bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Latency Distribution of the Skin Conductance Response as a Function of the CS‐UCS Interval
Authors: Burstein Kenneth R. , Smith Barry D.
Published: February 2007

Latency distributions were obtained for the skin conductance response, by blocks of 5 trials, for groups (N = 13) conditioned with CS‐UCS intervals of 3.5, 5.5, 7.5, 10.5, 15.5, and 20.5 sec. Another group (N = 13) received 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 trials respectively with a .5 sec CS‐UCS interval. For all blocks of 5 trials, in the extended CS‐UCS groups, the modal response occurred in the 2–3 sec latency range characteristic of the orienting response (OR). There was no significant difference in OR frequency as a function of the CS‐UCS interval. There was no systematic increase in response frequency with repeated trials in any of the latency ranges scored. No significant difference in acquisition was obtained as a function of the CS‐UCS interval in the extended CS‐UCS groups for either frequency or for magnitude. Performance of the (composite) .5 sec CS‐UCS group was superior to that of the extended groups. This difference was not attributable to differential OR frequency. The PC group also exhibited a modal response in the 2–3 sec (OR) latency range. Response frequency in the OR latency range was lower in the PC group than in the conditioned groups, but response frequency outside of the OR range was higher in the PC groups than in the conditioned groups.
The Objective Use of Multiple Physiological Indices in the Detection of Deception
Authors: Cutrow Robert J. , Parks Arthur , Lucas Nelson , Thomas Kathryn
Published: February 2007

Psychophysiological measures—breathing amplitude (BA), breathing cycle time (BCT), eyeblink rate (EBR), eyeblink latency (EBL), finger pulse volume (FPV), heart rate (HR), palmar galvanic skin response (GSRp), volar‐forearm galvanic skin response (GSRv), and voice latency (VL)—were evaluated for effectiveness in detecting deception with 63 college students. A relevant‐irrelevant stimulus presentation format was used with three treatment conditions: personal words, neutral words, and items involving money. All physiological variables were found significant indicators of deception, p < .01 or p < .05 through objective techniques. A combined effect index of six variables provided an advantage over any index taken separately. No significant treatment or sex differences were found between stimulus conditions except for the GSRv measure.
Psychophysiological Significance of Skin Potential Activity in Monkeys
Authors: Yamazaki Katuo , Tajimi Tetuo , Okuda Ken'ichi , Niimi Yosizumi
Published: February 2007

Skin potential activity was measured on the palmar surface of waking monkeys. The skin potential reflex showed faster habituation to simple light stimuli than to complex sound stimuli. The frequency of spontaneous skin potential responses was higher in the noisy condition than in the rest condition.
Some Characteristics of Digital Vasomotor Activity
Authors: Lidberg Lars , Schalling Daisy , Levander Sten E.
Published: February 2007

Size and latency of responses to a series of tones, spontaneous fluctuations, and habituation in finger volume and pulse volume were studied in 19 healthy young soldiers by means of pneumoplethysmography. The results indicate that relationships among vasomotor measures differ from those reported for skin conductance measures. Thus, in contrast to what has been shown for skin conductance, no correlation was found between habituation and number of spontaneous fluctuations, and the variability of the first response to the tones did not differ from the variability of the following responses. Auditory stimulation did not increase the number of spontaneous fluctuations. There were highly significant correlations between spontaneous fluctuations during rest and stimulation periods. No significant correlations were obtained between pulse volume responses to an arithmetic task and responses to tone stimuli. Some differences in pattern of relationships were obtained between finger and pulse volume measures. Initial responses in finger volume were related to other response size measures, whereas this was not the case for pulse volume. Response latency increased during the auditory stimulation for pulse volume, but not for finger volume.
An Alpha Detection and Feedback Control System
Authors: Boudrot Robert
Published: February 2007

A system of detecting EEG alpha rhythms and using these to control stimulus displays is described. The detection system parameters are chosen to match the psychological and behavioral processes with the EEG index in the time domain. The feedback control system is designed to control visual and auditory displays, clock and counters, and computer sampling routines, and provide maximum flexibility in experimental design.
Conditioned Vasomotor Response: Thermoregulatory Effects
Authors: Teichner Warren H. , Beals Jacquelyn , Giambalvo Vincent
Published: February 2007

