COGNITIVE LINGUISTIC PERSPECTIVES ON THE CHINESE LANGUAGE

2013 ◽  
Vol 09 (02) ◽  
pp. 237-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
YINGXU WANG
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Linguistics ◽  
Chinese Language ◽  
Long Term Memory ◽  
Scientific Language ◽  
Knowledge Framework ◽  
Fundamental Properties ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Processing Power ◽  
Convergent Approach ◽  
The Brain

Chinese is one of the oldest and most widely used languages with an ideographic writing system. It is curious to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of Chinese in cognitive linguistics, cognitive informatics, and knowledge science. This paper presents a comparative study on the fundamental theories and formal models of Chinese and other languages. A number of interesting findings on the cognitive and social impacts of the widely used Chinese language are revealed. It is found that, although the idiographic languages are more efficient in language manipulation, the alphabetic languages contributed more to the development of the knowledge processing power of the brain. A set of fundamental properties of knowledge is elicited, which reveals that the knowledge space of an individual is proportional to both the number of concepts and the number of their relations developed in long-term memory of the brain. Toward a more powerful and efficient scientific language for rigorous inference, the expression means of the Chinese language may yet need to be extended in its abstraction mechanisms and a convergent approach to integrate and synergize observations and truths in order to form rigorous theories and a formal knowledge framework. The findings of this work provide a foundation for comparative studies on Chinese and other languages in particular, and for cognitive linguistics and knowledge science in general.

The Acute Effect of Alcohol on Various Memory Processes

2010 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 249-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Márk Molnár ◽  
Roland Boha ◽  
Balázs Czigler ◽  
Zsófia Anna Gaál
Keyword(s):  
Low Dose ◽  
Short Term Memory ◽  
Acute Effect ◽  
Long Term Memory ◽  
Term Memory ◽  
Memory Processes ◽  
Different Types ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Legal Consequences

This review surveys relevant and recent data of the pertinent literature regarding the acute effect of alcohol on various kinds of memory processes with special emphasis on working memory. The characteristics of different types of long-term memory (LTM) and short-term memory (STM) processes are summarized with an attempt to relate these to various structures in the brain. LTM is typically impaired by chronic alcohol intake but according to some data a single dose of ethanol may have long lasting effects if administered at a critically important age. The most commonly seen deleterious acute effect of alcohol to STM appears following large doses of ethanol in conditions of “binge drinking” causing the “blackout” phenomenon. However, with the application of various techniques and well-structured behavioral paradigms it is possible to detect, albeit occasionally, subtle changes of cognitive processes even as a result of a low dose of alcohol. These data may be important for the consideration of legal consequences of low-dose ethanol intake in conditions such as driving, etc.

Implantable neural interfaces

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Vassanelli
Keyword(s):  
Brain Function ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Ionic Channels ◽  
Patch Clamp Technique ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Optogenetic Stimulation ◽  
Physical Interfaces ◽  
The Brain

Establishing direct communication with the brain through physical interfaces is a fundamental strategy to investigate brain function. Starting with the patch-clamp technique in the seventies, neuroscience has moved from detailed characterization of ionic channels to the analysis of single neurons and, more recently, microcircuits in brain neuronal networks. Development of new biohybrid probes with electrodes for recording and stimulating neurons in the living animal is a natural consequence of this trend. The recent introduction of optogenetic stimulation and advanced high-resolution large-scale electrical recording approaches demonstrates this need. Brain implants for real-time neurophysiology are also opening new avenues for neuroprosthetics to restore brain function after injury or in neurological disorders. This chapter provides an overview on existing and emergent neurophysiology technologies with particular focus on those intended to interface neuronal microcircuits in vivo. Chemical, electrical, and optogenetic-based interfaces are presented, with an analysis of advantages and disadvantages of the different technical approaches.

scholarly journals Sotalol does not interfere with the antielectroshock action of selected second-generation antiepileptic drugs in mice

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kinga K. Borowicz-Reutt ◽  
Monika Banach ◽  
Monika Rudkowska ◽  
Anna Stachniuk
Keyword(s):  
Antiepileptic Drugs ◽  
Second Generation ◽  
Antidepressant Drug ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
Long Term Memory ◽  
Avoidance Task ◽  
Maximal Electroshock ◽  
Term Memory ◽  
The Brain

