Cognitive Science

The nasal mucosa of halothane-anesthetized rats was stimulated with defined CO2 pulses. Recordings were performed from single trigeminal brainstem neurons to characterize their responses to this controlled chemical irritation. All cells examined with this stimulus displayed graded discharges to increasing concentrations of CO2. Enhanced responses were obtained in a group of neurons when the duration of the interstimulus interval was increased. The application of chemical irritants, notably mustard oil or acetic acid induced vigorous ongoing discharges in all cells tested. The CO2 stimulation method described here thus provides an ideal model for the quantitative physiological and pharmacological examination of chemically induced nociception.

The fundamental aim of feature selection is to reduce the dimensionality of data by removing irrelevant and redundant features. As finding out the best subset of features from all possible subsets is computationally expensive, especially for high dimensional data sets, meta-heuristic algorithms are often used as a promising method for addressing the task. In this paper, a variant of recent meta-heuristic approach Owl Search Optimization algorithm (OSA) has been proposed for solving the feature selection problem within a wrapper-based framework. Several strategies are incorporated with an aim to strengthen BOSA (binary version of OSA) in searching the global best solution. The meta-parameter of BOSA is initialized dynamically and then adjusted using a self-adaptive mechanism during the search process. Besides, elitism and mutation operations are combined with BOSA to control the exploitation and exploration better. This improved BOSA is named in this paper as Modified Binary Owl Sear...

 Chronic methylphenidate upregulated Arc, IRSp53, Cdc42 and Arp2 expression in cerebral areas associated with reward, cognition and addiction.  Arc and IRSp53 were down-regulated in the cerebellum following chronic methylphenidate administration.  The IRSp53 pathway deserves to be studied further to establish its role in methylphenidate induced neuronal plasticity and long term behavioural effects.

 Chronic methylphenidate upregulated Arc, IRSp53, Cdc42 and Arp2 expression in cerebral areas associated with reward, cognition and addiction.  Arc and IRSp53 were down-regulated in the cerebellum following chronic methylphenidate administration.  The IRSp53 pathway deserves to be studied further to establish its role in methylphenidate induced neuronal plasticity and long term behavioural effects.

The notion of n-normal residuated lattice, as a class of residuated lattices in which every prime filter contains at most n minimal prime filters, is introduced and studied. Before that, the notion of ω-filter is introduced and it is observed that the set of ω-filters in a residuated lattice forms a distributive lattice on its own, which includes the set of coannulets as a sublattice. The class of n-normal residuated lattices is characterized in terms of their prime filters, minimal prime filters, coannulets and ωfilters. 1

The notion of n-normal residuated lattice, as a class of residuated lattices in which every prime filter contains at most n minimal prime filters, is introduced and studied. Before that, the notion of ω-filter is introduced and it is observed that the set of ω-filters in a residuated lattice forms a distributive lattice on its own, which includes the set of coannulets as a sublattice. The class of n-normal residuated lattices is characterized in terms of their prime filters, minimal prime filters, coannulets and ωfilters. 1

The DA transporter (DAT), a phosphoprotein, controls extracellular dopamine (DA) levels in the central nervous system through transport or reverse transport (efflux). Multiple lines of evidence support the claim that PKC significantly contributes to amphetamine-induced DA efflux. Other signaling pathways, involving CaMKII and ERK, have also been shown to regulate DAT mediated efflux. Here we assessed the contribution of putative PKC residues (S4, S7, S13) in the N-terminal of the DAT to amphetamine-induced DA efflux by transfecting DATs containing different serine to alanine (S-A) point mutations into DA pre-loaded HEK-293 cells and incubating these cells in amphetamine (2 µM). The effects of a S-A mutation at the non-PKC residue S12 and a threonine to alanine (T-A) mutation at the ERK T53 residue were also assessed for comparison. WT-DATs were used as controls. In an initial experiment, we confirmed that inhibiting PKC with Go6976 (130nM) significantly reduced amphetamine-induced DA efflux. In subsequent experiments, cells transfected with the S4A, S12A, S13A, T53A and S4,7,13A mutants showed a reduction in amphetamine-induced DA efflux similar to that observed with Go6976. Interestingly, cells transfected with the S7A mutant, identified by some as a PKC-PKA residue, showed unperturbed WT-DAT levels of amphetamine-induced DA efflux. These results indicate that phosphorylation by PKC of select residues in the DAT N-terminal can regulate amphetamine-induced efflux. PKC can act either independently or in concert with other kinases such as ERK to produce this effect.

The DA transporter (DAT), a phosphoprotein, controls extracellular dopamine (DA) levels in the central nervous system through transport or reverse transport (efflux). Multiple lines of evidence support the claim that PKC significantly contributes to amphetamine-induced DA efflux. Other signaling pathways, involving CaMKII and ERK, have also been shown to regulate DAT mediated efflux. Here we assessed the contribution of putative PKC residues (S4, S7, S13) in the N-terminal of the DAT to amphetamine-induced DA efflux by transfecting DATs containing different serine to alanine (S-A) point mutations into DA pre-loaded HEK-293 cells and incubating these cells in amphetamine (2μM). The effects of a S-A mutation at the non-PKC residue S12 and a threonine to alanine (T-A) mutation at the ERK T53 residue were also assessed for comparison. WT-DATs were used as controls. In an initial experiment, we confirmed that inhibiting PKC with Go6976 (130nM) significantly reduced amphetamine-induced DA...

