Single Staircase Research Articles

Finding the ratio of perceived duration between tones with flat and percussive amplitude envelopes

The extensive literature on duration assessment generally uses tones with clear onsets and offsets. However, simplistic sounds can fail to evoke the same processes used when listening to sounds with time varying amplitude envelopes (Schutz & Gillard, 2020). To facilitate future research on the duration assessment of time varying tones, here we explore the ratio at which constant amplitude ‘flat’ and varying amplitude ‘percussive’ tones are perceived as the same duration. We will use an adaptive staircase procedure, in which flat and percussive tones are presented in pairs and participants state which tone sounded longer in duration. Each response changes the duration difference on subsequent trials and continues until responses converge around a specific point, with convergence defined as four consecutive reversals in response direction. One instance of these trials constitutes a single staircase; we will then calculate the millisecond point of subjective equality between flat and percussive tones by finding the average point of convergence between multiple, interleaved staircases. Beyond providing guidance on stimulus durations for studies comparing amplitude envelope, we aim to shed light on the process of duration assessment in sounds with time-varying amplitude envelopes.

A Bayesian adaptive algorithm (QUEST) to estimate olfactory threshold in hyposmic patients

AbstractObjectivesThe sense of smell is important as a warning system, in social communication and in guiding food intake. Impairment is common, and cases are increasing following COVID‐19. Olfactory dysfunction may lead to decreased quality of life. There are several established ways to assess olfaction including the “Sniffin’ Sticks” which are a validated test for healthy and diseased populations.MethodsThe odor threshold is traditionally determined using a single staircase procedure, with narrow or wide step. We investigated a Bayesian adaptive algorithm (QUEST) to estimate olfactory threshold in a hyposmic population compared with a healthy control group. Thresholds were measured using the three procedures in two sessions (Test and Retest).ResultsAll the tested methods showed considerable overlap in both groups: there was a positive correlation between the QUEST procedure and classic staircase method (r = 0.88), and high test–retest reliability for all three methods used (Sniffin’ Sticks narrow: r = 0.81; Sniffin’ Sticks wide: r = 0.95; QUEST: r = 0.80).ConclusionsResults from these approaches exhibit considerable overlap with all of them being suitable for clinical use. An advantage of the QUEST method can be the defined number of trials needed to determine an odor threshold.

A New Development of the Classical Single Ladder Problem via Converting the Ladder to a Staircase

Our purpose is to shed some new light on problems arising from a study of the classical Single Ladder Problem (SLP). The basic idea is to convert the SLP to a corresponding Single Staircase Problem. The main result (Theorem 1) shows that this idea works fine and new results can be obtained by just calculating rational solutions of an algebraic equation. Some examples of such concrete calculations are given and examples of new results are also given. In particular, we derive a number of integer SLPs with congruent ladders, where a set of rectangular boxes with integer sides constitutes a staircase along a common ladder. Finally, the case with a regular staircase along a given ladder is investigated and illustrated with concrete examples.

Electrochemical detection of reduced graphene oxide nanoparticles in aqueous solution

We have demonstrated electrochemical detection of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanoparticles on an ultramicroelectrode (UME) in aqueous solution using rGO collision events. The collision phenomena are detected by monitoring a current–time transient. To attract the rGO to the UME surface, a positive electric field was developed near the UME using a redox reaction. As model systems, ferrocenemethanol and ferrocyanide oxidation reactions were adopted. Amperometric current measurements showed a staircase current response after attachment of rGO on the UME surface. The magnitude of the staircase current is given by the stepwise increase in current, which can provide insight into the size distribution of the rGO colliding with the UME. In the presence of higher concentrations of rGO, multiple collision events happened sequentially on the UME. In this case, an increasing current trend, rather than a single staircase current, was observed. The overall current increment for a given time is a measure of the concentration of rGO in solution. By using this method, charged conductive materials in an aqueous solution can be sensitively detected and/or accumulated.

