The time course of cross-talk during the simultaneous specification of bimanual movement amplitudes

 We investigated the time course of the amplitude specification of rapid bimanual reversal movements (lateral displacements on two digitizers). To this end we used the timed-response paradigm in which the response has to be initiated synchronously with an auditory signal. Information about the required amplitudes was presented at various times before the synchronization signal. Consistent with previous results, the progression of amplitude specification was reflected in the dependence of the amplitudes of the reversal movements on the time interval between amplitude information and synchronization signal. Same or different amplitudes for the hands were used to examine cross-talk at the programming level of the two-level model of intermanual interference. The results indicate the existence of cross-talk in particular at short intervals between information about amplitude and movement initiation. This is consistent with the notion that cross-talk between concurrent processes of amplitude specification is transient and vanishes as the time available for motor programming increases. Received: 28 August 1996 / Accepted: 10 July 1997     

The quaternary Gs3 and Gs7 allotypes of the rabbit: their association with the b4.1 and b4.2 alleles of the kappa light chain

Several allotypic determinants of the rabbit immunoglobulin are present only on intact immunoglobulin molecules but not on isolated heavy or light chains. Some of these allotypes, although genetically segregating with the κ light chain, are nevertheless restricted to a single heavy chain class of Ig. It is shown that two IgG allotypes, Gs3 and Gs7, are linked to the presence of b4.1 and b4.2 light chains and that these allotypes can be regenerated by recombining an appropriate light chain with a rabbit γ chain. They are also linked to the equivalent IgM markers Ms3 and Ms7.     

Modified spin-amplified adsorption procedure with conventional tissue culture tubes for rapid detection and increased recovery of herpes simplex virus from clinical specimens.

Conventional culture tubes were used in a modification of the spin-amplified adsorption procedure for recovery of herpes simplex virus (HSV) from clinical specimens. The sensitivity of isolation of HSV from 864 specimens adsorbed by the spin-amplified method was 100% (127 of 127), compared with 88.2% (112 of 127) for stationary-phase-adsorbed specimens. Cytopathic effect developed more rapidly in 32.1% (36 of 112) of isolates adsorbed by spin amplification than in those adsorbed by stationary means. In a separate quantitative study, cultures of HSV type 1 adsorbed by spin amplification yielded higher antigen levels and greater cytopathic effect than stationary-phase-adsorbed cultures. Cells grown in conventional tissue culture tubes may be used in a spin-amplified adsorption for rapid detection and increased sensitivity of HSV isolation.     

Digital image processing: effect on detectability of simulated low-contrast radiographic patterns

Detection studies of simulated low-contrast radiographic patterns were performed with a high-quality digital image processing system. The original images, prepared with conventional screen-film systems, were processed digitally to enhance contrast by a "windowing" technique. The detectability of simulated patterns was quantified in terms of the results of observer performance experiments by using the multiple-alternative forced-choice method. The processed images demonstrated a significant increase in observer detection performance over that for the original images. These results are related to the displayed and perceived signal-to-noise ratios derived from signal detection theory. The improvement in detectability is ascribed to a reduction in the relative magnitude of the human observer's "internal" noise after image processing. The measured dependence of threshold signal contrast on object size and noise level is accounted for by a statistical decision theory model that includes internal noise.     

Parenteral loxapine in severely disturbed schizophrenic patients

Loxapine is a tricyclic antipsychotic drug of the dibenzoxapine class. An uncontrolled open trial of this compound has been performed by intramuscular route in 28 patients previously refractory to other neuroleptic drugs. These patients received 50 to 200 mg loxapine daily by intramuscular route. Clinical evaluation, BPRS, NOISE and biological evaluation were performed before and at the 8th day of the treatment. Global clinical evaluation and statistical analysis of BPRS showed the high efficacy of loxapine with a sedative effect during the initial phase and a disinhibiting and "hallucinolytic" character at a later stage. Tolerance to the preparation appeared good both locally and systematically with the possible exception of transient effects upon body temperature.