Neural substrates for species recognition in the time-coding electrosensory pathway of mormyrid electric fish

Mormyrid electric fish have species- and sex-typical electric organ discharges (EODs). One class of tuberous electroreceptors, the knollenorgans, plays a critical role in electric communication; one function is species recognition of EOD waveforms. In this paper, we describe cell types in the knollenorgan central pathway, which appear responsible for analysis of the temporal patterns of spikes encoded by the knollenorgans in response to EOD stimuli. Secondary sensory neurons in the nucleus of the electrosensory lateral line lobe (NELL) act as relays of peripheral responses. They fire a single phase-locked spike to an outside positive-going voltage step. Axons from the NELL project to the toral nucleus exterolateralis pars anterior (ELa). Immediately after they enter the ELa, they send collaterals to terminate on one to three ELa large cells and then continue in a lengthy neuronal pathway that traverses the ELa several times. After a path length of up to 5 mm, the NELL axon terminates on as many as 70 ELa small cells. Thus the large cells appear to be excited first, followed by the small cells, with the intervening length of the axon serving as a delay line. The large cells also respond with phase-locked spikes to voltage steps. Large cell axons extend for approximately 1 mm and terminate on several small cells within the ELa. The terminals are known to be GABAergic inputs and are presumed inhibitory. We propose that small cells receive direct inhibition from large cells and delayed excitation from NELL axons. The small cells may act as anti-co-incidence detectors to analyze the temporal structure of the EOD waveform.     

Supervisory-type feedback effects: Feedback discrepancy level, trainee psychological differentiation, and immediate responses.

A study was conducted to examine the relationship of 2 variables: (a) a counselor trainee's level of psychological differentiation, and (b) the type of supervisory feedback he or she receives to the trainee's postfeedback agreement, recall, and content evaluation reactions on rating scale measures. 108 counselor trainees, identified as high, moderate, or low on a measure of field dependence–independence, were exposed to 1 of 4 gradations of bogus supervisory feedback, which was experimentally varied from Ss' pretreatment ratings of expected feedback. Field-independent trainees agreed more and evaluated the feedback content more positively than field-dependent trainees. Significantly greater agreement, more positive content evaluation, and more accurate recall were elicited by positive and congruent feedback than by moderate and extreme negative feedback. Based on significant main and interaction effects, the importance for counselor education and supervision of variables such as psychological differentiation, individually determined expectancies, and magnitude and direction of discrepant feedback is discussed. (39 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Learning of physiological responses: I. Habituation, sensitization, and classical conditioning.

[Correction Notice: An erratum for this article was reported in Vol 104(4) of Behavioral Neuroscience (see record 2008-10516-001). In the article, on page 310, the denotations for paired (CS+) and unpaired (CS-) stimuli within Table 2 were missing. The corrected table is included in the erratum.] Rats with chronic neuromuscular block (NMB) maintained by continuous infusion of α-bungarotoxin were classically conditioned. All rats showed reliable discriminative-conditioned tibial nerve firing, hind limb vasoconstriction, hypertension, bradycardia, and electroencephalographic (EEG) desynchronization. A regression analysis indicated that the conditioned vasoconstriction was neither centrally mediated by, nor inextricably linked to, skeletal (tibial) nerve firing. Throughout the experiment there were normal blood gases, pH, Na, serum protein, hematocrit, blood pressure, heart rate, vasomotor tone, and tibial nerve activity. The vital signs, EEG spectra, and cortical evoked potentials reflected regular sleep–wakefulness cycles and responsiveness to mild stimuli. The NMB rat preparation with its stable physiological state and fully intact central nervous system (CNS) may be a useful model for a variety of physiological, medical, and neurobehavioral studies. [An erratum concerning missing data in Table 2 of this article will appear in Behavioral Neuroscience, 1990, Vol 104(4)]. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Management of renal trauma at a rural, level I trauma center

Eotaxin is a potent and selective CC chemokine for eosinophils and basophils. We established several monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) allowing the neutralization and measurement of human eotaxin. Using the Mabs as probes, we demonstrated that normal eosinophils contained intracellular granule-associated eotaxin. Quantification of cell-associated eotaxin in different leukocyte subsets revealed that it was principally expressed in eosinophils. Finally, we showed that normal eosinophils released eotaxin upon stimulation with either of two secretagogues, C5a or ionomycin. These findings raise the possibility that eosinophil-derived eotaxin contributes to the local accumulation of eosinophils at the site of inflammation.     