While the ventral striatum has long been implicated in the rewarding properties of psychomotor stimulants and opiates, little attention has been paid to the possible contribution of more dorsal regions of the striatum. We have thus examined the effects of lesions in three different striatal subregions on cocaine and morphine self-administration. Different groups of rats were trained to self-administer intravenous cocaine (1.0 mg/kg/infusion) or morphine (0.5 mg/kg/infusion) first under fixed ratio (FR) and then under progressive ratio (PR) schedules of reinforcement. Upon completion of the training, independent groups received bilateral electrolytic or sham lesions of the dorsal portion of the caudate-putamen (dCPu), the ventral portion of the caudate-putamen (vCPu) or the more ventral nucleus accumbens (NAS). Following recovery, they were tested for self-administration of cocaine (0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mg/kg/infusion) or morphine (0.125, 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 mg/kg/infusion) under the PR schedule. The PR responding for each drug was significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner following lesions of dCPu, vCPu and NAS. While the relative effectiveness of these lesions is likely to be specific to the conditions of this experiment, NAS lesions reduced self-administration of each drug to a greater extent than did dCPu or vCPu lesions.

Several recent reports have demonstrated that opiate action in both the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the nucleus accumbens (N.Acc.) produces an increase in locomotor activity. In the present experiments, the effect of repeated bilateral injections into these sites of either morphine or the mu opioid receptor agonist Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-NMe-Phe-Gly-ol (DAGO) was investigated. As previously reported with morphine and other opioids, repeated injections of either morphine or DAGO into the VTA produced a progressive enhancement or sensitization of their locomotor activating effects. On the other hand, although both substances injected into the N.Acc. elicited increased locomotion, repeated injections did not lead to sensitization. It has been suggested that the increased locomotor activity produced by opiate injection into the VTA is dopamine-dependent while that produced by intra-N.Acc, injections is not 15. The present findings provide neuroanatomical support for the view that sensitization to the locomotor activating effects of opiates and opioids brought about by repeated drug exposure involves the mesolimbic dopamine system.

Background: Neuropsychiatric symptoms play an important role in diagnosing and clinical follow-up of cognitive impairment and dementia. Objective: We investigated the relationship between neuropsychiatric symptoms, cognitive impairment, and dementia in Hispanics. Methods: We included 529 participants (age ≥40 years) from the Maracaibo Aging Study with standardized neuropsychiatric assessments, including the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). Based on the Clinical Dementia Rating and the Mini-Mental State Examination scores, participants’ cognitive status was categorized into normal cognition, mild/moderate, and severe cognitive impairment. Diagnosis of dementia was established in a consensus conference. Statistical analyses included multivariable logistic regression models and area under the curve (AUC). Results: The mean age of participants was 59.3 years, and 71.8%were women. The proportion of dementia was 6.8%. Disturbed sleep, anxiety, and depression were the most common neuropsy...

Background: Dementia of the Alzheimer’s type (DAT) impacts Hispanics disproportionately, with almost a twofold elevated risk of developing DAT, as well as earlier onset of the disease, than in non-Hispanic Whites. However, the role of main risk factors for DAT, such as APOE-ɛ4 and blood pressure (BP) levels, remains uncertain among Hispanics. Objective: To investigate the association of APOE-ɛ4 and BP levels, measures with 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring, with incidence of DAT in an elderly cohort of Hispanics. Methods: 1,320 participants from the Maracaibo Aging Study, free of dementia at the baseline, and with ambulatory BP measurements and APOE genotype available were included. Adjusted Cox proportional models were performed to examine 1) the incidence of DAT and 2) the relationship between BP levels and DAT according to APOE genotypes. Models were adjusted by competing risk of death before the onset of DAT. Model performance was assessed by likelihood test. Results: The average fo...

ABSTRACTWhile small‐scale fluid details are crucial elements for the creation of visually pleasing fluid animations, their synthesis often requires heavy computation with traditional grid‐based fluid simulation methods. This paper proposes a novel method for enhancing the appearance of small‐scale details through frequency‐___domain analysis. Different from previous work, our method detects and improves fluid details in the frequency‐___domain via lifting wavelet decomposition. Based on a coarse‐to‐fine mechanism, the lifting wavelet composition first transforms the velocity in a fine grid into the frequency ___domain. Next, the velocity field is enhanced separately for different frequency bands. A novel velocity fusion method is developed for the enhancement of low‐frequency parts. On the other hand, high‐frequency parts are enhanced using a specially designed vorticity confinement method. Finally, the application of the inverse lifting wavelet transform determines the final velocity field ...

