Errors in nonword repetition: bridging short- and long-term memory

According to the working memory model, the phonological loop is the component of working memory specialized in processing and manipulating limited amounts of speech-based information. The Children's Test of Nonword Repetition (CNRep) is a suitable measure of phonological short-term memory for English-speaking children, which was validated by the Brazilian Children's Test of Pseudoword Repetition (BCPR) as a Portuguese-language version. The objectives of the present study were: i) to investigate developmental aspects of the phonological memory processing by error analysis in the nonword repetition task, and ii) to examine phoneme (substitution, omission and addition) and order (migration) errors made in the BCPR by 180 normal Brazilian children of both sexes aged 4-10, from preschool to 4th grade. The dominant error was substitution [F(3,525) = 180.47; P < 0.0001]. The performance was age-related [F(4,175) = 14.53; P < 0.0001]. The length effect, i.e., more errors in long than in short items, was observed [F(3,519) = 108.36; P < 0.0001]. In 5-syllable pseudowords, errors occurred mainly in the middle of the stimuli, before the syllabic stress [F(4,16) = 6.03; P = 0.003]; substitutions appeared more at the end of the stimuli, after the stress [F(12,48) = 2.27; P = 0.02]. In conclusion, the BCPR error analysis supports the idea that phonological loop capacity is relatively constant during development, although school learning increases the efficiency of this system. Moreover, there are indications that long-term memory contributes to holding memory trace. The findings were discussed in terms of distinctiveness, clustering and redintegration hypotheses.

H1 but not H2 histamine antagonist receptors mediate anxiety-related behaviors and emotional memory deficit in mice subjected to elevated plus-maze testing

This study investigated the role of H1 and H2 receptors in anxiety and the retrieval of emotional memory using a Trial 1/Trial 2 (T1/T2) protocol in an elevated plus-maze (EPM). Tests were performed on 2 consecutive days, designated T1 and T2. Before T1, the mice received intraperitoneal injections of saline (SAL), 20 mg/kg zolantidine (ZOL, an H2receptor antagonist), or 8.0 or 16 mg/kg chlorpheniramine (CPA, an H1 receptor antagonist). After 40 min, they were subjected to the EPM test. In T2 (24 h later), each group was subdivided into two additional groups, and the animals from each group were re-injected with SAL or one of the drugs. In T1, the Student t-test showed no difference between the SAL and ZOL or 8 mg/kg CPA groups with respect to the percentages of open arm entries (%OAE) and open arm time (%OAT). However, administration of CPA at the highest dose of 16 mg/kg decreased %OAE and %OAT, but not locomotor activity, indicating anxiogenic-like behavior. Emotional memory, as revealed by a reduction in open arm exploration between the two trials, was observed in all experimental groups, indicating that ZOL and 8 mg/kg CPA did not affect emotional memory, whereas CPA at the highest dose affected acquisition and consolidation, but not retrieval of memory. Taken together, these results suggest that H1 receptor, but not H2, is implicated in anxiety-like behavior and in emotional memory acquisition and consolidation deficits in mice subjected to EPM testing.

Low-dose thioperamide injected into the cerebellar vermis of mice immediately after exposure to the elevated plus-maze impairs their avoidance behavior on re-exposure to the apparatus

The present study investigated the effect of thioperamide (THIO), an H3 histaminergic receptor antagonist, microinjected into the cerebellar vermis on emotional memory consolidation in male Swiss albino mice re-exposed to the elevated plus-maze (EPM). We implanted a guide cannula into the cerebellar vermis using stereotactic surgery. On the third day after surgery, we performed behavioral tests for two consecutive days. On the first day (exposure), the mice (n=10/group) were exposed to the EPM and received THIO (0.06, 0.3, or 1.5 ng/0.1 ��L) immediately after the end of the session. Twenty-four hours later, the mice were re-exposed to the EPM under the same experimental conditions, but without drug injection. A reduction in the exploration of the open arms upon re-exposure to the EPM (percentage of number of entries and time spent in open arms) compared with the initial exposure was used as an indicator of learning and memory. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Duncan post hoc test was used to analyze the data. Upon re-exposure, exploratory activity in the open arms was reduced in the control group, and with the two highest THIO doses: 0.3 and 1.5 ng/0.1 ��L. No reduction was seen with the lowest THIO dose (0.06 ng/0.1 ��L), indicating inhibition of the consolidation of emotional memory. None of the doses interfered with the animals' locomotor activity. We conclude that THIO at the lowest dose (0.06 ng/0.1 ��L) microinjected into the cerebellum impaired emotional memory consolidation in mice.