Management of splenic trauma at a rural, Level I trauma center

The spleen is the most commonly injured organ in blunt abdominal trauma. There remains much controversy in the diagnosis and management of the injured spleen, with a recent trend toward nonoperative management. A 5-year period was reviewed at a rural, Level I trauma center to address issues of operative versus nonoperative management. During this time period, there were 136 patients identified as having trauma to the spleen. Most (95%) were the result of blunt trauma, and a majority of these were from motor vehicle accidents. Computed tomography was the most frequent method of diagnosis. Approximately half of the patients underwent immediate operative intervention. Of those initially observed, 10 patients (16%) eventually were operated on. Most of the cases were due to underestimation of the severity of the splenic injury, and most received blood transfusion. This experience suggests that observation for splenic trauma is appropriate in many cases, as long as the surgeon is certain the spleen is not actively bleeding and the patient will not require blood transfusion.     

GTP cyclohydrolase I feedback regulatory protein is a pentamer of identical subunits. Purification, cDNA cloning, and bacterial expression

GTP cyclohydrolase I feedback regulatory protein (GFRP) mediates feedback inhibition of GTP cyclohydrolase I activity by tetrahydrobiopterin and also mediates the stimulatory effect of phenylalanine on the enzyme activity. To characterize the molecular structure of GFRP, we have purified it from rat liver using an efficient step of affinity chromatography and isolated cDNA clones, based on partial amino acid sequences of peptides derived from purified GFRP. Comparison between the amino acid sequence deduced from the cDNA and the N-terminal amino acid sequence of purified GFRP showed that the mature form of GFRP consists of 83 amino acid residues with a calculated Mr of 9,542. The isolated GFRP cDNA was expressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein with six consecutive histidine residues at its N terminus. The fusion protein was affinity-purified and digested with thrombin to remove the histidine tag. The resulting recombinant GFRP showed kinetic properties similar to those of GFRP purified from rat liver. Cross-linking experiments using dimethyl suberimidate indicated that GFRP was a pentamer of 52 kDa. Sedimentation equilibrium measurements confirmed the pentameric structure of GFRP by giving an average Mr of 49,734, which is 5 times the calculated molecular weight of the recombinant GFRP polypeptide. Based on the pentameric structure of GFRP, we have proposed a model for the quaternary structure of GFRP and GTP cyclohydrolase I complexes.     

Relationships among feedback sign, self-efficacy, and acceptance of performance feedback.

The researchers investigated the moderating role of self-efficacy on feedback acceptance. High-self-efficacy individuals who received repeated negative performance feedback exhibited decreased acceptance of the feedback, whereas those with low self-efficacy did not change in their acceptance. Feedback sign and feedback acceptance also had interactive effects on future self-efficacy. Those with high acceptance of positive and negative feedback after repeated trials exhibited self-efficacy levels consistent with that feedback. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Feedback-aided self-regulation of skin temperature with a single feedback locus. I. Acquisition and reversal training

A technique has been developed that enables most humans to establish rapid self-regulatory control of their own skin temperature when provided with immediate visual feedback information concerning variations in local skin temperature. Training took place during 15-min periods within 45-min sessions. Clear evidence of learning was usually manifested within 4 sessions. After acquisition occurred, mean change per session was approximately 2.2 degrees F, ranging up to 6.5 degrees F. Training was continued with some subjects who were taught to alter temperature in opposite directions during successive periods on the same day. After practice, these subjects routinely displayed ranges of 9-14 degrees F within 15 min.     

Effects of differential feedback on opinions of and responses to intelligence tests.

On 2 separate occasions, 160 college Ss were administered both an IQ test and a test opinion scale in counterbalanced orders. Ss received differential feedback information presumably drawn from their earlier IQ test's performance before the 2nd administration. Feedback significantly affected subsequent retest IQ test score and opinion scale scores. Order of testing was a significant variable in the test-feedback-retest condition. It is concluded that when the testing situation is viewed as a complex interaction of stimuli, S, and situational variables, the variables investigated can systematically and significantly affect the performance of the examinee. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The effects of feedback interventions on performance: A historical review, a meta-analysis, and a preliminary feedback intervention theory.