We propose a texture mapping technique that allows user to directly manipulate texture coordinates of subdivision surfaces through adding feature correspondences. After features, or constraints, are specified by user on the subdivision surface, the constraints are projected back to the control mesh and a polygon matching/embedding algorithm is performed to generate polygon regions that embed texture coordinates of control mesh into different regions. After this step, some Steiner points are added to the control mesh. The generated texture coordinates exactly satisfy the input constraints but with high distortions. Then a constrained smoothing algorithm is performed to minimize distortions of the subdivision surface via updating texture coordinates of the control mesh. Finally, an Iterative Closest Point (ICP)-based deformation algorithm is performed to remove subdivision errors caused by the added Steiner points.

contends the validity of the statistical approach adopted in previous versions of iMap (namely, iMap and iMap2; Caldara & Miellet, 2011, Behavior Research Methods, 43, 864-878), casts doubts on earlier results obtained with the toolbox, and offers an altered version of the code. Here we dispute these claims and argue that while some of the arguments put forward are valid, McManus's conclusions are misleading, since they are based on a partial use of the toolbox. Moreover, we compared iMap with the alternative code offered by McManus and objectively demonstrate that McManus's approach is underpowered and flawed. iMap offers an appropriate and effective alternative to the commonly used regions of interest approach for statistical analyses of eye-movement data.

The main concern in face-processing research is to understand the processes underlying the identification of faces. In the study reported here, we addressed this issue by examining whether local or global information supports face identification. We developed a new methodology called "iHybrid." This technique combines two famous identities in a gaze-contingent paradigm, which simultaneously provides local, foveated information from one face and global, complementary information from a second face. Behavioral face-identification performance and eye-tracking data showed that the visual system identified faces on the basis of either local or global information depending on the ___location of the observer's first fixation. In some cases, a given observer even identified the same face using local information on one trial and global information on another trial. A validation in natural viewing conditions confirmed our findings. These results clearly demonstrate that face identification is not rooted in a single, or even preferred, information-gathering strategy.

A major challenge in modern eye movement research is to statistically map where observers are looking, by isolating the significant differences between groups and conditions. As compared to the signals from contemporary neuroscience measures, such as magneto/electroencephalography and functional magnetic resonance imaging, eye movement data are sparser, with much larger variations in space across trials and participants. As a result, the implementation of a conventional linear modeling approach on two-dimensional fixation distributions often returns unstable estimations and underpowered results, leaving this statistical problem unresolved . Here, we present a new version of the iMap toolbox (Caldara & Miellet, 2011) that tackles this issue by implementing a statistical framework comparable to those developed in state-ofthe-art neuroimaging data-processing toolboxes. iMap4 uses univariate, pixel-wise linear mixed models on smoothed fixation data, with the flexibility of coding for multiple betweenand within-subjects comparisons and performing all possible linear contrasts for the fixed effects (main effects, interactions, etc.). Importantly, we also introduced novel nonparametric tests based on resampling, to assess statistical significance. Finally, we validated this approach by using both experimental and Monte Carlo simulation data. iMap4 is a freely available MATLAB open source toolbox for the statistical fixation mapping of eye movement data, with a user-friendly interface providing straightforward, easy-to-interpret statistical graphical outputs. iMap4 matches the standards of robust statistical neuroimaging methods and represents an important step in the data-driven processing of eye movement fixation data, an important field of vision sciences.

We tested whether the E-Z Reader model can be generalised to French language. The simulation showed that the model can account for the frequency effect. The predictability effect is moreover accurate for words skipping but not for fixation times. We think that this model is psychologically plausible for certain aspects of reading and we used it to evaluate the performance of dyslexic readers.

In the last few years, a rapidly growing number of autoantibodies targeting neuronal cell-surface antigens have been identified in patients presenting with neurological symptoms. Targeted antigens include ionotropic receptors such as N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor or the α-amino-3hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor, metabotropic receptors such as mGluR1 and mGluR5, and other synaptic proteins, some of them belonging to the voltage-gated potassium channel complex. Importantly, the cell-surface ___location of these antigens makes them vulnerable to direct antibody-mediated modulation. Some of these autoantibodies, generally targeting ionotropic channels or their partner proteins, define clinical syndromes resembling models of pharmacological or genetic disruption of the corresponding antigen, suggesting a direct pathogenic role of the associated autoantibodies. Moreover, the associated neurological symptoms are usually immunotherapy-responsive, further arguing for a pathogenic effect of the antibodies. Some studies have shown that some patients' antibodies may have structural and functional in vitro effects on the targeted antigens. Definite proof of the pathogenicity of these autoantibodies has been obtained for just a few through passive transfer experiments in animal models. In this review we present existing and converging evidence suggesting a pathogenic role of some autoantibodies directed against neuronal cell-surface antigens observed in patients with central nervous system disorders. We describe the main clinical symptoms characterizing the patients and discuss conflicting arguments regarding the pathogenicity of these antibodies.

The family of collapsin response mediator protein/Unc-33-like protein (CRMP/Ulip), composed of four homologous members, is specifically and highly expressed in the nervous system during embryonic neuronal development and dramatically down-regulated in the adult. Members of this family have been proposed to be part of the semaphorins signal transduction pathway involved in axonal outgrowth. Here, we show by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry that CRMP2/Ulip2, and to a lesser extent CRMP3/Ulip4, are expressed in immature and mature oligodendrocytes, but not in astrocytes. Transcripts encoding the other CRMP/Ulip members are also detectable by RT-PCR in highly purified mature oligodendrocytes. Interestingly, in the adult, the protein CRMP2/Ulip2 is mainly detectable in subsets of oligodendrocytes distributed according to an increasing rostrocaudal gradient, with the largest number of positive cells being present in the brain stem and spinal cord. In cultures of highly purified oligodendrocytes, however, CRMP2/Ulip2 was detectable in all the cells. Addition of Sema3A in the culture medium completely inhibited the emergence of oligodendrocyte processes suggesting that, as in neurons, a Sema3A signaling pathway mediated via CRMP2/Ulip2 may be involved in the regulation of oligodendroglial process outgrowth.