Probabilistic Amplitude Shaping With Hard Decision Decoding and Staircase Codes

We consider probabilistic amplitude shaping (PAS) as a means of increasing the spectral efficiency of fiber-optic communication systems. In contrast to previous works in the literature, we consider probabilistic shaping with hard decision decoding (HDD). In particular, we apply the PAS recently introduced by B\"ocherer \emph{et al.} to a coded modulation (CM) scheme with bit-wise HDD that uses a staircase code as the forward error correction code. We show that the CM scheme with PAS and staircase codes yields significant gains in spectral efficiency with respect to the baseline scheme using a staircase code and a standard constellation with uniformly distributed signal points. Using a single staircase code, the proposed scheme achieves performance within $0.57$--$1.44$ dB of the corresponding achievable information rate for a wide range of spectral efficiencies.

Confidence-based integrated reweighting model of task-difficulty explains location-based specificity in perceptual learning.

Perceptual learning is classically thought to be highly specific to the trained stimuli's retinal locations. However, recent research using a novel double-training paradigm has found dramatic transfer of perceptual learning to untrained locations. These results challenged existing models of perceptual learning and provoked intense debate in the field. Recently, Hung and Seitz (2014) showed that previously reported results could be reconciled by considering the details of the training procedure, in particular, whether it involves prolonged training at threshold using a single staircase procedure or multiple staircases. Here, we examine a hierarchical neural network model of the visual pathway, built upon previously proposed integrated reweighting models of perceptual learning, to understand how retinotopic transfer depends on the training procedure adopted. We propose that the transfer and specificity of learning between retinal locations can be explained by considering the task-difficulty and confidence during training. In our model, difficult tasks lead to higher learning of weights from early visual cortex to the decision unit, and thus to specificity, while easy tasks lead to higher learning of weights from later stages of the visual hierarchy and thus to more transfer. To model interindividual difference in task-difficulty, we relate task-difficulty to the confidence of subjects. We show that our confidence-based reweighting model can account for the results of Hung and Seitz (2014) and makes testable predictions.

High speed implementation of a three-dimensional shape profiler with submillimeter precision using a digital light processing device and a new efficient algorithm for absolute phase retrieval

The processing of structured light images in real time is a challenging task for the development of three-dimensional (3-D) shape measurement methods. This paper presents a high speed and low-cost optical profiler implemented using a projection method based on the use of a digital light-processing device to illuminate the object to be measured. The image processing of the reflected structured light pattern allows potential real-time capabilities. The proposed method of absolute phase retrieval for unwrapping the relative phase uses a single additional staircase intensity pattern to determine and correct 2π discontinuities in the phase. Good results are obtained when the method is compared to another which uses three additional fringe patterns to determine the stair phase and then the absolute phase. Since the proposed technique uses only one extra pattern instead of three, it is less costly in terms of computation complexity and is thus faster. The hardware of the developed fringe projection system for a 3-D macroscopic reconstruction is presented and the performance of the method is evaluated. Simulated and experimental results are presented and compared to the other absolute phase-retrieval method. The proposed method is suitable for measuring 3-D object surfaces for a possible implementation in real time.

A typological analysis of public apartment buildings in Ghana

Typological studies are considered useful because they help trace and understand the changes in building characteristics from the past to the present. This knowledge serves as a basis for improvement and change in future designs. In Ghana, although different designs have been applied to public apartments since independence, it is not known what their typologies are in generic forms. This makes it difficult to raise research questions for post-occupancy evaluation and to formulate and test research hypothesis with respect to the relation between design attributes and use requirements. This study analyzes and presents a typological view of the public apartment buildings in Ghana synchronically using designs over the past five decades. A reductionist approach to data analysis, qualitative in nature, is used to describe the plan form characteristics of the designs, using the form of access – vertical and horizontal – as the criteria. The study found 11 mutually exclusive design typologies, the most dominant of which is the single central staircase with lobby access. The study builds on existing knowledge and contributes to knowledge and understanding with respect to the typo-morphological characteristics of public apartment buildings in Ghana.

