ARO NEWS
Winter 1994

President's Report

MidWinter Meeting Grows Again

The organization of the 1995 Midwinter Meeting is largely complete, thanks to a frenzy of activity by the Program Committee, the ARO Office and the Editors Office. Now that the dust has settled, we have a pretty good idea of what will be happening in St. Petersburg Beach. The Midwinter Meeting grows larger every year, and it probably comes as no surprise that 1995 will continue this trend. However, the growth in the number of abstracts was unexpectedly large. This year 800 abstracts were accepted, compared to 653 in 1994. They have been organized into eighteen slide sessions (including 3 symposia), two evening workshops, and four daily poster sessions. This includes 180 contributed platform presentations, 32 invited symposium and workshop presentations, and 588 posters. As usual, there will be two simultaneous platform sessions each morning and afternoon. Almost 150 posters will be available each day in the Jacaranda Room and Banyan Breezeway.

The Organizing Committee, under the leadership of Betsy Keithley, put in long hours to organize the program. I think that they have done an outstanding job of putting together well-integrated sessions and of balancing the program to avoid as many conflicts as possible. Unlike many previous years, we had significantly more requests for slide presentations than we had time available, even though we had fewer invited speakers than last year. This meant that more than thirty individuals who requested platform presentations received posters instead. This may become even more common if, as expected, the meeting continues to grow. The Committee worked hard to preserve the traditional long lunch hour. This provides an hour and a half after lunch during which the posters are not opposed by platform sessions. (If the weather is nice, it also gives sybarites a chance to hit the beach.) Michele Johnson of the ARO Office and our Editor Jerry Popelka have transformed the lists of abstracts into a program, which will soon be printed and distributed to the membership.

The Award of Merit for 1995 will be presented to Kirsten K. Osen, for her many contributions toward defining the neuroanatomy of the central auditory system. All of us are familiar with Kirstens pioneering work on the cytoarchitecure of the cochlear nuclear complex. She has also defined the projections into and out of the cochlear nuclei, and her most recent work includes elegant immunocytochemical studies of neurotransmitters. She richly deserves the award.

The results of the recent ARO election have been tabulated. Congratulations to the winners:

President elect: M. Charles Liberman, Ph.D.
Council member: Richard A. Chole, M.D.

This is my final Presidents Report. It has been a pleasure to serve the ARO, first as a Council Member, then as Secretary-Treasurer, and now as President. Thank you all for allowing me these opportunities. I would also especially like to thank Michele Johnson for making the job of President so much easier, with her frequent faxes and phone calls to tell me what to do.
Allen Ryan

Current Issues

The 1st annual TDT-ARO Golf Classic was a huge success. The tournament, played at the beautiful Imperial Lakes Golf Club, gave all our distinguished players a chance to show off their golf talents to their colleagues, or to just show off! We had an international field of players who covered the skill-level spectrum. The exciting competition began with teams of four in a select-shot scramble format. The early favorites, Jack Mills and Terry Dolans teams, fell to a team of Korean surgeons led by Dr. Hee-Nam Kim, of Ajou Universitys College of Medicine. This team of surgeons brought our exciting day to an end as they won the tournament.

The 2nd annual TDT/ARO Golf Classic is scheduled for the Saturday before the ARO meeting, February 4, 1995, at 11:30 a.m. We invite you and your colleagues to join us for some friendly competition on the links. You dont have to play like a pro to join us for a good time. Make plans now. Applications should be included with this newsletter, or you can contact:
Damian Davis, Tucker-Davis Technologies
Voice: (904) 375-1623
FAX: (904) 375-4523
Email: Quikki@ nervm. nerdc. ulf. edu.

Calendar of Events

Jan. 13-17, 1995
A Practical Short Course in Auditory Brainstem Response and Otoacoustic Emissions
New Orleans, LA

Feb. 25-Mar. 4, 1995
Colorado Otology-Audiology Conference
Breckenridge, CO

March 9-11, 1995
Vanderbilt Vestibular Assessment Workshop
Nashville, TN

March 10-11, 1995
International Genetic Workshop on Crouzon and Other Craniofacial Syndromes
Pittsburgh, PA

March 22-25, 1995
Hearing Conservation Conference III/XX
Cincinnati, OH

March 25-26, 1995
Clinical Testing of Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions
Miami, FL

May 6-11, 1995
Scanning Microscopy International
Houston, TX

May 18-20, 1995
6th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Neurophysiological Monitoring
San Francisco, CA

June 4-8, 1995
6th Int'l Symposium on Recent Advances in Otitis Media
Fort Lauderdale, FL

June 10-11, 1995
Modeling Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Omaha, NE

July 12-15, 1995
5th Intl Tinnitus Seminar
Portland, OR

Aug. 6-11, 1995
The Science of Biological Specimen Preparation For Microscopy and Microanalysis
Belleville, IL

Aug. 20-24, 1995
Conference on Implantable Auditory Prostheses
Pacific Grove, CA

Sept. 17-20, 1995
Research Forum American Academy of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery
New Orleans, LA

October 6-8, 1995
Conference on the Molecular Biology of Hearing and Deafness
Bethesda, MD

Animals in Research

The following information related to the use of animals in research was recently circulated in Update, the National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR) newsletter. Regarding proposed class B dealer legislation NABR recently outlined its concerns to Representative George Brown (D-CA) regarding draft legislation to increase the regulation of, and possibly to eliminate, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Class B dealers. Rep. Brown wrote to NABR requesting comments on a bill further amending the Animal Welfare Act that he is considering for introduction in the next Congress. Class B dealers are licensed, regulated and inspected by USDA to sell random source animals to biomedical research. According to a recent NABR survey, approximately 45% of all dogs and cats used in biomedical research, testing and education are purchased from Class B dealers. The draft legislation proposes a number of changes in the enforcement and penalty sections, but the major provisions would affect research facilities. Under the proposed draft, research facilities would be prohibited from obtaining dogs and cats from any source except USDA Class A dealers those who breed and raise animals on their own premises and state, county, city or municipality-owned and operated pounds or shelters. In addition, Mr. Browns proposal would mandate such pounds or shelters to be licensed dealers and comply with all Animal Welfare Act requirements. Finally, research facilities would be required to comply with animal holding periods now applicable only for Class B dealers.

The animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) suffered a setback in their NIH guide lawsuit when on October 25, a federal court denied a motion for a preliminary injunction to stop the Department of Health and Human Services from using the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Institute for Laboratory Animal Resources (ILAR) committee to revise the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. The ILAR committee is revising the Guide funded by the NIHs National Center for Research Resources, among other agencies. ALDF originally filed suit last May, claiming the ILAR committee is subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) and should be meeting provisions of the Act in terms of membership composition and public access.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) activities: According to the AP wire and People magazine, Chrissie Hynde, lead singer for the group the Pretenders, doesnt want death to stop her animal rights work. She has changed her will to allow PETA to exploit (Hyndes) image after her death in any way PETA sees fit. In a letter to PETA, Hynde is reported to have suggested an ad with her photo be run after her death saying, Dead meat should be buried, not eaten. Apparently, this unique bequest was prompted by the fact the families of Kurt Cobain and River Phoenix objected to PETA using their pictures in anti-fur ads that used similar humor. From Paris (AP) we learn that top American model Cindy Crawford posed snuggling a cat and wearing only a fake fur aviators cap as part of a PETA campaign against the use of real animal pelts. Copies of the cap will be sold to raise funds for PETA.

Don Caspary
John Brugge

Editor's Column

The ARO continues to expand its services. You now have access to the ARO via electronic mail, and the three common internet modes of ftp, gopher, and the world wide web. Currently, only the abstracts of the MidWinter meetings for 1994 and 1995 are available on line. We will continue to place additional ARO information on these servers and will develop new and innovative services as well.

Do terms such as ftp, gopher, and world wide web cause you to want to visit a local elementary school to find out what they mean? No need to worry. On Wednesday evening of the upcoming MidWinter meeting there will be a workshop that will deal with available technology for information sharing in the 1990s. This workshop will provide information for both non-users and seasoned users of the internet, and everyone in between. Using on-line video projection, we will show you what the internet is and how to gain access to it. More importantly, we will concentrate on some uses of this technology that will be of particular scientific interest to ARO members.

Yasuji Katsuki Tribute

Professor Yasuji Katsuki, M.D., Ph.D. passed away on March 6, 1994. He was a comparative neurophysiologist who performed wonderful research with different species of animals, held several distinguished administrative positions over many years and was honored with several prizes and medals. Dr. Katsukis major contribution was the discovery of the sharpening of frequency tuning in the cats central auditory system. Neural sharpening of frequency tuning is an old, yet still current topic. Therefore, I would like to write a tribute to him, focusing on his major scientific contribution.

Katsuki was born in 1905. He was drafted as a medical doctor by the Japanese Imperial Army in at the age of 33 and was stationed in different regions of Asia. While in Burma, he had a booklet, Sensory Life of Animals written by Ichijiro Honjo (1940) in his backpack and read it over and over again and dreamed of performing auditory research when the war was over. In 1946, at the age of 41, he came back to Japan from Burma and first learned from Dr. Ichiji Tasaki a technique to isolate single nerve fibers from the frogs sciatic nerve. Katsuki used this technique to record nerve impulses from single lateral-line nerve fibers of fish. In 1951-52, he wrote fine papers on stimulus coding by single lateral-line nerve fibers. He was dispatched to the U.S.A. in 1952-53 as a trainee abroad and was exposed to single-unit recording techniques with micropipette electrodes. After his trip to the U.S.A., he asked a machinist, Mr. Eiichi Narishige to build instruments necessary for single-unit studies of the cats auditory system. Narishige eventually established one of the most successful companies that supply instruments for physiological research.

There was no auditory neurophysiologist in Japan prior to Katsuki who had no experience in auditory neurophysiology before he published his research in 1958. Yet at such an early stage of auditory neurophysiology, Katsuki and his coworkers performed the first neurophysiological study that found that the central auditory system of the cat has a neural mechanism for the sharpening of frequency tuning and believed that this sharpening is performed by lateral inhibition. This is truly remarkable because modern auditory physiologists are still working on the same question.

Katsuki and his coworkers measured single neurons and found that frequency tuning curves were sharper the higher the level of the auditory system, that neurons in the medial geniculate body (MGB) showed the sharpest frequency tuning, and that neurons in the auditory cortex showed broad frequency tuning. They concluded that frequency analysis is performed not only at the auditory periphery, but also in the central auditory system, that frequency analysis may be completed in the MGB, and that individual components of a complex sound are completely analyzed in the subcortical nuclei and then integrated in the auditory cortex.

However, most cat auditory physiologists have believed that there is no neural sharpening or lateral inhibition in the central auditory system. As far as I can recall, this consensus built up between the mid 1960s and early 1970s based upon the findings that frequency-tuning curves of cochlear nerve fibers tuned to frequencies higher than 3 kHz were very sharp without lateral inhibition, that frequency-tuning curves of MGB neurons were broader than those of peripheral neurons, and that frequency-tuning curves of central auditory neurons were mostly similar to or broader than those of cochlear nerve fibers.

Through my own research in 1964 and thereafter, it was clear to me that frequency-tuning curves of single neurons are sharpened by inhibition in the central auditory system of the little brown bat. Neural sharpening of frequency tuning is very common across different classes of animals and is found even in the central nervous system of locusts. Therefore, the opposite conclusion of Aitkin and Webster and of Calford et al. is probably due to differences in defining the sharpness of frequency-tuning curves of neurons or due to differences in sampling the neurons.

The sharpness of a tuning curve can be expressed by a Q-n dB value which is a best frequency (BF) divided by a bandwidth at n dB above minimum threshold (n dB width). The common Q-10 dB value defined by Kiang and his coworkers arbitrarily based on the tip portion of a tuning curve. If a tuning curve is exactly triangular in shape, its sharpness can be expressed appropriately by a single value such as the Q-10 dB value. If it is not triangular, a Q-10 dB value is simply inadequate to describe the overall sharpness of the tuning curve. The frequency-tuning curve of a peripheral neuron is somewhat triangular, while that of a central neuron can be pencil-, spindle-, bowl- or even fork-shaped. Because there is no data to indicate that the responses and the widths of the tuning curves at 10 dB above minimum threshold are any more important than those at other sound pressure levels, which often can cover a 100 dB range, we should not blindly use only a Q-10 dB value to express the sharpness of frequency tuning. In fact, a comparison of Q-10 dB values between peripheral and central neurons may lead to the wrong conclusion. For example, the 10 dB widths of the collicular tuning curves measured by Katsuki et al. in 1958 were slightly broader than those of peripheral tuning curves, as described for MGB by Aitkin and Webster, but the 50 dB widths of the collicular tuning curves were much narrower than those of peripheral neurons. Therefore, it was quite appropriate for Katsuki to conclude that the cats central auditory system has a mechanism for the sharpening of frequency tuning.

For most auditory physiologists, sharp tuning curves mean those with high Q-10 dB values. Different from tuning curves at the periphery, the tuning curves of some central auditory neurons have a narrow width even at high stimulus levels. Such a tuning curve has been called a level-tolerant sharp frequency-tuning curve.

