Representation of the cochlea in the neocortex of guinea pigs

By recording unit clusters and local evoked responses in the auditory cortex of guinea pigs the cortical representation of best frequencies was studied. In penetrations vertical to the cortical surface best frequencies were similar. Parallel to the cortical surface, however, different frequencies were found in the antero-posterior direction, whereas medio-laterally best frequencies usually remained in the same range (isofrequency stripes). Two auditory cortical fields could be distinguished, which are tonotopically organized. With increasing sound intensity the cortical response field for a given frequency and thus the frequency overlap increased. All along the isofrequency stripes in the medio-lateral direction, the stimulation of the contralateral ear produces larger responses than the same stimulus delivered to the ipsilateral ear.

Interpersonal distance behavior of mentally retarded and nonretarded children

The investigators compared interpersonal-distance choice behavior of 60 mildly retarded children and 60 nonretarded children of comparable MAs to a male adult stranger. Contrary to the original prediction, stemming from Zigler's negative-reaction tendency formulation, interpersonal distance by retarded children was not generally different from that of nonretarded children. However, analysis of the interaction between IQ group and approach condition (child approaching adult or adult approaching child) indicated that retarded children preferred greater distance from the approaching adult than did nonretarded children. This result raises the possibility that perception of lessened personal control by retarded children stimulated a stronger avoidance reaction.

The isolation of tubulin and actin from mouse 3T3 cells transformed by simian virus 40 (SV3T3 cells), an established cell line growing in culture

Tubulin can be purified from mouse SV3T3 cells (3T3 cells transformed by SV40 virus) by several cycles of temperature-dependent polymerization and depolymerization. Electron microscopical analysis of the final product reveals morphologically normal microtubules. Homogeneous actin can be isolated as a byproduct of the purification procedure. Mouse SV3T3 actin and skeletal muscle actin were compared by fingerprint analysis of the tryptic peptides obtained from performic-acid-oxidized protein. The two actins show a high degree of homology although apparently five of the twenty-five spots visualized by fluorescamine show a difference in chromatographic mobility. The purification procedure described allows the rapid isolation of both actin and tubulin from tissue culture in sufficient amounts for comparative biochemicals studies.

Results of loading doses of aspartame by two phenylketonuric (PKU) children compared with two normal children

Separate tolerance tests with aspartame at 34 mg/kg-day and phenylalanine at 19 mg/kg-day were compared. The results reveal that slight serum elevation of phenylalanine and tyrosine occurred in the two PKU and the normal healthy adolescents. It would appear that the phenylalanine in the sweetener aspartame is small enough to be of little clinical significance.

Comparison of mental development in individuals with mosaic and trisomy 21 Down's syndrome

During the past 15 years about 350 children with Down's syndrome have been seen at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles for psychological evaluation along with medical visits and other laboratory tests. Among this group there were 25 mosaic Down's syndrome children identified by chromosome analyses. They were matched for sex and chronological age with 25 trisomy 21 subjects and compared on psychological tests. The mosaic group demonstrated significantly higher intellectual potential, better verbal facility, and less visual perceptual difficulties than the trisomy 21 group. Their behavioral adjustment and personality characterisitcs were similar to those observed in other types of Down's syndrome. Since present psychological assessment techniques do not permit reaching valid conclusions about the ultimate intellectual status in very young infants with Down's syndrome, physicians and other professionals need to be careful when recommending early placement outside the home based merely upon the diagnosis.

Use of aspartame in phenylketonuric heteroxygous adults

Asparatame, a new artificial sweetener, was administered to 45 obligate phenylketonuric adults for 28 wk. This new sweetening agent was well tolerated, and no untoward medical or biochemical changes were noted.

Biochemical and genetic studies of plasma and leukocyte alpha-L-fucosidase

Deficiency of alpha-L-fucosidase in plasma and leukocytes has been demonstrated in three patients affected with fucosidosis. The measurement of plasma fucosidase activity alone is of little diagnostic value. Several normal individuals were found to have extremely low plasma alpha-L-fucosidase activity, but normal activity in leukocyte preparations. The low plasma enzyme activity exhibited by clinically normal individuals appears to be an inherited characteristic. The plasma enzyme was found to be different from that of leukocytes in terms of electrophoretic mobility.

[The effect of monochromatic light on the extracellular excretion of glycolate and the photorespiration in the blue-green alga Anacystis nidulans]

The algae were grown under normal air conditions in a low light intensity (400 lux) and measured in the normal CO2-concentration (0.03 Vol. %). After an illumination period we observed a CO2 gush which is dependent on the temperature and wavelength used during the measurements. At +20°C a CO2 gush occurs only in the blue and far red regions. At +35°C, on the other hand, a CO2 outburst appears over the whole spectrum. The magnitude of the CO2 gush varies with the wavelength used during the light period. On this basis we have measured an action spectrum of photorespiration which is identical with the action spectrum of photosynthetic CO2 uptake.Only at a low temperature (+20°C) and illumination with red light (550 to 651 nm; 10(-s) einsteins/cm(2)·sec) did we find a light induced release of glycolate; in blue (432 and 473 nm; 10(-s) einsteins/cm(2)·sec) and far red light (681 and 703 nm; 10(-8) einsteins/cm(2)·sec) no glycolate excretion occurred. But after addition of α-hydroxy-2-pyridylmethane sulfonate (10(-3)M) glycolate was excreted during illumination with all used wavelengths. The magnitude of glycolate production was nearly the same in all cases. No glycolate excretion occurred at +35°C in the whole region of the spectrum. Here, too, the addition of α-HPMS forced release of glycolate in all wavelengths, indicating that glycolate biosynthesis was occurring.The results are discussed with reference to the physiological behaviour of the algae and activation of photorespiration in blue light. The obtained action spectrum of photorespiration is explained on the basis of a close relationship to photosynthesis.

The syndrome associated with the partial deletion of the long arms of chromosome 18 (18q-)

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