Whether a conditioned vasomotor response will be a vasoconstriction or a vasodilatation appears to depend upon the thermal state at the time that the response is elicited and to be independent of what the response might have been during previous thermal states. For rabbits equilibrated to 18–20°C, the conditioned stress response tends to be a vasoconstriction. For equilibration to air temperature either higher or lower than that approximate thermal non‐regulatory range, the response tends to be a vasodilatation.
Effects of Varying Signaling and Intensity of Shock on an Unconfounded and Novel Electrodermal Autonomic Index in a Variable and Long‐Interval Classical Trace Conditioning Paradigm
Authors: Furedy John J. , Ginsberg Stanley
Published: February 2007

After a review of the evidence against the role of autonomic responses in the mediation of informational cognitive control, which occurs when merely signaling an inescapable shock reduces perceived aversiveness, it was noted that verbal indices of aversiveness had yielded results which were contrary to the informational control notion itelf. On the other hand, the fact that signaled shocks elicit smaller autonomic responding than unsignaled shocks still does not support the notion, because of confounding through response interference. In the present experiment with 48 Ss, electrodermal recovery time was examined as an unconfounded and novel autonomic index of the relative aversiveness of signaled and unsignaled shocks in a specially adapted form of the differential conditioning paradigm. This autonomic index was sensitive to the UCS‐intensity manipulation, but despite this sensitivity, both this autonomic index and other verbal indices showed that, contrary to the informational‐control notion, signaling does not reduce shock aversiveness.
A Simple and Accurate Measurement Device for Hand Scoring of Interbeat Intervals of the Electrocardiogram
Authors: Lockhart Russell A.
Published: February 2007

A device is described for measurement of interbeat intervals from electrocardiographic records. The device provides simple and accurate measurements of heart rate and is particularly valuable when the recording has been made at a relatively slow paper speed.
On the Distinction Between Conditioning and Pseudoconditioning
Authors: Burstein Kenneth R.
Published: February 2007

It is suggested that a) the difference between conditioning and pseudoconditioning procedures is one involving degree of interstimulus interval variability, b) the effect of this variability is to alter the temporal characteristics of the responses generated by such procedures, c) the procedures typically employed in comparing performance levels heavily bias the results in favor of the conditioning procedure, and d) there is little or no evidence to support the view that performance differences between such groups reflect differing underlying processes, one associational and the other not. In addition, the use of CS– groups as control groups, in differential conditioning, is based upon a premise which has little, if any, support.
Is There Classical Conditioning Without Cognitive Expectancy?
Authors: Mandel Irwin J. , Bridger Wagner H.
Published: February 2007

The question of whether there is human classical conditioning without cognitive expectancy (as indexed by the GSR) is considered. A series of prior research reports by the authors is summarized. A theoretical position is proposed that states that a given CR may consist of two components—one expectancy dependent, the other independent of expectancy. The problems in demonstrating CRs that are not dependent upon cognitive expectancy are discussed.
The Present Status of Computer Technology and Its Application Areas Among Psychophysiologists With Five Year Projections
Authors: Kahn S. David , Swint Emmett B.
Published: February 2007

PP‐T0006‐0‐I A survey of computer utilization among PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY subscribers is reported. Of 170 respondents, 73% have present access to one or more computers, and 17% expect access in two to five years. Computer users are analyzed with respect to their primary fields of interest, the physiological variables they are measuring, their choice of equipment, and their software development resources including access to programmers. Attitudes of users regarding the importance of the computer for their work, and its impact on their choice of research problems are described. Five year projections are given, revealing the strong trend to real‐time small computers and the growing software shortage among present users. Respondents generally favored a systematic exchange of programs among users.
The Brain As Generator Of Transcephalically Measured Direct Current Potentials
Authors: Cowen Murray A.
Published: February 2007