B cells expressing IL-10 mRNA modulate memory T cells after DNA-Hsp65 immunization

In DNA vaccines, the gene of interest is cloned into a bacterial plasmid that is engineered to induce protein production for long periods in eukaryotic cells. Previous research has shown that the intramuscular immunization of BALB/c mice with a naked plasmid DNA fragment encoding the Mycobacterium leprae 65-kDa heat-shock protein (pcDNA3-Hsp65) induces protection against M. tuberculosis challenge. A key stage in the protective immune response after immunization is the generation of memory T cells. Previously, we have shown that B cells capture plasmid DNA-Hsp65 and thereby modulate the formation of CD8+ memory T cells after M. tuberculosis challenge in mice. Therefore, clarifying how B cells act as part of the protective immune response after DNA immunization is important for the development of more-effective vaccines. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms by which B cells modulate memory T cells after DNA-Hsp65 immunization. C57BL/6 and BKO mice were injected three times, at 15-day intervals, with 100 ��g naked pcDNA-Hsp65 per mouse. Thirty days after immunization, the percentages of effector memory T (TEM) cells (CD4+ and CD8+/CD44high/CD62Llow) and memory CD8+ T cells (CD8+/CD44high/CD62Llow/CD127+) were measured with flow cytometry. Interferon &#947;, interleukin 12 (IL-12), and IL-10 mRNAs were also quantified in whole spleen cells and purified B cells (CD43&#8722;) with real-time qPCR. Our data suggest that a B-cell subpopulation expressing IL-10 downregulated proinflammatory cytokine expression in the spleen, increasing the survival of CD4+ TEM cells and CD8+ TEM/CD127+ cells.

Technological properties of precooked flour containing coffee powder and rice by thermoplastic extrusion

Although Brazil is a country of tradition in both the production and consumption of coffee, the most of the coffee is consumed as a beverage, which reduces greatly the competitiveness on international market, for reducing the chances of supplying the product under other forms of consumption. Owing to that, the aim of this study was developing a precooked mixed flour containing coffee powder and rice for use in coffee flavored products. Mixtures of rice and coffee in the proportions of 900:100, 850:150 and 800:200 g, respectively, were processed in a single screw extruder (Brabender DS-20, Duisburg, German) and the effect of the extrusion process on the variables moisture content (16%, 18% and 20%) and temperature in the third extruding zone (140 ��C, 160 ��C and 180 ��C) was studied. The results for expansion index ranged from 2.91 to 11.11 mm in diameter; the water absorption index from 4.59 to 6.33 g gel/g sample and the water solubility index varied from 4.05% to 8.57%. These results showed that, despite coffee powder influenced the variables studied, the expanded product after milling resulted in a extruded mixture with good absorption and water solubility indices, which favors the use of the precooked mixed flour for human consumption.

Chloride concentration in red wines: influence of terroir and grape type

Red wines from different countries have been assessed in order to determine the influence of terroir and grape variety in their concentration of chloride. Chloride analysis was carried out by Laborat&#243;rio de Bebidas de Origem Vegetal do Esp&#237;rito Santo (Labeves), using the potentiometric method, in which the dosing is directly applied to the sample with an Ag/AgCl electrode. Data were collected to establish the level of chloride, as presented in the analysis reports issued by Labeves, and to serve as a wine categorization database, according to grape variety and country of origin. Australia and Argentina presented the highest levels of chloride and the wines made from the Syrah variety presented the highest concentration of such ion. We have, therefore, found that terroir and grape variety do have an influence over the concentration of chloride in red wines.