For a comparison of sharpness of frequency tuning between peripheral and central neurons, neurons with identical best frequencies have to be pooled because the sharpness of frequency tuning may vary by best frequency at the periphery. The central neurons pooled must be recorded in a particular portion of a nucleus or cortical area, because a larger subdivision may contain both level-tolerant and broadly tuned neurons which, if pooled together, may lead to the conclusion that there is no statistically significant difference in sharpness between the peripheral and central neurons.

The difference in conclusion between Katsuki et al. and Aitkin and Webster partly may be due to a difference in the recording sites of MGB neurons. Because the central auditory system creates different types of neurons for processing different types of auditory information, the presence of broadly frequency-tuned neurons in the central auditory system cannot be used as evidence against the presence of level-tolerant neurons.

Because the mechanical tuning of the basilar membrane in the cochlea was broad, Bksy also believed that sharpening of frequency tuning took place in the central auditory system. Bksy asserted that lateral inhibition is one of the important principles for signal processing in all sensory systems. Katsuki and his coworkers found level-tolerant frequency tuning in the central auditory system and also measured inhibitory areas and/or two-tone suppression areas. Because the consensus among most auditory physiologists has been no sharpening, it has been implied that no lateral inhibition exists in the cats central auditory system. I share Bksys and Katsukis view: the central auditory system has a lateral inhibition mechanism for the sharpening of frequency tuning and for contrast enhancement in the neural representation of frequency.

The excitatory tuning curve of level-tolerant neurons borders or is sandwiched between inhibitory tuning curves. Because the inhibitory tuning curves usually overlap the level-tolerant tuning curve at high sound pressure levels, level-tolerant neurons are usually tuned in frequency and amplitude. Humans and animals mostly hear complex sounds, the amplitude spectrum of which usually varies with time. The responses of level-tolerant neurons to these sounds greatly depend upon the spectral patterns of the sounds that stimulate simultaneously or sequentially the excitatory and inhibitory areas of the neurons. For example, level-tolerant neurons do not respond to an FM sound sweeping across their inhibitory and then excitatory areas, but they do respond to an FM sound sweeping across their excitatory and then inhibitory areas . Level-tolerant neurons are presumably involved in the analysis of the direction, range and rate of frequency and amplitude modulations and also the analysis of the amplitude spectrum of complex sounds. This raises a question of whether level-tolerant neurons are directly related to level-tolerant fine frequency discrimination. One can find an answer to this question in the data obtained from neuroethological studies on different species of animals that use constant frequency (CF) or quasi-CF sounds for communication and/or echolocation. That is, the level-tolerant frequency tuning is directly related to level-tolerant fine-frequency analysis, for velocity measurements, signal detection and identification of signal sources.

Kutsukis finding that the higher the level in the auditory system, the sharper the frequency-tuning curves of neurons implies that all neurons in the MGB have level-tolerant frequency tuning. This is certainly not the case. Excitatory frequency-tuning curves show large variation in shape and also in combination with inhibitory frequency-tuning curves. Level-tolerant neurons already exist in the cochlear nucleus of the mustached bat and the cat. According to my own experience with the little brown bat and the mustached bat, neurons with level-tolerant tuning were rare in the cochlear nucleus, but were readily found in the inferior colliculus, the MGB and the auditory cortex. Sharpening of frequency tuning takes place at different levels of the central auditory system, but we do not yet know whether frequency tuning is always progressively sharpened in the higher auditory nuclei. Iontophoretic injection experiments performed with the mustached bat indicate that frequency-tuning curves of nearly a half of the collicular neurons studied are sharpened by inhibition within the inferior colliculus, but sharpening by inhibition is very limited in the auditory cortex. Sharpening of frequency tuning appears to be almost completed in or by the MGB.

Schreiner and Mendelson found level-tolerant neurons in a certain portion of the cats primary auditory cortex. If level-tolerant tuning curves of cortical neurons do not widen by iontophoretic applications of bicuculline, some MGB neurons must be level-tolerant, and one may conclude that sharpening is completed in the subcortical nuclei.

Katsuki and his coworkers found that frequency-tuning curves of neurons in the primary and secondary auditory cortices of the cat were broader than those in the MGB. In the cats primary auditory cortex, Abeles and Goldstein did not find that frequency-tuning curves of neurons in the 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 6th layers are broader than those in the 4th layer (the input layer). According to Schreiner and Mendelson, Q-10 dB values are organized in columns in the cats primary auditory cortex and vary along an iso-best frequency slab. Neurons located at its central portion show level-tolerant frequency tuning. Their data did not support the cortical broadening hypothesis of Katsuki and his coworkers. However, in any mammalian species, the auditory cortex shows multiple cochleotopic representations. That is, the auditory cortex consists of several areas and response properties of neurons differ among these areas. In the cat, frequency-tuning curves are generally narrow in the primary auditory cortex, but broad in the secondary auditory cortex. The primary and secondary auditory cortices receive essential projections from the ventral and dorsal divisions of the MGB, respectively. Frequency-tuning curves are generally broader in the dorsal division than in the ventral division. There is a possibility that Katsuki and his coworkers mainly studied neurons in the secondary auditory cortex.

For echolocation, the auditory system of the mustached bat processes different types of biosonar information in a parallel-hierarchical way. We theorized that level-tolerant neurons tuned to individual CF harmonics of biosonar signals are first created by the prethalamic auditory nuclei and then they are integrated by CF/CF neurons in the MGB for the extraction of velocity information. The neural mechanism for the creation of CF/CF neurons is thus similar to that proposed by Katsuki and his coworkers. However, the location where integration takes place is not the auditory cortex but the MGB. Recently, a possibility has arisen that CF/CF neurons are first created in the inferior colliculus. FM-FM neurons are specialized for processing target-range information and had been considered to be created in the MGB by integrating neurons tuned to individual FM harmonics of biosonar signals. However, FM-FM neurons were recently found in the inferior colliculus. Thus, the integration of signal elements takes place in the subcortical auditory nuclei, perhaps, including the dorsal cochlear nucleus. Furthermore, our recent data indicate that certain response properties of FM-FM neurons depend not only on the integration within the ascending auditory system, but also on interactions between the ascending and the descending auditory systems. Signal processing in the auditory system is much more complex than it was considered about 35 years ago. However, thanks to the pioneering work of Katsuki, we have been able to greatly expand our understanding of the central auditory system.

