Nicotine does not enhance basic semantic priming

Utilising a cognitively demanding strategy-based priming paradigm, we recently observed that acute transdermal nicotine selectively influenced controlled semantic processing but not related-word links within semantic memory per se as reported by Holmes et al. (Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 11:389-399, 2008)

Mineral Components and Ash Analysis

RESP-3539

The Unaware Brain: The Role of the Interconnected Modal Matrices in the Centrencephalic Space of Functional Integration

For over a century, it has been accepted that there exists a remote psychic space that influences our way of thinking, perception, decision-making and so on. This space, defined by Freud as the ‘unconscious’, embodies the psychic element that we are unaware of. It is a space that is an extension and a wider representation of the complex and sophisticated metapsychological apparatus he conceived. With respect to the conscious sphere (whose related anatomical function concerns the encephalic trunk, diencephalon and associative cortical areas), this unconscious dimension relates to the limbic lobe and specific areas of the frontal, parietal and temporal lobes. This complex neurophysiological system connects and coordinates the sensory, emotional, cognitive and behavioural systems. Its sophisticated adaptive functions, implied and unaware, allow the prefrontal cortex to transform a huge amount of information into explicit behaviour, thus affecting our behaviour in terms of executive functions, decision-making, moral judgments and so on. In this paper, we advance the hypothesis that these subcortical components constitute interconnected modal matrices that intervene under certain circumstances to respond to environmental requirements. In this space of functional integration, they act as an intermediary between the frontal cortex, the limbic system and the basal ganglia and are a key player in the planning, selection and decision to carry out appropriate actions. Due to their generativity and intramodal and extramodal connections, it is plausible to assume that they also play a role in mediation between unconscious and conscious thought. © Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2020

Conclusion: The science of conflict

This chapter discusses the application of scientific approaches to conflict studies. The emphasis is on recent advances in the field of biomolecular archaeology applied to human remains, most notably isotopic analyses, ancient DNA and radiocarbon dating. These techniques have the potential to address crucial questions regarding skeletons demonstrating violent injuries, such as the identity and origins of those involved. In addition, high-resolution dating can be crucial to determining whether a multiple burial represents a single or multiple events, as well as linking periods exhibiting greater violence with other social and/or environmental variables. This allows archaeologists to address broader questions concerning the role(s) of violent interactions in past societies