Renesansna kuća Moise u Cresu - rezultati konzervatorskih istraživanja 2011. godne

Renesansnu stambenu arhitekturu grada Cresa obilježava manji broj očuvanih kuća (palazzetta) creskog plemstva koje su atribuirane udomaćenoj kameno-klesarskoj radionici okupljenoj oko majstora Francesca Marangonicha, lombardskog kamenoklesara koji s venecijanskih gradilišta dolazi u Cres uvodeći stilske elemente renesanse na kvarnerske otoke. Najpoznatija renesansna stambena građevina u Cresu je kuća Marcello-Petris, izgrađena u prvom desetljeću 16. stoljeća prema narudžbi franjevačkog provincijala i biskupa fra Antuna Marcella-Petrisa. Patricijske renesansne kuće Cresa obilježavaju nešto veći gabariti, građa zida od pravilno klesanog kamena i stroži ritam ukrašenih otvora reprezentativnih pročelja. Jedna od tih građevina je kuća Moise, smještena u srednjovjekovnoj jezgri grada, na istaknutoj poziciji križanja onodobnih glavnih ulica. Dokumenti iz arhiva franjevačkog samostana u Cresu svjedoče da je 1441. godine „Ser Andrea Moisenich“ mijenjao vrt za kuću s „Nobilis Ser Stefano de Petris“ koji je palaču Petris izgradio prije 1405. godine, prema čemu bi današnja kuća Moise mogla biti starija palača Petris. Građevina nosi grbove obije obitelji iz istog razdoblja pa je mogla funckionirati kao dvo-obiteljska, što je čest slučaj i u Veneciji na primjerima većih palača s dva rezidencijalna kata i dva dvorišta, elementima koje posjeduje i kuća Moise. Kuća Moise najveća je stambena građevina renesansnog Cresa, u gabaritima usporediva s istaknutim primjerima većih palača u dalmatinskim gradovima. Zbog velikih preinaka, slabije očuvanosti izvornih značajki i umanjene reprezentativnosti nije bila predmetnom znanstvenih i stručnih istraživanja te nisu bile poznate njezine osnovne karakteristike. Konzervatorskim istraživanjima razjašnjena je tlocrtna organizacija i ustanovljen tlocrt koncipiran prema venecijanskom modelu središnje dvorane i četiri bočne prostorije, čime se građevina izdvojila kao jedina renesansna stambena građevina u Cresu na kojoj je usvojena i primijenjena zrela renesansna simetrija tlocrta, koja se odražava i na reprezentativno pročelje. Sondiranjem zidnih žbuka razlučena je stratigrafija što je potvrdilo pretpostavku o središnjem salonu koji je u 17. stoljeću bio oslikan a secco na svim zidovima.Istraživanjem reprezentativnog pročelja otkrivena je pozicija renesansnih otvora koja sugerira artikulaciju ritmom dvije monofore – bifora – dvije monofore što su potvrdili i nalazi klesanih unutarnjih špaleta. Raspored koji je u Veneciji uvriježen već u gotičkoj stambenoj arhitekturi, u ovim se krajevima afirmira tek u renesansi, čega je kuća Moise jedini primjer u Cresu. Drugi kat kuće Moise tlocrtno je bio organiziran istovjetno prvom, što upućuje na postojanje dviju raskošnih etaža. Prostorije svođenog prizemlja međusobno nisu komunicirale već su činile zasebne jedinice u neposrednom odnosu s ulicom ili dvorištima, u gospodarskoj funkciji trgovina i skladišta, bez unutarnje vertikalne komunikacije s rezidencijalnim katovima koje je povezivalo unutarnje jednokrako stubište. Građevina je imala dva reprezentativna dvorišta od kojih je zapadno nestalo u sekundarnim dogradnjama, no zabilježeno na povijesnom katastru još 1821. godine. Definirano je prizemnim dvolučnim trijemom nad kojim je bila galerija s balustradom čiji su tragovi otkriveni otvaranjem podnih sondi. U malom istočnom dvorištu očuvani su ostaci renesansnog trijema na vrsno klesanim stupcima, a u podu ispod volte stubišta, pronađen je kružni pravilno zidani otvor zdenca čija je kruna danas pohranjena u prizemlju kuće. Dva reprezentativna dvorišta iznimka su u skučenom gradskom tkivu Cresa, što građevinu smještaja u širi kontekst renesansne stambene arhitekture Jadrana s lokalnom inačicom smještanja zdenca ispod volte stubišta, karakterističnom za pučku arhitekturu srednjovjekovnog Cresa. Usporedbom s ostalim srodnim građevinama u Cresu, kuća Moise se ističe kao jedina renesansna patricijska kuća pravilnog tlocrta, dok su ostale renesansne kuće uglavnom nepravilni četverokuti, uključujući i najreprezentativniji primjer palazzetta creskog plemstva, kuću Marcello-Petris. Kuća Moise se ističe i kao jedina građevina simetričnog unutarnjeg rasporeda što se odražava i na simetričnu artikulaciju reprezentativnog pročelja dok je primjerice na kući Marcello-Petris ujednačeni ritam bogato ukrašenih otvora južnog pročelja svojevrsna kulisa pred asimetrično organiziranim unutarnjim prostorom. Gradnja tako velike građevine, na dominantnoj poziciji u srednjevjekovnoj jezgri može se objasniti ulogom prvobitnih naručitelja, najistaknutije creske plemićke obitelji Petris, dok se zasluga za suvremenu renesansnu organizaciju interijera s jedinim poznatim primjerom reprezentativne središnje dvorane u stambenoj arhitekturi renesansnog Cresa može pripisati njezinim graditeljima, koji su već i na znamenitom portalu zborne crkve u Cresu dokazali suvremenost sa venecijanskim predlošcima.Zbog zatečene skromne očuvanosti renesansne kamene plastike, u dosadašnjim pregledima renesansne stambene arhitekture, kuća Moise je bila marginalizirana. Rezultati konzervatorskih istraživanja, analiza prostorne organizacije, tlocrta, smještaja građevine i povijesnih dokumenata, trebali bi doprinijeti jasnijoj percepciji kuće Moise u kontekstu stambene arhitekture 15. i 16. stoljeća na istočnoj obali Jadrana te valorizaciji građevine umanjene reprezentativnosti, vrijednosti skrivene u arhitektonskoj strukturi, konceptu i kontekstu unutar tkiva povijesnoga grada.