Graffiti, memory and contested space : mnemonic initiatives following trauma and/or repression in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Graffiti, Memory and Contested Space: Mnemonic Initiatives Following Periods of Trauma and/or Repression in Buenos Aires, Argentina This thesis concerns the popular articulation ofmemory following periods or incidents of trauma in Argentina. I am interested in how groups lay claim to various public spaces in the city and how they convert these spaces into mnemonic battlegrounds. In considering these spaces of trauma and places of memory, I am primarily interested in how graffiti writing (stencils, spray-paint, signatures, etchings, wall-paintings, murals and installations) is used to make these spaces transmit particular memories that impugn official versions of the past. This thesis draws on literatures focused on popular/public memory. Scholars argue that memory is socially constructed and thus actively contested. Marginal initiatives such as graffiti writing challenge the memory projects of the state as well as state projects that are perceived by citizens to be 'inadequate,' 'inappropriate,' and/or as promoting the erasure of memory. Many of these initiatives are a reaction to the proreconciliation and pro-oblivion strategies of previous governments. I outline that the history of silences and impunity, and a longstanding emphasis on reconciliation at the expense of truth and justice has created an environment of vulnerable memory in Argentina. Popular memory entrepreneurs react by aggressively articulating their memories in time and in space. As a result of this intense memory work, the built landscape in Buenos Aires is dotted with mnemonic initiatives that aim to contradict or subvert officially sanctioned memories. I also suggest that memory workers in Argentina persistently and carefially use the sites of trauma as well as key public spaces to ensure official as well as popular audiences . The data for this project was collected in five spaces in Buenos Aires, the Plaza de Mayo, Plaza Congreso, La Republica Cromanon nightclub, Avellaneda Train Station and El Olimpo, a former detention centre from the military dictatorship.

Migrations and gradations : reappraising the health profile of immigrants to Canada

New immigrants to Canada typically have a more favourable health profile than the non-immigrant population. This phenomenon, known as the 'healthy immigrant effect', has been attributed to both the socioeconomic advantage (ie. educational attainment, occupational opportunity) of non-refugee immigrants and existing screening protocols that admit only the healthiest of persons to Canada. It has been suggested that this health advantage diminishes as the time of residence in Canada increases, due in part to the adoption of health-risk behaviours such as alcohol and cigarette use, an increase in excess body weight, and declining rates of physical activity. However, the majority of health research concerning immigrants to Canada has been limited to cross-sectional studies (Dunn & Dyck, 2000; Newbold & Danforth, 2003), which may mask an immigrant-specific cohort effect. Furthermore, the practice of aggregating foreign-bom persons by geographical regions or treating all immigrants as a homogeneous group may also obfuscate intra-immigrant differences in health. Accordingly, this study uses the Canadian National Population Health Surveys (NPHS) and data from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to prospectively evaluate factors that predict health status among immigrants to Canada. Each immigrant in the NPHS was linked to the UNDP Human Development Index of their country of birth, which uses a combined measure of health, education, and per capita income of the populace. The six-year change in health function, psychological distress, and self-rated health were considered from a population health perspective (Evans, 1994), using generalized-estimating equations (GEE) to examine the compounding effect of past and recent predictors of health. Demographic

Agrarian revolution in Central America : a comparison of Nicaragua and Honduras using Jeffery Paige's theory of Agrarian revolution

ABSTRACT In 1979 Nicaragua, under the Sandinistas, experienced a genuine, socialist, full scale, agrarian revolution. This thesis examines whether Jeffery Paige's theory of agrarian revolutions would have been successful in predicting this revolution and ln predicting non-revolution in the neighboring country of Honduras. The thesis begins by setting Paige's theory in the tradition of radical theories of revolution. It then derives four propositions from Paige's theory which suggest the patterns of export crops, land tenure changes and class configurations which are necessary for an agrarian and socialist revolution. These propositions are tested against evidence from the twentieth century histories of economic, social and political change in Nicaragua and Honduras. The thesis concludes that Paige's theory does help to explain the occurrence of agrarian revolution in Nicaragua and non-revolution in Honduras. A fifth proposition derived from Paige's theory proved less useful in explaining the specific areas within Nicaragua that were most receptive to Sandinista revolutionary activity.

