Computational models can distinguish the contribution from different mechanisms to familiarity recognition.

Familiarity is the strange feeling of knowing that something has already been seen in our past. Over the past decades, several attempts have been made to model familiarity using artificial neural networks. Recently, two learning algorithms successfully reproduced the functioning of the perirhinal cortex, a key structure involved during familiarity: Hebbian and anti-Hebbian learning. However, performance of these learning rules is very different from one to another thus raising the question of their complementarity. In this work, we designed two distinct computational models that combined Deep Learning and a Hebbian learning rule to reproduce familiarity on natural images, the Hebbian model and the anti-Hebbian model, respectively. We compared the performance of both models during different simulations to highlight the inner functioning of both learning rules. We showed that the anti-Hebbian model fits human behavioral data whereas the Hebbian model fails to fit the data under large training set sizes. Besides, we observed that only our Hebbian model is highly sensitive to homogeneity between images. Taken together, we interpreted these results considering the distinction between absolute and relative familiarity. With our framework, we proposed a novel way to distinguish the contribution of these familiarity mechanisms to the overall feeling of familiarity. By viewing them as complementary, our two models allow us to make new testable predictions that could be of interest to shed light on the familiarity phenomenon.

Memory formation during anaesthesia: plausibility of a neurophysiological basis.

As opposed to conscious, personally relevant (explicit) memories that we can recall at will, implicit (unconscious) memories are prototypical of 'hidden' memory; memories that exist, but that we do not know we possess. Nevertheless, our behaviour can be affected by these memories; in fact, these memories allow us to function in an ever-changing world. It is still unclear from behavioural studies whether similar memories can be formed during anaesthesia. Thus, a relevant question is whether implicit memory formation is a realistic possibility during anaesthesia, considering the underlying neurophysiology. A different conceptualization of memory taxonomy is presented, the serial parallel independent model of Tulving, which focuses on dynamic information processing with interactions among different memory systems rather than static classification of different types of memories. The neurophysiological basis for subliminal information processing is considered in the context of brain function as embodied in network interactions. Function of sensory cortices and thalamic activity during anaesthesia are reviewed. The role of sensory and perisensory cortices, in particular the auditory cortex, in support of memory function is discussed. Although improbable, with the current knowledge of neurophysiology one cannot rule out the possibility of memory formation during anaesthesia.

Effect of acute experimental hand pain on left-right discrimination response latency for hand recognition.

Background: Recent work has indicated that acute experimental pain affects left-right discrimination latency. This phenomenon highlights an effect of pain on the cortex that may have significant clinical importance in the form of pain state assessment. However, to date only limited study has further qualified this effect. A more thorough understanding of the magnitude and characteristics of this phenomenon is needed to determine its potential clinical utility. Objective: This study aimed to closely replicate previous studies investigating response latency changes for left-right discrimination judgements as a result of acute experimental pain. Methods: Twenty-two right-handed participants (n = 11 female, n = 11 male) free from pain, analgesia use, pain-related conditions, upper limb trauma/conditions, visual impairment, and dyslexia took part in this study. Participants completed a hand left-right discrimination judgement task before, during, and after an experimental pain stimulus was delivered to each hand separately. Experimental pain was achieved using an intramuscular injection of hypertonic (5%) saline into the thenar eminence of the left and right hands. Mean response times for the left-right discrimination task were determined and compared for pain location (right, left), pain condition (before, during, after), and image laterality (right, left). Pain intensity was rated at 20 s intervals during each left-right discrimination task. Results: A main effect of pain condition (p = 0.028) confirmed that pain intensity was significantly higher in the "during pain" condition compared to the "before pain" and "after pain" conditions. A main effect of image laterality (p = 0.002) further showed that response latency for right-hand pain was significantly shorter compared to left-hand pain. No significant interaction between the factors pain location and image laterality (p = 0.086) was found. For right-hand pain, response latencies for the unaffected hand were, however, descriptively greater compared to the affected hand, and this was not the case for left-hand pain. Furthermore, no main effect of pain stimulus or of pain location on response times was found (p = 1.00 and p = 0.202, respectively). Conclusion: Our results were not consistent with previous hand left-right discrimination response latency results and may cast doubt on the attentional bias hypothesis that is currently considered to underpin response latency changes during acute experimental hand pain. Individual responses to pain, subsets of participants, and differing mental rotation strategies during the left-right discrimination task may have influenced the results.