The transcephalic direct current potentials are slowly changing voltages measured between specified diploic‐emissary vein distributions on the intact surface of the scalp. Significant correlations have been found between these voltages and various psychological functions which appear consistent with the functional properties of the subjacent cortex. In an effort to specify the location of the source of these potentials, virtually every conceivable voltage generating tissue and structure of the head was studied for its dc voltage effects both under maximal stimulation and maximal inhibition (i.e. surgical ablation or chemical inactivation). Structures studied were: the various layers of the scalp itself; scalp sweat glands; the nervous and vascular supply of the scalp; the structures of the orbit; the muscular distribution of the head; the skull; the meninges; and finally the vascular supply of the cortex and the cortex itself. It was found that no structure played any significant dc generating role except the cortex. It was also possible to demonstrate a cortex to scalp circuit pathway which runs principally within a centrifugally running intravascular system. It appears warranted to conclude that transcephalically measured direct current potentials are generated by the cortex.
Visual Cortical Evoked Potentials as a Function of Intensity Variations in Sequential Blanking
Authors: Andreassi J. L. , Stern M. , Okamura H.
Published: February 2007

A sequential blanking paradigm was used to determine the effects of more intense, later appearing, stimuli upon the visual evoked potential (VEP) to earlier appearing stimuli. In sequential blanking the presentation of a sequence of visual stimuli at certain rates, and in certain orders, results in the perceptual blanking of approximately one‐half of the stimuli. The precise timing and location requirements for this effect are conveniently produced with a digital computer and associated cathode ray tube display.

Further evidence was found for the inhibiting effect of later occurring (more intense) stimuli on the VEP response to earlier occurring (less intense) stimuli. This effect revealed itself in the delayed appearance of the major components of the VEP. In addition, it was found that the amount of delay was related to the ratio of the intensity difference between the earlier (blanked) and later occurring (blanking) stimuli, i.e., the greater the intensity difference between them the greater the temporal displacement produced in the VEP components.
Validity of Neuroelectric Variables in Predicting the Average Evoked Potential
Authors: Salamy A.
Published: February 2007

In this experiment an attempt was made to determine which of a number of neuroelectric variables best predict the amplitude of the average evoked potential (AEP). Several EEG parameters derived from period analysis and amplitude integration of the primary trace, as well as the amplitude and latencies of single sensory evoked potentials, were treated with a stepwise multiple regression procedure. The amplitudes of certain components of the AEP were tested against the battery of independent variables (predictors) as separate criteria. The results of these analyses revealed that the amplitude of the single EPs accounted for the greatest proportion of variance in the AEP (each component measured). These data suggest that the size of the AEP is not dependent on spontaneous EEG fluctuations.
Physiological Responses of Anxious and Normal Subjects to Simple Signal and Non‐Signal Auditory Stimuli
Authors: Hart James D.
Published: February 2007

In an attempt to assess orienting (OR) and defensive responses (DR) of anxious and normal Ss, heart rate (HR) and skin conductance (SC) changes were measured in response to three intensities of signal and non‐signal tones. Anxious Ss significantly differed from normal Ss in the number of spontaneous SC responses emitted, but did not differ in either magnitude or rate of habituation of SC responses to the tones. An analysis of second‐by‐second changes in HR suggested that, relative to normal Ss, anxious Ss show a deficit in OR and a greater tendency to respond with a pattern characteristic of a DR. This difference was particularly apparent under signal conditions.
Stimulus Repetition, Change, and Assessments of Sensitivities of and Relationships Among an Electrodermal and Two Plethysmographic Components of the Orienting Reaction
Authors: Ginsberg Stanley , Furedy John J.
Published: February 2007

Twenty Ss were presented with 15 300‐msec tones (for half the Ss) or lights (for the remaining Ss) followed by a change trial to the other modality. There was highly reliable habituation in the electrodermal skin resistance response (SRR) and the plethysmographic pulse volume (PV), but no clear habituation in the plethysmographic blood volume (BV). Change produced reliable increases in all three orienting‐reaction (OR) components. Application of signal‐detection methods showed SRR to be a more sensitive index of both initial OR and OR to change than either PV or BV, which were not different. Neither PV nor BV were correlated with SRR, but the BV‐PV correlations were significant, and, when corrected for attenuation, approximated +.75. The problem of why the plethysmographic OR components sometimes habituate to stimulus repetition, and sometimes do not, was discussed, but it was concluded that while some possible explanations have been eliminated by the present results, the problem itself still awaits solution and poses a challenge to psychophysiologists.
Automated System for Direct Measurement and Feedback of Total Respiratory Resistance by the Forced Oscillation Technique
Authors: Levenson Robert W.
Published: February 2007

