Effects of emotionally contagious films on changes in hemisphere-specific cognitive performance.

In the framework of models on the lateralized involvement of the cortical hemispheres in affect and psychopathology, the authors examined whether cognitive processes associated with the left and the right prefrontal cortex varied as a function of valence, motivational direction, or intensity of induced mood. Affective states (cheerfulness, anxiety, sadness, anger, and neutral mood) were experimentally induced by short "emotionally contagious films." Findings confirmed that the newly developed films were suitable to effectively elicit the expected affective states and to differentially change the dimensions of interest.

Noninvasive measurement of pulmonary vascular resistances by assessment of cardiac output and pulmonary transit time.

Rationale And Objectives: Pulmonary vascular resistance is of special interest in many diseases. Usually it is determined invasively by catheterization, but cardiac output and pulmonary transit time can be ascertained by several noninvasive methods.

Methods: Fourteen heart recipients (age 34-71 years) were examined by electron-beam CT of the heart.