Since the beginning of the century, feedback interventions (FIs) produced negative--but largely ignored--effects on performance. A meta-analysis (607 effect sizes; 23,663 observations) suggests that FIs improved performance on average ( d ?=?.41) but that over one-third of the FIs decreased performance. This finding cannot be explained by sampling error, feedback sign, or existing theories. The authors proposed a preliminary FI theory (FIT) and tested it with moderator analyses. The central assumption of FIT is that FIs change the locus of attention among 3 general and hierarchically organized levels of control: task learning, task motivation, and meta-tasks (including self-related) processes. The results suggest that FI effectiveness decreases as attention moves up the hierarchy closer to the self and away from the task. These findings are further moderated by task characteristics that are still poorly understood. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

B cell responses to a peptide epitope. VII. Antigen-dependent modulation of the germinal center reaction

Germinal center responses to two analogous peptides, PS1CT3 and G32CT3, that differ in sequence only at one position within the B cell epitopic region were examined. In comparison with peptide PS1CT3, peptide G32CT3 elicited a poor germinal center response. By demonstrating equal facility of immune complexes with IgM and IgG Ab isotypes to seed germinal centers, we excluded differences in isotype profiles of early primary anti-PS1CT3 and anti-G32CT3 Ig as the probable cause. Quantitative differences in germinal center responses to the two peptides were also not due to either qualitative/quantitative differences in T cell priming or variation in the frequency of the early Ag-activated B cells induced. Rather, they resulted from qualitative differences in the nature of B cells primed. Analysis of early primary anti-PS1CT3 and anti-G32CT3 IgMs revealed that the latter population was of a distinctly lower affinity, implying the existence of an Ag affinity threshold that restricts germinal center recruitment of G32CT3-specific B cells. The impediment in anti-G32CT3 germinal center initiation could be overcome by making available an excess of Ag-activated Th cells at the time of immunization. This resulted in the appearance of a higher affinity population of G32CT3-specific B cells that, presumably, are now capable of seeding germinal centers. These data suggest that the strength of a germinal center reaction generated is Ag dependent. At least one regulatory parameter represents the quality of B cells that are initially primed.     

The eyes of deep-sea fish. I: Lens pigmentation, tapeta and visual pigments

Deep-sea fish, defined as those living below 200 m, inhabit a most unusual photic environment, being exposed to two sources of visible radiation; very dim downwelling sunlight and bioluminescence, both of which are, in most cases, maximal at wavelengths around 450-500 nm. This paper summarises the reflective properties of the ocular tapeta often found in these animals, the pigmentation of their lenses and the absorption characteristics of their visual pigments. Deep-sea tapeta usually appear blue to the human observer, reflecting mainly shortwave radiation. However, reflection in other parts of the spectrum is not uncommon and uneven tapetal distribution across the retina is widespread. Perhaps surprisingly, given the fact that they live in a photon limited environment, the lenses of some deep-sea teleosts are bright yellow, absorbing much of the shortwave part of the spectrum. Such lenses contain a variety of biochemically distinct pigments which most likely serve to enhance the visibility of bioluminescent signals. Of the 195 different visual pigments characterised by either detergent extract or microspectrophotometry in the retinae of deep-sea fishes, ca. 87% have peak absorbances within the range 468-494 nm. Modelling shows that this is most likely an adaptation for the detection of bioluminescence. Around 13% of deep-sea fish have retinae containing more than one visual pigment. Of these, we highlight three genera of stomiid dragonfishes, which uniquely produce far red bioluminescence from suborbital photophores. Using a combination of longwave-shifted visual pigments and in one species (Malacosteus niger) a chlorophyll-related photosensitizer, these fish have evolved extreme red sensitivity enabling them to see their own bioluminescence and giving them a private spectral waveband invisible to other inhabitants of the deep-ocean.     

Race and gender comparisons: I. Hemodynamic responses to a series of stressors.

A sample of 155 adults (aged 18–49 yrs), including nearly equal subgroups of Black and White men and women, underwent evaluation of cardiovascular reactivity during 5 behavioral stressors. Among the men, overall blood pressure increases to tasks did not differ, but Blacks showed generally higher total peripheral resistance, whereas Whites showed greater heart rate and cardiac output increases. Among the women, the same racial-group differences were evident during certain tasks, but not during others. Men showed greater overall systolic blood pressure increases than did women, and they also showed less recovery toward baseline levels in systolic and diastolic pressure and stroke volume 5 min after the stressors. Other gender differences were task specific. The possible contributions of structural changes in the myocardium and vasculature, of altered sympathetic receptor distribution, and of task-specific behavioral factors influencing task involvement are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The relationship of a neonatal care center, a pediatric neurology division and a rehabilitation center for disabled children]

