Bilingualism and cognition: A focus on mechanisms

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
VIRGINIA VALIAN
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
List Type ◽  
Type Number ◽  
Old People ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Children And Young Adults ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms

The goal of my keynote article, “Bilingualism and Cognition” (Valian, 2014), was to resolve the inconsistencies in effects of bilingualism on executive functions, whether the individuals were children, young adults, or old people. To summarize (and sharpen) my argument: 1.Especially in children and young adults, benefits of bilingualism for executive functions are not reliable. In old people, there are benefits for executive functions but contradictory results on delay of cognitive impairment, depending on whether studies are retrospective or prospective.2.All experiences that have benefits for executive functions and aging – and there are many – yield inconsistent effects. Bilingualism is not alone.3.Three reasons for inconsistencies in bilingualism and other experiences are: a.Executive function and cognitive reserve are broad cover terms for a variety of mechanisms, most of which are ill-understood. Because we mean different things by ‘executive function’ from one experiment to the next, we can both think we don't have an effect when we do and think we have an effect when we don’t.b.Tasks are impure: apparently similar tasks measure different aspects of executive function and measure other aspects of cognition as well. Because we lack a good analysis of tasks, we too often do not know what we are measuring. I encourage readers to examine the demos in the supplementary materials of the keynote article to see for themselves what the tasks are like.c.Individuals engage in many different activities that may be on a par with bilingualism in their benefits.4.Different types of bilingual experience are unlikely to explain the variability of findings, given the inconsistencies in extant data on varieties of bilingualism.5.There is a benefit of bilingualism, but bilingualism competes with other sources of benefits. Especially for children and young adults, whose daily lives are full of cognitively enriching and challenging experiences, we should expect variability in effects of being bilingual.6.The way forward is to focus on underlying mechanisms.

scholarly journals CT density of cervical thymus, in comparison with mediastinal thymus

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anitha Sen ◽  
Jiji Valsalamony ◽  
Jubie Raj
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Older Age ◽  
List Type ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Children And Young Adults ◽  
Criteria For Diagnosis ◽  
Ct Density ◽  
Moderate Positive Correlation

Abstract Objectives Cervical component of thymus is noted more in children and young adults than in older age group. CT texture (lobules of soft tissue interspersed with fat), similarity with CT density of mediastinal thymus and continuity with mediastinal thymus on sagittal/coronal images, are given as the criteria for diagnosis of the cervical thymus. But CT densities of cervical and mediastinal components of the thymus may vary. The purpose of our study was to compare CT densities of cervical and mediastinal parts of the thymus, in cases where ultrasonography correlation was available. Methods We retrospectively identified 22 patients who had undergone CT between May 2015 and May 2017 and in whom ultrasonography (USG) correlation was available. CT densities of cervical and mediastinal components of thymus were measured. Results CT density of cervical thymus is lower than the CT density of mediastinal thymus by ~ 25 HU. There is a moderate positive correlation between CT densities of cervical and mediastinal parts of the thymus. CT densities of both cervical and mediastinal thymus were found to reduce with age, but the reduction was statistically significant only in the cervical thymus in this study. Conclusions CT densities of cervical and mediastinal components of the thymus may vary, with CT density of cervical thymus being lower. There is a positive correlation between CT densities of cervical and mediastinal parts of the thymus. CT density of cervical thymus reduces with age. Understanding these may help avoid confusion on CT and avoid the need for correlative USG, saving time and effort.

Executive Functions in Very-Low-Birth-Weight Young Adults: A Comparison between Self-report and Neuropsychological Test Results

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 506-515 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Elisabeth Sølsnes ◽  
Jon Skranes ◽  
Ann-Mari Brubakk ◽  
Gro C.C. Løhaugen
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Low Birth Weight ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Very Low Birth Weight ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Adult Intelligence Scale

AbstractExecutive functions are goal-directed control mechanisms that modulate the operation of other cognitive processes. Preterm born very-low-birth-weight (VLBW: birth weight<1500 grams) children have more problems with attention/executive function than their term born peers. The objective of this study is to examine if VLBW young adults had more self-reported attention/ executive problems and lower neuropsychological test results than controls. Furthermore, to investigate the relationship between self-reported attention/executive problems, general cognitive ability (IQ) and test results. Forty-two VLBW [mean birth weight 1237 (219) grams, and gestational age 29.3 (2.4) weeks] and 63 term born controls at age 19 years completed The BRIEF-A self-report of attention/executive functions in everyday life. The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale III was used to obtain IQ scores; subtests from Delis-Kaplan were used to assess attention/executive function. There were no differences between the VLBW young adults and controls on any of the BRIEF-A measures, but the VLBW subjects had lower scores on 8 of the 18 neuropsychological subtests (p<.01). Some correlations between BRIEF-A and the Stroop and TMT tests were found in the VLBW group. VLBW young adults do not report more problems regarding attention/executive function in daily life than controls despite lower results on several neuropsychological tests. (JINS, 2014, 20, 1–10)

