In Setting 6, log-transformation is applied only to the predictan

In Setting 6, log-transformation is applied only to the predictand, but in Setting 7, it is also applied to the squared SLP gradients Luminespib clinical trial before they are used to derive all potential predictors (including the local G and the PCs of G fields). Finally, Setting 8 is similar to Setting 7 but a Box–Cox transformation is applied instead of the log-transformation.

Note that any transformation is always applied to the original (positive) variable, before obtaining the corresponding anomalies (see Section 4.1). In terms of the ρ   score, adding log-transformation to the predictand without applying any transformation to the predictors deteriorates the model performance (see Settings 5 and 6 in Fig. 11). The reason is probably the following. With the log transformation, the additive model (2) turns into a product of exponential terms, which, in the case of any perturbation in the forcing fields and/or estimation error, results in exaggerated and unrealistic H^s values. This entails a large over-prediction of extreme HsHs see more as shown in Fig. 13 (dashed blue curves). Note that the

RE values of the 99th percentile is not shown in Fig. 14, because they are greater than 0.4 and fall out of the y-axis limit. On the contrary, medium waves are under-predicted, with negative RE values being associated with median HsHs along the Catalan coast (see dashed blue curves in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14). This lower performance might also be related to the loss of proportionality between HsHs and squared pressure gradients due to the transformation

of HsHs. As shown in Fig. 11, Fig. 12 and Fig. 13, applying the log-transformation to both the predictand and the squared Protein tyrosine phosphatase SLP gradients (Setting 7) is much better than transforming the predictand alone (Setting 6), but is generally still not as good as without any transformation (Setting 5). However, it is interesting to point out that for low waves (up to the 40th percentile), Setting 7 is better than Setting 5. Note that the main reason for applying a transformation is the non-Gaussianity of the residuals caused by the non-Gaussianity of the variables involved in the model. Such deviation from Normal distribution is more pronounced in the lower quantiles. Positive variables have a relative scale and are lower bounded whereas Gaussian variables are free to range from -∞-∞ to +∞+∞. Therefore, it makes sense to obtain a larger improvement in predicting the lower quantiles. Finally, replacing the log-transformation with a Box–Cox transformation improves the prediction skill for medium-to-high waves but slightly worsens the skill for low waves (compare Settings 7 and 8 in Fig. 12). For low waves, the PSS curve of Setting 8 (solid red curve in Fig. 12) is closer either to Setting 5 or to Setting 7, depending on the location; it is closer to Setting 7 at locations where the λλ value is close to zero, but closer to Setting 5 otherwise.

745, p = 0 006 in Test 1, and U = −-2 739, p = 0 006 in Test 2)

745, p = 0.006 in Test 1, and U = −-2.739, p = 0.006 in Test 2). There were no significant differences between the results of Test 1 and Test 2 (U = 12, p = 0.917), indicating selleck chemical that the purification protocol 2 shows good reproducibility and reliability, since the two different samples showed similar activities ( Fig. 8A). The mild myonecrosis induced by LmLAAO was confirmed by histological alterations observed in muscle ( Fig. 8C), when compared with the control ( Fig. 8B). Thus, it was demonstrated that LmLAAO

is an enzyme able to induce low toxicity in vivo. LAAOs from snake venoms are described as enzymes with antitumor and apoptotic effects in various types of cells (Alves FDA approved Drug Library ic50 et al., 2008; Rodrigues et al., 2009). The LmLAAO median cytotoxic concentration (IC50) for AGS cell line (Fig. 9A) was 22.7 μg/mL (95% confidence interval: 11.6 μg/mL

to 44.5 μg/mL). Likewise, LmLAAO induced dose-dependent cytotoxicity in MCF-7 cell line (Fig. 9B), with an IC50 of 1.4 μg/mL (95% confidence interval: 1.2 μg/mL to 1.7 μg/mL). The cytotoxic effect of LmLAAO was mainly attributed to the release of hydrogen peroxide to the medium since the presence of catalase at concentration of 0.1 mg/mL completely abrogated the toxic action of LmLAAO in both cell lines. In the presence of catalase, which destroys hydrogen peroxide released, this effect is significantly reduced or abolished (Torii et al., 1997). The inhibitory effect of LAAO on tumor growth has been demonstrated on different cell lines, such as human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60, HeLa, glioma, human ovary carcinoma A2780, endothelial cells from the human umbilical cord, mouse NR-3 endothelial cells, murine EL-4 lymphoma cells, SKBR-3 cells, Jukart cells and Eat cells (Ciscotto et al., 2009; Kanzawa et al., 2004; Iijima et al.,

