To the self and beyond: Arousal and functional connectivity of the temporo-parietal junction contributes to spontaneous sensations perception.

The temporoparietal junction (TPJ), along with the anterior insula (AI) and the extrastriate body area (EBA), play a major part in embodiment and self-awareness. However, these connections also appear to be frequently engaged in arousal and attentional processing of external events. Considering that these networks may focus attention both toward and away from the self, we set to investigate how they contribute to the perception of spontaneous sensations (SPS), a common phenomenon related to self-awareness and mediated by both interoceptive and attentional processes.

Do Older People Accurately Estimate the Length of Their First Step during Gait Initiation?

: Advancing age is associated with a decrease in step length. In line with previous studies showing that older adults often overestimate their motor abilities, we investigate whether older adults overestimate the length of their first step during gait initiation. The underlying effect could be a failure to update the internal model of motor action as a function of age-related motor decline.

Initiation of forward gait with lateral occurrence of emotional stimuli: general findings and relevance for pedestrians crossing roads.

With reference to theoretical models regarding links between emotions and actions, the present study examined whether the lateral occurrence of an emotional stimulus influences spatial and temporal parameters of gait initiation in 18 younger and 18 older healthy adults. In order to simulate road-crossing hazard for pedestrians, slides of approaching cars were used and they were presented in counterbalanced order with threatening slides from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS) and control slides of safe walking areas. Each slide was presented on the left side of the participant once the first step was initiated.

Time pressure and regulations on hospital-in-the-home (HITH) nurses: An on-the-road study.

This study investigated both causal factors and consequences of time pressure in hospital-in-the-home (HITH) nurses. These nurses may experience additional stress from the time pressure they encounter while driving to patients' homes, which may result in greater risk taking while driving. From observation in natural settings, data related to the nurses' driving behaviours and emotions were collected and analysed statistically; semi-directed interviews with the nurses were analysed qualitatively.

How we perceive our own hands: Effects of attention, aging, and sex.

This study investigates whether both the perception of somesthetic sensations arising spontaneously on the hand and their modulation by attention are subject to change with advancing age and sex. Participants aged between 50 and 68 (N = 24), and younger (19-27; N = 24), with an equal sex ratio in each group, described the spontaneous sensations they felt on one of their hands. Two 10-s tests were carried out with participants either seeing their tested hand (gaze towards the visible hand) or not (contralateral gaze, hidden hand).