bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dopamine, uncertainty and TD learning
Authors: Niv Yael , Duff Michael O , Dayan Peter
Published: May 2005

Substantial evidence suggests that the phasic activities of dopaminergic neurons in the primate midbrain represent a temporal difference (TD) error in predictions of future reward, with increases above and decreases below baseline consequent on positive and negative prediction errors, respectively. However, dopamine cells have very low baseline activity, which implies that the representation of these two sorts of error is asymmetric. We explore the implications of this seemingly innocuous asymmetry for the interpretation of dopaminergic firing patterns in experiments with probabilistic rewards which bring about persistent prediction errors. In particular, we show that when averaging the non-stationary prediction errors across trials, a ramping in the activity of the dopamine neurons should be apparent, whose magnitude is dependent on the learning rate. This exact phenomenon was observed in a recent experiment, though being interpreted there in antipodal terms as a within-trial encoding of uncertainty.
Circadian pattern of activation of the medical emergency team in a teaching hospital
Authors: Jones Daryl , Bates Samantha , Warrillow Stephen , Opdam Helen , Goldsmith Donna , Gutteridge Geoff , Bellomo Rinaldo
Published: May 2005

Introduction

Hospital medical emergency teams (METs) have been implemented to reduce cardiac arrests and hospital mortality. The timing and system factors associated with their activation are poorly understood. We sought to determine the circadian pattern of MET activation and to relate it to nursing and medical activities.

Method

We conducted a retrospective observational study of the time of activation for 2568 incidents of MET attendance. Each attendance was allocated to one of 48 half-hour intervals over the 24-hour daily cycle. Activation was related nursing and medical activities.

Results

During the study period there were 120,000 consecutive overnight medical and surgical admissions. The hourly rate of MET calls was greater during the day (47% of calls in the 10 hours between 08:00 and 18:00), but 53% of the 2568 calls occurred between 18:00 and 08:00 hours. MET calls increased in the half-hour after routine nursing observation, and in the half-hour before each nursing handover. MET service utilization was 1.25 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11–1.52) times more likely in the three 1-hour periods spanning routine nursing handover (P = 0.001). The greatest level of half-hourly utilization was seen between 20:00 and 20:30 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.25–2.48; P = 0.001), before the evening nursing handover. Additional peaks were seen following routine nursing observations between 14:00 and 14:30 (OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.07–2.17; P = 0.022) and after the commencement of the daily medical shift (09:00–09:30; OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.00–2.04; P = 0.049).

Conclusion

Peak levels of MET service activation occur around the time of routine observations and nursing handover. Our findings raise questions about the appropriate frequency and methods of observation in at-risk hospital patients, reinforce the need for adequately trained medical staff to be available 24 hours per day, and provide useful information for allocation of resources and personnel for a MET service.
Complexin II facilitates exocytotic release in mast cells by enhancing Ca2+ sensitivity of the fusion process
Authors: Tadokoro Satoshi , Nakanishi Mamoru , Hirashima Naohide
Published: May 2005

Recent studies have shown that soluble N-ethyl maleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins are involved in exocytotic release in mast cells as in neurotransmitter release. However, the roles of the proteins that regulate the structure and activity of SNARE proteins are poorly understood. Complexin is one such regulatory protein and is involved in neurotransmitter release, although ideas about its role are still controversial. In this study, we investigated the expression and role of complexin in the regulation of exocytotic release (degranulation) in mast cells. We found that complexin II, but not complexin I, is expressed in mast cells. We obtained RBL-2H3 cells that expressed a low level of complexin II and found that antigen-induced degranulation was suppressed in these cells. No significant changes in the Ca2+ response or expression levels of syntaxins and synaptotagmin were observed in knockdown cells. An immunocytochemical study revealed that complexin II was distributed throughout the cytoplasm before antigen stimulation. However, the distribution of complexin II changed dramatically with stimulation and it became localized on the plasma membrane. This change in the intracellular distribution was observed even in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, while exocytotic release was inhibited almost completely under this condition. The degranulation induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and A23187 depended on the extracellular Ca2+ concentration, and its sensitivity to Ca2+ was decreased in knockdown cells. These results suggest that complexin II regulates exocytosis positively by translocating to the plasma membrane and enhancing the Ca2+ sensitivity of fusion machinery, although this translocation to the plasma membrane is not sufficient to trigger exocytotic membrane fusion.
Ryanodine receptor subtype 2 encodes Ca2+ oscillations activated by acetylcholine via the M2 muscarinic receptor/cADP-ribose signalling pathway in duodenum myocytes
Authors: Fritz Nicolas , Macrez Nathalie , Mironneau Jean , Jeyakumar Loice H. , Fleischer Sidney , Morel Jean-Luc
Published: May 2005

