bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Event-Driven Simulations of Nonlinear Integrate-and-Fire Neurons
Authors: Tonnelier Arnaud , Belmabrouk Hana , Martinez Dominique
Published: October 2007

Event-driven strategies have been used to simulate spiking neural networks exactly. Previous work is limited to linear integrate-and-fire neurons. In this note, we extend event-driven schemes to a class of nonlinear integrate-and-fire models. Results are presented for the quadratic integrate-and-fire model with instantaneous or exponential synaptic currents. Extensions to conductance-based currents and exponential integrate-and-fire neurons are discussed.
What Is the Optimal Architecture for Visual Information Routing?
Authors: Wolfrum Philipp , von der Malsburg Christoph
Published: October 2007

Analyzing the design of networks for visual information routing is an underconstrained problem due to insufficient anatomical and physiological data. We propose here optimality criteria for the design of routing networks. For a very general architecture, we derive the number of routing layers and the fanout that minimize the required neural circuitry. The optimal fanout l is independent of network size, while the number k of layers scales logarithmically (with a prefactor below 1), with the number n of visual resolution units to be routed independently. The results are found to agree with data of the primate visual system.
Bayesian Inference Explains Perception of Unity and Ventriloquism Aftereffect: Identification of Common Sources of Audiovisual Stimuli
Authors: Sato Yoshiyuki , Toyoizumi Taro , Aihara Kazuyuki
Published: October 2007

We study a computational model of audiovisual integration by setting a Bayesian observer that localizes visual and auditory stimuli without presuming the binding of audiovisual information. The observer adopts the maximum a posteriori approach to estimate the physically delivered position or timing of presented stimuli, simultaneously judging whether they are from the same source or not. Several experimental results on the perception of spatial unity and the ventriloquism effect can be explained comprehensively if the subjects in the experiments are regarded as Bayesian observers who try to accurately locate the stimulus. Moreover, by adaptively changing the inner representation of the Bayesian observer in terms of experience, we show that our model reproduces perceived spatial frame shifts due to the audiovisual adaptation known as the ventriloquism aftereffect.
Training Pi-Sigma Network by Online Gradient Algorithm with Penalty for Small Weight Update
Authors: Xiong Yan , Wu Wei , Kang Xidai , Zhang Chao
Published: October 2007

A pi-sigma network is a class of feedforward neural networks with product units in the output layer. An online gradient algorithm is the simplest and most often used training method for feedforward neural networks. But there arises a problem when the online gradient algorithm is used for pi-sigma networks in that the update increment of the weights may become very small, especially early in training, resulting in a very slow convergence. To overcome this difficulty, we introduce an adaptive penalty term into the error function, so as to increase the magnitude of the update increment of the weights when it is too small. This strategy brings about faster convergence as shown by the numerical experiments carried out in this letter.
Multiorder Neurons for Evolutionary Higher-Order Clustering and Growth
Authors: Ramanathan Kiruthika , Guan Sheng-Uei
Published: October 2007

This letter proposes to use multiorder neurons for clustering irregularly shaped data arrangements. Multiorder neurons are an evolutionary extension of the use of higher-order neurons in clustering. Higher-order neurons parametrically model complex neuron shapes by replacing the classic synaptic weight by higher-order tensors. The multiorder neuron goes one step further and eliminates two problems associated with higher-order neurons. First, it uses evolutionary algorithms to select the best neuron order for a given problem. Second, it obtains more information about the underlying data distribution by identifying the correct order for a given cluster of patterns. Empirically we observed that when the correlation of clusters found with ground truth information is used in measuring clustering accuracy, the proposed evolutionary multiorder neurons method can be shown to outperform other related clustering methods. The simulation results from the Iris, Wine, and Glass data sets show significant improvement when compared to the results obtained using self-organizing maps and higher-order neurons. The letter also proposes an intuitive model by which multiorder neurons can be grown, thereby determining the number of clusters in data.
Neuroendocrine Mechanisms, Stress Coping Strategies, and Social Dominance: Comparative Lessons about Leadership Potential
Authors: Anderson William D. , Summers Cliff H.
Published: October 2007

The authors examine dominance and subordination in the social psychology, political science, and biology literatures. Using Summers and Winberg (2006) as a guide, the authors suggest that extreme dominance or subordination phenotypes—including social dominance orientation and right-wing authoritarianism—are determined by an organism's genetic predispositions, motivations, stress responses, and long-term hormone release and uptake states. The authors offer hypotheses about the likely neurochemical profiles for each of these extreme dominance and subordination phenotypes and suggest two designs that begin to test these hypotheses.
Personal, Interpersonal, and Political Temperaments
Authors: Alford John R. , Hibbing John R.
Published: October 2007

