Abstract
In this paper, the writer offers a dictionary definition of a yawn and relates that according to Medline Plus, normal yawning is induced when the brain or the lungs are not receiving enough oxygen. The writer then looks at the position of Dr. Jerry Yee who contends that yawning cannot be contagious since yawning is psychological. The writer considers David Gray's hypothesis on why yawning appears to be contagious and then refers to Dr. Robert Provine on what yawning is and why it is contagious. The writer is personally inclined to side with Dr. Robert and David Gray in that yawning is most certainly contagious and responsive to suggestion.

From the Paper
"It is 7 o'clock at night and I have just sat down to write this paper which will explain why yawning is contagious. Normally I am wide awake at this time of the night, with still a good five to six hours left before I head off to sleep for the night. But as I sit here contemplating the topic of this paper, and reading the title, over and over again, I find myself unable to do anything but yawn. In fact, in the process of writing the three prior sentences I yawned eight times, and yet another time just now! I have not had an overly strenuous day, I have eaten well, and I had a full nights rest last night, so really I have no logical reason to be tired, and in fact, other than the yawning, I do not particularly feel tired (oh - there's another yawn - a big one!). Everyone has had the frustrating and annoying experience (yawn) of 'catching' someone else's yawn. Somehow by simply witnessing another person yawn we feel compelled, and in fact are helpless to prevent ourselves from yawning."

Tags:fatigue, lungs, oxygen, medulla, brain, suggestion

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that the emotion expressions exhibited by others can serve as abundant sources of information, indicating whether those people intend to harm, evade, or befriend the perceiver. The writer looks at research in which participants were made aware of an infectious threat, after which they reported the extent to which they saw specific emotions of disgust. The writer notes that results showed that inducing a disease avoidance motivation did not lead participants to see more disgust in target faces. Across all motivation conditions, however, women saw marginally more disgust in faces than did men. The writer concludes that further research should be conducted to better understand the cause of gender differences between chronic disease worries and a heightened vigilance for expressions of disgust.

Outline:
Experimental Design
Method
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Table 1
Table 2
Table 3
Figure Captions

From the Paper
" The independent variable being manipulated was the type of threat that was made salient, which consisted of 3 levels: an infectious threat, a non-contagious physical threat, and no threat. They were manipulated between subjects. After watching the clip, participants were shown photographs of people with neutral facial expressions. The extent to which individuals identified neutral or ambiguous emotion expressions as a) disgust and b) anger were the two dependent variables involved in the study, and they were measured on an ordinal scale. Participants were asked to identify the expression they thought the person was making, and could respond to each face by saying they saw no emotion, identifying the emotion as disgust, or identifying the emotion as anger. The fact that they identified disgust, for example, suggests that the expression showed more disgust than neutral, making ordinal scaling appropriate. The two dependent variables were measured for each level of the independent variable. The answer to the experiment's key question, that priming participants with an infectious threat would lead them to over perceive disgust expressions in faces, was found in an analysis of the main effects of the independent variable."

Tags:sensitivity, emotions, anger, harm

Abstract
This paper briefly explores the symptoms and treatment of alcoholism.

From the Paper
"Some common signs of alcoholism in the early stages are constant drinking for relief of personal problems, an increase in a person's tolerance for alcohol, onset of memory lapses while drinking, and an urgent longing for the first drink. A physical dependence first appears with early morning tremors and agitation that require a drink for relief. As an alcoholic progresses into the late stages, drinking bouts are usually very frequent. There is an acute withdrawal syndrome when drinking ceases. This includes tremors, hallucinations, confusion, and rapid heartbeat (Winter). " Nearly one-fourth of all persons admitted to general hospitals have alcohol problems (sic) are undiagnosed alcoholics being treated for their consequences of their drinking" ("Alcoholism and Alcohol"). "

Tags:alcoholism, drugs

Abstract
History
Location
Occupations
Schooling
Family
Context of Interview
Discussion
Activity in normal day: sleep, exercise, groups
Diet
Sensory changes
Memory assessment
Changing relationships: family & peers
Retirement and goals
Analysis
Physical performance: causes of illness, injury, and
sensory dysfunction
Education - Engagement process (Schaie), memory
Ego integrity versus despair (Erikson), Grant Study
Role of religion
Continuity theory (Atchley)
Balanced investment - role of siblings and family
members

From the Paper
"Born in 1932, AB is a sixty-eight year old female from the central New York state area. AB grew up in a small town with her twin brother and two sisters. Her father passed away when she was two, and her siblings were then raised by their single mother. In her adult life, AB has worked as a dietitian at a University Hospital. Currently, AB resides at the retirement community in New York."

