figure 3-3 – Proposed Donnelly Ridge Tower Site 3.1.4 Soils 3.1.4.1 The Delta Creek channel...in elevation, and fire history. Major vegetation types include white and black spruce coniferous forests; paper birch and poplar broadleaf forests...consists primarily of black spruce, dwarf birch , willow, sedges, and grasses (Figure 3-4). 3.2.2 Wildlife 3.2.2.1 The lands associated

The Coast Artillery Journal. Volume 86, Number 1, January-February 1943

DTIC Science & Technology

1943-02-01

the typing portion of the identincation system. Figure 3A portrays a ship that might be a freighter, passenger ship, or collier , as far as its typing...classified as type NOF-MKKM. Ships ’with engines aft may be coastal cargo vessels, colliers , ore carriers, or tankers. Figure 4A gives an example of a ship...of this class, which might be a cargo vessel, collier , or ore carrier. Of course, vessels as large and complex as modern merchantmen have distinguish

Environmental Assessment for the 920th Rescue Wing Beddown Patrick Air Force Base, Florida

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-10-01

covers approximately 2002 acres and is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Banana River on the west (see Figure 2). There is little...along the Atlantic Ocean (see Figure 1). From the dunes, the site gently slopes northwest toward the Banana River shoreline. Currently the 45th...920th RQW COMPLEX ATLANTIC OCEAN B A N A ..?,. BANANA RIVER .. , N "’ A LEGEND N011:: SOURCE: U.S.G.S. 7.5 MINUTE TOPOGRAPHIC

Intelligence in the Now: Robust Intelligence in Complex Domains

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-26

We have applied our model and the resulting search strategy for a mobile manipulator modeled on a Willow Garage PR2 robot. As shown in Figure 12...with them – the robot tries to move a handle to various target locations and observes the reached location. Figure 13 shows Willow Garage PR2 robot...Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA barragan@mit.edu, tlp@mit.edu, lpk@mit.edu Fig. 1. Willow Garage PR2 robot manipulating

An Evidence Theoretic Approach to Design of Reliable Low-Cost UAVs

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-07-28

given period. For complex systems with various stages of missions, “ success ” becomes hard to define. For a UAV, for example, is success defined as...For this reason, the proposed methods in this thesis investigate probability of failure (PoF ) rather than probability of success . Further, failure will...reduction in system PoF . Figure 25 illustrates this; a single component 43 (A) from the original system (Figure 25a) is modified to act in a subsystem with

Intelligent Analysis in the LOCATE Workspace Layout Tool

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-07-01

function values ~· Print colour cost displays. .... Figure 10. Consequence for System (Selt) Model of User Query in Figure 9. I I I I I I I I...as a model for other complex and many-featured applications. I I I I I I I I I I I 42 References Broadbent , G. (1988). Design in... models that provide ways of monitoring LOCATE’s understanding of what the user is doing, what he or she knows and how that information might be used to

Synthesis of New Inorganic and Organometallic Materials.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-04-23

15. 16. & 17 . Distribution Statement Approved for public release; distribution unlimited. 18. Supplementary, Note’s’ 19. Key Words .. t rganometallic...CarbametallIaboranes 12 2. Activation of Acetylenes and Olefins by Metal Complexes 16 (a) Nickel 16 (b) Molybdenum 17 (c) Platinum 24 3. Fluorocarbon...Figure 9).3 - CO / Pt -. . . Pt 4Ph ’ / C-Fe C C C0 0 oc-( I C- Co FIGURE 9. Possible mode for conversion C’,p - h 3 of the anion into the metal

Seismic Wave Generation and Propagation from Complex 3D Explosion Sources

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-04-28

notwithstanding any other provision of law , no person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does...filtered at 0.1 Hz. Rayleigh waves vary in amplitude with angle and a Love wave is generated. ............... 19 Figure 20. From Lambert , Flynn and...the calculation is based on Swanger’s Law , Q=β/10 where β is shear velocity. The calculated and observed waveforms at ELK are shown in Figure 11. The

Operationally efficient propulsion system study (OEPSS) data book. Volume 7; Launch Operations Index (LOI) Design Features and Options

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ziese, James M.

1992-01-01

A design tool of figure of merit was developed that allows the operability of a propulsion system design to be measured. This Launch Operations Index (LOI) relates Operations Efficiency to System Complexity. The figure of Merit can be used by conceptual designers to compare different propulsion system designs based on their impact on launch operations. The LOI will improve the design process by making sure direct launch operations experience is a necessary feedback to the design process.

Unmanned Three-Environment Vehicle (U3V)

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-08-01

calculations and complex geometries, the number of panels per partition will be greater than 400 . The only high-lift devices permitted in TORNADO are...from nose (Nm) Speed (kts) Take-off 12 20 = Weight 2,618 -36,130 63 Cruise 4 2 = Weight 2,104 -32,178 100 Underwater sprint -1.2 0 Negligible...illustrated in Figure 30. Figure 30 – Effective power against speed for a range of torpedo shaped UUVs 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 0.0

A Study of the Concept and Implementation of the Lead Systems Integrator in Defense Acquisitions

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-12-01

equips itself to fight U.S. adversaries. The Army has recognized that it needs to transform itself to conduct “full spectrum operations” ( Fetterman and...mountains and jungles” ( Fetterman and Plushnik 2). The Army describes the program as the most complex acquisition in its history because it involves...considered to be two additional systems; thus, it is dubbed “14+1+1” ( Fetterman ). Figure 1 shows all the systems in the FCS. 21 Figure 1. FCS Systems

Visual Information Processing Based on Spatial Filters Constrained by Biological Data.

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-12-01

was provided by Pantie and Sekuler ( 19681. They found that the detection (if gratings was affected most by adapting isee Section 6.1. 11 to square...evidence for certain eye scans being directed by spatial information in filtered images is given. Eye scan paths of a portrait of a young girl I Figure 08...multistable objects to more complex objects such as the man- girl figure of Fisher 119681, decision boundaries that are a natural concomitant to any pattern

Figures of Merit for Aeronautics Programs and Addition to NASA LARC Fire Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harper, Belinda M.

1995-01-01

This report accounts details of two research projects for the Langley Aerospace Research Summer Scholars (LARSS) program. The first project, with the Office of Mission Assurance, involved subjectively predicting the probable success of two aeronautics programs by means of a tool called a Figure of Merit. The figure of merit bases program success on the quality and reliability of the following factors: parts, complexity of research, quality programs, hazards elimination, and single point failures elimination. The second project, for the Office of Safety and Facilities Assurance, required planning, layouts, and source seeking for an addition to the fire house. Forecasted changes in facility layout necessitate this addition which will serve as housing for the fire fighters.

Bilateral lesions of nucleus subpretectalis/interstitio-pretecto-subpretectalis (SP/IPS) selectively impair figure-ground discrimination in pigeons.

PubMed

Scully, Erin N; Acerbo, Martin J; Lazareva, Olga F

2014-01-01

Earlier, we reported that nucleus rotundus (Rt) together with its inhibitory complex, nucleus subpretectalis/interstitio-pretecto-subpretectalis (SP/IPS), had significantly higher activity in pigeons performing figure-ground discrimination than in the control group that did not perform any visual discriminations. In contrast, color discrimination produced significantly higher activity than control in the Rt but not in the SP/IPS. Finally, shape discrimination produced significantly lower activity than control in both the Rt and the SP/IPS. In this study, we trained pigeons to simultaneously perform three visual discriminations (figure-ground, color, and shape) using the same stimulus displays. When birds learned to perform all three tasks concurrently at high levels of accuracy, we conducted bilateral chemical lesions of the SP/IPS. After a period of recovery, the birds were retrained on the same tasks to evaluate the effect of lesions on maintenance of these discriminations. We found that the lesions of the SP/IPS had no effect on color or shape discrimination and that they significantly impaired figure-ground discrimination. Together with our earlier data, these results suggest that the nucleus Rt and the SP/IPS are the key structures involved in figure-ground discrimination. These results also imply that thalamic processing is critical for figure-ground segregation in avian brain.

Integrin distributions in renal cell carcinomas of various grades of malignancy.

PubMed Central

Korhonen, M.; Laitinen, L.; Ylänne, J.; Koukoulis, G. K.; Quaranta, V.; Juusela, H.; Gould, V. E.; Virtanen, I.

1992-01-01

We studied 41 renal cell carcinomas, classified according to histologic grades G1 through G3, by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy using a panel of monoclonal antibodies (MAb) against various integrin subunits, and the basement membrane (BM) components laminin and collagen type IV. Selected cases also were immunostained using the avidin-biotin-complex method. The alpha 3 and beta 1 integrin subunits were detected in tumor cells of all the carcinomas. All G1 carcinomas, like normal tubular epithelial cells, expressed the alpha 6 subunit, whereas it was lacking in 20% and 40% of G2 and G3 carcinomas, respectively. Furthermore, when alpha 6 was expressed, a lack of basally polarized organization of the subunit, coupled with disorganization of the BM components, correlated with histologic grade. Another feature that appeared to characterize the more anaplastic tumors was their high level (80%) of the alpha v subunit expression as compared with its absence in the G1 carcinomas. Stromal myofibroblasts, identified by double-labeling with anti-myosin, were often characterized by the expression of the alpha 1, alpha 3, alpha 5 and beta 1 subunits. These results indicate that changes in integrin expression in renal cell carcinomas may be correlated with their degree of histologic malignancy. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 PMID:1443050

Preliminary investigation of visual attention to human figures in photographs: potential considerations for the design of aided AAC visual scene displays.

PubMed

Wilkinson, Krista M; Light, Janice

2011-12-01

Many individuals with complex communication needs may benefit from visual aided augmentative and alternative communication systems. In visual scene displays (VSDs), language concepts are embedded into a photograph of a naturalistic event. Humans play a central role in communication development and might be important elements in VSDs. However, many VSDs omit human figures. In this study, the authors sought to describe the distribution of visual attention to humans in naturalistic scenes as compared with other elements. Nineteen college students observed 8 photographs in which a human figure appeared near 1 or more items that might be expected to compete for visual attention (such as a Christmas tree or a table loaded with food). Eye-tracking technology allowed precise recording of participants' gaze. The fixation duration over a 7-s viewing period and latency to view elements in the photograph were measured. Participants fixated on the human figures more rapidly and for longer than expected based on the size of these figures, regardless of the other elements in the scene. Human figures attract attention in a photograph even when presented alongside other attractive distracters. Results suggest that humans may be a powerful means to attract visual attention to key elements in VSDs.

Hierarchical neural network model of the visual system determining figure/ground relation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kikuchi, Masayuki

2017-07-01

One of the most important functions of the visual perception in the brain is figure/ground interpretation from input images. Figural region in 2D image corresponding to object in 3D space are distinguished from background region extended behind the object. Previously the author proposed a neural network model of figure/ground separation constructed on the standpoint that local geometric features such as curvatures and outer angles at corners are extracted and propagated along input contour in a single layer network (Kikuchi & Akashi, 2001). However, such a processing principle has the defect that signal propagation requires manyiterations despite the fact that actual visual system determines figure/ground relation within the short period (Zhou et al., 2000). In order to attain speed-up for determining figure/ground, this study incorporates hierarchical architecture into the previous model. This study confirmed the effect of the hierarchization as for the computation time by simulation. As the number of layers increased, the required computation time reduced. However, such speed-up effect was saturatedas the layers increased to some extent. This study attempted to explain this saturation effect by the notion of average distance between vertices in the area of complex network, and succeeded to mimic the saturation effect by computer simulation.

Pharmacological manipulation of GABA activity in nucleus subpretectalis/interstitio-pretecto-subpretectalis (SP/IPS) impairs figure-ground discrimination in pigeons: Running head: SP/IPS in figure-ground segregation.

PubMed

Acerbo, Martin J; Lazareva, Olga F

2018-05-15

Figure-ground segregation is a fundamental visual ability that allows an organism to separate an object from its background. Our earlier research has shown that nucleus rotundus (Rt), a thalamic nucleus processing visual information in pigeons, together with its inhibitory complex, nucleus subpretectalis/interstitio-pretecto-subpretectalis (SP/IPS), are critically involved in figure-ground discrimination (Acerbo et al., 2012; Scully et al., 2014). Here, we further investigated the role of SP/IPS by conducting bilateral microinjections of GABAergic receptor antagonist and agonists (bicuculline and muscimol, respectively) and non-NMDA glutamate receptor antagonist (CNQX) after the pigeons mastered figure-ground discrimination task. We used two doses of each drug (bicuculline: 0.1 mM and 0.05 mM; muscimol: 4.4 mM and 8.8 mM; CNQX: 2.15 mM and 4.6 mM) in a within-subject design, and alternated drug injections with baseline (ACSF). The order of injections was randomized across birds to reduce potential carryover effects. We found that a low dose of bicuculline produced a decrement on figure trials but not on background trials, whereas a high dose impaired performance on background trials but not on figure trials. Muscimol produced an equivalent, dose-dependent impairment on both types of trials. Finally, CNQX had no consistent effect at either dose. Together, these results further confirm our earlier hypothesis that inhibitory projections from SP to Rt modulate figure-ground discrimination, and suggest that the Rt and the SP/IPS provide a plausible substrate that could perform figure-ground segregation in avian brain. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Scepticism and Doubt in Science and Science Education: The Complexity of Global Warming as a Socio-Scientific Issue

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bryce, Tom G. K.; Day, Stephen P.

2014-01-01

This article looks critically at the complexity of the debate among climate scientists; the controversies in the science of global temperature measurement; and at the role played by "consensus." It highlights the conflicting perspectives figuring in the mass media concerned with climate change, arguing that science teachers should be…

Confirmation of Non-Impacted Status (TA16-280 Complex)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ruedig, Elizabeth

2017-12-07

EPC-ES finds that the materials associated with TA16-280 complex (see Figure 1) are candidates for release to the public for recycle or as sanitary/commercial waste. This finding is consistent with the requirements of DOE Order 458.1 Radiation Protection of the Public and the Environment and LANL Policy 412 Environmental Radiation Protection.

How Stimulus and Task Complexity Affect Monitoring in High-Functioning Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koolen, Sophieke; Vissers, Constance Th. W. M.; Egger, Jos I. M.; Verhoeven, Ludo

2014-01-01

The present study examined whether individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are able to update and monitor working memory representations of visual input, and whether performance is influenced by stimulus and task complexity. 15 high-functioning adults with ASD and 15 controls were asked to allocate either elements of abstract figures or…

Finding of No Significant Impact and Finding of No Practicable Alternative Construction of a Warehouse Complex MacDill Air Force Base, Florida

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-05-31

that Federal agencies identify and assess environmental health and safety risks that might disproportionately affect children. The Proposed Action...extra water is sent to one irrigation field near Golf Course Avenue and Affected Environment Environmental Assessment for Warehouse Complex...the area . Environmental Consequences Environmental Assessment for Warehouse Complex MacDill AFB, Florida FEBRUARY 2010 4-15 FINAL Figure

USSR and Eastern Europe Scientific Abstracts, Cybernetics, Computers and Automation Technology, Number 35

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-09-12

the population. Only a socialist, planned economy can cope with such problems. However, the in- creasing complexity of the tasks faced’ by...the development of systems allowing man-machine dialogue does not decrease, but rather increase the complexity of the systems involved, simply...shifting the complexity to another sphere, where it is invisible to the human utilizing the system. Figures 5; refer- ences 3: 2 Russian, 1 Western

Alterations in protein glycosylation in PMA-differentiated U-937 cells exposed to mineral particles.

PubMed Central

Trabelsi, N; Greffard, A; Pairon, J C; Bignon, J; Zanetti, G; Fubini, B; Pilatte, Y

1997-01-01

Carbohydrate moieties of cell glycoconjugates play a pivotal role in molecular recognition phenomena involved in the regulation of most biological systems and the changes observed in cell surface carbohydrates during cell activation or differentiation frequently modulate certain cell functions. Consequently, some aspects of macrophage response to particle exposure might conceivably result from alterations in glycosylation. Therefore, the effect of mineral particles on protein glycosylation was investigated in phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-differentiated U-937. Jacalin, a lectin specific for O-glycosylated structures, showed a global increase in O-glycosylation in particle-treated cells. In contrast, no significant modifications were observed with concanavalin A, a lectin that recognizes certain N-glycosylated structures. The sialic acid-specific lectins Sambucus nigra agglutinin and Maackia amurensis agglutinin and the galactose-specific lectin Ricinus communis agglutinin revealed a complex pattern of alterations in glycoprotein glycosylation after crystalline silica or manganese dioxide treatments. Expression of sialyl Lewis(x), a glycosylated structure implicated in leukocyte trafficking, could not be detected in control or treated cells. This finding was consistent with the decrease in sialyl Lewis(x) expression observed during PMA-induced differentiation. In conclusion, various treatments used in this study induced quantitative as well as qualitative changes in protein glycosylation. Whether these changes are due to glycosidase release or to an alteration in glycosyltransferase expression remains to be determined. The potential functional implications of these changes are currently under investigation. Images Figure 1. A Figure 1. B Figure 2. A Figure 2. B Figure 3. A Figure 3. B Figure 3. C Figure 4. PMID:9400716

Carbohydrate Counting

MedlinePlus

... help you manage your blood glucose. It sounds complex, but with time you and your diabetes care team can figure out the right balance for you. How Much Carbohydrate? A great place to start may be to ...

Global optimization method based on ray tracing to achieve optimum figure error compensation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xiaolin; Guo, Xuejia; Tang, Tianjin

2017-02-01

Figure error would degrade the performance of optical system. When predicting the performance and performing system assembly, compensation by clocking of optical components around the optical axis is a conventional but user-dependent method. Commercial optical software cannot optimize this clocking. Meanwhile existing automatic figure-error balancing methods can introduce approximate calculation error and the build process of optimization model is complex and time-consuming. To overcome these limitations, an accurate and automatic global optimization method of figure error balancing is proposed. This method is based on precise ray tracing to calculate the wavefront error, not approximate calculation, under a given elements' rotation angles combination. The composite wavefront error root-mean-square (RMS) acts as the cost function. Simulated annealing algorithm is used to seek the optimal combination of rotation angles of each optical element. This method can be applied to all rotational symmetric optics. Optimization results show that this method is 49% better than previous approximate analytical method.

Ridges in Mars' south polar region

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

Complex of rectilinear intersecting ridges in the south polar region. This 20 x 14 km area image (frame 7908) is centered near 81.5 degrees south, 65 degrees west.

Figure caption from Science Magazine

Electrical manipulation of glycan-phosphatidyl inositol-tethered proteins in planar supported bilayers.

PubMed Central

Groves, J T; Wülfing, C; Boxer, S G

1996-01-01

Electric fields have been used to manipulate and concentrate glycan-phosphatidyl inositol (GPI)-tethered proteins in planar supported bilayers. Naturally GPI-linked CD48, along with engineered forms of I-Ek and B7-2, in which their transmembrane domains have been genetically replaced with the GPI linkage, were studied. The proteins were labeled with fluorescently tagged antibodies, allowing the electric field-induced behavior to be followed by epifluorescence microscopy. All three protein complexes were observed to migrate toward the cathode with the B7-2 and CD48, each tethered to the membrane by a single GPI linker, moving significantly faster than the I-Ek, which has two GPI linkers. Patterns scratched into the membrane function as barriers to lateral diffusion and were used to isolate the proteins into highly concentrated corrals. All field-induced concentration profiles were completely reversible, indicating that the supported bilayer provides a stable, fluid environment in which GPI-tethered proteins can be manipulated. The ability to electrically control the spatial distribution of membrane-tethered proteins provides new opportunities for the study of biological membranes and the development of membrane-based devices. Images FIGURE 2 FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4 FIGURE 5 FIGURE 6 PMID:8913608

An unexplained three-dimensional percept emerging from a bundle of lines.

PubMed

Altschuler, Eric L; Huang, Abigail E; Kim, Hee J; Battaglini, Luca; Roncato, Sergio

2017-10-01

Perceptual grouping has been extensively studied, but some areas are still unexplored-in particular, the figural organizations that emerge when bundles of intersecting lines are drawn. Here, we will describe some figural organizations that emerge after the superimposition of bundles of lines forming the profile of regular triangular waves. By manipulating the lines' jaggedness and junction geometry (regular or irregular X junction) we could generate the following organizations: (a) a grid, or a figural configuration in which both the lines and closed contours are perceived, (b) a figure-ground organization composed of figures separated by portions of the background, and (c) a corrugated surface appearing as a multifaceted polyhedral shell crossed by ridges and valleys. An experiment was conducted with the aim at testing the role of the good-continuation and closure Gestalt factors. Good continuation prevails when the lines are straight or close to straightness, but its role is questionable in the appearance of a corrugated surface. This perceptual organization occurs despite the violation of the good-continuation rule and consists of a structure of such complexity so as to challenge algorithms of computer vision and stimulate a deeper understanding of the perceptual interpretation of groups of lines.

Detecting distortion: bridging visual and quantitative reasoning on similarity tasks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cox, Dana C.; Lo, Jane-Jane

2014-03-01

This study is focused on identifying and describing the reasoning patterns of middle grade students when examining potentially similar figures. Described here is a framework that includes 11 strategies that students used during clinical interview to differentiate similar and non-similar figures. Two factors were found to influence the strategies students selected: the complexity of the figures being compared and the type of distortion present in nonsimilar pairings. Data from this study support the theory that distortions are identified as a dominant property of figures and that students use the presence and absence of distortion to visually decide if two figures are similar. Furthermore, this study shows that visual reasoning is not as primitive or nonconstructive as represented in earlier literature and supports students who are developing numeric reasoning strategies. This illuminates possible pathways students may take when advancing from using visual and additive reasoning strategies to using multiplicative proportional reasoning on similarity tasks. In particular, distortion detection is a visual activity that enables students to reflect upon and evaluate the validity and accuracy of differentiation and quantify perceived relationships leading to ratio. This study has implications for curriculum developers as well as future research.

Asian-American Studies in the Age of the Prison Industrial Complex: Departures and Re-Narrations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rodriguez, Dylan

2005-01-01

This essay offers a schematic reflection on the institutional formation and political location of Asian-American Studies in relation to the rise of the United Sates prison industrial complex over the last three decades. The author is generally concerned with the peculiar location of "Asian-Americans" as fabricated cultural figures within a U.S.…

Using Educational Data Mining Methods to Assess Field-Dependent and Field-Independent Learners' Complex Problem Solving

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Angeli, Charoula; Valanides, Nicos

2013-01-01

The present study investigated the problem-solving performance of 101 university students and their interactions with a computer modeling tool in order to solve a complex problem. Based on their performance on the hidden figures test, students were assigned to three groups of field-dependent (FD), field-mixed (FM), and field-independent (FI)…

The great man from Tarsus: Freud on the apostle Paul.

PubMed

Westerink, Herman

2007-01-01

The author describes developments in Freud's writings concerning his views on the apostle Paul. This development shows that Freud more and more clearly regarded Paul as a key figure in understanding the complex relationship between Judaism and Christianity--and also as a man who essentially has no comfortable place in either of these religions. For Freud, Paul was a unique figure, an analyst of the human character and of his own culture and religion--a Jew who tried to free himself and his people from the burden of the sense of guilt.

Exploring Spaceship Earth

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McInnis, Noel F.

1973-01-01

Describes various activities to understand the nature of the earth as a spaceship and its impact on human life. A figure depicting a holocoenotic environmental complex is given which can be used to illustrate various interacting forces on earth. (PS)

Hebes Chasma #1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

Complex variations in dune forms within Hebes Chasma. This northern subframe image, frame 3506, is a 2.3 x 3.6 km area centered near 0.6 degrees south, 76.3 degrees west.

Figure caption from Science Magazine

Hebes Chasma #2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

Complex variations in dune forms within Hebes Chasma. This southern subframe image, frame 3506, is a 2.3 x 3.6 km area centered near 0.8 degrees south, 76.3 degrees west

Figure caption from Science Magazine

Candor Chasma

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

Complex central deposits in the floor of the Candor Chasma section of Vallis Marineris. This 3.3 x 3.1 km image (frame 8405) is centered near 6.7 degrees south, 75.4 degrees west.

Figure caption from Science Magazine

Purification of polymorphic components of complex genomes

DOEpatents

Stodolsky, M.

1991-07-16

A method is disclosed for processing related subject and reference macromolecule populations composed of complementary strands into their respective subject and reference populations of representative fragments and effectuating purification of unique polymorphic subject fragments. 1 figure.

Cosegregation of intragenic markers with a novel mutation that causes Crigler-Najjar syndrome type I: implication in carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis.

PubMed Central

Moghrabi, N; Clarke, D J; Burchell, B; Boxer, M

1993-01-01

Crigler-Najjar syndrome type 1 (CN-1) is a familial disorder characterized by severe unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia and jaundice and leads to kernicterus, neurological damage, and eventual death unless treated with liver transplantation. Previous reports identified mutations in the UGT1 gene complex to be the cause of the disease. The total absence of all phenol/bilirubin UGT proteins and their activities in liver homogenate of a CN-1 patient was determined by enzymological and immunochemical analysis. A novel homozygous nonsense mutation (CGA-->TGA) was identified in the patient by the combined techniques of PCR and direct sequencing. This mutation was located in exon 3 of the constant region in the gene complex which is common to all phenol and bilirubin UGTs. The segregation of the mutation in the patient's family was analyzed and confirmed the recessive nature of the disease. Newly developed intragenic polymorphic probes (UGT1* 4 and UGT-Const) were used on Southern blots of MspI-digested genomic DNA of the patient and his family. The segregation of individual alleles within the family was observed from haplotypes generated. Comparison of the segregation of haplotypes with the mutation for the patient and his family revealed the allele identified by the A1-B1-C2 haplotype to be carrying the mutation. The risk of recombination occurring is negligible, because of the intragenic nature of the probes. This study demonstrates the potential usefulness of these probes in carrier detection and prenatal/presymptomatic diagnosis. Images Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 PMID:8102509

Fabrication of high precision metallic freeform mirrors with magnetorheological finishing (MRF)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beier, Matthias; Scheiding, Sebastian; Gebhardt, Andreas; Loose, Roman; Risse, Stefan; Eberhardt, Ramona; Tünnermann, Andreas

2013-09-01

The fabrication of complex shaped metal mirrors for optical imaging is a classical application area of diamond machining techniques. Aspherical and freeform shaped optical components up to several 100 mm in diameter can be manufactured with high precision in an acceptable amount of time. However, applications are naturally limited to the infrared spectral region due to scatter losses for shorter wavelengths as a result of the remaining periodic diamond turning structure. Achieving diffraction limited performance in the visible spectrum demands for the application of additional polishing steps. Magnetorheological Finishing (MRF) is a powerful tool to improve figure and finish of complex shaped optics at the same time in a single processing step. The application of MRF as a figuring tool for precise metal mirrors is a nontrivial task since the technology was primarily developed for figuring and finishing a variety of other optical materials, such as glasses or glass ceramics. In the presented work, MRF is used as a figuring tool for diamond turned aluminum lightweight mirrors with electroless nickel plating. It is applied as a direct follow-up process after diamond machining of the mirrors. A high precision measurement setup, composed of an interferometer and an advanced Computer Generated Hologram with additional alignment features, allows for precise metrology of the freeform shaped optics in short measuring cycles. Shape deviations less than 150 nm PV / 20 nm rms are achieved reliably for freeform mirrors with apertures of more than 300 mm. Characterization of removable and induced spatial frequencies is carried out by investigating the Power Spectral Density.

States of emergence: Writing African female same-sex sexuality.

PubMed

Munro, Brenna M

2017-04-03

Tracing a series of intertextually linked short stories from the 1990s to the present by women writers from Nigeria and its diaspora-Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Unoma Azuah, Chinelo Okparanta, and Lola Shoneyin-I suggest that although the figure of the African lesbian appears "new" in the context of heightened contemporary attention to the issue of homosexuality, this figure has a literary history. Ghanaian Ama Ata Aidoo's novel Our Sister Killjoy: Or, Reflections From A Black-Eyed Squint (1977) inaugurates this formation, in which the imagining of female same-sex desire is entangled with articulating the experience of migration under the shadow of imperial histories. In these short stories, the emphasis on the difficulties of love in puritanical times and transnational places produces the figure of the African lesbian as a symbol of appealingly human vulnerability, resilience, and complexity.

Availability Simulation of AGT Systems

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1975-02-01

The report discusses the analytical and simulation procedures that were used to evaluate the effects of failure in a complex dual mode transportation system based on a worst case study-state condition. The computed results are an availability figure ...

Simulating Science

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Markowitz, Dina; Holt, Susan

2011-01-01

Students use manipulative models and small-scale simulations that promote learning of complex biological concepts. The authors have developed inexpensive wet-lab simulations and manipulative models for "Diagnosing Diabetes," "A Kidney Problem?" and "A Medical Mystery." (Contains 5 figures and 3 online resources.)

Constituency Input into Budget Management.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Miller, Norman E.

1995-01-01

Presents techniques for ensuring constituency involvement in district- and site-level budget management. Outlines four models for securing constituent input and focuses on strategies to orchestrate the more complex model for staff and community participation. Two figures are included. (LMI)

Reliable change indices and regression-based measures for the Rey-Osterreith Complex Figure test in partial epilepsy patients.

PubMed

Nakhutina, L; Pramataris, P; Morrison, C; Devinsky, O; Barr, W B

2010-01-01

The Rey-Osterreith Complex Figure (ROCF) is commonly used in evaluations of patients undergoing epilepsy surgery. We assessed test-retest performance on ROCF in 30 partial epilepsy patients (mean interval = 33.7 months) to derive reliable change indices (RCIs) and regression-based measures for change. ROCF reproductions were rescored by three raters (IRR Copy: 0.963; Delayed Recall: 0.986). The derived adjusted RC (90% CI) cutoff values for the ROCF Copy were (or=8.4) and were (or=10.0) for the Delayed Recall. Results from regression-based analyses were negative, using age, education, seizure duration, and age of onset, whereas a baseline score was a significant predictor of a follow-up score. The results provide a means to evaluate long-term outcome in epilepsy patients using the ROCF.

Three-dimensional electron diffraction of plant light-harvesting complex

PubMed Central

Wang, Da Neng; Kühlbrandt, Werner

1992-01-01

Electron diffraction patterns of two-dimensional crystals of light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b-protein complex (LHC-II) from photosynthetic membranes of pea chloroplasts, tilted at different angles up to 60°, were collected to 3.2 Å resolution at -125°C. The reflection intensities were merged into a three-dimensional data set. The Friedel R-factor and the merging R-factor were 21.8 and 27.6%, respectively. Specimen flatness and crystal size were critical for recording electron diffraction patterns from crystals at high tilts. The principal sources of experimental error were attributed to limitations of the number of unit cells contributing to an electron diffraction pattern, and to the critical electron dose. The distribution of strong diffraction spots indicated that the three-dimensional structure of LHC-II is less regular than that of other known membrane proteins and is not dominated by a particular feature of secondary structure. ImagesFIGURE 1FIGURE 2 PMID:19431817

Subcellular distribution and life cycle of Epstein-Barr virus in keratinocytes of oral hairy leukoplakia.

PubMed Central

Rabanus, J. P.; Greenspan, D.; Petersen, V.; Leser, U.; Wolf, H.; Greenspan, J. S.

1991-01-01

The authors investigated the life cycle of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in keratinocytes of oral hairy leukoplakia by combining immunohistochemistry. DNA in situ hybridization, and lectin histochemistry with electron microscopy. Diffuse-staining components of the EBV early antigen complex (EA-D), EBV 150-kd capsid antigen (VCA), EBV membrane antigen (gp350/220), and double-stranded DNA were labeled with monoclonal antibodies. An EBV-DNA probe was used to locate EBV DNA. Wheat-germ agglutinin (WGA) was employed to distinguish Golgi-associated compartments. The authors found EBV proteins and EBV DNA only in keratinocytes with apparent viral assembly. In situ hybridization showed EBV DNA in free corelike material and in electron-dense cores of mature nucleocapsids. Monoclonal antibodies to nonspecific double-stranded DNA attached to the same structures and to marginated chromatin. Components of EA-D were dispersed throughout the nuclei but accumulated near condensed chromatin and in 'punched-out' regions of the chromatin. Epstein-Barr virus 150-kd capsid antigen was found only in the nuclei, where it appeared preferentially on mature nucleocapsids. As yet unexplained arrays of intranuclear particles that remained unlabeled with all EBV-specific probes reacted intensely with an antiserum against common papillomavirus antigen. Gp350/220 was detectable in various cellular membrane compartments and was highly concentrated on EBV envelopes in peripheral Golgi-associated secretory vesicles. It was less abundant on the extracellular EBV, indicating that viral membrane antigen partly dissociates from the mature virus. Combined lectin-binding histochemistry and electron microscopy demonstrated for the first time that EBV is processed in the Golgi apparatus, which eventually releases the virus by fusion with the plasma membrane. These results provide insight into the biologic events that occur during complete EBV replication in vivo. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 PMID:1649554

A feedback model of figure-ground assignment.