Are political liberals generous? Are political conservatives conscientious? Are generous people personally agreeable? Research in behavioral genetics and elsewhere increasingly indicates a biological basis for the manner in which people behave in personal, interpersonal, and political situations, but this biological basis does not mean behavior in these three very different contexts is correlated. In this article, using an original data set obtained from nearly three hundred subjects, the authors are able to test for the degree to which personal, interpersonal, and political temperaments are related. As expected, the overall correlations are quite low. Standard personality traits do not predict political attitudes, and neither political attitudes nor personality predicts the extent to which subjects are generous in interpersonal situations. Human behavior is partially biological, but the systems involved in shaping political behavior seem to be largely but not completely distinct from those involved in shaping personal and interpersonal behavior.
The Political Consequences of Perceived Threat and Felt Insecurity
Authors: Huddy Leonie , Feldman Stanley , Weber Christopher
Published: October 2007

The authors draw on data from a national random digit dial (RDD) telephone sample of 1,549 adult Americans conducted between October 15, 2001, and March 2, 2002, to explore the impact of a need for security on support for national security policies in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. They examine support for protective government policies among individuals who vary in their ability to feel secure in the aftermath of terrorism, exploring the interaction between perceived threat and felt security. Most Americans reported a sense of security after the 9/11 attacks. But a sense of insecurity among a minority of Americans coupled with a perceived threat of future terrorism increased support for both domestic and international security policy—the curtailment of domestic civil liberties, tougher visa checks, and support for the war in Afghanistan. The authors' findings underscore the diverse ways in which individuals react politically to a common external threat.
Contemporary Adulthood
Authors: Blatterer Harry
Published: October 2007

Adulthood holds a paradoxical position in sociology. It is a central category insofar as it provides the unarticulated background to a majority of social enquiries, but it is largely defined by default as the taken-for-granted status of the social actor and the middle stage of life. Yet, the meaning of adulthood is rarely addressed directly. Those researchers who do, tend to note its transformation from a social to a psychological category. This article elaborates the social constitution of adulthood and thus offers an alternative as well as complementary view. First, the article explicates the status of adulthood in sociology and in everyday discourse, and identifies a standard model of adulthood against which individuals' practices are prevalently judged. Second, it outlines the prolonged adolescence thesis, an entrenched position in sociology and everyday discourse that posits an increasing number of individuals as deferring or rejecting adulthood. Finally, the article proposes a reconceptualization along recognition-theoretical lines and suggests that the association of adulthood with full personhood is the meaningful constant of this ultimately social category.
Reappraising the Risk Society Thesis
Authors: Mythen Gabe
Published: October 2007

In the last decade of the 20th century, Ulrich Beck's groundbreaking Risk Society: Towards a New Modernity created a ripple effect within academia, generating an upsurge of interest in the concept of risk. In the 1990s, the term `risk society' became lingua franca across a range of disciplines including sociology, politics, criminology and cultural studies. Nevertheless, despite being recognized as a versatile common currency, in recent years a series of biting criticisms have undermined the credibility of the risk society perspective. Thus, uncertainty presently exists within the social sciences about the utility of Beck's work for understanding emergent practices, processes and trends. As a consequence, there has been something of a critical impasse in terms of translating the fruits of the risk society thesis into a meaningful research agenda. Directly addressing these issues, this article offers a reappraisal of the risk society thesis in the light of the cultural preoccupations and dangers ascendant within contemporary society. In retrospective mode, the article locates empirical holes and taps into areas requiring theoretical elaboration. Looking forwards, the areas ripe for empirical exploration are excavated as a means of contemplating the possible implications of future risk research for the broader formation of public policy.
Intermittent Work and Well-Being
Authors: Malenfant Romaine , LaRue Andrée , Vézina Michel
Published: October 2007

In a society in which stable employment remains the reference, one might presume that an insecure job situation would represent a threat to a person's well-being. In this qualitative empirical research based on the narrative method, the authors documented the career paths of 22 men and 30 women. Their goal was to understand how intermittent work is experienced by people and how it affects life and perceived health. At the time the authors met with them, the intermittent workers had no continuous employment ties with an employer and 60 percent of them had worked, off and on, for six months or more during the year preceding the interview. The people interviewed considered themselves to be available and able to work. Almost a third of them had once held a stable full-time job for many years. The results confirmed the importance of paid work and the central role that it plays in terms of social recognition and self-esteem. The participants assigned great value to having status as workers and to being integrated into a workplace on a regular basis. Some of these intermittent workers said that their poor working conditions and the investment required by the constant search for work as well as the repeated adaptation to a new working environment decreased their motivation at work, eventually causing them to distance themselves from the paid labour market. Others, however, are increasingly willing to accept compromises in order to secure a stable position in the labour market. They concede that this puts them in conflict with their own values in terms of what work means to them and they have difficulty accepting this contradiction. The effects of intermittent work on well-being are as damaging as those of unemployment due to a range of factors that are not restricted to the financial difficulties it creates. When employment fails to allow an individual to achieve self-fulfilment, develop his or her capacities and enter into relationships with others, it becomes, in some respects, `non-work'.
Quest for Methodological Alternatives
Authors: Matsinhe David Mario
Published: October 2007

