Neural Correlates of Verb Argument Structure Processing

Verb argument structure (VAS) is pivotal to sentence production and comprehension, since it determines participant roles, as well as their grammatical form and syntactic position in a sentence. Neural correlates of VAS processing have mainly been studied in terms of the number of arguments. Data on the neural and behavioral effects of other VAS characteristics are limited, whereas they would have implications for behavioral and brain stimulation treatments of language disorders. The present research investigated behavioral and neural effects of three understudied VAS characteristics (number of subcategorization options, number of thematic options and number of number-of-argument options) in single-word-level and sentence-level processing. The results indicate that their effects are highly dependent on processing conditions. A greater complexity in terms of the number of subcategorization and thematic options facilitated single-word processing, possibly due to making verb representations “stronger” and providing them with a greater number of connections in the mental lexicon, but had a detrimental effect in sentence processing, where VAS information needs to be processed to a fuller extent. VAS processing was associated with activation in bilateral (although mainly left-lateralized) frontal, temporal and parietal brain areas, including consistent activation in the left middle temporal gyrus. The third characteristic, the number of number-of-argument options, did not appear to have a robust neural or behavioral effect. The present research suggests that VAS effects may have a semantic nature, rather than originate from a dedicated VAS module in verb representations, because they were only found for two VAS characteristics that have semantic correlates and because no evidence of automated exhaustive access to purely grammatical VAS information was found in shallower (single-word) processing conditions. This provides a novel account for VAS effects. Still, regardless of the nature of VAS effects, the present research suggests that the number of subcategorization and thematic options of verbs should be taken into account in selection of stimuli for complexity-based behavioral treatments of aphasia. Another clinical implication of this research is that it suggests potential target sites (mainly, left middle temporal gyrus) for brain stimulation treatments of verb and sentence processing

Cortical and structural connectivity damage correlated with impaired syntactic processing

Problems with sentence processing and production are not exclusive to speakers with agrammatic aphasia. Besides peripheral problems with auditory processing or articulatory control, lexical retrieval, attention and short-term memory deficits may all underlie difficulties with organizing words into sentences, applying inflectional morphology and correctly accessing and processing verb argument structure. Lesions that result in sentence processing problems are therefore not homogeneously limited to a small region. However, sentence processing and production can be broken up into components, in order to investigate the brain-behavior relationship in greater detail. The Northwestern Assessment of Verbs and Sentences (NAVS) allows for such investigations, as it consists of several tasks that tap into different components of syntactic processing (Cho-Reyes & Thompson, 2012). In particular, the NAVS focuses on the pivotal role of verbs and verb argument structure in sentence (de)construction. With respect to structural syntactic features that affect sentence processing, it is of interest to investigate deficits that are characterized by greater problems with noncanonical sentence structures, compared to canonical structures. Patients with such a pattern of impairment may be considered to have a specific deficit in complex syntactic processing. Brain-behavior investigations that focus on such patterns may yield greater insight into regions and/or networks that serve a particular role in the syntactic computations that underlie the relation between canonical and noncanonical sentences (Magnusdottir et al., 2013). As part of a larger study into correlations between brain damage and functional deficits, we submitted participants to an MRI scanning protocol that included anatomical scans, diffusion tensor imaging, resting state functional imaging, and perfusion imaging. Such a combination of methods reduces the chance of underestimating the extent of stroke-induced brain damage and its effect on patient symptoms. We investigated correlations with performance on NAVS subtests, as well as with the ratio of performance on canonical versus noncanonical sentence structures

First evidence of human bone pendants from Late Mesolithic Northeast Europe

In this paper, we introduce the first evidence of the use of human bone for making pendants in Northeast Europe. Twelve of the 37 studied pendants made of long bone splinters turned out to be human bone. Here, we present the ZooMS (Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry) identifications of artefacts and their traceological analysis, and we discuss their implications for the archaeology of Mesolithic burial practices. Our results indicate that the raw material for some of the items was in a fresh or semi-fresh state before making pendants. They were used before they were placed into the graves, and most likely in the same ways as animal bone pendants. This is the first study that has found the use of human bone as raw material in Russian Karelia and the first time that the ZooMS method has been applied to archaeological materials from this region. Together with previous human bone artefact finds from the European Mesolithic period, the bone pendants from Yuzhniy Oleniy Ostrov indicate that the tradition of using human bone as raw material may have been widespread.Peer reviewe