In this study, we characterized the signalling pathway activated by acetylcholine that encodes Ca2+ oscillations in rat duodenum myocytes. These oscillations were observed in intact myocytes after removal of external Ca2+, in permeabilized cells after abolition of the membrane potential and in the presence of heparin (an inhibitor of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors) but were inhibited by ryanodine, indicating that they are dependent on Ca2+ release from intracellular stores through ryanodine receptors. Ca2+ oscillations were selectively inhibited by methoctramine (a M2 muscarinic receptor antagonist). The M2 muscarinic receptor-activated Ca2+ oscillations were inhibited by 8-bromo cyclic adenosine diphosphoribose and inhibitors of adenosine diphosphoribosyl cyclase (ZnCl2 and anti-CD38 antibody). Stimulation of ADP-ribosyl cyclase activity by acetylcholine was evaluated in permeabilized cells by measuring the production of cyclic guanosine diphosphoribose (a fluorescent compound), which resulted from the cyclization of nicotinamide guanine dinucleotide. As duodenum myocytes expressed the three subtypes of ryanodine receptors, an antisense strategy revealed that the ryanodine receptor subtype 2 alone was required to initiate the Ca2+ oscillations induced by acetylcholine and also by cyclic adenosine diphosphoribose and rapamycin (a compound that induced uncoupling between 12/12.6 kDa FK506-binding proteins and ryanodine receptors). Inhibition of cyclic adenosine diphosphoribose-induced Ca2+ oscillations, after rapamycin treatment, confirmed that both compounds interacted with the ryanodine receptor subtype 2. Our findings show for the first time that the M2 muscarinic receptor activation triggered Ca2+ oscillations in duodenum myocytes by activation of the cyclic adenosine diphosphoribose/FK506-binding protein/ryanodine receptor subtype 2 signalling pathway.
Histological Analysis of GFP Expression in Murine Bone
Authors: Jiang Xi , Kalajzic Zana , Maye Peter , Braut Alen , Bellizzi Justin , Mina Mina , Rowe David W.
Published: May 2005

The power for appreciating complex cellular interactions during embryonic development using green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a visual histological marker has not been applied to adult tissues due to loss of GFP signal during paraffin embedding and a high autofluorescent background, particularly in section of bone and bone marrow. Here we demonstrate that the GFP signal is well preserved in frozen sections of adult decalcified bone. Using a tape-transfer system that preserves histological relationships, GFP expression can be related to standard histological stains used in bone biology research. The choice of a dual-filter cube and a strong GFP signal makes it possible to readily distinguish at least four different GFP colors that are distinctly different from the autofluorescent background. An additional advantage of the frozen sections is better preservation of immunological epitopes that allow colocalization of an immunostained section with an endogenous GFP and a strong lacZ signal emanating from a β-gal marker gene. We present an approach for recording multiple images from the same histological section that allows colocalization of a GFP signal with subsequent stains and procedures that destroy GFP. Examples that illustrate the flexibility for dual imaging of various fluorescent signals are described in this study. The same imaging approach can serve as a vehicle for archiving, retrieving, and sharing histological images among research groups.
Arylamine N-acetyltransferase 2 Expression in the Developing Heart
Authors: Wakefield Larissa , Cornish Valerie , Broackes-Carter Fiona , Sim Edith
Published: May 2005

Murine arylamine N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) is expressed in the developing heart and in the neural tube at the time of closure. Classically described as a xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme, there is increasing evidence for a distinct biological role for murine NAT2. We have characterized the expression of arylamine N-acetyltransferase 2 during cardiogenesis, mapping its expression in vivo, using a lacZ insertion deletion, and also in vitro, by measuring NAT2 enzyme activity. These findings show that cardiac Nat2 expression is both temporally and spatially regulated during development. In neonatal mice, cardiac Nat2 expression is most extensive in the central fibrous body and is evident in the atrioventricular valves and the valves of the great vessels. Whereas Nat2 expression is not detected in ventricular myocardial cells, Nat2 is strongly expressed in scattered cells in the region of the sinus node, the epicardium of the right atrial appendage, and in the pulmonary artery. Expression of active NAT2 protein is maximal when the developing heart attains the adult circulation pattern and moves from metabolizing glucose to fatty acids. NAT2 acetylating activity in cardiac tissue from Nat2−/- and Nat2+/- mice indicates a lack of compensating acetylating activity either from other acetylating enzymes or by NAT2 encoded by the wild-type Nat2 allele in Nat2+/- heterozygotes. The temporal and spatial control of murine Nat2 expression points to an endogenous role distinct from xenobiotic metabolism and indicates that Nat2 expression may be useful as a marker in cardiac development.
Common Input across Motor Nuclei Mediating Precision Grip in Humans
Authors: Hockensmith Gregory B. , Lowell Soren Y. , Fuglevand Andrew J.
Published: May 2005