PubMed

Domijan, Drazen; Setić, Mia

2008-05-30

A computational model is proposed in order to explain how bottom-up and top-down signals are combined into a unified perception of figure and background. The model is based on the interaction between the ventral and the dorsal stream. The dorsal stream computes saliency based on boundary signals provided by the simple and the complex cortical cells. Output from the dorsal stream is projected to the surface network which serves as a blackboard on which the surface representation is formed. The surface network is a recurrent network which segregates different surfaces by assigning different firing rates to them. The figure is labeled by the maximal firing rate. Computer simulations showed that the model correctly assigns figural status to the surface with a smaller size, a greater contrast, convexity, surroundedness, horizontal-vertical orientation and a higher spatial frequency content. The simple gradient of activity in the dorsal stream enables the simulation of the new principles of the lower region and the top-bottom polarity. The model also explains how the exogenous attention and the endogenous attention may reverse the figural assignment. Due to the local excitation in the surface network, neural activity at the cued region will spread over the whole surface representation. Therefore, the model implements the object-based attentional selection.

Solution algorithm of dwell time in slope-based figuring model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yong; Zhou, Lin

2017-10-01

Surface slope profile is commonly used to evaluate X-ray reflective optics, which is used in synchrotron radiation beam. Moreover, the measurement result of measuring instrument for X-ray reflective optics is usually the surface slope profile rather than the surface height profile. To avoid the conversion error, the slope-based figuring model is introduced introduced by processing the X-ray reflective optics based on surface height-based model. However, the pulse iteration method, which can quickly obtain the dell time solution of the traditional height-based figuring model, is not applied to the slope-based figuring model because property of the slope removal function have both positive and negative values and complex asymmetric structure. To overcome this problem, we established the optimal mathematical model for the dwell time solution, By introducing the upper and lower limits of the dwell time and the time gradient constraint. Then we used the constrained least squares algorithm to solve the dwell time in slope-based figuring model. To validate the proposed algorithm, simulations and experiments are conducted. A flat mirror with effective aperture of 80 mm is polished on the ion beam machine. After iterative polishing three times, the surface slope profile error of the workpiece is converged from RMS 5.65 μrad to RMS 1.12 μrad.

Seabed deposits classification at the Precious Stone Mountain hydrothermal field using MultiBeam sonar data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tao, C.; Zhang, G.; Li, H.; Zhou, J.; Liu, W.; Deng, X.; Chen, S.

2013-12-01

The seabed deposits type and distribution are very complex at the hydrothermal field. In this paper, we provided an approach to study the seabed deposits classification at the Precious Stone Mountain hydrothermal field (PSMHF) using MultiBeam sonar data (Figure 1). The PSMHF was found in the Galapogas microplate at the Leg 3 of the Chinese COMRA 21st Cruise. Using this approach, the seabed deposits at the PSMHF are mainly classified into three types, which are rock, breccia and sediment, respectively. We can find the distribution of the three types of seabed deposits according to the sonar back-scattering data. The rocks are mostly distributed around the hydrothermal vent. The breccia are located at the foot of the vent. Most sediments are distributed at the southwest to the vent due to bottom current. Combining with seabed video, TV-Grab sample and the backscatter data, we draw the map of the seabed deposits distribution at the PSMHF (Figure 2). Figure 1 The flow chart of the seabed deposits classification approach Figure 2 The seabed deposits distribution of the PSMHF

Adaptive x-ray optics development at AOA-Xinetics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lillie, Charles F.; Cavaco, Jeff L.; Brooks, Audrey D.; Ezzo, Kevin; Pearson, David D.; Wellman, John A.

2013-05-01

Grazing-incidence optics for X-ray applications require extremely smooth surfaces with precise mirror figures to provide well focused beams and small image spot sizes for astronomical telescopes and laboratory test facilities. The required precision has traditionally been achieved by time-consuming grinding and polishing of thick substrates with frequent pauses for precise metrology to check the mirror figure. More recently, substrates with high quality surface finish and figures have become available at reasonable cost, and techniques have been developed to mechanically adjust the figure of these traditionally polished substrates for ground-based applications. The beam-bending techniques currently in use are mechanically complex, however, with little control over mid-spatial frequency errors. AOA-Xinetics has been developing been developing techniques for shaping grazing incidence optics with surface-normal and surface-parallel electrostrictive Lead magnesium niobate (PMN) actuators bonded to mirror substrates for several years. These actuators are highly reliable; exhibit little to no hysteresis, aging or creep; and can be closely spaced to correct low and mid-spatial frequency errors in a compact package. In this paper we discuss recent development of adaptive x-ray optics at AOA-Xinetics.

Adaptive x-ray optics development at AOA-Xinetics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lillie, Charles F.; Pearson, David D.; Cavaco, Jeffrey L.; Plinta, Audrey D.; Wellman, John A.

2012-10-01

Grazing-incidence optics for X-ray applications require extremely smooth surfaces with precise mirror figures to provide well focused beams and small image spot sizes for astronomical telescopes and laboratory test facilities. The required precision has traditionally been achieved by time-consuming grinding and polishing of thick substrates with frequent pauses for precise metrology to check the mirror figure. More recently, substrates with high quality surface finish and figures have become available at reasonable cost, and techniques have been developed to mechanically adjust the figure of these traditionally polished substrates for ground-based applications. The beam-bending techniques currently in use are mechanically complex, however, with little control over mid-spatial frequency errors. AOA-Xinetics has been developing been developing techniques for shaping grazing incidence optics with surface-normal and surface-parallel electrostrictive Lead magnesium niobate (PMN) actuators bonded to mirror substrates for several years. These actuators are highly reliable; exhibit little to no hysteresis, aging or creep; and can be closely spaced to correct low and mid-spatial frequency errors in a compact package. In this paper we discuss recent development of adaptive x-ray optics at AOAXinetics.

Evidence for a left-over-right inhibitory mechanism during figural creative thinking in healthy nonartists.

PubMed

Huang, Peiyu; Qiu, Lihua; Shen, Lin; Zhang, Yong; Song, Zhe; Qi, Zhiguo; Gong, Qiyong; Xie, Peng

2013-10-01

As a complex mental process, creativity requires the coordination of multiple brain regions. Previous pathological research on figural creativity has indicated that there is a mechanism by which the left side of the brain inhibits the activities of the right side of the brain during figural creative thinking, but this mechanism has not been directly demonstrated. In this study, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to demonstrate the existence of this inhibitory mechanism in young adults (15 women, 11 men, mean age: 22 years) that were not artists. By making comparisons between brain activity during creative and uncreative tasks, we found increased activity in the left middle and inferior frontal lobe and strong decreases in activity in the right middle frontal lobe and the left inferior parietal lobe. As such, these data suggest that the left frontal lobe may inhibit the right hemisphere during figural creative thinking in normal people. Moreover, removal of this inhibition by practicing artistry or through specific damage to the left frontal lobe may facilitate the emergence of artistic creativity. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Application of the Oriented-Eddy Collision Model to Complex Turbulent Flows

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-14

compare with data available from Matsumoto, Nagano, and Tsuji (1991) as well as L. Le Penven, J. N. Gence, and G. Comte -Bellot (1985). This provided a...0.15 0.2 0.25 0.3 0.35 0.4 0.45 0.5 time (s) Figure 20: Comparison to data from L. Le Penven, J. N. Gence, and G. Comte ...Bellot, case A. 0.005 0.05 0.1 0.2 0.25 0.3 0.15 time (s) Figure 21: Comparison to data from L. Le Penven, J. N. Gence, and G. Comte -Bellot, case B

Availability Analysis of Dual Mode Systems

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1974-04-01

The analytical procedures presented define a method of evaluating the effects of failures in a complex dual-mode system based on a worst case steady-state analysis. The computed result is an availability figure of merit and not an absolute prediction...

Effect of authority figures for pedestrian evacuation at metro stations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Xiao; Zhang, Zenghui; Peng, Gongzhuang; Shi, Guoqiang

2017-01-01

Most pedestrian evacuation literatures are about routing algorithm, human intelligence and behavior etc. Few works studied how to fully explore the function of authority/security figures, who know more of the environment by simply being there every day. To evaluate the effect of authority figure (AF) in complex buildings, this paper fully investigates the AF related factors that may influence the evacuation effect of crowd, such as the number and locations of AFs, their spread of direction, calming effect and distribution strategies etc. Social force based modeling and simulation results show that these factors of AFs play important roles in evacuation efficiency, which means fewer AFs with right guiding strategy can have good evacuation performance. For our case study, Zhichun Avenue station, the conclusion is that deployment of four AFs is a good choice to achieve relatively high evacuation performance yet save cost.

Transvenous pacemaker electrodes placed unintentionally in the left ventricle: three cases.

PubMed Central

Winner, S. J.; Boon, N. A.

1989-01-01

Three patients are described in whom pacemaker electrodes were unintentionally placed within the left ventricle, followed by considerable delay before the error was recognized. In two cases temporary pacemaker wires were inserted into the subclavian artery and passed along a retrograde course. One patient required urgent surgery for acute arterial obstruction on removal of the wire. In the third case, a permanent wire was inserted correctly into a vein but traversed the atrial septum, probably via a patent foramen ovale, to enter the left ventricle. Twelve lead electrocardiograms in all three patients showed paced complexes with right bundle branch block configuration. This appearance should raise suspicion that the pacemaker electrode might be in the left ventricle, in which case its position should be defined by chest radiographs (including a lateral view) and echocardiography. Images Figure 1 Figure 3 Figure 4 PMID:2780472

The C8-binding protein of human erythrocytes: interaction with the components of the complement-attack phase.

PubMed Central

Schönermark, S; Filsinger, S; Berger, B; Hänsch, G M

1988-01-01

C8-binding protein is an intrinsic membrane protein of the human erythrocyte. It inhibits the complement (C5b-9)-mediated lysis in a species-restricting manner. In the present study we incorporated C8bp, isolated from human erythrocytes, into sheep erythrocytes (SRBC). SRBC, normally sensitive to lysis by human C5b-9, became insensitive to lysis. Furthermore, we found that C8bp is incorporated into the membrane-attack complex C5b-9, most probably by interacting with C8, since C8bp has an affinity for C8, particularly for the C8 alpha-gamma-subunit. Antibodies to C8bp react with the C8 alpha-subunits and with C9, pointing to the possibility of a partial homology between these proteins. Images Figure 4 Figure 6 Figure 7 PMID:3366469

Can we track holes?

PubMed Central

Horowitz, Todd S.; Kuzmova, Yoana

2011-01-01

The evidence is mixed as to whether the visual system treats objects and holes differently. We used a multiple object tracking task to test the hypothesis that figural objects are easier to track than holes. Observers tracked four of eight items (holes or objects). We used an adaptive algorithm to estimate the speed allowing 75% tracking accuracy. In Experiments 1–5, the distinction between holes and figures was accomplished by pictorial cues, while red-cyan anaglyphs were used to provide the illusion of depth in Experiment 6. We variously used Gaussian pixel noise, photographic scenes, or synthetic textures as backgrounds. Tracking was more difficult when a complex background was visible, as opposed to a blank background. Tracking was easier when disks carried fixed, unique markings. When these factors were controlled for, tracking holes was no more difficult than tracking figures, suggesting that they are equivalent stimuli for tracking purposes. PMID:21334361

Top-down visual search in Wimmelbild

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bergbauer, Julia; Tari, Sibel

2013-03-01

Wimmelbild which means "teeming figure picture" is a popular genre of visual puzzles. Abundant masses of small figures are brought together in complex arrangements to make one scene in a Wimmelbild. It is picture hunt game. We discuss what type of computations/processes could possibly underlie the solution of the discovery of figures that are hidden due to a distractive influence of the context. One thing for sure is that the processes are unlikely to be purely bottom-up. One possibility is to re-arrange parts and see what happens. As this idea is linked to creativity, there are abundant examples of unconventional part re-organization in modern art. A second possibility is to define what to look for. That is to formulate the search as a top-down process. We address top-down visual search in Wimmelbild with the help of diffuse distance and curvature coding fields.

The Virtual Pelvic Floor, a tele-immersive educational environment.

PubMed Central

Pearl, R. K.; Evenhouse, R.; Rasmussen, M.; Dech, F.; Silverstein, J. C.; Prokasy, S.; Panko, W. B.

1999-01-01

This paper describes the development of the Virtual Pelvic Floor, a new method of teaching the complex anatomy of the pelvic region utilizing virtual reality and advanced networking technology. Virtual reality technology allows improved visualization of three-dimensional structures over conventional media because it supports stereo vision, viewer-centered perspective, large angles of view, and interactivity. Two or more ImmersaDesk systems, drafting table format virtual reality displays, are networked together providing an environment where teacher and students share a high quality three-dimensional anatomical model, and are able to converse, see each other, and to point in three dimensions to indicate areas of interest. This project was realized by the teamwork of surgeons, medical artists and sculptors, computer scientists, and computer visualization experts. It demonstrates the future of virtual reality for surgical education and applications for the Next Generation Internet. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 PMID:10566378

Mast Cells in Allergic Diseases and Mastocytosis

PubMed Central

Marquardt, Diana L.; Wasserman, Stephen I.

1982-01-01

Mast cells with their stores of vasoactive and chemotactic mediators are central to the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. The cross-linking of receptorbound IgE molecules on the surface of mast cells initiates a complex chain of events, including calcium ion influx, phospholipid methylation and turnover and cyclic nucleotide metabolism, ultimately resulting in the release of mediators of immediate hypersensitivity. These mast cell mediators are important in smooth muscle reactivity, in the recruitment of eosinophilic and neutrophilic leukocytes and in the generation of secondary chemical mediators. Histologic evidence of mast cell degranulation, biochemical evidence of mast cell mediators in blood and tissues and clinical evidence of signs and symptoms reproducible by these mediators have strongly supported the crucial role of mast cells in asthma, urticaria, anaphylaxis, rhinitis and mastocytosis. Because of their unique location at host environment interfaces, mast cells may both participate in allergic diseases and promote homeostasis. ImagesFigure 1.Figure 2.Figure 3. PMID:6293204

Karl Marx: "A Swarthy Fellow from Trier."

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Machalek, Richard

1983-01-01

Discussed are Marx's roles as a student, a journalist-scholar, a revolutionary, and a family member. Revealed is a political and intellectual figure of enormous stature and complexity, but a person typically human in passions and commitments, strengths, and shortcomings. (RM)

Evidence for Neural Computations of Temporal Coherence in an Auditory Scene and Their Enhancement during Active Listening.

PubMed

O'Sullivan, James A; Shamma, Shihab A; Lalor, Edmund C

2015-05-06

The human brain has evolved to operate effectively in highly complex acoustic environments, segregating multiple sound sources into perceptually distinct auditory objects. A recent theory seeks to explain this ability by arguing that stream segregation occurs primarily due to the temporal coherence of the neural populations that encode the various features of an individual acoustic source. This theory has received support from both psychoacoustic and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies that use stimuli which model complex acoustic environments. Termed stochastic figure-ground (SFG) stimuli, they are composed of a "figure" and background that overlap in spectrotemporal space, such that the only way to segregate the figure is by computing the coherence of its frequency components over time. Here, we extend these psychoacoustic and fMRI findings by using the greater temporal resolution of electroencephalography to investigate the neural computation of temporal coherence. We present subjects with modified SFG stimuli wherein the temporal coherence of the figure is modulated stochastically over time, which allows us to use linear regression methods to extract a signature of the neural processing of this temporal coherence. We do this under both active and passive listening conditions. Our findings show an early effect of coherence during passive listening, lasting from ∼115 to 185 ms post-stimulus. When subjects are actively listening to the stimuli, these responses are larger and last longer, up to ∼265 ms. These findings provide evidence for early and preattentive neural computations of temporal coherence that are enhanced by active analysis of an auditory scene. Copyright © 2015 the authors 0270-6474/15/357256-08$15.00/0.

Effects of fluoxetine on fine motor performance in dysthymia: an 8-week, nonrandomized, open-label study.

PubMed

Schrijvers, Didier; Maas, Yvonne J; Sabbe, Bernard G C

2009-01-01

Present findings on psychomotor retardation in dysthymia are inconsistent and changes in psychomotor performance during antidepressant treatment have not been investigated in this population to date. The present study aims to explore the psychomotor effects of an 8-week regimen of fluoxetine in dysthymic patients. Dysthymic patients (both inpatients and outpatients of the Psychiatric Hospital Sint-Norbertus, Duffel, Belgium), presenting over a period of 2 years, meeting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision criteria for dysthymia, and having Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores of > or = 12 were enrolled. During 8 weeks of treatment with fluoxetine 20 mg/d, depression severity and graphic motor activity were assessed 4 times by recording the time (a reaction time [RT] and a movement time [MT]) participants needed to copy single lines and simple and complex figures. The patients' outcomes were compared with those of untreated, healthy controls, matched for sex and comparable age and education. The assessors were masked to treatment and group. Eighteen dysthymic patients (mean age, 40 years; male/female ratio, 4/14; mean weight, 70 kg; all white) were treated; 18 healthy controls (mean age, 40 years; male/female ratio, 4/14; mean weight, 72 kg; all white) were used as comparison. The overall patient group experienced significant psychomotor changes only in association with the complex figure-copying task (RT: F = 5.67, P < 0.05). In a subgroup analysis of 9 patients who clinically responded to treatment (ie, > 40% decrease in severity scores), significant improvements were observed only for the RT of the line- (F = 4.75, P < 0.05) and complex figure-copying task (F = 11.86, P < 0.01) and the MT of the simple figure-copying task (F = 7.57, P < 0.05), but not for the other psychomotor variables. Although some significant psychomotor changes were observed in a subgroup of clinically responsive dysthymic patients, the overall results of this small, nonrandomized, open-label study do not suggest a beneficial psychomotor effect associated with short-term fluoxetine treatment of dysthymia.

Effect of Substituents in Alcohol-Amine Complexes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hansen, Anne Schou; Du, Lin; Kjærgaard, Henrik

2014-06-01

A series of alcohol-amine complexes have been investigated to gain physical insight into the effect on the hydrogen bond strength as different substituents are attached. The series of complexes investigated are shown in the figure, where R_1 = CH_3, CH_3CH_2 or CF_3CH_2 and R_2 = H or CH_3. To estimate the hydrogen bond strength, redshifts of the OH-stretching transition frequency upon complexation were measured using gas phase Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) spectroscopy. Equilibrium constants for the formation of the complexes were also determined, exploiting a combination of a calculated oscillator strength and the measured integrated absorbance of the fundamental OH-stretching and second overtone NH-stretching transitions.

Metabolic and Epigenetic Interactions Regulate Vascular Phenotypic Change and Maintenance in Pulmonary Hypertension

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-10-01

Krebs cycle through the generation of alpha-ketoglutarate. However, increased oxidative stress affected oxygen consumption rates at the Complex I...machinery and respiration in PH-Fibs. The difference in endogenous respiration, (i.e., oxygen consumption ) was not statistically different compared...driven through complex I. We found a roughly17% drop in oxygen consumption in PH-Fibs versus Co-Fibs (Figure 3C), which corresponded to the down

An Approach for the Distance Delivery of AFIT/LS Resident Degree Curricula

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-12-01

minimal (least complex) distance education technologies appropriate for each learning topic or task. This may be the most time-consuming step in the...34 represents the least complex distance education technology that could be used to deliver the educational material for a particular learning objective. Careful...minimal technology needed to accomplish the learning objective. Look at question Q2.1 (Figure 5.15). Since the lecture offers an essential educational

Suitability of Unidata Metapps for Incorporation in Platform-Independent User-Customized Aviation Weather Products Generation Software

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-03-08

Figure 7. Standard, simplified view of the Facade software design pattern. Adapted from an original diagram by Shalloway and Trott (Shalloway...and Trott , 2002). 31 set of interfaces. The motivation behind using this design pattern is that it helps reduce complexity and minimizes the...libraries and in turn built more complex components. Although brave and innovative , these forays into the cutting edge of geophysical

Complex Event Extraction using DRUM

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-10-01

towards tackling these challenges . Figure 9. Evaluation results for eleven teams. The diamond ◆ represents the results of our system. The two topmost...Proceedings of the Joint SIGDAT Conference on Empirical Methods in Natural Language Processing and Very Large Corpora (EMNLP/ VLC -2000). The UniProt

Biomechanical analysis of INFINITY rehabilitation method for treatment of low back pain

PubMed Central

Daniel, Matej; Tomanová, Michaela; Hornová, Jana; Novotná, Iva; Lhotská, Lenka

2017-01-01

[Purpose] Low back pain is a pervasive problem in modern societies. Physical rehabilitation in treatment of low back pain should reduce pain, muscle tension and restore spine stability and balance. The INFINITY® rehabilitation method that is based on a figure of eight movement pattern was proved to be effective in low back pain treatment. The aim of the paper is to estimate the effect of a figure of eight motion on the L5/S1 load and lumbar spine muscle activation in comparison to other motion patterns. [Subjects and Methods] Three-dimensional model of lumbar spine musculoskeletal system is used to simulate effect of various load motion pattern induced by displacement of the center of gravity of the upper body. Four motion patterns were examined: lateral and oblique pendulum-like motion, elliptical motion and figure of eight motion. [Results] The simple pendulum-like and elliptical-like patterns induce harmonic muscle activation and harmonic spinal load. The figure of eight motion pattern creates high-frequency spinal loading that activates remodeling of bones and tendons. The figure of eight pattern also requires muscle activity that differs from harmonic frequency and is more demanding on muscle control and could also improve muscle coordination. [Conclusion] The results of the study indicate that complex motion pattern during INFINITY® rehabilitation might enhance the spine stability by influencing its passive, active and neural components. PMID:28603355

A challenging broad-complex tachycardia.

PubMed

Iyer, Nithin Ramesh; Oomen, Adrianus W G J; Sy, Raymond W

2018-01-01

A 53-year-old man presented with chest pain, palpitations and presyncope, without history of overt cardiac disease. The patient was alert. His heart rate was 206 beats per minute, and his blood pressure was 100/50 mm Hg. An intravenous bolus of amiodarone 150 mg was administered in the emergency department. His ECGs preamiodarone and postamiodarone are shown in figure 1. Echocardiography showed low-normal left ventricular systolic function.Figure 1(A) ECG of index arrhythmia. (B) ECG following amiodarone. What should the next diagnostic test be?Referral for electrophysiology study.Referral for urgent coronary angiography.12-lead ECG with posterior lead placement.Bedside adenosine challenge.

Infantile methemoglobinemia: reexamining the role of drinking water nitrates.

PubMed Central

Avery, A A

1999-01-01

Ingestion of nitrates in drinking water has long been thought to be a primary cause of acquired infantile methemoglobinemia, often called blue baby syndrome. However, recent research and a review of historical cases offer a more complex picture of the causes of infantile methemoglobinemia. Gastrointestinal infection and inflammation and the ensuing overproduction of nitric oxide may be the cause of many cases of infantile methemoglobinemia previously attributed to drinking water nitrates. If so, current limits on allowable levels of nitrates in drinking water, which are based solely on the health threat of infantile methemoglobinemia, may be unnecessarily strict. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 PMID:10379005

Figurative language processing in atypical populations: the ASD perspective

PubMed Central

Vulchanova, Mila; Saldaña, David; Chahboun, Sobh; Vulchanov, Valentin

2015-01-01

This paper is intended to provide a critical overview of experimental and clinical research documenting problems in figurative language processing in atypical populations with a focus on the Autistic Spectrum. Research in the comprehension and processing of figurative language in autism invariably documents problems in this area. The greater paradox is that even at the higher end of the spectrum or in the cases of linguistically talented individuals with Asperger syndrome, where structural language competence is intact, problems with extended language persist. If we assume that figurative and extended uses of language essentially depend on the perception and processing of more concrete core concepts and phenomena, the commonly observed failure in atypical populations to understand figurative language remains a puzzle. Various accounts have been offered to explain this issue, ranging from linking potential failure directly to overall structural language competence (Norbury, 2005; Brock et al., 2008) to right-hemispheric involvement (Gold and Faust, 2010). We argue that the dissociation between structural language and figurative language competence in autism should be sought in more general cognitive mechanisms and traits in the autistic phenotype (e.g., in terms of weak central coherence, Vulchanova et al., 2012b), as well as failure at on-line semantic integration with increased complexity and diversity of the stimuli (Coulson and Van Petten, 2002). This perspective is even more compelling in light of similar problems in a number of conditions, including both acquired (e.g., Aphasia) and developmental disorders (Williams Syndrome). This dissociation argues against a simple continuity view of language interpretation. PMID:25741261

Figurative language processing in atypical populations: the ASD perspective.

PubMed

Vulchanova, Mila; Saldaña, David; Chahboun, Sobh; Vulchanov, Valentin

2015-01-01

This paper is intended to provide a critical overview of experimental and clinical research documenting problems in figurative language processing in atypical populations with a focus on the Autistic Spectrum. Research in the comprehension and processing of figurative language in autism invariably documents problems in this area. The greater paradox is that even at the higher end of the spectrum or in the cases of linguistically talented individuals with Asperger syndrome, where structural language competence is intact, problems with extended language persist. If we assume that figurative and extended uses of language essentially depend on the perception and processing of more concrete core concepts and phenomena, the commonly observed failure in atypical populations to understand figurative language remains a puzzle. Various accounts have been offered to explain this issue, ranging from linking potential failure directly to overall structural language competence (Norbury, 2005; Brock et al., 2008) to right-hemispheric involvement (Gold and Faust, 2010). We argue that the dissociation between structural language and figurative language competence in autism should be sought in more general cognitive mechanisms and traits in the autistic phenotype (e.g., in terms of weak central coherence, Vulchanova et al., 2012b), as well as failure at on-line semantic integration with increased complexity and diversity of the stimuli (Coulson and Van Petten, 2002). This perspective is even more compelling in light of similar problems in a number of conditions, including both acquired (e.g., Aphasia) and developmental disorders (Williams Syndrome). This dissociation argues against a simple continuity view of language interpretation.

Trends in chlorinated hydrocarbon levels in Hudson River basin sediments.

PubMed Central

Bopp, R F; Chillrud, S N; Shuster, E L; Simpson, H J; Estabrooks, F D

1998-01-01

Analysis of sections from dated sediment cores were used to establish geographic distributions and temporal trends of chlorinated hydrocarbon contaminant levels in sediments from natural waters of the Hudson River basin. Radiometric dating was based primarily on the depth distribution of 137(Cs) in the cores and on the occurrence of detectable levels of 7(Be) in surface sediment samples. Eighteen sampling sites included several along the main stem of the Hudson, its major tributaries, and components of the New York/New Jersey (NY/NJ) harbor complex. Drinking-water reservoirs were sampled to place upper limits on atmospheric inputs. Core sections were analyzed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethane (DDT)-derived compounds, chlordane, and dioxins. Sediment concentrations of most contaminants at most sites have decreased significantly since the mid-1960s. The data provide a basinwide perspective on major point-source inputs of PCBs to the upper Hudson River and of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and DDT to the lower Passaic River. Evidence was found for significant but poorly characterized sources of PCBs and chlordane to the western NY/NJ harbor, and of highly chlorinated dioxins to the upstream sites on the main stem of the Hudson. The results indicate that analysis of dated sediment samples is a most effective and efficient monitoring tool for the study of large-scale geographic and temporal trends in levels of particle-associated contaminants. Images Figure 1 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 PMID:9703496

Xeroderma pigmentosum and Cockayne syndrome: overlapping clinical and biochemical phenotypes.

PubMed Central

Greenhaw, G A; Hebert, A; Duke-Woodside, M E; Butler, I J; Hecht, J T; Cleaver, J E; Thomas, G H; Horton, W A

1992-01-01

Two siblings are described whose clinical presentation of cutaneous photosensitivity and central nervous system dysfunction is strongly reminiscent of the DeSanctis-Cacchione syndrome (DCS) variant of xeroderma pigmentosum. An extensive clinical evaluation supported a diagnosis of DCS and documented previously unreported findings. In vitro fibroblast studies showed UV sensitivity that was two to three times that of normal controls. However, neither a post-UV-irradiation DNA excision-repair defect indicative of XP nor a semiconservative DNA replication defect indicative of XP variant was found. Rather, a failure of RNA synthesis to recover to normal levels after UV exposure was observed, a biochemical abnormality seen in Cockayne syndrome (CS), one of the premature-aging syndromes with clinical UV sensitivity. These patients, therefore, clinically have XP, but their biochemical characteristics suggest CS. The reason(s) for the severe neurologic disease, in light of the relatively mild cutaneous abnormalities, is unclear. Other cases with unusual fibroblast responses to irradiation have been noted in the literature and, along with the data from our patients, reinforce the notion of the complexity of DNA maintenance and repair. Images Figure 1 Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 PMID:1372469

MODAS Validation in Littoral Areas Using GRASP

DTIC Science & Technology

2002-09-30

result (4 hr) is guiding new work on calculation efficiency. Figure 4. Near-optimal coordinated passive search plan against a complex transitor ... Transitor tracks form a river of roughly parallel potential paths. The two searcher tracks criss- cross this river like shoe lacings over much of

Perspective: The Troubling Paradoxes of Richard Nixon.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bernstein, Richard B.

1994-01-01

Maintains that, if Richard Nixon is to be considered as a significant historical figure, his personality and complexity must be studied. Asserts that Nixon viewed the world as an unremitting struggle and unceasing competition in which an individual could only succeed by his own efforts. (CFR)

Using Carbon Emissions Data to "Heat Up" Descriptive Statistics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brooks, Robert

2012-01-01

This article illustrates using carbon emissions data in an introductory statistics assignment. The carbon emissions data has desirable characteristics including: choice of measure; skewness; and outliers. These complexities allow research and public policy debate to be introduced. (Contains 4 figures and 2 tables.)

Liquid Crystals of Dendron-Like Pt Complexes Processable Into Nanofilms Dendrimers. Phase 2. Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Glass Platinum Acetylides

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-08-01

Std. Z39.18 Final Report Liquid Crystals of Dendron-Like Pt Complexes Processable Into Nanofilms. Dendrimers Eduardo Arias...to pack and also the presence of a polar group. Figure 4. Summary of phase behavior. DENDRIMERS New Denrimers. The synthesis...purification and some spectral characteristics of the new dendrimers shown in Fig 5 were reported in AFOSR FA9550-11-1-0169, May, 2013. Further

Safety and Suitability for Service Assessment Testing for Surface and Underwater Launched Munitions

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-12-05

test efficiency that tend to associate the Analytical S3 Test Approach with large, complex munition systems and the Empirical S3 Test Approach with...the smaller, less complex munition systems . 8.1 ANALYTICAL S3 TEST APPROACH. The Analytical S3 test approach, as shown in Figure 3, evaluates...assets than the Analytical S3 Test approach to establish the safety margin of the system . This approach is generally applicable to small munitions

JFK in Blackface: Spike Lee's "Malcolm X."

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walker, Clarence E.

1993-01-01

Discusses the failure of filmmaker Spike Lee to grapple with the real politics of Malcolm X before and after he left the Nation of Islam. Acknowledging the complexity of the man and his context would avoid creating a mythical figure similar to Oliver Stone's movie "JFK." (SLD)

Problem-Solving Test: Attenuation--A Mechanism to Regulate Bacterial Tryptophan Biosynthesis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Szeberenyi, Jozsef

2010-01-01

Terms to be familiar with before you start to solve the test: tryptophan, transcription unit, operon, "trp" repressor, corepressor, operator, promoter, palindrome, initiation, elongation, and termination of transcription, open reading frame, coupled transcription/translation, chromosome-polysome complex. (Contains 2 figures and 1 footnote.)

Relationship between molecular connectivity and carcinogenic activity: a confirmation with a new software program based on graph theory.

PubMed Central

Malacarne, D; Pesenti, R; Paolucci, M; Parodi, S

1993-01-01

For a database of 826 chemicals tested for carcinogenicity, we fragmented the structural formula of the chemicals into all possible contiguous-atom fragments with size between two and eight (nonhydrogen) atoms. The fragmentation was obtained using a new software program based on graph theory. We used 80% of the chemicals as a training set and 20% as a test set. The two sets were obtained by random sorting. From the training sets, an average (8 computer runs with independently sorted chemicals) of 315 different fragments were significantly (p < 0.125) associated with carcinogenicity or lack thereof. Even using this relatively low level of statistical significance, 23% of the molecules of the test sets lacked significant fragments. For 77% of the molecules of the test sets, we used the presence of significant fragments to predict carcinogenicity. The average level of accuracy of the predictions in the test sets was 67.5%. Chemicals containing only positive fragments were predicted with an accuracy of 78.7%. The level of accuracy was around 60% for chemicals characterized by contradictory fragments or only negative fragments. In a parallel manner, we performed eight paired runs in which carcinogenicity was attributed randomly to the molecules of the training sets. The fragments generated by these pseudo-training sets were devoid of any predictivity in the corresponding test sets. Using an independent software program, we confirmed (for the complex biological endpoint of carcinogenicity) the validity of a structure-activity relationship approach of the type proposed by Klopman and Rosenkranz with their CASE program. Images Figure 1. Figure 2. Figure 3. Figure 4. Figure 5. Figure 6. PMID:8275991

Organizational Agility Model and Simulation

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-06-01

and response profile. Also, compensatory, anticipatory , adaptive, and learning behaviours (methods) are employed to modify stiffness and resistance...The hypothetical profile in Figure 1b shows some complexity changes for a major sporting event or...classical motion tracking problem using compensatory, anticipatory , adaptive, and learning behaviours. These behaviours modify the size, resistance, and

The Problem Child: Provocations toward Dismantling the Carceral State

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Meiners, Erica R.