Nobuo Suga
Washington University

MWM Update

ORGANIZE AN ARO SYMPOSIUM

The ARO Program Advisory Committee is now seeking proposals for Symposia and Workshops for the 1996 Midwinter Meeting. Proposals should include a title, a short synopsis of the session's theme (one paragraph) and a list of committed speakers with a short summary of each proposed talk (a few sentences). The ARO Program Committee will choose the best proposal(s), which will then appear on the 1996 Midwinter Meeting Program. Proposals should be sent to the Committee Chair by January 16, 1995:

M. Charles Liberman
Eaton-Peabody Laboratory
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
243 Charles Street
Boston, MA 02114

PLACEMENT SERVICES

ARO provides several mechanisms for employers and candidates to meet. First, at the ARO Midwinter meeting labeling will be provided to be worn on badges for identification: red dots will be for candidates, and green dots for employers.

Second, a poster area will be available dedicated solely for employers to place 3 x 5 inch cards describing the employment opportunity that they have available. So bring the card to the meeting for posting.

Thirdly, candidates may fill out an ARO Placement Service Form, preferably before the Midwinter meeting, although forms will be available at the meeting. These forms will be copied and placed in a publication called ARO Candidates to be distributed to employers either at the ARO Midwinter meeting or upon request by mail. Employers and candidates wishing either a copy of the publication, forms or instructions may obtain them by writing or faxing: R.P. Bobbin, LSUMC-ENT, 2020 Gravier Street, Suite A, New Orleans, LA 70112, (Tel.: 504/568-4785; FAX: 504/568-4460).


1995 EXHIBITORS

Encyclopaedia Britannica, Chicago, IL
The New Encyclopaedia Britannica
Great Books of the Western World
Complete line of educational accessories

J. B. Lippincott Co., Safety Harbor, FL
Publisher of medical books
Publisher of medical journals

MosbyChurchillWaverly Press , Safety Harbor, FL
Clinical otolaryngology books
Scientific otolaryngology books

Pentax Precision Instrument Corp., Orangeburg, NY
Complete ENT endoscopy system
Nasopharyngolaryngoscopes
Flexible ENT, intubation and bronchofiberscopes

SpringerVerlag NY, Inc., New York, NY
Publisher of scientific books
Publisher of scientific journals

Stewart Electronics, Natick, MA
Electronic instrumentation
Filter/amplifier instrumentation

TuckerDavis Technologies, Gainesville, FL
Modular Signal Processing Equipment
Floating-point DSP card
PD1 Power Dac for complex 3D auditory displays

AVAAZ Innovations Inc., London, Ontario, CANADA
Software involving speech and acoustic signals
Computerized Speech Research Environment
SAILS

W.B. Saunders Co., Palm Harbor, FL
Medical and surgical text books
Medical and surgical journals

NIDCD National Temporal Bone Registry, Boston, MA
Computerized database of human temporal bones
Over 11,000 specimens
Free database searches for interested researchers

Moulton Chinchilla Ranch, Rochester, MN
Chinchillas and supplies

Beutlich LP, Waukegan, IL
Unique Dry Handle Swabs

The Deafness Research Foundation, New York, NY
Seed funding new for projects
Grant information and applications available

Komet Medical, Savannah, GA
Surgical power instruments and accessories

Neuro Scan Inc., Herndon, VA
Advanced systems for evoked potential research

A special workshop on Information Sharing via the Internet will be presented on Wednesday evening at the ARO Midwinter Meeting. This workshop is intended for all ARO members including individuals who are not connected to the Internet as well as experienced users. An on-line video projection system will allow the entire audience to experience the internet simultaneously. A formal presentation will be given from 7 to 8 pm with the on-line system available for requested demonstrations from 8 to 10 pm.

Moderator:
Walt Jesteadt
Presenters:
Fred Wightman
Stephen Neely
Gerald Popelka

Tutorials on the Internet, electronic mail, gopher, ftp, and World Wide Web
Availability of resources of particular interest to ARO members
Present and future resources provided by the ARO
Information on how to connect to the Internet

Come to the Midwinter Meeting of ARO in sunny St. Petersburg Beach, Florida

Discounted air fares on United, Northwest, Delta and TWA are available for travel between February 1-13, 1995 by calling Uniglobe Ankeny Travel Center

Call 1-800-753-2422 Today!!

Special car rental rates also are available

DONT FORGET TO
CONFIRM YOUR
RESERVATIONS FOR THE
MIDWINTER
MEETING

The 1995 MidWinter Meeting Program Booklet has been mailed. If you have not received a copy, call the ARO Office
Phone: (515) 2431558
FAX: (515) 2432049
e-mail: msjohnson@aro.org

Conferences and Workshops

Vanderbilt Vestibular Assessment Workshop

The Vanderbilt Vestibular Assessment Hands-On Workshop sponsored by the Division of Hearing and Speech Sciences and Department of Otolaryngology at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, Tennessee will be held March 9-11, 1995. David Cyr, Ph.D. and Alan Rubin, M.D. will be the guest lecturers. Workshop topics will include vestibular anatomy and physiology, ENG and rotational tests, and management of the patient with balance disorders. Workshop attendees will receive hands-on experience with vestibular assessment techniques. For more information contact Faith Wurm (Workshop Co-Director) or Amanda Simpson (Workshop Coordinator), Vanderbilt Balance and Hearing Center, Suite 2600, 1500 21st Avenue, Nashville, TN 37212-3102, TEL: (615) 343-3505, FAX: (615) 343-0872.

Clinical Testing of Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions

University of Miami Ear Institute, Department of Otolaryngology is sponsoring a continuing education course, March 25-26, 1995. The course director is Brenda L. Lonsbury-Martin, Ph.D. Guest speakers are Susan J. Norton, Ph.D., CCC-A, and Martin S. Robinette, Ph.D., CCC-A. ASHA CEUs and AMA CME credits are available. For more information contact: Department of Otolaryngology, P.O. Box 015869, Miami, FL 33101; (305) 326-6099; FAX (305) 326-6306.
Call For Papers: Fifth International


Tinnitus Seminar

The American Tinnitus Association is sponsoring the Fifth International Tinnitus Seminar to be held in Portland, Oregon, from July 12-15, 1995. The 1995 Tinnitus Seminar features cutting edge research while at the same time integrating research findings to clinical treatments. Diverse poster presentations highlight specific research questions and findings, all in a format that allows the audience time to absorb, react, and discuss the data one-on-one with individual presenters. CEU credits available. Please send requests for registration materials after January 1, 1995 to: American Tinnitus Association, P.O. Box 5, Portland, OR 97207-0005, (503) 248-9985, FAX (503) 248-0024, E-Mail: reichg@ohsu.edu.