Short-term synchrony was measured for pairs of motor units located within and across muscles activated during a task that mimicked precision grip in the dominant and nondominant hands of human subjects. Surprisingly, synchrony for pairs of motor units residing in separate muscles (flexor pollicis longus, a thumb muscle, and flexor digitorum profundus, an index-finger muscle) was just as large as that for pairs of units both within the thumb muscle. Furthermore, the high level of synchrony seen across muscles in the dominant hand was absent in the nondominant hand. These results suggest that descending pathways diverge to provide extensive common input across motor nuclei involved in the precision grip and that such divergence might contribute to the preferred use of one hand over the other.
Gαo2Regulates Vesicular Glutamate Transporter Activity by Changing Its Chloride Dependence
Authors: Winter Sandra , Brunk Irene , Walther Diego J. , Höltje Markus , Jiang Meisheng , Peter Jens-Uwe , Takamori Shigeo , Jahn Reinhard , Birnbaumer Lutz , Ahnert-Hilger Gudrun
Published: May 2005

Classical neurotransmitters, including monoamines, acetylcholine, glutamate, GABA, and glycine, are loaded into synaptic vesicles by means of specific transporters. Vesicular monoamine transporters are under negative regulation by α subunits of trimeric G-proteins, including Gαo2and Gαq. Furthermore, glutamate uptake, mediated by vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUTs), is decreased by the nonhydrolysable GTP-analog guanylylimidodiphosphate. Using mutant mice lacking various Gα subunits, including Gαo1, Gαo2, Gαq, and Gα11, and a Gαo2-specific monoclonal antibody, we now show that VGLUTs are exclusively regulated by Gαo2. G-protein activation does not affect the electrochemical proton gradient serving as driving force for neurotransmitter uptake; rather, Gαo2exerts its action by specifically affecting the chloride dependence of VGLUTs. All VGLUTs show maximal activity at ∼5 mmchloride. Activated Gαo2shifts this maximum to lower chloride concentrations. In contrast, glutamate uptake by vesicles isolated from Gαo2-/-mice have completely lost chloride activation. Thus, Gαo2acts on a putative regulatory chloride binding domain that appears to modulate transport activity of vesicular glutamate transporters.
Short Photoperiods Impair Spatial Learning and Alter Hippocampal Dendritic Morphology in Adult Male White-Footed Mice (Peromyscus leucopus)
Authors: Pyter Leah M. , Reader Brenda F. , Nelson Randy J.
Published: May 2005

Although seasonal changes in brain morphology and function are well established in songbirds, seasonal plasticity of brain structure and function remain less well documented in mammals. Nontropical animals display many adaptations to reduce energy use to survive winter, including cessation of reproductive activities. Because of the high energetic costs of brain tissue, we hypothesized that male white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) would reduce brain size in response to short days as well as regress their reproductive systems. Because short days may decrease hippocampal volume and impair spatial learning and memory in rodents and because of the potential for seasonal plasticity in the hippocampus, we hypothesized that photoperiod alters hippocampal morphology to affect spatial learning and memory. Mice housed in either long or short days for 10 weeks were examined for performance in a water maze; brains were then removed and weighed, and hippocampal volumes were determined. We also measured dendritic morphology and spine density in the CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus. Short days decreased brain mass and hippocampal volume compared with long days. Short days also impaired long-term spatial learning and memory relative to long days but did not affect sensory discrimination or other types of memory. Short days decreased apical (stratum lacunosum-moleculare) CA1 spine density, as well as increased basilar (stratum oriens) CA3 spine density. Results from this study suggest that photoperiod alters brain size and morphology, as well as cognitive function. Understanding the mechanisms mediating these photoperiod-induced alterations may provide insight for treatment of seasonal cognitive and affective disorders.
GABAA-Mediated Inhibition of Basolateral Amygdala Blocks Reward Devaluation in Macaques
Authors: Wellman Laurie L. , Gale Karen , Malkova Ludise
Published: May 2005

Amygdala ablation disrupts reinforcer “devaluation” in monkeys (Malkova et al., 1997). Here, we tested the hypothesis that transient inactivation of amygdala by the GABAAagonist muscimol (MUS), specifically during the period of reward satiation, would have a similar effect. Six pigtail macaques were trained on a visual object discrimination task in which 60 objects were associated with one of two specific food rewards. Subsequently, we evaluated the selective satiation-induced change (devaluation) in object preference in probe sessions. We also examined the effect of the amygdala inactivation during the probe sessions to determine whether the inactivation limited to the testing period (and not during the satiation period) is sufficient to impair the expression of reinforcer devaluation. MUS infusions were aimed at basolateral amygdala (BLA) in a pseudorandomized design; each monkey received MUS or saline either before or after selective satiation with each of the two food rewards (six infusions total). Under the control (saline) condition, the monkeys significantly shifted their preference from objects representing the sated food rewards to those representing the nonsated rewards (30% change). When BLA was inactivated during selective satiation (i.e., MUS infused before satiation), this devaluation effect was blocked. In contrast, MUS infusion after satiation, so that it was present just during the testing period, did not impair the shift in object preference (27% change). Thus, BLA is necessary for the appropriate registration of the change in the reinforcer value but not for the subsequent expression of the devaluation involving its transfer to secondary reinforcers.
Double Dissociation of Exteroceptive and Interoceptive Feedback Systems in the Orbital and Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex of Humans
Authors: Hurliman Elisabeth , Nagode Jennifer C. , Pardo José V.
Published: May 2005