Immune-mediated cerebellar ataxias (IMCAs) have diverse etiologies. Patients with IMCAs develop cerebellar symptoms, characterized mainly by gait ataxia, showing an acute or subacute clinical course. We present a novel concept of latent autoimmune cerebellar ataxia (LACA), analogous to latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA). LADA is a slowly progressive form of autoimmune diabetes where patients are often initially diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The sole biomarker (serum anti-GAD antibody) is not always present or can fluctuate. However, the disease progresses to pancreatic beta-cell failure and insulin dependency within about 5 years. Due to the unclear autoimmune profile, clinicians often struggle to reach an early diagnosis during the period when insulin production is not severely compromised. LACA is also characterized by a slowly progressive course, lack of obvious autoimmune background, and difficulties in reaching a diagnosis in the absence of clear markers for IMCAs. The authors discuss two aspects of LACA: (1) the not manifestly evident autoimmunity and (2) the prodromal stage of IMCA's characterized by a period of partial neuronal dysfunction where non-specific symptoms may occur. In order to achieve an early intervention and prevent cell death in the cerebellum, identification of the time-window before irreversible neuronal loss is critical. LACA occurs during this time-window when possible preservation of neural plasticity exists. Efforts should be devoted to the early identification of biological, neurophysiological, neuropsychological, morphological (brain morphometry), and multimodal biomarkers allowing early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention and to avoid irreversible neuronal loss. Cerebellum • Immune-mediated cerebellar ataxias • Latent autoimmune cerebellar ataxia • Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults • Cerebellar reserve • Biomarkers Abbreviations Abs antibodies ANA Ab anti-nuclear antibodies CA cerebellar ataxia CNS central nervous system CSF cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) DM diabetes mellitus EA episodic ataxia * Hiroshi Mitoma

In the last few years, a rapidly growing number of autoantibodies targeting neuronal cell-surface antigens have been identified in patients presenting with neurological symptoms. Targeted antigens include ionotropic receptors such as N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor or the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor, metabotropic receptors such as mGluR1 and mGluR5, and other synaptic proteins, some of them belonging to the voltage-gated potassium channel complex. Importantly, the cell-surface ___location of these antigens makes them vulnerable to direct antibody-mediated modulation. Some of these autoantibodies, generally targeting ionotropic channels or their partner proteins, define clinical syndromes resembling models of pharmacological or genetic disruption of the corresponding antigen, suggesting a direct pathogenic role of the associated autoantibodies. Moreover, the associated neurological symptoms are usually immunotherapy-responsive, further arguing for a patho...

The flourishing identification of circulating autoantibodies against neuronal receptors in neuropsychiatric patients has fostered new conceptual and clinical frameworks. However, their detection in multiple neurological and psychiatric disorders, as well as in healthy subjects, has cast doubt about their pathological action and use as biomarkers. Here, we purified autoantibodies against glutamate NMDA receptor (IgG type; NMDAR-Ab) from schizophrenic patients 'and healthy subjects' sera and examined their impact on their targets. First, we report that circulating levels in schizophrenic patients are lower than those found in anti-NMDA encephalitis patients. These low titers generate detection variability as demonstrated by the heterogenous outcomes from the different methods we used. Strikingly, using single molecule and super-resolution imaging approaches, we report that only NMDAR-Ab from schizophrenic patients strongly, specifically, and acutely alters the dynamic organization of synaptic GluN1-NMDAR and membrane partners in live hippocampal neurons. Thus, circulating NMDAR-Ab are heterogeneous in their molecular pathogenicity, supporting a possible role of pathogenic autoantibodies and calling for great caution in using NMDAR-Ab as diagnostic biomarkers for neuropsychiatric disorders.

Objective: To define the frequency and clinical and immunologic characteristics of patients affected by paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes (PNS) and lymphoma. Methods: Patients fulfilling the criteria for PNS associated with lymphoma collected from the European Commission-funded PNS Euronetwork group database were analyzed. Results: Fifty-three patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) (24 patients, mean age 51, range 16-84) or non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) (29 patients, mean age 64, range 31-82) and PNS were analyzed. The most commonly associated PNS was paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration, present in 21 cases, with a higher prevalence in HL (16/24 cases). Peripheral nervous system (mainly demyelinating polyradiculopathies) and motor neuron involvement were more common in NHL. Onconeural antibodies were more frequent in patients with paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration, most commonly against the Tr antigen. Fifty percent of the patients with PNS and HL responded to chemotherapy, whereas neurologic improvement was less frequent (24%) in patients with PNS and NHL. In both groups, the survival rate was good. Overall, 10 out of 53 patients eventually died, with only 2 patients (1 with HL, 1 with NHL) dying from PNS. Conclusions: PNS in patients with lymphoma are relatively rare. Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration, mainly associated with anti-Tr antibodies, is more prevalent in HL and NHL, followed in our study by motor neuron disease in patients with NHL. Involvement of the peripheral nervous system is heterogeneous, with a prevalence of polyradiculoneuritis in patients with NHL.