Call For Papers: Conference on The Molecular Biology of Hearing and Deafness

The Deafness Research Foundation and University of California San Diego are sponsoring a second meeting on the applications of molecular biology to the investigation of the auditory system at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Bethesda, Maryland, October 6-8, 1995. A panel of distinguished invited speakers will present papers on the following topics: Regulation of Auditory Development, Growth Factors, Neuronal Receptors, Ion Channels/Transport Systems, Molecular Motors/Hair Cell Mechanics/ Second Messenger/Nuclear Signaling Pathways, Regulation of Gene Expression-Including Transcription Factors, Molecular Genetics and Gene Mapping, Gene Cloning in the Normal Labryinth, Molecular Biology of Temporal Bone Disease, and Clinical Applications of Molecular Biology in Deafness-Including Gene Therapy. The program will also include free papers reporting research on the molecular basis for hearing and deafness. Short courses on molecular methodology will be available. CME credits will be offered. Registration deadline is July 5, 1995. Please send or FAX requests for information and registration materials to: Organizing Committee, c/o Allen Ryan, Second Conference on the Molecular Biology of Hearing and Deafness, UCSD, OCME, 9500 Gilman Drive, 0617, La Jolla, CA 92093-0617 (619) 534-3940, FAX (619) 534-7672.


International Genetic Workshop on Crouzon and Other Craniofacial Syndromes

International Genetic Workshop on Crouzon and Other Craniofacial Syndromes will be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, March 10 and 11, 1995. The theme is the rapid interdisciplinary research progress on the clinical delineation, the genetic mapping, and the molecular cloning and characterization of genes and proteins causing selected craniofacialsynostosis syndromes. Further research collaborations will be discussed. Proffered abstracts about current results will be considered for poster or platform presentations. Workshop Organizers: John J. Mulvihill, J. Christopher Post, Garth D. Ehrlich. Contact: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Conference and Event Management, Attention: Trish Smith, Nese-Barkan Building, Fifth Floor, 3811 OHara Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213-2593, Telephone (412) 647-8126, FAX (412) 647-8222,E-Mail: cepsmith@dvs.nb.upmc.edu.


A Practical Short Course in Auditory Brainstem Response and Otoacoustic Emissions

Kresge Hearing Research Laboratory of the South is sponsoring a continuing education course, A Practical Short Course in Auditory Brainstem Response and Otoacoustic Emissions on January 13-17, 1995; Course Directors: Charles Berlin, Ph.D., Linda Hood, Ph.D. and guest speaker, Yvonne Sininger, Ph.D.; ASHA CEUs available; Contact Course Coordinator, Kresge Hearing Research Laboratory, Dept. of Otorhinolaryngology, Louisiana State University Medical Center, 2020 Gravier Street, Ste. A, New Orleans, LA 70112; Phone (504) 568-4785, ext. 243; FAX (504) 568-4460.
Symposium on Otitis Media


The 6th International Symposium on Recent Advances in Otitis Media

The 6th International Symposium on Recent Advances in Otitis Media will be held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida from June 4-8, 1995. It is sponsored by The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Center for Continuing Education in the Health Sciences and Childrens Hospital of Pittsburgh, Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology. The topics included are: Epidemiology, Anatomy, Biochemistry, Screening/Diagnosis, Tubal Function, Immunology, Microbiology, Prevention, Management, Pathogenesis, Sequelae, Animal Models, Pathology, Molecular Biology and Genetics. For more information contact: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Attn: Trish Smith, Department of Conference Management, Nese-Barkan Building, Fifth Floor, 3811 OHara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, Telephone (412) 647-8126, FAX (412) 647-8222.
Colorado Otology-Audiology Conference


Colorado Otology-Audiology Conference

The 29th Colorado Otology-Audiology Conference will be held February 25 - March 4, 1995 at Beaver Run Resort in Breckenridge, Colorado. The Conference is approved for CEUs from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. For further information contact: Jerry Northern, Ph.D., Colorado Hearing Foundation, Box B210, 4200 East Ninth Avenue, Denver, CO 80262, (303) 270-7856.


Modeling Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Many people who do hearing research are involved in various ways in modeling sensorineural hearing loss. These modeling efforts take several different forms. Some are focused on simulating hearing losses as closely as possible in listeners with normal hearing as a means of controlling for level effects. Others are concerned with fitting data from listeners with hearing loss in a way that will allow them to predict performance for these individuals under various more adverse listening conditions. Measures of performance range from loudness functions and properties of auditory filters to speech perception. Others are concerned with predicting the degree of hearing loss that will occur under various noise exposure conditions and the relation between temporary and permanent threshold shift. Still others are concerned with models and data at the neural or mechanical level that have direct implications for our understanding of the properties of sensorineural hearing loss. Finally, there is great interest in optimum demonstrations of the properties of residual hearing for various degrees of hearing loss, so that those with normal hearing can gain a better understanding of what it is like to have a hearing loss.

A conference to discuss these issues will be held at Boys Town on June 10-11, 1995. Recent data and models will be presented in a format that encourages discussion. The abstract deadline for presentations is Feb. 15, 1995. If you are interested in attending or presenting and are not already on our mailing list, please contact Walt Jesteadt, BTNRH, 555 N. 30th Street, Omaha, NE 68131 or send email to Jesteadt@Boystown.Org.


Scanning Microscopy International

A program on Inner Ear will be held during the Scanning Microscopy 1995 meeting (tutorials on May 6 and 7; scientific programs from May 8 to May 11). The program organizers are Prof. Yasuo Harada, Dr. Robert V. Harrison, Dr. Sven Rydmarker, and Prof. Michael L. Wiederhold. The scope of the Inner Ear program encompasses all areas of microscopy and techniques in which microscopy and/or microanalysis is a major component. This includes light, electron (both transmission and scanning) and other microscopy and microanalytical methods. SMI will also be sponsoring a separate international meeting: 14th Pfefferkorn Conference on The Science of Biological Specimen Preparation for Microscopy Preparation for Microscopy and Microanalysis from Aug. 6-11,1995 at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, Illinois. A separate flier is available on request. For more information about the programs and publications of Scanning Microscopy, please contact Dr. Om Johari at Scanning Microscopy International, P.O. Box 66507, Chicago (A.M.F. OHare), IL 60666-0507, (708) 529-6677/FAX (708) 980-6698; E-mail 73211.647@compuserve.com.