An automated system for obtaining a direct measurement of total respiratory resistance (RT) is presented. A polygraph and digital computer are used to filter and quantify the pressure and flow outputs of a forced oscillatory device to determine RT. Functional descriptions of the complete hardware system and of the computer software are included. The measurement of RT is viewed as providing a sensitive and relatively unobtrusive means for investigation of psychophysiological precipitants of subclinical variations in bronchial tone in normal Ss and in Ss suffering from obstructive bronchial disorders such as bronchial asthma. In addition, augmented sensory feedback of RT can be utilized in investigations of S's ability to attain voluntary control of RT.
Cardiovascular Response Measures With Simple Integrated Circuit Amplifiers
Authors: Jernstedt G. C. , White W. F.
Published: February 2007

Physiological amplifier‐recorders often are bulky and difficult to interface with the programming equipment used in cardiovascular conditioning studies. Two amplifiers are described which are small, easily constructed, portable, and interface easily with programming equipment. The amplifiers are constructed from integrated circuit operational amplifiers. A filter is also described which removes 60 Hz interference and attenuates movement artifacts and respiration fluctuations in the output signals of the amplifiers. Two amplifier circuits are described, one for electrocardiogram signals and one for photoplethysmogram signals. Used separately or in combination, these amplifiers can be employed to investigate the conditioning (or functioning) of beat‐to‐beat heart rate, blood pressure, or particular components or frequencies of the electrocardiogram and photoplethysmogram waves.
Heart Rate Response to an Auditory Stimulus in Premature Infants
Authors: Berkson Gershon , Wasserman Gail A. , Behrman Richard E.
Published: February 2007

High‐ and low‐risk premature babies were presented with a 3‐sec, 86 dB buzzer stimulus at various birth and gestation ages. Their heart rate typically accelerated at all ages and in both risk conditions.
Learning to Control Heart Rate: Binary vs Analogue Feedback
Authors: Lang Peter J. , Twentyman Craig T.
Published: February 2007

Twenty‐two male volunteers participated in an experiment designed to test the efficiency of two procedures, one emphasizing analogue and the other binary feedback, in training human subjects (Ss) to change their heart rate. Ss were seen for 7 separate sessions, which included 2 training sessions in speeding heart rate and 2 devoted to slowing. Both heart rate and respiration cycle length were recorded. The timing of the experiment, presentation of instructions, feedback, data acquisition, and primary data reduction were all accomplished in real‐time by a computer. The feedback mediated acquisition of directional changes in heart rate was demonstrated, and these changes were sustained on instruction with feedback removed. No differences between the binary and analogue procedures were noted for slowing. However, the analogue display prompted significantly greater instructed acceleration than the binary method. An important distinction was made between organ feedback (heart activity) and task performance feedback (relative success or failure). It was noted that the acquisition of heart rate speeding and slowing appear to involve different psychophysiological mechanisms.
A Palmar Sweat Measure Particularly Suited for Naturalistic Research
Authors: Strahan Robert F. , Todd John B. , Inglis Geoffrey B.
Published: February 2007

A simple measure of palmar sweating has been developed that seems especially applicable to naturalistic research. A sweat sample is collected by inverting a small bottle of distilled water on a palm or a fingertip. Inexpensive, simple apparatus is later used to measure the sweat solution's electrical conductivity. Substantial evidence speaking to issues of reliability and validity warrants further exploration of this sweat bottle measure.
Does the Averaged Evoked Response Encode Subliminal Perception? Yes. A Reply to Schwartz and Rem
Authors: Shevrin Howard
Published: February 2007

An attempt by Schwartz and Rem (1975) to replicate a series of studies by Shevrin and coworkers purporting to show that the average evoked response encodes subliminal perception is found to be limited as a replication in a number of ways. Despite substantial departures in method and procedures Schwartz and Rem report a potentially confirmatory finding: AER cross correlations between different stimuli are significantly lower than for similar stimuli in an exposure level (3 msec) in which subjects fail to make an above chance verbal discrimination. In view of the important theoretical issues involved concerning the nature of subliminal perception and unconscious cognitive processes this cross correlation finding should be further investigated. Suggestions are made as to how this might be done.
Readaptation to the Sleep Laboratory in Insomniac Subjects
Authors: Scharf Martin B. , Kales Anthony , Bixler Edward O.
Published: February 2007