Autonomic prediction of error-related ERP components in perceptual and conceptual tasks in older and younger adults

In studies of cognitive processing, the allocation of attention has been consistently linked to subtle, phasic adjustments in autonomic control. Both autonomic control of heart rate and control of the allocation of attention are known to decline with age. It is not known, however, whether characteristic individual differences in autonomic control and the ability to control attention are closely linked. To test this, a measure of parasympathetic function, vagal tone (VT) was computed from cardiac recordings from older and younger adults taken before and during performance of two attentiondemanding tasks - the Eriksen visual flanker task and the source memory task. Both tasks elicited event-related potentials (ERPs) that accompany errors, i.e., error-related negativities (ERNs) and error positivities (Pe's). The ERN is a negative deflection in the ERP signal, time-locked to responses made on incorrect trials, likely generated in the anterior cingulate. It is followed immediately by the Pe, a broad, positive deflection which may reflect conscious awareness of having committed an error. Age-attenuation ofERN amplitude has previously been found in paradigms with simple stimulus-response mappings, such as the flanker task, but has rarely been examined in more complex, conceptual tasks. Until now, there have been no reports of its being investigated in a source monitoring task. Age-attenuation of the ERN component was observed in both tasks. Results also indicated that the ERNs generated in these two tasks were generally comparable for young adults. For older adults, however, the ERN from the source monitoring task was not only shallower, but incorporated more frontal processing, apparently reflecting task demands. The error positivities elicited by 3 the two tasks were not comparable, however, and age-attenuation of the Pe was seen only in the more perceptual flanker task. For younger adults, it was Pe scalp topography that seemed to reflect task demands, being maximal over central parietal areas in the flanker task, but over very frontal areas in the source monitoring task. With respect to vagal tone, in the flanker task, neither the number of errors nor ERP amplitudes were predicted by baseline or on-task vagal tone measures. However, in the more difficult source memory task, lower VT was marginally associated with greater numbers of source memory errors in the older group. Thus, for older adults, relatively low levels of parasympathetic control over cardiac response coincided with poorer source memory discrimination. In both groups, lower levels of baseline VT were associated with larger amplitude ERNs, and smaller amplitude Pe's. Thus, low VT was associated in a conceptual task with a greater "emergency response" to errors, and at the same time, reduced awareness of having made them. The efficiency of an individual's complex cognitive processing was therefore associated with the flexibility of parasympathetic control of heart rate, in response to a cognitively challenging task.

The Credibility and Authoritativeness of Documentary Information in Determining Refugee Status: The Canadian Experience

This article reviews the origins of the Documentation, Information and Research Branch (the 'Documentation Center') of Canada's Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB), established in 1988 as a part of a major revision of the procedure for determination of refugee status. The Documentation Center conducts research to produce documents describing conditions in refugee-producing countries, and also disseminates information from outside. The information is available to decision-makers, IRB staff, counsel and claimants. Given the importance of decisions on refugee status, the article looks at the credibility and the authoritativeness of the information, by analyzing the structure of information used. It recalls the different types of information 'package' produced, such as a country profiles and the Question and Answer Series, the Weekly Madia Review, the 'Perspectives' series, Responses to Information Requests and Country files, and considers the trend towards standardization across the country. The research process is reviewed, as are the hiring criteria for researchers, the composition of the 'collection', how acquisitions are made, and the development of databases, particularly on country of origin (human rights material) and legal information, which are accessible on-line. The author examines how documentary information can be used by decision-makers to draw conclusions as to whether the claim has a credible basis or the claimant has a well-founded fear of persecution. Relevant caselaw is available to assess and weigh the claim. The experience of Amnesty International in similar work is cited for comparative purposes. A number of 'safeguards' are mentioned, which contribute to the goal of impartiality in research, or which otherwise enhance the credibility of the information, and the author suggests that guidelines might be drafted to explain and assist in the realization of these aims. Greater resources might also enable the Center to undertake the task of 'certifying' the authoritativeness of sources. The author concludes that, as a new institution in Canadian administrative law, the Documentation Center opens interesting avenues for the future. Beacause it ensures an acceptable degree of impartiality of its research and the documents it produces, it may be a useful model for others tribunals adjudicating in fields where evidence is either difficult to gather, or is otherwise complex.