Task Practice with or without Cellular Transplantation Promotes Recovery of Reach-to Grasp Function after Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

Background and Purpose: Cervical spinal cord injury results in specific deficits in forelimb function. In the rat, lesions to the rubrospinal tract impair forelimb function despite the presence of an intact corticospinal tract. Both functional and anatomical recovery have been promoted by transplantation of neuronal and glial restricted precursors (NRP/GRP) following injury, and task-specific practice is used clinically to maximize recovery of function. We tested the hypothesis that combination therapy of daily task practice and NRP/GRP cell transplants will improve reach-to-grasp function. Methods: Forty-one adult female rats received a lesion to the right cervical dorsolateral funiculus. They were randomly divided into 4 groups for the study: Control (n=11), NRP/GRP Transplant (n=14), Task Practice (n=8), and Task Practice + NRP/GRP (n=8). All animals were assessed pre-injury and during weeks 1 and 8 postoperatively on two reach-to-grasp tests (Single Pellet and Staircase Reaching). Results: Task Practice + NRP/GRP and Task Practice groups achieved significant recovery of function in the Staircase Reaching test at week 8 of recovery. Analysis of individual kinematic elements from the Single Pellet Reaching test allows detailed quantitation of specific movements. While major differences were not observed in the Single Pellet Reaching, the Digits Open and Pronation qualitative component scores were higher in the Task Practice + NRP/GRP group compared to controls at 8 weeks post injury. Conclusions: While task practice improves recovery of forelimb function following incomplete spinal cord injury, combination therapy of daily task practice and cell transplantation practice did not result in superior recovery of reach-to-grasp function.

Structure-dependent mobility of a dry aqueous foam flowing along two parallel channels

The velocity of a two-dimensional aqueous foam has been measured as it flows through two parallel channels, at a constant overall volumetric flow rate. The flux distribution between the two channels is studied as a function of the ratio of their widths. A peculiar dependence of the velocity ratio on the width ratio is observed when the foam structure in the narrower channel is either single staircase or bamboo. In particular, discontinuities in the velocity ratios are observed at the transitions between double and single staircase and between single staircase and bamboo. A theoretical model accounting for the viscous dissipation at the solid wall and the capillary pressure across a film pinned at the channel outlet predicts the observed non-monotonic evolution of the velocity ratio as a function of the width ratio. It also predicts quantitatively the intermittent temporal evolution of the velocity in the narrower channel when it is so narrow that film pinning at its outlet repeatedly brings the flow to a near stop.

