Multiple visual memory phenomena in a memory search task

This paper reports evidence of the existence of multiple and distinct visual memory processes in a memory search task in which a divided field stimulus presentation was used at study (Experiments 1-3) and either a foveal (Experiments 1 and 2) or a lateralized (Experiment 3) stimulus presentation was used at test. These memory processes can be distinguished on the basis of (1) whether or not they are hemispherically organized; and (2) the locus of their underlying brain activity, as evidenced by the scalp distribution of the event-related brain potentials and by the localization of the event-related optical signal that accompany them. These memory effects are discussed in the context of visual form memory.     

Behavioral Impairments in Acute and Chronic Manganese Poisoning in White Rats

Single p.o. doses of manganese chloride (MnCl₂·4H₂O; 50 mg/kg) induced significant and reversible decreases in total activity in white rats, along with worsening of the acquisition of an avoidance reaction in response to unconditioned and conditioned stimuli, increases in the latent period of conditioned reflex activity, and a temporary worsening of the learning process. Chronic manganese poisoning (daily p.o. manganese chloride at 20 or 50 mg/kg for one month) led to significant impairment of learning processes in a multipath maze but had no significant effect on reproduction of previously acquired stereotypical behavior.     

S100B Protein in Pro- and Antiapoptotic Doses Produces Different Effects on Defensive Behavior in Adult Rats

We studied the effects of S100b protein in doses stimulating (500 and 50 ng) or inhibiting (5 ng) apoptosis in nerve cells on acquisition, retention, and retrieval of extinction of the acoustic startle response and conditioned fear in adult rats. After application to the vermis of the cerebellum S100b protein in doses of 500 and 50 ng impaired, while in a dose of 5 ng facilitated acquisition of both forms of defensive behavior. Different behavioral effects of S100b protein are probably related to its pro- and antiapoptotic effects on cerebellar cells relevant to the studied forms of behavior. Our results suggest that regulators of apoptosis are involved in the mechanisms of learning and memory.     

Response perseveration in adolescent boys with stable and unstable histories of physical aggression: the role of underlying processes

BACKGROUND: It was unclear whether response perseveration and underlying processes, often related to antisocial externalizing disorders, were also related to histories of physical aggression. METHOD: Boys of age 13 years were selected on the basis of childhood histories of physical aggression: stable, unstable, and non-aggressive. Performance on a Card Playing Task provided a perseveration index. RESULTS: Physical aggression, regardless of history, predicted perseveration in adolescence. However, qualitative differences revealed that Neuroticism increased the risk for perseveration only in the unstable aggressive group relative to the other groups. Perseveration in the stable aggressive group maybe related to a more fundamental information-processing deficit. CONCLUSION: The identification of these processes has implications for developmental theories of physical aggression; they may help discriminate those children who show early physical aggression and who will remain aggressive from those who will only show occasional physical aggression during later childhood.     

Cognitive disturbances and regional cerebral blood flow abnormalities in migraine patients: their relationship with the clinical manifestations of the illness

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate neuropsychological performance and regional cerebral blood flow in migraine patients, and to investigate whether possible abnormalities in any of these fields could be related to the chronicity of the disease. The sample included 60 patients and 30 healthy control subjects; all of them were subjected to a complete neuropsychological assessment, including emotional variables. In addition an interictal 99Tc-HMPAO SPECT was performed in 56 patients and 15 controls. Disturbances in memory, attention and visuomotor speed processing were observed among migraineurs experiencing higher frequency of attacks and in those with a long history of migraine. Anxiety levels were higher in patients than in controls and were positively correlated with attack frequency, but not with cognitive test scores. Brain perfusion abnormalities, mostly hypoperfusion areas, were found in the 43% of patients; poorer performance in two tests, measuring verbal and visual memory, respectively, was found in these patients.     

Reflections on a community action research project: interprofessional issues and methodological problems

This paper describes an action research study in a community setting. A group of residents from a local housing estate and a number of local workers used participative methods to explore local child care issues with the aim of developing initiatives for improved child care. The paper describes the study processes and reflects on lessons learnt. A discussion of implications for interprofessional working concludes the paper and includes emphasis of the need to focus on shared objectives, and develop appropriate organizational structures and educational provision.     

Nursing care and collaborative practice

This article argues that the time is right for nurses in the UK to become the case managers in all healthcare settings. The re-launch of family health nursing, as a model for the organization and delivery of nursing care in the community, and the advent of the GP practice-based self-managed integrated nursing teams, offer the means by which to take up the opportunities presented by recent legislation and the national strategies for promoting partnership working and collaborative practice. Nurses could approach this by combining their current involvement with developing the single assessment process for older people with the overall development of interprofessional collaborative practice across all boundaries in health and social services. Despite the new opportunities, this will not be straightforward because of the still existing problems associated with the health and social care divide. In order to generate high quality care, it is imperative for nurses and their patients that the profession gains control and ownership of its own policy, remit and practice. Nursing care should be defined according to the patient's condition, so that their dependency level, diagnostic picture and potential for rehabilitation govern the eligibility criteria for health or social care and not the level of technicality in the task itself.     

Cross-boundary working: a macro-political analysis of the impact on professional roles

This paper reviews the policy developments impacting on professional roles and boundaries in health and social care. A macro-political analysis is used to offer a challenging critique to many of the assumptions associated with cross-boundary working. It explores issues such as: whether or not new nursing roles are truly being developed to meet need; the myths and realities of interprofessional working; how competence can be assured; the need for new forms of professional regulation; the implications for professional education of initiatives such as national occupational standards and shared learning; planning the future health care workforce; and the need for rigorous and robust evaluation of service and role developments. Through this exploration the likely consequences of political and professional initiatives for both cross-boundary working and the profession of nursing itself are illuminated.     

Children's memory for trauma and positive experiences

Characteristics of children's memory for a trauma and for a positive event were compared and relationships of memory characteristics to trauma symptoms examined in 30 children who experienced a traumatic event. Results revealed that memories for trauma tended to have less sensory detail and coherence, yet have more meaning and impact than did memories for positive experiences. Sexual traumas, offender relationship, and perceived life threat were associated with memory characteristics. Few relationships between memory characteristics and trauma symptoms were found. Therapist ratings of child memory characteristics were correlated with some child trauma memory characteristic reports. These results are consistent with other studies. Possible explanations include divided attention during the traumatic event and cognitive avoidance occurring after the event.