2017-01-01

In this essay Erica R. Meiners argues that those committed to dismantling our nation's deep and racialized investments in policing and imprisoning must analyze how the flexible category of "the child," and its figurative powers, operate in complex ways to punish communities and naturalize and expand criminalization and surveillance.…

Eye Movement Analysis of Information Processing under Different Testing Conditions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dillon, Ronna F.

1985-01-01

Undergraduates were given complex figural analogies items, and eye movements were observed under three types of feedback: (1) elaborate feedback; (2) subjects verbalized their thinking and application of rules; and (3) no feedback. Both feedback conditions enhanced the rule-governed information processing during inductive reasoning. (Author/GDC)

The Fleeting Nature of Sex Differences in Spatial Ability.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alderton, David L.

Gender differences were examined on three computer-administered spatial processing tasks: (1) the Intercept task, requiring processing dynamic or moving figures; (2) the mental rotation test, employing rotated asymmetric polygons; and (3) the integrating details test, in which subjects performed a complex visual synthesis. Participants were about…

A New Approach to Teaching Business Oriented Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Merchant, Ronald

1980-01-01

Describes a competency based business mathematics course offered at Spokane Falls Community College (Washington) in which students, through the use of calculators, master mathematical concepts without having to mentally add columns of figures or perform complex arithmetic problems on paper. Examines both the mathematical and 10-key skills…

A Review and Reappraisal of Adaptive Human-Computer Interfaces in Complex Control Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-08-01

maneuverability measures. The cost elements were expressed as fuzzy membership functions. Figure 9 shows the flowchart of the route planner. A fuzzy navigator...and updating of the user model, which contains information about three generic stereotypes ( beginner , intermediate and expert users) plus an

Comment on "Analysis of Citric Acid in Beverages: Use of an Indicator Displacement Assay"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Konski, Krzysiek; Saw, Jessica; Torriero, Angel A. J.

2017-01-01

This letter comments on the paper "Analysis of Citric Acid in Beverages: Use of an Indicator Displacement Assay" ["J. Chem. Educ." 2010, 87 (8), 832-835 (EJ918557)]. Discrepancies in figures and host:indicator complex behavior are discussed and an alternative experimental protocol presented.

Order and Containment in Concurrent System Design

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-01-01

Simple. I created O.C. Jones with the help of Marshell D. Jones. iv Contents List of Figures vi List of Tables viii 1 Managing Inconsistency And Complexity...chapter. My extended family and friends provided immeasurable support. Marshell D. Jones re- minded me to take graduate school and life by the reins

Polymer Light-Emitting Diode (PLED) Process Development

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-12-01

conclusions and recommendations for Phase II of the Flexible Display Program. 15. SUBJECT TERMS LIGHT EMITTING DIODES LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY SYSTEMS...space for Phase I and II confined by backplane complexity and substrate form...12 Figure 6. Semi automated I-V curve measurement setup consisting of Keithley power supply, computer and

Using Visual Organizers to Enhance EFL Instruction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kang, Shumin

2004-01-01

Visual organizers are visual frameworks such as figures, diagrams, charts, etc. used to present structural knowledge spatially in a given area with the intention of enhancing comprehension and learning. Visual organizers are effective in terms of helping to elicit, explain, and communicate information because they can clarify complex concepts into…

A Decision-Oriented Investigation of Air Force Civil Engineering’s Operations Branch and the Implications for a Decision Support System.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-09-01

information when making a decision [ Szilagyi and Wallace , 1983:3201." Driver and Mock used cognitive complexity ideas to develop this two dimensional...flexible AMOUNT OF INFORMATION USED High hierarchic integrative Figure 6. Cognitive Complexity Model ( Szilagyi and Wallace , 1983:321) Decisive Style. The...large amount of inform- ation. However, he processes this information with a multiple focus approach ( Szilagyi and Wallace , 1983:320-321). 26 McKenney

Archaeological Investigations in the Gainesville Lake Area of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. Volume V. Archaeology of the Gainesville Lake Area: Synthesis.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-09-01

frequently awkward verbage thus rendering the report more readable. Richard Walling produced the figures and made many constructive coImnts on the...the Cobbs Swamp complex (Chase 1978), had developed into the Render - son complex (Dickens 1971). By approximately A.D. 400, check and simple j...Methods in Archaeology, edited by Robert F. Heizer and Sherburne F. Cook, pp. 60-92. Viking Fund Publications in Anthropology 28. Chicago. Stephenson

Grand canonical ensemble Monte Carlo simulation of the dCpG/proflavine crystal hydrate.

PubMed Central

Resat, H; Mezei, M

1996-01-01

The grand canonical ensemble Monte Carlo molecular simulation method is used to investigate hydration patterns in the crystal hydrate structure of the dCpG/proflavine intercalated complex. The objective of this study is to show by example that the recently advocated grand canonical ensemble simulation is a computationally efficient method for determining the positions of the hydrating water molecules in protein and nucleic acid structures. A detailed molecular simulation convergence analysis and an analogous comparison of the theoretical results with experiments clearly show that the grand ensemble simulations can be far more advantageous than the comparable canonical ensemble simulations. Images FIGURE 5 FIGURE 7 PMID:8873992

At-line determination of pharmaceuticals small molecule's blending end point using chemometric modeling combined with Fourier transform near infrared spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tewari, Jagdish; Strong, Richard; Boulas, Pierre

2017-02-01

This article summarizes the development and validation of a Fourier transform near infrared spectroscopy (FT-NIR) method for the rapid at-line prediction of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in a powder blend to optimize small molecule formulations. The method was used to determine the blend uniformity end-point for a pharmaceutical solid dosage formulation containing a range of API concentrations. A set of calibration spectra from samples with concentrations ranging from 1% to 15% of API (w/w) were collected at-line from 4000 to 12,500 cm- 1. The ability of the FT-NIR method to predict API concentration in the blend samples was validated against a reference high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The prediction efficiency of four different types of multivariate data modeling methods such as partial least-squares 1 (PLS1), partial least-squares 2 (PLS2), principal component regression (PCR) and artificial neural network (ANN), were compared using relevant multivariate figures of merit. The prediction ability of the regression models were cross validated against results generated with the reference HPLC method. PLS1 and ANN showed excellent and superior prediction abilities when compared to PLS2 and PCR. Based upon these results and because of its decreased complexity compared to ANN, PLS1 was selected as the best chemometric method to predict blend uniformity at-line. The FT-NIR measurement and the associated chemometric analysis were implemented in the production environment for rapid at-line determination of the end-point of the small molecule blending operation. FIGURE 1: Correlation coefficient vs Rank plot FIGURE 2: FT-NIR spectra of different steps of Blend and final blend FIGURE 3: Predictions ability of PCR FIGURE 4: Blend uniformity predication ability of PLS2 FIGURE 5: Prediction efficiency of blend uniformity using ANN FIGURE 6: Comparison of prediction efficiency of chemometric models TABLE 1: Order of Addition for Blending Steps

Gravity Survey of the Carson Sink - Data and Maps

DOE Data Explorer

Faulds, James E.

2013-12-31

A detailed gravity survey was carried out for the entire Carson Sink in western Nevada (Figure 1) through a subcontract to Zonge Engineering, Inc. The Carson Sink is a large composite basin containing three known, blind high-temperature geothermal systems (Fallon Airbase, Stillwater, and Soda Lake). This area was chosen for a detailed gravity survey in order to characterize the gravity signature of the known geothermal systems and to identify other potential blind systems based on the structural setting indicated by the gravity data. Data: Data were acquired at approximately 400, 800, and 1600 meter intervals for a total of 1,243 stations. The project location and station location points are presented in Figure 14. The station distribution for this survey was designed to complete regional gravity coverage in the Carson Sink area without duplication of available public and private gravity coverage. Gravity data were acquired using a Scintrex CG-5 gravimeter and a LaCoste and Romberg (L&R) Model-G gravimeter. The CG-5 gravity meter has a reading resolution of 0.001 milligals and a typical repeatability of less than 0.005 milligals. The L&R gravity meter has a reading resolution of 0.01 milligals and a typical repeatability of 0.02 milligals. The basic processing of gravimeter readings to calculate through to the Complete Bouguer Anomaly was made using the Gravity and Terrain Correction software version 7.1 for Oasis Montaj by Geosoft LTD. Results: The gravity survey of the Carson Sink yielded the following products. Project location and station location map (Figure 14). Complete Bouguer Anomaly @ 2.67 gm/cc reduction density. Gravity Complete Bouguer Anomaly at 2.50 g/cc Contour Map (Figure 15). Gravity Horizontal Gradient Magnitude Shaded Color Contour Map. Gravity 1st Vertical Derivative Color Contour Map. Interpreted Depth to Mesozoic Basement (Figure 16), incorporating drill-hole intercept values. Preliminary Interpretation of Results: The Carson Sink is a complex composite basin with several major depocenters (Figures 15 and 16). Major depocenters are present in the south-central, east-central, and northeastern parts of the basin. The distribution of gravity anomalies suggests a complex pattern of faulting in the subsurface of the basin, with many fault terminations, step-overs, and accommodation zones. The pattern of faulting implies that other, previously undiscovered blind geothermal systems are likely in the Carson Sink. The gravity survey was completed near the end of this project. Thus, more thorough analysis of the data and potential locations of blind geothermal systems is planned for future work.

Characterisation of adriamycin- and amsacrine-resistant human leukaemic T cell lines.

PubMed Central

Snow, K.; Judd, W.

1991-01-01

Cell lines resistant to adriamycin and amsacrine were derived from cloned sublines of the human T cell line Jurkat. Most of the lines resemble atypical MDR cells (Danks et al., 1987; Beck et al., 1987). Thus, resistant Jurkat sublines were cross resistant to several topoisomerase II inhibiting drugs but had low or no resistance to other classes of drugs, resistance was not reversed by verapamil, Pgp was not overexpressed, and drug accumulation was unaltered in resistant compared to parental (control) sublines. Other findings were that anthracycline metabolism differed between resistant and parental sublines, and that resistant sublines displayed altered expression of small polypeptides (less than 20K MW) and an 85K MW protein. Drug resistant cells showed resistance to the production of drug induced cytogenetic aberrations, DNA breaks, and protein-DNA complexes. Resistance was not mediated by altered binding of drugs to DNA or by increased repair of DNA damage. Indirect evidence suggests that the resistant cells had an altered drug-DNA-topoisomerase II association. The study highlights the complex relationships between DNA breaks, cytogenetic aberrations, protein-DNA complexes and drug cytotoxicity, and shows that the relationships differ for adriamycin and amsacrine, suggesting some differences in the modes of action and/or resistance for the drugs and cell lines. Images Figure 2 Figure 3 PMID:1989661

Structures of plutonium coordination compounds: A review of past work, recent single crystal x-ray diffraction results, and what we're learning about plutonium coordination chemistry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neu, M. P.; Matonic, J. H.; Smith, D. M.; Scott, B. L.

2000-07-01

The compounds we have isolated and characterized include plutonium(III) and plutonium(IV) bound by ligands with a range of donor types and denticity (halide, phosphine oxide, hydroxamate, amine, sulfide) in a variety of coordination geometries. For example, we have obtained the first X-ray structure of Pu(III) complexed by a soft donor ligand. Using a "one pot" synthesis beginning with Pu metal strips and iodine in acetonitrile and adding trithiacyclononane we isolated the complex, PuI3(9S3)(MeCN)2 (Figure 1). On the other end of the coordination chemistry spectrum, we have obtained the first single crystal structure of the Pu(IV) hexachloro anion (Figure 2). Although this species has been used in plutonium purification via anion exchange chromatography for decades, the bond distances and exact structure were not known. We have also characterized the first plutonium-biomolecule complex, Pu(IV) bound by the siderophore desferrioxamine E.In this presentation we will review the preparation, structures, and importance of previously known coordination compounds and of those we have recently isolated. We will show the coordination chemistry of plutonium is rich and varied, well worth additional exploration.

[Visual perception of Japanese characters and complicated figures: developmental changes of visual P300 event-related potentials].

PubMed

Sata, Yoshimi; Inagaki, Masumi; Shirane, Seiko; Kaga, Makiko

2002-07-01

In order to evaluate developmental change of visual perception, the P300 event-related potentials (ERPs) of visual oddball task were recorded in 34 healthy volunteers ranging from 7 to 37 years of age. The latency and amplitude of visual P300 in response to the Japanese ideogram stimuli (a pair of familiar Kanji characters or unfamiliar Kanji characters) and a pair of meaningless complicated figures were measured. Visual P300 was dominant at parietal area in almost all subjects. There was a significant difference of P300 latency among the three tasks. Reaction time to the both kind of Kanji tasks were significantly shorter than those to the complicated figure task. P300 latencies to the familiar Kanji, unfamiliar Kanji and figure stimuli decreased until 25.8, 26.9 and 29.4 years of age, respectively, and regression analysis revealed that a positive quadratic function could be fitted to the data. Around 9 years of age, the P300 latency/age slope was largest in the unfamiliar Kanji task. These findings suggest that visual P300 development depends on both the complexity of the tasks and specificity of the stimuli, which might reflect the variety in visual information processing.

Novel MRF fluid for ultra-low roughness optical surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dumas, Paul; McFee, Charles

2014-08-01

Over the past few years there have been an increasing number of applications calling for ultra-low roughness (ULR) surfaces. A critical demand has been driven by EUV optics, EUV photomasks, X-Ray, and high energy laser applications. Achieving ULR results on complex shapes like aspheres and X-Ray mirrors is extremely challenging with conventional polishing techniques. To achieve both tight figure and roughness specifications, substrates typically undergo iterative global and local polishing processes. Typically the local polishing process corrects the figure or flatness but cannot achieve the required surface roughness, whereas the global polishing process produces the required roughness but degrades the figure. Magnetorheological Finishing (MRF) is a local polishing technique based on a magnetically-sensitive fluid that removes material through a shearing mechanism with minimal normal load, thus removing sub-surface damage. The lowest surface roughness produced by current MRF is close to 3 Å RMS. A new ULR MR fluid uses a nano-based cerium as the abrasive in a proprietary aqueous solution, the combination of which reliably produces under 1.5Å RMS roughness on Fused Silica as measured by atomic force microscopy. In addition to the highly convergent figure correction achieved with MRF, we show results of our novel MR fluid achieving <1.5Å RMS roughness on fused silica and other materials.

3D Seismic Imaging using Marchenko Methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lomas, A.; Curtis, A.

2017-12-01

Marchenko methods are novel, data driven techniques that allow seismic wavefields from sources and receivers on the Earth's surface to be redatumed to construct wavefields with sources in the subsurface - including complex multiply-reflected waves, and without the need for a complex reference model. In turn, this allows subsurface images to be constructed at any such subsurface redatuming points (image or virtual receiver points). Such images are then free of artefacts from multiply-scattered waves that usually contaminate migrated seismic images. Marchenko algorithms require as input the same information as standard migration methods: the full reflection response from sources and receivers at the Earth's surface, and an estimate of the first arriving wave between the chosen image point and the surface. The latter can be calculated using a smooth velocity model estimated using standard methods. The algorithm iteratively calculates a signal that focuses at the image point to create a virtual source at that point, and this can be used to retrieve the signal between the virtual source and the surface. A feature of these methods is that the retrieved signals are naturally decomposed into up- and down-going components. That is, we obtain both the signal that initially propagated upwards from the virtual source and arrived at the surface, separated from the signal that initially propagated downwards. Figure (a) shows a 3D subsurface model with a variable density but a constant velocity (3000m/s). Along the surface of this model (z=0) in both the x and y directions are co-located sources and receivers at 20-meter intervals. The redatumed signal in figure (b) has been calculated using Marchenko methods from a virtual source (1200m, 500m and 400m) to the surface. For comparison the true solution is given in figure (c), and shows a good match when compared to figure (b). While these 2D redatuming and imaging methods are still in their infancy having first been developed in 2012, we have extended them to 3D media and wavefields. We show that while the wavefield effects may be more complex in 3D, Marchenko methods are still valid, and 3D images that are free of multiple-related artefacts, are a realistic possibility.

Physiological modules for generating discrete and rhythmic movements: component analysis of EMG signals.

PubMed

Bengoetxea, Ana; Leurs, Françoise; Hoellinger, Thomas; Cebolla, Ana Maria; Dan, Bernard; Cheron, Guy; McIntyre, Joseph

2014-01-01

A central question in Neuroscience is that of how the nervous system generates the spatiotemporal commands needed to realize complex gestures, such as handwriting. A key postulate is that the central nervous system (CNS) builds up complex movements from a set of simpler motor primitives or control modules. In this study we examined the control modules underlying the generation of muscle activations when performing different types of movement: discrete, point-to-point movements in eight different directions and continuous figure-eight movements in both the normal, upright orientation and rotated 90°. To test for the effects of biomechanical constraints, movements were performed in the frontal-parallel or sagittal planes, corresponding to two different nominal flexion/abduction postures of the shoulder. In all cases we measured limb kinematics and surface electromyographic activity (EMG) signals for seven different muscles acting around the shoulder. We first performed principal component analysis (PCA) of the EMG signals on a movement-by-movement basis. We found a surprisingly consistent pattern of muscle groupings across movement types and movement planes, although we could detect systematic differences between the PCs derived from movements performed in each shoulder posture and between the principal components associated with the different orientations of the figure. Unexpectedly we found no systematic differences between the figure eights and the point-to-point movements. The first three principal components could be associated with a general co-contraction of all seven muscles plus two patterns of reciprocal activation. From these results, we surmise that both "discrete-rhythmic movements" such as the figure eight, and discrete point-to-point movement may be constructed from three different fundamental modules, one regulating the impedance of the limb over the time span of the movement and two others operating to generate movement, one aligned with the vertical and the other aligned with the horizontal.

Physiological modules for generating discrete and rhythmic movements: component analysis of EMG signals

PubMed Central

Bengoetxea, Ana; Leurs, Françoise; Hoellinger, Thomas; Cebolla, Ana Maria; Dan, Bernard; Cheron, Guy; McIntyre, Joseph

2015-01-01

A central question in Neuroscience is that of how the nervous system generates the spatiotemporal commands needed to realize complex gestures, such as handwriting. A key postulate is that the central nervous system (CNS) builds up complex movements from a set of simpler motor primitives or control modules. In this study we examined the control modules underlying the generation of muscle activations when performing different types of movement: discrete, point-to-point movements in eight different directions and continuous figure-eight movements in both the normal, upright orientation and rotated 90°. To test for the effects of biomechanical constraints, movements were performed in the frontal-parallel or sagittal planes, corresponding to two different nominal flexion/abduction postures of the shoulder. In all cases we measured limb kinematics and surface electromyographic activity (EMG) signals for seven different muscles acting around the shoulder. We first performed principal component analysis (PCA) of the EMG signals on a movement-by-movement basis. We found a surprisingly consistent pattern of muscle groupings across movement types and movement planes, although we could detect systematic differences between the PCs derived from movements performed in each shoulder posture and between the principal components associated with the different orientations of the figure. Unexpectedly we found no systematic differences between the figure eights and the point-to-point movements. The first three principal components could be associated with a general co-contraction of all seven muscles plus two patterns of reciprocal activation. From these results, we surmise that both “discrete-rhythmic movements” such as the figure eight, and discrete point-to-point movement may be constructed from three different fundamental modules, one regulating the impedance of the limb over the time span of the movement and two others operating to generate movement, one aligned with the vertical and the other aligned with the horizontal. PMID:25620928

Bounded Rationality and Voting Decisions over 160 Years: Voter Behavior and Increasing Complexity in Decision-Making

PubMed Central

Stadelmann, David; Torgler, Benno

2013-01-01

Using a quasi-natural voting experiment encompassing a 160-year period (1848–2009) in Switzerland, we investigate whether a higher level of complexity leads to increased reliance on trusted parliamentary representatives. We find that when more referenda are held on the same day, constituents are more likely to refer to parliamentary recommendations when making their decisions. This finding holds true even when we narrow our focus to referenda with a relatively lower voter turnout on days on which more than one referendum is held. We also demonstrate that when constituents face a higher level of complexity, they follow the parliamentary recommendations rather than those of interest groups. “Viewed as a geometric figure, the ant’s path is irregular, complex, hard to describe. But its complexity is really a complexity in the surface of the beach, not a complexity in the ant.” ( [1] p. 51) PMID:24391888

Bounded rationality and voting decisions over 160 years: voter behavior and increasing complexity in decision-making.

PubMed

Stadelmann, David; Torgler, Benno

2013-01-01

Using a quasi-natural voting experiment encompassing a 160-year period (1848-2009) in Switzerland, we investigate whether a higher level of complexity leads to increased reliance on trusted parliamentary representatives. We find that when more referenda are held on the same day, constituents are more likely to refer to parliamentary recommendations when making their decisions. This finding holds true even when we narrow our focus to referenda with a relatively lower voter turnout on days on which more than one referendum is held. We also demonstrate that when constituents face a higher level of complexity, they follow the parliamentary recommendations rather than those of interest groups. "Viewed as a geometric figure, the ant's path is irregular, complex, hard to describe. But its complexity is really a complexity in the surface of the beach, not a complexity in the ant." ( [1] p. 51).

[Process design in high-reliability organizations].

PubMed

Sommer, K-J; Kranz, J; Steffens, J

2014-05-01

Modern medicine is a highly complex service industry in which individual care providers are linked in a complicated network. The complexity and interlinkedness is associated with risks concerning patient safety. Other highly complex industries like commercial aviation have succeeded in maintaining or even increasing its safety levels despite rapidly increasing passenger figures. Standard operating procedures (SOPs), crew resource management (CRM), as well as operational risk evaluation (ORE) are historically developed and trusted parts of a comprehensive and systemic safety program. If medicine wants to follow this quantum leap towards increased patient safety, it must intensively evaluate the results of other high-reliability industries and seek step-by-step implementation after a critical assessment.

Migration Related Socio-Cultural Changes and e-Learning in a European Globalising Society

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leman, Johan; Trappers, Ann; Brandon, Emily; Ruppol, Xavier

2008-01-01

OECD figures (1998-2002) reveal a sharply increasing flow of foreign workers into European countries. Ethnic diversification has become a generalized matter of fact. At the same time, rapidly developing technology and "intellectual globalization" processes--the world wide web--have also become a reality. This complex cluster of changes…

Apparent Paradoxes in Classical Electrodynamics: Relativistic Transformation of Force

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kholmetskii, A. L.; Yarman, T.

2007-01-01

In this paper, we analyse a number of paradoxical teaching problems of classical electrodynamics, dealing with the relativistic transformation of force for complex macro systems, consisting of a number of subsystems with nonzero relative velocities such as electric circuits that change their shape in the course of time. (Contains 7 figures.)

Broadening Professional Education on the Margins and between the Niches.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Krieger, Martin H.

1990-01-01

A promising model for professional education is the workshop, studio, or clinic, wherein a team takes on the complexity of actual situations and must figure out what to do. In these situations, individual abstracted problem solving is secondary. In general education, instructors and students are less protected by disciplinary fences. (MLW)

Using Texas Instruments Emulators as Teaching Tools in Quantitative Chemical Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Young, Vaneica Y.

2011-01-01

This technology report alerts upper-division undergraduate chemistry faculty and lecturers to the use of Texas Instruments emulators as virtual graphing calculators. These may be used in multimedia lectures to instruct students on the use of their graphing calculators to obtain solutions to complex chemical problems. (Contains 1 figure.)

Affect Response to Simulated Information Attack during Complex Task Performance

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-12-02

AND FRUSTRATION ........................ 42 FIGURE 27. TASK LOAD INDEX OF MENTAL DEMAND, TEMPORAL DEMAND, AND PHYSICAL DEMAND...situational awareness, affect, and trait characteristics interact with human performance during cyberspace attacks in the physical and information...Operator state was manipulated using emotional stimulation portrayed through the presentation of video segments. The effect of emotions on

Structural MRI and Cognitive Correlates in Pest-Control Personnel from Gulf War I

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-04-01

Figure (ROCFT; Corwin & Blysma, 1993) Copying a complex geometric design; assess ability to organize and construct Raw Score...workstations at Boston University School of Medicine where they were reconstructed for morphometric analyses by the study imaging expert, Dr. Killiany...conventional structural MRI and morphometric analysis of K. Sullivan, Ph.D

Performance on the Brink

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cassidy, Michael; Medsker, Karen

2006-01-01

Bob Knight, Head Men's Basketball Coach at Texas Tech, has set a new record for the most career wins (880) in college basketball history. As Indiana University graduates (Knight coached at Indiana for 21 years), and occasional college basketball fans, the authors consider what can be learned from Bob Knight, a complex and controversial figure. The…

Dynamic Learning Objects to Teach Java Programming Language

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Narasimhamurthy, Uma; Al Shawkani, Khuloud

2010-01-01

This article describes a model for teaching Java Programming Language through Dynamic Learning Objects. The design of the learning objects was based on effective learning design principles to help students learn the complex topic of Java Programming. Visualization was also used to facilitate the learning of the concepts. (Contains 1 figure and 2…

No Cow Left Behind

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Remsen, Kenneth A.

2004-01-01

As a principal facing the task of figuring out all the complexities of the No Child Left Behind legislation, Kenneth Remsen, has concluded there is a strong belief that testing students is the answer to bringing about improvements in student performance. Because testing seems to be a cornerstone to improving performance, he doesn't understand why…

Brief Report: Human Figure Drawings by Children with Asperger's Syndrome

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lim, Hui Keow; Slaughter, Virginia

2008-01-01

Twenty-nine children with Asperger's syndrome and 28 typically developing children, matched on gender, chronological age and nonverbal IQ, were asked to produce a free drawing, then requested to draw a person, a house and a tree. The drawings were scored using standardized procedures for assessing accuracy, detail and complexity. There were no…

Nurturing Brain Development from Birth to 3

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gopnik, Alison

2012-01-01

Alison Gopnik, PhD, a researcher and professor at the University of California, Berkeley, responds to questions about the ways researchers are discovering the complex processes of early cognitive development. Dr. Gopnik shares some of the creative research methods that are demonstrating how infants are figuring out what is going on in the mind of…

Luther's Antisemitism in Historical Context: A Necessary Discussion for Christian Educators

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lindquist, David H.

2013-01-01

Martin Luther remains a complex, contradictory figure whose impact on modern Western history cannot be overstated. Among the most controversial aspects of Luther's work is his ambivalent perspective of the Jews. The early Luther viewed the Jews warmly, depicting them as Christianity's historical and religious ancestors. Later, however, he…

Analytical model and figures of merit for filtered Microwave Photonic Links.

PubMed

Gasulla, Ivana; Capmany, José

2011-09-26

The concept of filtered Microwave Photonic Links is proposed in order to provide the most general and versatile description of complex analog photonic systems. We develop a field propagation model where a global optical filter, characterized by its optical transfer function, embraces all the intermediate optical components in a linear link. We assume a non-monochromatic light source characterized by an arbitrary spectral distribution which has a finite linewidth spectrum and consider both intensity modulation and phase modulation with balanced and single detection. Expressions leading to the computation of the main figures of merit concerning the link gain, noise and intermodulation distortion are provided which, to our knowledge, are not available in the literature. The usefulness of this derivation resides in the capability to directly provide performance criteria results for complex links just by substituting in the overall closed-form formulas the numerical or measured optical transfer function characterizing the link. This theory is presented thus as a potential tool for a wide range of relevant microwave photonic application cases which is extendable to multiport radio over fiber systems. © 2011 Optical Society of America

Mid-IR Imaging of Orion BN/KL: Modeling of Physical Conditions and Energy Balance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gezari, Daniel; Varosi, Frank; Dwek, Eli; Danchi, William; Tan, Jonathan; Okumura, Shin-Ichiro

We have modeled two mid-infrared imaging photometry data sets to determine the spatial distribution of physical conditions in the BN/KL infrared complex. We observed the BN/KL region using the 10-m Keck I telescope and the LWS in the direct imaging mode, over a 13'' × 19'' field (Figure 1, left). We also modeled images obtained with COMICS (Kataza et al. 2000) at the 8.2-m SUBARU telescope, over a total field of view is 31'' × 41'' (Figure 1, right), in a total of nine bands: 7.8, 8.8, 9.7, 10.5, 11.7, 12.4, 18.5, 20.8 and 24.8 μm with ~1 μm bandwidth interference filters.

Titan Upper Atmosphere: A factory of hydrocarbons

NASA Image and Video Library

2005-04-22

During its closest flyby of Saturn's moon Titan on April 16, the Cassini spacecraft came within 1,025 kilometers (637 miles) of the moon's surface and found that the outer layer of the thick, hazy atmosphere is brimming with complex hydrocarbons. This figure shows a mass spectrum of Titan's ionosphere near 1,200 kilometers (746 miles) above its surface. The mass range covered goes from hydrogen at 1 atomic mass unit per elementary charge (Dalton) to 99 Daltons. This mass range includes compounds with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 carbons as the base structure (as indicated in the figure label). The identified compounds include multiple carbon molecules and carbon-nitrogen bearing species as well. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA07865

Impact of hippocampal subfield histopathology in episodic memory impairment in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy and hippocampal sclerosis.

PubMed

Comper, Sandra Mara; Jardim, Anaclara Prada; Corso, Jeana Torres; Gaça, Larissa Botelho; Noffs, Maria Helena Silva; Lancellotti, Carmen Lúcia Penteado; Cavalheiro, Esper Abrão; Centeno, Ricardo Silva; Yacubian, Elza Márcia Targas

2017-10-01

The objective of the study was to analyze preoperative visual and verbal episodic memories in a homogeneous series of patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) and unilateral hippocampal sclerosis (HS) submitted to corticoamygdalohippocampectomy and its association with neuronal cell density of each hippocampal subfield. The hippocampi of 72 right-handed patients were collected and prepared for histopathological examination. Hippocampal sclerosis patterns were determined, and neuronal cell density was calculated. Preoperatively, two verbal and two visual memory tests (immediate and delayed recalls) were applied, and patients were divided into two groups, left and right MTLE (36/36). There were no statistical differences between groups regarding demographic and clinical data. Cornu Ammonis 4 (CA4) neuronal density was significantly lower in the right hippocampus compared with the left (p=0.048). The groups with HS presented different memory performance - the right HS were worse in visual memory test [Complex Rey Figure, immediate (p=0.001) and delayed (p=0.009)], but better in one verbal task [RAVLT delayed (p=0.005)]. Multiple regression analysis suggested that the verbal memory performance of the group with left HS was explained by CA1 neuronal density since both tasks were significantly influenced by CA1 [Logical Memory immediate recall (p=0.050) and Logical Memory and RAVLT delayed recalls (p=0.004 and p=0.001, respectively)]. For patients with right HS, both CA1 subfield integrity (p=0.006) and epilepsy duration (p=0.012) explained Complex Rey Figure immediate recall performance. Ultimately, epilepsy duration also explained the performance in the Complex Rey Figure delayed recall (p<0.001). Cornu Ammonis 1 (CA1) hippocampal subfield was related to immediate and delayed recalls of verbal memory tests in left HS, while CA1 and epilepsy duration were associated with visual memory performance in patients with right HS. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Enhanced photo-activated luminescence for screening polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) and other related chlorinated compounds

DOEpatents

Tuan Vodinh.

1993-12-21

The presence of polychlorinated biphenyls and other chlorinated compounds in a sample is determined by treating the sample with a photo-activator and then exposing the treated sample to a UV light source. The UV light produces a photo-product complex, which is subsequently excited with UV light to cause luminescence of the complex. The luminescence is detected and characteristics of the luminescence spectra are used to determine the presence of chlorinated compounds and also the quantity of the chlorine in the compounds. 14 figures.

Cross-cultural differences for three visual memory tasks in Brazilian children.

PubMed

Santos, F H; Mello, C B; Bueno, O F A; Dellatolas, G

2005-10-01

Norms for three visual memory tasks, including Corsi's block tapping test and the BEM 144 complex figures and visual recognition, were developed for neuropsychological assessment in Brazilian children. The tasks were measured in 127 children ages 7 to 10 years from rural and urban areas of the States of São Paulo and Minas Gerais. Analysis indicated age-related but not sex-related differences. A cross-cultural effect was observed in relation to copying and recall of Complex pictures. Different performances between rural and urban children were noted.

Differential expression of extracellular matrix molecules and the alpha 6-integrins in the normal and neoplastic prostate.