Enjeux ��thiques, d��fis dans les soins de sant�� et prise de d��cisions pour les patients souffrant de troubles neurologiques de la conscience

Le coma, l�����tat v��g��tatif et l�����tat de conscience minimale sont class��s comme �� troubles de la conscience ��. La caract��ristique commune �� ces diagnostics est un ��tat de conscience alt��r��. La technologie permet d��sormais de maintenir en vie les individus afflig��s de ces diagnostics. La nature m��me de leur condition et les soins disponibles pour ces patients conduisent �� des dilemmes m��dicaux et ��thiques importants. Ce m��moire propose une br��ve introduction des troubles de la conscience suivie d���une recension des ��crits sur les enjeux ��thiques et sociaux en lien avec ces diagnostics. Force est de constater que certains enjeux perdurent depuis des ann��es comme le retrait de traitement. D���autres sont apparus plus r��cemment, comme l���enjeu li�� �� l���usage de la neuroimagerie. Un deuxi��me volet pr��sente les r��sultats d���une ��tude qualitative examinant les perspectives et l���exp��rience des professionnels de la sant�� face aux enjeux ��thiques lors de la prise en charge des patients atteints de troubles de la conscience. Cette ��tude a ��t�� r��alis��e par le biais d���un court questionnaire et d���entrevues semi-dirig��es qui furent enregistr��es puis analys��es �� l���aide du logiciel Nvivo. Les r��sultats d��montrent entre autres que les r��pondants ��prouvent un niveau de certitude ��lev�� face au diagnostic bien qu���il soit souvent signal�� comme un d��fi important dans la litt��rature. Le pronostic repr��sente un enjeu crucial, y compris sa divulgation aux proches. Enfin, la relation avec la famille est un ��l��ment cl�� dans la prise en charge des patients et celle-ci est teint��e par de multiples facteurs.

Fertility differentials of Jewish women living in Israel and the West Bank

Isra��l est l���un des pays d��velopp��s les plus f��conds dans le monde et maintient un taux de f��condit�� stable depuis 1995. Il a ��chapp�� �� la chute spectaculaire de la f��condit�� qui a ��t�� observ��e dans la plupart des pays occidentaux. Le taux de f��condit�� ��tait de 2,96 enfants par femme en 2009 (Statistical Abstract of Israel, 2010, tableau 3.14). Le maintien d���une si forte f��condit�� pourrait ��tre d�� �� l���immigration et �� la ���guerre d��mographique��� qui s��vit entre les diff��rentes communaut��s vivant dans le pays (Sardon, 2006). Toutefois, on observe une diff��rence significative entre les niveaux de f��condit�� des juifs d���Isra��l et de Cisjordanie depuis plusieurs ann��es. Les ��tudes qui portent sur la f��condit�� en Isra��l sont faites au niveau national, ce qui ne fournit aucune explication sur cette diff��rence. Pour ces raisons, l�����tude de la f��condit�� en Isra��l m��rite une attention particuli��re. Ce projet vise �� identifier les diff��rents facteurs qui ont une incidence sur la f��condit�� des femmes juives vivant en Isra��l et en Cisjordanie. Il contribuera �� une meilleure compr��hension des comportements li��s �� la f��condit�� de la population juive de la Cisjordanie et peut fournir des indices sur les m��canismes complexes qui r��gissent les relations entre Juifs et Arabes dans les territoires occup��s. Gr��ce aux donn��es recueillies dans l���Enqu��te sociale g��n��rale de 2004 d���Isra��l,des analyses descriptives et explicatives ont ��t�� produites. Dans un premier temps, les facteurs qui ont un impact sur la f��condit�� dans chaque r��gion ont ��t�� d��termin��s et par la suite, une analyse de l���importance de ces facteur sur la f��condit�� a ��t�� produite. Le nombre d���enfants n��s de femmes ��g��es de 20 �� 55 ans constitue la variable d���int��r��t et les variables explicatives retenues sont les suivantes: religiosit��, ��ducation, revenu familial mensuel, statut d���emploi, pays d���origine, ��ge et ��tat matrimonial. Cette ��tude a montr�� que les femmes juives qui r��sident en Cisjordanie ont un nombre pr��vu d���enfants de 13% sup��rieur �� celui des femmes juives qui r��sident en Isra��l lorsque l���on contr��le toutes les variables. Il est notamment montr�� que la religion joue un r��le important dans l���explication de la forte f��condit�� des femmes juives dans les deux r��gions, mais son impact est plus important en Isra��l. L�����ducation joue ��galement un r��le important dans la r��duction du nombre pr��vu d���enfants, en particulier en Cisjordanie. Tous ces facteurs contribuent �� expliquer les diff��rents niveaux de f��condit�� dans les deux r��gions, mais l�����tude montre que ces facteurs ne permettent pas une explication exhaustive de la forte f��condit�� en Isra��l et en Cisjordanie. D���autres forces qui ne sont pas mesurables doivent avoir une incidence sur la f��condit�� telles que le nationalisme ou la la��cisation, par exemple.