The primate ventral prefrontal cortex contains two densely interconnected subregions: a lateral/orbital cortex processing primarily sensory/exteroceptive information, and a ventromedial cortex processing primarily visceroappetitive/interoceptive information. These regions have major afferents from and efferents to other associative cortices. The organization of these structures leads to an hypothesized role in feedback processing. We use neuroimaging to test this model, defined so far mostly through anatomical studies.

Healthy volunteers were trained operantly on a transitive inference task (A>B, B>C ⇒ A>C) requiring flexible manipulation of feedback to solve. Two groups of subjects learned an arbitrary face hierarchy, one adjacent face pair at a time; each group received either visual/exteroceptive (“XXXX”) or visceroappetitive/interoceptive (fruit juice) feedback for correct responses to adjacent face pairs. After task acquisition, the subjects were tested on novel stimulus pairs (i.e., nonadjacent, TEST) derived from the acquired hierarchy. The TEST condition required transitive inference. No feedback was provided during TEST.

Brain activity during TEST in the group trained with visual/exteroceptive feedback increased in the orbital prefrontal cortex and decreased in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex. In contrast, brain activity during TEST in the group trained with visceroappetitive/interoceptive feedback decreased in the orbital prefrontal cortex and increased in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex.

These results provide functional evidence, consistent with previous anatomical studies, for two major feedback systems in human ventral prefrontal cortex: a lateral system specialized for exteroceptive information and a medial system specialized for interoceptive information. Although highly interconnected, there is a double dissociation of function between these networks in healthy humans.
Kinetics of Exocytosis Is Faster in Cones Than in Rods
Authors: Rabl Katalin , Cadetti Lucia , Thoreson Wallace B.
Published: May 2005

Cone-driven responses of second-order retinal neurons are considerably faster than rod-driven responses. We examined whether differences in the kinetics of synaptic transmitter release from rods and cones may contribute to differences in postsynaptic response kinetics. Exocytosis from rods and cones was triggered by membrane depolarization and monitored in two ways: (1) by measuring EPSCs evoked in second-order neurons by depolarizing steps applied to presynaptic rods or cones during simultaneous paired whole-cell recordings or (2) by direct measurements of exocytotic increases in membrane capacitance. The kinetics of release was assessed by varying the length of the depolarizing test step. Both measures of release revealed two kinetic components to the increase in exocytosis as a function of the duration of a step depolarization. In addition to slow sustained components in both cell types, the initial fast component of exocytosis had a time constant of <5 ms in cones, >10-fold faster than that of rods. Rod/cone differences in the kinetics of release were substantiated by a linear correlation between depolarization-evoked capacitance increases and EPSC charge transfer. Experiments on isolated rods indicate that the slower kinetics of exocytosis from rods was not a result of rod-rod coupling. The initial rapid release of vesicles from cones can shape the postsynaptic response and may contribute to the faster responses of cone-driven cells observed at light offset.
Key Role of the Postsynaptic Density Scaffold Proteins Shank and Homer in the Functional Architecture of Ca2+Homeostasis at Dendritic Spines in Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: Sala Carlo , Roussignol Gautier , Meldolesi Jacopo , Fagni Laurent
Published: May 2005

A key aspect of postsynaptic function, also important for plasticity, is the segregation within dendritic spines of Ca2+rises attributable to release from intracellular stores. Previous studies have shown that overexpression in hippocampal neurons of two postsynaptic density (PSD) scaffold proteins, Shank1B and Homer1b, induces spine maturation, including translocation of the intracellular Ca2+channel inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP3R). The structural and functional significance of these processes remained undefined. Here, we show that in its relocation, IP3R is accompanied by other endoplasmic reticulum (ER) proteins: the Ca2+pump sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase, the lumenal Ca2+-binding protein calreticulin, the ER lumen-addressed green fluorescent protein, and, to a lesser extent, the membrane chaperone calbindin. The specificity of these translocations was demonstrated by their inhibition by both a Shank1 fragment and the dominant-negative Homer1a. Activation in Shank1B-transfected neurons of the metabotropic glutamatergic receptors 1/5 (mGluRs1/5), which induce IP3generation with ensuing Ca2+release from the stores, triggered considerable increases in Ca2+-dependent responses: activation of the big K+channel, which was revealed by patch clamping, and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) phosphorylation. The interaction of Shank1B and Homer1b appears as the molecular mechanism linking mGluRs1/5, strategically located in the spines, to IP3R with the integration of entire ER cisternas in the PSD and with consequences on both local Ca2+homeostasis and overall neuronal signaling.
Schwann Cell-Specific Ablation of Laminin γ1 Causes Apoptosis and Prevents Proliferation
Authors: Yu Wei-Ming , Feltri M. Laura , Wrabetz Lawrence , Strickland Sidney , Chen Zu-Lin
Published: May 2005

