Transcranial direct-current stimulation of core language areas facilitates novel word acquisition.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that can alter the state of the stimulated brain area and thereby affect neurocognitive processes and resulting behavioural performance. Previous studies using tDCS to address the language function have shown disparate results, particularly with respect to language learning and word acquisition. To fill this gap, this study aimed at systematically addressing the effects of tDCS of core left-hemispheric language cortices on the brain mechanisms underpinning two main neurocognitive strategies of word learning: implicit inference-based Fast Mapping (FM) and direct instruction-based Explicit Encoding (EE).

Explicit encoding vs. fast mapping of novel spoken words: Electrophysiological and behavioural evidence of diverging mechanisms.

It has been claimed that two major neurocognitive mechanisms - instruction-based explicit encoding (EE) and inference-driven fast mapping (FM) may be involved in rapid acquisition of novel words, but their exact neural underpinnings remain poorly understood. To address this, we trained 36 adult participants with 20 novel spoken words in an audio-visual task, carefully balanced between the EE and FM conditions for physical, psycholinguistic and pragmatic properties as well as the overall task setup. To assess the neural dynamics associated with novel word acquisition, we recorded event-related potentials (ERPs) elicited by these words before and after training, and analysed their relationship with the behavioural learning outcomes, measured in a semantic matching task.

Anodal tDCS over Broca's area improves fast mapping and explicit encoding of novel vocabulary.

An accumulating body of evidence suggests that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can be used to affect language processing, including word acquisition. There has been, however, no comprehensive study of effects of tDCS of the core language areas in relation to the main word-learning mechanisms. Two principal strategies have been posited as important for natural word acquisition: explicit encoding (EE) which relies on direct instructions and repetition of material, and fast mapping (FM) which operates implicitly, via context-based inference or deduction.

Electrophysiological Evidence of Dissociation Between Explicit Encoding and Fast Mapping of Novel Spoken Words.

Existing behavioral, neuropsychological and functional neuroimaging data suggest that at least two major cognitive strategies are used for new word learning: fast mapping (FM) context-dependent inference and explicit encoding (EE) direct instruction. However, these distinctions remain debated at both behavioral and neurophysiological levels, not least due to confounds related to diverging experimental settings. Furthermore, the neural dynamics underpinning these two putative processes remain poorly understood.

[THE DIFFICULTY IN DIAGNOSING OF RARE FORMS OF CONGENITAL DISORDERS OF AMINO ACID METABOLISM IN INFANTS (HEREDITARY TYROSINEMIA)].

Diagnosis of amino acid metabolism disorders according to the clinics without laboratory diagnosis is almost impossible in infants with a history of neonatal and/or premorbid background and multi-organ failure. Mortality due to hereditary tyrosinemia type I is greater than 90%.

[Clinical experience based guidelines for one-step dental implantation].

The paper presents guidelines for one-step immediate implantation with simultaneous loading by means of provisional crown and subsequent ceramic restoration placement.

[Multipotent mesenchymal stem cells of desquamated endometrium: isolation, characterization and use as feeder layer for maintenance of human embryonic stem cell lines].

In this study, we characterize new multipotent human mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) lines derived from desquamated (shedding) endometrium in menstrual blood. The isolated endometrial MSC (eMSC) is an adhesive to plastic heterogeneous population composed mainly of endometrial glandular and stromal cells. The established cell lines meet the criteria of the International Society for Cellular Therapy for defining multipotent human MSC of any origin.

Spatial filters for high-peak-power multistage laser amplifiers.

We describe spatial filters used in a Nd:glass laser with an output pulse energy up to 300 J and a pulse duration of 1 ns. This laser is designed for pumping of a chirped-pulse optical parametric amplifier. We present data required to choose the shape and diameter of a spatial filter lens, taking into account aberrations caused by spherical surfaces.

[Peculiarities of diagnosis and treatment of patients with hyposialosis].

33 patients with complaints of hyposalivation (21 in a 33 with syaloadenopatya and 12 in a 33 with syalosis out of the acute stage of disease) were examined. Complex examination of the saliva glands, analysis of the haemokynes in the various mediums of organism and thyoles compounds in the blood plasma was carried out. Tendency to increase in contents of haemokynes in the mixed saliva and in the tissue samples (from low in the syaloadenopatya to expressed in the syalosis) was revealed.

Nonlinear absorption of intense femtosecond laser radiation in air.