Ethnic students and academics currently affiliated with western or westernized academic institutions and whose research explores indigenous knowledge and cross-cultural subjects often find themselves in a methodological dilemma. Often this dilemma involves repression of knowledges they bring to the academia in order to conform to scientific methodological orthodoxy and gain acceptance within the scientific establishment. This article raises questions concerning such methodological repression that ethnic academics encounter in western institutions. To do this, the author draws on the methodological barriers he encountered in the course of his own research. In so doing, he opens a discussion of the limitations of established methodological orthodoxy in researching the subaltern in his or her own life-worlds. The article concludes with some suggestive pointers towards the enrichment of methodology.
Taking the Pentateuch to the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Hagedorn Anselm C.
Published: October 2007

Since the latter half of the twentieth century the literary origin of the Pentateuch and its sources have been re-evaluated. As a result the validity of the long-standing classical formulation of the Documentary Hypothesis has been called into question. Recently several new theories of the literary formation of the Books of Genesis-Deuteronomy (Joshua) have emerged that maintain the existence of a priestly source but view the other material as much more fragmented in character than proponents of the classic hypothesis were willing to do. A closer look at the text itself suggests that a combination of documentary, fragment and supplementary hypothesis is probably the best way to explain the long and complicated literary history of the Pentateuch.
Narrative Books in the Hebrew Scriptures
Authors: Auld Graeme
Published: October 2007

Scrutiny of several important publications relating to Joshua-Kings and Chronicles from the present decade demonstrates continuing modification of the hypothesis of a Deuteronomistic History, increasing interest in Judges as a separate book, lively concern with the books of Chronicles, and developing reflection on the literariness of the whole Old Testament royal narrative.
Forgiveness: Making Some Connections Between Theology and Psychology, Preaching and Pastoral Practice
Authors: De Smet Reverend Andrew
Published: October 2007

This article explores forgiveness as a process, looking at and linking some of the psychological and theological features of that process. From this are drawn out some implications for pastoral care and preaching.
Global-local Assessment of Low-velocity Impact Damage in Woven Composites
Authors: Pearson J.D. , Zikry M.A. , Prabhugoud M. , Peters K.
Published: November 2007

Global measurements from low-velocity impact experiments and local strain measurements from embedded and surface mounted optical fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors were used to obtain failure maps for two- and three dimensional woven composites. These maps delineated five distinct regimes spanning behavior from initial impact to complete penetration. Sensor and host damage were separated by signal intensity and the evolution of Bragg peaks due to repeated impact loads. The results indicate that a local-global framework can be used to monitor damage progression in different host materials, and hence it can be potentially used to mitigate damage.
Dynamic Response of Laminated Composites Subjected to Low-velocity Impact
Authors: Uyaner Mesut , Kara Memduh
Published: November 2007

The dynamic response of E-glass/epoxy composite laminates under low velocity impact was experimentally investigated. Uni-directionally reinforced E-glass/epoxy laminates with the stacking sequence of [0°/-45°/45°/0°/ 90°/0°/45°/-45°/0°] s were studied with the aim of an impact test. The impact tests performed at impactor mass (30 kg) for three different impact velocities (2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 m/s) were conducted with a specially developed vertical drop weight testing machine. The radius of the impactor with a semispherical nose was 12 mm. Sample plate specimens that had dimensions of 180 × 50, 180 × 100, and 180 × 150 mm were clamped from two opposite sides while the other two sides were free. The center of each plate was exposed to impact loading. The differences in the impact responses of specimens with varying width are characterized. Moreover, it was shown that the peak force increased with the increase of the width of the specimen.
Magneto-Transport Properties of Compression Molded CrO2-Polymer Composite
Authors: Losby J. , Mishra S.R. , Ghosh K.
Published: November 2007

We report detailed electrical and magnetotransport properties of compression molded CrO2—Polyimide polymer composites. The electrical transport data of the composites in the temperature range of 15—300 K were analyzed using a two-channel conductivity model based on spin dependent tunneling and multi-step hopping. The low temperature conductance is essentially dominated by spin dependent tunneling. The contribution from the multi-hopping conductivity increases with temperature increase. The presence of significant magnetoresistance in this composite is attributed partially to the opening of new conduction channels at the CrO2—polymer interface.
Ballistic Penetration and Perforation of Thick FRP Laminates by Ogival-Nosed Projectiles
Authors: He T. , Wen H.M. , Qin Y.
Published: November 2007

This article examines penetration and perforation of thick fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) laminates struck by ogival-nosed projectiles at normal incidence. A forcing function representing the interaction between the projectile and the FRP laminates is derived by assuming that the deformation of FRP laminates is localized and that the pressure offered by the laminate targets to resist the projectiles is velocity dependent which can be divided into two parts: a quasi-static part due to the elastic-plastic deformation of the laminate materials and a dynamic part due to penetration velocity. Equations for axial force on the ogival nose are first obtained and then used to solve numerically the depth of penetration (DOP), residual velocity, ballistic limit, and time-histories of displacement/penetration, velocity and deceleration. Parametric studies are also carried out on the ballistic performance of projectiles with different caliber-radius-head (CRH). It transpires that theoretical predictions are in good agreement with available experimental results.
A Novel Method for Synthesis of Sulfonated SBS Ionomers by Ring-Opening Reaction of Epoxidized SBS, Their Characterization, Properties, and Blends
Authors: Xie Hong-Quan , Yu Wu-Gang , Liao Gui-Yin , Yang Wei , Xie Dong
Published: October 2007

