Embodied Precision : Intranasal Oxytocin Modulates Multisensory Integration

© 2018 Massachusetts Institute of Technology.Multisensory integration processes are fundamental to our sense of self as embodied beings. Bodily illusions, such as the rubber hand illusion (RHI) and the size-weight illusion (SWI), allow us to investigate how the brain resolves conflicting multisensory evidence during perceptual inference in relation to different facets of body representation. In the RHI, synchronous tactile stimulation of a participant's hidden hand and a visible rubber hand creates illusory body ownership; in the SWI, the perceived size of the body can modulate the estimated weight of external objects. According to Bayesian models, such illusions arise as an attempt to explain the causes of multisensory perception and may reflect the attenuation of somatosensory precision, which is required to resolve perceptual hypotheses about conflicting multisensory input. Recent hypotheses propose that the precision of sensorimotor representations is determined by modulators of synaptic gain, like dopamine, acetylcholine, and oxytocin. However, these neuromodulatory hypotheses have not been tested in the context of embodied multisensory integration. The present, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study ( N = 41 healthy volunteers) aimed to investigate the effect of intranasal oxytocin (IN-OT) on multisensory integration processes, tested by means of the RHI and the SWI. Results showed that IN-OT enhanced the subjective feeling of ownership in the RHI, only when synchronous tactile stimulation was involved. Furthermore, IN-OT increased an embodied version of the SWI (quantified as estimation error during a weight estimation task). These findings suggest that oxytocin might modulate processes of visuotactile multisensory integration by increasing the precision of top-down signals against bottom-up sensory input.Peer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio

The classification of bulimic eating disorders: a community-based cluster analysis study

Published online by Cambridge University Press 09 Jul 2009There is controversy over how best to classify eating disorders in which there is recurrent binge eating. Many patients with recurrent binge eating do not meet diagnostic criteria for either of the two established eating disorders, anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. The present study was designed to derive an empirically based, and clinically meaningful, diagnostic scheme by identifying subgroups from among those with recurrent binge eating, testing the validity of these subgroups and comparing their predictive validity with that of the DSM-IV scheme. A general population sample of 250 young women with recurrent binge eating was recruited using a two-stage design. Four subgroups among the sample were identified using a Ward's cluster analysis. The first subgroup had either objective or subjective bulimic episodes and vomiting or laxative misuse; the second had objective bulimic episodes and low levels of vomiting or laxative misuse; the third had subjective bulimic episodes and low levels of vomiting or laxative misuse; and the fourth was heterogeneous in character. This cluster solution was robust to replication. It had good descriptive and predictive validity and partial construct validity. The results support the concept of bulimia nervosa and its division into purging and non-purging subtypes. They also suggest a possible new binge eating syndrome. Binge eating disorder, listed as an example of Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified within DSM-IV, did not emerge from the cluster analysis.P. J. Hay, C. G. Fairburn and H. A. Dol

What Best Explains the Discrimination against the Chinese in New Zealand, 1860s-1950s?

The article discusses the different explanations for the discrimination against the Chinese in New Zealand. The legal and institutional as well as every-day expressions of prejudice against the Chinese are highlighted

Twenty-Five Years in Search of a Reasonable Approach

This paper examines the development of a myriad of investigative techniques subsequent to the enactment of s. 487 of the Criminal Code, which has resulted in a number of significant judicial pronouncements on the scope of section 8 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and, in turn, parliamentary response. The paper outlines how this dialogue between the courts and the legislature has resulted in a proliferation of search provisions in the Criminal Code. Unfortunately, this has also resulted in a complex labyrinth of provisions containing confusing, often contradictory, requirements and logical inconsistencies. The paper details a number of significant examples, and concludes by suggesting ways some of the search provisions in the Criminal Code could be reorganized or rewritten

DSM-5 reduces the proportion of EDNOS cases: Evidence from community samples

Objective: Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS) constitute the most common eating disorder among those seeking treatment at eating disorder facilities; they are even more common among persons with eating disorders the community. This study compares the impact of applying the revised diagnostic criteria proposed by the DSM-5 workgroup, and the broad categories for the diagnosis of eating disorders (BCD-ED) proposed by Walsh and Sysko on the prevalence of EDNOS. Method: In two nationwide epidemiological studies the prevalence of eating disorders among female high school (n 5 2,028) and university students (n 5 1,020) was examined using DSM-IV criteria. We used a two-stage design, administering a questionnaire in the first stage and an interview in the second stage.Results: In the combined samples 118 cases of eating disorders (DSM-IV) were detected, of which 86 were diagnosed as EDNOS (72.9%). Application of the DSM-5 criteria reduced the number of EDNOS cases to 60 (50.8%) or to 52 (44%), when using a BMI \18.5 as cutoff for ‘‘signifi- cantly low weight’’ criterion in AN; with the use of BCD-ED criteria, only 5 (4.2%) cases of EDNOS remained. Discussion: Proposed criteria set for DSM-5 substantially reduce the number of EDNOS cases. However, the BCD-ED scheme further reduces its proportion, almost eliminating it.Supported by Contract grant sponsor: Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia/Foundation for Science and Technology, Portugal; contract grant number: PTDC/PSI-PCL/099981/200