Behavioral measures of parkinsonism that are more clinically relevant than rotometry have been developed for rats with severe unilateral dopamine depletions, and the validity of these measures is supported by reports that these parkinsonian symptoms are attenuated by drugs that are effective in the clinical setting. Although the therapeutic gold standard, L-DOPA:carbidopa (Sinemat), effectively attenuates parkinsonian symptoms, the beneficial effects of this drug are limited by the dyskinesias that it produces at higher doses. The range of effective doses, from the minimum dose that produces beneficial effects to the dose that produces intolerable dyskinesias, is referred to as the "therapeutic window." It would be extremely valuable to assess, preclinically, the effects of novel treatments on the therapeutic window for Sinemet. The results of the present study support the validity of nondrug-induced measures of parkinsonian symptoms in dopamine-depleted rats. Neurological measures revealed large behavioral deficits in the affected forelimb analogous to the deficits exhibited in Parkinson's disease patients, and these deficits were significantly attenuated with some doses of oral Sinemet (30-40 mg/kg). These drug effects on measures of parkinsonism were specific to performance with the affected limb. At slightly higher doses (50 mg/ kg), the rats were untestable due to severe dyskinesias. The results of the present study suggest that it is possible to investigate the therapeutic potential of novel treatments as well as their effects on the therapeutic window of oral Sinemat in this rodent model of Parkinson's disease.

Like many other nocturnal arthropods, the amblypygid Phrynus pseudoparvulus is capable of homing. The environment through which these predators navigate is a dense and heterogeneous tropical forest understory and the mechanism(s) underlying their putatively complex navigational abilities are presently unknown. This study explores the sensory inputs that might facilitate nocturnal navigation in the amblypygid P. pseudoparvulus. Specifically, we use sensory system manipulations in conjunction with field displacements to examine the potential involvement of multimodal-olfactory and visual-stimuli in P. pseudoparvulus' homing behavior. In a first experiment, we deprived individuals of their olfactory capacity and displaced them to the opposite side of their home trees (<5 m). We found that olfaction-intact individuals were more likely to be re-sighted in their home refuges than olfaction-deprived individuals. In a second experiment, we independently manipulated both olfactory and visual sensory capacities in conjunction with longer-distance displacements (8 m) from home trees. We found that sensory-intact individuals tended to be re-sighted on their home tree more often than sensory-deprived individuals, with a stronger effect of olfactory deprivation than visual deprivation. Comparing across sensory modality manipulations, olfaction-manipulated individuals took longer to return to their home trees than vision-manipulated individuals. Together, our results indicate that olfaction is important in the nocturnal navigation of P. pseudoparvulus and suggest that vision may also play a more minor role.

Visual attention and active engagement during shared book reading are important for facilitating emergent literacy learning during the preschool years. Children on the autism spectrum often show difficulties in language and literacy development, yet research investigating potential indicators of shared book reading engagement, including visual attention and verbal engagement, for this group of preschoolers is currently limited. To better understand the relationship between children’s visual attention and verbal engagement during shared book reading, parent shared book reading behaviors, and children’s emergent literacy skills (e.g. receptive vocabulary and letter-name knowledge), we observed 40 preschoolers on the spectrum and their parents sharing an unfamiliar storybook. Videos of the shared book reading interactions were transcribed and coded for child and parent behaviors using observational coding schemes. Strong significant associations were found between children’s visual att...

Two experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that toddlers have access to an analog-magnitude number representation that supports numerical reasoning about relatively large numbers. Three-year-olds were presented with subtraction problems in which initial set size and proportions subtracted were systematically varied. Two sets of cookies were presented and then covered. The experimenter visibly subtracted cookies from the hidden sets, and the children were asked to choose which of the resulting sets had more. In Experiment 1, performance was above chance when high proportions of objects (3 versus 6) were subtracted from large sets (of 9) and for the subset of older participants (older than 3 years, 5 months; n = 15), performance was also above chance when high proportions (10 versus 20) were subtracted from the very large sets (of 30). In Experiment 2, which was conducted exclusively with older 3-year-olds and incorporated an important methodological control, the pattern of results for the subtraction tasks was replicated. In both experiments, success on the tasks was not related to counting ability. The results of these experiments support the hypothesis that young children have access to an analog-magnitude system for representing large approximate quantities, as performance on these subtraction tasks showed a Weber's Law signature, and was independent of conventional number knowledge.

This study addresses optimal walking pattern generation for SURENA III humanoid robot in a stair-climbing scenario. To this end, the kinematic configuration of the 31-DOF humanoid robot is studied. Integrating the detailed dynamic properties of the robot, a comprehensive and precise dynamic model is developed for its lower-limb. In order to generate the optimal walking pattern for the considered humanoid robot, trajectories for feet and pelvis are first designed, and then joint angles are derived by means of inverse kinematics. Such a complete model provides the designer with the necessary tools to optimize the trajectory generation. Using two different types of objective functions, namely joints maximum torque and overall energy consumption, several optimization processes have been carried out to account for different stair-climbing speeds as well as different stair heights. Subsequently, the optimal walking patterns are obtained by applying the Genetic Algorithm (GA). The simulation results are verified experimentally by implementing the proposed walking patterns on SURENA III, a humanoid robot designed and fabricated in CAST (Center of Advanced Systems and Technologies). This paper provides insight into how an optimized gait for climbing stairs can be realized for a human-size humanoid robot from two different viewpoints and at several walking speeds and stair heights by assuming each stair as a virtual slope.