A novel method for synthesis of sulfonated ionomer of (styrene-butadiene-styrene) triblock copolymer (SBS) is developed. SBS is first epoxidized by performic acid formed in situ, followed by ring-opening reaction with an aqueous solution of NaHSO3. The optimum conditions for ring-opening reaction of the epoxidized SBS with aqueous solution of NaHSO3 and some properties of the ionomer are studied. It has been found that during the ring-opening reaction phase transfer catalyst, ring-opening catalyst, and a pH regulator are necessary to raise the conversion of epoxy groups to ionic groups. The product is characterized with FTIR spectrophotometry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to be the sulfonated ionomer with ionic domains about 5 nm in diameter. With increasing ionic groups, the water absorbency of the ionomer and the dilute solution viscosity of the ionomer increase, whereas the oil absorbency decreases. The ionomer behaves as thermoplastic elastomer in the presence of zinc stearate as ionic plasticizer. The tensile strength and ultimate elongation of the sodium ionomers are higher than those of the original SBS and both increase with zinc stearate below 10 wt% and with ionic group content up to about 1 mmol/g. When the ionomer is blended with crystalline polypropylene, a synergistic effect occurs with respect to the tensile strength. The ionomer can act as a compatibilizer for blending equal weight of SBS and oil-resistant chlorohydrin rubber. In the presence of 3% ionomer, the blend exhibits much better mechanical properties and solvent resistance than the blend without the ionomer. The blend of equal weight of SBS and CHR compatibilized by the ionomer behaves as an oil resistant thermoplastic elastomer. Scanning electron micrographs of the blends with or without the ionomer indicate the increased compatibility between the two components in the presence of the ionomer.
Do Japanese children say `yes' to their mothers? A naturalistic study of response bias in parent-toddler conversations
Authors: Okanda Mako , Itakura Shoji
Published: October 2007

This study investigated the situations in which children say `yes' in response to yes-no questions. Japanese-speaking children aged 2;0—3;11 ( N=38) were asked yes-no questions by their own mothers at home. Children showed a strong yes bias. The results, combined with those of earlier studies, suggest that a yes bias is a general phenomenon. In addition, young Japanese children showed Japanese-specific response tendencies.
Danish children's first words: Analysing longitudinal data based on monthly CDI parental reports
Authors: Wehberg Sonja , Vach Werner , Bleses Dorthe , Thomsen Pia , Madsen Thomas O. , Basbøll Hans
Published: October 2007

Using the Danish adaptation of the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories (CDI), first language acquisition of 183 Danish children has been studied longitudinally on a monthly basis (8—30 months). Focussing on production, we study early lexical development from the very first word until roughly 100 words are produced, dividing this period into the stages of first-1, -10, -25, -50 and -100 words. We analyse Danish children's first words with respect to semantic-pragmatic content, sound structure, and composition of the early lexicon based on formal linguistic categories. Comparing Danish results crosslinguistically reveals both the overall typicality of Danish children's first words as well as striking differences for some single words.
Geminate template: A model for first Finnish words
Authors: Savinainen-Makkonen Tuula
Published: October 2007

The CV syllable or reduplicative word is seen as an essential structure in early speech development, and word-initial consonants are seen to be a part of the optimal syllable in the speech of young children. The aim of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of the CV(CV) structure for a description of the first words of Joel (1;1—1;6), who is acquiring Finnish. Among his first 50 words, many words were produced with a (C)VC:V structure instead of a CVCV structure. An overused geminate template gives support for the saliency of the medial position. The saliency of the medial position is supported by the fact that word-initial consonant omission is common in the speech of Finnish children despite the word stress being on the first syllable. Additional support comes from the reduction of Finnish three-syllable words. Even though a reduced word usually consists of the first two syllables (SW1), a geminate structure may become part of the word regardless of its location in the word.
Developmental trends in semantic acquisition: Evidence from over-extensions in child language
Authors: Bloomquist Jennifer
Published: October 2007

Children aged 2 through 6 years and adults were shown a series of pictures including `normal' referents (e.g., cat or car), and unfamiliar combination tokens (e.g., a clock with a telephone handset), which they were asked to identify. There were age-dependent differences in terms of naming (i.e., the number of words and morphemes and linguistic constructions) and criteria for category membership. The older participants used more morphemes and sophisticated linguistic strategies (e.g., descriptive phrases) than the younger participants, and the younger children showed a greater tendency to rely on holistic shape as a category determiner. These disparities suggested that the participants not only employed different strategies by age, but that they also had different criteria for categorization.
Are smooth pursuit eye movements altered in chronic whiplash-associated disorders? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Kongsted A. , Jørgensen L.V. , Bendix T. , Korsholm L. , Leboeuf-Yde C.
Published: November 2007

Objective : To evaluate whether smooth pursuit eye movements differed between patients with long-lasting whiplash-associated disorders and controls when using a purely computerized method for the eye movement analysis.