PubMed Central

Knox, J. D.; Cress, A. E.; Clark, V.; Manriquez, L.; Affinito, K. S.; Dalkin, B. L.; Nagle, R. B.

1994-01-01

The epithelial basal lamina composition and integrin expression profile of normal and neoplastic human prostate was characterized using immunohistochemical analysis of frozen samples. The major components of the basal lamina surrounding normal acini were laminin, type IV collagen, entactin, and type VII collagen with variable amounts of tenascin. The basal lamina of neoplastic acini had a similar composition, except for the loss of type VII collagen, which was observed in all grades of carcinoma. The basal cells of the normal prostate express the alpha 6-, beta 1-, and beta 4-integrin subunits, suggesting that both the alpha 6 beta 1- and alpha 6 beta 4-integrin complexes are formed. In prostate carcinoma there is a complete loss of beta 4 expression and the alpha 6- and beta 1-integrin subunits, which are restricted to the basal and basal lateral surfaces of basal cells, are distributed diffusely throughout the cytoplasmic membrane. The differential expression of type VII collagen and beta 4 are discussed in relationship to their possible role in tumor progression. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 PMID:8030747

Airflow, gas deposition, and lesion distribution in the nasal passages.

PubMed Central

Morgan, K T; Monticello, T M

1990-01-01

The nasal passages of laboratory animals and man are complex, and lesions induced in the delicate nasal lining by inhaled air pollutants vary considerably in location and nature. The distribution of nasal lesions is generally a consequence of regional deposition of the inhaled material, local tissue susceptibility, or a combination of these factors. Nasal uptake and regional deposition are are influenced by numerous factors including the physical and chemical properties of the inhaled material, such as water solubility and reactivity; airborne concentration and length of exposure; the presence of other air contaminants such as particulate matter; nasal metabolism, and blood and mucus flow. For certain highly water-soluble or reactive gases, nasal airflow patterns play a major role in determining lesion distribution. Studies of nasal airflow in rats and monkeys, using casting and molding techniques combined with a water-dye model, indicate that nasal airflow patterns are responsible for characteristic differences in the distribution of nasal lesions induced by formaldehyde in these species. Local tissue susceptibility is also a complex issue that may be a consequence of many factors, including physiologic and metabolic characteristics of the diverse cell populations that comprise each of the major epithelial types lining the airways. Identification of the principal factors that influence the distribution and nature of nasal lesions is important when attempting the difficult process of determining potential human risks using data derived from laboratory animals. Toxicologic pathologists can contribute to this process by carefully identifying the site and nature of nasal lesions induced by inhaled materials. Images FIGURE 4. FIGURE 6. FIGURE 7. PMID:2200663

Operational testing of a figure of merit for overall task performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lemay, Moira

1990-01-01

An overall indicator or figure of merit (FOM), for the quality of pilot performance is needed to define optimal workload levels, predict system failure, measure the impact of new automation in the cockpit, and define the relative contributions of subtasks to overall task performance. A normative FOM was developed based on the calculation of a standard score for each component of a complex task. It reflected some effects, detailed in an earlier study, of the introduction of new data link technology into the cockpit. Since the technique showed promise, further testing was done. A new set of data was obtained using the recently developed Multi-Attribute Task Battery. This is a complex battery consisting of four tasks which can be varied in task demand, and on which performance measures can be obtained. This battery was presented to 12 subjects in a 20 minute trial at each of three levels of workload or task demand, and performance measures collected on all four tasks. The NASA-TLX workload rating scale was presented at minutes 6, 12, and 18, of each trial. A figure of merit was then obtained for each run of the battery by calculating a mean, SD, and standard score for each task. Each task contributed its own proportion to the overall FOM, and relative contributions changed with increasing workload. Thus, the FOM shows the effect of task changes, not only on the individual task that is changed, but also on the performance of other tasks and of the whole task. The cost to other tasks of maintaining constant performance on an individual task can be quantified.

A time-efficient algorithm for implementing the Catmull-Clark subdivision method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ioannou, G.; Savva, A.; Stylianou, V.

2015-10-01

Splines are the most popular methods in Figure Modeling and CAGD (Computer Aided Geometric Design) in generating smooth surfaces from a number of control points. The control points define the shape of a figure and splines calculate the required number of points which when displayed on a computer screen the result is a smooth surface. However, spline methods are based on a rectangular topological structure of points, i.e., a two-dimensional table of vertices, and thus cannot generate complex figures, such as the human and animal bodies that their complex structure does not allow them to be defined by a regular rectangular grid. On the other hand surface subdivision methods, which are derived by splines, generate surfaces which are defined by an arbitrary topology of control points. This is the reason that during the last fifteen years subdivision methods have taken the lead over regular spline methods in all areas of modeling in both industry and research. The cost of executing computer software developed to read control points and calculate the surface is run-time, due to the fact that the surface-structure required for handling arbitrary topological grids is very complicate. There are many software programs that have been developed related to the implementation of subdivision surfaces however, not many algorithms are documented in the literature, to support developers for writing efficient code. This paper aims to assist programmers by presenting a time-efficient algorithm for implementing subdivision splines. The Catmull-Clark which is the most popular of the subdivision methods has been employed to illustrate the algorithm.

BrainNet Viewer: a network visualization tool for human brain connectomics.

PubMed

Xia, Mingrui; Wang, Jinhui; He, Yong

2013-01-01

The human brain is a complex system whose topological organization can be represented using connectomics. Recent studies have shown that human connectomes can be constructed using various neuroimaging technologies and further characterized using sophisticated analytic strategies, such as graph theory. These methods reveal the intriguing topological architectures of human brain networks in healthy populations and explore the changes throughout normal development and aging and under various pathological conditions. However, given the huge complexity of this methodology, toolboxes for graph-based network visualization are still lacking. Here, using MATLAB with a graphical user interface (GUI), we developed a graph-theoretical network visualization toolbox, called BrainNet Viewer, to illustrate human connectomes as ball-and-stick models. Within this toolbox, several combinations of defined files with connectome information can be loaded to display different combinations of brain surface, nodes and edges. In addition, display properties, such as the color and size of network elements or the layout of the figure, can be adjusted within a comprehensive but easy-to-use settings panel. Moreover, BrainNet Viewer draws the brain surface, nodes and edges in sequence and displays brain networks in multiple views, as required by the user. The figure can be manipulated with certain interaction functions to display more detailed information. Furthermore, the figures can be exported as commonly used image file formats or demonstration video for further use. BrainNet Viewer helps researchers to visualize brain networks in an easy, flexible and quick manner, and this software is freely available on the NITRC website (www.nitrc.org/projects/bnv/).

The Defense Industrial Base: Prescription for a Psychosomatic Ailment

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-08-01

The Decision- Making Process ------------------------- 65 Notes ---------------------------------------- FIGURE 4-1. The Decision [laking Process...the strategy and tactics process to make certain that we can attain out national security objectives. (IFP is also known as mobilization planning or...decision- making model that could improve the capacity and capability-of the military-industrial complex, thereby increasing the probability of success

Analysis of XeC1 Emission in a Hollow Cathode Discharge.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-06-01

excited homopolar molecule, e.g., Xe2 , Hg2 The term exciplex refers to an electronically excited heteropolar complex, e.g., KrF , XeOH , XeCl , which...HCI Products, k9 = 5.4 x 10 cm /sec. (25) Figure 9 summarizes the main energy pathways for XeCI exciplex formation via three body recombination and

Old at 40: Women in the Workplace.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Snyder, Eloise; And Others

In providing an overview of the complex topic of mature women in the workplace, this report presents some of the known, and sometimes contradictory, facts about women and work. It is divided into three sections. The first section begins by detailing facts and figures regarding the older woman worker of the 1980s. Comparisons are made between men's…

The Role of Children's Literature in One Rural Town's Elementary School: A Case Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Altieri, Jennifer L.

1997-01-01

Surveys all 11 teachers in one rural setting to determine complexities surrounding literature use in that school. Finds the basal played a predominant role in classrooms--only the Chapter I teacher used literature during reading. Finds that "textbooks" were important for teachers and that trade books did not figure much in instruction.…

Five on Five: A Dialogue on Profession Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Villano, Matt

2008-01-01

In the old days, professional development didn't extend any further than the workshops teachers would attend to learn new applications. After the workshop, the teachers were on their own once they returned to school and had to figure out how to use their new tools. Today, things are different as technologies are too complex and the need to…

HEPA filter dissolution process

DOEpatents

Brewer, K.N.; Murphy, J.A.

1994-02-22

A process is described for dissolution of spent high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and then combining the complexed filter solution with other radioactive wastes prior to calcining the mixed and blended waste feed. The process is an alternate to a prior method of acid leaching the spent filters which is an inefficient method of treating spent HEPA filters for disposal. 4 figures.

What Can We Learn from the Word Writing CAFE?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bromley, Karen; Vandenberg, Amy; White, Jennifer

2007-01-01

Building on the work of an earlier article ["The Word Writing CAFE: Assessing Student Writing for Complexity, Accuracy, and Fluency," Dorothy J. Leal, "Reading Teacher," 59 (4) Dec 2005 (EJ738016)], these authors investigated the use of a simple assessment tool with a different audience to yield similar useful results. (Contains 3 figures and 4…

The Superintendency in New York State: Factors Influencing Tenure and Longevity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hattar, Ronald

2013-01-01

The superintendent is the most visible figure in a school district and subject to the greatest stress and public scrutiny (Fullan, 1998; Jazzar & Kimball, 2004). The nature of the position is highly complex and requires a skilled leader to be able to navigate intricacies of public education (Byrd, Drews, & Johnson, 2006). Thus, the most…

The Complexity of Intellectual Currents: Duncan McArthur and Ontario's Progressivist Curriculum Reforms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Christou, Theodore Michael

2013-01-01

This paper concentrates on a seminal figure in the history of Canadian education who has never previously been the subject of historical examination: Duncan McArthur. As Deputy Minister, then Minister of Education, in Ontario between 1934 and 1942, he guided the province's public schools during a period of dramatic reorganisation within a context…

Some Applications of Fast Atom Bombardment Mass Spectrometry.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-08-01

heated probe - E1 mass spectra of certain metal carboxylates 3 , where M4 (OCOR)60 is often the parent vapour-phase species. In fact, Zn3 (OCOCH 3)30+ is...using FABMS(1 7J. A Rhodium based catalyst complex also gave good spectra(1)- Metal carboxylates are common corrosion products(1 3 ). Figure 10 shows the

Agile Integration of Complex Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-11-01

touch screens for dismounted warfighters or first responders Laptops for mounted warfighters or first responders Multitouch would be useful for all...Messaging Service provides basic distribution support for the other SOAF services, as shown in Figure 3. This support includes interacting with the...entered with the details necessary to accomplish the respective interactions of consuming and providing services. The combination of additional

Evaluation of Enhanced Attention to Local Detail in Anorexia Nervosa Using the Embedded Figures Test; an fMRI Study

PubMed Central

Giampietro, Vincent; Van den Eynde, Frederique; Davies, Helen; Lounes, Naima; Andrew, Christopher; Dalton, Jeffrey; Simmons, Andrew; Williams, Steven C.R.; Baron-Cohen, Simon; Tchanturia, Kate

2013-01-01

The behavioural literature in anorexia nervosa and autism spectrum disorders has indicated an overlap in cognitive profiles. One such domain is the enhancement of local processing over global processing. While functional imaging studies of autism spectrum disorder have revealed differential neural patterns compared to controls in response to tests of local versus global processing, no studies have explored such effects in anorexia nervosa. This study uses functional magnetic resonance imaging in conjunction with the embedded figures test, to explore the neural correlates of this enhanced attention to detail in the largest anorexia nervosa cohort to date. On the embedded figures tests participants are required to indicate which of two complex figures contains a simple geometrical shape. The findings indicate that whilst healthy controls showed greater accuracy on the task than people with anorexia nervosa, different brain regions were recruited. Healthy controls showed greater activation in the precuneus whilst people with anorexia nervosa showed greater activation in the fusiform gyrus. This suggests that different cognitive strategies were used to perform the task, i.e. healthy controls demonstrated greater emphasis on visuospatial searching and people with anorexia nervosa employed a more object recognition-based approach. This is in accordance with previous findings in autism spectrum disorder using a similar methodology and has implications for therapies addressing the appropriate adjustment of cognitive strategies in anorexia nervosa. PMID:23691129

Evaluation of enhanced attention to local detail in anorexia nervosa using the embedded figures test; an FMRI study.

PubMed

Fonville, Leon; Lao-Kaim, Nick P; Giampietro, Vincent; Van den Eynde, Frederique; Davies, Helen; Lounes, Naima; Andrew, Christopher; Dalton, Jeffrey; Simmons, Andrew; Williams, Steven C R; Baron-Cohen, Simon; Tchanturia, Kate

2013-01-01

The behavioural literature in anorexia nervosa and autism spectrum disorders has indicated an overlap in cognitive profiles. One such domain is the enhancement of local processing over global processing. While functional imaging studies of autism spectrum disorder have revealed differential neural patterns compared to controls in response to tests of local versus global processing, no studies have explored such effects in anorexia nervosa. This study uses functional magnetic resonance imaging in conjunction with the embedded figures test, to explore the neural correlates of this enhanced attention to detail in the largest anorexia nervosa cohort to date. On the embedded figures tests participants are required to indicate which of two complex figures contains a simple geometrical shape. The findings indicate that whilst healthy controls showed greater accuracy on the task than people with anorexia nervosa, different brain regions were recruited. Healthy controls showed greater activation in the precuneus whilst people with anorexia nervosa showed greater activation in the fusiform gyrus. This suggests that different cognitive strategies were used to perform the task, i.e. healthy controls demonstrated greater emphasis on visuospatial searching and people with anorexia nervosa employed a more object recognition-based approach. This is in accordance with previous findings in autism spectrum disorder using a similar methodology and has implications for therapies addressing the appropriate adjustment of cognitive strategies in anorexia nervosa.

Large-Scale Analysis of Auditory Segregation Behavior Crowdsourced via a Smartphone App.

PubMed

Teki, Sundeep; Kumar, Sukhbinder; Griffiths, Timothy D

2016-01-01

The human auditory system is adept at detecting sound sources of interest from a complex mixture of several other simultaneous sounds. The ability to selectively attend to the speech of one speaker whilst ignoring other speakers and background noise is of vital biological significance-the capacity to make sense of complex 'auditory scenes' is significantly impaired in aging populations as well as those with hearing loss. We investigated this problem by designing a synthetic signal, termed the 'stochastic figure-ground' stimulus that captures essential aspects of complex sounds in the natural environment. Previously, we showed that under controlled laboratory conditions, young listeners sampled from the university subject pool (n = 10) performed very well in detecting targets embedded in the stochastic figure-ground signal. Here, we presented a modified version of this cocktail party paradigm as a 'game' featured in a smartphone app (The Great Brain Experiment) and obtained data from a large population with diverse demographical patterns (n = 5148). Despite differences in paradigms and experimental settings, the observed target-detection performance by users of the app was robust and consistent with our previous results from the psychophysical study. Our results highlight the potential use of smartphone apps in capturing robust large-scale auditory behavioral data from normal healthy volunteers, which can also be extended to study auditory deficits in clinical populations with hearing impairments and central auditory disorders.

Great Salt Lake Composition and Rare Earth Speciation Analysis

DOE Data Explorer

Jiao, Yongqin; Lammers, Laura; Brewer, Aaron

2017-04-19

We have conducted aqueous speciation analyses of the Great Salt Lake (GSL) brine sample (Table 1) and a mock geo sample (Table 2) spiked with 1 ppb Tb and 100 ppb Tb. The GSL speciation (Figure 1) aligns with our basic speciation expectations that strong carbonate complexes would form at mid to higher pH's. Although we expected strong aqueous complexes with fluorides at neutral pH and with chlorides, and hydroxides at low pH, we observe that the dominant species in the low to mid pH range to be Tb3+ as a free ion. Still, we do see the presence of fluoride and chloride complexes within the expected low to mid pH range.

Atmospheric studies in complex terrain: a planning guide for future studies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Orgill, M.M.

The objective of this study is to assist the US Department of Energy in Conducting its atmospheric studies in complex terrain (ASCOT0 by defining various complex terrain research systems and relating these options to specific landforms sites. This includes: (1) reviewing past meteorological and diffusion research on complex terrain; (2) relating specific terrain-induced airflow phenomena to specific landforms and time and space scales; (3) evaluating the technical difficulty of modeling and measuring terrain-induced airflow phenomena; and (4) avolving severdal research options and proposing candidate sites for continuing and expanding field and modeling work. To evolve research options using variable candidatemore » sites, four areas were considered: site selection, terrain uniqueness and quantification, definition of research problems and research plans. 36 references, 111 figures, 20 tables.« less

Path integration: effect of curved path complexity and sensory system on blindfolded walking.

PubMed

Koutakis, Panagiotis; Mukherjee, Mukul; Vallabhajosula, Srikant; Blanke, Daniel J; Stergiou, Nicholas

2013-02-01

Path integration refers to the ability to integrate continuous information of the direction and distance traveled by the system relative to the origin. Previous studies have investigated path integration through blindfolded walking along simple paths such as straight line and triangles. However, limited knowledge exists regarding the role of path complexity in path integration. Moreover, little is known about how information from different sensory input systems (like vision and proprioception) contributes to accurate path integration. The purpose of the current study was to investigate how sensory information and curved path complexity affect path integration. Forty blindfolded participants had to accurately reproduce a curved path and return to the origin. They were divided into four groups that differed in the curved path, circle (simple) or figure-eight (complex), and received either visual (previously seen) or proprioceptive (previously guided) information about the path before they reproduced it. The dependent variables used were average trajectory error, walking speed, and distance traveled. The results indicated that (a) both groups that walked on a circular path and both groups that received visual information produced greater accuracy in reproducing the path. Moreover, the performance of the group that received proprioceptive information and later walked on a figure-eight path was less accurate than their corresponding circular group. The groups that had the visual information also walked faster compared to the group that had proprioceptive information. Results of the current study highlight the roles of different sensory inputs while performing blindfolded walking for path integration. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Thermoelectric figure of merit of polymeric systems for low-power generators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cigarini, Luigi; Ruini, Alice; Catellani, Alessandra; Calzolari, Arrigo

2017-10-01

The request of thermoelectric materials for low-power and flexible applications fosters the investigation of the intrinsic electron and thermal transport of conducting polymeric chains, which are building blocks of the complex variety of organic composites proposed in experimental samples. Using calculations from first principles and the Landauer approach for both electron and phonon carriers, we study the thermoelectric figure of merit zT of three representative and largely used polymer chains, namely poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene), polyaniline and polyfluorene. Our results provide an upper-limit estimate of zT, due to the intrinsic electronic and vibrational properties of the selected compounds, and pave the way to a microscopic understanding of the mechanisms that affect their electronic and transport characteristics in terms of structural distortions and chemical doping.

A Unique Assemblage of Engraved Plaquettes from Ein Qashish South, Jezreel Valley, Israel: Figurative and Non-Figurative Symbols of Late Pleistocene Hunters-Gatherers in the Levant.

PubMed

Yaroshevich, Alla; Bar-Yosef, Ofer; Boaretto, Elisabeta; Caracuta, Valentina; Greenbaum, Noam; Porat, Naomi; Roskin, Joel

2016-01-01

Three engraved limestone plaquettes from the recently excavated Epipaleolithic open-air site Ein Qashish South in the Jezreel Valley, Israel comprise unique evidence for symbolic behavior of Late Pleistocene foragers in the Levant. The engravings, uncovered in Kebaran and Geometric Kebaran deposits (ca. 23ka and ca. 16.5ka BP), include the image of a bird-the first figurative representation known so far from a pre-Natufian Epipaleolithic-along with geometric motifs such as chevrons, crosshatchings and ladders. Some of the engravings closely resemble roughly contemporary European finds interpreted as "systems of notations" or "artificial memory systems"-records related to timing of seasonal resources and associated aggregation events of nomadic groups. Moreover, similarly looking signs and patterns are well known from the context of the local Natufian-a final Epipaleolithic culture of sedentary or semi-sedentary foragers who started practicing agriculture. The investigation of the engravings found in Ein Qashish South involves conceptualizations developed in studies of European and local parallels, a selection of ethnographic examples and preliminary microscopic observations of the plaquettes. This shows that the figurative and non-figurative images comprise a coherent assemblage of symbols that might have been applied in order to store, share and transmit information related to social and subsistence realms of mobile bands. It further suggests that the site functioned as a locality of groups' aggregation and indicates social complexity of pre-Natufian foragers in the Levant. While alterations in social and subsistence strategies can explain the varying frequency of image use characterizing different areas of the Late Pleistocene world-the apparent similarity in graphics and the mode of their application support the possibility that symbol-mediated behavior has a common and much earlier origin.

Early suppression effect in human primary visual cortex during Kanizsa illusion processing: A magnetoencephalographic evidence.

PubMed

Chernyshev, Boris V; Pronko, Platon K; Stroganova, Tatiana A

2016-01-01

Detection of illusory contours (ICs) such as Kanizsa figures is known to depend primarily upon the lateral occipital complex. Yet there is no universal agreement on the role of the primary visual cortex in this process; some existing evidence hints that an early stage of the visual response in V1 may involve relative suppression to Kanizsa figures compared with controls. Iso-oriented luminance borders, which are responsible for Kanizsa illusion, may evoke surround suppression in V1 and adjacent areas leading to the reduction in the initial response to Kanizsa figures. We attempted to test the existence, as well as to find localization and timing of the early suppression effect produced by Kanizsa figures in adult nonclinical human participants. We used two sizes of visual stimuli (4.5 and 9.0°) in order to probe the effect at two different levels of eccentricity; the stimuli were presented centrally in passive viewing conditions. We recorded magnetoencephalogram, which is more sensitive than electroencephalogram to activity originating from V1 and V2 areas. We restricted our analysis to the medial occipital area and the occipital pole, and to a 40-120 ms time window after the stimulus onset. By applying threshold-free cluster enhancement technique in combination with permutation statistics, we were able to detect the inverted IC effect-a relative suppression of the response to the Kanizsa figures compared with the control stimuli. The current finding is highly compatible with the explanation involving surround suppression evoked by iso-oriented collinear borders. The effect may be related to the principle of sparse coding, according to which V1 suppresses representations of inner parts of collinear assemblies as being informationally redundant. Such a mechanism is likely to be an important preliminary step preceding object contour detection.

Distinct white matter integrity in glutamic acid decarboxylase and voltage-gated potassium channel-complex antibody-associated limbic encephalitis.

PubMed

Wagner, Jan; Schoene-Bake, Jan-Christoph; Witt, Juri-Alexander; Helmstaedter, Christoph; Malter, Michael P; Stoecker, Winfried; Probst, Christian; Weber, Bernd; Elger, Christian E

2016-03-01

Autoantibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) and the voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC) complex are associated with distinct subtypes of limbic encephalitis regarding clinical presentation, response to therapy, and outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate white matter changes in these two limbic encephalitis subtypes by means of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Diffusion data were obtained in 14 patients with GAD antibodies and 16 patients with VGKC-complex antibodies and compared with age- and gender-matched control groups. Voxelwise statistical analysis was carried out using tract-based spatial statistics. The results were furthermore compared with those of 15 patients with unilateral histologically confirmed hippocampal sclerosis and correlated with verbal and figural memory performance. We found widespread changes of fractional anisotropy and all diffusivity parameters in GAD-associated limbic encephalitis, whereas no changes were found in VGKC-complex-associated limbic encephalitis. The changes observed in the GAD group were even more extensive when compared against those of the hippocampal sclerosis group, although the disease duration was markedly shorter in patients with GAD antibodies. Correlation analysis revealed areas with a trend toward a negative correlation of diffusivity parameters with figural memory performance located mainly in the right temporal lobe in the GAD group as well. The present study provides further evidence that, depending on the associated antibody, limbic encephalitis features clearly distinct imaging characteristics by showing widespread white matter changes in GAD-associated limbic encephalitis and preserved white matter integrity in VGKC-complex-associated limbic encephalitis. Furthermore, our results contribute to a better understanding of the specific pathophysiologic properties in these two subforms of limbic encephalitis by revealing that patients with GAD antibodies show widespread affections of white matter across various regions of the brain. In contrast to this, the inflammatory process seems to be more localized in VGKC-complex-associated limbic encephalitis, primarily affecting mesiotemporal gray matter. Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 International League Against Epilepsy.

Bridged transition-metal complexes and uses thereof for hydrogen separation, storage and hydrogenation

DOEpatents

Lilga, M.A.; Hallen, R.T.

1991-10-15

The present invention constitutes a class of organometallic complexes which reversibly react with hydrogen to form dihydrides and processes by which these compounds can be utilized. The class includes bimetallic complexes in which two cyclopentadienyl rings are bridged together and also separately [pi]-bonded to two transition metal atoms. The transition metals are believed to bond with the hydrogen in forming the dihydride. Transition metals such as Fe, Mn or Co may be employed in the complexes although Cr constitutes the preferred metal. A multiple number of ancillary ligands such as CO are bonded to the metal atoms in the complexes. Alkyl groups and the like may be substituted on the cyclopentadienyl rings. These organometallic compounds may be used in absorption/desorption systems and in facilitated transport membrane systems for storing and separating out H[sub 2] from mixed gas streams such as the product gas from coal gasification processes. 3 figures.

Measuring kinetics of complex single ion channel data using mean-variance histograms.

PubMed Central

Patlak, J B

1993-01-01

The measurement of single ion channel kinetics is difficult when those channels exhibit subconductance events. When the kinetics are fast, and when the current magnitudes are small, as is the case for Na+, Ca2+, and some K+ channels, these difficulties can lead to serious errors in the estimation of channel kinetics. I present here a method, based on the construction and analysis of mean-variance histograms, that can overcome these problems. A mean-variance histogram is constructed by calculating the mean current and the current variance within a brief "window" (a set of N consecutive data samples) superimposed on the digitized raw channel data. Systematic movement of this window over the data produces large numbers of mean-variance pairs which can be assembled into a two-dimensional histogram. Defined current levels (open, closed, or sublevel) appear in such plots as low variance regions. The total number of events in such low variance regions is estimated by curve fitting and plotted as a function of window width. This function decreases with the same time constants as the original dwell time probability distribution for each of the regions. The method can therefore be used: 1) to present a qualitative summary of the single channel data from which the signal-to-noise ratio, open channel noise, steadiness of the baseline, and number of conductance levels can be quickly determined; 2) to quantify the dwell time distribution in each of the levels exhibited. In this paper I present the analysis of a Na+ channel recording that had a number of complexities. The signal-to-noise ratio was only about 8 for the main open state, open channel noise, and fast flickers to other states were present, as were a substantial number of subconductance states. "Standard" half-amplitude threshold analysis of these data produce open and closed time histograms that were well fitted by the sum of two exponentials, but with apparently erroneous time constants, whereas the mean-variance histogram technique provided a more credible analysis of the open, closed, and subconductance times for the patch. I also show that the method produces accurate results on simulated data in a wide variety of conditions, whereas the half-amplitude method, when applied to complex simulated data shows the same errors as were apparent in the real data. The utility and the limitations of this new method are discussed. Images FIGURE 2 FIGURE 4 FIGURE 8 FIGURE 9 PMID:7690261

Visual Search Performance in the Autism Spectrum II: The Radial Frequency Search Task with Additional Segmentation Cues

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Almeida, Renita A.; Dickinson, J. Edwin; Maybery, Murray T.; Badcock, Johanna C.; Badcock, David R.

2010-01-01

The Embedded Figures Test (EFT) requires detecting a shape within a complex background and individuals with autism or high Autism-spectrum Quotient (AQ) scores are faster and more accurate on this task than controls. This research aimed to uncover the visual processes producing this difference. Previously we developed a search task using radial…

A Logical Framework for Service Migration Based Survivability

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-24

platforms; Service Migration Strategy Fuzzy Inference System Knowledge Base Fuzzy rules representing domain expert knowledge about implications of...service migration strategy. Our approach uses expert knowledge as linguistic reasoning rules and takes service programs damage assessment, service...programs complexity, and available network capability as input. The fuzzy inference system includes four components as shown in Figure 5: (1) a knowledge

Recovery, Reuse, and Recycle of Solvents.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-12-01

Program ------------------------------------------------------ 1I In e t v s P o r m - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Soncentves Pr ogram...not known. . . ,o. .’* • . .~i 8 A M FIGURE 1 WORKSHEET FOR DETERMINING WASTE SOLVENT ECONOMIC ANALYSIS Activity/Complex: Preparer:_________ Location...annual f. operating cost of $890 18 V-7 C.6 M . SOLVENT RENTAL APPLICATIONS Solvent rental may be the most cost effective method for complying with both

A Simple Demonstration for Exploring the Radio Waves Generated by a Mobile Phone

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hare, Jonathan

2010-01-01

Described is a simple low cost home-made device that converts the radio wave energy from a mobile phone signal into electricity for lighting an LED. No battery or complex circuitry is required. The device can form the basis of a range of interesting experiments on the physics and technology of mobile phones. (Contains 5 figures.)

Development of a Software-Defined Radar

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-10-01

waveform to the widest available (unoccupied) instantaneous bandwidth in real time. Consequently, the radar range resolution and target detection are...LabVIEW The matched filter range profile is calculated in real time using fast Fourier transform (FFT) operations to perform a cross-correlation...between the transmitted waveform and the received complex data. Figure 4 demonstrates the block logic used to achieve real -time range profile

Illuminating the Shadows of War: Demystifying Complex Adaptive Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-06-01

time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources , gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the...resources required when confronting an adversary such as Hezbollah. Apportionment of time, effort, and resources to influence 2 Hezbollah’s...Figure 1: Clausewitz’s Paradoxical Trinity Source : Author’s original work Nearly a century later, British Army officer, military

Urban-Small Building Complex Environment: W07US Stability Analysis and Inter-Study Comparison, Volume AS-2

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-05-01

pyranometer (Kipp/Zonen-CM3). A Campbell CR23X micro-logger recorded the standard meteorological parameters in 1-min averages. 3 Figure 2... Pyranometer Kipp/Zonen CM3 Watts/meter2 Net solar radiation Net radiometer Kipp/Zonen NR-LITE Watts/meter2 Table 4. W07US tower configuration. Tower Number

Identit(ies) and Agency: College Students' Navigations of Sexuality and Gender in Complex Figured Worlds

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chesanko, Melissa M.

2014-01-01

In this study I conducted individual and focus group interviews in order to understand the ways in which students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) perceive the campus climate at West Virginia University and in what ways their experiences are shaped by that climate. Campus climate is defined as "the…

Physics-Based Design of Micro Air Vehicles

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-04-01

7   Figure 5. Comparison of an insect wing and a manufactured wing for a flapping MAV. .............. 8...topologies for a flapping-wing compliant actuation mechanism. Hatched areas are clamped. Cases 1-3 have fixed supports; cases 4 and 5 have variable...world by flying insects , birds, and mammals. However, an inadequate understanding of the complex, nonlinear, and multidisciplinary physics that

Impurity and Defect Interactions in GaAs.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-09-30

motivated :* 1. The actual transport of Cr occurs interstitially. The * diffusion and drift of the substitutional and complexed Cr are negligible. This is...of impurity 3 for the growth I case listed in Table 1, after 1, 5, and 10 minutes. Ps4 C 2- U I3 Nmil I Figur ~0i . . , 0 O20 30 4 5 O 60 080 90

The Dark Figure of Infanticide in England and Wales: Complexities of Diagnosis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Brookman, Fiona; Nolan, Jane

2006-01-01

Infants aged younger than 12 months have the highest homicide victimization rate of any single age group in England and Wales. In addition, there are good grounds for believing that the official homicide statistics for this particular age group are an underestimate and subject to distortion. At the same time there is evidence mounting in the…

Preliminary Investigation of Visual Attention to Human Figures in Photographs: Potential Considerations for the Design of Aided AAC Visual Scene Displays

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilkinson, Krista M.; Light, Janice

2011-01-01

Purpose: Many individuals with complex communication needs may benefit from visual aided augmentative and alternative communication systems. In visual scene displays (VSDs), language concepts are embedded into a photograph of a naturalistic event. Humans play a central role in communication development and might be important elements in VSDs.…

Macro-Econophysics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aoyama, Hideaki; Fujiwara, Yoshi; Ikeda, Yuichi; Iyetomi, Hiroshi; Souma, Wataru; Yoshikawa, Hiroshi

2017-07-01

Preface; Foreword, Acknowledgements, List of tables; List of figures, prologue, 1. Introduction: reconstructing macroeconomics; 2. Basic concepts in statistical physics and stochastic models; 3. Income and firm-size distributions; 4. Productivity distribution and related topics; 5. Multivariate time-series analysis; 6. Business cycles; 7. Price dynamics and inflation/deflation; 8. Complex network, community analysis, visualization; 9. Systemic risks; Appendix A: computer program for beginners; Epilogue; Bibliography; Index.