SCORE performance in Central and Eastern Europe and former Soviet Union: MONICA and HAPIEE results

Aims: The Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) scale assesses 10 year risk of fatal atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD), based on conventional risk factors. The high-risk SCORE version is recommended for Central and Eastern Europe and former Soviet Union (CEE/FSU), but its performance has never been systematically assessed in the region. We evaluated SCORE performance in two sets of population-based CEE/FSU cohorts. Methods and results: The cohorts based on the World Health Organization MONitoring of trends and determinants in CArdiovascular disease (MONICA) surveys in the Czech Republic, Poland (Warsaw and Tarnobrzeg), Lithuania (Kaunas), and Russia (Novosibirsk) were followed from the mid-1980s. The Health, Alcohol, and Psychosocial factors in Eastern Europe (HAPIEE) study follows Czech, Polish (Krakow), and Russian (Novosibirsk) cohorts from 2002–05. In Cox regression analyses, the high-risk SCORE ≥5% at baseline significantly predicted CVD mortality in both MONICA [n = 15 027; hazard ratios (HR), 1.7–6.3] and HAPIEE (n = 20 517; HR, 2.6–10.5) samples. While SCORE calibration was good in most MONICA samples (predicted and observed mortality were close), the risk was underestimated in Russia. In HAPIEE, the high-risk SCORE overpredicted the estimated 10 year mortality for Czech and Polish samples and adequately predicted it for Russia. SCORE discrimination was satisfactory in both MONICA and HAPIEE. Conclusion: The high-risk SCORE underestimated the fatal CVD risk in Russian MONICA but performed well in most MONICA samples and Russian HAPIEE. This SCORE version might overestimate the risk in contemporary Czech and Polish populations

Тип театрального бачення: зближення та віддалення української та польської модерної драми

The paper deals with the type of theatrical vision in modernistic Ukrainian and Polish drama. The comparative analysis has been applied to the ways of reactualization of the canon. The romantic drama canon being important for modernistic Polish drama was implemented in different variants of the neoromantic vision (in plays by S. Wyspiański, K. Rostworowski, K. Tetmajer and others). While the half-forgotten tradition of the school drama can be discerned in the subtext of modernistic Ukrainian plays being diverse in their genres and styles. Those are V. Pachovskyi’s tragedy “The dream of the Ukrainian night”, social dramas by S. Cherkasenko and Y. Karpenko, one-act plays by L.Pakharevskyi and Oleksandr Oles.У статті розглянуто тип театрального бачення в українській і польській драмі доби модерну на основі компаративного аналізу способів реактуалізації канону. Авторка виходила з того, що вагомий для польських модерних п’єс канон романтичної драми втілювався в різних варіантах неоромантично го бачення (у доробку С. Виспянського, К. Ростворовського, К. Тетмаєра та ін.). Натомість призабута традиція шкільної драми давалася взнаки в підтексті таких різних за жанром і стилем українських п’єс доби модерну, як трагедія В. Пачовського “Сон української ночі”, соціально-побутові драми С. Черкасенка та Є. Карпенка, одноактівки Л. Пахаревського та Олександра Олеся

Evaluating above- and belowground effects of native and non-native earthworms in grasslands