Background: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) shows symptoms by elevating intracranial pressure. Although sinus stenosis has been detected in many patients with IIH, the role of sinus stenosis in IIH remains obscure. Endovascular treatment for IIH due to transverse sinus stenosis has been frequently documented; however, IIH due to multiple sinus stenoses including the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) is rare. Here, we report a case of IIH due to multiple sinus stenoses treated by sinus stenting. Case Presentation: A 47-year-old woman suffered from intractable headache with IIH presented with stenosis of the right transverse and SSS. Stent placement was carried out since intracranial hypertension and trans-stenotic cerebral venous pressure gradient (CVPG) were presented, and her intractable headache disappeared. IIH can be caused by venous sinus stenoses and stent placement could be an appropriate treatment in patients who demonstrated a CVPG.

Several studies have shown that the capacity of visuo-spatial working memory is limited by complexity. Using a variant of the Corsi blocks task, this paper investigated the effect of complexity of the to-be-remembered path on visuo-spatial memory span. Redundancy was determined by three Gestalt principles: symmetry, repetition and continuation. Experiment 1 revealed an effect of path complexity. The subsequent experiments explored whether the superiority for recall of structured over complex paths can be attributed solely to the operation of visuo-spatial working memory, or whether it also reflects the use of long-term knowledge. Experiment 2 demonstrated that the effect of complexity remained, even when the mechanisms for visuo-spatial coding were removed by a secondary visuo-spatial task. In Experiments 3 and 4 subjects were trained in the recall of complex paths. This led to the creation of long-term memory representations for these paths, as shown by an improvement in their span, and a concomitant lack of transfer to new paths. Finally, Experiment 5 showed that one prior repetition of a complex path was sufficient to produce specific and long-term learning effects. These results point to the involvement of long-term memory processes in the temporary retention of visuo-spatial material for which representations exist in long-term memory. They also suggest that the effect of complexity may provide a tractable technique for investigating the mechanisms underlying the limits of visuo-spatial short-term storage. LTM Processes in Visuo-spatial WM 3

Background and Objectives: Emotion regulation refers to the way individuals manage and regulate their own emotions in response to negative emotional experiences. This study investigated whether media multitasking serves as an avoidance coping strategy for managing emotionally stressful events. Design and Methods: Using a correlational design, 140 participants completed self-report measures of media multitasking and emotion regulation, and cognitive measures assessing attentional bias for emotionally negative stimuli. Results: Media multitasking was associated with difficulties in accepting emotional responses for participants who showed an attentional bias away from anxiety words, and for participants with poorer inhibitory control over such words. Further, there was a strong association between media multitasking and reduced interference from anxiety words for participants with stronger inhibitory control over such words in the emotional Stroop task. Conclusions: Results support the idea that media multitasking is linked to difficulty dealing with emotionally negative stimuli and serves as an avoidance coping strategy where one deliberately directs attention away from negative stimuli to prevent their further processing. The findings have real-life implications for managing anxiety and depression, as media multitasking may be used as a maladaptive coping strategy that further increases these negative moods.

With recent developments in technology, media multitasking is an ever-increasing phenomenon. Although most studies associate media multitasking with high impulsivity and poorer cognitive performance, findings in the literature have been mixed, with some studies suggesting the opposite. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between media multitasking and the capacity to exert inhibitory control, as well as the ability to multitask in a multisensory setting. Results showed that media multitasking was associated with high attentional impulsivity and lower initiatory selfcontrol, but not with inhibitory self-control. Relatedly, heavy media multitaskers were slower and showed more omission errors on the go/no-go task, suggestive of inattention; however, they were better at inhibiting already initiated motoric responses in the stop signal task. Media multitasking was further associated with faster responses when a letter and a tone task were temporally separated, but not when they were presented closer in time. Taken together, the results suggest a more nuanced relationship between media multitasking, personality and cognitive ability than has previously been thought. This has important real life implications for media multitasking, showing both advantages and disadvantages.

Two studies aimed to examine whether high socially anxious individuals are more likely to negatively interpret ambiguous social scenarios and facial expressions compared to low socially anxious individuals. We also examined whether interpretation bias serves as a mediator of the relationship between trait social anxiety and state anxiety responses, in particular current state anxiety, bodily sensations, and perceived probability and cost of negative evaluation pertaining to a speech task. Study 1 used ambiguous social scenarios and Study 2 used ambiguous facial expressions as stimuli to objectively assess interpretation bias. Undergraduate students with high and low social anxiety completed measures of state anxiety responses at three time points: baseline, after the interpretation bias task, and after the preparation for an impromptu speech. Results showed that high socially anxious individuals were more likely to endorse threat interpretations for ambiguous social scenarios and to interpret ambiguous faces as negative than low socially anxious individuals. Furthermore, negative interpretations mediated the relationship between trait social anxiety and perceived probability of negative evaluation pertaining to the speech task in Study 1 but not Study 2. The present studies provide new insight into the role of interpretation bias in social anxiety.