Design : Cross-sectional study comparing patients with whiplash-associated disorders and controls who had not been exposed to head or neck trauma and had no notable neck complaints.

Methods : Smooth pursuit eye movements were registered while the subjects were seated with and without rotated cervical spine.

Subjects : Thirty-four patients with whiplash-associated disorders with symptoms more than six months after a car collision and 60 controls.

Results : Smooth pursuit eye movements were almost identical in patients with chronic whiplash-associated disorders and controls, both when the neck was rotated and in the neutral position.

Conclusion : Disturbed smooth pursuit eye movements do not appear to be a distinct feature in patients with chronic whiplash-associated disorders. This is in contrast to results of previous studies and may be due to the fact that analyses were performed in a computerized and objective manner. Other possible reasons for the discrepancy to previous studies are discussed.
Prognostic factors of long-term functioning and productivity after traumatic brain injury: a systematic review of prospective cohort studies
Authors: Willemse-van Son Agnes H.P. , Ribbers Gerard M. , Verhagen Arianne P. , Stam Henk J.
Published: November 2007

Objective: To systematically review prospective cohort studies that investigated prognostic factors associated with long-term activity limitations or participation restrictions and productivity after a traumatic brain injury.

Data sources: PubMed and Psychinfo were searched from 1995 to April 2005, and references were checked.

Review methods: Publications were selected if the study assessed prognostic factors for activity limitations or participation restrictions at least one year post injury; outcome was measured with another or additional measure besides the Glasgow Outcome Scale; the design was a prospective cohort study of adult traumatic brain injury patients; the article was a full-text article written in English, French, German or Dutch. Two reviewers independently assessed methodological quality. A study was considered as `high quality' if it satisfied at least half of the maximum available quality score.

Results: Thirty-five articles reporting on 14 cohorts were included. Due to heterogeneity in prognostic factors and outcome measures, a best-evidence synthesis was performed. All cohorts were of high quality. Strong evidence for predicting disability was found for older age, pre-injury unemployment, pre-injury substance abuse, and more disability at rehabilitation discharge. Strong prognostic factors for being non-productive were pre-injury unemployment, longer post-traumatic amnesia, more disability at rehabilitation admission, and pre-injury substance abuse.

Conclusion: Older age, pre-injury unemployment, pre-injury substance abuse and more disability at rehabilitation discharge are important predictors of long-term disability. Pre-injury unemployment, longer post-traumatic amnesia, more disability at rehabilitation admission and pre-injury substance abuse are important predictors of being non-productive.
Role of paroxetine in interferon-α-induced immune and behavioural changes in male Wistar rats
Authors: Myint A.M. , O'Mahony S. , Kubera M. , Kim Y.K. , Kenny C. , Kaim-Basta A. , Steinbusch H.W.M. , Leonard B.E.
Published: November 2007

Treatment with pro-inflammatory cytokine, IFNα was documented to result in neuropsychiatric complications including depression and treatment with antidepressant, paroxetine could improve the depressive symptoms. Therefore, the effects of IFNα on behaviour and cytokine changes in the whole blood culture and in the prefrontal cortex, hypothalamus and hippocampus areas of the brain in wistar rats were investigated with emphasis on the role of paroxetine in the prevention of depressive behaviour induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines. The group of rats treated with IFNα (S.C. 50 000 IU/kg for 3 days/week for 5 weeks) was compared with three other groups; 1) saline control group (S.C. normal saline 0.2 ml/kg/day for 7 weeks), 2) paroxetine control group (paroxetine suspension orally 10 mg/kg/day for 7 weeks) and 3) group treated with paroxetine for 2 weeks followed by IFNα for 5 weeks. In open filed, the IFNα treated rats showed anxiety behaviour compared to the rats from the other groups. There was no significant difference in home cage emergence test, Morris water maze and object recognition test. There is no significant difference in plasma corticosterone between groups. The pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL1β and IFNγ), were significantly higher whereas the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL10 was lower in the stimulated whole blood culture of IFNα treated rats. In the brain, both pro-inflammatory cytokine IL1β and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL10 were higher in hypothalamus of the IFNα treated rats; by contrast the concentration of IL10 was lowest in hippocampus region of this group compared to the other groups. The paroxetine pretreated rats did not show these cytokine changes following IFNα treatment. Thus it appears that paroxetine pretreatment prevents the pro-inflammatory changes in blood and brain following IFNα treatment in turn prevents the anxiety behaviour.
Reciprocal effects of combined administration of serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine reuptake inhibitors on serotonin and dopamine levels in the rat prefrontal cortex: the role of 5-HT1Areceptors
Authors: Weikop Pia , Kehr Jan , Scheel-Krüger Jørgen
Published: November 2007