Smell Identification Function in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

ObjectiveDeficits in olfactory function are common features in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Olfactory processing is related to dopamine metabolism and orbitofrontal cortex functioning, both known to be involved in the neurobiology of ADHD. Some investigations suggested alterations in olfactory processing (identification and detection threshold) in patients with ADHD. Despite increasing knowledge, controversy about this topic still exists regarding children with ADHD. This study was conducted to help elucidate some of this controversy.Methods50 participants (8-15 years, mean=10.70±1.77) with ADHD were compared to 50 controls. The two groups were well matched for age, gender and Mean School Scores (MSS). We assessed odor identification and threshold through a smell test composed of two tests of identification and detection threshold. Odor detection threshold was assessed with the odorant phenyl ethyl alcohol solved in propylene glycol using a single staircase method. Odor identification was assessed with chemical essences of five common odorants.ResultsThe mean Sensory Identification Score for children with ADHD and the control groups were 3.76 (1.06) and 4.46 (0.76), respectively (p<0.001). The mean for Sensory Threshold Score for ADHD and control group was 6.4 (3.35) and 9.75 (2.16), respectively (p<0.001).ConclusionThis study replicated altered olfactory performance in ADHD. Substantial olfactory deficits across the two domains of identification and detection threshold are observed in children with ADHD. These deficits do not seem to be a result of olfactory task difficulty and are not influenced by age, gender and MSS. Further studies are required to investigate whether olfactory function can be used as a biological marker for early diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of ADHD.

Optimizing reliability and sensitivity of Semmes–Weinstein monofilaments for establishing point tactile thresholds

Semmes–Weinstein monofilaments (SWM) are widely used to assess tactile point pressure sensitivity. However, the reliability of SWMs has been questioned, standardization of stimulus presentation procedures is lacking, and the sensitivity measure is commonly confounded by the response criterion. This study sought to assess the reliability of two versions of a forced-choice single staircase SWM test with the goal of optimizing test reliability with a minimum number of test trials. Test–retest and intra-test reliability coefficients for SWM threshold values from the plantar halluces of 24 normal subjects were obtained using two versions of a forced-choice single-staircase procedure. One version followed a two-down one-up rule (2D) and the other a three-down one-up rule (3D). The 3D procedure was significantly more reliable than the 2D procedure for all sequential combinations of reversal pairs. A total of four 3D reversal pairs (i.e., eight reversals) were sufficient to achieve test–retest and intra-test reliability coefficients>0.90. High reliability with the minimum number of trials was obtained by calculating the threshold as the mean of eight reversals (test–retest r=0.93, p<0.001; Sessions 1 and 2 intra-test rs=0.87 and 0.92; ps<0.001). Identical median detection thresholds were noted for the two repeated test sessions (5.1g/mm2). The threshold values correlated with subject age despite the small range of ages tested, suggesting high sensitivity (Sessions 1 and 2 rs=0.61 and 0.63, ps<0.001). This study demonstrates that SWMs provide highly reliable and sensitive point pressure thresholds with very few trials when an appropriate psychophysical paradigm is employed. The brief forced-choice procedure described herein could serve as a basis for standardizing SWM stimulus presentation methods.

“A little bit more mysterious…”: Ambience and Art in the Dark

“A little bit more mysterious…”: Ambience and Art in the Dark

Olfactory Function in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis before and after Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

The olfactory loss in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis has been measured by different methods. However, the results have been variable and it is not clear whether functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) significantly improves olfactory function. This study was performed to evaluate the influences of FESS on olfactory function in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis using three different types of olfactory tests. Seventy patients with chronic rhinosinusitis were administered the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT), a single staircase phenyl ethyl alcohol odor detection threshold test (STT), and a short-term odor memory/discrimination test a day before and 6 months after FESS. A questionnaire inquiring about the patients' self-perception of olfactory function was administered also. Independent ratings of the severity of chronic rhinosinusitis before FESS were established from CT scans. Fifty-two (74.3%) of the patients reported that their olfactory function was impaired before surgery, and 68.6% of the patients reported impaired olfactory function after surgery, a difference that was not significant. No meaningful changes in any of the olfactory test scores were noted 6 or more months after FESS. Preoperatively, small correlations between CT scores and the symptom scores (r = 0.278; p = 0.024), threshold scores (r = -0.27; p = 0.031), and UPSIT scores (r = -0.36; p = 0.003) were observed. In patients with severe rhinosinusitis, FESS had little impact on the ability to smell, regardless of the method for assessing smell function. Subtle associations between olfactory function and the severity of chronic rhinosinusitis determined by CT were observed, however, preoperatively. The olfactory test measures were correlated with one another both pre- and postoperatively.