A new mechanism of nonlinear absorption of intense femtosecond laser radiation in air in the intensity range I = 10(11)-10(12) W/cm(2) when the ionization is not important yet is experimentally observed and investigated. This absorption is much greater than for nanosecond pulses. A model of the nonlinear absorption based on the rotational excitation of molecules by linearly polarized ultrashort pulses through the interaction of an induced dipole moment with an electric field is developed.

200 TW 45 fs laser based on optical parametric chirped pulse amplification.

200 TW peak power has been achieved experimentally using a Cr:forsterite master oscillator at 1250 nm, a stretcher, three optical parametrical amplifiers based on KD*P (DKDP) crystals providing 14.5 J energy in the chirped pulse at 910 nm central wavelength, and a vacuum compressor. The final parametrical amplifier and the compressor are described in detail.

[The unity of systemic pathogenetic mechanisms in visceral diseases associated with generalized periodontitis].

The authors analyzed published data and their own findings which confirm the unity of systemic mechanisms of pathogenesis in combined visceral diseases and generalized periodontitis. The data proving the pathogenetic role of free-radical oxidation of lipids, proteins, and low-molecular-weight thiols, immunological imbalances, and deficiencies of the major macro- and trace elements (Ca, Mg, K, Na, Zn, Cu, Fe) are presented. The detected metabolic disorders and homeostatic shifts characterize the universal processes mediating alteration of cell structures in different organs and tissues in combined diseases.

[Chemical element levels in various human biological media].

Analysis of element composition (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, copper, iron, total sulfur and its compounds, chloride, and inorganic phosphorus) in 40 normal subjects (22 women and 18 men aged 17-30 years) showed that the composition is specific for each of the analyzed media (blood, plasma, erythrocytes, urine, saliva, exhaled air condensate). Element composition of exhaled air condensate is described for the first time. Analysis of element composition in 102 patients with asthma demonstrated characteristic shifts in the concentrations of some macro- and trace elements, which confirms the clinical significance of analysis and correction of deviations in the element composition of biological media.

[Experience of application of meronem in the treatment of severe purulent sepsis in children].

Results of antibacterial therapy with application of meropenem (meronem by firm Astra Zeneca, Great Britain) in 29 childs with severe purulent-septic state, including 5 with toxic peritonitis, in 2--with sepsis, in 3 newborn childs--with esophageal atresia and in 19--with the blood disease (nonhodgkin's lymphoma, an acute lymphoblastic or myeloblastic leucosis, reccurrent of acute lymphoblastic leucosis, nephroblastoma).

[General somatic aspects of pathogenesis and treatment of generalized periodontitis].

Generalized periodontitis is a polyetiological disease, pathogenetically bound with internal pathology. The study was made to reveal common somatic mechanisms of generalized periodontitis pathogenesis. The examination of 574 patients has established immunological unbalances, mineral deficiencies and high activity of free radical oxidation of lipids and proteins.

Stimulated emission from donor transitions in silicon.

The observation of far-infrared stimulated emission from shallow donor transitions in silicon is reported. Lasing with a wavelength of 59 &mgr;m due to the neutral donor intracenter 2p(0)-->1s(E) transition in Si:P pumped by CO2 laser radiation is obtained. Populations of D0 and D- center states and the balance of the radiation absorption and amplification are theoretically analyzed.

[Hemostatic changes in patients with tumors of the maxillofacial area].

To study hemostatic impairments in patients with maxillofacial tumors, 131 patients and 30 healthy subjects were examined. The patients were found to develop early hemostatic changes which appeared as a latent DIC syndrome. The mobility of the physiological system of PASA permits the equilibrium of coagulative and anticoagulative mechanisms to be preserved to a definite extent and fairly long.

[An assessment of the state of the internal organs of periodontitis patients].

Analysis of the visceral status of patients with generalized periodontitis has shown that 97% of these patients suffer from visceral diseases, often multiple. The structure of visceral diseases, laboratory and immune shifts in these patients necessitate a complex approach to the treatment of periodontitis that should be regarded as a local manifestation of visceral pathology.

[The electrocardiographic changes in patients with malignant neoplasms of the maxillofacial area during radio- and chemotherapy].

Electrocardiographic signs of changes in the myocardium were detected in 93.2 percent of 74 patients with malignant maxillofacial tumors; this was due to the presence of coronary disease, myocardial dystrophy, essential hypertension, respiratory abnormalities. The development and progress of these shifts much depended on radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy of the tumors.