MH-53J/M Pave Low III/IV Systems Engineering. Case Study

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

53H Black Knight ............................................................................................. 15 Figure 10. General Dynamics YF-16...boundary was defined; • they used disciplined methodologies for complex systems ; • human systems integration was accomplished; • problem solving ...wartime) • Power plant: 2× General Electric T64-GE-100 turboshaft, 4,330 shaft horsepower ( shp ) each Performance • Maximum speed: 170 knots (196

Kidney lesions in Rocky Mountain spotted fever: a light-, immunofluorescence-, and electron-microscopic study.

PubMed Central

Bradford, W. D.; Croker, B. P.; Tisher, C. C.

1979-01-01

The essential pathologic lesion in Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a vasculitis that may involve the kidneys as well as the heart, brain, skin, and subcutaneous tissues. Histopathologic information concerning the response of the kidneys in RMSF is rather limited, however. In this study renal tissue from 17 children who died of RMSF was examined by light, electron, and immunofluorescence microscopy. A lymphocytic or mixed inflammation, or both, involving vessels and interstitium of the kidney was found in all patients. In addition, 10 patients had histologic evidence of acute tubular necrosis, and another 3 had glomerular lesions consisting of focal segmental tuft necrosis or increased cellularity secondary to neutophilic infiltration, or both. Immunofluorescence- and electron-microscopic studies failed to demonstrate immune-complex deposition within glomeruli, a finding that suggests that immunoglobulin and classic immune complexes were not involved in the pathogenesis of the renal lesions at the time of death. These findings suggest the possibility that the pathogenesis of the renal lesion in RMSF may be due to a direct action of the organism (Rickettsia rickettsii) on the vessel wall. Images Figure 2 Figure 1 PMID:525676

The effect of various immunosuppressive agents on mouse peritoneal macrophages and on the in vitro phagocytosis of Escherichia coli O4:K3:H5 and degradation of 125I-labelled HSA-antibody complexes by these cells.

PubMed Central

Gadeberg, O V; Rhodes, J M; Larsen, S O

1975-01-01

Large doses of hydrocortisone, cyclophosphamide, and methotrexate injected subcutaneously, and whole-body irradiation (500 rads) caused a reduction in the number of peritoneal cells (PE cells) obtained after intraperitoneal injection of the treated mice with proteose-peptone. The same dose of cyclophosphamide and irradiation induced morphological changes in PE macrophages. There were more giant cells in the peritoneal exudates from treated mice as compared to control mice. 'Pharmacological' and larger doses of hydrocortisone, methotrexate and azathioprine or anti-lymphocyte globulin had no effect on the in vitro phagocytic capacity of proteose-peptone-stimulated mouse PE macrophages. This also applied to doses of up to 50 mg/kg of cyclophosphamide. In contrast, whole-body irradiation (500 rad) and 100 mg/kg of cyclophosphamide decreased the phagocytic capacity of mouse macrophages in vitro and reduced the ability of PE cells to degrade 125I-labelled HSA-antibody complexes in vitro. The greatest effect was noted 4-5 days after whole-body irradiation or four to five subcutaneous injections of cyclophosphamide. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 PMID:1090520

The ultrastructure of conjunctival melanocytic tumors.

PubMed Central

Jakobiec, F A

1984-01-01

The ultrastructure of conjunctival melanocytic lesions in 49 patients was evaluated to find significant differences between benign and malignant cells. The patients studied included 9 with benign epithelial (racial) melanosis, 2 with pigmented squamous cell papillomas, 16 with conjunctival nevi, 18 with primary acquired melanosis, and 11 with invasive nodules of malignant melanoma. In benign epithelial melanosis, dendritic melanocytes were situated along the basement membrane region of the conjunctival epithelium, with one basilar dendritic melanocyte lodged among every five or six basilar keratinocytes. The dendritic melanocytes extended arborizing cellular processes between the basilar and among the suprabasilar keratinocytes, which manifested considerable uptake of melanin granules into their cytoplasm. The benign dendritic melanocytes possessed nuclei with clumped heterochromatin at the nuclear membrane, small, tightly wound nucleoli, and large, elongated, fully melaninized melanin granules. In two patients with benign hyperplasia of the dendritic melanocytes, occasional dendritic melanocytes were located in a suprabasilar position, but were always separated from each other by keratinocytes or their processes. In the two black patients with benign pigmented squamous papillomas, the benign dendritic melanocytes were located hapharzardly at all levels of the acanthotic epithelium and not just along the basement membrane region. Melanin uptake by the proliferating keratinocytes was minimal. In benign melanocytic nevi of the conjunctiva, nevus cells within the intraepithelial junctional nests displayed a more rounded cellular configuration; short villi and broader cellular processes suggestive of abortive dendrites were found. The nuclear chromatin pattern was clumped at the nuclear membrane, but the nucleoli were somewhat larger than those of benign dendritic melanocytes in epithelial melanosis. The melanosomes were smaller and rounder than those in dendritic melanocytes and exhibited more haphazard arrangements of the melanofilaments, which were only partially melaninized. Mitochondria were more numerous than in dendritic melanocytes, and monoribosomes predominated over polyribosomes. Cytoplasmic filaments were inconspicuous. Cells in the immediate subepithelial connective tissue zone had features identical to those of the cells within the junctional nests. Smaller, lymphocytoid cells with less numerous and more rudimentary melanosomes were found in the middle and deeper portions of the lesions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) Images FIGURE 21 FIGURE 22 FIGURE 42 FIGURE 67 FIGURE 1 FIGURE 62 FIGURE 26 FIGURE 29 FIGURE 37 FIGURE 11 FIGURE 2 FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4 FIGURE 5 FIGURE 6 FIGURE 7 FIGURE 8 FIGURE 9 FIGURE 10 FIGURE 12 FIGURE 13 FIGURE 14 FIGURE 15 FIGURE 16 FIGURE 17 FIGURE 18 FIGURE 19 FIGURE 20 FIGURE 23 FIGURE 24 FIGURE 25 FIGURE 27 FIGURE 28 FIGURE 30 FIGURE 31 FIGURE 32 FIGURE 33 FIGURE 34 FIGURE 35 FIGURE 36 FIGURE 38 FIGURE 39 FIGURE 40 FIGURE 41 FIGURE 43 FIGURE 44 FIGURE 45 FIGURE 46 FIGURE 47 FIGURE 48 FIGURE 49 FIGURE 50 FIGURE 51 FIGURE 52 FIGURE 53 FIGURE 54 FIGURE 55 FIGURE 56 FIGURE 57 FIGURE 58 FIGURE 59 FIGURE 60 FIGURE 61 FIGURE 63 FIGURE 64 FIGURE 65 FIGURE 66 FIGURE 68 FIGURE 69 FIGURE 70 FIGURE 71 FIGURE 72 FIGURE 73 FIGURE 74 FIGURE 75 FIGURE 76 FIGURE 77 FIGURE 78 FIGURE 79 FIGURE 80 FIGURE 81 FIGURE 82 FIGURE 83 FIGURE 84 FIGURE 85 FIGURE 86 FIGURE 87 FIGURE 88 FIGURE 89 PMID:6398936

High throughput computing: a solution for scientific analysis

USGS Publications Warehouse

O'Donnell, M.

2011-01-01

handle job failures due to hardware, software, or network interruptions (obviating the need to manually resubmit the job after each stoppage); be affordable; and most importantly, allow us to complete very large, complex analyses that otherwise would not even be possible. In short, we envisioned a job-management system that would take advantage of unused FORT CPUs within a local area network (LAN) to effectively distribute and run highly complex analytical processes. What we found was a solution that uses High Throughput Computing (HTC) and High Performance Computing (HPC) systems to do exactly that (Figure 1).

Inferences and metaphoric comprehension in unilaterally implanted children with adequate formal oral language performance.

PubMed

Nicastri, Maria; Filipo, Roberto; Ruoppolo, Giovanni; Viccaro, Marika; Dincer, Hilal; Guerzoni, Letizia; Cuda, Domenico; Bosco, Ersilia; Prosperini, Luca; Mancini, Patrizia

2014-05-01

To assess skills in inferences during conversations and in metaphors comprehension of unilaterally cochlear implanted children with adequate abilities at the formal language tests, comparing them with well-matched hearing peers; to verify the influence of age of implantation on overall skills. The study was designed as a matched case-control study. 31 deaf children, unilateral cochlear implant users, with normal linguistic competence at formal language tests were compared with 31 normal hearing matched peers. Inferences and metaphor comprehension skills were assessed through the Implicit Meaning Comprehension, Situations and Metaphors subtests of the Italian Standardized Battery of "Pragmatic Language Skills MEDEA". Differences between patient and control groups were tested by the Mann-Whitney U test. Correlations between age at implantation and time of implant use with each subtest were investigated by the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. No significant differences between the two groups were found in inferencing skills (p=0.24 and p=0.011 respectively for Situations and Implicit Meaning Comprehension). Regarding figurative language, unilaterally cochlear implanted children performed significantly below their normal hearing peers in Verbal Metaphor comprehension (p=0.001). Performances were related to age at implantation, but not with time of implant use. Unilaterally cochlear implanted children with normal language level showed responses similar to NH children in discourse inferences, but not in figurative language comprehension. Metaphors still remains a challenge for unilateral implant users and above all when they have not any reference, as demonstrated by the significant difference in verbal rather than figurative metaphors comprehension. Older age at implantation was related to worse performance for all items. These aspects, until now less investigated, had to receive more attention to deeply understand specific mechanisms involved and possible effects of different levels of figurative language complexity (presence or absence of contextual input, degree of transparency and syntactic frozenness). New insight is needed to orient programs in early intervention settings in considering and adequately responding to all these complex communicative need of children with hearing loss. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hierarchical representation of shapes in visual cortex—from localized features to figural shape segregation

PubMed Central

Tschechne, Stephan; Neumann, Heiko

2014-01-01

Visual structures in the environment are segmented into image regions and those combined to a representation of surfaces and prototypical objects. Such a perceptual organization is performed by complex neural mechanisms in the visual cortex of primates. Multiple mutually connected areas in the ventral cortical pathway receive visual input and extract local form features that are subsequently grouped into increasingly complex, more meaningful image elements. Such a distributed network of processing must be capable to make accessible highly articulated changes in shape boundary as well as very subtle curvature changes that contribute to the perception of an object. We propose a recurrent computational network architecture that utilizes hierarchical distributed representations of shape features to encode surface and object boundary over different scales of resolution. Our model makes use of neural mechanisms that model the processing capabilities of early and intermediate stages in visual cortex, namely areas V1–V4 and IT. We suggest that multiple specialized component representations interact by feedforward hierarchical processing that is combined with feedback signals driven by representations generated at higher stages. Based on this, global configurational as well as local information is made available to distinguish changes in the object's contour. Once the outline of a shape has been established, contextual contour configurations are used to assign border ownership directions and thus achieve segregation of figure and ground. The model, thus, proposes how separate mechanisms contribute to distributed hierarchical cortical shape representation and combine with processes of figure-ground segregation. Our model is probed with a selection of stimuli to illustrate processing results at different processing stages. We especially highlight how modulatory feedback connections contribute to the processing of visual input at various stages in the processing hierarchy. PMID:25157228

Most superficial sublamina of rat superior colliculus: neuronal response properties and correlates with perceptual figure-ground segregation.

PubMed

Girman, S V; Lund, R D

2007-07-01

The uppermost layer (stratum griseum superficiale, SGS) of the superior colliculus (SC) provides an important gateway from the retina to the visual extrastriate and visuomotor systems. The majority of attention has been given to the role of this "visual" SC in saccade generation and target selection and it is generally considered to be less important in visual perception. We have found, however, that in the rat SGS1, the most superficial division of the SGS, the neurons perform very sophisticated analysis of visual information. First, in studying their responses with a variety of flashing stimuli we found that the neurons respond not to brightness changes per se, but to the appearance and/or disappearance of visual shapes in their receptive fields (RFs). Contrary to conventional RFs of neurons at the early stages of visual processing, the RFs in SGS1 cannot be described in terms of fixed spatial distribution of excitatory and inhibitory inputs. Second, SGS1 neurons showed robust orientation tuning to drifting gratings and orientation-specific modulation of the center response from surround. These are features previously seen only in visual cortical neurons and are considered to be involved in "contour" perception and figure-ground segregation. Third, responses of SGS1 neurons showed complex dynamics; typically the response tuning became progressively sharpened with repetitive grating periods. We conclude that SGS1 neurons are involved in considerably more complex analysis of retinal input than was previously thought. SGS1 may participate in early stages of figure-ground segregation and have a role in low-resolution nonconscious vision as encountered after visual decortication.

Hierarchical representation of shapes in visual cortex-from localized features to figural shape segregation.

PubMed

Tschechne, Stephan; Neumann, Heiko

2014-01-01

Visual structures in the environment are segmented into image regions and those combined to a representation of surfaces and prototypical objects. Such a perceptual organization is performed by complex neural mechanisms in the visual cortex of primates. Multiple mutually connected areas in the ventral cortical pathway receive visual input and extract local form features that are subsequently grouped into increasingly complex, more meaningful image elements. Such a distributed network of processing must be capable to make accessible highly articulated changes in shape boundary as well as very subtle curvature changes that contribute to the perception of an object. We propose a recurrent computational network architecture that utilizes hierarchical distributed representations of shape features to encode surface and object boundary over different scales of resolution. Our model makes use of neural mechanisms that model the processing capabilities of early and intermediate stages in visual cortex, namely areas V1-V4 and IT. We suggest that multiple specialized component representations interact by feedforward hierarchical processing that is combined with feedback signals driven by representations generated at higher stages. Based on this, global configurational as well as local information is made available to distinguish changes in the object's contour. Once the outline of a shape has been established, contextual contour configurations are used to assign border ownership directions and thus achieve segregation of figure and ground. The model, thus, proposes how separate mechanisms contribute to distributed hierarchical cortical shape representation and combine with processes of figure-ground segregation. Our model is probed with a selection of stimuli to illustrate processing results at different processing stages. We especially highlight how modulatory feedback connections contribute to the processing of visual input at various stages in the processing hierarchy.

Thymic nurse cells (TNC) in spontaneous thymoma BUF/Mna rats as a model to study their roles in T-cell development.

PubMed Central

Ezaki, T; Matsuno, K; Kotani, M

1991-01-01

In order to elucidate possible roles of thymic nurse cells (TNC) we isolated them as lympho-epithelial cell complexes from spontaneous thymomas of BUF/Mna rats and characterized them using immuno- and enzyme-histochemical techniques. A remarkable increase in the number of TNC was seen at 8 months of age, immediately before or in accordance with the onset of thymomas. No structural abnormality in the TNC was detected by light-microscopy compared with those from normal control thymi. Phenotypically, the TNC per se were positive for major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I, class II, cytokeratin and thymulin, but lacked macrophage markers, indicating their epithelial origin. They also expressed some of the markers for non-epithelial components, such as Thy-1, S100 and peanut agglutinin (PNA). The majority of intra-TNC cells were MHC class 1+, Thy-1+, CD5+, CD4+ CD8+ (double positive) and PNA+, but with some heterogeneity in their phenotype. The intra-TNC cells from thymomas revealed higher proliferation indices than those from control thymi, as assessed by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU)-uptake. It was also demonstrated for the first time that, not only in thymoma rats but also in normal control rats, about 15-30% of TNC enclosed macrophage populations within them. These results may suggest that the TNC in BUF/Mna thymomas represent typical TNC populations, but they are hyperactive particularly in their number and nursing capacity, resulting in the unusual increment of thymocytes in the thymomas. This animal model lends itself greatly to studies on the regulatory roles of TNC in T-cell development. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 PMID:2071160

Behavior of complex mixtures in aquatic environments: a synthesis of PNL ecological research

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fickeisen, D.H.; Vaughan, B.E.

1984-06-01

The term complex mixture has been recently applied to energy-related process streams, products and wastes that typically contain hundreds or thousands of individual organic compounds, like petroleum or synthetic fuel oils; but it is more generally applicable. A six-year program of ecological research has focused on four areas important to understanding the environmental behavior of complex mixtures: physicochemical variables, individual organism responses, ecosystems-level determinations, and metabolism. Of these areas, physicochemical variables and organism responses were intensively studied; system-level determinations and metabolism represent more recent directions. Chemical characterization was integrated throughout all areas of the program, and state-of-the-art methods were applied.more » 155 references, 35 figures, 4 tables.« less

Myocardial diseases of animals.

PubMed Central

Van Vleet, J. F.; Ferrans, V. J.

1986-01-01

In this review we have attempted a comprehensive compilation of the cardiac morphologic changes that occur in spontaneous and experimental myocardial diseases of animals. Our coverage addresses diseases of mammals and birds and includes these diseases found in both domesticated and wild animals. A similar review of the myocardial diseases in this broad range of animal species has not been attempted previously. We have summarized and illustrated the gross, microscopic, and ultrastructural alterations for these myocardial diseases; and, whenever possible, we have reviewed their biochemical pathogenesis. We have arranged the myocardial diseases for presentation and discussion according to an etiologic classification with seven categories. These include a group of idiopathic or primary cardiomyopathies recognized in man (hypertrophic, dilated, and restrictive types) and a large group of secondary cardiomyopathies with known causes, such as inherited tendency; nutritional deficiency; toxicity; physical injury and shock; endocrine disorders, and myocarditides of viral, bacterial, and protozoal causation. Considerable overlap exists between each of the etiologic groups in the spectrum of pathologic alterations seen in the myocardium. These include various degenerative changes, myocyte necrosis, and inflammatory lesions. However, some diseases show rather characteristic myocardial alterations such as vacuolar degeneration in anthracycline cardiotoxicity, myofibrillar lysis in furazolidone cardiotoxicity, calcification in calcinosis of mice, glycogen accumulation in the glycogenoses, lipofuscinosis in cattle, fatty degeneration in erucic acid cardiotoxicity, myofiber disarray in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and lymphocytic inflammation with inclusion bodies in canine parvoviral myocarditis. The myocardial diseases represent the largest group in the spectrum of spontaneous cardiac diseases of animals. Pericardial and endocardial diseases and congential cardiac diseases are seen less frequently; and, in contrast to man, coronary artery disease and myocardial ischemia are rather infrequent in animals. The present review shows clearly that the spectrum of myocardial diseases in animals is enlarging and that many newly recognized diseases are emerging and assuming considerable importance. For example, various heritable cardiomyopathies have recently been described in the KK mouse, cattle, and rats. Increasingly recognized myocardial diseases include cardiomyopathies in cats, dogs, and birds; anthracycline cardiotoxicity; furazolidone cardiotoxicity; ionophore cardiotoxicity; myocardial damage associated with central nervous system injuries; myocardial hypertrophy in Images Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 45 Figure 46 Figure 47 Figure 48 Figure 61 Figure 62 Figure 63 Figure 64 Figure 79 Figure 75 Figure 76 Figure 77 Figure 78 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 11 Figure 12 Figure 13 Figure 14 Figure 15 Figure 16 Figure 17 Figure 18 Figure 19 Figure 20 Figure 21 Figure 22 Figure 23 Figure 24 Figure 25 Figure 26 Figure 27 Figure 28 Figure 29 & 30 Figure 31 Figure 32 Figure 33 Figure 34 Figure 35 Figure 36 Figure 37 Figure 38 Figure 39 Figure 40 Figure 41 Figure 42 Figure 43 Figure 44 Figure 49 Figure 50 Figure 51 Figure 52 Figure 53 Figure 54 Figure 55 Figure 56 Figure 57 Figure 58 Figure 59 Figure 60 Figure 65 Figure 66 Figure 67 Figure 68 Figure 69 Figure 70 Figure 71 & 72 Figure 73 & 74 PMID:3524254

Visualizing Geoscience Concepts Through Textbook Art (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marshak, S.

2013-12-01

Many, if not most, college students taking an introductory geoscience course purchase, borrow, download, or rent one of several commercial textbooks currently available. Art used in such books has evolved significantly over the past three decades. Concepts once conveyed only by black-and-white line drawings, drawn by hand in ink, have gradually been replaced by full-color images produced digitally. Multiple high-end graphics programs, when used in combination, can yield images with super-realistic textures and palettes so that, in effect, anything that a book author wants to be drawn can be drawn. Because of the time and skill level involved in producing the art, the process commonly involves professional artists. In order to produce high-quality geoscience art that can help students (who are, by definition, non-experts) understand concepts, develop geoscience intuition, and hone their spatial-visualization skills, an author must address two problems. First, design a figure which can convey complex concepts through visual elements that resonate with students. Second, communicate the concepts to a professional artist who does not necessarily have personal expertise in geoscience, so that the figure rendered is both technically correct and visually engaging. The ultimate goal of geoscience art in textbooks is to produce an image that avoids unnecessary complexity that could distract from the art's theme, includes sufficient realism for a non-expert to relate the image to the real world, provides a personal context in which to interpret the figure, and has a layout that conveys relationships among multiple components of the art so that the art tells a coherent story. To accomplish this goal, a chain of choices--about perspective, sizes, colors, texture, labeling, captioning, line widths, and fonts--must be made in collaboration between the author and artist. In the new world of computer-aided learning, figures must also be able to work both on the computer screen and on the printed page. This requires layering figures so that fonts, labeling, and line weights can be changed easily to be optimized for different uses. The art in a textbook serves as an equal partner, with the text, to provide a narrative of ideas. Different students learn in different ways--some by reading, some by listening, some by doing, and some by seeing. In geoscience, where so many concepts are visual, art remains a key to understanding, and serves an effective means to help students see what a geoscientist sees.

Impairment in local and global processing and set-shifting in body dysmorphic disorder

PubMed Central

Kerwin, Lauren; Hovav, Sarit; Helleman, Gerhard; Feusner, Jamie D.

2014-01-01

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is characterized by distressing and often debilitating preoccupations with misperceived defects in appearance. Research suggests that aberrant visual processing may contribute to these misperceptions. This study used two tasks to probe global and local visual processing as well as set shifting in individuals with BDD. Eighteen unmedicated individuals with BDD and 17 non-clinical controls completed two global-local tasks. The embedded figures task requires participants to determine which of three complex figures contained a simpler figure embedded within it. The Navon task utilizes incongruent stimuli comprised of a large letter (global level) made up of smaller letters (local level). The outcome measures were response time and accuracy rate. On the embedded figures task, BDD individuals were slower and less accurate than controls. On the Navon task, BDD individuals processed both global and local stimuli slower and less accurately than controls, and there was a further decrement in performance when shifting attention between the different levels of stimuli. Worse insight correlated with poorer performance on both tasks. Taken together, these results suggest abnormal global and local processing for non-appearance related stimuli among BDD individuals, in addition to evidence of poor set-shifting abilities. Moreover, these abnormalities appear to relate to the important clinical variable of poor insight. Further research is needed to explore these abnormalities and elucidate their possible role in the development and/or persistence of BDD symptoms. PMID:24972487

Geochemical Weathering in Glacial and Proglacial Environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tranter, M.

2003-12-01

It seems counterintuitive that chemical erosion in glaciated regions proceeds at rates comparable to those of temperate catchments with comparable specific runoff (Anderson et al., 1997). All the usual factors that are associated with elevated rates of chemical weathering ( Drever, 1988, 1994), such as water, soil, and vegetation, are either entirely absent or absent for much of the year. For example, glaciated regions are largely frozen for significant periods each year, the residence time of liquid water in the catchment is low ( Knight, 1999), there are thin, skeletal soils at best, and vegetation is either absent or limited ( French, 1997). Other chapters in this volume have highlighted how these factors are important in other, more temperate and tropical environments. Even so, chemical erosion rates in glaciated terrain are usually near to or greater than the continental average ( Sharp et al., 1995; Wadham et al., 1997; Hodson et al., 2000). This is because glaciated catchments usually have high specific runoff, there are high concentrations of freshly comminuted rock flour, which is typically silt sized and coated with microparticles, and adsorbed organic matter or surface precipitates that may hinder water-rock interactions are largely absent ( Tranter, 1982). In short, the rapid flow of water over fine-grained, recently crushed, reactive mineral surfaces maximizes both the potential rates of chemical weathering and chemical erosion.A range of both lab- and field-based studies of glacial chemical weathering have been undertaken, mainly on the smaller glaciers of Continental Europe (e.g., Brown et al., 1993a, b), Svalbard (e.g., Hodson et al., 2002), and North America (e.g., Anderson et al., 2000). The field-based studies typically generate hydrographs of glacier runoff, which show a characteristic diurnal cycle during summer in low latitudes ( Figure 1), and more subdued diurnal cycles at high latitudes (Figure 2 and Figure 3). The concentration of ions in solution, typically monitored by electrical conductivity, is often inverse with discharge on both a diurnal and a seasonal basis at lower latitudes, but ismore complex at higher latitudes (Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3). Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3 also show that the total flux of glacial solutes is usually dominated by fluxes associated with high discharge, dilute waters. The chemical weathering reactions that are inferred to occur from the field studies have been supported, in part, by controlled laboratory studies (e.g., Brown et al., 1993a). Recent stable-isotope studies have reported the key involvement of microbial processes in certain regions of the glacier bed ( Bottrell and Tranter, 2002), and these processes are yet to be incorporated in lab-based chemical weathering studies. (14K)Figure 1. (a) The temporal variation of discharge and in non-sea-salt calcium (*Ca2+) concentration in runoff from Haut Glacier d'Arolla, a small, warm-based, valley glacier in the Swiss Alps, during 1989 (Brown et al., 1993a). (b) The temporal variation in *Ca2+ flux from Haut Glacier d'Arolla during 1989. Maximum fluxes are associated with higher discharge waters. (9K)Figure 2. (a) The temporal variation of discharge (Q) and non-sea-salt *Ca2+ concentration in runoff from Manitsoq Glacier, a small outlet glacier on the SW margin of the Greenland Ice Sheet, during 1999. The glacier is warm based, but has a cold-based margin during the winter and early ablation season, so displays polythermal-based hydrological features (Skidmore et al., in preparation). (b) The temporal variation in *Ca2+ flux from Manitsoq Glacier during 1999. Maximum flux is associated with an early season "outburst" event, where longer stored subglacial water first exits the glacier. Otherwise, maximum fluxes are associated with higher discharge waters. (10K)Figure 3. (a) The temporal variation of discharge and *Ca2+ concentration in runoff from Scott Turnerbreen, a small, cold-based, valley glacier on Svalbard, during 1994 (after Hodgkins et al., 1997). (b) The temporal variation in *Ca2+ flux from Scott Turnerbreen during 1994. Maximum fluxes are associated with higher discharge waters, although the precise associations are complex. This chapter will expand on these themes, and endeavor to integrate ongoing research into a state-of-the-science review, as well as indicating the areas into which the next generation of studies are likely to proceed. It is first necessary to understand a little basic glaciology and glacier hydrology to appreciate the principal features of the different chemical weathering environments that will be described below. The following sections summarize the types of glacial environments in which water flows, their typical debris content, the relative residence time of water, and the typical reactions that occur within them.

Before Nugent took charge: early efforts to reform chiropractic education, 1919-1941

PubMed Central

Keating, Joseph C

2003-01-01

John J. Nugent, D.C. is remembered by many as either the “Abraham Flexner of Chiropractic” or the “anti-Christ of Chiropractic.” From 1941 until his forced retirement in 1959, the Irish-born Palmer graduate was one of the most important factors in the profession's educational reforms. Yet Nugent's work as the National Chiropractic Association's (NCA's) director of research was not the beginning of the campaign to upgrade chiropractic education. This paper looks at earlier influences and events which set the stage for Nugent's campaign. Among these were the introduction of licensure for chiropractors, the self-defeating actions of B.J. Palmer, the introduction of basic science legislation, the lethargy of the schools, and the struggle for control of education between the schools, on the one hand, and the NCA and the Council of State Chiropractic Examining Boards on the other ImagesFigure 1Figure 3Figure 4Figure 5Figure 6Figure 7Figure 9Figure 10Figure 11Figure 12Figure 13Figure 14Figure 15Figure 16Figure 17Figure 18Figure 19Figure 20Figure 21Figure 22Figure 23Figure 24Figure 25Figure 26Figure 28Figure 29Figure 30Figure 31Figure 32Figure 33Figure 34Figure 35Figure 36Figure 37Figure 38

Female vs. Male Ampelmännchen-Gender-Specific Reaction Times to Male and Female Traffic Light Figures

PubMed Central

Kandil, Farid I.; Olk, Bettina; Hilgetag, Claus C.

2017-01-01

Traffic signs are important visual guiding signals for the safe navigation through complex road traffic. Interestingly, there is little variation in the traffic signs for cars around the world. However, remarkable variation exists for pedestrian traffic signs. Following up from an earlier study, we investigated the visual efficacy of female vs. male German Ampelmännchen pedestrian traffic signs. In a Stroop-like test, 30 subjects were presented with female and male go and no-go traffic light figures that were shown either in the corresponding or opposing color. Subjects had to indicate, based either solely on the form or the color of the figure, whether they were allowed to go. Accuracy and response times across all subjects did not differ for the female vs. male signs, indicating that Ampelfrau and Ampelmann signs have equal visual efficacy. However, subjects responded faster to signs of their own vs. the opposite gender. This preference for signs of one's own gender is in accordance with effects in social psychology described by social learning theory. An introduction of such novel traffic lights may, thus, contribute to higher compliance with the traffic sign signals. PMID:28588511

Thermoelectric properties and figure of merit of perovskite-type Ba1-xLaxSnO3 with x=0.002-0.008

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yasukawa, Masahiro; Kono, Toshio; Ueda, Kazushige; Yanagi, Hiroshi; Wng Kim, Sung; Hosono, Hideo

2013-10-01

Thermoelectric properties and figure of merit were evaluated from the Seebeck coefficient S, electrical conductivity σ, and thermal conductivity κ measured at high temperatures for perovskite-type ceramics of Ba1-xLaxSnO3 with x=0.002, 0.005, and 0.008, which were prepared by a polymerized complex method and a subsequent spark plasma sintering technique. All the polycrystalline dense ceramics showed n-type degenerate semiconducting behavior in the temperature range of 373-1073 K. The La content dependence of the S values revealed successful increase in the electron carriers with the La doping in this x range. The κ values remained almost unchanged with x showing ~9.6 Wm-1 K-1 at room temperature and decreased with increasing temperature. The electronic thermal conductivities calculated by the Wiedemann-Franz law as well as the T-1 dependence of the κ values indicate that the phonon thermal conductivity was dominant. The dimensionless figure of merit ZT increased with increasing temperature for all the ceramics and showed ~0.1 at 1073 K for the ceramics with x=0.002 and 0.005.

Survey explores active tectonics in northeastern Caribbean

USGS Publications Warehouse

Carbó, A.; Córdoba, D.; Muñoz-Martín, A.; Granja, J.L.; Martín-Dávila, J.; Pazos, A.; Catalán, M.; Gómez, M.; ten Brink, Uri S.; von Hillebrandt, Christa; Payero, J.

2005-01-01

There is renewed interest in studying the active and complex northeastern Caribbean plate boundary to better understand subduction zone processes and for earthquake and tsunami hazard assessments [e.g., ten Brink and Lin, 2004; ten Brink et al., 2004; Grindlay et al., 2005]. To study the active tectonics of this plate boundary, the GEOPRICO-DO (Geological, Puerto Rico-Dominican) marine geophysical cruise, carried out between 28 March and 17 April 2005 (Figure 1), studied the active tectonics of this plate boundary.Initial findings from the cruise have revealed a large underwater landslide, and active faults on the seafloor (Figures 2a and 2c). These findings indicate that the islands within this region face a high risk from tsunami hazards, and that local governments should be alerted in order to develop and coordinate possible mitigation strategies.

SOLARIS 3-axis high load, low profile, high precision motorized positioner

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Acome, Eric; Van Every, Eric; Deyhim, Alex, E-mail: adc@adc9001.com

A 3-axis optical table, shown in Figure 1, was designed, fabricated, and assembled for the SOLARIS synchrotron facility at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland. To accommodate the facility, the table was designed to be very low profile, as seen in Figure 2, and bear a high load. The platform has degrees of freedom in the vertical (Z) direction as well as horizontal transversal (X and Y) directions. The table is intended to sustain loads as large as 1500 kg which will be sufficient to support a variety of equipment to measure and facilitate synchrotron radiation. After assembly, the tablemore » was tested and calibrated to find its position error in the vertical direction. ADC has extensive experience designing and building custom complex high precision motion systems [1,2].« less

The role of left and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in semantic processing: A transcranial direct current stimulation study.

