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Biomedical subjects

S Norton

Publications and source records attributed to S Norton.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1976

Comparison of the structure of hyperactive behavior in rats after brain damage from x-irradiation, carbon monoxide and pallidal lesions.

Nocturnal hyperactivity, as measured by photocell counts of locomotion in a residential maze, was produced in rats by 3 different kinds of brain damage, X-irradiation at gestational day 14 or 15, exposure to carbon monoxide on the fifth day of postnatal life, or bilateral stereotaxic lesions of the globus pallidus in adult rats. These brain-damaged rats and their controls were photographed at 1 frame/sec during their first exploratory experience in a simple cage. Frequency of 15 motor acts, duration of each occurrence and associations of pairs of acts were calculated. The 15 motor acts were divided into 3 clusters of acts labeled grooming, exploratory and attention behaviors. Hyperactivity was associated with shortened durations and increases in frequency of exploratory acts, while grooming and attention behaviors tended to decrease in duration and frequency. Sequences of behavior acts were less structured in hyperactive animals than in controls. In spite of the marked differences known to be produced on brain structures by the 3 different kinds of damage, no changes in behavior structure were found which were uniquely associated with one kind of brain damage. Hyperactivity appeared to be a continuum in that the intensity of effects produced on behavior as measured by the photographic technique correlated well with the amount of increase in photocell activity.

Animals↗
PubMed1975

A psychogeriatric assessment program. I. Social functioning and ward behavior.

Eightly newly admitted psychogeriatric patients were intensively investigated by a variety of disciplines -- medical, laboratory, and psychologic-psychiatric tests, including a Minimal Social Behavior Scale and an Integrative Social Functioning Scale. The sample of patients and methods of study for this 10-month Geriatric Assessment Program are described. Assessment of present and past social functioning revealed good agreement between ratings made by different staff members. A decline in social functioning with time differentiated organic from functional psychiatric illness. Some of the scales employed may be of value for social screening purposes in the community.

Aged↗
PubMed1975

Measurement of the effects of drugs on activity of permanent groups of rats.

The diurnal light-dark cycle, grouping of animals and spatial organization of the environment may affect the behavioral responses of animals to psychoactive drugs. A method of working with these factors experimentally is described, using a residential maze equipped with photocells for recording activity of groups of animals. Preliminary results show reliable activity measurements are produced which are sensitive to modification by drugs.

Amphetamine↗