Previous research has shown non-native earthworms can alter ecosystem function and structure by altering plant communities, soil dynamics, and soil microbial functional groups, including disruption of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, in North America. Compared to previously earthworm-free regions, few studies have investigated effects of non-native earthworms in regions where native earthworms are currently present, with even fewer on earthworm invasions in tallgrass prairies. We conducted complimentary field and growth-chamber mesocosm studies to assess potential effects of non-native earthworms on plants and plant-microbial interactions in tallgrass prairies in north-central Oklahoma. In our field study we assessed earthworm abundance and species composition, plant species composition and biomass, total soil microbial biomass, and relative abundance of soil microbial functional groups including intra- and extra-radical AM fungal abundance. In our mesocosm study we assessed the individual and combined effects of native and non-native earthworms on Andropogon gerardii production and soil microbial communities. At our field site we found both native (Diplocardia spp.) and non-native (Aporrectodea trapezoides) earthworms, with natives dominating earthworm abundances. Neither native nor non-native earthworm abundances were significantly associated with percent vegetation cover, vegetation biomass and richness, or soil microbial communities. However, greater numbers of total earthworms (native or native and non-native combined) were inversely related to native vegetation cover, including Aristida oligantha, and positively related to non-native vegetation cover, including Bothriochloa spp. Our mesocosm study found no relationship between native nor non-native earthworms and above- or belowground biomass or flowering, or the microbial community, including AM fungi. However, native earthworms alone influenced plant root structure differently than when native and non-native earthworms were both included, suggesting cross-species interactions. Potential mechanisms are unknown, requiring further research assessing additional variables, including nutrient availability. Our research suggests total abundance of earthworms, but not specific species groups, may influence vegetation composition in tallgrass prairies by reducing native and promoting non-native plant cover. However, because the vegetation community is linked to total earthworm abundances, widespread ecosystem effects may increase as non-native earthworm invasion continues. Thus, continued studies of earthworm effects in tallgrass prairies is crucial to monitor further alterations of this endangered ecosystem

Socio-economic status over the life-course and depressive symptoms in men and women in Eastern Europe

Objective: Research into social inequalities in depression has studied western populations but data from non-western countries are sparse. In this paper, we investigate the extent of social inequalities in depression in Eastern Europe, the relative importance of social position at different points of the life-course, and whether social patterning of depression differs between men and women.Method: A cross-sectional study examined 12,053 men and 13,582 women in Russia, Poland and the Czech Republic. Depressive symptoms (16 or above on the CESD-20) were examined in relation to socio-economic circumstances at three phases of the life-course: childhood (household amenities and father's education); own education; current circumstances (financial difficulties and possession of household items).Results: Pronounced social differences in depression exist in men and women throughout Eastern Europe. Depression was largely influenced by current circumstances rather than by early life or education, with effects stronger in Poland and Russia. Odds ratios in men for current disadvantage were 3.16 [95% CI: 2.57-3.89], 3.16 [2.74-3.64] and 2.17 [1.80-2.63] in Russia, Poland and the Czech Republic respectively. Social variables did not explain the female excess in depression, which varied from 2.91 [2.58-3.27] in Russia to 1.90 [1.74-2.08] in Poland. Men were more affected by adult disadvantage than women, leading to narrower sex differentials in the presence of disadvantage.Limitations: Cross-sectional data with recall of childhood conditions were used.Conclusion: Current social circumstances are the strongest influence on increased depressive symptoms in countries which have recently experienced social changes. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Russian Migrant Journalists in Ukraine After the EuroMaidan: From ‘Middling Transnationals’ to ‘Voluntary Exiles’?

Numerous Russian media professionals have moved to Ukraine in the last decade. These migrants can be seen as contemporary mobile, highly skilled, transnationally connected professionals who made a lifestyle choice by relocating to Ukraine. However, after the EuroMaidan, their move has also become increasingly political. Drawing upon a series of interviews with Russian media professionals living and working in Ukraine – and addressing their social relationships, professional practices and thoughts on return migration – I analyse the ways in which the lifestyles of these ‘middling transnationals’ can be affected by the political tensions between host and home countries. This paper draws upon the idea of transnational ties being not necessarily durable and supportive but, rather, flexible and multi-directional. I argue that the annexation of Crimea and the armed conflict in Donbas have altered migrants’ cross-border connections with Russia; however, instead of tying them to a place and excluding them from global networks, it might also push them towards inhabiting multiple transnational spaces. These observations highlight the political dimension of ‘middling transnationalism’ which is usually not considered in migration scholarship