Differential effects of aging on directional and absolute errors in visuospatial memory.

Studied memory for visuospatial arrays in 28 male and 34 female healthy dextral adults (aged 20–90 yrs). 10 abstract figures were presented in each hemispace over a series of learning trials, and then delayed free recall of figure placement was obtained. Figures were misplaced significantly downward and leftward in both hemispaces. Both vertical and horizontal absolute error increased significanty with age, but no age effects on directional errors were observed. The increase in absolute error over age is consistent with decreased anterograde memory and visuospatial skills in the elderly. The directional errors are believed to result from an attentional shift toward proximal peripersonal space, in combination with attentional shifts from differential left vs right cerebral activation. Gender effects were also observed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

31P NMR identification of metabolites and pH determination in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6308

The identity of a number of phosphorus-containing metabolites present in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6308 has been confirmed by 31P NMR spectroscopy. The presence of D-ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP); DL-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (GlyP); D(-)3-phosphoglyceric acid (3PGA); D-ribulose 5-phosphate (Ru5P);6-phosphogluconic acid (6PGA); phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP); inorganic phosphate (Pi); uridine diphosphoglucose (UDPG); ADP and ATP were demonstrated by the pH dependence of their 31P NMR chemical shifts in spectra of perchloric acid cell extracts. Intracellular pH of cells was determined to be 7.5-7.7.     

CBF beta-SMMHC, expressed in M4Eo AML, reduced CBF DNA-binding and inhibited the G1 to S cell cycle transition at the restriction point in myeloid and lymphoid cells

CBF beta-SMMHC is expressed from the inv(16) chromosome in M4Eo AML. Mice lacking CBF subunits or expressing the CBF beta-SMMHC or AML1-ETO oncoproteins failed to develop definitive hematopoiesis. To investigate these effects on hematopoiesis, we expressed CBF beta-SMMHC from the metallothionein promoter, in both 32D cl3 myeloid cells and Ba/F3 B-lymphoid cells. Addition of zinc increased CBF beta-SMMHC levels more than tenfold, with higher levels evident in Ba/F3 lines. Levels obtained in 32D cl3 cells were similar to those of endogenous CBF beta. Indirect immunofluorescence revealed zinc-inducible speckled, nuclear staining in Ba/F3 cells and diffuse nuclear staining in 32D cl3 cells. CBF beta-SMMHC reduced endogenous CBF DNA-binding fivefold in both cell types, increased cell generation time 1.9-fold, on average, in 32D cl3 cells and 1.5-fold in Ba/ F3 cells and decreased tritiated thymidine incorporation into DNA correspondingly. CBF beta-SMMHC increased the proportion of cells in G1 1.7-fold, on average, in 32D cl3 and Ba/F3 cells, and decreased the proportion of cells in S phase by a similar degree. CBF beta-SMMHC induced a marked increase in hypophosphorylated Rb, but did not alter IL-3 Receptor alpha or beta subunit levels. Neither apoptosis nor 32D differentiation was induced by zinc in IL-3 in these lines. Induction of CBF beta-SMMHC in 32D cl3 cells did not inhibit their differentiation to neutrophils or their expression of myeloperoxidase mRNA in G-CSF, and did not produce an eosinophilic phenotype. Additional, proliferative genetic changes in M4eo AMLs might potentiate inhibition of differentiation by CBF beta-SMMHC by allowing its increased expression.     

Travelling-wave photodetectors with 172-GHz bandwidth and 76-GHzbandwidth-efficiency product

Results of the first fabrication and measurement of travelling-wave photodetectors are reported. The devices have bandwidths as high as 172 GHz, the highest reported for a p-i-n photodetector, and bandwidth-efficiency products as large as 76 GHz, the largest reported for any photodetector without gain. Comparisons with vertically illuminated and waveguide photodetectors fabricated on the same wafer establish the superior performance of travelling-wave photodetectors. Microwave loss on the travelling-wave photodetector structure is identified as a bandwidth limitation     

The Social Risk Hypothesis of Depressed Mood: Evolutionary, Psychosocial, and Neurobiological Perspectives.

The authors hypothesize that depressed states evolved to minimize risk in social interactions in which individuals perceive that the ratio of their social value to others, and their social burden on others, is at a critically low level. When this ratio reaches a point where social value and social burden are approaching equivalence, the individual is in danger of exclusion from social contexts that, over the course of evolution, have been critical to fitness. Many features of depressed states can be understood in relation to mechanisms that reduce social risk in such circumstances, including (a) hyper-sensitivity to signals of social threat from others, (b) sending signals to others that reduce social risks, and (c) inhibiting risk-seeking (e.g., confident, acquisitive) behaviors. These features are discussed in terms of psychosocial and neurobiological research on depressive phenomena. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Laboratory aid and ultrasonography in the diagnosis of appendicitis in children