Approximating the Evacuation of the World Trade Center North Tower using Computer Simulation

This article concerns an investigation of the full scale evacuation of a building with a configuration similar to that of the World Trade Center (WTC) North Tower using computer simulation. A range of evacuation scenarios is explored in order to better understand the evacuation of the WTC on 11 September 2001. The analysis makes use of response time data derived from a study of published WTC survivor accounts. Geometric details of the building are obtained from architects' plans while the total building population used in the scenarios is based on estimates produced by the National Institute of Standards and Technology formal investigation into the evacuation. This paper attempts to approximate the events of 11 September 2001 and pursue several `what if' questions concerning the evacuation. In particular, the study explores the likely outcome had a single staircase survived intact from top to bottom. More generally, this paper explores issues associated with the practical limits of building size that can be expected to be efficiently evacuated using stairs alone.

Association Between Facial Emotion Recognition and Odor Identification in Schizophrenia

The authors examine facial emotion recognition and unirhinal olfactory performance in 19 schizophrenia patients and 14 comparison subjects. In patients, right nostril odor identification performance was positively related to overall emotion recognition accuracy, specifically, sad facial expressions. Olfactory and emotion recognition abilities appear significantly linked in schizophrenia.

Lattice animals on a staircase and Fibonacci numbers

We study the statistics of column-convex lattice animals resulting from the stacking of squares on a single or double staircase. We obtain exact expressions for the number of animals with a given length and area, their mean length and their mean height. These objects are closely related to Fibonacci numbers. On a single staircase, the total number of animals with area k is given by the Fibonacci number F_k.

Optimal setups for forced-choice staircases with fixed step sizes.

Forced-choice staircases with fixed step sizes are used in a variety of formats whose relative merits have never been studied. This paper presents a comparative study aimed at determining their optimal format. Factors included in the study were the up/down rule, the length (number of reversals), and the size of the steps. The study also addressed the issue of whether a protocol involving three staircases running for N reversals each (with a subsequent average of the estimates provided by each individual staircase) has better statistical properties than an alternative protocol involving a single staircase running for 3N reversals. In all cases the size of a step up was different from that of a step down, in the appropriate ratio determined by García-Pérez (Vision Research, 1998, 38, 1861 - 1881). The results of a simulation study indicate that a) there are no conditions in which the 1-down/1-up rule is advisable; b) different combinations of up/down rule and number of reversals appear equivalent in terms of precision and cost: c) using a single long staircase with 3N reversals is more efficient than running three staircases with N reversals each: d) to avoid bias and attain sufficient accuracy, threshold estimates should be based on at least 30 reversals: and e) to avoid excessive cost and imprecision, the size of the step up should be between 2/3 and 3/3 the (known or presumed) spread of the psychometric function. An empirical study with human subjects confirmed the major characteristics revealed by the simulations.

Bilateral detection thresholds in dextrals and sinistrals reflect the more sensitive side of the nose, which is not lateralized.

Several fundamental questions remain enigmatic concerning human olfactory sensitivity, including (i) whether detection threshold differences exist between the two sides of the nose (and, if so, whether such differences are influenced by handedness) and (ii) whether bilateral (i.e. binasal) stimulation leads to lower thresholds than unilateral stimulation (and, if so, whether the degree of facilitation is inversely related to general olfactory ability). In this study, and well-validated single staircase procedure was used to establish bilateral and unilateral detection thresholds for the cranial nerve I stimulant phenyl ethyl alcohol in 130 right- and 33 left-handed subjects. No differences in sensitivity between the left and right sides of the nose were observed in either group. Bilateral thresholds were lower, on average, than unilateral thresholds when the latter were categorized in terms of left and right nares. However, the bilateral thresholds did not differ significantly from those of the side of the nose with the lower threshold. Overall smell ability, as measured by the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test, did not interact with any of the test measures. These data imply that (i) the left and right sides of the nose do not systematically differ in detection threshold sensitivity for either dextrals or sinistrals and (ii) if central integration of left:right olfactory threshold sensitivity occurs, its effects do not exceed the function of the better side of the nose.