The purpose of the present study was to examine, by in vivo microdialysis technique, the effects of triple acting monoamine reuptake inhibitors, constructed by combinations of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor citalopram with a noradrenaline/dopamine reuptake inhibitor methylphenidate and a serotonin/noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor venlafaxine with a dopamine reuptake inhibitor GBR12909, on extracellular levels of serotonin (5-HT), noradrenaline (NA) and dopamine (DA) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of anaesthetized rats. At the highest dose tested, adjunctive methylphenidate (10 mg/kg s.c.) to citalopram markedly attenuated by 63% the extracellular levels of 5-HT as compared to the levels induced by citalopram (5 mg/kg i.p.) alone, whereas the overall DA concentrations significantly increased to about 149% of those induced by methylphenidate alone. Similarly, the combination of venlafaxine with GBR12909 (10 mg/kg s.c.) caused a reduction of 5-HT levels to 66% of the levels induced by venlafaxine (10 mg/kg i.p.) alone, whereas the overall DA levels increased to 151% of the venlafaxine-treated group. The extracellular levels of NA were only marginally affected by the treatments with combined reuptake inhibitors compared to the effects induced by methylphenidate or venlafaxine alone. The modulatory effects of combined administration of the DA/NA reuptake inhibitors with the 5-HT reuptake inhibitors (citalopram and venlafaxine) on potentiation of DA and attenuation of 5-HT efflux were completely reversed by a pre-treatment with the 5-HT1Areceptor antagonist WAY-100635. These findings suggest a crucial role played by the 5-HT1Areceptors in balancing the reuptake inhibitory efficacy for the enhancement of 5-HT and DA transmission in the PFC by the drugs combining the reuptake inhibition of all three monoamines.
The effects of prolonged abstinence on the processing of smoking cues: an ERP study among smokers, ex-smokers and never-smokers
Authors: Littel Marianne , Franken Ingmar H. A.
Published: November 2007

Processing bias is an important feature of substance abuse. The issue whether processing bias is a more or less permanent feature of nicotine addiction remains to be resolved. The present study addresses the role of smoking status on smoking-related processing bias. We employed Event-Related Brain Potentials (ERPs) as measure of processing bias to investigate this issue. Further, self-report measures of nicotine craving and pleasantness ratings of smoking stimuli were obtained. Three groups, smokers, ex-smokers and never-smokers, were compared on their electrophysiological brain response to smoking-related and neutral pictures. The present study shows that both the P300 and SPW amplitudes in response to smoking-related pictures are significantly more enhanced for smokers than for ex-smokers and never-smokers at frontal and central sites, whereas the magnitude of the P300 and SPW amplitudes in response to neutral pictures does not differ between the three groups. Accordingly, it can be concluded that smokers show more bias for smoking-related pictures than ex-smokers and smokers. Because there is no significant difference between the P300 and SPW amplitudes of ex-smokers and never-smokers, it can also be concluded that ex-smokers display the same (low) level of processing bias as never-smokers. In addition, nicotine-craving ratings and pleasantness ratings of smoking stimuli were higher in smokers compared to ex-smokers. It can be concluded that the smoking-related craving, pleasantness rating, and processing bias decreases after a period of prolonged abstinence.
Mémoire des conflits, conflits de mémoires: une approche psychosociale et philosophique du rôle de la mémoire collective dans les processus de réconciliation intergroupe
Authors: Licata Laurent , Klein Olivier , Gély Raphaël
Published: November 2007

Reconstructing the past is a crucial part of intergroup reconciliation processes because, after a conflict, collective memory undermines a great part of animosity, hatred, and distrust between groups. The di ficulty of managing memories rests on the triple challenge it has to face: allowing the recognition and healing of individual su ferings; preserving social identities of both groups; while allowing them to live together in peace. Hence, an improper management of collective memory could lead to the resurgence of conflict, or even to a cycle of revenge wherein past wounds justify present violence. In this paper, which will draw both from social psychology and from philosophy, we start by delineating the concept of collective memory and its relationships with social identity. Then we identify the processes through which collective memory of past conflicts is likely to impede reconciliation. Finally, we attempt to envision solutions through processes of transmission of memories both within and between social groups.
Behavioral effects induced by subchronic exposure to Pb and their reversion are concentration and gender dependent
Authors: Soeiro Aline C. , Gouvêa Thiago S. , Moreira Estefânia G.
Published: November 2007

Lead (Pb) seems to be involved in the etiology of psychological pathologies. This study investigated the effects of subchronic Pb exposure from weaning to adulthood on anxiety, depression and aggressiveness in male and female Swiss mice. Moreover, the reversibility of the effects was evaluated retesting the animals 30 days after the end of exposure. Swiss male and female mice (21 days) were exposed to 0, 50, 100 or 500 ppm of Pb, as Pb acetate, in drinking water for 70 days and were submitted to the forced swimming, tail suspension, elevated plus-maze or intruder—resident tests. Pb exposure to 50 and 500 ppm induced anti-depressant-like effect in both males and females, whereas exposure to 500 ppm induced anxiogenic effect only in males. Interruption of exposure was able to reverse the behavioral alterations in females, but not in males exposed to the highest concentration (500 ppm). Our results suggest that behavioral effects induced by subchronic exposure to Pb from weaning to adulthood and their reversion are concentration and gender dependent. [Human & Experimental Toxicology] (2007) 26, 733—739
Pattern of acute poisoning in Tehran-Iran in 2003
Authors: Shadnia Shahin , Esmaily Hadi , Sasanian Ghazal , Pajoumand Abdolkarim , Hassanian-Moghaddam Hosein , Abdollahi Mohammad
Published: November 2007