Hearing Conservation Conference III/XX

The Hearing Conservation Conference III/XX, an international meeting sponsored jointly by the National Institute for Occupational Saftey and Health (NIOSH) and the National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA), will be held March 22-25, 1995 in Cincinnati, OH. For information, call NHCA Headquarters at (515) 243-1558.
Sixth Annual Meeting of the American Society of Neurophysiological Monitoring


Meeting of the American Society of Neurophysiological Monitoring

May 18-20, 1995: Sixth Annual Meeting of the American Society of Neurophysiological Monitoring (ASNM) at the Miyako Hotel, San Francisco, California. For more information and Call For Papers form, please write: Gary P. Jacobson, Ph.D., Director, Division of Audiology, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 West Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI 48202 or call: (313) 876-1089.

Positions Available

American Otological Society

Research Research Grant Awards and Training Fellowships
The American Otological Society, Inc., through its Research Fund, is offering Research Grant Awards and full-time Research Training Fellowships to study otosclerosis, Mnires Disease, and related ear disorders in United States or Canadian institutions only, July 1995 - June 1996. Proposals may include investigations of the management and pathogenesis of these disorders, and underlying process.

Research Grants: Available to physician and non-physician investigators; renewable annually for a maximum of $40,000 per year; no funding for investigators salary.

Research Training Fellowships: For physicians only (residents and medical students), fellowship will support 1-2 years full-time research conducted outside of residency training. Applications must be accompanied by sponsoring institution documentation that facitites and faculty are appropraiate for requested research.

Grant and fellowship applications must be postmarked by January 31, 1995. Information and materials may be obtained from: Richard T. Miyamoto, M.D., Secretary-Treasurer, Research Fund of the American Otological Society, Inc., Dept. of Otolaryngology-H&N; Surgery, Indiana University Medical Center, 702 Barnhill Dr., Ste. 0860, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5230. Telephone: (317) 630-8966; FAX (317) 630-8958.


Director of Research

Oregon Hearing Research Center in the Department of Otolaryngology at the Oregon Health Sciences University has a Director of Research position available in summer of 1995. The OHRC will occupy 17,000 sq. ft. of laboratory space in a new Neurosensory Building. Candidates must have proven research capability and success at obtaining grant funding. Ph.D., M.D. or M.D./Ph.D. is required. Contact Alexander J. Schleuning, M.D., Professor and Chair, Dept. of Otolaryngology PVO1, 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97201; Equal opportunity employer.


Postdoctoral Fellowships

Postdoctoral positions are now available for qualified individuals interested in research training in one or a combination of the following disciplines related to human communication and its disorders: Audiology, Auditory Neuroanatomy, Auditory Physiology, Aural Rehabilitation, Biophysics, Cell Physiology, Communication Engineering (Cochlear Modeling), Genetics of Communication Disorders, Language Development,Neurochemistry, Psychoacoustics, and Speech Physiology. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. Send vita and a brief description of your research interests to W. Bruce Warr, Ph.D., Boys Town National Research Hospital, 555 North 30th Street, Omaha, NE 68131,(402) 498-6528.
Postdoctoral Traineeships in Audiology for Auditory Researchers

The Department of Communication Disorders, Sargent College, Boston University, offers a limited number of traineeships for the purpose of supporting postdoctoral researchers in the auditory sciences who wish to work toward meeting ASHA requirements for clinical certification in audiology. The program features small classes, a variety of excellent clinical training experiences in the Boston area, an interdisciplinary environment, and the opportunity to conduct research while pursuing graduate studies. Plan of study is determined on an individual basis according to background and qualifications. Send letter expressing interest, vitae, and 3 letters of reference to Gerald Kidd, Jr., Ph.D., Department of Communication Disorders, Boston University, 635 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215 (internet gkidd@acs.bu.edu). Boston Universitys policies provide for equal opportunity and affirmative action in employment and admission to all programs of the University.


Behavioral Neuroscientist

Tenure-track faculty postition for an individual broadly trained in modern neurosciences techniques with research specialization in any relevant area. Appointment is sought at the tenure-track assistant professor level. Applicants should have a strong research program and will be expected to participate actively in the teaching program of the department. To apply, send a complete curriculum vita, a statement of research and teaching interests, a sample of recent reprints or preprints, and arrange to have three letters of recommendation sent to: Michael Beecher, Chair, Department of Psychology NI-25, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195. All applications received by February 1, 1995 will receive full consideration. The University of Washington is building a culturally diverse faculty and strongly encourages applications from women and minority candidates. AA/EOE


Research Training Fellowships

Six Postdoctoral Research Training Fellowships (National Institutional Research Service Award Fellowships) for M.D.s and Ph.D.s are available at Northwestern University. Stipends depend on the level of postdoctoral experience, and funding is available for more than one year. Candidates must be US. citizens or have permanent resident visa status. The most competitive candidates will be M.D.s who have completed a majority of their Otolaryngology training and who intend to pursue academic careers. Training is available in more than fourteen laboratories that employ a wide range of research methodologies. Training can take place in active research programs in cochlear neurobiology, auditory electrophysiology, basic and applied immunology and other disciplines related to communication sciences. The Research Training Program, under the direction of senior investigators with strong records in research training (Peter Dallos, Ph.D., Albert Farbman, Ph.D., Barry Peterson, Ph.D., Jerilyn Logemann, Ph.D., David G. Hanson, M.D., and nine other faculty) is designed to provide candidates with research skills at a level that will allow them to be competitive applicants for research support. Submit inquiries and curriculum vitae to : David G. Hanson, M.D., Professor and Chairman, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Northwestern University, 303 E. Chicago Avenue, Mail Code S-219, Chicago, IL 60611, Phone (312) 908-0458.


Otological Research Fellowship For Third Year Medical Students

The Deafness Research Foundations Otological Research Fellowship will be sponsored by a Department of Otolaryngology conducting otological research. Where a unique opportunity exists in a related discipline, the fellowship may be conducted in that discipline while maintaining liaison with the Department of Otolaryngology. The fellowship would be scheduled as one-year leave of absence from the medical school curriculum, and be funded in the amount of $10,000, plus up to $3,500 for animals and consumable supplies. For applications and additional information please contact: D. Thane Cody, M.D./Ph.D., Medical Director, The Deafness Research Foundation, 9 East 38th Street, New York, NY 10016. Phone (212) 684-6556; FAX (212) 779-2125.


Postdoctoral Positions

The Program in Hearing and Chemical Senses at the University of Michigan provides the opportunity to pursue research related to sensory mechanisms and disorders. The Program is supported by a faculty with closely related scientific interests in sensory neuroscience, cell biology, biochemistry, neurobiology, physiology, psychology, and psychobiology. Postdoctoral fellows work in close association with members of the faculty and participate in seminars and other instructional opportunities afforded by the departments participating in the program. For further information contact: Jochen Schacht, Ph.D., Program Director, Kresge Hearing Research Institute, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0506. We encourage applications by minority candidates.