2003; Souza et al., 1999; Sun et al., 2003; Torii et al., 1997). Moreover, this is the first study showing the cytotoxic effects of LAAO on AGS and MCF-7 cell lines. Fig. 9C shows the dose-dependent inhibitory activity (IC50: 2.2 μg/mL; 95% confidence RVX-208 interval: 1.9–2.6 μg/mL) of LmLAAO on the promastigote form of L. braziliensis. The addition of catalase completely inhibited LAAO activity. Leishmanicidal studies have demonstrated that LmLAAO is not as toxic as LAAO from Bothrops moojeni. Tempone et al. (2001) used 1.44 μg/mL of B. moojeni LAAO to reach the IC50 for L. braziliensis whereas 2.2 μg/mL of LmLAAO is required to obtain the same result. It was not possible to determine the median inhibitory concentration of LmLAAO on the T. cruzi Brener strain ( Fig. 9D), since maximum concentration of LmLAAO used (32 μg/mL) was not able to induce death of 50% of the parasites.

30 Whilst it is known that cytochrome P450 CYP2B6 polymorphisms,

30 Whilst it is known that cytochrome P450 CYP2B6 polymorphisms, with 516/983 slow-metaboliser genotypes more frequent amongst patients of black ethnicity, affect NNRTI clearance rates and therefore resistance profiles31 it is unclear as to why ethnicity should affect the rate of development of M184V mutation. Further study is required to ascertain if this represents a replicable association. Additionally, although our study was limited to the development of the M184V and K65R mutations it would be of interest to consider risk of EFV resistance mutations and other NRTI associated mutations. In a study by Murray et al., designed to develop a model for the genetic basis of reduced susceptibility

Selleck R428 to TDF in vitro, mutations at 215, 65, 41, 67, 184, 151 and 210 appeared to be the most significant for TDF resistance. 32 In particular, the thymidine analogue mutation (TAM) T215Y/F was more commonly identified than both M184V and K65R in all models tested. Data suggests that T215Y/F PD98059 may be seen in up to as many as 42% of patients on HAART 33 although the rate of incidence is declining

33 and 34 and it may have contributed to the virological failure seen in our cohort. Our study has several limitations. The study design is observational and therefore must be interpreted with caution. In addition, the retrospective design of our study does not allow for a precise estimate of the emergence of resistance mutation over the course of follow up as the timescale from virological failure to genotypic testing is not known. However, our database contains HIV-1 resistance information from

13 UK centres over 9962 person-years follow up providing the largest cohort interrogated to date. Our study was limited to the development of M184V and K65R mutations. It has been postulated that the presence of other mutations including R356K and S379G can modulate virological response to 3TC/TDF or FTC/TDF,2 acting as a potential confounder. Furthermore, data on adherence was not available for our cohort. Previous studies have described a 10 fold increased risk of virologic Isotretinoin failure associated with drug resistant variants combined with suboptimal medication adherence. In a recent pooled analysis the risk of virological failure associated with resistance mutation was similar to that conferred by poor adherence.28 As FTC has a longer half life than 3TC it may be more forgiving in patients who are non-adherent although this may be confounded by the lower pill burden of FTC-containing regimens. Of relevance is the fact that our cohort contains a mix of patients with active and suppressed viral replication. Any effect mediated by the different pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of FTC and 3TC may have been obscured in patients with virological suppression.

After this procedure, the cells were dried at room temperature an

After this procedure, the cells were dried at room temperature and subsequently fixed in a 1% methanol in 1% acetic acid solution for 2 h. The fixed cells were stained with a 0.5% SRB in 1% acetic acid solution, and then washed with a 1% acetic acid solution to Ibrutinib remove the excess probe. The SRB attached to the cell membranes was extracted using 1 ml of a 10 mM Tris

