Processing multiple non-adjacent dependencies: evidence from sequence learning

Processing non-adjacent dependencies is considered to be one of the hallmarks of human language. Assuming that sequence-learning tasks provide a useful way to tap natural-language-processing mechanisms, we cross-modally combined serial reaction time and artificial-grammar learning paradigms to investigate the processing of multiple nested (A(1)A(2)A(3)B(3)B(2)B(1)) and crossed dependencies (A(1)A(2)A(3)B(1)B(2)B(3)), containing either three or two dependencies. Both reaction times and prediction errors highlighted problems with processing the middle dependency in nested structures (A(1)A(2)A(3)B(3-)B(1)), reminiscent of the 'missing-verb effect' observed in English and French, but not with crossed structures (A(1)A(2)A(3)B(1-)B(3)). Prior linguistic experience did not play a major role: native speakers of German and Dutch-which permit nested and crossed dependencies, respectively-showed a similar pattern of results for sequences with three dependencies. As for sequences with two dependencies, reaction times and prediction errors were similar for both nested and crossed dependencies. The results suggest that constraints on the processing of multiple non-adjacent dependencies are determined by the specific ordering of the non-adjacent dependencies (i.e. nested or crossed), as well as the number of non-adjacent dependencies to be resolved (i. e. two or three). Furthermore, these constraints may not be specific to language but instead derive from limitations on structured sequence learning.Netherlands Organisation of Scientific Research (NWO) [446-08-014]; Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour; Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia (IBB/CBME, LA, FEDER/POCI) [PTDC/PSI-PCO/110734/2009]; Stockholm Brain Institute; Vetenskapsradet; Swedish Dyslexia Foundation; Hedlunds Stiftelse; Stockholm County Council (ALF, FoUU)info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The effect of core polarization on longitudinal form factors in 10^{10}B

Electron scattering Coulomb form factors for the single-particle quadrupole transitions in $p$-shell $^{10}$B nucleus have been studied. Core polarization effects are included through a microscopic theory that includes excitations from the core orbits up to higher orbits with 2$\hbar$$\omega$ excitations. The modified surface delta interaction (MSDI) is employed as a residual interaction. The effect of core polarization is found essential in both the transition strengths and momentum transfer dependence of form factors, and gives a remarkably good agreement with the measured data with no adjustable parameters.Comment: 4 pages, 5 figure

Star-Formation in Low Radio Luminosity AGN from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey

We investigate faint radio emission from low- to high-luminosity Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) selected from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). Their radio properties are inferred by co-adding large ensembles of radio image cut-outs from the FIRST survey, as almost all of the sources are individually undetected. We correlate the median radio flux densities against a range of other sample properties, including median values for redshift, [OIII] luminosity, emission line ratios, and the strength of the 4000A break. We detect a strong trend for sources that are actively undergoing star-formation to have excess radio emission beyond the ~10^28 ergs/s/Hz level found for sources without any discernible star-formation. Furthermore, this additional radio emission correlates well with the strength of the 4000A break in the optical spectrum, and may be used to assess the age of the star-forming component. We examine two subsamples, one containing the systems with emission line ratios most like star-forming systems, and one with the sources that have characteristic AGN ratios. This division also separates the mechanism responsible for the radio emission (star-formation vs. AGN). For both cases we find a strong, almost identical, correlation between [OIII] and radio luminosity, with the AGN sample extending toward lower, and the star-formation sample toward higher luminosities. A clearer separation between the two subsamples is seen as function of the central velocity dispersion of the host galaxy. For systems with similar redshifts and velocity dispersions, the star-formation subsample is brighter than the AGN in the radio by an order of magnitude. This underlines the notion that the radio emission in star-forming systems can dominate the emission associated with the AGN.Comment: Accepted for publication in Astronomical Journal; 15 pages, 8 color figure