The extent and nature of age-related differences in mental synthesis was examined in light of Baddeley's working memory model and resource theories. Mental synthesis performance of 30 young, young-old, middle-old and old-old adults was examined using a dual-task experiment and individual differences approach. Age-related differences in mental synthesis were shown, with an unprecedented heightened decrement evident after the age of 85. The central executive was not a mechanism of this decline. Executive function, speed of information processing, and working memory capacity were mechanisms underlying this decline, and together accounted for 86% of the age-related variance in mental synthesis. Environmental support enhanced mental synthesis.

Research on the improvement of elementary school mathematics has shown that computer-based training of number sense (e.g., processing magnitudes or locating numbers on the number line) can lead to substantial achievement gains in arithmetic skills. Recent studies, however, have highlighted that training ___domain-general cognitive abilities (e.g., working memory [WM]) may also improve mathematical achievement. This study addressed the question of whether a training of ___domain-specific number sense skills or ___domain-general WM abilities is more appropriate for improving mathematical abilities in elementary school. Fifty-nine children (M age = 9 years, 32 girls and 27 boys) received either a computer-based, adaptive training of number sense (n = 20), WM skills (n = 19), or served as a control group (n = 20). The training duration was 20 min per day for 15 days. Before and after training, we measured mathematical ability using a curriculum-based math test, as well as spatial WM. For both tr...

According to cognitive stress theories, stress caused by waiting is influenced by two components, the (psychological) cost of waiting, that is, a function C of time, and a probability distribution over waiting times. Osuna (1985a) suggested a model by which stress as a function of time could be calculated from these constituents. The aim of this paper is (1) to generalize the model, (2) to investigate its mathematical properties, (3) to derive predictions for experimental tests of the model, and (4) to give a precise meaning to the variability and duration hypothesis discussed in the experimental literature. In particular, several theorems are derived which specify situations in which the model enables the user to compare conditions for their stress inducing potential. Such conditions are the duration of the waiting time and the predictability of the length of a waiting period. The core of the mathematical derivations is an identity for expected stress which simplifies the calculations of the Osuna model considerably.

This study analyzes the interplay of four cognitive abilitiesreasoning, divergent thinking, mental speed, and short-term memoryand their impact on academic achievement in school in a sample of adolescents in grades seven to 10 (N = 1135). Based on information processing approaches to intelligence, we tested a mediation hypothesis, which states that the complex cognitive abilities of reasoning and divergent thinking mediate the influence of the basic cognitive abilities of mental speed and short-term memory on achievement. We administered a comprehensive test battery and analyzed the data through structural equation modeling while controlling for the cluster structure of the data. Our findings support the notion that mental speed and short-term memory, as ability factors reflecting basic cognitive processes, exert an indirect influence on academic achievement by affecting reasoning and divergent thinking (total indirect effects: β = .22 and .24, respectively). Short-term memory also directly affects achievement (β = .22).

The objective of this study is to explore the potential for developing IRT-based working memory scales for assessing specific working memory components in children (8-13 years). These working memory scales should measure cognitive abilities reliably in the upper range of ability distribution as well as in the normal range, and provide a much-needed, reliable, and valid test for assessing high intellectual abilities in children. Six computer-assisted working memory tasks were administered to 172 children from regular schools and to 202 children from special schools and other institutions for the gifted. A factor analysis revealed a two-factor structure and the existence of a verbal-numerical and a visuo-spatial working memory scale. Classical item analysis and IRT analysis yielded good psychometric properties for both scales and revealed that the scales are appropriate for measuring high cognitive abilities. Both scales showed substantial and differential power for the explanation of variance in school achievement.

Compared to other psychological constructs, such as intelligence, creativity usually is a less valid predictor for scholastic achievement. The majority of the studies from which these results are derived apply Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) methods that assume random sampling of respondents and, hence, do not take into account the possibility of between-classroom variance that is due to clustered data structures. In this study, data from the standardization sample of the Berlin Structure of Intelligence Test for Youth: Assessment of Talent and Giftedness (BIS-HB) were analyzed using multilevel modelling techniques. To test the hypothesis that the impact of creativity on GPA may vary between different classrooms, a multilevel model incorporating explanatory variables on two levels (level 1: students and level 2: classrooms) was specified. The role of reasoning ability was also investigated. The results allow for a more detailed interpretation of the role of different variables in the context of predicting scholastic achievement. More specifically, it could be shown that especially the predictive power of creativity changes across classrooms, indicating that some teachers value creativity in their students more than others.

Discovering the function of phenomenal states remains a formidable scientific challenge. Research on consciously penetrable conflicts (e.g., "pain-for-gain" scenarios) and impenetrable conflicts (as in the pupillary reflex, ventriloquism, and the McGurk effect [H. ) reveals that these states integrate diverse kinds of information to yield adaptive action. Supramodular interaction theory proposes that phenomenal states play an essential role in permitting interactions among supramodular response systems-agentic, independent, multimodal, information-processing structures defined by their concerns (e.g., instrumental action vs. certain bodily needs). Unlike unconscious processes (e.g., pupillary reflex), these processes may conflict with skeletal muscle plans, as described by the principle of parallel responses into skeletal muscle (PRISM). Without phenomenal states, these systems would be encapsulated and incapable of collectively influencing skeletomotor action.