PubMed

Mitchell, Rachel L C; Vidaki, Kleio; Lavidor, Michal

2016-10-01

For complex linguistic strings such as idioms, making a decision as to the correct meaning may require complex top-down cognitive control such as the suppression of incorrect alternative meanings. In the study presented here, we used transcranial direct current stimulation to test the hypothesis that a domain general dorsolateral prefrontal cognitive control network is involved in constraining the complex processing involved. Specifically, we sought to test prominent theoretical stances on the division of labour across dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in the left- and right-hemispheres of the brain, including the role of salience and fine vs. coarse semantic coding. 32 healthy young adult participants were randomly allocated to one of two stimulation montage groups (LH anodal/RH cathodal or RH anodal/LH cathodal). Participants were tested twice, completing a semantic decision task after either receiving active or sham stimulation. The semantic decision task required participants to judge the relatedness of an idiom and a target word. The target word was figuratively related, literally related, or unrelated to the idiom. Control non-literal non-idiomatic sentences were also included that only had a literal meaning. The results showed that left-hemisphere dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is highly involved in processing figurative language, whereas both left- and right- dorsolateral prefrontal cortex contributed to literal language processing. In comparison, semantic processing for the non-idiomatic control sentences did not require domain general cognitive control as it relates to suppression of the rejected alternative meaning. The results are discussed in terms of the interplay between need for domain general cognitive control in understanding the meaning of complex sentences, hemispheric differences in semantic processing, and salience detection. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Advanced Coats' disease.

PubMed Central

Haik, B G

1991-01-01

Advanced Coats' disease and retinoblastoma can both present with the triad of a retinal detachment, the appearance of a subretinal mass, and dilated retinal vessels. Thus, even the most experienced observer may not be able to differentiate these entities on ophthalmoscopic findings alone. Coats' disease is the most common reason for which eyes are enucleated with the misdiagnosis of retinoblastoma. Ultrasonography is the auxiliary diagnostic test most easily incorporated into the clinical examination, and can be utilized repeatedly without biologic tissue hazard. Ultrasonically identifiable features allowing differentiation between Coats' disease and retinoblastoma include the topography and character of retinal detachment and presence or absence of subretinal calcifications. Ultrasonography is of lesser use in poorly calcified retinoblastoma and in detecting optic nerve or extraocular extension in heavily calcified retinoblastoma. CT is perhaps the single most valuable test because of its ability to: (a) delineate intraocular morphology, (b) quantify subretinal densities, (c) identify vascularities within the subretinal space through the use of contrast enhancement, and (d) detected associated orbital or intracranial abnormalities. Optimal computed tomographic studies, however, require multiple thin slices both before and after contrast introduction and expose the child to low levels of radiation if studies are repeated periodically. MR imaging is valuable for its multiplanar imaging capabilities, its superior contrast resolution, and its ability to provide insights into the biochemical structure and composition of tissues. It is limited in its ability to detect calcium, which is the mainstay of ultrasonic and CT differentiation. Aqueous LDH and isoenzyme levels were not valuable in distinguishing between Coats' disease and retinoblastoma. The value of aqueous NSE levels in the differentiation of advanced Coats' disease and exophytic retinoblastoma deserves further study. Specimens from patients with intraocular hemorrhage should be viewed cautiously, since erythrocytes contain high levels of enolase. Analysis of subretinal aspirates is an extremely accurate method of confirming the diagnosis of Coats' disease. The key diagnostic findings are the presence of cholesterol crystals and pigment-laden macrophages and the absence of tumor cells on fresh preparations. The technique should be reserved for patients where retinoblastoma has been ruled out by all noninvasive means and massive subretinal drainage is anticipated. The natural progression in advanced Coats' disease is toward the development of a blind, painful eye. Spontaneous regression does rarely occur, and some eyes quietly progress to a phthisical state.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) Images FIGURE 2 FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4 A FIGURE 4 B FIGURE 5 FIGURE 6 FIGURE 7 FIGURE 8 FIGURE 9 FIGURE 10 FIGURE 11 FIGURE 13 FIGURE 14 FIGURE 15 FIGURE 16 FIGURE 17 FIGURE 18 FIGURE 19 FIGURE 20 FIGURE 21 FIGURE 22 FIGURE 23 FIGURE 24 FIGURE 25 FIGURE 26 FIGURE 27 FIGURE 28 FIGURE 29 FIGURE 30 FIGURE 31 FIGURE 32 FIGURE 33 FIGURE 34 A FIGURE 34 B FIGURE 35 FIGURE 36 FIGURE 38 FIGURE 39 FIGURE 41 FIGURE 42 FIGURE 43 FIGURE 44 FIGURE 45 FIGURE 46 A FIGURE 46 B FIGURE 47 A FIGURE 47 B FIGURE 48 A FIGURE 48 B FIGURE 49 FIGURE 50 FIGURE 51 FIGURE 52 FIGURE 54 FIGURE 54 (cont.) FIGURE 55 FIGURE 57 FIGURE 58 FIGURE 59 FIGURE 60 FIGURE 61 FIGURE 62 FIGURE 63 FIGURE 64 FIGURE 65 FIGURE 66 A FIGURE 66 B FIGURE 67 A FIGURE 67 B PMID:1808814

Modeling the Stability of Topological Matter in Optical Lattices

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-05-18

that vortex attachment to each particle helps screen the otherwise strong inter- particle repulsion by tuning the size of correlation holes. Figure 3...electric and ferromagnetic order in complex multiferroic materi - als presents a set of compelling fundamental condensed matter physics problems with... particle interactions and heating. I will examine interacting atoms in square optical lattices with spin orbit coupling, and more generally, gauge fields

Demonstrating Biological Principles Efficiently and Effectively: The Overhead Is More than Just a Lighted Chalkboard

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barden-Gabbei, Laura M.

2006-01-01

The overhead projector is an excellent tool for teachers at both the high school and college level. Teachers often use it to display class notes as they monitor students' actions and reactions to the concepts being presented and discussed, to display diagrams and figures too complex to draw on the chalkboard, and more recently to display computer…

DNA complexes with dyes designed for energy transfer as fluorescent markers

DOEpatents

Glazer, A.N.; Benson, S.C.

1995-03-28

Heteromultimeric fluorophores are provided for binding to DNA, which allow for the detection of DNA in electrical separations and preparation of probes having high-fluorescent efficiencies and large Stokes shifts. In addition, by appropriate choice of fluorescent molecules, one can use a single narrow wavelength band excitation light source, while obtaining fluorescent emissions having sufficient separation to be readily discriminated. 4 figures.

Materials for Adaptive Structural Acoustic Control. Volume 2

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-04-11

Cross. Effects of Electrodes and Elecu’oding Methods on Fatigue Behavior in Ferroelectric Materials. Ferroelectrics: Proceedings of IMF8, Gaithersburg...describe the linear piezoelectric behavior of ferroelectric ceramics. We have generalized this model to describe the nonlinear effects resulting from...report some of the nonlinear effects under resonant conditions for a PZT-501A ceramic. Figure 8 shows the complex admittance circles at different

Energy-Environment Source Book. Volume 1: Energy, Society, and the Environment. Volume 2: Energy, Its Extraction, Conversion and Use.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fowler, John W.

This source book, one part of a three-part NSTA series on energy-environment, is written for teachers who wish to incorporate material on the complex subject of energy into their teaching. This work is divided into two volumes, each with numerous tables and figures, along with appendices containing a glossary, mathematics primer, heat engine…

Telemetry Attributes Transfer Standard (TMATS) Handbook

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-01-01

information regarding the project’s security classification guide and/or downgrading information should be provided as a comment. (G\\ COM ) G\\SC:U; The...96TH TEST WING 412TH TEST WING ARNOLD ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT COMPLEX NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION This page intentionally...TMATS) Handbook, RCC Document 124-17, January 2017 v Figure 2-16. “Look and Feel” D-Group Engine Temperature Measurement Example XML

Network Modeling and Simulation Environment (NEMSE)

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-07-01

the NEMSE program investigated complex emulation techniques and selected compatible emulation techniques for all OSI network stack layers. Other...EMULAB; 2) Completed the selection of compatible emulation techniques that allows working with all layers of the Open System Interconnect ( OSI ...elements table, Figure 3, reconciles the various elements of NEMSE against the OSI stack and other functions. OSI Layer or Function EM UL AB NS 2

Advanced Alarm Systems: Revision of Guidance and Its Technical Basis

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-11-01

was required to generalize from the unique aspects of individual experiments and studies to actual applications in the workplace . This is because...types of equipment used). For example , laboratory experiments often do not involve tasks of the complexity of NPP operations, and most experiments do...Cognitive Compatibility, Situation Awareness, Task Compatibility, and Timeliness. Figure 3.3 Example of an alarm system design review guideline Each

Materials for Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer Analysis: Beyond Traditional Donor-Acceptor Combinations

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-01-01

a variety of surface functionalities (e.g., biotin, avidin, collagen , amines, alde- hydes, sulfates, and carboxylates) that allow facile bioconju...relative expression level.[14,20,21] The green fluorescent protein (GFP; Figure 9) derived from the jellyfish Aequorea victoria is the prototypical...derived from jellyfish , is a Ca2+-sensitive bioluminescent photoprotein consisting of the luciferase apoaequorin complexed to its coelenterazine

Response Selection Difficulty and Asymmetrical Costs of Switching Between Tasks and Stimuli: No Evidence for an Exogenous Component of Task-Set Reconfiguration

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hubner, Mike; Kluwe, Rainer H.; Luna-Rodriguez, Aquiles; Peters, Alexandra

2004-01-01

Four task-switching experiments examined the notion of an exogenous component of task-set reconfiguration (i.e., a process needed to shift task set that is not initiated in the absence of a task-associated figuration stimulus). The authors varied the complexity and familiarity of stimulus-response (SR) mapping rules to produce differentially…

Effect of Simvastatin on Cognitive Functioning in Children With Neurofibromatosis Type 1

PubMed Central

Krab, Lianne C.; de Goede-Bolder, Arja; Aarsen, Femke K.; Pluijm, Saskia M. F.; Bouman, Marlies J.; van der Geest, Jos N.; Lequin, Maarten; Catsman, Coriene E.; Arts, Willem Frans M.; Kushner, Steven A.; Silva, Alcino J.; de Zeeuw, Chris I.; Moll, Henriëtte A.; Elgersma, Ype

2009-01-01

Context Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is among the most common genetic disorders that cause learning disabilities. Recently, it was shown that statin-mediated inhibition of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase restores the cognitive deficits in an NF1 mouse model. Objective To determine the effect of simvastatin on neuropsychological, neurophysiological, and neuroradiological outcome measures in children with NF1. Design, Setting, and Participants Sixty-two of 114 eligible children (54%) with NF1 participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted between January 20, 2006, and February 8, 2007, at an NF1 referral center at a Dutch university hospital. Intervention Simvastatin or placebo treatment once daily for 12 weeks. Main Outcome Measures Primary outcomes were scores on a Rey complex figure test (delayed recall), cancellation test (speed), prism adaptation, and the mean brain apparent diffusion coefficient based on magnetic resonance imaging. Secondary outcome measures were scores on the cancellation test (standard deviation), Stroop color word test, block design, object assembly, Rey complex figure test (copy), Beery developmental test of visual-motor integration, and judgment of line orientation. Scores were corrected for baseline performance, age, and sex. Results No significant differences were observed between the simvastatin and placebo groups on any primary outcome measure: Rey complex figure test (β=0.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.36 to 0.56); cancellation test (β=−0.19; 95% CI, −0.67 to 0.29); prism adaptation (odds ratio=2.0; 95% CI, 0.55 to 7.37); and mean brain apparent diffusion coefficient (β=0.06; 95% CI, −0.07 to 0.20). In the secondary outcome measures, we found a significant improvement in the simvastatin group in object assembly scores (β=0.54; 95% CI, 0.08 to 1.01), which was specifically observed in children with poor baseline performance (β =0.80; 95% CI, 0.29 to 1.30). Other secondary outcome measures revealed no significant effect of simvastatin treatment. Conclusion In this 12-week trial, simvastatin did not improve cognitive function in children with NF1. PMID:18632543

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Yale: the first one hundred fifty years, from Nathan Smith to Lee Buxton.

PubMed Central

Kohorn, E. I.

1993-01-01

The persons who directed the academic teaching of women's health at Yale Medical School are presented by biographical sketches recounting their achievements and some of the difficulties they encountered. Three who provided particular catalysis were Nathan Smith, Herbert Thoms, and Lee Buxton. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 11 Figure 12 Figure 13 Figure 14 Figure 15 Figure 16 Figure 17 PMID:8303913

Thyroid ocular myopathy.

PubMed Central

Hodes, B L; Shoch, D E

1979-01-01

Based upon the ultrasonographic evidence of extraocular muscle abnormalities in all patients with orbitopathy and proven thyroid disease, we conclude that the basic abnormality of thyroid orbitopathy is a panmyositis and that all of the classes described by Werner are expressions of different degrees and manifestations of the same pathologic process. This thesis is supported by presentation of cases of varying severity who have in common extraocular muscle abnormalities. We believe that the process we describe acceptably explains all of the eye signs of this common orbitopathy. Images FIGURE 1 A FIGURE 1 B FIGURE 2 FIGURE 3 A FIGURE 3 B FIGURE 4 FIGURE 5 A FIGURE 5 B FIGURE 6 A FIGURE 6 B FIGURE 7 FIGURE 8 A FIGURE 8 B FIGURE 9 A FIGURE 9 B FIGURE 10 FIGURE 11 A FIGURE 11 B FIGURE 12 A FIGURE 12 B FIGURE 13 A FIGURE 13 B PMID:583536

A method for volume determination of the orbit and its contents by high resolution axial tomography and quantitative digital image analysis.

PubMed Central

Cooper, W C

1985-01-01

The various congenital and acquired conditions which alter orbital volume are reviewed. Previous investigative work to determine orbital capacity is summarized. Since these studies were confined to postmortem evaluations, the need for a technique to measure orbital volume in the living state is presented. A method for volume determination of the orbit and its contents by high-resolution axial tomography and quantitative digital image analysis is reported. This procedure has proven to be accurate (the discrepancy between direct and computed measurements ranged from 0.2% to 4%) and reproducible (greater than 98%). The application of this method to representative clinical problems is presented and discussed. The establishment of a diagnostic system versatile enough to expand the usefulness of computerized axial tomography and polytomography should add a new dimension to ophthalmic investigation and treatment. Images FIGURE 8 FIGURE 9 FIGURE 10 A FIGURE 10 B FIGURE 11 A FIGURE 11 B FIGURE 12 FIGURE 13 FIGURE 14 FIGURE 15 FIGURE 16 FIGURE 17 FIGURE 18 FIGURE 19 FIGURE 20 FIGURE 21 FIGURE 22 FIGURE 23 FIGURE 24 FIGURE 25 FIGURE 26 A FIGURE 26 B FIGURE 27 FIGURE 28 FIGURE 29 FIGURE 30 FIGURE 31 FIGURE 32 PMID:3938582

The multicatalytic proteinase complex (proteasome): structure and conformational changes associated with changes in proteolytic activity.

PubMed Central

Djaballah, H; Rowe, A J; Harding, S E; Rivett, A J

1993-01-01

The multicatalytic proteinase complex or proteasome is a high-molecular-mass multisubunit proteinase which is found in the nucleus and cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. Electron microscopy of negatively stained rat liver proteinase preparations suggests that the particle has a hollow cylindrical shape (approximate width 11 nm and height 17 nm using methylamine tungstate as the negative stain) with a pseudo-helical arrangement of subunits rather than the directly stacked arrangement suggested previously. The side-on view has a 2-fold rotational symmetry, while end-on there appears to be six or seven subunits around the ring. This model is very different from that proposed by others for the proteinase from rat liver but resembles the structure of the simpler archaebacterial proteasome. The possibility of conformational changes associated with the addition of effectors of proteolytic activity has been investigated by sedimentation velocity analysis and dynamic light-scattering measurements. The results provide the first direct evidence for conformational changes associated with the observed positive co-operativity in one component of the peptidylglutamylpeptide hydrolase activity as well as with the stimulation of peptidylglutamylpeptide hydrolase activities by MnCl2. In the latter case, there appears to be a correlation between changes in the shape of the molecule and the effect on activity. KCl and low concentrations of SDS may also act by inducing conformational changes within the complex. Sedimentation-velocity measurements also provide evidence for the formation of intermediates during dissociation of the complex by urea, guanidinium chloride or sodium thiocyanate. Dissociation of the complex either by these agents or by treatment at low pH leads to inactivation of its proteolytic components. The results suggest that activation and inhibition of the various proteolytic activities may be mediated by measurable changes in size and shape of the molecules. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 PMID:8318014

Anaerobic orbital cellulitis: a clinical and experimental study.

PubMed Central

Jedrzynski, M S; Bullock, J D; McGuire, T W; Elder, B L; Bullock, J D

1991-01-01

In this article we have reviewed the clinical and bacteriologic aspects of anaerobic orbital cellulitis and have presented six patients to illustrate these points. Physicians who treat patients with orbital cellulitis should have a high index of suspicion for possible instances involving anaerobes, so that appropriate management can be started early. To investigate this problem further, we created an animal model of anaerobic orbital cellulitis. This model may be useful in future studies of the pathogenesis and treatment of this serious and often devastating disease. Images FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2 FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4 FIGURE 5 FIGURE 6 FIGURE 7 FIGURE 8 FIGURE 9 FIGURE 10 FIGURE 11 FIGURE 12 FIGURE 13 FIGURE 14 FIGURE 15 FIGURE 16 FIGURE 17 FIGURE 18 FIGURE 19 PMID:1808813

Pulmonary toxicity in hamsters of smoke particles from Kuwaiti oil fires.

PubMed Central

Brain, J D; Long, N C; Wolfthal, S F; Dumyahn, T; Dockery, D W

1998-01-01

The Kuwaiti oil wells set on fire by retreating Iraqi troops at the end of the Persian Gulf War released complex particles, inorganic and organic gases, and hydrocarbons into the atmosphere, damaging the environment where many people live and work. In this study, we assessed the health effects of particles from the Kuwaiti oil fires by instilling hamsters intratracheally with particles (<3.5 microM in size) collected in Ahmadi, a residential area in Kuwait located downwind of hundreds of oil fires. Twenty-four hours after instillation, we performed bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) to assess various indicators of pulmonary inflammation, including neutrophil and macrophage numbers; albumin, an index of air-blood barrier permeability; and activities of three enzymes: lactate dehydrogenase (LDH; an indicator of cell injury), myeloperoxidase (MPO; which indicates activation of neutrophils), and ss-N-acetylglucosaminidase (GLN; which is indicative of damage to macrophages or neutrophils). We compared the response of hamsters instilled with particles from Ahmadi to animals instilled with urban particles collected in St. Louis, Missouri. We also compared the Ahmadi particles against a highly fibrogenic positive control ([alpha]-quartz) and a relatively nontoxic negative control (iron oxide). When compared to hamsters instilled with particles from St. Louis, the animals treated with the Ahmadi particles had between 1.4- and 2.2-fold more neutrophils in their BAL fluids. The Ahmadi hamsters had more macrophages and lower MPO and LDH activities, but comparable albumin levels and GLN activities. Thus, the acute toxicity of the Ahmadi particles was roughly similar to that of urban particles collected in the United States, when identical masses were compared. However, the relatively higher concentrations of particles measured in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia during the oil fires (at times more than 16 times higher than the EPA standard) is of particular concern. In addition, since the long-term effects of exposure to these particles remains unknown, further studies are needed to fully assess the health effects of the Kuwaiti oil fires. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 PMID:9449679

Self-adaptive difference method for the effective solution of computationally complex problems of boundary layer theory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schoenauer, W.; Daeubler, H. G.; Glotz, G.; Gruening, J.

1986-01-01

An implicit difference procedure for the solution of equations for a chemically reacting hypersonic boundary layer is described. Difference forms of arbitrary error order in the x and y coordinate plane were used to derive estimates for discretization error. Computational complexity and time were minimized by the use of this difference method and the iteration of the nonlinear boundary layer equations was regulated by discretization error. Velocity and temperature profiles are presented for Mach 20.14 and Mach 18.5; variables are velocity profiles, temperature profiles, mass flow factor, Stanton number, and friction drag coefficient; three figures include numeric data.

Atlanta, Georgia as seen from STS-62

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1994-01-01

Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport is visible to the south of Atlanta, situated near the center of the photograph. Dobbins Air Force Base and the city of Marietta can also be seen to the north of Atlanta in this south-looking low-oblique view. The complex system of transportation routes and interstate highways surrounding and traversing Atlanta can also be seen in the photograph. The white dot near the center of the photograph is the Georgia Dome, a major sports and entertainment complex in downtown Atlanta. The Stone Mountain Memorial, with its enormous relief carvings of Confederate figures, is located east of Atlanta and is visible on the photograph.

Mechanisms of Injury in Automobile Crashes

PubMed Central

Huelke, Donald F.

1972-01-01

The only way to determine the causes of injury in automobile collisions is through examination of data collected in detailed investigation of crashes. Such data were gathered from a ten-year study of collisions that caused injury to the occupants of the cars. In a comparison of injuries in the newer model automobiles—vehicles equipped with the safety features—with those in older model cars not equipped with the present-day occupant protection devices, significant reduction in injury severity was noted. ImagesFigure 1.Figure 2.Figure 3.Figure 4.Figure 5.Figure 6.Figure 7.Figure 8.Figure 9.Figure 10.Figure 11.Figure 12.Figure 13.Figure 14.Figure 15.Figure 16.Figure 17. PMID:5059662

Early chiropractic education in Oregon

PubMed Central

Keating, Joseph C

2002-01-01

Chiropractic education in the northwestern United States has its origins in the Marsh School & Cure in 1904. Most of the early schools were located in Portland, Oregon, including the D.D. Palmer College of Chiropractic (1908-1910), and several of these had merged by 1912 or 1913 to form the Pacific Chiropractic College, forerunner of today's Western States College. The latter was organized as a non-profit institution during the Great Depression, and struggled not only to survive but to create a higher standard. The early broad-scope of chiropractic training in the state probably encouraged the liberal scope of practice enjoyed in Oregon to this day. ImagesFigure 2Figure 3Figure 4Figure 6Figure 7Figure 8Figure 9Figure 11Figure 12Figure 13Figure 14Figure 15Figure 16Figure 18Figure 19Figure 20Figure 21Figure 22Figure 24

Eduard Jaeger's Test-Types (Schrift-Scalen) and the historical development of vision tests.

PubMed Central

Runge, P E

2000-01-01

PURPOSE: Eduard Jaeger's original Test-Types were carefully evaluated: (1) to determine whether Jaeger had maintained a consistent standard, (2) to establish the correct Snellen equivalent for Jaeger's Test-Types, (3) to answer the question of why and how the standard was lost, and (4) to compare the visual angle of optotypes to lines of continuous text. METHODS: All original Viennese editions of Jaeger's Test-Types, as well as first generation United Kingdom (UK) and United States (US) versions, were evaluated. Data were collected objectively using a microruler with a 20X loupe and subjectively using a laser distance-measuring device. The data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel. All previous measurements of Jaeger's Test-Types, objective and subjective, collected over the past 133 years were compared to the current data and to each other. RESULTS: The correct Snellen equivalent of Jaeger's Test-Types was determined. The visual angle created from the measurement of the height of lowercase letters, without ascenders or descenders, provides an accurate method of assigning a visual angle of a line of continuous text. Comparing the typefaces used in printing first generation UK and US versions of Jaeger's Test-Types to the Viennese editions provided an explanation for the absence of a consistent standard for Jaeger's Test-Types today. CONCLUSIONS: All 10 versions of Jaeger's original Test-Types are virtually identical and established a gold standard for reading vision tests. Jaeger's standard was lost when his Test-Types were first printed in the UK and the US using local typefaces. The Jaeger standard has been re-established. Visual angles determined using continuous text are comparable to those obtained by using optotypes. Images FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2 FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4 FIGURE 5 FIGURE 6 FIGURE 7C FIGURE 9 FIGURE 10 FIGURE 11 FIGURE 12 FIGURE 13 FIGURE 14 FIGURE 16 FIGURE 17 FIGURE 18 FIGURE 19A FIGURE 19B p409-a FIGURE 20 FIGURE 21 FIGURE 22 FIGURE 23 FIGURE 24 FIGURE 25 FIGURE 26 FIGURE 27 FIGURE 28A FIGURE 28B FIGURE 28C FIGURE 29 FIGURE 30 FIGURE 31 FIGURE 32 FIGURE 33 FIGURE 34 FIGURE 35 FIGURE 36A FIGURE 37 FIGURE 38 FIGURE 39 PMID:11190034

Turbulence Characteristics in an Elevated Shear Layer over Owens Valley

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-02-14

Arnéodo, G. Grasseau, Y. Gagne, E. J. Hopfinger, and U. Frisch, 1989: Wavelet analysis of turbulence reveals the multifractal nature of the Richardson...Helmholtz (KH) instability, the tur- bulence inertial subrange, turbulence intermittency, and cross -scale energy transfer over complex terrain. The...or cross -valley) and the normal (also referred to as along- valley) wind components, respectively. Figure 2 shows profiles derived from the 1800 UTC

Understanding the Etiology of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-07-01

heterotopic nodules. Indeed, the cortex of TSC individuals contains pockets of abnormal cells with hyperactive mTOR in an otherwise structurally normal...phosphorylated S6 (phospho-S6). mTOR hyperactivity leads to enhanced S6 phosphorylation. Immunostaining in postnatal day (P) 28 sections from...respectively. In addiiton, hamartin is lost and mTOR hyperactive. Figure 2: In utero single-cell knockout of Tsc1 in cortical cells. (A) Diagram

Seeking Ways to Break Energy Storage Limits

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-02

system sizes that we simulated. 15. SUBJECT TERMS density functional theory, guest-host structures, carbon nanotubes , free atom limit, geometry...unlimited. iii Contents List of Figures iv 1. Introduction 1 2. Xenon-Buckminsterfullerene (Xe-C60) 3 3. Xe-C980 4 4. Xe-Carbon Nanotube (CNT) 4 5...calculations. 4. Xe-Carbon Nanotube (CNT) Because of our inability to attain guest-host complexes that would achieve energies in excess of the

Great 3 - Cultural Resource Inventory. Volume 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-05-01

Transportation, the Corps of Engineers, the U. S. D. A. Forest Service, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Economic Development Administration among...more permanent occupation sites (Ford 1974). This form of socio- economic structure would in theory have supported a larger population base than did the...result of postulated socio- economic and demographic factors, this increase should occur. As can be noted in Figure 6,i complexes, aggregates, assemblages

Fusing Multiple Sensor Modalities for Complex Physiological State Monitoring

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-12-01

sleep-alpha variants (drowsiness alpha activity and REM -alpha bursts) over frontal, central, parietal and occipital regions. Note the higher spectral...contribution of the slowest components (7.8–8.6 Hz) during REM alpha bursts as compared with drowsiness-alpha activity (13...occipital regions of the brain during the drowsiness state as compared to REM sleep and other states, as seen in figure 1 (13). Furthermore, using EEG

In-Situ Analysis System for Correlated Electron Heterostructures

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-11-20

semiconductor materials and elemental metals. Specifically, films must be pristine and ideally remain intact during analytical procedure [1]. In addition...involves a rather complex engineering design described below. A laser heater ! (a) ! (b) ! 1 Figure 1. (a) An empty Neocera’s sample holder rack...the center of the analytical chamber. (fiber-coupled, high-power 808 nm diode laser JOLD -100-CPXF-2P, Jenoptik), is free of such limitations because

Synthesis of Systemic Functional Theory & Dynamical Systems Theory for Socio-Cultural Modeling

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-26

is, language and other resources (e.g. images and sound resources) are conceptualised as inter-locking systems of meaning which realise four...hierarchical ranks and strata (e.g. sounds, word groups, clauses, and complex discourse structures in language, and elements, figures and episodes in images ...integrating platform for describing how language and other resources (e.g. images and sound) work together to fulfil particular objectives. While

Lightweight Payload for High Altitude Balloons

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-05-21

common at microwave frequencies. Examples of such transponders are DSCS-fl, DSCS-Ill, NATO- III, Nato-IV, and Skynet-4.I Rx Translation Tx Wideband BPF ...Narrowband Limiter BPF Bank BankI Figure 2.4-2. Channelized Transponder ArchitectureI The disadvantage of channelization is the hardware complexity. We...excessive electromagnetic interference (EMI), either conducted or radiated, from one part of the circuit to another. There are three major guidelines

Physics-Based Virtual Fly-Outs of Projectiles on Supercomputers

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-11-01

moved along with its grid as it flew downrange. The supersonic projectile modeled in this study is an ogive- cylinder -finned configuration (see...resulting from the unsteady jet interaction flow field is clearly evident (Figure 10). The effect of the jet is stronger as evidenced by the larger...little or no effect on the other aerodynamic forces. These results show the potential to gain fundamental understanding of the complex, flow

HIV‑1 Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors with Reduced Susceptibility to Drug Resistant Mutant Integrases | Center for Cancer Research

Cancer.gov

On the cover: Mutant forms of HIV-1 IN reduce the therapeutic effectiveness of integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs). The cover figure shows the IN of prototype foamy virus complexed to a novel INSTI (gold) that retains potency against resistant mutants of HIV-1 IN. Overlain are the host and viral DNA substrates (blue and green, respectively), showing substrate mimicry

Auditory Spatial Perception: Auditory Localization

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-05-01

cochlear nucleus, TB – trapezoid body, SOC – superior olivary complex, LL – lateral lemniscus, IC – inferior colliculus. Adapted from Aharonson and...Figure 5. Auditory pathways in the central nervous system. LE – left ear, RE – right ear, AN – auditory nerve, CN – cochlear nucleus, TB...fibers leaving the left and right inner ear connect directly to the synaptic inputs of the cochlear nucleus (CN) on the same (ipsilateral) side of

Optimization Case Study: ISR Allocation in the Global Force Management Process

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-01

Communications Intelligence (COMINT), and other intelligence collection capabilities. The complexity of FMV force allocation makes FMV the ideal...Joint Staff (2014). 5 This chapter will step through the GFM allocation process and develop an understanding of the GFM process depicted in Figure 1...contentious. The contentious issue will go through a resolution process consisting of action officer and General Officer/Flag Officer (GOFO) level forums

A New Illuminator of Opportunity Bistatic Radar Research Project at DSTO

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-05-01

digitally down convert each IF into 32-bit complex samples . That is, it generates 16-bit in-phase and quadrature -phase samples and saves them on a large non...cross- correlation process (see Equation 14), to produce each frame of the movies presented in Figures 30 - 36. The MATLAB code used to produce the...11 3.3.1 Terrestrial TV Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 3.3.2 GPS Configuration

Guiding of Plasmons and Phonons in Complex Three Dimensional Structures

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-01-01

typical sample. We employed X - ray diffraction (XRD) to measure the average grain size across the entire depth of the sample over spot sizes Figure...propagation distance L as the 1/e decay length of the field intensity along x ...as well as the network layout with subwavelegth gap size and internode distance on the order of the effective wavelength, a small 2 x 2 resonant

Tropic Trappings in Mel Gibson's "Apocalypto" and Joseph Nicolar's "The Life and Traditions of the Red Man"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kolodny, Annette

2008-01-01

With its roots in ancient rhetoric and medieval liturgy, the term "trope" now refers to a figure of speech that organizes a set of complex ideas into a kind of linguistic shorthand. A trope is thus a phrase or image that conveys more than its literal meaning. In this article, two tropes are pertinent: the "pastoral" and the "fortunate fall." The…

The actin-activated ATPase of co-polymer filaments of myosin and myosin-rod.

PubMed Central

Stepkowski, D; Orlova, A A; Moos, C

1994-01-01

The actin activated ATPase of myosin at low ionic strength shows a complex dependence on actin concentration, in contrast with the simple hyperbolic actin activation kinetics of heavy meromyosin and subfragment-1. To investigate how the aggregation of myosin influences the actomyosin ATPase kinetics, we have studied the actin-activated ATPase of mixed filaments in which the myosin molecules are separated from each other by copolymerization with myosin rod. Electron microscopy of copolymer filaments, alone and bound to actin, indicates that the myosin heads are distributed randomly along the co-polymer filaments. The actin-activated ATPase of myosin decreases with increasing rod, approaching a plateau of about 30% of the control at a rod/myosin molar ratio of 4:1. The decrease in ATPase persists even at Vmax, the extrapolated limit at infinite actin, indicating that it is not due merely to the loss of cooperative actin binding. Furthermore, the actin dependence of the ATPase still shows a biphasic character like that of control myosin, even at rod/myosin ratio of 12:1, so this complexity is not probably due solely to the structural proximity of myosin molecules, but may involve a non-equivalence of myosin heads or myosin molecules in the filament environment. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 PMID:8198528

Adverse external ocular effects of topical ophthalmic therapy: an epidemiologic, laboratory, and clinical study.