solution, pH 10.0. The absorbance of the dye was then measured at a wavelength of 540 nm in a microplate reader (Varian Cary 50MPR, Varian, USA). Cell viability was assessed using a (4,5 dimethylthiazole-2-il)-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide dye, according to Denizot and Lang (1986). HepG2 cells were seeded with a density of 1 × 105 cells and exposed to BDE-99 at final concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 25 μM. At least three replicates were made for each sample and cultured for 24 and 48 h. The cells were subsequently incubated with a 0.5% MTT (5 mg/mL) solution in an atmosphere containing 5% CO2 at 37 °C for 3 h. After this period, the medium in the wells

was discarded and the formazan crystals formed dissolved in a DMSO solution in 0.2 M glycine buffer, pH 10.2. The final absorbance signaling pathway was evaluated at 570 nm wavelength in a microplate reader (Varian Cary 50MPR, Varian, USA). The results were shown as the percentage difference from the control group. Indications of cell damage can be evaluated by mitochondrial depolarization, since the collapse of the membrane potential compromises the cell energy and consequently damages cell integrity. Mitochondrial depolarization can be measured using the fluorescent dye TMRM, a cation compound permeable to cell membranes, which is rapidly sequestered by the mitochondria of intact cells, and produces a stoichiometric relationship between the fluorescence and the mitochondrial membrane potential (Imberti et al., 1993). The HepG2 cells were cultured to a density of 1 × 105 cells and then exposed to BDE-99 at final concentrations

ranging from 0.5 to 25 μM. Each sample was tested with at least three replicates. The cells were then washed with PBS, trypsinised and incubated with a 6.6 μM TMRM solution at 37 °C for 30 min. The samples were subsequently lysed with a 0.1% Triton X-100 solution (v/v) and the TMRM captured find more and retained by the mitochondria measured at the excitation and emission wavelengths of 485 and 590 nm, respectively, using a F-4500 fluorescence spectrophotometer (Hitachi, Tokyo, Japan). The results are shown as the percentage of fluorescence in relation to the control group. The accumulation of ROS can be evaluated using CM-H2DCFDA, a reactive oxygen species indicator that becomes fluorescent in the presence of intracellular oxidation (Chernyak et al., 2006). The HepG2 cells were cultured to a density of 1 × 105 cells. After incubation with BDE-99, the cells were further incubated with a 2 mM CM-H2DCF-DA solution at 37 °C for 1 h.

No attempt was made to treat the pelvic lymph nodes The most com

No attempt was made to treat the pelvic lymph nodes. The most common dose prescription was 46 Gy

in 23 fractions (46 Gy/23), delivering 10 fractions daily for a fortnight, prescribed at the International Commission on Radiation Units Stem Cell Compound Library in vitro and Measurements prescription point, using 18 MV photons. Patients were given instructions to have an empty rectum and “comfortably” full bladder for the treatment. Gold fiducial markers were used with a daily image-guided setup protocol since 2007. In all patients, the HDRB was used as a “boost” in combination with EBRT. Since initiation of the HDRB program, three progressive, escalated fractionation schedules were used. From November 1998 to August 2000 a schedule of 20 Gy/4 was used. From September 2000 to June 2006, the schedule changed to 18 Gy/3. From July 2006 until November 2008,

19 Gy/2 was the standard. Two patients planned to receive 18 Gy/3, but received one fraction www.selleckchem.com/products/ch5424802.html of 6 Gy and a second fraction of 10 Gy (16 Gy/2). This was because of the delays on Day 2, preventing a third fraction being delivered in a timely fashion. The technique has been previously described (8). Up until July 2006, metal needles were used. Subsequently, plastic catheters were used in an attempt to reduce trauma. These needles or catheters were placed transperineally using transrectal ultrasound and fluoroscopic imaging for guidance. The needles or catheters were placed within the bladder lumen to ensure adequate coverage of the prostate base. Before September 2005, replanning was not routine. Since then, patients were re-CT imaged on the simulator CT but only replanned if the needle movement

was estimated to be greater than 1 cm in the caudal selleck products direction. Since August 2008, all patients were replanned for each fraction. The identification of the apex in the planning images is essential to ensure adequate coverage of the prostate. Before September 2005, this was identified based on the planning CT images. Since September 2005, a fiducial marker has been placed at the apex under ultrasound guidance and used as a reference to improve the identification of the apex on the planning CT images. The target volume for the HDR component was the prostate with up to 6 mm in the cranial–caudal direction to account for microscopic extension and potential needle movement. Patients were planned using Plato (Nucletron, Veenendaal, The Netherlands) planning software until October 2009, since when the Nucletron Oncentra (Nucletron) planning system was routinely used. All fractions were given over one admission, at least 6 h apart. The HDRB was delivered by 192Ir source automatically afterloaded with a microSelectron 192Ir (Nucletron). As the prescribed dose changed over time, the dose to the urethra was limited so that no more than 10% of the urethral volume was to receive greater than 120% of the prescribed dose (D10 ≤ 120%).