Tags:aging, cognitive, elkind, erikson, geriatrics, late, old, social

Abstract
This paper discusses the curative properties of acupuncture. The paper begins by explaining the meridians on the human body and the acupuncture points found on the body. It then describes the theory behind acupuncture. The paper discusses that although preclinical studies have documented the medical effects of acupuncture, they have not been able to explain the method by which acupuncture exerts its effects, at least according to modern Western theories of science and medicine.

From the Paper
"Acupuncture treatment commenced in China over 2,000 years ago, but only in 1971 was this treatment introduced to Western society. Western practice of acupuncture alludes to a host of procedures which include stimulation of anatomical points on the body via a variety of techniques. Such techniques include stimulation by heated herbs (moxibustion), mild electrical current (electroacupuncture), magnets, manual pressure (acupressure) and low frequency lasers, all of which were adopted from Chinese, Japanese and Korean practices. According to traditional Chinese medicine the body is viewed as a balance of the yin and yang, two opposing yet inseparable forces. Yin embodies the cold, slow and passive principle while yang embodies the hot and active principle. Disease in the body manifests itself when these two forces become imbalanced, thus blocking the flow of qi (vital energy) along "meridians.""

Tags:cardiac, depression, fibromyalgia, migraine, nerve, neurohormones

Abstract
Examination of Fragile X Syndrome from a genetic, neurological, and neuro-psychological perspective. Includes current research on this disorder. It provides information about the characteristics of the disorder, treatment available, and medical research performed. It also examines how this disorder affects a sufferer's daily life.

Table of Contents
I. Introduction
i. Physical characteristics
ii. Behavioural and non-physical characteristics
II. Neuronal Development
i. Normal development
ii. Development in FraX
III. Fragile X Mental Retardation Gene (FMR1)
i. FMR1 and FraX
ii. Gender differences
IV. Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP)
i. FMR1 mutation and FMRP
ii. FMRP and synaptic plasticity
iii. Evidence from animal models and non-human studies
iv. FMRP as mRNA-binding protein
V. Molecular-Genetic Basis of Fragile X Syndrome
i. Normal development
ii. Moderate FMRP deficiency
iii. Severe FMRP deficiency
iv. Mechanism of FMRP in mediating neuronal development
VI. FMRP and Development of Fragile X: Hypotheses
i. FMRP and synapse formation during development
ii. FMRP and translation at postsynaptic site
VII. FRAXE and FMR2
i. Mutation and phenotype
VIII. Brain Abnormalities
i. Evidence from structural magnetic resonance imaging studies
IX. Neuro-psychological Profiles
i. Males with FraX
ii. Females with FraX
X. Current Research
i. Cortisol and stress-related behavior in children with FraX
ii. Neurocognition in female permutation carriers
iii. FRAXE and obsessive-compulsive disorder
iv. Fragile X permutation and neurologic disorders
XI. Future Directions of Research
i. Potential areas of exploration
ii. Treatment
XII. References

From the Paper
"Fragile X syndrome (FraX) is the single most common form of inherited mental impairment (Glaser et al., 2003). Studies place prevalence rates of the disorder at approximately 1 in 2000-5000 live births, affecting as many as 1 in 4000 females and twice as many males (Churchill et al., 2002). It is second only to Down syndrome as a cause of mental impairment and appears in children of all ethnic, racial, and socio-economic backgrounds (Fragile X Association, 2003). The pace of research into the genetic, molecular, anatomical, neuropsychological, and psychosocial factors underlying this disorder has grown at an exponential rate in recent years. FraX is described by Nobel Laureate and co-discoverer of the DNA double-helix, Dr. James D. Watson, as the "first major triumph of the genome project" (FRAXA Research Foundation, 2002), and its potential as a paradigm of study by which to understand normal and disordered processes of development is immeasurable."

Tags:developmental, disorders, genetics, neurology, neuropsychology, psychology

Abstract
This paper discusses the distinguishing types of bereavement: complicated and uncomplicated and the various responses in both cases. A classification of the forms of grief is provided along with an extensive analysis of each form. The mourning process is also dissected into several categories and leads into the presentation of the adjustment to the aftermath. The key points from above highlight how the response to bereavement is a physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral experience.