Abstract Background Due to blocking β-receptors, and potassium KCNH2 channels, sotalol may influence seizure phenomena. In the previous study, we have shown that sotalol potentiated the antielectroshock action of phenytoin and valproate in mice. Materials and methods As a continuation of previous experiments, we examined the effect of sotalol on the action of four chosen second-generation antiepileptic drugs (oxcarbazepine, lamotrigine, pregabalin, and topiramate) against the maximal electroshock in mice. Undesired effects were evaluated in the chimney test (motor impairment) and step-through passive-avoidance task (long-term memory deficits). Finally, brain concentrations of antiepileptics were determined by fluorescence polarization immunoassay, while those of sotalol by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Results Sotalol at doses of up to 100 mg/kg did not affect the electroconvulsive threshold. Applied at doses of 80–100 mg/kg, sotalol did not affect the antielectroshock action of oxcarbazepine, lamotrigine, pregabalin, or topiramate. Sotalol alone and in combinations with antiepileptics impaired neither motor performance nor long-term memory. Finally, sotalol significantly decreased the brain concentrations of lamotrigine and increased those of oxcarbazepine and topiramate. Pharmacokinetic interactions, however, did not influence the final antielectroshock effects of above-mentioned drug combinations. On the other hand, the brain concentrations of sotalol were not changed by second-generation antiepileptics used in this study. Conclusion Sotalol did not reduce the antielectroshock action of four second-generation antiepileptic drugs examined in this study. Therefore, this antidepressant drug should not interfere with antiseizure effects of lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, pregabalin, and topiramate in patients with epilepsy. To draw final conclusions, our preclinical data should still be confirmed in other experimental models and clinical conditions.

Converging Evidence That Neural Plasticity Underlies Transcranial Direct-Current Stimulation

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 146-157
Author(s):  
Chong Zhao ◽  
Geoffrey F. Woodman
Keyword(s):  
Visual Search ◽  
Direct Current ◽  
Neural Plasticity ◽  
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Memory Task ◽  
Long Term Memory ◽  
Visual Stream ◽  
Direct Current Stimulation ◽  
The Brain

It is not definitely known how direct-current stimulation causes its long-lasting effects. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the long time course of transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) is because of the electrical field increasing the plasticity of the brain tissue. If this is the case, then we should see tDCS effects when humans need to encode information into long-term memory, but not at other times. We tested this hypothesis by delivering tDCS to the ventral visual stream of human participants during different tasks (i.e., recognition memory vs. visual search) and at different times during a memory task. We found that tDCS improved memory encoding, and the neural correlates thereof, but not retrieval. We also found that tDCS did not change the efficiency of information processing during visual search for a certain target object, a task that does not require the formation of new connections in the brain but instead relies on attention and object recognition mechanisms. Thus, our findings support the hypothesis that direct-current stimulation modulates brain activity by changing the underlying plasticity of the tissue.

Domain-Specific Knowledge Systems in the Brain: The Animate-Inanimate Distinction

1998 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfonso Caramazza ◽  
Jennifer R. Shelton
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Systems ◽  
Neural Mechanisms ◽  
Specific Knowledge ◽  
Knowledge Framework ◽  
Semantic Categories ◽  
Domain Specific ◽  
Domain Specific Knowledge ◽  
Cognitive Neuropsychological ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Selective Impairment

We claim that the animate and inanimate conceptual categories represent evolutionarily adapted domain-specific knowledge systems that are subserved by distinct neural mechanisms, thereby allowing for their selective impairment in conditions of brain damage. On this view, (some of) the category-specific deficits that have recently been reported in the cognitive neuropsychological literature—for example, the selective damage or sparing of knowledge about animals—are truly categorical effects. Here, we articulate and defend this thesis against the dominant, reductionist theory of category-specific deficits, which holds that the categorical nature of the deficits is the result of selective damage to noncategorically organized visual or functional semantic subsystems. On the latter view, the sensory/functional dimension provides the fundamental organizing principle of the semantic system. Since, according to the latter theory, sensory and functional properties are differentially important in determining the meaning of the members of different semantic categories, selective damage to the visual or the functional semantic subsystem will result in a category-like deficit. A review of the literature and the results of a new case of category-specific deficit will show that the domain-specific knowledge framework provides a better account of category-specific deficits than the sensory/functional dichotomy theory.