PubMed Central

Wilson, F M

1983-01-01

New knowledge of adverse external ocular reactions to topical ophthalmic medications was obtained by means of a computerized epidemiologic study, laboratory studies, and clinical observations. Listed below are the major findings and conclusions that represent facts or concepts that were previously unknown, uncertain, misunderstood, or forgotten: The incidence of clinically important drug reactions among all cases was at least 13.09% and may have been as high as 16.02%. Among treated patients it was at least 16.26% to 19.90%. Taken together, drug reactions were the second most common external disease diagnosis. The incidence of each kind of drug reaction was determined. Toxic papillary reactions accounted for 79.10% of drug cases and 10.35% of all cases. Toxic papillary keratoconjunctivitis was the third most common single diagnosis. The following epidemiologic factors were found to be related to the development or presence of drug reactions: number and variety of treating practitioners, number of practitioners consulted, number of practitioners consulted who treated, specific ophthalmologist consulted (8.24% of ophthalmologists referred 39.55% of all drug cases and showed a tendency habitually to overtreat), number and kinds of patients' symptomatic complaints, number of medications prescribed and used, number of days of treatment, particular drugs and preservatives used (but not their strengths or vehicles), underlying (primary) diagnoses, and inaccuracy of referring ophthalmologists' diagnoses. Patients with dry eyes were especially at risk for the development of toxic papillary reactions. Among all cases, the incidence of reactions to preservatives (mainly thimerosal) in contact lens solutions was 0.39% to 1.95%, depending on whether definite or probable cases, respectively, were considered. The incidence among the 54 patients who used daily-wear lenses (excluding extended-wear therapeutic and optical contacts) was 7.41% for definite reactions and 37.04% for probable ones. Factors relating to the development of papillary contact-lens reactions were daily wear, number of days of wear, and, especially, the preservatives to which the patients were exposed. Reactions occurred more often with soft lenses than with hard ones. Of patients with drug reactions, 5.22% had two different ones simultaneously. Coexisting reactions to pharmacologically active agents were also present in 15% of patients who reacted to preservatives in contact lens solutions. The ocular tissues that were affected by each kind of drug reaction were tabulated, and the relative degrees and sequences of involvement were discussed. The frequencies with which particular drugs, physical ag Images FIGURE 2 A FIGURE 2 B FIGURE 15 A FIGURE 15 B FIGURE 1 FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4 A FIGURE 4 B FIGURE 5 A FIGURE 5 B FIGURE 5 C FIGURE 5 D FIGURE 6 A FIGURE 6 B FIGURE 6 C FIGURE 7 A FIGURE 7 B FIGURE 8 A FIGURE 8 B FIGURE 9 A FIGURE 9 B FIGURE 9 C FIGURE 9 D FIGURE 10 A FIGURE 10 B FIGURE 10 C FIGURE 10 D FIGURE 11 A FIGURE 11 B FIGURE 11 C FIGURE 11 D FIGURE 12 A FIGURE 12 B FIGURE 12 C FIGURE 12 D FIGURE 14 FIGURE 16 A FIGURE 16 B FIGURE 18 FIGURE 19 A FIGURE 19 B FIGURE 20 A FIGURE 20 B FIGURE 21 A FIGURE 21 B FIGURE 22 A FIGURE 22 B FIGURE 22 C FIGURE 23 A FIGURE 23 B FIGURE 23 C FIGURE 23 D PMID:6676985

Interdependent figure-of-merit software development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ramohalli, K.; Kirsch, T.

1989-01-01

This program was undertaken in order to understand the complex nature of interdependent performance in space missions. At the first step in a planned sequence of progress, a spread sheet program was developed to evaluate different fuel/oxidizer combinations for a specific Martian mission. This program is to be linked with output attained using sophisticated software produced by Gordon and McBride. The programming to date makes use of 11 independent parameters. Optimization is essential when faced with the incredible magnitude of costs, risks, and benefits involved with space exploration. A system of weights needs to be devised on which to measure the options. It was the goal to devise a Figure of Merit (FoM) on which different choices can be presented and made. The plan was to model typical missions to Mars, identify the parameters, and vary them until the best one is found. Initially, most of the focus was placed on propellant selection.

A visual model for object detection based on active contours and level-set method.

PubMed

Satoh, Shunji

2006-09-01

A visual model for object detection is proposed. In order to make the detection ability comparable with existing technical methods for object detection, an evolution equation of neurons in the model is derived from the computational principle of active contours. The hierarchical structure of the model emerges naturally from the evolution equation. One drawback involved with initial values of active contours is alleviated by introducing and formulating convexity, which is a visual property. Numerical experiments show that the proposed model detects objects with complex topologies and that it is tolerant of noise. A visual attention model is introduced into the proposed model. Other simulations show that the visual properties of the model are consistent with the results of psychological experiments that disclose the relation between figure-ground reversal and visual attention. We also demonstrate that the model tends to perceive smaller regions as figures, which is a characteristic observed in human visual perception.

Organic thermoelectric materials for energy harvesting and temperature control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Russ, Boris; Glaudell, Anne; Urban, Jeffrey J.; Chabinyc, Michael L.; Segalman, Rachel A.

2016-10-01

Conjugated polymers and related processing techniques have been developed for organic electronic devices ranging from lightweight photovoltaics to flexible displays. These breakthroughs have recently been used to create organic thermoelectric materials, which have potential for wearable heating and cooling devices, and near-room-temperature energy generation. So far, the best thermoelectric materials have been inorganic compounds (such as Bi2Te3) that have relatively low Earth abundance and are fabricated through highly complex vacuum processing routes. Molecular materials and hybrid organic-inorganic materials now demonstrate figures of merit approaching those of these inorganic materials, while also exhibiting unique transport behaviours that are suggestive of optimization pathways and device geometries that were not previously possible. In this Review, we discuss recent breakthroughs for organic materials with high thermoelectric figures of merit and indicate how these materials may be incorporated into new module designs that take advantage of their mechanical and thermoelectric properties.

Short Stature—Physiology and Pathology

PubMed Central

Rimoin, David L.; Borochowitz, Zvi; Horton, William A.

1986-01-01

Stature, the quantitative measure of height, varies widely within each ethnic group with a fairly normal distribution. Of the numerous patients whom physicians encounter because of short stature, relatively few are pathologically small in the context of family and ethnic background. Physicians must be able to differentiate pathologic short stature from the lower end of the normal curve before embarking on a complex diagnostic evaluation. There are literally hundreds of different causes of short stature, and the clinical evaluation requires a wide variety of clinical, radiographic, pathologic and biochemical tools. Although specific treatment to promote growth is available only in persons with the endocrinopathies and the acquired nutritional, emotional and chronic disease states, diagnosis of the specific form of short stature can have great importance in being able to prevent complications and to offer accurate prognostic information and genetic counseling. ImagesFigure 2.Figure 3. PMID:2873688

The fall of a viscous thread onto a moving surface: a ‘fluid-mechanical sewing machine’

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiu-Webster, S.; Lister, J. R.

2006-12-01

A viscous thread falling onto a steadily moving horizontal belt shows a surprisingly complex range of behaviour in experiments. Low belt speeds produce coiling, as might be expected from the behaviour of a thread falling onto a stationary surface. High belt speeds produce a steady thread, whose shape is predicted well by theory developed to describe a stretching viscous catenary with surface tension and inertia. Intermediate belt speeds show several novel modes of oscillation, which lay down a wide variety of patterns on the belt. The patterns include meanders, side kicks, slanted loops, braiding, figures-of-eight, Ws, and also period-doubled versions of figures-of-eight, meanders and coiling. The experimental boundary between steady and unsteady behaviour occurs at a slightly lower belt speed than the loss of the steady solution for a stretching catenary.

PVC: health implications and production trends.

PubMed Central

Karstadt, M

1976-01-01

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is a complex plastic system. Individual components of the PVC system, including residual vinyl chloride monomer (RVCM) and certain additives, may pose risks of harm to human health. There have been significant reductions in the RVCM content of PVC resin since 1974, reducing the cancer risk of workers in PVC fabrication plants and consumers of PVC products. A "no-effect" level for vinyl chloride monomer (VCM)-induced carcinogenesis has not been found to date; therefore, the significance of human exposure to low levels of RVCM remains to be determined. Exposure to PVC dust may cause pulmonary dysfunctions. Pulmonary and other possible health effects of PVC dust require further study. The PVC plastics system should be characterized as to interactions among its various components and as to interactions of the components and the PVC system as a whole with biological systems. Images FIGURE 1. FIGURE 2. PMID:799961

SMA texture and reorientation: simulations and neutron diffraction studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Xiujie; Brown, Donald W.; Brinson, L. Catherine

2005-05-01

With increased usage of shape memory alloys (SMA) for applications in various fields, it is important to understand how the material behavior is affected by factors such as texture, stress state and loading history, especially for complex multiaxial loading states. Using the in-situ neutron diffraction loading facility (SMARTS diffractometer) and ex situ inverse pole figure measurement facility (HIPPO diffractometer) at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANCE), the macroscopic mechanical behavior and texture evolution of Nickel-Titanium (Nitinol) SMAs under sequential compression in alternating directions were studied. The simplified multivariant model developed at Northwestern University was then used to simulate the macroscopic behavior and the microstructural change of Nitinol under this sequential loading. Pole figures were obtained via post-processing of the multivariant results for volume fraction evolution and compared quantitatively well to the experimental results. The experimental results can also be used to test or verify other SMA constitutive models.

Evaluation of homogeneous electrocatalysts by cyclic voltammetry.

PubMed

Rountree, Eric S; McCarthy, Brian D; Eisenhart, Thomas T; Dempsey, Jillian L

2014-10-06

The pursuit of solar fuels has motivated extensive research on molecular electrocatalysts capable of evolving hydrogen from protic solutions, reducing CO2, and oxidizing water. Determining accurate figures of merit for these catalysts requires the careful and appropriate application of electroanalytical techniques. This Viewpoint first briefly presents the fundamentals of cyclic voltammetry and highlights practical experimental considerations before focusing on the application of cyclic voltammetry for the characterization of electrocatalysts. Key metrics for comparing catalysts, including the overpotential (η), potential for catalysis (E(cat)), observed rate constant (k(obs)), and potential-dependent turnover frequency, are discussed. The cyclic voltammetric responses for a general electrocatalytic one-electron reduction of a substrate are presented along with methods to extract figures of merit from these data. The extension of this analysis to more complex electrocatalytic schemes, such as those responsible for H2 evolution and CO2 reduction, is then discussed.

Grazing Incidence Optics Technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ramsey, Brian; Smith, W. Scott; Gubarev, Mikhail; McCracken, Jeff

2015-01-01

This project is to demonstrate the capability to directly fabricate lightweight, high-resolution, grazing-incidence x-ray optics using a commercially available robotic polishing machine. Typical x-ray optics production at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) uses a replication process in which metal mirrors are electroformed on to figured and polished mandrels from which they are later removed. The attraction of this process is that multiple copies can be made from a single master. The drawback is that the replication process limits the angular resolution that can be attained. By directly fabricating each shell, errors inherent in the replication process are removed. The principal challenge now becomes how to support the mirror shell during all aspects of fabrication, including the necessary metrology to converge on the required mirror performance specifications. This program makes use of a Zeeko seven-axis computer-controlled polishing machine (see fig. 1) and supporting fabrication, metrology, and test equipment at MSFC. The overall development plan calls for proof-of-concept demonstration with relatively thick mirror shells (5-6 mm, fig. 2) which are straightforward to support and then a transition to much thinner shells (2-3 mm), which are an order of magnitude thinner than those used for Chandra. Both glass and metal substrates are being investigated. Currently, a thick glass shell is being figured. This has enabled experience to be gained with programming and operating the polishing machine without worrying about shell distortions or breakage. It has also allowed time for more complex support mechanisms for figuring/ polishing and metrology to be designed for the more challenging thinner shells. These are now in fabrication. Figure 1: Zeeko polishing machine.

Global attention facilitates the planning, but not execution of goal-directed reaches.

PubMed

McCarthy, J Daniel; Song, Joo-Hyun

2016-07-01

In daily life, humans interact with multiple objects in complex environments. A large body of literature demonstrates that target selection is biased toward recently attended features, such that reaches are faster and trajectory curvature is reduced when target features (i.e., color) are repeated (priming of pop-out). In the real world, however, objects are comprised of several features-some of which may be more suitable for action than others. When fetching a mug from the cupboard, for example, attention not only has to be allocated to the object, but also the handle. To date, no study has investigated the impact of hierarchical feature organization on target selection for action. Here, we employed a color-oddity search task in which targets were Pac-men (i.e., a circle with a triangle cut out) oriented to be either consistent or inconsistent with the percept of a global Kanizsa triangle. We found that reaches were initiated faster when a task-irrelevant illusory figure was present independent of color repetition. Additionally, consistent with priming of pop-out, both reach planning and execution were facilitated when local target colors were repeated, regardless of whether a global figure was present. We also demonstrated that figures defined by illusory, but not real contours, afforded an early target selection benefit. In sum, these findings suggest that when local targets are perceptually grouped to form an illusory surface, attention quickly spreads across the global figure and facilitates the early stage of reach planning, but not execution. In contrast, local color priming is evident throughout goal-directed reaching.

Cloning of a cDNA encoding bovine mitochondrial NADP(+)-specific isocitrate dehydrogenase and structural comparison with its isoenzymes from different species.

PubMed Central

Huh, T L; Ryu, J H; Huh, J W; Sung, H C; Oh, I U; Song, B J; Veech, R L

1993-01-01

Mitochondrial NADP(+)-specific isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDP) was co-purified with the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex from bovine kidney mitochondria. The determination of its N-terminal 16-amino-acid sequence revealed that it is highly similar to the IDP from yeast. A cDNA clone (1.8 kb long) encoding this protein was isolated from a bovine kidney lambda gt11 cDNA library using a synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide. The deduced protein sequence of this cDNA clone rendered a precursor protein of 452 amino-acid residues (50,830 Da) and a mature protein of 413 amino-acid residues (46,519 Da). It is 100% identical to the internal tryptic peptide sequences of the autologous form from pig heart and 62% similar to that from yeast. However, it shares little similarity with the mitochondrial NAD(+)-specific isoenzyme from yeast. Structural analyses of the deduced proteins of IDP isoenzymes from different species indicated that similarity exists in certain regions, which may represent the common domains for the active sites or coenzyme-binding sites. In Northern-blot analysis, one species of mRNA (about 2.2 kb for both bovine and human) was hybridized with a 32P-labelled cDNA probe. Southern-blot analysis of genomic DNAs verified simple patterns of hybridization with this cDNA. These results strongly indicate that the mitochondrial IDP may be derived from a single gene family which does not appear to be closely related to that of the NAD(+)-specific isoenzyme. Images Figure 1 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 PMID:8318002

Multifunctional receptor model for dioxin and related compound toxic action: possible thyroid hormone-responsive effector-linked site.

PubMed Central

McKinney, J D

1989-01-01

Molecular/theoretical modeling studies have revealed that thyroid hormones and toxic chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons of environmental significance (for which dioxin or TCDD is the prototype) have similar structural properties that could be important in molecular recognition in biochemical systems. These molecular properties include a somewhat rigid, sterically accessible and polarizable aromatic ring and size-limited, hydrophobic lateral substituents, usually contained in opposite adjoining rings of a diphenyl compound. These molecular properties define the primary binding groups thought to be important in molecular recognition of both types of structures in biochemical systems. Similar molecular reactivities are supported by the demonstration of effective specific binding of thyroid hormones and chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons with four different proteins, enzymes, or receptor preparations that are known or suspected to be involved in the expression of thyroid hormone activity. These binding interactions represent both aromatic-aromatic (stacking) and molecular cleft-type recognition processes. A multiple protein or multifunctional receptor-ligand binding mechanism model is proposed as a way of visualizing the details and possible role of both the stacking and cleft type molecular recognition factors in the expression of biological activity. The model suggests a means by which hormone-responsive effector-linked sites (possible protein-protein-DNA complexes) can maintain highly structurally specific control of hormone action. Finally, the model also provides a theoretical basis for the design and conduct of further biological experimentation on the molecular mechanism(s) of action of toxic chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons and thyroid hormones. Images FIGURE 3. A FIGURE 3. B FIGURE 3. C FIGURE 3. D PMID:2551666

A Unique Assemblage of Engraved Plaquettes from Ein Qashish South, Jezreel Valley, Israel: Figurative and Non-Figurative Symbols of Late Pleistocene Hunters-Gatherers in the Levant

PubMed Central

Yaroshevich, Alla; Bar-Yosef, Ofer; Boaretto, Elisabeta; Caracuta, Valentina; Greenbaum, Noam; Porat, Naomi; Roskin, Joel

2016-01-01

Three engraved limestone plaquettes from the recently excavated Epipaleolithic open-air site Ein Qashish South in the Jezreel Valley, Israel comprise unique evidence for symbolic behavior of Late Pleistocene foragers in the Levant. The engravings, uncovered in Kebaran and Geometric Kebaran deposits (ca. 23ka and ca. 16.5ka BP), include the image of a bird—the first figurative representation known so far from a pre-Natufian Epipaleolithic—along with geometric motifs such as chevrons, crosshatchings and ladders. Some of the engravings closely resemble roughly contemporary European finds interpreted as "systems of notations" or "artificial memory systems"–records related to timing of seasonal resources and associated aggregation events of nomadic groups. Moreover, similarly looking signs and patterns are well known from the context of the local Natufian—a final Epipaleolithic culture of sedentary or semi-sedentary foragers who started practicing agriculture. The investigation of the engravings found in Ein Qashish South involves conceptualizations developed in studies of European and local parallels, a selection of ethnographic examples and preliminary microscopic observations of the plaquettes. This shows that the figurative and non-figurative images comprise a coherent assemblage of symbols that might have been applied in order to store, share and transmit information related to social and subsistence realms of mobile bands. It further suggests that the site functioned as a locality of groups' aggregation and indicates social complexity of pre-Natufian foragers in the Levant. While alterations in social and subsistence strategies can explain the varying frequency of image use characterizing different areas of the Late Pleistocene world—the apparent similarity in graphics and the mode of their application support the possibility that symbol-mediated behavior has a common and much earlier origin. PMID:27557110

Scar remodeling after strabismus surgery.

PubMed Central

Ludwig, I H

1999-01-01

PURPOSE: Patients with overcorrected strabismus (and several patients with undercorrection after extraocular muscle resection) underwent exploration of previously operated muscles, with the intention of advancing their tendons to prevent the need for surgery on additional muscles. Unexpectedly, it was found that, in many cases, an elongated scar segment of variable length was interposed between the muscle and its insertion site on the sclera. Laboratory investigations were carried out to elucidate the underlying mechanism(s) and to create an animal model of the disorder. METHODS: Lengthened scars were repaired on 198 muscles during 134 procedures performed on 123 patients. The scars consisted of amorphous connective tissue interposed between the globe and normal tendon. Repair was accomplished by excision of the scar and reattachment of the muscle to sclera, using absorbable sutures in 64 cases and nonabsorbable sutures in 70 cases. Histopathologic examination was performed on 82 clinical specimens, and tissue culture studies were performed on 7 specimens. To develop an animal model, 10 New Zealand white rabbits underwent bilateral superior rectus resection. Half of the eyes received sub-Tenon's injections of collagenase over the operative site during weeks 2, 3, 5, and 6 postoperatively; the other half received saline solution injections on the same schedule. At 10 weeks, half the sites were studied histologically, and the other half underwent collagen creep analysis. In a second study, the use of absorbable versus nonabsorbable sutures was compared in the rabbit model. RESULTS: In the clinical cases, the mean length of the elongated scar segments was 4.2 mm. A total of 105 of the 134 repair procedures were judged successful. Thirty-one procedures resulted in recurrence of the original overcorrection; 7 of these had documented restretches. Factors that distinguished patients with stretched scars from patients with classic slipped muscles included minimal or no limitation of versions, less separation of the tendons from sclera, and thicker appearance of the scar segments. The use of nonabsorbable sutures in the repair procedure reduced the recurrence rate. Histologic examination of the clinical stretched scar specimens showed dense connective tissue that was less well organized compared with normal tendon. In the tissue culture studies, cells cultured from the stretched scar specimens grew rapidly and were irregularly shaped. A high-molecular-weight protein was identified in the culture medium. By contrast, cells cultured from normal tendon (controls) grew more slowly and regularly, stopped growing at 4 days, and produced less total protein than cultured stretched scar specimens. In the animal model studies, the collagenase-treated sites showed elongated scars with increased collagen between the muscle and the sclera, as well as increased collagen creep rates, compared with the saline-treated controls. The use of nonabsorbable sutures in collagenase-treated animal model surgery sites was associated with shorter, thicker scars compared with similar sites sutured with absorbable sutures. CONCLUSIONS: A lengthened or stretched, remodeled scar between an operated muscle tendon and sclera is a common occurrence and is a factor contributing to the variability of outcome after strabismus repair, even years later. This abnormality may be revealed by careful exploration of previously operated muscles. Definitive repair requires firm reattachment of tendon to sclera with nonabsorbable suture support. Images FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4 FIGURE 5 FIGURE 6 FIGURE 7 FIGURE 8 FIGURE 9 FIGURE 10 FIGURE 11 FIGURE 12 FIGURE 13 FIGURE 14 FIGURE 15 FIGURE 16 FIGURE 17 FIGURE 18 FIGURE 19 FIGURE 20 FIGURE 21 FIGURE 22 FIGURE 23 FIGURE 24 FIGURE 25 FIGURE 26 FIGURE 27 FIGURE 28 FIGURE 29 FIGURE 30 FIGURE 31 FIGURE 32 FIGURE 33 FIGURE 34 FIGURE 35 FIGURE 36 FIGURE 37 FIGURE 38 FIGURE 39 FIGURE 40 FIGURE 41 FIGURE 42 FIGURE 43 FIGURE 44 FIGURE 45 FIGURE 46 FIGURE 52 FIGURE 53 FIGURE 54 FIGURE 55 FIGURE 58 FIGURE 59 FIGURE 60 FIGURE 61 FIGURE 62 FIGURE 63 FIGURE 64 PMID:10703142

Retinal and optic nerve atrophy induced by intravitreous vincristine in the primate.

PubMed Central

Green, W R

1975-01-01

Vincristine is known to be toxic to neural tissue, where it is thought to react with microtubules and impair axonal transport. Intravitreous vincristing-induced changes of the retina have been reported to be reversible after 10 micrograms. In the present study, the effects of 0.01 to 100 micrograms of intravitreous vincristine in monkeys were studied ophthalmoscopically and by light microscopy and electron microscopy. Retinal degeneration and optic atrophy were evident ophthalmoscopically in two to three weeks. Morphological changes included swelling of retinal neurons, loss of organelles and microtubules and accumulation of fibrillar-granular material. Progression of effects, with plasma membrane rupture and cell death, was observed with all doses of 0.1 micrograms and higher. The retina and optic nerve of monkeys appear to be more sensitive to intravitreous vincristine than are the same structures in certain lower animals. Images FIGURE 10 FIGURE 18 FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2 FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4 FIGURE 5 FIGURE 6 FIGURE 7 FIGURE 8 FIGURE 9 FIGURE 11 FIGURE 12 FIGURE 13 FIGURE 14 FIGURE 15 FIGURE 16 FIGURE 17 FIGURE 19 FIGURE 20 PMID:813350

Influence of intraocular lens material and design on postoperative intracapsular cellular reactivity.

PubMed Central

Apple, D J

2000-01-01

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of intraocular lens (IOL) material and design on the outcome of postoperative lens epithelial cell proliferation within the capsular bag after cataract surgery. METHODS: A total of 5,079 human globes containing rigid and foldable posterior chamber IOL styles commonly implanted in the United States (n = 8) were analyzed in this study. Each globe, fixated in 10% formalin, was sectioned at the equator and analyzed using the Miyake-Apple posterior technique. The study consisted of 3 parts: First, to evaluate posterior capsule opacification (PCO); the Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy rate (%) was documented and plotted on a monthly basis, creating a computerized trend line for each IOL style. Second, to evaluate anterior capsule opacification (ACO); 460 globes were processed for histologic examination. Anterior capsule fibrosis was scored from 0 to III, according to the thickness of proliferative tissue/cells on the inner surface of the anterior capsule at the capsulorhexis margin. Third, interlenticular opacification (ILO) was studied by analysis of 3 pairs of acrylic piggyback lenses that had been explanted because of opacification between their optics. Each IOL pair was processed for histologic examination, and scanning electron microscopy was performed on 1 of the lenses. RESULTS: In the first study, relatively higher Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy rates (19.1% to 32.8%) were noted with the 4 oldest IOL designs in this study (2 foldable lenses, 1 3-piece polymethyl methacrylate [PMMA] design, and 1 single-piece all-PMMA design). Four modern lenses, 1 acrylic lens, and 3 silicone foldable IOL designs had Nd:YAG rates ranging from 1.3% to 14.6% (P < .0001). In the second study, mean ACO scores were highest with silicone-plate lenses (1.77 +/- 0.86 and 1.28 +/- 0.77). The lowest mean score was observed with the acrylic lens (0.51 +/- 0.52; P < .0001). In study 3, the analyses of the 3 pairs of explanted acrylic piggyback lenses showed that the opacification between them (ILO) may have different forms. CONCLUSIONS: Control of postoperative intracapsular cellular proliferation is important in avoiding 3 significant clinical complications. Postoperative lens epithelial cell proliferation is involved in the pathogenesis of PCO, ACO, and ILO, the latter being a newly described form of opacification within the capsular bag related to piggyback IOL implantation. IOL material and design are important factors influencing the outcome of these complications. Images FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2A FIGURE 2B FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4A FIGURE 4B FIGURE 5A FIGURE 5B FIGURE 5C FIGURE 5D FIGURE 5E FIGURE 5F FIGURE 5G FIGURE 5H FIGURE 6 FIGURE 7 FIGURE 8A FIGURE 8B FIGURE 9A FIGURE 9B FIGURE 10A FIGURE 10B FIGURE 10C FIGURE 10D FIGURE 10E FIGURE 10F FIGURE 10G FIGURE 10H FIGURE 11A FIGURE 11B FIGURE 12 FIGURE 13A FIGURE 13B FIGURE 14A FIGURE 14B FIGURE 15A FIGURE 15B FIGURE 16A FIGURE 16B FIGURE 17A FIGURE 17B FIGURE 18A FIGURE 18B FIGURE 18C FIGURE 18D FIGURE 18E FIGURE 19 FIGURE 20 PMID:11190028

A preference for some types of complexity comment on "perceived beauty of random texture patterns: A preference for complexity".

PubMed

Gauvrit, Nicolas; Soler-Toscano, Fernando; Guida, Alessandro

2017-03-01

In two experiments, Friedenberg and Liby (2016) studied how a diversity of complexity estimates such as density, number of blocks, GIF compression rate and edge length impact the perception of beauty of semi-random two-dimensional patterns. They concluded that aesthetics ratings are positively linked with GIF compression metrics and edge length, but not with the number of blocks. They also found an inverse U-shaped link between aesthetic judgments and density. These mixed results originate in the variety of metrics used to estimate what is loosely called "complexity" in psychology and indeed refers to conflicting notions. Here, we reanalyze their data adding two more conventional and normative mathematical measures of complexity: entropy and algorithmic complexity. We show that their results can be interpreted as an aesthetic preference for low redundancy, balanced patterns and "crooked" figures, but not for high algorithmic complexity. We conclude that participants tend to have a preference for some types of complexity, but not for all. These findings may help understand divergent results in the study of perceived beauty and complexity, and illustrate the need to specify the notion of complexity used in psychology. The field would certainly benefit from a precise taxonomy of complexity measures. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nondimensional parameter for conformal grinding: combining machine and process parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Funkenbusch, Paul D.; Takahashi, Toshio; Gracewski, Sheryl M.; Ruckman, Jeffrey L.

1999-11-01

Conformal grinding of optical materials with CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining equipment can be used to achieve precise control over complex part configurations. However complications can arise due to the need to fabricate complex geometrical shapes at reasonable production rates. For example high machine stiffness is essential, but the need to grind 'inside' small or highly concave surfaces may require use of tooling with less than ideal stiffness characteristics. If grinding generates loads sufficient for significant tool deflection, the programmed removal depth will not be achieved. Moreover since grinding load is a function of the volumetric removal rate the amount of load deflection can vary with location on the part, potentially producing complex figure errors. In addition to machine/tool stiffness and removal rate, load generation is a function of the process parameters. For example by reducing the feed rate of the tool into the part, both the load and resultant deflection/removal error can be decreased. However this must be balanced against the need for part through put. In this paper a simple model which permits combination of machine stiffness and process parameters into a single non-dimensional parameter is adapted for a conformal grinding geometry. Errors in removal can be minimized by maintaining this parameter above a critical value. Moreover, since the value of this parameter depends on the local part geometry, it can be used to optimize process settings during grinding. For example it may be used to guide adjustment of the feed rate as a function of location on the part to eliminate figure errors while minimizing the total grinding time required.

Interactions of memory and perception in amnesia: the figure-ground perspective.

PubMed

Barense, Morgan D; Ngo, Joan K W; Hung, Lily H T; Peterson, Mary A

2012-11-01

The medial temporal lobes (MTLs) have been thought to function exclusively in service of declarative memory. Recent research shows that damage to the perirhinal cortex (PRC) of the MTL impairs the discrimination of objects sharing many similar parts/features, leading to the hypothesis that the PRC contributes to the perception when the feature configurations, rather than the individual features, are required to solve the task. It remains uncertain, however, whether the previous research demands a slight extension of PRC function to include working memory or a more dramatic extension to include perception. We present 2 experiments assessing the implicit effects of familiar configuration on figure assignment, an early and fundamental perceptual outcome. Unlike controls, PRC-damaged individuals failed to perceive the regions portraying familiar configurations, as figure more often, than the regions comprising the same parts rearranged into novel configurations. They were also impaired in identifying the familiar objects. In a third experiment, PRC-damaged individuals performed poorly when asked to choose a familiar object from pairs of familiar and novel objects comprising the same parts. Our results demonstrate that the PRC is involved in both implicit and explicit perceptual discriminations of novel and familiar configurations. These results reveal that complex object representations in the PRC subserve both perception and memory.

A non-linear piezoelectric actuator calibration using N-dimensional Lissajous figure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Albertazzi, A.; Viotti, M. R.; Veiga, C. L. N.; Fantin, A. V.

2016-08-01

Piezoelectric translators (PZTs) are very often used as phase shifters in interferometry. However, they typically present a non-linear behavior and strong hysteresis. The use of an additional resistive or capacitive sensor make possible to linearize the response of the PZT by feedback control. This approach works well, but makes the device more complex and expensive. A less expensive approach uses a non-linear calibration. In this paper, the authors used data from at least five interferograms to form N-dimensional Lissajous figures to establish the actual relationship between the applied voltages and the resulting phase shifts [1]. N-dimensional Lissajous figures are formed when N sinusoidal signals are combined in an N-dimensional space, where one signal is assigned to each axis. It can be verified that the resulting Ndimensional ellipsis lays in a 2D plane. By fitting an ellipsis equation to the resulting 2D ellipsis it is possible to accurately compute the resulting phase value for each interferogram. In this paper, the relationship between the resulting phase shift and the applied voltage is simultaneously established for a set of 12 increments by a fourth degree polynomial. The results in speckle interferometry show that, after two or three interactions, the calibration error is usually smaller than 1°.

Visual search performance on an lcd monitor: effects of color combination of figure and icon background, shape of icon, and line width of icon border.

PubMed

Huang, Kuo-Chen; Chiu, Tsai-Lan

2007-04-01

This study investigated the effects of color combinations for the figure/icon background, icon shape, and line width of the icon border on visual search performance on a liquid crystal display screen. In a circular stimulus array, subjects had to search for a target item which had a diameter of 20 cm and included one target and 19 distractors. Analysis showed that the icon shape significantly affected search performance. The correct response time was significantly shorter for circular icons than for triangular icons, for icon borders with a line width of 3 pixels than for 1 or 2 pixels, and for 2 pixels than for 1 pixel. The color combination also significantly affected the visual search performance: white/yellow, white/blue, black-red, and black/ yellow color combinations for the figure/icon background had shorter correct response times compared to yellow/blue, red/green, yellow/green, and blue/red. However, no effects were found for the line width of the icon border or the icon shape on the error rate. Results have implications for graphics-based design of interfaces, such as for mobile phones, Web sites, and PDAs, as well as complex industrial processes.

The enigmatic figure of Dr Henry Maudsley (1835-1918).

PubMed

Pantelidou, Maria; Demetriades, Andreas K

2014-08-01

In spite of his contribution to psychiatry in 19th century Britain, Henry Maudsley remains a mysterious figure, a man mostly known for his donation to the London County Council for the building of the Maudsley Hospital and for The Maudsley Annual Lecture created in honour of his benevolence. Besides Sir Aubrey Lewis' article in 1951 and Michael Collie's attempt in 1988 to construct a biographical study on Maudsley, there does not seem to be any current endeavour to tell the story of his life, whereas Trevor Turner's contribution to the 2004 Oxford Dictionary of National Biography gives a somewhat scathing but unattributed account of Maudsley's personality. This essay attempts to explore his contributions to the Medico-Psychological Association (MPA), the current Royal College of Psychiatrists, his editorship of the Journal of Mental Health (currently named the British Journal of Psychiatry), his literary contributions and his vision for a psychiatric hospital. This essay is an attempt to demystify his figure and to explore some of the rumours and criticisms surrounding his name and the reasons why so little has been written about him. It is also a venture to unravel his complex personality and his intricate philosophy. © The Author(s) 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

Cryosurgery for treatment of trichiasis.