Freezing point depression and osmotic pressure are physically mea

Freezing point depression and osmotic pressure are physically measurable solution properties, and the relationships between them and osmolality (described below in Eqs. (2) and (3) and in Eq. (4), respectively) allow one to experimentally obtain values for the osmolality of a solution. Solution osmolality can also be related to other measurable properties, including vapor pressure [23] and [67] and, for polymers, light scattering (based on index of refraction) [22], [28], [29], [36] and [58]. Such relationships form the basis of osmometry,

and allow one to measure the osmolality of any solution of interest. However, for the purposes of modeling cryopreservation processes, measuring the osmolality of every solution of interest is Venetoclax not feasible (e.g. solution compositions change constantly as ice forms, or when cryoprotectants are added), nor is it always possible (e.g. intracellular solutions are not accessible for instantaneous measurement). As such, the ability to accurately predict the

solution osmolality is essential for cryobiological models where this property is an input. By their nature, cryobiological solutions contain diverse solutes ranging from salts and cryoprotectants to proteins and other macromolecules, often at high concentrations—even those see more solutions that are relatively dilute at room temperature become highly concentrated when frozen. As a result, cryobiological solutions are generally thermodynamically non-ideal. Although this non-ideality can be ignored and an ideal dilute solution theory can be used to model the solution behavior [18], [25], [26], [31], [32], [33], [34], [35], [44] and [68], doing so can introduce significant errors in the predictions of chemical potential [14], [55] and [56]. Accordingly,

there are a number of solution theories available in the literature which account Endonuclease for solution non-ideality and have been demonstrated to accurately model the osmolality of multi-solute solutions of cryobiological interest [3], [7], [14], [16], [38], [50], [51], [52], [55], [56] and [76]. However, the majority of these solution theories depend on fitting to multi-solute data, meaning that every solution system (i.e. combination of solutes) of interest must be fit independently prior to being modeled [3], [16], [50], [51], [52] and [76]. Considering the vast range of possible solution systems that are relevant in cryobiology (e.g. cytoplasm, plasma and interstitial fluids, multi-cryoprotectant vitrification cocktails [17], [27] and [46]) and the challenges inherent to the measurement of multi-solute phase diagrams (e.g.

However, implicit in this discussion is the continuing discussion

However, implicit in this discussion is the continuing discussion about whether the early tiers of a tiered assessment should be based only on chemistry or whether some bioassays should also be included in a first tier (Agius and Porebski, 2008, Apitz, 2010 and Apitz, 2011), as in Fig. 1. The argument for a bioassay is that,

since not all chemicals are measured, even in an expanded analytical list, a bioassay in the first tier might detect the toxic SCH 900776 chemical structure effects of contaminants not measured in the action list. However, the validity of this argument depends upon the contaminants in the sediment, their modes of toxicity, and the bioassays considered; Apitz, 2010 and Apitz, 2011 review these issues in light of

DM and other decision frameworks. Although this issue is outside the scope of this phase of the analysis, it is important to note that ultimately, the potential regulatory outcomes of a range of potential chemical Selleckchem Akt inhibitor assessment protocols in a DaS framework will also depend upon when and how bioassessment is applied in the tiered framework. The objectives of Canada’s Disposal at Sea Program and of related national and international legislation mirror the London Convention, and more specifically, the London Protocol objective “to protect and preserve the marine environment from all sources of pollution and take effective measures, according to their scientific, technical, and economic capabilities, to prevent, reduce, and where practicable eliminate pollution caused by dumping or incineration at sea of wastes or other matter.” CEPA Part 7, Division 2 defines marine pollution as “the introduction by humans, directly or indirectly, of substances or energy into the sea that results, or is likely to