Imagery in French religious poetry in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries

The purpose of this thesis is to examine the poetry of the late sixteenth, and early seventeenth centuries by studying in particular its imagery. The study will differentiate between different styles of imagery and bring out the characteristics which, the poets of this period shared. The first chapter is a definition of the image in general, pointing out its function as a means of comparison and a means of expressing the poet's experience. The different ways of using an image and the different types of imagery will be indicated. Finally I shall trace the differences in theories of the image in different periods, and indicate the special characteristics of baroque imagery. In the second chapter I shall make a general study of the relation between art and religion, and the uses made of imagery in religious faith. The individuality of the writer of devotional literature produces an individual type of imagery, and the chapter concludes with an examination of imagery used in prose writing during the period to which this study is devoted. The third chapter is concerned with influences, firstly Biblical imagery and its influence on poets dealing with biblical themes, and on the poetry of death and transience. I shall also try to define the differences between the Protestant and Catholic writer in his acceptance of Biblical imagery. Then I shall study the Italian influence. Since the similarity between religious and erotic imagery is often striking, the influence of love poetry, especially the predominant Fetrarchist style is an important factor to be considered. Then the use of classical mythology in imagery will be studied, and finally the signs of medieval survivals in imagery will be outlined. The fourth chapter is in three parts. The first part examines extremely sensuous and picturesque imagery, firstly in its more gloomy aspects; poetry on the Day of Judgement, the afterlife, the Crucifixion. Then allegorical imagery and imagery of transient things will be studied. Imagery often becomes very vivid when required to translate intense emotion. On the other hand the optimistic outlook is e pressed in the picturesque imagery describing the Virgin and Mary Magdalene. Imagery is often developed disproportionately and translates the individuality of the poet's vision of the world and his faith. The second part deals with antithetical and paradoxical images. The themes illustrated by antithesis are the contrasts between the flesh and the spirit, and the contradictions in life. Antithesis is also used to describe negatively things which are beyond the normal powers of description. Paradox is shown to be an integral part of Christian belief, especially in the themes of death and life, in dealing with the doctrine about Christ and the Virgin Mary, and the Holy Trinity, and life as a whole can be described in paradoxical terms. The last part deals with complexity in imagery, particularly symbolic images and images which are made to illustrate a large number of ideas. Some poets use imagery which is obscure, sometimes because the idea it expresses is difficult to grasp, sometimes to preserve the essential mystery of the Christian faith. This obscurity is increased by confusion in language and abruptness of style. Often the imagery is obscure because the poet is too concerned with demonstration of his own erudition. The fifth chapter will examine the function of the image within the poem. Firstly the image which is central to the poem is illustrated, and then the poem which is made up of a series of connected images. The poet’s individuality is demonstrated by the way in which he uses images. Then it is shown how images complement the idea and form an illustration of it. The image may also be the unifying element of the, poem from the structural point of view, or it may simply be a form of decoration. Finally 1 shall point out what the poets themselves considered the function of poetry to be and how they approached the problem of style. The conclusion points out the general characteristics of the imagery of this period in relation to the poetry of Europe in general, and makes some attempt to explain why and in what way the poetry of this period makes a distinctive use of imagery

Retrofitting the International Space Station.

Crew quarters (CQ) design was key to the habitability design of Skylab, with a specific goal of providing a private space for each crewmember, who might spend 6-8 hours a day there. Despite the privacy afforded by a designated place for each crewmember, Skylab crews reported poor sleep due to noise, light leaks, or disturbances by fellow crewmembers. Adams (1998) noted that Skylab lacked attachment points for relocating sleep restraints, thereby effectively precluding crewmembers from sleeping elsewhere. Generally speaking, Skylab's interior outfitting was not designed for modularity or reconfigurability. In contrast, one of the principal design features of the International Space Station (ISS) is the basic structure of the modules and the rack volumes they accommodate, the International Standard Payload Rack (ISPR). The ISPR is intended to allow interchangeability and reconfiguration. Feedback from expedition crews who have lived onboard the ISS include requests for an improved living environment. Designers can improve the living environment, in part, by learning from the experiences of these crews. By developing solutions that can be retrofitted to the existing basic structures, designers could offer an environment that enriches a crewmember's experience. Crew feedback has cited flexibility of use as a desirable feature during long-duration missions. For such missions, flexibility allows objects or environments to be used in different ways, requiring fewer amenities and less room to house those amenities, thereby reducing transportation demands and costs. Flexibility offers numerous advantages for space applications where the living volume is limited and delivery and maintenance costs are major concerns. A mounting structure and kit of parts system could offer flexibility of use, a benefit for crewmembers who desire visual stimulation and variety in the space station environment. Moreover, this approach is durable; any part would be able to be detached and updated, improved, or replaced. This chapter presents a design solution for a flexible CQ system. The process behind the solution involved a series of self-directed empirical exercises that provided insight and spurred concept generation. Subsequently, a review of relevant ISS specifications served to guide design development. The resulting design is compatible with the basic elements of existing CQ equipment, offers adaptability over time using a proposed kit of parts, and thus an interior strategy that allows crewmembers to tailor the layout and use of their private environment at any time