To investigate the function of laminin in peripheral nerve development, we specifically disrupted thelamininγ1gene in Schwann cells. Disruption oflamininγ1gene expression resulted in depletion of all other laminin chains known to be expressed in Schwann cells. Schwann cells lacking laminin do not extend processes required for initiating axonal sorting and mediating axon-Schwann cell interaction. They fail to downregulate Oct-6 and arrest at the premyelinating stage. The impaired axon-Schwann cell interaction prevents phosphorylation of β-neuregulin-1 receptors and results in decreased cell proliferation. Postnatally, laminin-null Schwann cells exhibit reduced phosphatidylinositol 3 (PI3)-kinase activity and activation of caspase cascades, leading to apoptosis. Injection of a laminin peptide into mutant sciatic nerves partially restores PI3-kinase activity and reduces apoptotic signals. These results demonstrate the following: (1) that laminin initiates axonal sorting and mediates axon-Schwann cell interactions required for Schwann cell proliferation and differentiation, and (2) that laminin provides a PI3-kinase/Akt-mediated Schwann cell survival signal.
Resiliency as Resistance: Eastern Woodland Munsee Groups on the Early Colonial Frontier
Authors: Santone Lenore
Published: May 2005

A growing body of data from Contact-period sites throughout the Northeast and Middle-Atlantic regions demonstrates the prevalence of Native-American cultural resiliency in the face of European colonization. This article considers the resiliency of cultural traditions among Munsee groups of northern New Jersey, southeastern New York, and northeastern Pennsylvania during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Patterns of population movement and the contextual association of traditional craft items with European trade goods at contact sites throughout this area are examined and reveal a pattern of active resistance to the incessant demands of colonial expansion and acculturation.
Some Aspects of Adult Mourning
Authors: Gut Emmy
Published: May 2005

This paper deals with subjective experience of mourning. The major trauma of bereavement is seen in the cessation of vital interaction. If the lost partner is recognized as dead the now painful attachment cannot, like a painful tie to a living partner, be resolved by the process of disappointment. Neither can frustration be alleviated by identification with the partner's current state. Adaptation that facilitated optimal interaction prior to bereavement has now become a liability. Further reasons why successful mourning may require far reaching reorientation and reintegration of personality are discussed.
A Computerized Procedure for Teaching Letter Formation Skills to Mentally Retarded Individuals
Authors: Brewer Neil , Cunningham Sonia , White Jason M.
Published: May 2005

A computerized procedure was used to teach letter formation skills to moderately and severely retarded students. The students' handwriting was detected by a digitized graphics tablet. The tablet was linked to a computer which provided modeling of the letter, corrective feedback, and reinforcement contingent upon accuracy. Nine out of ten students whose initial writing skills were poor learned to write legible letter “q”s after seven sessions of twenty-five trials.
A Biopsychosocial Approach to Work Life Issues
Authors: Frankenhaeuser Marianne
Published: May 2005

This article is based on research carried out in the author's laboratory during the past decades. The central theme is the study of how environmental factors influence health and behavior. The approach is multidisciplinary, focusing on the dynamics of stressful person-environment interactions, viewed from social, psychological, and biomedical perspectives. A biopsychosocial framework for the study of stress and coping at the workplace is outlined. Key notions in the biopsychosocial approach are that endocrine responses to the psychosocial environment reflect its impact on the individual and serve as early warnings of long-term risks. Research on the release of the adrenal hormones, catecholamines and Cortisol, in response to different work demands is interpreted in terms of the author's “effort and affect” model. The significance of personal control for achieving a state of effort and positive affect is underscored. Finally, a plea is made for dialogue between researchers in the biopsychosocial field and the employees, their organizations, and management. The dialogue is seen as a tool for translating research results into practical measures.
Structural Cohesion in Technical Texts
Authors: Campbell Kim Sydow
Published: May 2005

Although Halliday and Hasan claim that cohesion is a semantic relation, this paper suggests that cohesion might be better understood as a general perceptual phenomenon. Specifically, repetitions of both structural and semantic textual elements are analogous to repetitions of visual patterns in that both provide a uniform background against which distinctions are foregrounded and therefore more easily perceived. This article supplements Halliday and Hasan's categories of cohesive devices by discussing three types of structural cohesion based on an analysis of technical texts. First, cohesion produced through thematic progression (i.e., the repetition of topics and comments) is demonstrated; second, cohesion produced through parallelism (i.e., the repetition of syntactic structure) is illustrated; and finally cohesion produced with graphic devices (i.e., the repetition of typography, enumerators, and chart elements) is discussed.
Balint Groups: Training or Treatment?
Authors: Bacal Howard A.
Published: May 2005