How Well do Orthopedic Surgeons Recognize Different Models of Total Elbow Arthroplasties on Plain Radiographs with the Use of a Diagnostic Flowchart?

BACKGROUND: Recognition of total elbow arthroplasties (TEAs) on plain radiographs is difficult due to a multitude of different types and models. Especially if surgery reports and documentation are not available, lost or when the primary surgery was performed in another hospital the prosthesis type may be undeterminable. Therefore we investigated in this platform study if a flowchart aids in recognition of thirteen different total elbow arthroplasty models on plain radiographs. METHODS: An online questionnaire on the Shoulder and Elbow Platform was developed. Plain radiographs of thirteen TEA models were shown with and without the help of an especially developed flowchart describing distinguishing features. RESULTS: Ten orthopedic surgeons specialized in upper extremity surgery completed the study. Recognition rates of the thirteen total elbow arthroplasty models ranged between 20 and 100 percent without the flowchart. Using the flowchart recognition varied between 40 and 90 percent. The recognition rates with the flowchart were not significantly higher. Inter-observer reliability did not increase on a significant level. CONCLUSION: Correct recognition of total elbow arthroplasty models with plain radiographs remains imperfect with our developed flowchart. The flowchart increased correct recognition rates and inter-observer reliability.

Usos de [la] locura: hacia el reconocimiento de nuevas lógicas interpretativas del sufrimiento humano / Uses of madness: towards the recognition of new interpretations of human suffering

RESUMEN El presente artículo aborda la controversia asociada al constructo esquizofrenia/psicosis/locura, señalando la necesidad de admitir la multiplicidad de experiencias e interpretaciones que se ponen en juego mediante su uso. La pluralidad, la complejidad intrínseca al fenómeno, la disconformidad en sus posibles significados y el valor de las experiencias en primera persona, se indican como dimensiones cuyo reconocimiento resulta indispensable tanto en la comprensión del malestar como en su enfrentamiento socioeducativo. A partir de entrevistas realizadas entre septiembre de 2013 y mayo de 2014 a seis personas diagnosticadas al menos de esquizofrenia, que participaron de forma consentida e informada, se abordan dichas dimensiones y se revisa la locura desde una perspectiva queer, como posible lugar de enunciación política que permita habilitar nuevos tránsitos y formas de circulación social a los sujetos de la aflicción.

ABSTRACT This article addresses the controversy associated with the construct schizophrenia/psychosis/madness, indicating the need to acknowledge the multiplicity of experiences and interpretations which arise through the use of the construct. The plurality and complexity intrinsic to the phenomenon, the discrepancies in its possible meanings and the value of first-hand experience are indicated as aspects whose recognition is indispensable to both understanding suffering and confronting it socio-educationally. Using interviews carried out in September 2013 and May 2014 with six people diagnosed at least with schizophrenia, who gave their informed consent to participate, these dimensions are explored. Additionally, madness is examined from a queer perspective as a possible space of political expression that permits new paths and forms of social circulation among those afflicted.

El campo artístico-cultural en la reforma psiquiátrica brasileña: el paradigma identitario del reconocimiento / The artistic-cultural field in Brazilian psychiatric reform: the identity paradigm of recognition

Este trabajo presenta resultados de un estudio cualitativo que examinó una serie de actividades artísticas y culturales que surgieron en los últimos años en Brasil, en el contexto de la reforma psiquiátrica. A través de entrevistas semiestructuradas a usuarios y a profesionales de salud mental, en calidad de autores de dichas actividades, y de observación participante en eventos artístico-culturales en el período 2007-2010, se analiza el papel del reconocimiento de la dimensión artístico-cultural en la producción de subjetivaciones distintas de aquellas producidas por el campo psiquiátrico tradicional.