PubMed Central

Sullivan, J H; Beard, C; Bullock, J D

1976-01-01

We cryosurgically destroyed eyelashes in rabbits and applied the technique to treat 23 selected patients with trichiasis. Liquid nitrogen was sprayed on the eyelid margin by using a double, rapid-freeze, slow-thaw cycle monitored by a subcutaneous thermocouple to -30 degrees C. It was an improvement on electrolysis and a simple alternative to surgery. Images FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2 A FIGURE 2 B FIGURE 3 A FIGURE 3 B FIGURE 4 A FIGURE 4 B FIGURE 5 A FIGURE 5 B FIGURE 7 A FIGURE 7 B PMID:867626

Exploratory Development for a High Reliability Flaw Characterization Module.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-03-01

deconvolution), and displaying the waveforms and the complex Fourier spectra (magnitude and phase or real and imaginary parts) on hard copies. The Born...shifted, and put into the Born inver- sion algorithm. Hard copies of the Born inversion results of the type dis- played in Figure 6 were obtained for each...nickel alloys than in titanium alloys because melt practice is not yet sufficiently developed to prevent the introduction of voids and hard oxide

USSR Report, International Affairs

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-09-25

FRG has already surpassed the United States, and in terms of volume of capital investment per worker the United States lags behind the FRG, Japan and...countries, workers ’ real income is decreasing. For instance, in the United States this figure is currently 14 percent lower than at the beginning of the...enterprises, specifically, a tannery in Yerevan, a shoe-making complex in Voroshilovgrad and a knitted cloth factory in the city of Zhodino.12 The

Proceedings of the ECOM Hybrid Microcircuit Symposium, 1976

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-06-01

remove both stationary and moving clutter. The hex fast line receiver micrýocircuit is a thin film chip-and-wire microcircuit (shown in Figure 7) which...of the following: (a) multiple usage, (b) high volume production, or (c) moderate volume and multiple usage. These criteria are not hard and fast ...compounding when the circuit complexity increases. O particular concern are open or intermittent bonds, susceptibility to moisture and impurities in the

Design Evaluation for Personnel, Training and Human Factors (DEPTH) Final Report.

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-01-17

human activity was primarily intended to facilitate man-machine design analyses of complex systems. By importing computer aided design (CAD) data, the human figure models and analysis algorithms can help to ensure components can be seen, reached, lifted and removed by most maintainers. These simulations are also useful for logistics data capture, training, and task analysis. DEPTH was also found to be useful in obtaining task descriptions for technical

Two-Dimensional Depth-Averaged Circulation Model CMS-M2D: Version 3.0, Report 2, Sediment Transport and Morphology Change

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-08-01

demonstrates symmetry of the methodology and capability to represent complex configurations of non -erodible cells. The bathymetric configuration (Figure...Army Engineer Rsearch and Development Center, Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory. The upgrades chiefly concern capability to calculate sediment...hard bottom ( non -erodible bottom) to represent limestone and rocking coasts, as well as scour blankets at jetties, and (2) bottom avalanching to limit

Three dimensional hair model by means particles using Blender

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alvarez-Cedillo, Jesús Antonio; Almanza-Nieto, Roberto; Herrera-Lozada, Juan Carlos

2010-09-01

The simulation and modeling of human hair is a process whose computational complexity is very large, this due to the large number of factors that must be calculated to give a realistic appearance. Generally, the method used in the film industry to simulate hair is based on particle handling graphics. In this paper we present a simple approximation of how to model human hair using particles in Blender. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Bioavailability and Methylation Potential of Mercury Sulfides in Sediments

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-08-01

such as size separation (i.e. filtration with a particular pore size or molecular weight cutoff) or metal-ligand complexation from experimentally ...and 6 nM HgS microparticles. The error bars represent ±1 s.d. for duplicate samples. Results of Hg fractionation by filtration and (ultra... results from filtration (Figures S2). These differences in the data indicated that the nHgS dissolution rate could be overestimated by the filtration data

Stochastic Modelling of Seafloor Morphology

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-06-01

trenches, and linear island chains to the point that many of the interesting questions of marine geology now concern the processes which have shaped...are all located near the Easter Island Microplate (Figure 5.2), a region with a complex tectonic history [Hey et al., 19851, and may be anomalous...the Clipperton Transform Fault [Macdonald and Fox, 1988]. Just south of Clipperton , the ridge crest is shallow (-2550 m) and the crestal horst is broad

Electrochemiluminescence from Tunicate, Tunichrome--Metal Complexes and Other Biological Samples (Postprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-05-17

terrestrial grass ( Eleusine indica ) was gathered from wooded areas around St Andrew Sound. Several blades of each plant species were crushed with...that live (green) grass (E. indica ) extracts exhibited high solution-phase ECL levels 200 ~ Ill c Cll .. .E .J 0 w c Ill Cll :;: 900 800...Figure 12. Comparison of intrinsic biological ECL from live (green) and dead (brown) terrestrial grass (E. indica ) and liv’ seagrass (T. testudinum

Data Analysis of Complex Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-06-01

screen consistency value, and the couch vacuum. . 44  Figure 14 Predictive performance is degraded when the output as a predictor is removed from the...the centroid. While it does not solve any of the initialization problems of k-means it offers users a soft degradation of membership instead of the...kappa number (measure of lignin content) on an hourly basis (69). Dung successfully controlled a DC motor using an ANN. This work showed that an

Lectures in Complex Systems (1991)

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-08-05

momentum term and the line required to reach termination criterion. Fig- ture 2 shows this function for the case where Lcarninglate = 1.0. Peeling and...Soc. Am., in press. 17. Peeling , S. M., and R. K. Moore. "Isolated Digit Recognition Experiments using the Multi-Layer Perceptron." Speech Comm. 7...surfaces which form the focal conic defects seen in Figure 1. These are the cyclides of Dupin. The surfaces go from banana -shaped to squashed doughnuts to

Peacemaking, Complex Emergencies, and Disaster Response: What Happens, How Do You Respond?

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-02-01

territories have been hit by several major hurricanes in recent years, including Hurricane Andrew (South Florida, 1992), Hurricane Hugo (South Carolina...recent eruptions on Montserrat (in the Caribbean) and in the Cape Verde islands are examples of such small-scale eruptions. Figure 18 shows the...timeline for recent volcanic eruptions on Mont- serrat, and in the Cape Verde Islands. In the case of Montserrat , the warning time was essentially

Screening Adhesively Bonded Single-Lap-Joint Testing Results Using Nonlinear Calculation Parameters

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-01

versus displacement response for single-lap-joints bonded with damage-tolerant adhe- sives, such the polyurea adhesive plotted in Figure 2, is much...displacement response for a single-lap-joint bonded with a polyurea adhesive. Complex x-y plots are commonly fitted using the Levenberg-Marquardt...expected decrease in maximum strength for the polyurea in compar- ison to the epoxy, which could have been obtained using a traditional analysis approach

Generating an Aerodynamic Model for Projectile Flight Simulation Using Unsteady, Time Accurate Computational Fluid Dynamic Results

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-09-01

Figure 17. Station line center of Magnus force vs. Mach number for spin-stabilized projectile...forces and moments on the projectile. It is also relatively easy to change the wind tunnel model to allow detailed parametric effects to be...such as pitch and roll damping, as well as, Magnus force and moment coefficients, are difficult to obtain in a wind tunnel and require a complex

Hearing Preservation Electrodes in Veterans and Military Service members with Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-07-01

music of varying complexities. We did observe improvement from the first to the last lesson and the subject expressed appreciation for the training...hearing threshold data. C. Collect pre- and post-operative speech perception data. D. Collect music appraisal and pitch data. E. Administer training...localization, and music data. We are also collecting quality of life and functional questionnaire data. In Figure 2, we show post-operative speech

Ray Solutions to Sound Scattering by Complex Bodies: Application to Zooplankton.

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-02-14

marine snail that swims (elastic shelled body), and (c) siphonophore , a gas- bearing animal (fluid-like tissue containing gas). From Ref. 1...1- LU -100 ^/Vyvv -100 EUPHAUSIID GASTROPOD SIPHONOPHORE 400 500 600 700 800 400 500 600 700 800 FREQUENCY (kHz) FIGURE 2 Target...whose bodies consist of an irregular elastic shell with an opening, and a siphonophore whose body is mostly a fluid-like tissue that contains a

Iran: The Post-Revolutionary Evolution

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-12-01

posts should have knowledge of Sharia law (Islamic law), and the country’s ruler should Figure 1: Iran’s Government Structure 7 be a faqih, someone...whose knowledge of Islamic law and justice was superior to that of others.2 Iran’s political system is a complex mix of Islamic theocracy and...relations theorist, attempts to understand the causes of international war. To do this, he considers three levels of analysis, what he calls “images

A Cooperative Communication System for the Advancement of Safe, Effective, and Efficient Patient Care

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-01

graphical display to promote acute change detection in ICU patients. International Journal of Medical Informatics , 81(12), 842-851. Brooke, J. (1996...patient history timeline. In this instance, the window describes the event causing injury (an oil rig explosion) and diagnosis upon admission Figures A...solutions to overcome them. Despite years of effort in medical informatics , a gap remains between the complexities of the clinical work setting and the

Army Aviation’s Pacific Rebalance: Evolution Towards Maritime Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-26

Training and Doctrine Command Pamphlet (TRADOC PAM) 525-3-1, The US Army Operating Concept: Win in a Complex World 2020-2040 (Washington, DC...influence.81 Figure 3. East Timor in the South Indian Ocean Source: “Indonesia” (map), CIA World Factbook, accessed 2 March 2016, https://www. cia.gov...library/publications/resources/the- world -factbook/geos/id.html. In 1975, Indonesia invaded and annexed the Portuguese colony, Timor Island

Development of an Aquatic Bioassay Using the Medaka (Oryzias latipes) to Assess Human Health Risks: Tumor Immunodiagnosis.

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-04-27

Skeletal muscle 5 *Undifferentiated sarcoma Peripheral nerve 3 *Undifferentiated sarcoma Peritoneum 1 Hepatocellular carcinoma Liver 2...KD) Neurofilament (3 proteins 68, 150, Detects neuronal cell origin and 200 KD) Other: Alpha-l antitrypsin Common marker for hepatocellular carcinoma Alpha... hepatocellular carcinoma from cholangiocellular carcinoma (8). 14 4 FIGURE 1. Avldln-Blotin-PeroxidSse Complex Tecbnlqu6. :4odif led from A.K.Bhan

The concentration of light in the human lens.

PubMed Central

Merriam, J C

1996-01-01

PURPOSE: This thesis explores the idea that light energy, especially ultraviolet light, contributes to the unequal distribution of cataract around the world and to the development of cortical opacities. METHODS: In the first section, the thesis reviews historical concepts of the function of the lens and the nature of cataract, epidemiologic data on the global distribution of cataract, and clinical observations of the predominant location of cortical opacification. Second, computer ray tracings and geometric optics demonstrate the passage of light of varying angle of incidence within the lens. Third, two models of the human eye are used to study the refraction of light by the cornea and lens and illustrate the concentration of energy at the equatorial plane of the lens. RESULTS: Cataract prevalence increases with proximity to the earth's equator, and cortical cataract is most common in the inferior and inferonasal lens. Theoretical studies and the eye models both demonstrate that the concentration of light within the lens increases with angle of incidence, and the eye models suggest that the inferior and inferonasal lens receives significantly more energy than other sections of the lens. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of cataract and exposure to ultraviolet energy both increase with decreasing latitude. The most common location of cortical cataract in the inferonasal lens is consistent with the greater dose of light energy received by this portion of the lens. These studies suggest that the global distribution of cataract and the development of cortical cataract are at least in part dependent on the dose of ultraviolet light received by the lens. Images FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2 FIGURE 27 FIGURE 28 FIGURE 29 FIGURE 31 FIGURE 32 FIGURE 33 FIGURE 34 FIGURE 36 FIGURE 37 FIGURE 38 FIGURE 50 FIGURE 51 FIGURE 52 FIGURE 53 FIGURE 54 FIGURE 56 FIGURE 60 FIGURE 61 FIGURE 63 FIGURE 64 FIGURE 65 FIGURE 68 FIGURE 69 FIGURE 70 FIGURE 71 PMID:8981716

A knotted complex scalar field for any knot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bode, Benjamin; Dennis, Mark

Three-dimensional field configurations where a privileged defect line is knotted or linked have experienced an upsurge in interest, with examples including fluid mechanics, quantum wavefunctions, optics, liquid crystals and skyrmions. We describe a constructive algorithm to write down complex scalar functions of three-dimensional real space with knotted nodal lines, using trigonometric parametrizations of braids. The construction is most natural for the family of lemniscate knots which generalizes the torus knot and figure-8 knot, but generalizes to any knot or link. The specific forms of these functions allow various topological quantities associated with the field to be chosen, such as the helicity of a knotted flow field. We will describe some applications to physical systems such as those listed above. This work was supported by the Leverhulme Trust Programme Grant ''Scientific Properties of Complex Knots''.

A complex network for studying the transmission mechanisms in stock market

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Long, Wen; Guan, Lijing; Shen, Jiangjian; Song, Linqiu; Cui, Lingxiao

2017-10-01

This paper introduces a new complex network to describe the volatility transmission mechanisms in stock market. The network can not only endogenize stock market's volatility but also figure out the direction of volatility spillover. In this model, we first use BEKK-GARCH to estimate the volatility spillover effects among Chinese 18 industry sectors. Then, based on the ARCH coefficients and GARCH coefficients, the directional shock networks and variance networks in different stages are constructed separately. We find that the spillover effects and network structures changes in different stages. The results of the topological stability test demonstrate that the connectivity of networks becomes more fragile to selective attacks than stochastic attacks.

Investigation on Law and Economics Based on Complex Network and Time Series Analysis.

PubMed

Yang, Jian; Qu, Zhao; Chang, Hui

2015-01-01

The research focuses on the cooperative relationship and the strategy tendency among three mutually interactive parties in financing: small enterprises, commercial banks and micro-credit companies. Complex network theory and time series analysis were applied to figure out the quantitative evidence. Moreover, this paper built up a fundamental model describing the particular interaction among them through evolutionary game. Combining the results of data analysis and current situation, it is justifiable to put forward reasonable legislative recommendations for regulations on lending activities among small enterprises, commercial banks and micro-credit companies. The approach in this research provides a framework for constructing mathematical models and applying econometrics and evolutionary game in the issue of corporation financing.

Triple helix purification and sequencing

DOEpatents

Wang, R.; Smith, L.M.; Tong, X.E.

1995-03-28

Disclosed herein are methods, kits, and equipment for purifying single stranded circular DNA and then using the DNA for DNA sequencing purposes. Templates are provided with an insert having a hybridization region. An elongated oligonucleotide has two regions that are complementary to the insert and the oligo is bound to a magnetic anchor. The oligo hybridizes to the insert on two sides to form a stable triple helix complex. The anchor can then be used to drag the template out of solution using a magnet. The system can purify sequencing templates, and if desired the triple helix complex can be opened up to a double helix so that the oligonucleotide will act as a primer for further DNA synthesis. 4 figures.

A novel copper complex supported on magnetic reduced graphene oxide: an efficient and green nanocatalyst for the synthesis of 1-amidoalkyl-2-naphthol derivatives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kooti, M.; Karimi, M.; Nasiri, E.

2018-02-01

A new Cu(II) complex supported on magnetic reduced graphene oxide was prepared and characterized by various techniques, such as FT-IR, XRD, SEM, EDX, TEM, TGA, BET, ICP, and VSM. The synthesized nanocomposite, which has size distribution of 25-30 nm, was employed as catalyst in one-pot synthesis of 1-amidoalkyl-2-naphthols via three-component condensation reaction of amides, aromatic aldehydes, and 2-naphthol, under solvent-free conditions. The introduced catalysis procedure for the synthesis of 1-amidoalkyl-2-naphthol derivatives offers several advantages namely, short reaction times, high yields, facile recyclability, and cost effectiveness. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Feline congenital erythropoietic porphyria associated with severe anemia and renal disease. Clinical, morphologic, and biochemical studies.

PubMed Central

Giddens, W. E.; Labbe, R. F.; Swango, L. J.; Padgett, G. A.

1975-01-01

A feline erythropoietic porphyria was studied in an affected female Siamese cat and 2 male offspring. The principal elevated porphyrins were Type I isomers of uroporphyrin and coproporphyrin; the porphyrin precursors, porphobilinogen and sigma-aminolevulinic acid, were also detected. Porphyrins were present in the blood and in all the viscera, teeth, bones, and excreta. There was severe macrocytic hypochromic anemia, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and uremia associated with a renal disease characterized by mesangial hypercellularity and proliferation (resulting in narrowing of glomerular capillaries) and ischemic tubular injury. There was thickening of tubular basement membranes and tubular epithelial lipidosis, degeneration, and necrosis. Electron microscopic studies of bone marrow and kidney revealed the presence of membrane-enclosed lamellar bodies 150 to 1000 nm in diameter in cytoplasmic and extracellular locations. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 11 Figure 12 Figure 13 Figure 14 Figure 15 Figure 16 PMID:1231563

Bietti's tapetoretinal degeneration with marginal corneal dystrophy crystalline retinopathy.

PubMed Central

Welch, R B

1977-01-01

In 1937 Bietti reported a tapetoretinal degeneration with associated corneal deposits at the limbus. The hallmark of the disease was the crystalline characteristics of the retinal spots as well as those at the corneal limbus. Bagolini and Ioli-Spade in 1968 presented a 30 year follow-up on Bietti's cases and presented six additional cases. The present report delas with this entity in Orientals, a Chinese woman and a Japanese man. Corneal and conjunctival biopsy from the female patient revelaed a lipid deposition in both fibroblasts and epithelium. The term "crystalline retinopathy" has been added to the description of this entity since it defines the most characteristic feature of the syndrome. Images FIGURE 7 A FIGURE 7 B FIGURE 1 A FIGURE 1 B FIGURE 1 C FIGURE 2 A FIGURE 2 B FIGURE 2 C FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4 A FIGURE 4 B FIGURE 5 FIGURE 6 A FIGURE 6 B FIGURE 6 C FIGURE 8 PMID:306693

Analysis of the effects of overexpression of metallothionein-I in transgenic mice on the reproductive toxicology of cadmium.

PubMed Central

Dalton, T; Fu, K; Enders, G C; Palmiter, R D; Andrews, G K

1996-01-01

Exposure to low levels of cadmium reduces fertility. In male mice spermatogenesis is highly sensitive to cadmium, whereas in females the peri-implantation period of pregnancy is sensitive. To examine the potential roles of the cadmium-binding protein, metallothionein (MT), in the reproductive toxicology of cadmium, we examined a transgenic mouse strain that overexpresses metallothionein-I (MT-I). These mice had dramatically increased steady-state levels of MT-I mRNA and MT in the testes and in the female reproductive tract during the peri-implantation period of pregnancy, and this overexpression occurred in a cell-specific and temporally regulated manner similar to that of the endogenous MT-I gene. Transgenic and control males were injected with cadmium, and the histology of the testes was examined. An injection of 7.5 mumol Cd/kg had no effect on histology of the testes in either transgenic or control mice. In contrast, an injection of 10 mumol Cd/kg caused rapid changes in the histology of the testes and resulted in pronounced testicular necrosis in both control and transgenic mice. Female transgenic and control mice were mated and then injected with cadmium (30-45 mumol Cd/kg) on the day of blastocyst implantation (day 4). In both of these groups, injection of cadmium reduced pregnancy rate, and no dramatic protection was afforded by maternal and/or embryonic overexpression of MT. Thus, overexpression of MT-I does not significantly protect against either of these cadmium-induced effects on fertility. Images Figure 1. A Figure 1. B Figure 2. A Figure 2. B Figure 2. C Figure 3. Figure 4. A Figure 4. A Figure 4. B Figure 4. B Figure 4. B Figure 4. B Figure 4. D4 Figure 4. D4 Figure 4. D6 Figure 4. D6 Figure 4. D8 Figure 5. A Figure 5. B Figure 5. C Figure 5. D Figure 5. E Figure 6. A Figure 6. B Figure 6. C Figure 6. D Figure 6. E Figure 6. F PMID:8834864

Circadian Rhythm in the Expression of the mRNA Coding for the Apoprotein of the Light-Harvesting Complex of Photosystem II 1

PubMed Central

Tavladoraki, Paraskevi; Kloppstech, Klaus; Argyroudi-Akoyunoglou, Joan

1989-01-01

The mRNA coding for light-harvesting complex of PSII (LHC-II) apoprotein is present in etiolated bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) leaves; its level is low in 5-day-old leaves, increases about 3 to 4 times in 9- to 13-day-old leaves, and decreases thereafter. A red light pulse induces an increase in LHC-II mRNA level, which is reversed by far red light, in all ages of the etiolated tissue tested. The phytochrome-controlled initial increase of LHC-II mRNA level is higher in 9- and 13-day-old than in 5- and 17-day-old bean leaves. The amount of LHC-II mRNA, accumulated in the dark after a red light pulse, oscillates rhythmically with a period of about 24 hours. This rhythm is also observed in continuous white light and in the dark following exposure to continuous white light, and persists for at least 70 hours. A second red light pulse, applied 36 hours after initiation of the rhythm, induces a phase-shift, which is prevented by far red light immediately following the second red light pulse. A persistent, but gradually reduced, far red reversibility of the red light-induced increase in LHC-II mRNA level is observed. In contrast, far red reversibility of the red light-induced clock setting is only observed when far red follows immediately the red light. It is concluded that (a) the light-induced LHC-II mRNA accumulation follows an endogenous, circadian rhythm, for the appearance of which a red light pulse is sufficient, (b) the circadian oscillator is under phytochrome control, and (c) a stable Pfr form, which exists for several hours, is responsible for sustaining LHC-II gene transcription. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 8 PMID:16666825

Common Pediatric Urological Disorders

PubMed Central

Robson, Wm. Lane M.; Leung, Alexander K.C.; Boag, Graham S.

1991-01-01

The clinical and radiological presentations of 12 pediatric urological disorders are described. The described disorders include pyelonephritis, vesicoureteral reflux, ureteropelvic obstruction, ureterovesical obstruction, ectopic ureterocele, posterior urethral valves, multicystic dysplastic kidney, polycystic kidney disease, ectopic kidney, staghorn calculi, urethral diverticulum, and urethral meatal stenosis. ImagesFigure 1-2Figure 3Figure 3Figure 4Figure 5Figure 6-7Figure 8-9Figure 10Figure 11-12 PMID:21229068

The mechanism of T-cell mediated cytotoxicity. VI. T-cell projections and their role in target cell killing.

PubMed Central

Sanderson, C J; Glauert, A M

1979-01-01

Electron micrographs of material fixed during the first 10 min of a T-cell cytotoxic system showed T-cell projections and T-cell burrowing into target cells. These observations were made possible by using a system with a very high rate of killing. The projections vary in shape and size, and can push deeply into the target cell, distorting organelles in their path, including the nucleus. The projections contain fine fibrillar material, to the exclusion of organelles. They push the target cell membrane in front of them to form pockets approximating to the shape of the projection. Areas of close contact occur between the projections and the target cell membrane, particularly at the leading edges. The likelihood that these projections develop as a result of contact with specific antigen, and are involved in the cytotoxic mechanism is discussed. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 11 Figure 12 Figure 13 Figure 14 Figure 15 Figure 16 PMID:311336

Estrogenicity of resin-based composites and sealants used in dentistry.

PubMed Central

Olea, N; Pulgar, R; Pérez, P; Olea-Serrano, F; Rivas, A; Novillo-Fertrell, A; Pedraza, V; Soto, A M; Sonnenschein, C

1996-01-01

We tested some resin-based composites used in dentistry for their estrogenic activity. A sealant based on bisphenol-A diglycidylether methacrylate (bis-GMA) increased cell yields, progesterone receptor expression, and pS2 secretion in human estrogen-target, serum-sensitive MCF7 breast cancer cells. Estrogenicity was due to bisphenol-A and bisphenol-A dimethacrylate, monomers found in the base paste of the dental sealant and identified by mass spectrometry. Samples of saliva from 18 subjects treated with 50 mg of a bis-GMA-based sealant applied on their molars were collected 1 hr before and after treatment. Bisphenol-A (range 90-931 micrograms) was identified only in saliva collected during a 1-hr period after treatment. The use of bis-GMA-based resins in dentistry, and particularly the use of sealants in children, appears to contribute to human exposure to xenoestrogens. Images Figure 1. A Figure 1. B Figure 2. Figure 3. A Figure 3. B Figure 4. A Figure 4. B Figure 5. A Figure 5. B Figure 6. A Figure 6. B Figure 7. A Figure 7. B Figure 8. Figure 9. Figure 10. PMID:8919768

Limbal palisades of Vogt.

PubMed Central

Goldberg, M F; Bron, A J

1982-01-01

The palisades of Vogt are distinctive normal features of the human corneoscleral limbus. Our clinical studies indicate that they are more discrete in younger and in more heavily pigmented individuals, and that they appear more regular and prominent at the lower limbus than at the upper limbus. They are seen only infrequently in the horizontal meridian. There is some symmetry (though it is not exact) from one eye to the other in the same person. The anatomy of the palisades appears to be unique for a given individual. In this respect, as well as in their microscopic anatomy, the palisades of Vogt appear comparable to fingerprints, and the term "conjunctivoglyphics" ("conjunctival carvings") or "limboglyphics" is suggested in analogy with "dermatoglyphics." The palisades of Vogt have a distinct vasculature with narrow, barely visible, arterial and venous components of radially oriented hairpin loops. Angiography reveals that these vessels leak fluorescein relatively late and only to a moderate extent. They respond to inflammation by dilatation and gross breakdown of their physiologic barrier properties. The functions of the palisades of Vogt are not known with certainty, but their interpalisadal epithelial rete ridges may serve as a repository for corneal epithelial cells. They may thus be important in both aging and diseases of the cornea. Images FIGURE 1 A FIGURE 1 B FIGURE 1 C FIGURE 2 FIGURE 3 A FIGURE 3 B FIGURE 4 FIGURE 5 A FIGURE 5 B FIGURE 6 A FIGURE 6 B FIGURE 7 A FIGURE 7 B FIGURE 8 A FIGURE 8 B FIGURE 8 C FIGURE 8 D FIGURE 9 A FIGURE 9 B FIGURE 10 A FIGURE 10 B PMID:7182957

Pluto's Atmospheric Figure from the P131.1 Stellar Occultation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Person, M. J.; Elliot, J. L.; Clancy, K. B.; Kern, S. D.; Salyk, C. V.; Tholen, D. J.; Pasachoff, J. M.; Babcock, B. A.; Souza, S. P.; Ticehurst, D. R.; Hall, D.; Roberts, L. C., Jr.; Bosh, A. S.; Buie, M. W.; Dunham, E. W.; Olkin, C. B.; Taylor, B.; Levine, S. E.; Eikenberry, S. S.; Moon, D.-S.; Osip, D. J.

2003-05-01

The stellar occultation by Pluto of the 15th magnitude star designated P131.1 (McDonald and Elliot, AJ, 119, 1999) on 2002 August 21 (UT) provided the first significant chance to compare Pluto's atmospheric structure to that determined from the 1988 occultation of P8 (Millis, et al., Icarus, 105, 282). The P131.1 occultation was observed from several stations in Hawaii and the western United States (Elliot et al., Nature, in press, 2003). Numerous occultation chords were obtained enabling us to examine Pluto's atmospheric figure. The light curves from the observations were analyzed together in the occultation coordinate system of Elliot et al., (AJ, 106, 2544). The Mauna Kea and Lick datasets straddle the center of Pluto's figure, providing strong constraints on model fits to cross sections of the atmospheric shape. In 1988, Millis (et al., Icarus, 105, 282) did not report any deviation from sphericity in Pluto's atmospheric figure. From the 2002 data, Pluto;s isobars at the radii probed by the occultation ( 1250 km) appear to be distorted from a circular cross-section. Least-squares fits to this cross-section by elliptical models reveal ellipticities in the range 0.05-0.08 although the shape may be more complex than ellipsoidal. The orientation of the distortion appears uncorrelated with Pluto;s rotational axis. Taken at face value, this ellipticity could imply wind speeds of up to twice the sonic speed ( 200 m/s), which would be difficult to explain. Similar distortions have been reported for Triton's atmosphere (Elliot, J. L., et al., Icarus 148, 347). This work has been supported in part by Research Corporation, the Air Force Research Laboratory, NSF, and NASA.

Printing Outside the Box: Additive Manufacturing Processes for Fabrication of Large Aerospace Structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Babai, Majid; Peters, Warren

2015-01-01

To achieve NASA's mission of space exploration, innovative manufacturing processes are being applied to the fabrication of propulsion elements. Liquid rocket engines (LREs) are comprised of a thrust chamber and nozzle extension as illustrated in figure 1 for the J2X upper stage engine. Development of the J2X engine, designed for the Ares I launch vehicle, is currently being incorporated on the Space Launch System. A nozzle extension is attached to the combustion chamber to obtain the expansion ratio needed to increase specific impulse. If the nozzle extension could be printed as one piece using free-form additive manufacturing (AM) processes, rather than the current method of forming welded parts, a considerable time savings could be realized. Not only would this provide a more homogenous microstructure than a welded structure, but could also greatly shorten the overall fabrication time. The main objective of this study is to fabricate test specimens using a pulsed arc source and solid wire as shown in figure 2. The mechanical properties of these specimens will be compared with those fabricated using the powder bed, selective laser melting technology at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. As printed components become larger, maintaining a constant temperature during the build process becomes critical. This predictive capability will require modeling of the moving heat source as illustrated in figure 3. Predictive understanding of the heat profile will allow a constant temperature to be maintained as a function of height from substrate while printing complex shapes. In addition, to avoid slumping, this will also allow better control of the microstructural development and hence the properties. Figure 4 shows a preliminary comparison of the mechanical properties obtained.

Authoring the identity of learner before doctor in the figured world of medical school.

PubMed

Stubbing, Evangeline; Helmich, Esther; Cleland, Jennifer

2018-02-01

Students enter the 'figured world' of medical school with preconceptions of what it means to be a doctor. The meeting of these early preconceptions and their newly developing identities can create emotional tensions. The aim of this study was to advance our understanding of how such tensions were experienced and managed. Using figured worlds as a theoretical framework we explored students' interactions of preconceptions with their newly developing professional identities in their first year at medical school. Advancing our understanding of this phenomena provided new insights into the complex process of identity formation. This was a qualitative study underpinned by a constructivist epistemology. We ran biannual focus groups with 23 first year students in one UK medical school. Data were recorded, transcribed and then template analysis used to undertake an inductive, iterative process of analysis until it was considered the template provided a detailed representation of the data. Significant preconceptions associated with the identity of a doctor were 'to help' and 'to be a leader'. These early preconceptions were in conflict with realities of the figured world of medical school creating the emotional tensions of 'being unable to help' and 'lacking power', with implications for interactions with patients. By the end of year one students' negotiated tensions and 'self-authored' their identity as a learner as opposed to an imagined 'as if' identity of a doctor. We revealed how preconceptions associated with becoming a doctor can conflict with a newly developing professional identity highlighting the importance of supporting students to embrace the formation of a 'learner' identity, a necessary part of the process of becoming a doctor.

The Val192Leu mutation in the alpha-subunit of beta-hexosaminidase A is not associated with the B1-variant form of Tay-Sachs disease.

PubMed Central

Hou, Y.; Vavougios, G.; Hinek, A.; Wu, K. K.; Hechtman, P.; Kaplan, F.; Mahuran, D. J.

1996-01-01

Substitution mutations adversely affecting the alpha-subunit of beta-hexosaminidase A (alphabeta) (EC 3.2.1.52) result in Tay-Sachs disease. The majority affect the initial folding of the pro-alpha chain in the endoplasmic reticulum, resulting in its retention and degradation. A much less common occurrence is a mutation that specifically affects an "active-site" residue necessary for substrate binding and/or catalysis. In this case, hexosaminidase A is present in the lysosome, but it lacks all alpha-specific activity. This biochemical phenotype is referred to as the "B1-variant form" of Tay-Sachs disease. Kinetic analysis of suspected B1-variant mutations is complex because hexosaminidase A is heterodimeric and both subunits possess similar active sites. In this report, we examine a previously identified B1-variant mutation, alpha-Val192Leu. Chinese hamster ovary cells were permanently cotransfected with an alpha-cDNA-construct encoding the substitution and a mutant beta-cDNA (beta-Arg211Lys), encoding a beta-subunit that is inactive but normal in all other respects. We were surprised to find that the Val192Leu substitution, produced a pro-alpha chain that did not form alpha-beta dimers and was not transported to the lysosome. Finally, we reexamined the hexosaminidase activity and protein levels in the fibroblasts from the original patient. These data were also not consistent with the biochemical phenotype of the B1 variant of Tay-Sachs disease previously reported to be present. Thus, we conclude that the Val192Leu substitution does not specifically affect the alpha-active site. Images Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 PMID:8659543