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Arousal
Kinds of Arousal Terms modified by Arousal Selected AbstractsArousal, but not nursing, is necessary to elicit a decreased fear reaction toward humans in rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) pupsDEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2003Péter Pongrácz Abstract Rabbits that are handled at the time of feeding during the first week postpartum show reduced fear of humans later in their lives as compared to unhandled controls. Effective handling has been shown to be confined to a sensitive period. Our study aimed to investigate if feeding itself (provided by a second doe, 6 hr after the standard nursing time) affects the levels of fear of humans later in life. Our results showed that (a) the prenursing state of excitement is only characteristic of the standard nursing and is not elicited by a second feeding 6 hr past the usual nursing time, repeated daily across the first week postpartum; and (b) handling linked to a second feeding 6 hr after the standard nursing does not reduce fear responses toward humans at weaning. We conclude that the aroused state, per se, is essential for the reduction of a rabbit's fear response toward humans provoked by early handling. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 43: 192,199, 2003. [source] Experimental Evidence of the Knowledge Gap: Message Arousal, Motivation, and Time DelayHUMAN COMMUNICATION RESEARCH, Issue 4 2008Maria Elizabeth Grabe This study experimentally tested the knowledge gap from an information processing perspective. Specifically, knowledge acquisition was investigated under conditions of medium and low news message arousal, with time delay. Results show the persistence of a knowledge gap, particularly for low arousing messages. In fact, at low levels of message arousal, the gap is larger than at medium levels of arousal. Some existing research suggests that message salience explains the knowledge gap. Findings from this study show that information processing aptitude may also be a significant factor. Measures of several dimensions of participant motivation to cognitively engage with news messages were added as covariates to statistical analyses. These were found not to affect the knowledge gap outcomes in this data set. Résumé Des preuves expérimentales de l,écart des savoirs : intérêt des messages, motivation et décalage de temps Cette étude a testé expérimentalement l'écart des savoirs à partir d,une perspective du traitement de l'information. En particulier, l,acquisition des connaissances fut étudiée dans des conditions d'intérêt moyen et faible des messages d,information, avec un décalage de temps. Les résultats démontrent la persistance d'un écart des savoirs, particulièrement pour les messages à faible intérêt. En fait, l,écart est plus large à de faibles niveaux d'intérêt qu,à des niveaux moyens. Des recherches préalables suggèrent que la prépondérance des messages explique l'écart des savoirs. Les résultats de cette étude démontrent que les aptitudes de traitement de l,information peuvent aussi être un facteur important. Les mesures de plusieurs dimensions de la motivation des participants à s'impliquer cognitivement avec les messages informatifs furent ajoutées comme covariables aux analyses statistiques. Elles n,ont pas paru avoir d'effets sur les résultats de l,écart des savoirs dans cet ensemble de données. Mots clés : écart des savoirs, modèle de capacité limitée du traitement motivé des messages médiatiques (limited capacity model of mediated motivated message processing), cognition, statut socioéconomique, éducation, intérêt des messages, mémoire, décalage de temps, motivation, prépondérange des messages, informations Abstract Ein experimenteller Nachweis der Wissenskluft: Botschaftserregung, Motivation und Zeitverzögerung Diese Studie testete die Wissensklufthypothese experimentell aus einer Informationsverarbeitungsperspektive. Insbesondere wurde die Wissensaneignung bei Nachrichten unter Bedingungen eines mittleren und niedrigen Botschaftserregungsniveaus mit Zeitverzögerung untersucht. Die Ergebnisse zeigen das Fortdauern einer Wissenskluft insbesondere bei wenig erregenden Botschaften. Tatsächlich ist die Kluft bei einem geringen Niveau der Botschaftserregung größer als bei mittleren Erregungsniveaus. Bestehende Forschung legt nahe, dass die Wissenskluft durch die Botschaftssalienz erklärt werden kann. Die Ergebnisse dieser Studie zeigen, dass die Informationsverarbeitungsfähigkeit ebenfalls ein signifikanter Faktor sein könnte. Messungen verschiedenen Dimensionen der Motivation der Teilnehmer, sich kognitiv mit den Nachrichtenbotschaften zu beschäftigen, wurden als Kovariate in die statistische Analyse einbezogen. Diese zeigten keine Auswirkungen auf die Wissenskluft in dieser Stichprobe. Resumen La Evidencia Experimental de la Brecha de Conocimiento: La Excitación del Mensaje, la Motivación, y la Demora de Tiempo Este estudio puso a prueba experimental la brecha de conocimiento desde la perspectiva del procesamiento de la información. Específicamente, la adquisición de conocimiento fue investigada bajo condiciones de excitación mediana y baja a los mensajes de noticias, con una demora de tiempo. Los resultados muestran la persistencia de la brecha de conocimiento, particularmente en los mensajes de excitación baja. De hecho, en los niveles de excitación de mensaje bajos la brecha fue mayor que en los niveles de excitación medianos. Algunas investigaciones existentes sugieren que la notabilidad del mensaje explica la brecha de conocimiento. Los hallazgos de este estudio muestran que la aptitud de procesamiento de información puede ser un factor significante también. Las medidas de varias dimensiones de la motivación del participante para involucrarse cognitivamente con los mensajes de noticias fueron agregadas como covarianzas a los análisis estadísticos. Se encontró que éstos no afectaron los resultados de la brecha de conocimiento en este grupo de datos. Palabras claves: brecha de conocimiento, modelo de capacidad limitada de procesamiento de mensajes motivadores mediatizados, cognición, estatus socioeconómico, educación, excitación del mensaje, memoria, demora de tiempo, motivación, notabilidad del mensaje, noticias. ZhaiYao Yo yak [source] Effects of Violent Versus Nonviolent Video Games on Children's Arousal, Aggressive Mood, and Positive MoodJOURNAL OF APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 10 2001Michele J. Fleming This study investigated the relationship between violent video games and children's mood. A total of 71 children aged 8 to 12 years played a paper-and-pencil game, a nonviolent video game, and a violent video game. Results indicate that arousal, as measured by heart rate and self-reported arousal, increased significantly after playing the violent video game, as compared with the other two game conditions, with girls reporting more arousal than did boys. There was no significant increase in aggressive mood scores for either boys or girls after playing the violent game. Positive mood, as measured by positive affect, showed no significant increases or decreases after playing either video game. However, positive mood, as measured by general mood, showed a significant increase after playing the violent game for both boys and girls, but only as compared with the paper-and-pencil game. Results are interpreted in terms of social learning and cognitive information processing theories of aggression. [source] Dexmedetomidine and arousal affect subthalamic neurons,MOVEMENT DISORDERS, Issue 9 2008William Jeffrey Elias MD Abstract Stereotactic neurosurgeons hesitate to employ sedation in cases requiring microelectrode recording (MER). We report our experience with dexmedetomidine during MER of subthalamic nucleus (STN). Eleven Parkinsonian patients received dexmedetomidine during deep brain stimulation surgery. Seven received continuous IV infusions during MER in the STN. The bispectral index (BIS) was used to estimate the level of consciousness. The quality of MER was evaluated as a function of BIS, clinical arousal, and dexmedetomidine dose. MER during wakefulness (BIS > 80; 0.1 to 0.4 mcg/kg/hr dexmedetomidine) was similar to the unmedicated state. Subthalamic MER was reduced when the patient was asleep or unarousable (BIS < 80). Anxiolysis persisted for hours. Arousal affects STN neurons. Dexmedetomidine "cooperative sedation," from which the patient is easily aroused, provides interpretable STN MER and prolonged anxiolysis. We suggest dexmedetomidine infusions without a loading dose, a relatively low infusion rate, and discontinuation after completion of the bur holes. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society [source] Effect of acute acoustic stress on anorectal function and sensation in healthy humans,NEUROGASTROENTEROLOGY & MOTILITY, Issue 2 2005S. Gonlachanvit Abstract, Little is known about the effects of acute acoustic stress on anorectal function. To determine the effects of acute acoustic stress on anorectal function and sensation in healthy volunteers. Ten healthy volunteers (7 M, 3 F, mean age 34 ± 3 years) underwent anorectal manometry, testing of rectal compliance and sensation using a barostat with and without acute noise stress on separate days. Rectal perception was assessed using an ascending method of limits protocol and a 5-point Likert scale. Arousal and anxiety status were evaluated using a visual analogue scale. Acoustic stress significantly increased anxiety scores (P < 0.05). Rectal compliance was significantly decreased with acoustic stress compared with control (P < 0.000001). In addition, less intraballoon volume was needed to induce the sensation of severe urgency with acoustic stress (P < 0.05). Acoustic stress had no effect on hemodynamic parameters, anal sphincter pressure, threshold for first sensation, sensation of stool, or pain. Acute acoustic stimulation increased anxiety scores, decreased rectal compliance, and enhanced perception of severe urgency to balloon distention but did not affect anal sphincter pressure in healthy volunteers. These results may offer insight into the pathogenesis of stress-induced diarrhoea and faecal urgency. [source] Arousal and attention: Picture size and emotional reactionsPSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 5 2007Maurizio Codispoti Abstract Building on the assumption that the motivational relevance of an emotional scene depends on contextual factors such as proximity or stimulus size, the present study examined the effects of picture size on emotional perception using autonomic, facial, and subjective reactions. Affective changes were measured while participants viewed pictures presented in small, medium, and large sizes and varying in affective picture content. Whereas affective modulation of heart rate and Corrugator Supercilii muscle activity were not modulated by picture size, emotional modulation of skin conductance was absent for the smallest stimuli and increased linearly for the medium and largest stimulus sizes. Stimulus size modulated sympathetic changes possibly related to activation of the strategic motivational systems and action preparation. In contrast, responses related to orienting, categorization, and communicative functions did not covary with picture size. [source] A Comparative Study of the Sexual Function of Institutionalized Patients with SchizophreniaTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 10 2010María José Acuña MD ABSTRACT Introduction., Sexual dysfunction occurs frequently in patients with schizophrenia. Aim., To assess the sexual function of institutionalized patients with schizophrenia and compare it to both that of noninstitutionalized schizophrenic patients as well as patients without any mental illness. Methods., A cross-sectional comparative analysis between three groups: Group A: 75 patients with schizophrenia and/or schizoaffective disorder according to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition (ICD-10) criteria, admitted into public psychiatric residential facilities; Group B: 41 patients with the same diagnosis who live in the community; Group C: 152 patients with no mental illness attended to by a Primary Care Medical Center. Main Outcome Measures., The Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale for Schizophrenia and Changes in Sexual Function Questionnaire were used to complete the study. Results., When institutionalized patients were compared to the control group, the impairment of sexual function was identified in all areas except Arousal in women and the percentage of dysfunction in Desire-Interest for both sexes. The results for noninstitutionalized schizophrenic males indicated a deficit in Pleasure and Orgasm and in Pleasure and Desire-Frequency for females, when compared with the control group. The overall subscale indicated that 71.2% of males and 57.1% of females in the institutionalized group experienced sexual dysfunction compared with 10% of males and 50% of females in the noninstitutionalized group, and only 12.7% of women in the control group. Conclusions., Most areas of sexual function are impaired among patients with schizophrenia, especially among institutionalized patients. However, their percentage of sexual dysfunction associated with sexual thoughts or fantasies was similar to that of patients without mental illness. Acuña MJ, Martín JC, Graciani M, Cruces A, and Gotor F. A comparative study of the sexual function of institutionalized patients with schizophrenia. J Sex Med 2010;7:3414,3423. [source] The Sensitivity of Continuous Laboratory Measures of Physiological and Subjective Sexual Arousal for Diagnosing Women with Sexual Arousal DisorderTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 2pt2 2010Cindy M. Meston PhD ABSTRACT Introduction., Past findings on the diagnostic sensitivity of vaginal photoplethysmography are limited by testing among women with heterogeneous sexual dysfunctions and by the use of statistical techniques that are unable to assess how changes in subjective arousal are associated with changes in physiological arousal. Aims., The aims of this study were to: (i) test the sensitivity of vaginal photoplethysmography and continuous measures of subjective sexual arousal in differentiating between women with and without sexual arousal or orgasm dysfunction; and (ii) examine the diagnostic utility of measuring the synchrony between genital and subjective sexual responses. Methods., Sexual arousal was assessed in sexually healthy women (n = 12), women with orgasm disorder (OD; n = 12), and 38 women who met the criteria for the three subcategories of sexual arousal dysfunction described by Basson et al. (i.e., genital sexual arousal disorder [GAD; n = 9], subjective sexual arousal disorder [SAD; n = 13], and combined genital and subjective arousal disorder [CAD; n = 16]). Main Outcome Measures., Physiological sexual arousal was assessed using vaginal photoplethysmography, and subjective sexual arousal was measured continuously and using a Likert-scale in response to sexual videos. Results., Women with GAD showed the lowest and women with CAD showed the highest levels of vaginal pulse amplitude response to erotic stimuli. Women with sexual arousal disorder showed significantly lower levels of subjective sexual arousal to erotic stimuli than did sexually healthy women. Relations between subjective and physiological measures of sexual arousal were significantly weaker among women with sexual arousal disorder than sexually healthy women or women with OD. Conclusion., Preliminary support was provided for the diagnostic utility of measuring the synchrony between subjective and genital arousal in women with sexual arousal disorder. Findings do not support the sensitivity of using vaginal photoplethysmography, or continuous or Likert-scale measures of subjective arousal for differentiating between subtypes of women with sexual arousal disorder. Meston CM, Rellini AH, and McCall K. The sensitivity of continuous laboratory measures of physiological and subjective sexual arousal for diagnosing women with sexual arousal disorder. J Sex Med 2010;7:938,950. [source] The Clitoral Photoplethysmograph: A New Way of Assessing Genital Arousal in WomenTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 6 2009Jeroen Gerritsen MSc ABSTRACT Introduction., In the present study, we introduce clitoral photoplethysmography as an instrument to assess clitoral blood volume (CBV). In research on female sexual functioning, vaginal pulse amplitude (VPA), as measured using vaginal photoplethysmography, has been used extensively as a measure of vaginal vasocongestion. Measurement of clitoral blood flow has thus far been problematic, mainly because of methodological constraints. Aim., To demonstrate that CBV is a valuable, easy to use complementary measure for the female sexual response, offering additional information to the VPA. Methods., Thirty women with and without female sexual dysfunction (FSD) watched neutral and erotic film clips. At the end of the erotic clip, the session was interrupted to induce inhibition of the sexual response. Another neutral clip followed the interruption. VPA and CBV were measured simultaneously, as well as skin conductance levels (SCLs), to assess the amount of sympathetic activity. Main Outcome Measures., VPA, CBV, SCL. Results., For both FSD and non-FSD women, VPA and CBV increased when sexually explicit material was presented. Changes in skin conductance significantly predicted changes in CBV (b = ,0.61, t[27] = ,3.88, P < 0.001), but not in VPA. A large increase in sympathetic activity was accompanied by a large decrease in CBV. Furthermore, a large increase in CBV at the end of the erotic film clip presentation, as compared with the neutral clip, was accompanied by a relatively small increase in VPA (b = ,0.39, t[29] = ,2.25, P < 0.033). Conclusion., CBV is a valid and sensitive tool to measure the female genital response. In the present study, it was particularly useful in investigating sexual inhibition, when used in combination with SCL. Furthermore, high CBV appeared to inhibit VPA, suggesting that VPA reflects an automatic preparatory response rather than genital arousal per se. Gerritsen J, van der Made F, Bloemers J, van Ham D, Kleiverda G, Everaerd W, Olivier B, Levin R, and Tuiten A. The clitoral photoplethysmograph: A new way of assessing genital arousal in women. J Sex Med 2009;6:1678,1687. [source] The Inhibitory Effects of Nicotine on Physiological Sexual Arousal in Nonsmoking Women: Results from a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Cross-Over TrialTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 5 2008Christopher B. Harte BA ABSTRACT Introduction., Extensive research suggests that long-term cigarette smoking is an independent risk factor for the introduction of sexual dysfunction in men. However, results of limited data investigating this relationship in women are mixed. No studies have examined the acute effects of tobacco or nicotine on physiological sexual response in women. Controlled experimental studies examining acute effects of isolated nicotine intake on female physiological sexual responses are necessary in order to help elucidate tobacco's potential role in the development and/or maintenance of sexual impairment in women. Aim., To examine whether isolated nicotine intake acutely affects sexual arousal responses in nonsmoking women. Methods., Twenty-five sexually functional women (mean age = 20 years) each with less than 100 direct exposures to nicotine completed two counterbalanced conditions in which they were randomized to received either nicotine gum (6 mg) or placebo gum, both administered double-blind and matched for appearance, taste, and consistency, approximately 40 minutes prior to viewing an erotic film. Main Outcome Measures., Physiological (changes in vaginal pulse amplitude via vaginal photoplethysmography) and subjective (continuous self-report) sexual responses to erotic stimuli were examined, as well as changes in mood. Results., Nicotine significantly reduced genital responses to the erotic films (P = 0.05), corresponding to a 30% attenuation in physiological sexual arousal. This occurred in 11 of 18 women with valid physiological assessments. Nicotine had no significant effect on continuous self-report ratings of sexual arousal (P = 0.45), or on mood (all Ps > 0.05). Conclusions., Acute nicotine intake significantly attenuates physiological sexual arousal in healthy nonsmoking women. Our findings provide support to the hypothesis that nicotine may be the primary pharmacological agent responsible for genital hemodynamic disruption, thereby facilitating a cascade of biochemical and vascular events which may impair normal sexual arousal responses. Harte CB, and Meston CM. The inhibitory effects of nicotine on physiological sexual arousal in nonsmoking women: Results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial. J Sex Med 2008;5:1184,1197. [source] ORIGINAL RESEARCH,PHYSIOLOGY: Sensation and Sexual Arousal in Circumcised and Uncircumcised MenTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 3 2007Kimberley Payne PhD ABSTRACT Introduction., Research, theory, and popular belief all suggest that penile sensation is greater in the uncircumcised as compared with the circumcised man. However, research involving direct measurement of penile sensation has been undertaken only in sexually functional and dysfunctional groups, and as a correlate of sexual behavior. There are no reports of penile sensation in sexually aroused subjects, and it is not known how arousal affects sensation. In principle, this should be more closely related to actual sexual function. Aim., This study therefore compared genital and nongenital sensation as a function of sexual arousal in circumcised and uncircumcised men. Methods., Twenty uncircumcised men and an equal number of age-matched circumcised participants underwent genital and nongenital sensory testing at baseline and in response to erotic and control stimulus films. Touch and pain thresholds were assessed on the penile shaft, the glans penis, and the volar surface of the forearm. Sexual arousal was assessed via thermal imaging of the penis. Results., In response to the erotic stimulus, both groups evidenced a significant increase in penile temperature, which correlated highly with subjective reports of sexual arousal. Uncircumcised men had significantly lower penile temperature than circumcised men, and evidenced a larger increase in penile temperature with sexual arousal. No differences in genital sensitivity were found between the uncircumcised and circumcised groups. Uncircumcised men were less sensitive to touch on the forearm than circumcised men. A decrease in overall touch sensitivity was observed in both groups with exposure to the erotic film as compared with either baseline or control stimulus film conditions. No significant effect was found for pain sensitivity. Conclusion., These results do not support the hypothesized penile sensory differences associated with circumcision. However, group differences in penile temperature and sexual response were found. Payne K, Thaler L, Kukkonen T, Carrier S, and Binik Y. Sensation and sexual arousal in circumcised and uncircumcised men. J Sex Med 2007;4:667,674. [source] ORIGINAL RESEARCH,PHYSIOLOGY: Thermography as a Physiological Measure of Sexual Arousal in Both Men and WomenTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2007Tuuli M. Kukkonen BA ABSTRACT Introduction., Current physiological measures of sexual arousal are intrusive, hard to compare between genders, and quantitatively problematic. Aim., To investigate thermal imaging technology as a means of solving these problems. Methods., Twenty-eight healthy men and 30 healthy women viewed a neutral film clip, after which they were randomly assigned to view one of three other video conditions: (i) neutral (N = 19); (ii) humor (N = 19); and (iii) sexually explicit (N = 20). Main Outcome Measures., Genital and thigh temperatures were continuously recorded using a TSA ImagIR camera. Subjective measures of sexual arousal, humor, and relaxation were assessed using Likert-style questions prior to showing the baseline video and following each film. Results., Statistical (Tukey HSD) post-hoc comparisons (P < 0.05) demonstrated that both men and women viewing the sexually arousing video had significantly greater genital temperature (mean = 33.89°C, SD = 1.00) than those in the humor (mean = 32.09°C, SD = 0.93) or neutral (mean = 32.13°C, SD = 1.24) conditions. Men and women in the erotic condition did not differ from each other in time to peak genital temperature (men mean = 664.6 seconds, SD = 164.99; women mean = 743 seconds, SD = 137.87). Furthermore, genital temperature was significantly and highly correlated with subjective ratings of sexual arousal (range r = 0.51,0.68, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in thigh temperature between groups. Conclusion., Thermal imaging is a promising technology for the assessment of physiological sexual arousal in both men and women. Kukkonen TM, Binik YM, Amsel R, and Carrier S. Thermography as a physiological measure of sexual arousal in both men and women. J Sex Med 2007;4:93,105. [source] Nipple/Breast Stimulation and Sexual Arousal in Young Men and WomenTHE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 3 2006Roy Levin PhD ABSTRACT Introduction., The role of nipple/breast stimulation in influencing sexual arousal in men and women during lovemaking has only been the subject of opinion-based comment rather than evidence-based study. No attempt to question people about such sexual behavior has ever been undertaken. Aim., The study was designed to ascertain the effects of nipple/breast manipulation in young men and women on their sexual arousal. Methods., A short questionnaire about nipple/breast stimulation during sexual activity was administered to 301 (148 men; 153 women) sexually experienced undergraduates (age range 17,29 years, 95% between 18 and 22). Main Outcome Measures., Replies to questions in questionnaire. Results., The major findings in regard to the women were that 81.5% reported that stimulation of their nipples/breasts caused or enhanced their sexual arousal, 78.2% agreed that when sexually aroused such manipulation increased their arousal, 59.1% had asked to have their nipples stimulated during lovemaking, and only 7.2% found that the manipulation decreased their arousal. In regard to the men, 51.7% reported that nipple stimulation caused or enhanced their sexual arousal, 39% agreed that when sexually aroused such manipulation increased their arousal, only 17.1% had asked to have their nipples stimulated, and only 7.5% found that such stimulation decreased their arousal. Conclusion., Manipulation of the nipples/breasts causes or enhances sexual arousal in approximately 82% of young women and 52% of young men with only 7,8% reporting that it decreased their arousal. Levin R, and Meston C. Nipple/breast stimulation and sexual arousal in young men and women. J Sex Med 2006;3:450,454. [source] Withdrawal of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) May Cause Increased Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) and Persistent Sexual Arousal in Women?THE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 2 2006David Goldmeier MD [source] Classroom experiments on the effects of different noise sources and sound levels on long-term recall and recognition in childrenAPPLIED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 8 2003Staffan Hygge A total of 1358 children aged 12,14 years participated in ten noise experiments in their ordinary classrooms and were tested for recall and recognition of a text exactly one week later. Single and combined noise sources were presented for 15 min at 66 dBA Leq (equivalent noise level). Single source presentations of aircraft and road traffic noise were also presented at 55 dBA Leq. Data were analysed between subjects since the first within-subjects analysis revealed a noise after-effect or a asymmetric transfer effect. Overall, there was a strong noise effect on recall, and a smaller, but significant effect on recognition. In the single-source studies, aircraft and road traffic noise impaired recall at both noise levels. Train noise and verbal noise did not affect recognition or recall. Some of the pairwise combinations of aircraft noise with train or road traffic, with one or the other as the dominant source, interfered with recall and recognition. Item difficulty, item position and ability did not interact with the noise effect. Arousal, distraction, perceived effort, and perceived difficulty in reading and learning did not mediate the effects on recall and recognition. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptomology Associated with Witnessing Unsuccessful Out-of-hospital Cardiopulmonary ResuscitationACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 3 2009Scott Compton PhD Abstract Objectives:, The objective was to assess symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) associated with witnessing unsuccessful out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a family member. Methods:, Adult family members of deceased, adult, nontraumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims who were transported to a large, Midwestern hospital were contacted by telephone beginning 1 month after the event. Subjects were dichotomized as to whether or not they were physically present during the patient's resuscitation. A structured interview obtained the patient's prearrest functioning, whether the family member witnessed or performed CPR, patient and family demographic data, key cardiac arrest events, and a measure of subject PTSD symptoms (PTSD Symptom Scale-Interview [PSS-I]). Results:, There were 34 witnesses and 20 nonwitnesses. Each group was similar in race, religion, age, gender, and relationship to the patient. Patients in each group were similar in prearrest functioning. Witnesses' total PTSD symptom scores were nearly two times higher than nonwitnesses (14.47 vs. 7.60, respectively; mean difference = 6.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.57 to 13.17). Two PSS-I subscales were higher for witnesses than nonwitnesses: Avoidance (5.41 vs. 2.25; mean difference = 3.16, 95% CI = 0.74 to 5.58) and Increased Arousal (4.26 vs. 2.20; mean difference = 2.06, 95% CI = 0.08 to 4.05), while Reexperiencing was not (4.79 vs. 3.15; mean difference = 1.64, 95% CI = ,0.62 to 3.91). Linear regression analysis indicated that witnessing CPR of a loved one was associated with a mean increase of nearly 12 points on the PSS-I after controlling for the possibility of other potentially influential events and characteristics. Results were similar when CPR providers (n = 6) were removed from the witness group. Conclusions:, Witnessing a failed CPR attempt of a loved one in an out-of-hospital location may be associated with displaying symptoms of PTSD in the early term of the bereavement period. While preliminary, these data suggest that the relationship exists even after controlling for other potential factors that may also affect the propensity for displaying such symptoms, such as the suddenness and location of the patient's cardiac arrest. [source] Unchanged heart rate,respiratory frequency ratio in preterm infants during spontaneous arousalsACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 1 2009Heinz Zotter Abstract Aim: To find out whether a correlation of heart rate (HR) and respiratory frequency (RF) defined as HR-RF-ratio (HRR) may be helpful to identify arousals in term and preterm infants. Methods: Polygraphic recordings were performed in 25 term infants (gestational age 40.1 ± 1.1 weeks) and 25 preterm infants (gestational age 31.1 ± 1.3 weeks) during undisturbed daytime sleep. Arousals were scored as suggested by the ,International Paediatric Work Group on Arousals' and divided into cortical arousals and subcortical arousals. HRR was defined as HR over RF. Arousals were compared to a 30-sec period preceding an arousals. Results: Two hundred arousals were scored (100 cortical arousals and 100 subcortical arousals). HRR increased during arousals in term infants (p < 0.001). This was true for cortical arousals (p < 0.001) and subcortical arousals (p < 0.05) of term infants. In contrast, in preterm infants HRR remained unchanged during cortical arousals and subcortical arousals. Conclusion: An increase of HRR during arousals is a simple parameter to identify arousals in term infants, but not in preterm infants suggesting that an unchanged HRR might be an indicator of an immature arousal response. [source] A decade of hypocretins: past, present and future of the neurobiology of arousalACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 3 2010L. De Lecea Abstract In 1998, two groups independently identified the hypocretins, also known as orexins, as two hypothalamic peptides derived from the same precursor expressed in a few thousand neurones restricted to the perifornical area. A decade later, an amazing set of discoveries has demonstrated a key role for this neurotransmitter system in arousal and beyond. Here I review some of the experiments that led to these discoveries and the implications in the neurobiology of the hypothalamus and our understanding of brain arousal. [source] Activation of the basal forebrain by the orexin/hypocretin neuronesACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 3 2010E. Arrigoni Abstract The orexin neurones play an essential role in driving arousal and in maintaining normal wakefulness. Lack of orexin neurotransmission produces a chronic state of hypoarousal characterized by excessive sleepiness, frequent transitions between wake and sleep, and episodes of cataplexy. A growing body of research now suggests that the basal forebrain (BF) may be a key site through which the orexin-producing neurones promote arousal. Here we review anatomical, pharmacological and electrophysiological studies on how the orexin neurones may promote arousal by exciting cortically projecting neurones of the BF. Orexin fibres synapse on BF cholinergic neurones and orexin-A is released in the BF during waking. Local application of orexins excites BF cholinergic neurones, induces cortical release of acetylcholine and promotes wakefulness. The orexin neurones also contain and probably co-release the inhibitory neuropeptide dynorphin. We found that orexin-A and dynorphin have specific effects on different classes of BF neurones that project to the cortex. Cholinergic neurones were directly excited by orexin-A, but did not respond to dynorphin. Non-cholinergic BF neurones that project to the cortex seem to comprise at least two populations with some directly excited by orexin-A that may represent wake-active, GABAergic neurones, whereas others did not respond to orexin-A but were inhibited by dynorphin and may be sleep-active, GABAergic neurones. This evidence suggests that the BF is a key site through which orexins activate the cortex and promote behavioural arousal. In addition, orexins and dynorphin may act synergistically in the BF to promote arousal and improve cognitive performance. [source] Experience-dependent plasticity in hypocretin/orexin neurones: re-setting arousal thresholdACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 3 2010X.-B. Gao Abstract The neuropeptide hypocretin is synthesized exclusively in the lateral hypothalamus and participates in many brain functions critical for animal survival, particularly in the promotion and maintenance of arousal in animals , a core process in animal behaviours. Consistent with its arousal-promoting role in animals, the neurones synthesizing hypocretin receive extensive innervations encoding physiological, psychological and environmental cues and send final outputs to key arousal-promoting brain areas. The activity in hypocretin neurones fluctuates and correlates with the behavioural state of animals and intensive activity has been detected in hypocretin neurones during wakefulness, foraging for food and craving for addictive drugs. Therefore, it is likely that hypocretin neurones undergo experience-dependent changes resulting from intensive activations by stimuli encoding changes in the internal and external environments. This review summarizes the most recent evidence supporting experience-dependent plasticity in hypocretin neurones. Current data suggest that nutritional and behavioural factors lead to synaptic plasticity and re-organization of synaptic architecture in hypocretin neurones. This may be the substrate of enhanced levels of arousal resulting from behavioural changes in animals and may help to explain the mechanisms underlying the changes in arousal levels induced by physiological, psychological and environmental factors. [source] Hypocretin/orexin and energy expenditureACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 3 2010J. A. Teske Abstract The hypocretins or orexins are endogenous neuropeptides synthesized in discrete lateral, perifornical and dorsal hypothalamic neurones. These multi-functional neuropeptides modulate energy homeostasis, arousal, stress, reward, reproduction and cardiovascular function. This review summarizes the role of hypocretins in modulating non-sleep-related energy expenditure with specific focus on the augmentation of whole body energy expenditure as well as hypocretin-induced physical activity and sympathetic outflow. We compare the efficacy of hypocretin-1 and 2 on energy expenditure and evaluate whether the literature implicates hypocretin signalling though the hypocretin-1 and -2 receptor as having shared and or functionally specific physiological effects. Thus far data suggest that hypocretin-1 has a more robust stimulatory effect relative to hypocretin-2. Furthermore, hypocretin-1 receptor predominantly mediates behaviours known to influence energy expenditure. Further studies on the hypocretin-2 receptor are needed. [source] Orexins and the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axisACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 3 2010M. Nurmio Abstract Orexins (OX), OX-A and OX-B, were initially identified as hypothalamic neuropeptides primarily involved in the control of food intake and states of arousal. Thereafter, orexins have been substantiated as putative pleiotropic regulators of a wide diversity of biological systems, including different neuroendocrine axes. Among the latter, compelling experimental evidence has recently been documented that orexins, mainly OX-A, may act at different levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis to modulate reproductive function. These actions are likely to include regulatory effects on the hypothalamic centres governing the HPG axis, as well as direct actions at the gonadal level. We review herein the experimental evidence, gathered in recent years, supporting a reproductive ,facet' of orexins, with special emphasis on our current knowledge of their patterns of expression and potential functional roles in the testis. Overall, the available data strongly suggest that, by acting at different levels of the HPG axis, orexins may operate as putative neuroendocrine and autocrine/paracrine regulators of gonadal function. [source] Alcohol expectancies in convicted rapists and child molestersCRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL HEALTH, Issue 2 2001Anu S. Aromäki PhD Background Previous findings suggest that cognitive factors and expectancies related to drinking can mediate subjective sexual arousal as well as aggression in men. Our aim was to investigate the drinking habits and alcohol-related expectancies that might predispose men to sexually aggress in two groups of sexual offenders. Method Men convicted of rape (n = 10) were compared with men convicted of child molesting (n = 10) and with control subjects (n = 31). Current drinking habits (while not in prison) were assessed by self-report, and the extent of alcohol abuse was mapped by the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST; Selzer, 1971). Cognitive expectancies related to alcohol use were explored by the standard Alcohol Expectancy Questionnaire (AEQ; Brown et al., 1980). Results The majority of the men who committed rape (70%) but only a third of the men convicted of child molesting were diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder. Alcohol abuse was common in men convicted of both rape and child molesting and the men convicted of rape expected significantly more positive effects from drinking than the control group. Both sex offender groups were the only groups to express significant alcohol-related cognitive expectancies linked to arousal and aggression. Expectancy patterns were directly linked to the antisocial personality characteristics. Conclusion Alcohol abuse is common in men who commit both rape and child molesting. Heavy drinking and the anticipation of alcohol effects such as sexual enhancement, arousal and aggression may facilitate sexual aggression in offenders with antisocial personality disorder. Copyright © 2001 Whurr Publishers Ltd. [source] Physiological functions of glucose-inhibited neuronesACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 1 2009D. Burdakov Abstract Glucose-inhibited neurones are an integral part of neurocircuits regulating cognitive arousal, body weight and vital adaptive behaviours. Their firing is directly suppressed by extracellular glucose through poorly understood signalling cascades culminating in opening of post-synaptic K+ or possibly Cl, channels. In mammalian brains, two groups of glucose-inhibited neurones are best understood at present: neurones of the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) that express peptide transmitters NPY and agouti-related peptide (AgRP) and neurones of the lateral hypothalamus (LH) that express peptide transmitters orexins/hypocretins. The activity of ARC NPY/AgRP neurones promotes food intake and suppresses energy expenditure, and their destruction causes a severe reduction in food intake and body weight. The physiological actions of ARC NPY/AgRP cells are mediated by projections to numerous hypothalamic areas, as well as extrahypothalamic sites such as the thalamus and ventral tegmental area. Orexin/hypocretin neurones of the LH are critical for normal wakefulness, energy expenditure and reward-seeking, and their destruction causes narcolepsy. Orexin actions are mediated by highly widespread central projections to virtually all brain areas except the cerebellum, including monosynaptic innervation of the cerebral cortex and autonomic pre-ganglionic neurones. There, orexins act on two specific G-protein-coupled receptors generally linked to neuronal excitation. In addition to sensing physiological changes in sugar levels, the firing of both NPY/AgRP and orexin neurones is inhibited by the ,satiety' hormone leptin and stimulated by the ,hunger' hormone ghrelin. Glucose-inhibited neurones are thus well placed to coordinate diverse brain states and behaviours based on energy levels. [source] Multidimensional effects of sertraline in social anxiety disorderDEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 1 2006Kathryn M. Connor M.D. Abstract Clinical trials of social anxiety disorder (SAD) have largely focused on the effect of treatment on symptoms of fear and avoidance, while neglecting the third clinically relevant dimension, physiological arousal. Data were combined from two previously reported placebo-controlled trials of sertraline in the treatment of moderate-to-severe generalized SAD. Efficacy was evaluated using the Brief Social Phobia Scale (BSPS). Three hundred forty-six subjects were randomized to 12,13 weeks of treatment with sertraline and 273 subjects to placebo. Following treatment, significant improvement was noted in favor of sertraline on the full BSPS (P<.001), as well as on each of the individual BSPS subscales: fear (P=.001); avoidance (P<.0001); and physiological arousal (P<.0001). Of the physiological symptoms assessed, the treatment advantage with sertraline was maintained for blushing (P<.003) and palpitations (P<.03), but not for trembling and sweating. These results confirm the efficacy of treatment with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), sertraline, across the spectrum of fear, avoidance, and physiological arousal in generalized SAD (GSAD). Among common physiological symptoms in this population, blushing and palpitations appear more treatment responsive than trembling and sweating to acute treatment with sertraline. Depression and Anxiety 23:6,10, 2006. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Behavioral and cardiovascular effects of 7.5% CO2 in human volunteersDEPRESSION AND ANXIETY, Issue 1 2005Jayne E. Bailey M.Sc. Abstract The study of carbon dioxide (CO2) inhalation in psychiatry has a long and varied history, with recent interest in using inhaled CO2 as an experimental tool to explore the neurobiology and treatment of panic disorder. As a consequence, many studies have examined the panic-like response to the gas either using the single or double breath 35% CO2 inhalation or 5,7% CO2 inhaled for 15,20 min, or rebreathing 5% CO2 for a shorter time. However, this lower dose regime produces little physiological or psychological effects in normal volunteers. For this reason we have studied the effects of a higher concentration of CO2, 7.5%, given over 20 min. Twenty healthy volunteers were recruited to a double blind, placebo-controlled study where air and 7.5% CO2 were inhaled for 20 min. Cardiovascular measures and subjective ratings were obtained. When compared to air, inhaling 7.5% CO2 for 20 min increases systolic blood pressure and heart rate, indicating increased autonomic arousal. It also increases ratings of anxiety and fear and other subjective symptoms associated with an anxiety state. The inhalation of 7.5% CO2 for 20 min is safe for use in healthy volunteers and produces robust subjective and objective effects. It seems promising as an anxiety provocation test that could be beneficial in the study of the effects of anxiety on sustained performance, the discovery of novel anxiolytic agents, and the study of brain circuits and mechanisms of anxiety. Depression and Anxiety 00:000,000, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] The influence of attachment representation on parental perception and interpretation of infant emotions: A multilevel approachDEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2010Gottfried Spangler Abstract The aim of the study was to investigate parental perception and interpretation of infant emotional expression depending on their attachment representation. Forty-six parents' responses to infant pictures depicting positive, neutral, and negative emotions were assessed on the level of affective judgments (valence, arousal), mimic responses (facial muscle activity), and of the eyelid reflex (using the startle paradigm). Results revealed small differences between parents of different attachment representations with respect to their subjective evaluations. However, secure parents, as compared to insecure ones, showed a positive bias in their mimic responses to infant pictures. The modulation of the startle response indicated a negative evaluation of negative infant emotion expressions in dismissing parents, while an augmentation of the startle response to negative infant emotions could not be observed in secure and preoccupied parents. The findings highlight the role of attachment experiences for emotional information processing in parents and its consequences for parental behavior. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 52: 411,423, 2010. [source] Brainstem mechanisms underlying the sudden infant death syndrome: Evidence from human pathologic studiesDEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2009Hannah C. Kinney Abstract The brainstem hypothesis is one of the leading hypotheses concerning the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It states that SIDS, or an important subset of SIDS, is due to abnormal brainstem mechanisms in the control of respiration, chemosensitivity, autonomic regulation, and/or arousal which impairs the infant's response to life-threatening, but often occurring, stressors during sleep (e.g., hypoxia, hypercarbia, asphyxia, hyperthermia) and leads to sudden death in a vulnerable developmental period. In this review, we summarize neuropathologic evidence from SIDS cases that support this hypothesis, beginning with the seminal report of subtle brainstem gliosis three decades ago. We focus upon recent neurochemical studies in our laboratory concerning the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) and its key role in mediating protective responses to homeostatic stressors via medullary circuits. The possible fetal origin of brainstem defects in SIDS is reviewed, including evidence for adverse effects of prenatal exposure to maternal cigarette smoking and alcohol upon the postnatal development of human brainstem 5-HT pathways. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 51: 223,233, 2009 [source] The "smellscape" of mother's breast: Effects of odor masking and selective unmasking on neonatal arousal, oral, and visual responsesDEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2007Sébastien Doucet Abstract Lactating women emit odor cues that release activity in newborns. Such cues may be carried in various substrates, including milk or areolar secretions. The present study aimed to examine the responses of infants facing their mother's breast and to sort out the source(s) of active volatile compounds emitted by the lactating breast. Infants (aged 3,4 days) were presented their mother's breast in two consecutive trials of 90 s each: a scentless condition (breast entirely covered with a transparent film) paired with one of four odorous conditions (fully exposed breast: n,=,15; nipple only exposed: 15; areola only exposed: 13; and milk exposed: 12). The infants were more orally activated when facing any of the odorous breast conditions than when facing the scentless breast. They cried earlier and longer, and opened their eyes less, when facing the scentless breast. Nipple, Areola, and Milk odors appeared to be equivalent to the whole breast odor in stimulating oral activity and in delaying crying onset. This study shows that volatile compounds originating in areolar secretions or milk release mouthing, stimulate eye opening, and delay and reduce crying in newborns. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 49: 129,138, 2007. [source] Effects of redundant and nonredundant bimodal sensory stimulation on heart rate in bobwhite quail embryosDEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2003Greg D. Reynolds Abstract Research with both animal embryos and human infants has provided evidence that information presented redundantly and in temporal synchrony across sensory modalities (intersensory redundancy) can guide selective attention, perceptual learning, and memory during early development. How this facilitation is achieved remains relatively unexamined. This study examined the effects of redundant versus nonredundant bimodal stimulation on a measure of physiological arousal (heart rate) in bobwhite quail embryos. Results show that quail embryos exposed to concurrent but nonredundant auditory and visual stimulation during the late stages of incubation exhibit significantly elevated heart rates following stimulus exposure and during stimulus reexposure when compared to embryos exposed to redundant and synchronous audiovisual stimulation, unimodal auditory stimulation, or no supplemental prenatal sensory stimulation. These findings indicate a functional distinction between redundant and nonredundant bimodal stimulation during early development and suggest that nonredundant bimodal stimulation during the prenatal period can raise arousal levels, thereby potentially interfering with the attentional capacities and perceptual learning of bobwhite quail. In contrast, intersensory redundancy appears to foster arousal levels that facilitate selective attention and perceptual learning during prenatal development. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 43: 304,310, 2003. 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