This article presents the results of a qualitative study examining a series of artistic and cultural activities that emerged over the last years in Brazil in the context of psychiatric reform. Using both semi-structured interviews with users and mental health professionals as the authors of these activities, as well as participant observation in cultural and artistic events within the period 2007-2010, this study analyzes the role of recognition within the artistic-cultural dimension in the production of subjectivities different from those produced by the traditional psychiatric field.

Avaliação da comunicação no espectro autístico: interferência da familiaridade no desempenho de linguagem / Assessing communication in the autistic spectrum: interference of familiarity in language performance

OBJETIVO: Analisar a interferência da familiaridade da situação de avaliação na funcionalidade da comunicação de sujeitos com diagnóstico incluído no Espectro Autístico, buscando o melhor procedimento para avaliação da comunicação desta população. MÉTODOS: Participaram da presente pesquisa 18 sujeitos com diagnóstico incluído nos Distúrbios do Espectro Autístico, com idades entre três anos e 11 meses e 17 anos e 11 meses, com média etária de oito anos e nove meses (DP: 3,6 anos). Inicialmente foi realizada a filmagem da interação de cada participante com sua terapeuta em situação rotineira de avaliação (Situação Familiar), semelhante às sessões semanais de atendimento, e nas sessões seguintes foi realizada outra filmagem de cada sujeito em interação com uma fonoaudióloga não-familiar, com materiais lúdicos pré-determinados (Situação Não-Familiar). Os dados de interação foram transcritos e analisados e as variáveis foram selecionadas a partir do protocolo do Perfil Funcional da Comunicação (PFC). RESULTADOS: A comparação entre as situações demonstrou diferença apenas para quatro variáveis (23 por cento), dentre as dezessete analisadas; três dessas mostraram resultado superior na Situação Familiar: atos comunicativos expressados por minuto, número de respostas e porcentagem de utilização da função comunicativa Não-Focalizada, e uma delas se mostrou superior na Situação Não-Familiar: porcentagem de utilização da função comunicativa Jogo. CONCLUSÃO: A interferência da familiaridade da situação comunicativa no desempenho comunicativo de sujeitos autistas é mínima, sendo que o procedimento de avaliação nos mesmos moldes da Situação Familiar mostrou-se ligeiramente melhor para a avaliação da comunicação dessa população.

PURPOSE: To identify the best technique to assess the communication of autistic spectrum individuals, analyzing the interference of the familiarity of the situation in communication's functionality. METHODS: Subjects were 18 children and adolescents with diagnosis included within the autistic spectrum, and ages between three years and 11 months and 17 years and 11 months, with an average of eight years and nine months (SD=3,6 years). Initially, an interaction situation between each participant and a familiar speech-language pathologist was filmed during 15 minutes, during a routine evaluation setting that reproduced weekly therapy sessions (Familiar Situation). On the following session, an interaction situation between each subject and a non-familiar speech-language pathologist using pre-determined material (Non-Familiar Situation) was also filmed during 15 minutes. Data were transcribed and analyzed according to the Functional Communicative Profile protocol. RESULTS: The comparison between situations showed differences in only four variables (23 percent), from the 17 analyzed; three of them presented better results in the Familiar Situation: communicative acts per minute, number of responses, and proportion of use of the Non-Focused communicative function. Only one of the variables had better results in the Non-Familiar Situation: proportion of use of the Play communicative function. CONCLUSION: The interference of the familiarity of the communicative situation in the communicative performance of autistic subjects is very small, and the evaluation procedure along the lines of the Familiar Situation was slightly better for the assessment of this population.