Michael Balint's views about the personality changes required of a doctor during the acquisition of psychotherapeutic skill are discussed as having important implications for training programs both in patient-oriented medicine and in the more formal procedures where psychotherapeutic work is involved. The evolution of Balint's training approach for general practitioners can be traced from the Hungarian psychoanalytic supervisory method; its further adaptation could greatly enhance the training process. While critical attention is drawn to the practice of rigidly conceptualizing “training” as an entity distinct from “treatment,” it must be stressed that the internal changes which the acquisition of skills requires must take place in the area of what can be termed the “professional ego.”
Creating Critical Consciousness in Health: Applications of Freire's Philosophy and Methods to the Health Care Setting
Authors: Minkler Meredith , Cox Kathleen
Published: May 2005

Paulo Freire's philosophy of “education for critical consciousness” takes on special relevance within the context of the health care system. This dialogical approach to change, stressing action based on critical reflection by the people, is seen here as importantly supplementing current efforts to deal with the “health care crisis” in the United States and many developing countries.

Applications of the Freire approach in a health context of necessity involve the perception of health and medical care within the total oppressive structure of society. Viewed thusly, health “reform” cannot justifiably be envisioned except within the context of broader structural transformations. Two case studies are presented to illustrate the application of the Freire approach within a health context. Successful utilization of the methodology among peasants in rural Honduras and a relatively unsuccessful application among impoverished elderly residents of an urban United States ghetto are described and analyzed.

Modifications of the approach to increase its usefulness in a variety of situational contexts are suggested. The potentials and limitations of this approach to radical change in the health field finally are described, along with lessons learned from initial work in the applications of conscientización to the health field.
Psychologic Distress during Menopause: Associations across the Reproductive Life Cycle
Authors: Stewart Donna E. , Boydell Katherine M.
Published: May 2005

Objective:

To determine if women with high psychologic distress attending a menopause clinic report more previous psychiatric disorders (especially depression), or psychologic distress associated with oral contraceptive use and reproductive cycle events than women with low psychologic distress attending the clinic.

Method:

Consecutive women attending a university hospital menopause clinic were administered the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). Women with high psychologic distress (who met case severity on the BSI general severity index) were compared to a similar number of the lowest scoring clinic women on their reports of previous psychiatric diagnoses and treatment, and depression or distress related to oral contraceptive use, the premenstrual period, or associated with pregnancy.

Results:

The forty-four women with high psychologic distress were significantly more likely than the forty-two menopause clinic patients with low psychologic distress to report a past psychiatric diagnosis (usually depression) ( p = 0.001), requiring anti-depressant treatment ( p = 0.002), oral contraceptive dysphoria ( p = 0.004), dysphoric premenstrual syndrome ( p = 0.000), postnatal blues ( p = 0.02) and postpartum depression ( p = 0.004).

Conclusions:

Although the halo effect of current distress or retrospective reporting may have biased these results, the similarity of ratings in the two groups on physical symptoms in menopause and psychologic symptoms during pregnancy makes this less likely. These findings corroborate other recent studies showing that women who suffer from affective disorders following one reproductive event are more vulnerable to recurrences associated with others. Clinicians should inquire about possible relationships between previous depression or psychologic distress and reproductive cycle events as it may help predict women who are vulnerable to affective disorders and psychological distress at these critical times.
The Balint Group and Preventive Industrial Medicine
Authors: Chertok Leon G. , Bourguignon Odile
Published: May 2005

The author presents the results of his innovative experience with a group of unique medical practitioners-industrial physicians-who appeared in some ways ideally suited to the Balint method of psychological instruction. Because the “work doctor” was, by definition, limited in his use of the traditional medical techniques available to his general practitioner colleagues, he would seem most potentially receptive to an opportunity to acquire new skills in the psychological “use of himself.”

Some participants enthusiastically endorsed the experience, others felt dissatisfied with the “lack of structure and theoretical teaching” and still others, exhibiting some resistance to and denial of the relevance of psychological factors in their work, dropped out early.

Detailed accounts and specific experiences of group members are described, and the author proffers his comments and conclusions.
Using Imagined Interaction Features to Predict Measures of Self-Awareness: Loneliness, Locus of Control, Self-Dominance, and Emotional Intensity
Authors: Honeycutt James M. , Edwards Renee , Zagacki Kenneth S.
Published: May 2005

Imagined interactions are covert dialogues that occur with significant others and are a part of the social cognition process. Imagined interactions may call up plans for anticipated encounters. Using a multidimensional instrument known as the “Survey of Imagined Interaction” (SII), the multivariate relationship between general characteristics of imagined interactions and various measures of self-awareness and emotional intensity were examined. Measures reflecting loneliness, locus of control, being dominant in an imagined interaction as well as feeling satisfied and pleasant with an imagined interaction were regressed on the general dimensions of the SII. Results from the regression models are discussed in terms of imagined interactions being associated with and possibly creating more self-awareness.
Science and Technology as Integral Parts of Our Culture: Interdisciplinary Responsibilities of the Scientific Communicator
Authors: Richardson Jacques G.
Published: May 2005

In this paper, part of a symposium on the popularization of science and technology, the author develops a number of themes: why should a specific topic be popularized; the topics currently be researched by UNESCO; the problems of man and his environment and man as the center of development; and the role of the communicator as interpreter.