From the Paper
"Bereavement is always a painful experience, but some people return to their normal life rapidly, experiencing uncomplicated bereavement, while others never go back to their previous way of life before their loss. Death is a powerful cause of stress; even those going through uncomplicated bereavement are likely to experience many symptoms of anxiety and depression and undergo physiological changes which reduce the body's ability to fight off disease (Phillips, 1994). Popular options suggest that the progression through bereavement is often steady and orderly, yet people grieve in highly individualized ways. Depending on prior losses and the severity of the current loss, symptoms of anxiety may be most evident and can mix or overshadow symptoms of depression (Rogoff, 1989)."

Tags:death, dying, isolation, loss, memories, pain

Abstract
The paper examines the extensive research which has been completed on the physiological effects of nicotine - the addictive substance found in cigarettes - on the human body. The paper discusses the findings of this research which shows that nicotine, although addictive, may have some properties that could be considered beneficial in regards to learning and memory, particularly some tasks involving the consumption of nicotine before the completion of a specific memory/learning task.

Subtitles:
Nicotine Metabolites and the Neuropharmacological Effects of Nicotine
Is Nicotine Beneficial in Cognitive Functions?
Nicotine Interactions: Possible Improvement of Working Memory in Rats Environmental Influence, Nicotine, and Short-Term Memory

From the Paper
"The study by Crooks and Dwoskin (1997) say that many people that smoke cigarettes because of the immediate stimulation on the CNS that elevates mood and arousal. Smoking cigarettes causes the tobacco to release nicotine metabolites, which are probably responsible for the main effects on the CNS. Nicotine metabolites are thought to effect dopaminergic neurotransmission, and thus creating pleasurable feelings and an increased state of arousal. Different subtypes of nicotine metabolites could be present in different types of tabacco, therefore yielding many different feelings and reactions by the CNS. The reaction by the CNS is thought to be caused primarily by the nicotine metabolites, and not the nicotine itself. (Crooks & Dwoskin, 1997)."

Tags:CNS, metabolites, tobacco, receptor, psychotic

Abstract
Through examining what is known of the etiology of Capgras Syndrome and its similarities and differences from other facial recognition disorders, this paper shows how a disorder such as Capgras can provide interesting insight into the functioning of human memory.

From the Paper
"Capgras Syndrome is a rare disorder in which an individual suffers from delusions that one, or a few highly familiar people have been replaced by (Edelstyn & Oyebode, 1999). While the patient is capable of acknowledging that the "impostor" looks identical to the "missing person," they lack any sense of emotional attachment and therefore insist that the person is psychologically different, or absent. The disorder often occurs in conjunction with paranoid schizophrenia, but 25 to 40% of the cases are associated with organic disorders such as dementia, head trauma, epilepsy or cerebrovascular disease (Edelstyn & Oyebode, 1999).Neuropsychologists have linked Capgras to damage to the right hemisphere, specifically the frontal and temporal lobes, but damage often exists bilaterally (Edelstyn & Oyebode, 1999). The specific causation of Capgras Syndrome is not known. Similar brain damage does not always result in Capgras Syndrome, and thus cognitive psychologists argue that cognition plays a role in creating Capgras Syndrome. Structural damage to the brain creates some gap in a person's ability to recognize faces, but it is cognition that is responsible for a patient filling in this gap with the delusion that impostors have replaced familiar acquaintances and loved ones (Edelstyn & Oyebode, 1999). Cognitive psychologists use this to explain why some patients with identical brain damage fail to develop Capgras Syndrome while others do (Edelstyn & Oyebode, 1999). However, despite their theory, it is difficult to test empirically and thus the majority of the literature focuses on neuropsychological explanations for Capgras Syndrome."

Tags:alzheirmer, cognition, cognitive, disorders, neurophysiology, neuropsychology, prosopagnosia, psychopathology

Abstract
This paper discusses self-image and body-image dissatisfaction, and how they correlate with sex, nationality, age and other contributing factors. The author examines such diseases as anorexia nervosa and bulimia, and how psychological and physiological issues also coincide with body image and self-perceptions. The paper also looks at how society and the media contribute to body perceptions.

From the Paper
"The effects of body image and dissatisfaction can be harmful and even deadly. Certain diseases such an anorexia and bulimia can be almost directly related with self body image. Researchers, Lautenbacher, Kraehe & Krieg did a study on recovering anorexic women. They say that the perception of body size is a contributing factor to anorexia. As evident, "perception of body size is involved in these processes that determine the cause of anorexia nervosa" , Lautenbacher, Kraehe & Krieg. Body size ties directly to body satisfaction. Even after many anorexic or bulimic people have recovered, researchers suggest they still are unsatisfied with their bodies and how they look. They may gain weight back but still are dissatisfied with their bodies."

Tags:anorexia, dissatisfaction, physiological, psychological, self, bulimia, socioculture, weight