Is the time for suicide a random choice among young adults? An Italian study

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 1647-1647
Author(s):  
P. Solano ◽  
E. Pizzorno ◽  
A.M. Gallina ◽  
C. Mattei ◽  
F. Gabrielli
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Seasonal Pattern ◽  
Clinical Implications ◽  
List Type ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Type Number ◽  
Suicidal Behaviors ◽  
Random Choice ◽  
Italian Study ◽  
Significant Difference

IntroductionEvery year between 100’000 and 200’000 young people die by suicide and possibly 40 times as many attempt it [1]. Several studies analyze the seasonality of suicide in the general population, but few of them investigate it among young adults.ObjectivesWe look for a seasonal pattern in suicidal behaviors performed by young adults and evaluate the lethality of their behaviors.AimsWe test the hypothesis that(a)suicidal behaviors in young adults follow a seasonal pattern and(b)acts performed by males have a different lethality that those carried out by females.MethodsAnalyses are based on data for 3614 cases of suicidal behaviours performed by individuals aged between 18 to 24 occurring between 2001 and 2008, provided by the Italian Institute for Statistical Analysis (ISTAT). Variables included in the analysis were gender, lethality of the act and season.ResultsANOVA shows a significant association between months and number of suicides with a significant difference between the first and the second semester. Peaks were found in January, March and May. Males have a significantly greater regularity of the peaks than females (Mann-Whitney U- Test p < 0,001). Females have a rapport between completed and attempted suicides of 0.14, while among males it is of 0.72.ConclusionsClinical implications of these findings should be considered with the aim of developing more effective preventative strategies targeted to this age group.

scholarly journals Developmental Differences in the Relationships Between Sensorimotor and Executive Functions

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chloe Gordon-Murer ◽  
Tino Stöckel ◽  
Michael Sera ◽  
Charmayne M. L. Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Developmental Differences ◽  
Sensorimotor Function ◽  
Hand Coordination ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Sensorimotor Performance

BackgroundThere is evidence that sensorimotor and executive functions are inherently intertwined, but that the relationship between these functions differ depending on an individual’s stage in development (e.g., childhood, adolescence, adulthood).ObjectiveIn this study, sensorimotor and executive function performance was examined in a group of children (n = 40; 8–12 years), adolescents (n = 39; 13–17 years), and young adults (n = 83; 18–24 years) to investigate maturation of these functions, and how the relationships between these functions differ between groups.ResultsAdults and adolescents outperformed children on all sensorimotor and executive functions. Adults and adolescents exhibited similar levels of executive functioning, but adults outperformed adolescents on two sensorimotor functioning measures (eye-hand coordination spatial precision and proprioceptive variability). Regression analysis demonstrated that executive functions contribute to children’s sensorimotor performance, but do not contribute to adolescent’s sensorimotor performance.ConclusionThese findings highlight the key role that developmental stage plays in the relationship between sensorimotor and executive functions. Specifically, executive functions appear to contribute to more successful sensorimotor function performance in childhood, but not during adolescence. It is likely that sensorimotor functions begin to develop independently from executive functions during adolescence, and therefore do not contribute to successful sensorimotor performance. The change in the relationship between sensorimotor and executive functions is important to take into consideration when developing sensorimotor and executive function interventions.

scholarly journals The relations between personality, components of executive functions, and intelligence in children and young adults

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Verena E. Johann ◽  
Julia Karbach
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
Big Five ◽  
Fluid Intelligence ◽  
Personality Factors ◽  
Big Five Personality ◽  
Positive Relation ◽  
Complex Interplay ◽  
Children And Young Adults

AbstractPrevious studies in adults showed heterogeneous results regarding the associations of personality with intelligence and executive functions (EF). In children, there is a lack of studies investigating the relations between personality and EF. Therefore, the aim of our study was to examine the relations between the Big Five personality traits, EF, and intelligence in a sample of children (Experiment 1) and young adults (Experiment 2). A total of 155 children (Experiment 1, mean age = 9.54 years) and 91 young adults (Experiment 2, mean age = 23.49 years) participated in the two studies. In both studies, participants performed tasks measuring working memory (WM), inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and fluid intelligence and completed a personality questionnaire. In Experiment 1, we found a negative relation between neuroticism and intelligence. In Experiment 2, we found a positive relation between conscientiousness and intelligence and a positive relation between conscientiousness and cognitive flexibility. Our results suggest a complex interplay between personality factors, EF, and intelligence both in children as well as in young adults.

scholarly journals The Evolution of Field Galaxies

1996 ◽  
Vol 171 ◽  
pp. 209-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.J. Lilly ◽  
O. Le Fevre ◽  
F. Hammer ◽  
D. Crampton ◽  
D.J. Schade ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Luminosity Function ◽  
Statistical Weight ◽  
List Type ◽  
Type Number ◽  
Local Populations ◽  
Redshift Surveys ◽  
Different Types ◽  
The Galaxy ◽  
Galaxy Population ◽  
Number Counts