To characterize the poisoning cases admitted to the Loghman-Hakim Hospital Poison Center (a teaching reference hospital of poisoning) in Tehran, Iran. All admitted acutely poisoned patients from January to December 2003 were evaluated retrospectively. Information of socio-demographic characteristics, agents and cause of poisoning, and the mortality rate were collected from medical records of the hospital. During this period, 24 179 cases were referred to the emergency department that 10 206 of them were admitted. Of the admitted cases, 51% were male and 49% female. The majority (38%) of cases were in the age range of 21—30 years. Most (79%) of poisonings were intentional and 21% were unintentional. The most important agents of acute poisoning were drugs (69.13%) especially sedative-hypnotics followed by opioids (12.34%) and pesticides especially organophosphates (OPs) (6.21%). The mortality rate was 1.3% (318 patients). Death was mostly occurred by opioids (41.54%), followed by drugs (28%) and pesticides especially OPs (12%). The prevention and treatment of poisoning due to opioids, pesticides specially OPs and sedative-hypnotics drugs should merit high priority in the health care of the indigenous population of Tehran. Human & Experimental Toxicology (2007) 26, 753— 756
Aluminum exposure decreases dopamine D1 and D2 receptor expression in mouse brain
Authors: Kim Sunyoun , Nam Jungmin , Kim Kisok
Published: November 2007

Aluminum (Al) has been identified as a potential contributing factor in the etiology of several neurodegenerative disorders, but data regarding specific effects on neurotransduction, especially on dopaminergic neurotransduction, are lacking. The objective of this study was to determine the extent of expressional alterations in dopamine receptors (DRs) in two dopaminergic subtypes, D1 and D2, in low and high dose Al-treated mice. After administration of Al (four intraperitoneal injections of 30 or 60 mg/kg AlCl3·6H2O at 2 h intervals), expression of the dopamine D1-like and D2-like receptors (DRD1, DRD2) was examined in the cortex and striatum of mouse brain at bregma levels of 1.10, -0.10 and -1.34 mm. In the cortex, Al treatment decreased densities of DRD1 and DRD2 in a dose-dependent manner at all three bregma levels, especially in the high-dose Al group. Similarly, DRD1 and DRD2 expression in the striatum also exhibited dose dependency and statistically significant decreases were seen in the high-dose group, except in the striatum at bregma level - 1.34. These findings suggest that DR in the caudal striatum is more resistant to the effects of Al exposure than DR in the cortex or rostral striatum. In addition, our results suggest that disturbance of dopaminergic neurotransmission mediated by DRD1 and/or DRD2 may be involved in the pathogenesis of Al neurotoxicity. Human & Experimental Toxicology (2007) 26, 741 — 746
Benzene's toxicity: a consolidated short review of human and animal studies by HA Khan
Authors: Snyder R.
Published: November 2007

Khan's review is a brief summary of the complex field of study revolving around bone marrow toxicity and leukemogenesis observed in people chronically exposed to benzene. These comments are intended to demonstrate the use of the Kahn review as a launching pad for an in-depth analysis of the several related areas that must be fully explored to understand benzene-related diseases. The accumulated evidence demonstrates that benzene-induced bone marrow damage results from the production of hematotoxins that are metabolic products of benzene metabolism. The metabolism of benzene is described with respect to the formation benzene metabolites with emphasis on phenol and hydroquinone, which are the major metabolites, the significance of the formation of glutathione conjugates, the activity of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1), and the ring opening products. Results are shown suggesting that oxidative stress induced by benzene metabolites is likely to be a significant factor in damaging DNA in bone marrow cells. Although a variety of effects on bone marrow can be demonstrated it is not yet clear which metabolites are most important in either benzene-induced aplastic anemia or leukemia. Benzene metabolism alone is insufficient to fully describe benzene toxicity. The impact of benzene metabolites on bone marrow cells must be fully explored to determine how benzene exposure can result in decreased viability or genetic toxicity to cells in the bone marrow. Human & Experimental Toxicology (2007) 26, 687— 696
Systemic lupus erythematosus in Saudi Arabia: morbidity and mortality in a multiethnic population
Authors: Heller T. , Ahmed M. , Siddiqqi A. , Wallrauch C. , Bahlas S.
Published: October 2007