There are indications that the elimination of war as a legitimate means of settling a conflict and that the abolition of mass poverty and of disparities of economic development either already pertain to or will very soon pertain to the international imperatives for the survival of … society.
Socialized Medicine: A Solution to the Cost Crisis in Health Care in the United States
Authors: Himmelstein David U. , Woolhandler Steffie
Published: May 2005

Despite growing concern with cost containment, most health policy analysts have ignored vast potential savings on medically irrelevant spending for excess administration, profits, high physician incomes, marketing, and legal involvement in medicine. Indeed, many recent reforms encourage administrative hypertrophy, entrepreneurialism and litigation. A universal national health program could abolish billing and consequently the need for much of the administrative apparatus of health care, and decrease spending for profits and marketing. In this article we analyze the administrative savings that could be realized from instituting a Canadian-style national health insurance program or a national health service similar to that in Britain, and the potential savings from additional reforms to curtail profits, marketing and litigation. Our calculations based on 1983 data suggest that national health insurance would save $42.6 billion annually: $29.2 billion on health administration and insurance overhead, $4.9 billion on profits, $3.9 billion on marketing, and $4.6 billion on physician's incomes. A national health service would save $65.8 billion: $38.4 billion on health administration and insurance overhead, $4.9 billion on profits, $3.9 billion on marketing, and $18.6 billion on physician's incomes. Complete nationalization of all health related industries and reform of the malpractice system would save at least $87.2 billion per year. We conclude that a national health program, in addition to improving access to health care for the oppressed, could achieve cost containment without rationing of care.
Using Computer Conferencing and Electronic Mail to Facilitate Group Projects
Authors: Anderson Margaret D.
Published: May 2005

This article reports on the use of electronic mail and an electronic conferencing system to conduct group projects in three Educational Psychology courses. Modifying the traditional group project by incorporating electronic communication has a number of advantages. 1) By “meeting” electronically, groups can communicate without space or time restrictions, creating potentially continuous dialogues. 2) Coordinating the groups electronically allows the professor to “sit-in” on these dialogues. The professor can be an unobtrusive observer, instantly available to answer questions, or give advice if the group seems to need it. 3) Monitoring the groups at work also allows the instructor to accurately assess the participation and contributions of each individual in the group, and assign appropriate grades. 4) Finally, the project introduces the students to electronic networking, and gives them a realistic opportunity to practice using it.
Native American Drinking: A Neglected Subject of Study and Research
Authors: Young Thomas J.
Published: May 2005

Although Native Americans are plagued by high rates of alcoholism, violence, suicide and early death, these social and clinical problems are usually given little more than cursory treatment in textbooks. A content analysis of twenty-six textbooks on alcoholism and substance misuse revealed that only four provided a detailed discussion of Native American drinking. Greater attention needs to be given to the cultural, psychological, and biological issues of drinking and drunkenness among this special population.
Hypnotizability, Dissociation, and Paranormal Beliefs
Authors: Groth-Marnat Gary , Roberts Lynne , Ollier Kate
Published: May 2005

Previous theory and research has linked paranormal beliefs with hypnotizability and dissociative experiences. To investigate this hypothesis the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotizability and Dissociative Experiences Scale were administered to ninety undergraduate students along with the Paranormal Scale. Results did not find any significant relationships between scores on the three measures. However, a small negative correlation was found between age and Hynotizability (−.23) and a much stronger negative correlation between age and Dissociation (−.49).
Discussing Death in the Classroom: Beliefs and Experiences of Educators and Education Students
Authors: Mahon Margaret M. , Goldberg Rachel L. , Washington Sarah K.
Published: May 2005

In This Study The Beliefs And Attitudes Of Teachers And Education Students About Providing Death Education And Death Related Interventions Were Explored. Teachers From Twelve Elementary And Middle Schools ( N = 189), and education students from three universities ( n = 139) were surveyed. The groups did not differ significantly in beliefs about their own qualifications, whether the content belongs in school, and willingness to attend a seminar about providing death related interventions. There were no differences between the groups in intervention style, or in whether they preferred to intervene themselves or to have someone else (e.g., a school counselor) intervene. Teachers and students differed significantly only in frequency of experiences with bereaved students (χ2 = p < .0001). The experiences of interacting with bereaved students did not result in teachers believing themselves more qualified to provide death related interventions. These data indicate that, while many teachers are willing to provide death related interventions with elementary and middle school students, a majority (55%) of teachers would not use a proactive intervention style, that is, those teachers would not introduce the topic of the recent death of someone close to the child.
Psychiatric Problems of Children with Glucose-6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency
Authors: Meijer Alexander
Published: May 2005