scholarly journals Silver Nanoparticles Impair Cognitive Functions and Modify the Hippocampal Level of Neurotransmitters in a Coating-Dependent Manner

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (23) ◽  
pp. 12706
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Dziendzikowska ◽  
Małgorzata Węsierska ◽  
Joanna Gromadzka-Ostrowska ◽  
Jacek Wilczak ◽  
Michał Oczkowski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Silver Nanoparticles ◽  
Spatial Memory ◽  
Antibacterial Properties ◽  
Coating Material ◽  
Long Term Memory ◽  
Avoidance Task ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Memory Functioning ◽  
Place Avoidance ◽  
The Brain

Due to their potent antibacterial properties, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used in industry and medicine. However, they can cross the brain–blood barrier, posing a risk to the brain and its functions. In our previous study, we demonstrated that oral administration of bovine serum albumin (BSA)-coated AgNPs caused an impairment in spatial memory in a dose-independent manner. In this study, we evaluated the effects of AgNPs coating material on cognition, spatial memory functioning, and neurotransmitter levels in rat hippocampus. AgNPs coated with BSA (AgNPs(BSA)), polyethylene glycol (AgNPs(PEG)), or citrate (AgNPs(Cit)) or silver ions (Ag+) were orally administered at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg b.w. to male Wistar rats for a period of 28 days, while the control (Ctrl) rats received 0.2 mL of water. The acquisition and maintenance of spatial memory related to place avoidance were assessed using the active allothetic place avoidance task, in which rats from AgNPs(BSA), AgNPs(PEG), and Ag+ groups performed worse than the Ctrl rats. In the retrieval test assessing long-term memory, only rats from AgNPs(Cit) and Ctrl groups showed memory maintenance. The analysis of neurotransmitter levels indicated that the ratio between serotonin and dopamine concentration was disturbed in the AgNPs(BSA) rats. Furthermore, treatment with AgNPs or Ag+ resulted in the induction of peripheral inflammation, which was reflected by the alterations in the levels of serum inflammatory mediators. In conclusion, depending on the coating material used for their stabilization, AgNPs induced changes in memory functioning and concentration of neurotransmitters.

scholarly journals A New Paradigm for Training Hyperactive Dopamine Transporter Knockout Rats: Influence of Novel Stimuli on Object Recognition

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia P. Kurzina ◽  
Anna B. Volnova ◽  
Irina Y. Aristova ◽  
Raul R. Gainetdinov
Keyword(s):  
Object Recognition ◽  
Dopamine Transporter ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Recognition Task ◽  
Long Term Memory ◽  
New Paradigm ◽  
Dopaminergic Transmission ◽  
Novel Objects ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Brain

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is believed to be connected with a high level of hyperactivity caused by alterations of the control of dopaminergic transmission in the brain. The strain of hyperdopaminergic dopamine transporter knockout (DAT-KO) rats represents an optimal model for investigating ADHD-related pathological mechanisms. The goal of this work was to study the influence of the overactivated dopamine system in the brain on a motor cognitive task fulfillment. The DAT-KO rats were trained to learn an object recognition task and store it in long-term memory. We found that DAT-KO rats can learn to move an object and retrieve food from the rewarded familiar objects and not to move the non-rewarded novel objects. However, we observed that the time of task performance and the distances traveled were significantly increased in DAT-KO rats in comparison with wild-type controls. Both groups of rats explored the novel objects longer than the familiar cubes. However, unlike controls, DAT-KO rats explored novel objects significantly longer and with fewer errors, since they preferred not to move the non-rewarded novel objects. After a 3 months’ interval that followed the training period, they were able to retain the learned skills in memory and to efficiently retrieve them. The data obtained indicate that DAT-KO rats have a deficiency in learning the cognitive task, but their hyperactivity does not prevent the ability to learn a non-spatial cognitive task under the presentation of novel stimuli. The longer exploration of novel objects during training may ensure persistent learning of the task paradigm. These findings may serve as a base for developing new ADHD learning paradigms.