The objective of this study is to summarize the features of patients with Lupus erythematosus in Saudi Arabia. Racial differences of patients and predictors of mortality are assessed. Ninety-three patients treated for SLE at the University Hospital in Jeddah were reviewed. Frequencies of clinical manifestations, causes of admission and causes of death were analysed. Variables predicting mortality were assessed by logistic regression and survival probabilities were estimated by the Kaplan—Meier method. The most frequent presenting symptoms were arthritis (68%) and fever (58%). Renal involvement was seen in 61% of patients. The majority of patients (61%) showed ANA titers higher than 1:1280. C4 levels were significantly lower in patients who died during the observation period than in survivors. The overall five-year survival rate was 92%. Variables predicting early death (<2 years after diagnosis) were young age at diagnosis, male sex and skin involvement. Death after more than two years correlated with older age at diagnosis and renal involvement. Patients of African descent had higher rates of neurological involvement and renal failure. The mortality in this group was highest, though this was not statistically significant. The overall survival in our cohort compares with mortality rates reported from western countries. However, renal disease tends to be common and has a severe prognosis, and thus merits additional attention. Lupus (2007) 16, 908—914.
Consecutive use of sildenafil and bosentan for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with collagen vascular disease: sildenafil as reliever and bosentan as controller
Authors: Kamata Y. , Iwamoto M. , Minota S.
Published: October 2007

Sildenafil and bosentan were added recently to the treatment with great expectations, effectiveness for the acute exacerbation of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is not fully examined. Two cases of acutely exacerbated PAH associated with collagen vascular diseases were treated first with sildenafil for six months followed by bosentan for another six months and the characteristics of this treatment modality were examined. Sildenafil showed an immediate effect which started in as early as ~30 min and was maximized in 60—90 min after oral ingestion. Continuous use of sildenafil for six months lowered pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance and the levels of brain natriuretic peptides along with an increased distance in 6-minute-walk, and replacement of it to with bosentan kept these effects. We think it as a treatment choice to use sildenafil first as a reliever and replace it with a controller bosentan, considering the immediate effects of sildenafil. Lupus (2007) 16 , 901—903.
Human polyomavirus BK in patients with lupus nephritis: clinical and histological correlations
Authors: Colla L. , Mesiano P. , Morellini V. , Besso L. , Cavallo R. , Bergallo M. , Costa C. , Merlino C. , Marcuccio C. , Fop F. , Lanfranco G. , Segoloni G.P. , Canavese C. , Stratta P.
Published: October 2007

Polyomavirus BK (BKV) reactivation can occur in immunodeficient patients. Few studies on BKV infection in patients with systemic lupus erytematosus (SLE) nephritis are available. Aim of this study was to analyse the prevalence of BKV infection by quantifying viral load and to investigate the association with clinical and histological parameters indicating duration, type and activity of SLE.

BKV-DNA was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction in serum (sBKV) and urine (uBKV) specimens from 40 patients with SLE nephritis and 29 healthy controls. Renal function, urinary activity, clinical index of SLE activity [SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score], CD4+/CD8+ ratio, histological classes and duration of SLE nephritis were compared according to the BKV-DNA-positivity.

sBKV was present in 15% of SLE patients and in 13.8% of controls; uBKV in 32% of SLE patients and in 17.2% of controls. There was no significant difference in terms of kidney function, urinary activity, SLEDAI score, presence of anti-dsDNA antibodies, CD4+/CD8+ ratio and BKV viremia and/viruria, as well as there was no significant correlation between SLEDAI score, anti-dsDNA antibodies titers and median viral load. Duration of nephropathy tended to be shorter in patients with BKV viremia and/or viruria; proteinuria/creatininuria ratio tended to be higher in patients with positive sBKV and uBKV. BKV-DNA-positivity tended to be more frequent in patients treated with an immunosuppressive agent versus those on steroid treatment.

Reactivation of BKV infection can occur in patients with SLE, although prevalence data do not significantly differ from those obtained in the control group. The trend toward an association between BKV infection and degree of proteinuria and less duration of SLE nephritis could indicate a major susceptibility to develop BKV infection in more active phases of the disease. The role of BKV reactivation in terms of clinical parameters and histological pattern, as well as the role of therapeutic protocols in the onset of BKV reactivation and, conversely, the therapeutic implication of BKV reactivation in SLE patients remain to be defined and should be addressed in further studies on a larger number of patients. Lupus (2007) 16, 881—886.
Unambiguous free indirect discourse? a comparison between 'straightforward' free indirect speech and thought presentation and cases ambiguous with narration
Authors: Ikeo Reiko
Published: October 2007

Although they have been characterized in terms of the mixture of a protagonist's and the narrator's voices, the formal specifications of the free indirect forms of speech and thought presentation are not always applicable to actual cases, and the decision to make a free indirect speech (FIS) or free indirect thought (FIT) reading mainly depends on the contexts in which that decision occurs. This study compares prototypical FIS/FIT cases with those which are ambiguous between narration and either one of these forms (N-FIS/N-FIT cases) and tries to specify the textual/contextual elements which differentiate straightforward FIS/FIT and N-FIS/N-FIT ambiguities. The analysis, which is based on the data of the Lancaster Speech, Writing and Thought Presentation (SW&TP) corpus, shows that the management of viewpoint is the key to distinguishing straightforward FIS/FIT from ambiguous cases. It also suggests that N-FIS and N-FIT ambiguities with narration can have different effects on the reader's understanding of the textual worlds compared with prototypical FIS/FIT cases.