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the number of yolk sacs and amnionicity in monochorionic twin pregnancies scanned early in the first trimester. We retrospectively reviewed images of all monochorionic twins scanned between 6 and 9.5 weeks' gestation and with pathologic or sonographic confirmation of chorionicity-amnionicity. Each film was reviewed for the number of yolk sacs present, as well as for the gestational age at which the amniotic membrane was first visualized. Twenty monochorionic-diamniotic pregnancies and two monochorionic-monoamniotic pregnancies met the criteria for inclusion in the study. In diamniotic pregnancies scanned at less than 8 weeks' gestation, only the yolk sacs were identified; none of the dividing amniotic membranes were detected. Two yolk sacs were identified in all but one case. In this case, although one yolk sac was seen at 6 weeks, follow-up scanning at 8 weeks revealed two yolk sacs. In each of the monochorionic-monoamniotic twin pregnancies, one yolk sac was seen at 9 weeks and a single amnion encircled both embryos. We conclude that the sonographic identification of two yolk scas in monochorionic twins enables us to make the diagnosis of diamniotic twins early in the first trimester, before the amniotic membrane can be imaged. The presence of one yolk sac should prompt a follow-up ultrasonogram to assign amnionicity definitively.     

Multivariate statistical analysis of a high rate biofilm process treating kraft mill bleach plant effluent.

This study reports on a multivariate analysis of the moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) wastewater treatment system at a Canadian pulp mill. The modelling approach involved a data overview by principal component analysis (PCA) followed by partial least squares (PLS) modelling with the objective of explaining and predicting changes in the BOD output of the reactor. Over two years of data with 87 process measurements were used to build the models. Variables were collected from the MBBR control scheme as well as upstream in the bleach plant and in digestion. To account for process dynamics, a variable lagging approach was used for variables with significant temporal correlations. It was found that wood type pulped at the mill was a significant variable governing reactor performance. Other important variables included flow parameters, faults in the temperature or pH control of the reactor, and some potential indirect indicators of biomass activity (residual nitrogen and pH out). The most predictive model was found to have an RMSEP value of 606 kgBOD/d, representing a 14.5% average error. This was a good fit, given the measurement error of the BOD test. Overall, the statistical approach was effective in describing and predicting MBBR treatment performance.     

The Effect of Post-Cooking Holding Times on Sensory Assessment of Low- and High-Fat Beefburgers

ABSTRACT: The effect of post-cooking holding-time on sensory assessment of low (89 g/kg) and high (218 g/kg) fat beefburgers was assessed. Burgers were served to panelists approximately 3 or 18 min after cooking. Fat content influenced fattiness, moistness/juiciness and overall appearance (P < 0.05), overall acceptability and overall texture (P< 0.01) and tenderness and crumbliness (p<0.001). Burgers with the higher fat content had higher scores. Holding-time influenced sensory overall appearance only with lower scores at extended holding times (P < 0.01). Treatment differences were small, mostly less than one sensory scale unit. Higher lightness and yellowness values were found for burgers with higher fat contents.     

A randomized controlled trial of a new fetal acoustic stimulation test for fetal well-being

OBJECTIVES: Our purpose was to determine (1) whether a fetal acoustic stimulation test results in more palpable fetal movement compared with a mock test (control) and (2) whether palpated fetal movements after a fetal acoustic stimulation test are accompanied by a reactive nonstress test. STUDY DESIGN: In a randomized controlled trial we studied women seen in the labor and delivery suite for various indications. Women were excluded for multiple gestation, < 31 weeks' gestational age, treatment with magnesium sulfate or narcotics, or ruptured membranes. Informed consent was obtained from eligible women, who were then randomized to a test or control group. We placed an acoustic stimulator on the abdomen of each woman, but only the test group was stimulated. We assessed fetal movement by a grading system: 0 = no fetal movement felt by patient or tester, 1 = fetal movement felt by patient only, 2 = fetal movement felt by tester, 3 = visual movement seen by tester. A positive fetal acoustic stimulation test result was defined as one with any fetal movement felt or seen by the tester (grades 2 or 3). We then performed a nonstress test. We compared rates of a positive fetal acoustic stimulation test in the test and control groups with the chi 2 test. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: We randomized 297 women to the test group and 280 women to the control (mock test) group. Of women tested with the fetal acoustic stimulation test. 81% had fetal movement by palpation or visualization (grades 2 or 3) compared with 19% of the control group (p < 0.0001, odds ratio 19.29, 95% confidence interval 12.42 to 30.07). Of the test group, 283 (95%) had a reactive nonstress test and 14 (5%) had nonreactive tests; the control group had 267 (95%) reactive and 13 (5%) nonreactive nonstress tests. Of 242 patients in the test group with a positive fetal acoustic stimulation test, 236 (98%) had a reactive nonstress test. Of those in the test group with fewer than three contractions per 10 minutes. 164 (89%) had a positive fetal acoustic stimulation test. Of these, 162 (99%) had a reactive nonstress test. CONCLUSION: The fetal acoustic stimulation test evokes significantly more palpated or visualized fetal movement than in controls. Palpated or visualized fetal movement after acoustic stimulation was almost always accompanied by a reactive nonstress test.