Brain Tumor Reporting and Data System: A Pictorial Review

Neurographics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 175-185
Author(s):  
B. Rao ◽  
I. Ikuta ◽  
A. Mahajan ◽  
A.A. Karam ◽  
V.M. Zohrabian
Keyword(s):  
Brain Tumor ◽  
Brain Tumors ◽  
Response To Therapy ◽  
Data System ◽  
Imaging Features ◽  
New Paradigm ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Pictorial Review ◽  
Almost All ◽  
The Brain

Brain tumors are a diverse group of neoplasms that are a source of substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. Primary gliomas constitute almost all malignant brain tumors, with the most aggressive as well as most common form in adults, grade IV glioma or glioblastoma multiforme, carrying an especially poor prognosis. Neuroimaging is critical not only in the identification of CNS tumor but also in treatment-planning and assessing the response to therapy. Structured reporting continues to gain traction in radiology by reducing report ambiguity and improving consistency, while keeping referring clinicians and patients informed. The Brain Tumor Reporting and Data System (BT-RADS) is a relatively new paradigm that attempts to simplify and maximize consistency in radiologic reporting. BT-RADS incorporates MR imaging features, clinical assessment, and timing of therapy to assign each study a score or category, which is, in turn, linked to a management suggestion. The purpose of this pictorial review article is to familiarize radiologists and nonradiology neurologic specialists alike with BT-RADS, highlighting both advantages and limitations, in the hope that adoption of this system might ultimately facilitate more effective communication and improve consistency among reports.Learning Objective: To describe the features and underscore the advantages and disadvantages of the Brain Tumor Reporting and Data System (BT-RADS), a relatively new classification system that attempts to simplify and maximize consistency in radiologic reporting

CHINESE GRAMMAR AUTO-CORRECT WEBSITE CHINESEGRAMMARCHECKER.COM DEVELOPMENT MODEL

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 137-146
Author(s):  
Julita Wangi ◽  
Kelly Rosalin ◽  
Theresia Theresia
Keyword(s):  
Language Learners ◽  
Native Language ◽  
Chinese Language ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Development Model ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Grammar Correction ◽  
Grammatical Errors ◽  
Basic Level ◽  
Chinese Language Learners

In the process of learning and using Chinese, Indonesia students may have grammatical errors due to negative migration of their native language. At present, there is no Mandarin grammar correction website or application that can answer the needs of Mandarin learners. Therefore, researchers want to try to provide a website chinesegrammarchecker.com that can answer the needs of Chinese language learners in Indonesia so as to facilitate Chinese language learners in mastering Chinese grammar. Hope researchers are learners can learn independently in making sentences in Chinese using proper and correct Chinese grammar. The method used in this study is a qualitative approach. The researcher will collect basic level Chinese grammar patterns in the textbooks used in the Chinese Language I courses, namely Er Ya Basic Chinese: Comprehensive Course (I) and Basic Chinese: Comprehensive Course (II). Then from these patterns user can check their sentences on this website. After the website chinesegrammarchecker.com was completed, then it was tested for several users to see the advantages and disadvantages of this website chinesegrammarchecker.com.

Transporting the Cloud

2014 ◽  
pp. 135-156
Author(s):  
Claudio Estevez
Keyword(s):  
Cloud Computing ◽  
Mobile Cloud Computing ◽  
Transport Layer ◽  
Mobile Cloud ◽  
Transport Protocols ◽  
End User ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Processing Power ◽  
And Storage

Cloud computing is consistently proving to be the dominant architecture of the future, and mobile technology is the catalyst. By having the processing power and storage remotely accessible, the main focus of the terminal is now related to connectivity and user-interface. The success of cloud-based applications greatly depends on the throughput experienced by the end user, which is why transport protocols play a key role in mobile cloud computing. This chapter discusses the main issues encountered in cloud networks that affect connection-oriented transport protocols. These issues include, but are not limited to, large delay connections, bandwidth variations, power consumption, and high segment loss rates. To reduce these adverse effects, a set of proposed solutions are presented; furthermore, the advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Finally, suggestions are made for future mobile cloud computing transport-layer designs that address different aspects of the network, such as transparency, congestion-intensity estimation, and quality-of-service integration.

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