GPS radio sources: new optical observations and an updated master list

* Aims. Identify optical counterparts, address uncertain identifications and measure previously unknown redshifts of the host galaxies of candidate GPS radio sources, and study their stellar populations. * Methods. Long slit spectroscopy and deep optical imaging in the B, V and R bands, obtained with the Very Large Telescope. * Results. We obtain new redshifts for B0316+161, B0407-658, B0904+039, B1433-040, and identify the optical counterparts of B0008-421 and B0742+103. We confirm the previous identification for B0316+161, B0407-658, B0554-026, and B0904+039, and find that the previous identification for B0914+114 is incorrect. Using updated published radio spectral information we classify as non GPS the following sources: B0407-658, B0437-454, B1648+015. The optical colors of typical GPS sources are consistent with single instantaneous burst stellar population models but do not yield useful information on age or metallicity. A new master list of GPS sources is presented.Comment: 10 pages + GPS master list. Accepeted for publication by A&

Tortuous ways to the extraction of neutron observables from inclusive lepton scattering

We analyze new JLAB data for inclusive electron scattering on various targets. Computed and measured total inclusive cross sections in the range $0.3\lesssim x\lesssim 0.95$ show on a logarithmic scale reasonable agreement for all targets. However, closer inspection of the Quasi-Elastic components bares serious discrepancies. EMC ratios which may contain less systematic errors fare the same. The above observations for the new data do not enable the extraction of the magnetic form factor (FF) $G_M^n$ and the Structure Function (SFs) $F_2^n$ of the neutron, although the application of exactly the same analysis to older data had been successful. We add to the above analysis older CLAS collaboration on $F_2^D$. Removing some scattered points, it appears possible to obtain the above mentioned neutron information. We compare our results with others from alternative sources. Particular attention is paid to the A=3 iso-doublet. Present data exist only for $^3$He, but the available input and charge symmetry also enable computations for $^3$H. Their average is the computed iso-scalar part and is compared with the empirical modification of $^3$He towards a fictitious A=3 iso-singlet.Comment: 27 pages, 30 figure

Trichodorideaaltjes en bodemschimmels lijken veroorzakers onbekend wortelrot

Onderzoek van PPO en BAB naar de mogelijke oorzaken en maatregelen om problemen met onbekend wortelrot in leli

Dual-isotope 111In/177Lu SPECT imaging as a tool in molecular imaging tracer design

The synthesis, design and subsequent pre-clinical testing of new molecular imaging tracers are topic of extensive research in healthcare. Quantitative dual-isotope SPECT imaging is proposed here as a tool in the design and validation of such tracers, as it can be used to quantify and compare the biodistribution of a specific ligand and its nonspecific control ligand, labeled with two different radionuclides, in the same animal. Since the biodistribution results are not blurred by experimental or physiological inter-animal variations, this approach allows determination of the ligand's net targeting effect. However, dual-isotope quantification is complicated by crosstalk between the two radionuclides used and the radionuclides should not influence the biodistribution of the tracer. Here, we developed a quantitative dual-isotope SPECT protocol using combined 111Indium and 177Lutetium and tested this tool for a well-known angiogenesis-specific ligand (cRGD peptide) in comparison to a potential nonspecific control (cRAD peptide). Dual-isotope SPECT imaging of the peptides showed a similar organ and tumor uptake to single-isotope studies (cRGDfK-DOTA, 1.5±0.8%ID cm -3; cRADfK-DOTA, 0.2±0.1%ID cm -3), but with higher statistical relevance (p-value 0.007, n=8). This demonstrated that, for the same relevance, seven animals were required in case of a single-isotope test design as compared with only three animals when a dual-isotope test was used. Interchanging radionuclides did not influence the biodistribution of the peptides. Dual-isotope SPECT after simultaneous injection of 111In and 177Lu-labeled cRGD and cRAD was shown to be a valuable method for paired testing of the in vivo target specificity of ligands in molecular imaging tracer design. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd