Functional Unity Research Articles

Is there a dysexecutive syndrome?

The role of the frontal lobes has often been described as a 'paradox' or a 'riddle'. Ascribed to this region has been the loftiest of functions (e.g. executive; seat of wisdom); others contested that the frontal lobes played no special role. There has also been controversy about the unity or diversity of functions related to the frontal lobes. Based on the analysis of the effects of lesions of the frontal lobes, we propose that there are discrete categories of functions within the frontal lobes, of which 'executive' functioning is one. Within the executive category, the data do not support the concept of an undifferentiated central executive/supervisory system. The results are better explained as impairments in a collection of anatomically and functionally independent but interrelated attentional control processes. Evidence for three separate frontal attentional processes is presented. For each process, we present an operational description, the data supporting the distinctiveness of each process and the evidence for impairments of each process after lesions in specific frontal regions. These processes and their coarse frontal localizations are energization-superior medial, task setting-left lateral and monitoring-right lateral. The strength of the findings lies in replication: across different tasks; across different cognitive modalities (e.g. reaction time paradigms, memory); and across different patient groups. This convergence minimizes the possibility that any of the findings are limited to a specific task or to a specific set of patients. Although distinct, these processes are flexibly assembled in response to context, complexity and intention over real time into different networks within the frontal regions and between frontal and posterior regions.

Unintegration, disintegration and deintegration

This paper is a response to a review of the conference titled, ‘Unintegration, Disintegration and Integration’, written by Cathy Urwin and Maria Rhode in the ACP Bulletin. The review mentioned Michael Fordham, noting that he referred to a ‘good’ kind of unintegration. In this paper, I point out that this is a somewhat misleading reference to what he termed ‘deintegration’. I describe Fordham's model and draw upon observational material and developmental studies in order to illustrate his model. I try to demonstrate that his model is useful and relevant in two particular areas; firstly, it is a psychodynamic model that encompasses the functional unity of the infant and, secondly, the model has adapted readily to the wealth of developmental research that arose at the end of the last century.

Functional Unity of the Ponto-Cerebellum: Evidence That Intrapontine Communication Is Mediated by a Reciprocal Loop With the Cerebellar Nuclei

The majority of cerebral signals destined for the cerebellum are handed over by the pontine nuclei (PN), which thoroughly reorganize the neocortical topography. The PN maps neocortical signals of wide-spread origins into adjacent compartments delineated by spatially precise distribution of cortical terminals and postsynaptic dendrites. We asked whether and how signals interact on the level of the PN. Intracellular fillings of rat PN cells in vitro did not reveal any intrinsic axonal branching neither within the range of the cells' dendrites nor farther away. Furthermore, double whole cell patch recordings did not show any signs of interaction between neighboring pontine cells. Using simultaneous unit recording in the PN and cerebellar nuclei (CN) in rats in vivo, we investigated whether PN compartments interact via extrinsic reciprocal connections with the CN. Repetitive electrical stimulation of the cerebral peduncle of < or = 40 Hz readily evoked rapid sequential activation of PN and CN, demonstrating a direct connection between the structures. Stimulation of the PN gray matter led to responses in neurons < or = 600 microm away from the stimulation site at latencies compatible with di- or polysynaptic pathways via the CN. Importantly, these interactions were spatially discontinuous around the stimulation electrode suggesting that reciprocal PN-CN loops in addition reflect the compartmentalized organization of the PN. These findings are in line with the idea that the cerebellum makes use of the compartmentalized map in the PN to orchestrate the composition of its own neocortical input.

Sensomotor Organization of Motor Acts in the Cockroach Periplaneta americana

The experimental data are presented which indicate modulating effects of different sensor inputs on impulse activity of identified motoneurons included in the neuronal module regulating walking rhythm in the American cockroach Periplaneta americana. At a light stimulation of complex eyes in the cup and α-lobe of mushroom bodies (MB) and in the adjacent neuropil there are revealed neurons differentiated by their ability to reproduce stimulation rhythm, by the latent period of impulse response, and by intensity of summation effect in the case of bimodal stimulation—light and tactile. Data of extracellular marking of these neurons with cobalt ions are presented, which indicate the existence of direct connections between MB and optic lobes in the American cockroach protocerebrum. There are discussed morphological and electrophysiological characteristics of the system of descending dorsal connective fibers that participate in transmission of descending influences of head ganglia on segmental motor centers as well as functional unity of associative structures of the subesophageal ganglion that integrate interganglionary and neuronal modules if the III thoracic ganglion that form as a whole the hierarchically organized distributed system.

Funktionelle Ergebnisse nach transvaginaler, transperinealer und transrektaler Korrektur einer symptomatischen Rektozele

The aim of this study was to compare functional outcome after transvaginal, transperineal and transrectal repair of a symptomatic rectocele and to develop the ideal surgical approach. 28 patients (27 female, 1 male) who had undergone rectocele repair from 1996 to 2003 were analysed. Mean age was 59 years (range 30-79 years), follow-up was 24 months (range 3 to 70 months) and mean appearance of symptoms was 4 years prior to the operation (6 months-32 years). Transvaginal repair was performed in 13 cases, transperineal repair in 8 cases and transrectal repair in 7 cases. 24 of 28 patients (85.7 %) are satisfied with the operation-result (transvaginal 12 of 13 patients [92.3 %], transperineal 7 of 8 patients [87.5 %] and transrectal 5 of 7 patients [71.4 %]). 25 patients (89.3 %) are free of complaints or describe an evident improvement of symptoms (transvaginal 12 of 13 patients [92.3 %], transperineal 7 of 8 patients [87.5 %] und transrectal 6 of 7 patients [85.7 %]). There is one postoperative dyspareunia. Best treatment of a rectocele starts with patients selection. Considering pelvic floor as functional unity, concomitant urologic-gynaecologic lesions and proximal intraabdominal disturbances the appropriate surgical procedure is selected. Surgical approach to correct a symptomatic rectocele depends on the concomitant lesion.

Introduction à la connaissance du glissement des structures sous-cutanées humaines

The mobility of our body structures is so intrinsic and natural to us that we tend to take it for granted. The very fact of being able to pinch your skin and lift it, then let it go and see it return to its initial shape and texture in just a few seconds may seem banal enough until you begin to think of all the elements involved. The same is true when you bend your fingers and think of the movement of the flexor tendon across the palm without external translation. For decades, scientists thought that the skin was simply an elastic structure with loose connective tissue and a more or less virtual space. However, in biomechanical terms, this explanation is very vague. These old concepts developed more than 50 years ago have evolved thanks to the impact of research at the microscopic level, and the global, mesospheric concept has been abandoned. And yet, surgical dissection in vivo demonstrates that there are only tissue connections, simply a histological continuum without any clear separation between skin and hypodermis, the vessels, the aponeurosis and the muscles. In fact, visible everywhere are structures, which ensure a gliding movement between the aponeurosis, the fat structures and the dermis. As they studied this system of gliding between the various organs, in particular at the level of the tendons, the authors noted the existence of a type of system composed of cables and veil-like structures that they term the Multimicrovacuolar Collagen Dynamic Absorption System (MCDAS). This system looks totally chaotic in organization and seems to function in a manner far removed from traditional mechanical structures. The functional unity of this sliding system is dependent upon a polyhedral three-dimensional crisscrossing in space of the microvacuoles, whose collagen envelope is type 1 or type 4 and whose content is made up of proteoglycoaminoglycans. The dynamic of this multimicrovacuolar system allows all of the subtle movements that occur within the body, thanks to its pre-stressed nature and the molecular fusion-scission-dilacerations that it is capable of. In this way, the system is mobile, can move quickly and interdependently, and is able to adapt is plasticity. This notion of microvacuoles is a fascinating one because it provides an explanation for the system’s space-filling ability.The matter is composed of elements. However, although they seem to be arranged in a haphazard manner, this is not the case. In fact, they occupy space in an optimal manner. If we accept this notion of microvacuoles, then it becomes possible to explain certain pathologies occurring with age, such as edema, obesity, aging and inflammation. This sliding system is to be found everywhere in the body and would seem to be the basic network of tissue organization.For this reason, it should be thought of in global terms. Since it constitutes the inseparable link and occurs in all living structures and at many levels, could it be that it the basic architectural design of Life?

Le coussinet adipeux de Charpy. Anatomie descriptive et fonctionnelle. Applications aux nouveaux liftings

The eyebrow fat pad, or retro-orbicularis oculus fat (ROOF) is a syssarcosis, described as an anatomic and functional unity by M. Charpy in 1909. Our anatomic study on 12 (24 half-head) fresh cadaver specimens confirm anatomic variations, mainly according to age and sex. Synthesis of recent literature shows the renewed interest for this fat pad and its involvement in the eye's lateral flare. We will describe its detailed ultrastructure and the physiopathological mechanisms of aging, causing an earlier lateral eyebrow ptosis. So we can evolve new anatomic concepts applied to recent facial rejuvenative procedures, particularly frontotemporal facelifts (endoscopic or classical procedures), by a harmonious repositioning of the eyebrow and in order to restore the lateral flare of the eye.

An integral biochemical analysis of the main constituents of articular cartilage, subchondral and trabecular bone

Objective In articular joints, the forces generated by locomotion are absorbed by the whole of cartilage, subchondral bone and underlying trabecular bone. The objective of this study is to test the hypothesis that regional differences in joint loading are related to clear and interrelated differences in the composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of all three weight-bearing constituents. Method Cartilage, subchondral- and trabecular bone samples from two differently loaded sites (site 1, dorsal joint margin; site 2, central area) of the proximal articular surface of 30 macroscopically normal equine first phalanxes were collected. Collagen content, cross-linking (pentosidine, hydroxylysylpyridinoline (HP), lysylpyridinoline (LP)) hydroxylation, and denaturation, as well as glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and DNA content were measured in all three tissues. In addition, bone mineral density (BMD), the percentage of ash and the mineral composition (calcium, magnesium and phosphorus) were determined in the bony samples. Results For pentosidine cross-links there was an expected correlation with age. Denatured collagen content was significantly higher in cartilage at site 1 than at site 2 and was higher in trabecular bone compared to subchondral bone, with no site differences. There were significant site differences in hydroxylysine (Hyl) concentration and HP cross-links in cartilage that were paralleled in one or both of the bony layers. In subchondral bone there was a positive correlation between total (HP+LP) cross-links and Ca content. For Ca and other minerals there were corresponding site differences in both bony layers. Conclusions It is concluded that there are distinct differences in distribution of the major biochemical components over both sites in all three layers. These differences show similar patterns in cartilage, subchondral bone and trabecular bone, stressing the functional unity of these tissues. Overall, differences could be interpreted as adaptations to a considerably higher cumulative loading over time at site 2, requiring stiffer tissue. Turnover is higher in trabecular bone than in subchondral bone. In cartilage, the dorsal site 1 appears to suffer more tissue damage.

128 Steps Common to How Many Creators Create and Become Creative Combining Recommendations and Recollections of Becoming Creative and Being Creative by Creators in 63 Fields

128 Steps Common to How Many Creators Create and Become Creative Combining Recommendations and Recollections of Becoming Creative and Being Creative by Creators in 63 Fields

Cross-pillar politics: functional unity and institutional fragmentation of EU foreign policies

This article explores the key functional and institutional dynamics of EU foreign politics. It argues that the original pillar design of the Maastricht Treaty, which separated EU foreign policies into two only loosely connected pillars, has over time been replaced by a cross-pillar politics setting. This cross-pillarization has been the result of the pressure emanating from the functional indivisibility of this policy area. The article identifies a specific allocation function of EU foreign policies, namely the provision of policies that establish patterns of inclusion and exclusion for the EU polity and, thereby, gives shape to an emergent EU sovereignty. Notwithstanding this functional unity of the policy area, EU foreign policies are characterized by a complex and highly fragmented institutional structure. The article provides a detailed empirical study on this institutional fragmentation by focusing on the relations within the legislative triangle - the Council, the Commission, the European Parliament - in EU decision-making.

Cytotoxic Activity of the Seeds fromAgrostemma githagovar.githago

In our investigations aqueous extracts of the seeds from Agrostemma githago L. proved to be remarkably more cytotoxic in comparison with isolated agrostemmasaponins in equal concentrations. A combination of agrostemmasaponin 1 with a formyl function attached to triterpene position 4 together with agrostin, a ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP type 1; M (r): 27 kDa) which we isolated from the seed material, resulted in a markedly increased cytotoxicity. In analogy to the well-known lectin-like mechanism of action which can be inhibited by different monosaccharides, we tested seven different sugars known for their affinity to prevent cell recognition and thereby detoxify lectins. None of the tested monosaccharides diminished toxicity values significantly. This suggests that agrostin, combined with agrostemmasaponin 1, has a different mode of action to penetrate through the cell membrane than lectins. On the basis of these facts we concluded that both compounds work as a functional unity showing a mechanism of "cooperative toxicity".

Mesh matching and contact patch test

Mesh matching discussed in this paper refers to a situation when two adjacent lines or surfaces with different meshes on them joint together. A mesh matching formulation is given by enforcing sticking conditions on the jointed lines and surfaces. The preservation of uniform displacements (stress distributions) across the matched meshes is investigated. This, in the contact context, is usually called patch test. The conditions to ensure the formulation pass the patch test are derived, that include partition of unity and compatible conditions of shape functions, as well as the inf-sup condition of the augmented equilibrium equations. The proposed formulation is a general one from which some special cases, such as one-pass and two-pass node-to-surface contact procedures, can be recovered. Various examples are given to show the patch test performances of lower and higher-order mesh matching (contact) formulations for both straight and curved inter faces in 1-D. For a general 2-D problem, an example demonstrates that, unlike its behaviours in 1-D, two-pass node-to-surface contact procedure using linear elements could not pass the patch test.

Systematization and the origin of rules

One of the design features of language is its systematicity: to a considerable extent, the rules of grammar relate not to the world outside, but only to other rules. They exist in autonomy from external motivations. Subject-verb inversion in the Germanic languages as a marker of interrogatives is a well-known example of such an externally unmotivated rule. The notion of systematization implies a process whereby such rules have evolved from pre-systematic externally motivated origins. In this particular case: Greenberg’s constituent order universal #11 proposed that only those languages with sentence-initial interrogative words will ever allow subject-verb inversion in questions. There is, however, an obvious functional basis for fronting question words: Jespersen’s principle of actuality. Moreover, of the languages which front question words, many demarcate focussed from presupposed material by a focus-marking flag. In other languages, it may be that the verb itself may function as such a flag, that is, subject-verb inversion may be the functional analog of a demarcative focus marker. The best evidence for the functional unity of focus marking and subject-verb inversion is their complementary distribution, sometimes within the same language. The genuine systematicity of subject-verb inversion may then be the outcome of functional external motivations, and a series of analogical steps. More generally, it may be that other aspects of the autonomization or emancipation of language can be explained by reference to processes that are attested in observed language change. Analogy leads to systematization (and possibly even to recursiveness), as ritualization leads to displacement, and its linguistic aspects (sound change and grammaticalization) lead to arbitrariness, discreteness, and double articulation.

Cell cycle dependent morphology changes and associated mitochondrial DNA redistribution in mitochondria of human cell lines

Mitochondria of osteosarcoma cells (143B) in culture have variable morphologies, classified according to the shape and size of the organelle as reticular, fragmented or intermediate. Synchronization and release from G0 has shown that the morphology of mitochondria oscillates between the reticular and fragmented state in a cell cycle dependent manner. Cells in G1 have reticular mitochondria while those in S phase have fragmented mitochondria. By using a novel method of fluorescence in situ hybridization, the morphology of mitochondria was correlated with mitochondrial DNA distribution. MtDNA molecules were seen in clusters of two to four along mitochondrial filaments. In the fully fragmented state, each mitochondrion contained at least one cluster. We discuss the importance of fission and fusion events in regulating the morphology of mitochondria, segregation of mtDNA and maintenance of the organelle's functional unity.

Reflections of Psyche, Soma and Spirt in the Art of Cancer Survivors

This article presents the results of art therapy conducted with two breast cancer survivors, ranging in age from 45 to 60. In-depth case studies and a thematic analysis of the art reveal the interconnected aspects of psyche, soma and spirit, suggesting that art helped them to re-establish a functional unity and journey back to wholeness. The theme of psyche occurred in relation to the shadow or the disowned aspects of self, whereas somatic representations of the body emerged as a means to process the physical losses associated with cancer and subsequent surgeries. Furthermore, themes of repression, disconnection and trauma reflect the psychological and emotional interplay between their abuse history and their current situations. For those wounded at their core by past abuse or other trauma, invasive treatment procedures can resurface old feelings of inadequacy and pain, making adaptation to their illness a particular challenge.

Entropy in Property

This article suggests that property is subject to a fundamental law of entropy, namely that it is affected by a one-directional bias leading towards increasing fragmentation. The application of the laws of entropy to property further indicates that one can avoid this tendency only in the purely abstract world of zero transaction costs. Building upon this consideration, I consider the choice of remedies in property law, focusing on legal rules that are designed to promote (a) functional, (b) legal, and (c) physical unity in property. I provide examples drawn from both common law and civil law systems, supporting the hypothesis that legal rules are instrumental in combating entropy in property.

Dynamic rhinoplasty for the plunging nasal tip: functional unity of the inferior third of the nose.

To achieve permanent results for the correction of a drooping nasal tip, it is important to understand the mechanism responsible for the caudal rotation of the tip when a person speaks or smiles. This mechanism can be considered to depend on a "functional unity" formed by three components: (1) the cartilaginous framework (alar cartilages and accessories acting as a single structure); (2) muscular motors (m. levator labii superioris alaeque nasi and depressor septi nasi); and (3) gliding areas (apertura piriformis, the valvular mechanism between the upper lateral cartilages and alar cartilages, the lax tissue of the nasal dorsum, and the membranous septum). We describe a new anatomical and functional concept responsible for the plunging of the nasal tip. When a person smiles, the functional unit is activated by a combination of two forces acting simultaneously in opposite directions that rotate the tip caudally and elevate the nasal base. The levator moves the alar base upward and the depressor pulls the tip caudally. To correct the drooping tip, the transcartilaginous incision is extended laterally, and the lateral portion of the alar arch is dissected free from the skin and the mucosa, thus exposing the accessory cartilages. The arch is then severed at the level of the accessories to allow the cephalad rotation of the domes. The muscle insertions are dissected free from the accessories and a section of the muscle and, if necessary, the accessory cartilages, is removed. From January of 1991 onward, 312 patients have had this ancillary procedure performed in addition to the basic rhinoplasty technique.

The Unity and Diversity of Executive Functions and Their Contributions to Complex “Frontal Lobe” Tasks: A Latent Variable Analysis

This individual differences study examined the separability of three often postulated executive functions—mental set shifting (“Shifting”), information updating and monitoring (“Updating”), and inhibition of prepotent responses (“Inhibition”)—and their roles in complex “frontal lobe” or “executive” tasks. One hundred thirty-seven college students performed a set of relatively simple experimental tasks that are considered to predominantly tap each target executive function as well as a set of frequently used executive tasks: the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), Tower of Hanoi (TOH), random number generation (RNG), operation span, and dual tasking. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the three target executive functions are moderately correlated with one another, but are clearly separable. Moreover, structural equation modeling suggested that the three functions contribute differentially to performance on complex executive tasks. Specifically, WCST performance was related most strongly to Shifting, TOH to Inhibition, RNG to Inhibition and Updating, and operation span to Updating. Dual task performance was not related to any of the three target functions. These results suggest that it is important to recognize both the unity and diversity of executive functions and that latent variable analysis is a useful approach to studying the organization and roles of executive functions.

The Idea of the Vernacular: An Anthology of Middle English Literary Theory 1280-1520 (review)

293 Wogan-Browne, Jocelyn, Nicholas Watson, Andrew Taylor and Ruth Evans, ed., The Idea of the Vernacular: An Anthology of Middle Engli Literary Theory 1280-1520, Exeter, University of Exeter Press, 1999; paper; pp. xvi, 504; 2 maps; R.R.P. £16.99; ISBN 0859895939. [Available in U S A and Canada from Penn State University Press.] The editors of this hard-working book have succeeded in producing a rare hybrid, the theorised scholarly contribution to medieval studies which can also double as a student textbook. Built around a comprehensive and extensively annotated set of excerpts from Middle English literature (in its broadest definition), the accompanying material forms a cumulative debate about the status of the vernacular in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. The subtitle of the book, referring to 'Middle English Literary Theory', is slightly ambiguous. W h a t is meant by this is not a full examination of medieval literary theory of the kind undertaken by J. W . H. Atkins (missing from the Bibliography), but rather an assemblage of medieval opinions, accompanied by modern theories, about writing in the vernacular instead of in Latin and French. W h o chose to write in the vernacular, w h y and for w h o m were they writing? These are the central questions addressed by all the various parts of the book, in a format reminiscent of Alastair Minnis's work on medieval authorship. The textual evidence which forms the central core of the book is drawn entirely from the prologues to a wide range of vernacular texts, from poetry and romance to chronicle and religious or political writing. As a way of introducing students to a generous sample of Middle English literature that goes beyond the 'easy' accessible pieces, this is a lively and well chosen selection whose unity of function (the prologue) leads to interesting comparisons. Appropriately for a book that features the literary prologue, it is notably structured around various types of introduction and preface. The texts themselves are arranged in three sections, on author, audience and models of the reading process. Each section begins with a brief and well theorised introduction, including a description of the chosen texts which locates them for us thematicaUy. Each text is then prefaced by some useful notes on the date, author, likely or intended audience, and a summary of i t contents. Signalling its functionality for student readers, there are 294 Reviews also line glosses and /or end notes for each text, as well as an excellent glossary, itself prefaced by a careful explanation of its rationale. The whole book, moreover, is prefaced by a formal introduction which sets out the theoretical parameters and explains w h y there is an emphasis on the nonChaucerian tradition of Middle English writing (though samples of Chaucer's work are indeed included in the anthology). Finally, the book includes five short critical essays on various aspects of vernacular writing, prefaced by a short statement reiterating the importance of debating theories about such writing and its contexts. Of the three sections containing the primary texts, the second, 'Addressing and Positioning the Audience', has perhaps the least satisfactory introduction, mainly because of the theoretical (and actual) difficulties related to the recovery of 'audience'. Though the introduction assumes, following Paul Strohm's taxonomy of audiences, that a 'real' audience can be empirically recovered from data contained in wills, inventories, records of commissions and so on, the comments about actual audiences, such as the section on oppositional readings, remain almost entirely hypothetical. In fact it is clear from the texts themselves that this section is about the construction of identities, which is different from addressing or locating the audience. The vigour of m a n y of the connecting pieces of commentary throughout the book and its relative coherence suggest the large contribution made by 'general editor' Jocelyn Wogan-Browne. Despite an overall excellence of presentation and keen attention to detail, there are a few inescapable signs of the committee product. Although each section of the anthology was compiled by a different contributor (as explained in the acknowledgements), their names are not attached, giving the impression of a democratically-produced unity. Nevertheless, the different styles...

Some analytical issues in Optimality Theory

One important breakthrough of optimality theory involves the formal analysis of the functional unity of phonological processes. Rule-based theories have no formal means of accounting for why diverse processes in a single language may conspire to have output forms meet a specific phonological shape or characteristic. I will illustrate how optimality theory can account for a functional conspiracy by considering in detail syllable contact phenomena in Korean. While the account of functional conspiracies is one of the major analytical achievements of optimality theory, there are, nonetheless, analytical challenges confronting it. I briefly touch on two such challenges, one concerning a specific prediction regarding blocking segments in harmony systems and the other concerning the analysis of phonological opacity. The overall conclusion of this article is that while optimality theory offers analytic insight and does make specific empirical predictions, the analysis of phonological opacity remains a challenge to the theory.