G6PD deficiency is a genetic enzymatic defect, which affects approximately one hundred million people. The Mediterranean variants are known to be associated with hemolysis, particularly in childhood. However, hemolysis also occurs in Black American G6PD deficient children. It can cause kernicterus, especially in the presence of factors which enhance the passage of bilirubin through the blood-brain barrier. In the framework of a routine examination of elementary school pupils with the TPE teacher questionnaire, thirty-seven G6PD deficient boys from one school and thirty-seven paired matched controls from the same school were examined for brain dysfunction. The G6PD deficient boys showed significantly more hyperkinesis, writing problems, aggression and a strong trend towards mood changes. Speech defects also occurred more often in the G6PD deficient children. The findings are discussed.
The Dialysis Patient and Attitudes towards Work
Authors: Sullivan Michael F.
Published: May 2005

Home dialysis is considered as work and as the home patient's main job. Reasons for the belief of many staff members that employment is the only acceptable form of work and some of the effects this has on patient attitudes and planning are discussed. The physical and emotional stresses under which dialysis patients have to live are described as being similar to those of soldiers in combat. Helping patients to develop and utilize financial and other resources is viewed as an aid in reducing the incidence of “combat fatigue” and as fostering positive patient-staff relationships. The advantages of staff members' confining performance expectations as much as possible to the treatment area and of helping patients to maintain direction and control of their personal affairs, including decisions concerning employment, are stressed.
Substance Abuse, Suicidality, and Self-Esteem in South African Adolescents
Authors: Wild Lauren G. , Flisher Alan J. , Bhana Arvin , Lombard Carl
Published: May 2005

Associations among six different domains of self-esteem (peers, school, family, sports/athletics, body image, and global self-worth) and risk behaviors related to substance use and suicidality were investigated in a sample of South African adolescents. Students enrolled in Grades 8 and 11 at independent secondary schools in Cape Town ( N = 116) completed the Self-Esteem Questionnaire (SEQ) and a questionnaire that asked about their participation in a range of risk behaviors. Logistic regression analyses indicated that particular domains of self-esteem were differentially associated with indicators of alcohol, cigarette and drug use and suicidal ideation or behaviors in adolescents. Family self-esteem showed the strongest overall pattern of associations with the risk behaviors. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that interventions which aim to protect adolescents from engaging in risk behaviors by increasing their self-esteem are likely to be most effective and cost-efficient if they are aimed at the family and school domains.
Indian and European Acculturation in the Eastern United States as a Result of Trade
Authors: McEwan Bonnie G. , Mitchem Jeffrey M.
Published: May 2005

Investigations of several Contact period sites in the eastern United States are reviewed for their contributions to the study of Indian and European acculturation as a result of trade. Different degrees of acculturation among the various groups examined appear to be dependent upon environmental, social, and economic variables. Several deficiencies are identified from past historical archaeological studies of acculturation. These include a lack of empirical, replicable studies; a failure to adequately address acculturation among European populations; and a general absence of the incorporation of subsistence data, which have been shown to be very sensitive indicators of certain acculturative processes.
Computer-Rated Essays in the English Composition Classroom
Authors: Jones Brett D.
Published: May 2005

With the advent of computer programs that rate essays, English teachers may use computers to help them evaluate and provide feedback on student essays. But how might teachers use the computer-generated ratings? To answer this question, 117 English teachers were surveyed to determine their current essay grading practices and their preferences for receiving and using computer ratings. Middle school and high school English teachers reported spending much of their time grading essays; yet, they provided students with relatively few words of feedback. Almost all of the teachers reported that they would use computer ratings to provide feedback to students. However, many teachers also reported that they would do less marking on student essays that are rated by computer than they do currently. Potential uses of the computer ratings include guiding teacher feedback and focusing peer feedback.
Electronic Reserve with WWW: A Promising Way to Enhance Classroom Instruction
Authors: He Peter Wei , Knapp Sara D.
Published: May 2005

In the Summer of 1994, SUNY Albany Libraries began an experiment with electronic reserve using WWW client/server system. A class in Online Bibliographic Searching was chosen for the study. Approximately 10 percent of the reserve readings (non-copyrighted items), as well as some exercises to be completed online, were made available electronically. Although all the students had some familiarity with computers, the good features were more appreciated by people with good computer skills. The apparent ease of access is often influenced by the user's willingness to use more features of the system. Those with home computers particularly appreciated the twenty-four-hour access from any location. Close communication between the instructor and the technical operators is the key to a smooth operation. Copyright issues, additional instruction load, and technical problems remain to be the challenges. It indicates that the technical ease of maintenance gives it great potential to become popular in electronic reserves.