During the late 1980's, successively deeper redshift surveys carried out with multi-object spectrographs on 4-m class telescopes produced growing evidence for evolution in the galaxy population. While some evolution had been expected from analysis of the galaxy number counts, the surprising indication from the first deep redshift surveys was that this appeared to involve moderate luminosity galaxies lying at moderate redshifts (Broadhurst et al. 1988, Colless et al. 1990, Cowie et al. 1991). However, while the results were suggestive, these early surveys suffered a number of significant problems that hampered their interpretation: (a)the samples were small, especially at the faintest levels, so the statistical weight was limited and analysis was based on crude parameterizations of the data such as the median redshift of samples;(b)the typical redshifts were small (z << 0.5), so that evolutionary effects could only be seen against “local” populations whose selection was often quite different - indeed the local luminosity function of galaxies is still poorly defined (Loveday et al. 1992, Marzke et al. 1994);(c)the samples were selected in the observed B-band, so that comparison with local samples was based on the poorly constrained ultraviolet properties and relative numbers of galaxies of different types.

scholarly journals Decametric Radio Bursts Associated with Coronal Loop Structures

1980 ◽  
Vol 86 ◽  
pp. 435-438
Author(s):  
T. E. Gergely ◽  
M. R. Kundu ◽  
L. Golub ◽  
D. Webb
Keyword(s):  
Active Region ◽  
Coronal Loop ◽  
Opposite Polarity ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
List Type ◽  
Radio Bursts ◽  
Type Number ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Decameter Wavelength ◽  
Different Types

The soft x-ray (2–54 Å) pictures obtained by the S-054 experiment aboard SKYLAB provide an excellent opportunity to study the association of x-ray loop structures with radio bursts. We report here on the properties of meter-decameter wavelength radio bursts which appear to be associated with two different types of loop structures: a)Relatively short lived small scale loops, which are observed to link magnetic fields of opposite polarity, called x-ray bright points (XBPs); andb)Longer lived loop systems which appear to connect opposite magnetic polarities of an active region and active region complexes as well.

Solar Corona Investigation by the Coronal Line Photometer at Lomnický Peak

1994 ◽  
Vol 144 ◽  
pp. 431-434
Author(s):  
M. Minarovjech ◽  
M. Rybanský
Keyword(s):  
Solar Corona ◽  
Time Resolution ◽  
Active Regions ◽  
High Time ◽  
High Time Resolution ◽  
List Type ◽  
Type Number ◽  
Coronal Line ◽  
Global Cycle

AbstractThis paper deals with a possibility to use the ground-based method of observation in order to solve basic problems connected with the solar corona research. Namely:1.heating of the solar corona2.course of the global cycle in the corona3.rotation of the solar corona and development of active regions.There is stressed a possibility of high-time resolution of the coronal line photometer at Lomnický Peak coronal station, and use of the latter to obtain crucial observations.

The LDE-Type Flare Occurrence (1969-1993)

1994 ◽  
Vol 144 ◽  
pp. 279-282
Author(s):  
A. Antalová
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Fourier Analysis ◽  
Sunspot Cycle ◽  
List Type ◽  
Type Number ◽  
Solar Cycles ◽  
Type Iv ◽  
Long Duration ◽  
Cycle Maximum ◽  
Flare Index

AbstractThe occurrence of LDE-type flares in the last three cycles has been investigated. The Fourier analysis spectrum was calculated for the time series of the LDE-type flare occurrence during the 20-th, the 21-st and the rising part of the 22-nd cycle. LDE-type flares (Long Duration Events in SXR) are associated with the interplanetary protons (SEP and STIP as well), energized coronal archs and radio type IV emission. Generally, in all the cycles considered, LDE-type flares mainly originated during a 6-year interval of the respective cycle (2 years before and 4 years after the sunspot cycle maximum). The following significant periodicities were found:• in the 20-th cycle: 1.4, 2.1, 2.9, 4.0, 10.7 and 54.2 of month,• in the 21-st cycle: 1.2, 1.6, 2.8, 4.9, 7.8 and 44.5 of month,• in the 22-nd cycle, till March 1992: 1.4, 1.8, 2.4, 7.2, 8.7, 11.8 and 29.1 of month,• in all interval (1969-1992):a)the longer periodicities: 232.1, 121.1 (the dominant at 10.1 of year), 80.7, 61.9 and 25.6 of month,b)the shorter periodicities: 4.7, 5.0, 6.8, 7.9, 9.1, 15.8 and 20.4 of month.Fourier analysis of the LDE-type flare index (FI) yields significant peaks at 2.3 - 2.9 months and 4.2 - 4.9 months. These short periodicities correspond remarkably in the all three last solar cycles. The larger periodicities are different in respective cycles.

Discussion following the presentation by F. Deubner

1977 ◽  
Vol 36 ◽  
pp. 69-74
Keyword(s):  
List Type ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Type Number ◽  
Harmonic Motion ◽  
Locally Excited ◽  
Long Period ◽  
Coherent Wave ◽  
Short Period ◽  
Global Modes

The discussion was separated into 3 different topics according to the separation made by the reviewer between the different periods of waves observed in the sun :1) global modes (long period oscillations) with predominantly radial harmonic motion.2) modes with large coherent - wave systems but not necessarily global excitation (300 s oscillation).3) locally excited - short period waves.

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