result, in (a) hazards to human health; (b) harm to living resources or marine ecosystems; (c) damage to amenities; or (d) interference with other legitimate uses of the sea.” The 1996 Protocol to the London Convention, Article 1, paragraph 10 states that “… pollution PtdIns(3,4)P2 means the introduction, directly or indirectly, by human activity, of wastes or other matter into the sea which results or is likely to result in such deleterious effects as harm to living resources and marine ecosystems, hazards to human health, hindrance to marine activities, including fishing and other legitimate uses of the sea, impairment of quality for use of seawater and reduction of amenities”. CEPA (1999) states that: “pollution prevention” means the use of processes, practices, materials, products, substances or energy that avoid or minimize the creation of pollutants and waste and reduce the overall risk to the environment or human health. A careful examination of the wording of the London Protocol reveals that the programmatic objectives focus upon the prevention or elimination of pollution per se, and not of its effects.

This result is supported by additional trends and significant dec

This result is supported by additional trends and significant decreases in trabecular number, thickness and connectivity, as well as increases in trabecular spacing and structural model index (SMI) (Figs. 2E,G–J) in cancellous bone within the distal femur of immature HFD-fed mice compared to mature mice. Further, the cortical bone was significantly thinner in HFD than LFD mice (Fig. 2F). The polar moment of inertia and the moment

of inertia about the medial-lateral axis of the femoral mid-shaft, however, were not significantly affected by the diet in either age group. The cancellous BMD of the Z-VAD-FMK solubility dmso distal femur (Fig. 2C) exhibited a significant interaction between diet and age groups, indicating that the two age groups may have been affected differently, but the diet and age group main effects were not significant. As with the distal femur, HFD decreased vertebral cancellous bone volume relative to LFD controls as demonstrated by 3D renderings of micro-CT images (Figs. 3A,B). Within the L3 vertebral bodies, the trabecular BVF was again significantly lower in the HFD compared to the LFD groups (Fig. 3D), but the decrement was not as drastic as that observed in the femur. Unlike the distal femur, this effect was equivalent across the age groups as the interactive effect was insignificant.

Despite the significantly lower trabecular BVF in the HFD-fed mice, the Conn.D, Tb.N, Tb.Sp, and Tb.Th as well as the cortical shell thickness selleck screening library (Figs. 3F–J) were not

significantly affected by the HFD. The total cross-sectional (transverse) bone area measurements had similar trends to the BVF, with significant reductions in the HFD-fed mice and trends towards a greater deficit in HFD-fed immature mice (Fig. 3E). Consistent with the lower trabecular BVF and total cross-sectional bone area of the vertebrae, we observed a significantly lower maximum compressive force, yield force, stiffness and energy to maximal loading in the HFD-fed mice (Figs. 4D–G). In accordance with the structural changes, this reduction in compressive strength was similar between the two age groups. After adjusting the compressive force by the cross-sectional bone areas to estimate the apparent eltoprazine stresses, the HFD did not significantly affect the maximum stress, yield stress, modulus, or toughness (Figs. 4H–K). This suggests that the bone tissue quality may not be significantly affected by the HFD after 12 weeks in either immature or mature mice. After transitioning the HFD-fed mice to a LFD for an additional 12 weeks, the body weight in both age groups returned to that of age-matched LFD:LFD mice (Figs. 5A–B, Table S1). The increased fasting glucose and serum leptin concentrations were also returned to normal levels in both age groups after the diet correction (Figs. 5C–D, Table S1). Interestingly, the fasting glucose levels of the mature LFD:LFD group were significantly higher than the mature HFD:LFD group (Table S1).

Além dos 3 grupos estruturais – infetados pelo VHB, infetados pel

Além dos 3 grupos estruturais – infetados pelo VHB, infetados pelo VHC e controlos – os doentes foram também subagrupados de acordo com o estádio presumido

de fibrose. No caso dos infetados pelo VHB utilizaram-se os valores de referência de Marcellin et al.18. Na infeção crónica pelo VHC utilizaram-se os valores de cut-off de Castera et al.8 (tabela 1). Relativamente aos controlos, dada a ausência de estudos com valores cut-off de DH neste contexto, tendo em consideração Regorafenib o estudo de Roulot et al., assumiu-se empiricamente DH > 7,1 kPa como DH intermédia20. Para a análise descritiva aplicaram-se conceitos básicos como a média, mediana, o desvio padrão, o valor mínimo e máximo. Na caraterização da amostra as variáveis contínuas idade e IMC foram analisadas através do teste ANOVA unifatorial (F) usando testes post-hoc para avaliar quais os pares de médias significativamente diferentes. As variáveis contínuas ALT e plaquetas foram analisadas pelo teste t de Student (t). Para análise da variável nominal sexo utilizou-se o teste qui-quadrado (χ2). Para a análise das variações intraindividuais, Doxorubicin medida antes e após a ingestão alimentar, aplicou-se o teste t de Student para amostras emparelhadas depois