Transgressions et croisements : le cas de l'adolescent fugueur chez Le��la Sebbar

L���objectif de ce m��moire est de rendre compte d���une figure particuli��rement dynamique dans l�����criture de Le��la Sebbar, celle de l���adolescent fugueur. Mohamed dans Le Chinois vert d���Afrique (1982) et Sh��razade dans Sh��razade, 17 ans, brune, fris��e, les yeux verts (1984), personnifient une r��alit�� autre que celle accol��e aux jeunes descendants de l���immigration maghr��bine (surtout alg��rienne), partag��s entre les codes culturels du pays d���origine et ceux du pays de naissance. L���hybridit�� des personnages et leur mobilit�� al��atoire permettent de r����valuer les discours sociaux dominants ��mis en France, pays tiraill�� entre les aspirations d���unit�� nationale et l���histoire coloniale. Le premier chapitre fera ��tat du contact des fugueurs avec la repr��sentation picturale et sa place dans la constitution de leur identit��. �� la lumi��re de ces observations, la seconde partie du travail se penchera sur la prise de conscience du regard de l���Autre et le questionnement de l���image pr��con��ue de l���adolescent de banlieue inculte en mal d���insertion sociale. La d��construction de ce clich�� permettra dans le troisi��me chapitre d���aborder la r��appropriation de l���objet culturel par les fugueurs, proc��dant �� une v��ritable d��mocratisation de la culture ��litiste. Le quatri��me chapitre sera enfin consacr�� au mouvement des fugueurs dans l���espace et dans le temps. Nous y verrons comment les fugueurs, interm��diaires entre la ville et sa banlieue mais aussi entre le paradis perdu du pays d���origine et le d��sarroi des parents immigr��s, provoquent la relecture de l���histoire des g��n��rations pass��es tout en gardant un ��il critique sur l���avenir.

M��moire et performance : analyse de la comm��moration de la R��volution kuna �� Uggubseni, Panama

En 1925, les Kunas (Gunas), autochtones du nord-est du Panama, se soulev��rent en armes afin de contrer les politiques assimilationnistes du gouvernement national. Premi��re ��tape dans un long processus d���affirmation identitaire et de revendications territoriales, ce soul��vement est aujourd���hui connu sous le nom de R��volution kuna (Revoluci��n Dule). Consid��r�� de nos jours comme un symbole des luttes autochtones pour l���autod��termination et l���autonomie politique, cet ��pisode historique est grandement c��l��br�� dans le territoire de Kuna Yala (Gunayala). �� Uggubseni, sc��ne principale du soul��vement de 1925, la comm��moration prend la forme d���une reconstitution historique o��, pendant plus d���une semaine, les villageois reconstruisent le sc��nario r��volutionnaire. Cette comm��moration particuli��re est l���objet du pr��sent travail de recherche, par lequel nous tentons d���analyser comment est rem��mor��e et interpr��t��e aujourd���hui la R��volution kuna. Pour ce faire, nous nous sommes d'abord pench��s sur l�����v��nement m��me de la comm��moration. Une analyse de sa forme nous amena �� consid��rer l���ensemble comm��moratif comme un nouveau rite au sein de la ritualit�� kuna. Nous argumentons que par sa forme carnavalesque, la comm��moration permet aux villageois de repenser la relation dialectique entre l�����tat panam��en et l���autonomie kuna, de m��me qu���elle sert d���exutoire aux tensions internes. Ensuite, nous nous sommes int��ress��s aux diverses interpr��tations de cette ��tape de l���histoire kuna et panam��enne afin de cerner les diff��rents int��r��ts impliqu��s dans la comm��moration du soul��vement kuna. Enfin, le c��ur de ce travail porte sur le r��le de la m��moire collective dans la construction et la r��it��ration d'un discours identitaire, et ce, en analysant comment la m��moire de la r��volution est transmise, re��ue, interpr��t��e et utilis��e aujourd'hui.