Postdoctoral Positions in Comparative and Evolutionary Biology of Hearing

The University of Maryland at College Park has NIDCD funded postdoctoral traineeships available in comparative and evolutionary biology of hearing. Trainees will have the unique opportunity to develop a broad background in the hearing sciences, while participating in research that emphasizes a range of animal species from insects to humans and methodological approaches that span molecular biology to psychoacoustics. The major goal of the program is to produce scientists who have an appreciation for, and an understanding of, the diversity and evolution that crosses experimental approaches and animal species. The training faculty include: Catherine Carr, Ph.D. (Development of Hearing, Sound Localization); Robert J. Dooling, Ph.D. (Comparative Psychophysics); Sandra Gordon-Salant, Ph.D. (Speech Perception, Psychoacoustics): William S. Hall, Ph.D. (Anatomy and Development of the Auditory CNS); Arthur N. Popper, Ph.D. (Comparative Auditory Mechanisms, Development of Sensory Cells); Shihab Shamma, Ph.D. (Computation in Auditory Systems); David Yager, Ph.D. (Physiological Mechanisms of Hearing). Potential trainees should have a doctoral degree and be a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident status. For further information about the program, please contact any of the program faculty or Dr. Arthur N. Popper, Department of Zoology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742 [phone: (301) 405-6884; FAX: (301) 314-9358; E-mail: AP17@umail.umd.edu]. The University of Maryland is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are especially invited to apply to the training program.


NIH Postdoctoral Traineeship in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

A Postdoctoral Traineeship, under support from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), is available through the Ph.D. Program in Speech and Hearing Sciences of City University of New York Graduate School. The objective of this program is to provide intensive research training to individuals who intend to pursue academic and research careers in Human Communication Sciences and Disorders. Research training during the fellowship period will take place in one of the participating extramurally funded laboratories in the CUNY Center for Research in Speech and Hearing Sciences, the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Haskins Laboratories and the Center for Neural Science at New York University. In all instances research training will be directed by a designated preceptor whose research interests are similar to those of the trainee. Research opportunities are available in the following areas: cochlear implants; psychophysics of sensorineural hearing loss; signal processing hearing aids; video speech processing; speech perception and production; developmental psycholinguistics; clinical audiology; auditory electrophysiology; embryology of the inner ear; and auditory physiology. Traineeship support will be awarded for a minimum of two years. The trainee will be expected to carry out original empirical and/or theoretical research and collaborate with faculty, other research scientists and predoctoral students currently working in the laboratories at the City University of New York and/or at participating facilities. Interested applicants should send a letter describing their research interests, a copy of their vita and reference letters from two individuals who can describe their background, interests and potential. For further information, interested applicants should contact: Irving Hochberg, Ph.D., Ph.D. Program in Speech and Hearing Sciences, CUNY Graduate School, 33 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036; (212) 642-2352.


Post-Residency Humanitarian Efforts Award

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, Inc. desires its membership to engage in humanitarian efforts. The Committee on Humanitarian Efforts helps the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation as an organization and its membership as individuals, to serve mankinds needs throughout the world in this medical specialty. Our goal is achieved through domestic and international patient care, preventative medicine and education. As an extension of this desire, an outstanding service award is given to provide an opportunity for a young well-trained specialist in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery to benevolently give a period of professional service to the people of a developing country. The minimum duration of service is three months on location, although longer is preferable. The recipient of this grant is responsible for contact and agreement with officials of the institution and the country in which he or she desires to serve. The Committee on Humanitarian Efforts of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation will assist in providing several possibilities of institutions desiring such service. This award is specifically for service in seriously underserved areas, both within or outside the United States. A grant of $2,500 is made. Other funds for travel, living expenses, etc., must be raised by the recipient. Applications may be received from any physician who is a member of the ACADEMY within the first five years after completion of an RRC Accredited Residency in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Deadlines for application are February 1 and August 1, either the year of or the year before you desire to serve. Selection is competitive. To obtain copies of this application form write to: Moira DeWilde, Staff Liaison, American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, One Prince Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; Phone: (703) 519-1560; FAX: (703) 683-5100.
Postdoctoral Positions


Postdoctoral Positions

Kresge Hearing Research Laboratory in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology at the Louisiana State University Medical Center in New Orleans, Louisiana has postdoctoral positions available in auditory physiology and anatomy in a program supported by NIH. Specific areas of interest include: Presbycusis, Development of High-Frequency Sensitivity, Pharmacology of Isolated Hair Cells, Electrical suppression of Tinnitus, Stimulus Coding for Scala Tympani Cochlear Prostheses, Cochlear Afferent Transmitter Search, Cochlear Impairments, Cochlear Implant Research, Age-Dependent Effects of Apical Cochlear Lesions, Trophic Effects of Gangliosides, Synergy of Ganglisosides and Cochlear Implants, Neural and Hair Cell Mechanisms, Molecular Genetics and Hair Cell Function in Usher's Syndrome an Other Progressive Losses, and Measuring Efferent Function Via Contralateral Suppression of Otoacoustic Emissions. Scientists available for mentorship include Douglas Webster, Ph.D., Richard P. Bobbin, Ph.D., Linda Hood, Ph.D., Paul Guth, Ph.D., Bronya Keats, Ph.D., Charles Norris, Ph.D., Charles Parkins, M.D. and others. The amount of support is NIH postdoctoral rates. For more information contact: Charles I. Berlin, Ph.D., Director, Kresge Hearing Research Laboratory, Louisiana State University Medical Center, 2020 Gravier, Suite A, New Orleans, LA 70112, Phone (504) 568-4785.


Research Fellowship in Otolaryngology

Research fellowships are available for individuals preparing for academic careers in otolaryngology. The first is a two-three month award to medical students interested in pursuing a career in academic otolaryngology. The second is a two year fellowship for one who has recently received a M.D. or Ph.D. in an otolaryngology-related field. Fellowships begin July 1, 1995. Student awards are offered July 1995 - June 1996. Research opportunities are available in the following areas: deglutition, cochlear blood flow, thyroid immunology, vestibular physiology, cancer biogenesis, biochemistry of the inner ear, neurotransmitter substances, cellflow cytometry, neuronal plasticity, clinical cancer trials, neurophysiology, cancer immunology, molecular biology, mucosal immunology, nutrition/immunology, flap survival, temporal bone anatomy, experimental therapeutics, pulmonary physiology, mastication, hormonal receptors, immunology. For details, write to: Robert Mathog M.D., Chairman, Otolaryngology 5E-UHC, 540 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI 48201.