de se verificar que a distribuição das medições de DH era normal (teste de Kolmogorov Smirnov) antes e depois da refeição no mesmo indivíduo. O tratamento estatístico HA-1077 solubility dmso foi efetuado com recurso ao software estatístico Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 19.0®. Um valor de p igual ou inferior a 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. A tabela 2 resume as características demográficas, clínico-patológicas, antropométricas e laboratoriais da amostra (nos seus grupos e subgrupos). Entre os indivíduos com infeção crónica pelo VHB e pelo VHC não houve diferença significativa relativamente ao sexo, idade e IMC. Quando comparados os grupos de doentes vs grupo controlo, verificou-se um predomínio do sexo masculino nos doentes (p = 0,005),

o grupo controlo era significativamente mais jovem (p < 0,001) e o grupo de doentes com hepatite crónica pelo VHB apresentava um IMC médio mais alto (p = 0,006). Em relação aos valores laboratoriais observou-se que os doentes com hepatite crónica pelo VHC apresentavam valores de ALT significativamente mais altos (p = 0,002) do que os doentes com hepatite crónica pelo VHB. Não se encontrou diferença no valor de plaquetas (p = 0,981). Quando avaliada a totalidade da amostra verificou-se uma diferença significativa nos valores de DH após a refeição ligeira (p = 0,002), sendo que a média dos valores variou de 7,2 kPa para 7,6 kPa (tabela 3). Utilizando a mediana dos valores de DH, verifica-se que esta variou de 5,4 para 5,6.

37, p = 0 027) Thus, while adults showed a clear picture-like ac

37, p = 0.027). Thus, while adults showed a clear picture-like activation in cortical sensory and motor regions when viewing written tool and animal names, words did not yet consistently engage the same areas as their corresponding pictures in children up to 10 years of age. To test whether the brain areas with a preference for tool and animal words showed a similar response pattern for their corresponding pictures, we computed the relevant GSK126 in vitro age group’s average category preference for pictures in these areas.

In adults, both cortical regions with a preference for tool words also showed a significant preference for tool pictures (left IFG: t(12) = 4.02, p < 0.001, left FFG/MTG: t(12) = 2.5, p = 0.014). In the group of 9- to 10-year-olds the occipitoparietal area with a preference for animal pictures also showed a preference for animal words, although this effect did not reach statistical significance (t(12) = −1.05, p = n.s.). Thus, in adults and older children, brain regions with a significant category preference for tool or animal words also showed a category preference for the pictorial counterparts of those words, although the category preference for words was only significant in adults. Fig. 3 displays AG-014699 order the average category preference for words (tool words – animal words) in all animal picture selective voxels (top) and all tool picture selective voxels (bottom)

within each spherical ROI and age group (see Section 2 for details on ROI selection, see Appendix C for % signal change in individual

conditions relative to the fixation baseline). There were very few animal picture selective voxels in the left AIP and IFG so these regions were not included in the top graph, and were excluded from the analysis of animal-selective ROIs. ANOVA’s revealed that the picture-like category preference for words in these Fluorouracil ROIs was significantly more pronounced in adults than in children (Word Category × Age, averaged across all ROIs: F(1, 32) = 5.21, p = 0.029), again indicating that picture-like category-selectivity for printed words changes with age. Specifically, areas with a preference for tool or animal pictures showed a similar preference for the corresponding printed word category in adults (F(1, 12) = 14.98 p = 0.002) while there was no evidence for such an overlap in either group of children (9- to 10-year olds: F(1, 9) = 0.128, p = 0.73; 7- to 8-year-olds: F(1, 10) = 0.051, p = 0.83). We also tested whether the local direction of the category preference for words and pictures in these ROIs was consistent in children, even though the average amplitude of the BOLD response reflected no such pattern. To this end, we counted the number of ROIs in each age group where the category preference for pictures and words was in the same direction, irrespective of whether this preference was significantly larger than zero.