Background: Preparation of the direction of a forthcoming movement has a particularly strong influence on both reaction times and neuronal activity in the primate motor cortex. Here, we aimed to find direct neurophysiologic evidence for the preparation of movement direction in humans. We used single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to evoke isolated thumbmovements, of which the direction can be modulated experimentally, for example by training or by motor tasks. Sixteen healthy subjects performed brisk concentric voluntary thumb movements during a reaction time task in which the required movement direction was precued. We assessed whether preparation for the thumb movement lead to changes in the direction of TMS-evoked movements and to changes in amplitudes of motor-evoked potentials (MEPs) from the hand muscles. Results: When the required movement direction was precued early in the preparatory interval, reaction times were 50 ms faster than when precued at the end of the preparatory interval. Over time, the direction of the TMS-evoked thumb movements became increasingly variable, but it did not turn towards the precued direction. MEPs from the thumb muscle (agonist) were differentially modulated by the direction of the precue, but only in the late phase of the preparatory interval and thereafter. MEPs from the index finger muscle did not depend on the precued direction and progressively decreased during the preparatory interval. Our data show that the human corticospinal movement representation undergoes progressive changes during motor preparation. These changes are accompanied by inhibitory changes in corticospinal excitability, which are muscle specific and depend on the prepared movement direction. This inhibition might indicate a corticospinal braking mechanism that counteracts any preparatory motor activation.

Trans-spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) is an electro-modulatory tool with possible application in the rehabilitation of spinal cord injury. TsDCS generates a small electric field, aiming to induce lasting, functional neuromodulation in the targeted neuronal networks. Earlier studies have shown significant modulatory effects after application of lumbar tsDCS. However, for clinical application, a better understanding of application specific factors is required. Our goal was to investigate the effect of different electrode configurations using lumbar spinal tsDCS on spinal excitability. We applied tsDCS (2.5 mA, 15 min) in 10 healthy subjects with three different electrode configurations: (1) Anode and cathode placed over vertebra T11, and the posterior left shoulder respectively (LSC-S) (one polarity), and (2) Both electrodes placed in equal distance (ED) (7 cm) above and below vertebra T11, investigated for two polarities (ED-Anodal/Cathodal). The soleus H-Reflex is measured before, during and after tsDCS in either electrode configuration or a sham condition. To account for genetic predispositions in response to direct current stimulation, subject BDNF genotype was assessed. Stimulation in configuration ED-Cathodal induced an amplitude reduction of the H-reflex, 30 min after tsDCS with respect to baseline, whereas none of the other configurations led to significant post intervention effects. BDNF genotype did not correlate with post intervention effects. Furthermore, we failed to replicate effects shown by a previous study, which highlights the need for a better understanding of methodological and subject specific influences on tsDCS outcome. The H-reflex depression after tsDCS (Config. ED-Cathodal) provides new insights and may foster our understanding of the working mechanism of tsDCS.

In order to study the motor unit action potential a computer simulation model was developed. It is based on the superposition of single muscle fibre potentials of the fibres belonging to the motor unit. The parameters which characterize each fibre (spatial position, diameter, and a dispersion of arrival time of the potential at the electrode) are chosen from statistical distributions which can be derived from anatomical and physiological data. The electrode type, position and dimensions can be specified. Simulated motor unit action potentials are presented in the time and frequency ___domain. The simulation results refer to (1) the influence of the electrode position and dimensions with respect to the motor unit territory, (2) the meaning of this model for the study of pathological phenomena, (3) the variability of some parameters characterizing the motor unit, (4) the selectivity of uni-and bipolar electrodes and finally (5) the influence of the geometrical situation of the motor end-plates within the muscle, on the shape of motor unit action potentials.

Breast and testicular cancers affect a substantial and increasing proportion of the global population. Self-examination encourages early detection and treatment of these cancers, which positively impacts on patient quality of life and survival. The present study investigated the role of body esteem in breast and testicular self-examination. Men (N = 60) and women (N = 90) recruited from a British University completed the body esteem scale and either the testicular self-examination or breast self-examination questionnaire. Logistic regression models revealed that body esteem predicted women&#39;s intention to engage in breast self-examination. Women with higher levels of sexual attractiveness and those with lower levels of weight concern were more likely to report that they would regularly self-examine in the future. Body esteem did not however, distinguish between those women that did or did not currently self-examine or predict men&#39;s current or intended testicular self-examinat...

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is defined as the lymphoma effecting only spinal axis and cranium without systemic symptoms. PCNSL is very rare. Hystologic type of lymphoma that arising in the CNS is most commonly B cell lymphoma. In our study ...

Mental illness is a global public health crisis. Although rates of untreated cases stand as a primary problem, stigma is a significant obstacle. Yet, global differences in levels and roots of stigma remain poorly understood. Using the Stigma in Global Context–Mental Health Study (SGC-MHS) data, we analyzed data on two components of stigma—prejudice and discriminatory potential—attached to clinically diagnostic cases of depression and schizophrenia. We examined whether stigma was higher in the East than West. Furthermore, we hypothesized that the link between prejudice and discriminatory potential in the East was due, in part, to cultural differences in the attributions about mental illness. With SGC-MHS’ nationally representative vignette data from over 11,000 respondents in 11 relevant countries (four Eastern, seven Western), analyses replicated past research of higher levels of stigma and more moral attributions in Eastern countries, particularly for depression. Moreover, prejudic...