Postdoctoral Position in Physiology of Auditory Cortex

We are performing microelectrode studies in auditory cortex. The research has two major focuses: (1) investigating the basic physiology of the auditory cortex and (2) determining the role auditory cortex plays in auditory scene analysis. In pursuit of these goals, we are (1) investigating single unit maps of inhibitory, and two-tone facilitatory response properties in the primary auditory cortex of anesthetized cats or monkeys, and (2) determining the role of auditory cortex in detecting low-intensity tones from noise in awake-behaving cats or monkeys. The ideal candidate will have experience in neurophysiology or behavioral training or audition. Please send vitae and references to: Dr. Mitchell L. Sutter, Center for Neuroscience, 1544 Newton Ct., Davis, CA 95616.


Visiting Scientist

As part of the NIDCD-funded Center for Hearing Loss in Children at BTNRH, funds are available to defray travel costs and a portion of local living expenses for visiting scientists who wish to spend time in one of our laboratories pursuing research in the areas of early identification, diagnosis, and rehabilitation of hearing loss in children; hereditary hearing loss in children; or the developmental neurobiology of the auditory system. The goal of the program is to faciliate collaborative research resulting in a joint publication. Interested persons should write to Walt Jesteadt, Ph.D., Boys Town National Research Hospital, 555 North 30th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68131, (402) 498-6700, or send E-Mail to Jesteadt@boystown.org.


Pre/Postdoctoral Research Positions Speech, Hearing & Sensory Communication

NIH Predoctoral and Postdoctoral positions are available immediately to study speech perception, production, synthesis, spoken word recognition, auditory psychophysics, hearing science and experimental audiology. The program welcomes individuals with backgrounds in clinical areas related to Speech and Hearing Sciences as well as Linguistics, Engineering, Experimental Psychology and Cognitive Science. Interested applicants should send a CV, personal letter describing specific research interests and three letters of reference by January 1, 1995 to: Dr. David Pisoni, Speech Research Laboratory, Indiana University, Department of Psychology, Bloomington, IN 47405. Indiana University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.


Research Fellow

Postdoctoral position available to study the synaptic organization of specific cell types, their synaptic structure and microcircuitry, as they relate to the cellular mechanisms of signal processing in the mammalian auditory system. A project of current interest is to map out local inhibitory circuits in the cochlear nucleus. This is done in combination with electrophysiological study of the effects of local inhibitory synapses on central processing. One of the key techniques uses retrograde labeling with fluorescent labeled beads injected in situ followed by fixation and visualization of the labeled neuronal cell bodies in brain slices. A micropipette is then used to inject labeled cell bodies with biotinylated lucifer yellow which fills out the dendrites and allows one to select individual cells for more detailed study including electron microscopy. We are also using neurochemical, molecular, and morphological methods to determine the sources of synapses in the adult brain. At the molecular level we are using in situ hybridization and related molecular and immunocytochemical techniques, which we can apply to the mature or developing neurons and their synaptic structures. The current interest is in the regulation of gene expression for the subunits of the receptors for the major neurotransmitters in the cochlear nucleus. We work in close daily contact with a group of auditory neuroscientists who represent different disciplines, including neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neurochemistry, neuronal modeling, anda behavior. There is a broad area in which to develop a postdoctoral program and adequate funding. Write to Dr. D. Kent Morest, M.D., Department of Anatomy MC-3405, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030.


Postdoctoral Position In Auditory Development

A postdoctoral position in developmental neurobiology and the auditory sciences is available to study the maturation of inhibitory synapses. The issues to be addressed include: (1) the activity- dependent modulation of glycinergic and GABAergic transmission; (2) the effect of sensorineural hearing loss on synaptic function; (3) the trophic influence of inhibitory synaptic transmission. The techniques to be used include: whole-cell patch clamp recordings in the brain slice preparation, organotypic cultures of auditory brainstem, morphometry, and in vivo electrophysiology. Familiarity with these techniques is not required, but the candidate should have a background in neural development or electrophysiology. The Center for Neural Science at NYU is located in Greenwich Village, and offers an active neuroscience community, with well-equipped facilities, and regular seminars. Send vita, statement of research interests, and names of two references to Dan Sanes, Center for Neural Science, 6 Washington Place, New York University, New York, NY 10003; Fax: (212) 995-4011; Internet: sanes@cns.nyu.edu


Postdoctoral Positions In Central Auditory Research

Postdoctoral positions to study neural coding of directional cues for sound localization and motion processing. The research addresses representations and transformations of sensory information from periphery to cortex. Three positions are available. Depending on prior experience, work will involve single-unit (or brain-slice) studies of brainstem binaural mechanisms in gerbil (or cat), or single-unit and anatomical studies of auditory cortex in acute and awake-behaving primate. Auditory research experience or skills in neurophysiology, psychophysics or computing are desirable; a demonstrated interest in sensory systems is essential. The laboratory facilities are modern, the research environment is stimulating and opportunities for collaboration are excellent. Send vita, statement of research interests and names of three references to Malcolm Semple, Center for Neural Science, 6 Washington Place, New York University, New York, NY 10003; Fax: (212) 995-4011; Internet: mal@cns.nyu.edu.


Assistant/Associate Professor of Audiology

The Department of Communication Disorders, Sargent College of Allied Health Professions, Boston University, anticipates the availability of a tenure-track position in audiology beginning September 1, 1995. Applicants should possess an earned doctorate in audiology or related area. CCC-Aud and university teaching experience desirable. Duties include teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in audiology and related areas; supervision of graduate student research; conduct research in areas of interest; advise students and serve on departmental committees. Preference given to candidates with expertise in speech perception and recognition, hearing aids, and/or aural rehabilitation. Interested parties should send letter of application, curriculum vitae, and three letters of recommendation to L. Clarke Cox, Ph.D., Chair of Search Committee, Department of Communication Disorders, Boston University, 635 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215. For full consideration, completed applications should be received by March 1, 1995. Boston Universitys policies provide for equal opportunity and affirmative action in employment and admission to all programs of the University.


Postdoctoral Position

Neuropharmacological studies in central auditory aging. In situ hybridization, receptor binding and standard neurochemical techniques will be used to assess amino acid neurotransmitter function in brainstem auditory structures. Candidate must possess a doctoral degree in neurobiology or a related field. Knowledge of the auditory system a plus. SIU-School of Medicine has a multidiciplinary group working on many different aspect of age-related changes in the auditory system. Submit a vita, three letters of reference, and copies of any related publications to: Donald Caspary, Ph.D. Department of Pharmacology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, POB 19230 Springfield, IL 62794-9230. U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status required. AA/EOE.