In alloxan-induced diabetic rats (Wistar, females, age 3-4 months of postnatal life) the large spectrum of fatty acids in blood serum, brain cortex, medulla oblongata and liver was studied. The fatty acids, using gas chromatography, were detected as methyl esters and the methods were published previously (Smídová and al. 1994). Alloxan (Merck) administered i.p., 140 mg/kg body weight, caused immediately elevation (three times) of blood sugar levels. On the 13th day the rats were killed. The results are as follows: a) In blood serum alloxan diabetes of cca two weeks duration caused a significantly increased participation of saturated FA and decreased participation of both polyunsaturated FA (n-3 and n-6). b) In brain cortex no differences between controls and diabetic rats in the indicated groups of FA were found. c) In the medulla oblongata an increased participation of polyunsaturated fatty acids n-6 was established. d) In hepatic tissue the increased participation of saturated FA as well as a decreased participation of FA n-6 was described. Analysing the main groups of FA we found especially in n-3 and n-6 FA several significant changes in single FA (a smaller pool of arachidonic acid in blood serum as well as in liver, decreased participation of docosahexaenoic acid in the brain cortex, etc.). The purpose and possible consequences of such changes are discussed.     

Goals, feedback, and self-regulation: Control theory as a natural framework for executive coaching.

The popularity of coaching continues to grow at a rate faster than research can validate coaching practices. Although strong research and theory on coaching have been emerging over the past few years, we believe that this body of literature would benefit from more integration of theory and application of organizing frameworks. The current paper seeks to contribute to the coaching literature by applying a Control Theory (CT) framework to elements of executive coaching. The two core elements of CT—goals and feedback—are also critical components of executive coaching. By applying a CT framework, we hope to provide both structure and new ideas regarding the roles of goals and feedback in executive coaching. We also suggest that one role of executive coaches is to help coaches become more effective self-regulators and effectively engage in goal setting and feedback seeking, among other things, in order to facilitate development. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effects of incentive, feedback, and manner of presenting the feedback on leader behavior.

Attempted to determine whether or not the content of a leader's verbal behavior could be altered by manipulation of the type and manner of feedback and incentive. 96 groups of 4 male undergraduates, with 1 leader per group, served as Ss in a 2 * 2 * 2 design. During a case discussion, the E varied the 3 independent variables and recorded the content of the leader's verbal behavior by means of the Bales category system. It was found that (a) positive feedback made the leaders more task oriented, whereas negative feedback increased negative social-emotional behavior; (b) the incentive decreased the number of questions asked; and (c) the manner of presenting the feedback (publicly or privately) produced no changes in verbal behavior when analyzed as a main effect, but significant interactions were found. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Comparison of a written feedback procedure, group brainstorming, and individual brainstorming.

Compared the productivity of a written feedback procedure with that of group and individual brainstorming in 48 undergraduates divided into 4-member groups. The written feedback procedure consisted of group members generating ideas independently, receiving written copies of each other's ideas, and then resuming to work independently. Each group generated solutions to 2 brainstorming problems. The productivity of both the written feedback procedure and individual brainstorming exceeded that of group brainstorming. The productivity of the written feedback procedure did not differ significantly from that of individual brainstorming. Results suggest that, as presently applied, the utility of the written feedback procedure does not exceed that of individual brainstorming. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effects of sex of subject and sex of interpreter on responses to test feedback.

100 undergraduates received falsified psychological test results that were discrepant with their own reports on self-referring attitudes. They were then given a chance to change their self-reports and/or derogate the source of the interpretation. A significant interaction between sex of S and sex of interpreter was found on the change in self-report measure. Both female and male Ss changed their self-reports more when the interpreter was of their own sex. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effect of feedback of physiological information on responses to innocent associations and guilty knowledge.

Investigated the effects of providing Ss with feedback concerning their physiological responding while they were questioned about (a) innocent associations varying in degree of personal involvement and (b) innocent associations vs guilty knowledge. In Exp I, 48 undergraduates were divided into 3 groups—electrodermal, heart-rate, or no feedback. Ss were then questioned separately about a list of geometric figures, containing one that they had chosen beforehand, and about a list of Social Security numbers, which included their own. Results, based on the relative amplitude of electrodermal responses, indicate that feedback significantly augmented responses to the relevant item as did personal involvement. In Exp II, 26 undergraduates were provided with guilty knowledge about a mock crime while another 26 Ss received innocent associations. Half of each group received electrodermal feedback and half no feedback. Results show significant differences in the responding of guilty and innocent Ss. Feedback increased responding to relevant items in both groups. (5 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)