A readaptation effect to the sleep laboratory was demonstrated for insomniac subjects who returned lo the laboratory for a second series of consecutive nights after spending one week at home. This effect was similar to that seen in the initial adaptation period, i.e. REM percentage, REM min. number of REM periods, min stage 4. and percentage stage 4 were decreased on the first night upon returning to the laboratory as compared to subsequent nights. In addition, there was an increase in percentage stage 2, sleep latency, and total wake time on this first laboratory night.
Cardiovascular and Neurophysiologic Correlates of Sensory Intake and Rejection. II. Interview Behavior
Authors: Bittker Thomas E. , Buchsbaum Monte S. , Williams Redford B. , Wynne Lyman C.
Published: February 2007

As part of a three task study of the influence of attentional style on cardiovascular response, 19 normal volunteers were given a 15‐min interview during which systolic and diastolic blood pressure, digital pulse volume, heart rate, and forearm blood flow were recorded. At the same time two observers independently assessed five elements of the subjects' interview behavior; arousal, eye contact with the interviewer, self‐revelation of interview center, attentiveness to the interviewer, and overall transactional engagement in the interview task. When subjects were divided into groups of interview at tenders and nonattenders on the basis of interviewer ratings, attenders had a mean decrease in forearm blood flow and nonattenders a mean increase. These group differences extended across a word identification (sensory intake) and mental arithmetic (sensory rejection) task as well. When subjects were divided into groups of forearm blood flow increasers and decreasers, increasers displayed less attentiveness to the interviewer, less self‐revelation, greater arousal, and less transactional engagement than did decreasers (N=9). Attentiveness to the interviewer and transactional engagement were the two most sensitive behavioral discriminators in comparing the increaser and decreaser groups.
The “Double‐Coller” Technique For EEG Electrode Preparation and Placement
Authors: Fein Georce , Frosch Allan , Borront Alan
Published: February 2007

For accurate and reliable EEG recording. electrode resistances must be kept relatively low and constant. To ensure that these conditions are met, a fixing agent, collodian, is usually used to fix the electrodes firmly to the scalp. Collodian, however, produces many unwanted side effects. A “double‐cllar” method of electrode placement is described whereby electrodes may be firmly fixed to the scalp without the use of collodian. This technique is both faster and less troublesome than the use of collodian. Using this technique, electrode resistances at vertex and occiput were well below generally acceptable criteria (averaging under 5000 ohms) and there was no significant increase in resistance at either placement following nearly 2 hrs of continuous EEG recordings. It is concluded that, under certain laboratory conditions, the “double‐collar” method of electrode preparation and placement is superior to the use of collodian.
Aspects of the Cerebral Circulation During Non‐REM Sleep in Healthy Controls and Psychiatric Patients, as Shown by Rheoencephalography
Authors: Doust J. W. Lovett , Doust J. N. Lovett
Published: February 2007

A total of 59 recordings of simultaneous EEG‐cerebral electrical impedance plethysmography (REG), in which periods of wakefulness drifted into light sleep, were considered; 32 of these recordings were from 9 healthy subjects, 27 were from 7 psychiatric patients (schizophrenics and organic brain syndromes). Digital measurements of three REG parameters and of two carotid‐vertebral artery blood transit times from representative samples of pulse‐volume waves were made from awake parts of each recording and compared with similarly obtained measurements from the subsequent sleeping portions.

For the total group none of the neck transit times' differences reached significance but there were significant REG decreases of 11 and 15 percent in Amplitude for the left and right hemispheres respectively. Inflow Angle similarly fell by 4 (L) and 5 (R) percent; and Percent Rise Time decreased by 11 (L) and 5 (R) percent.

Psychiatric patients could be distinguished from control subjects by their significantly greater decreases with sleep in both Amplitude (10 and 4 times greater for left and right sides) and Inflow Angle (by factors of 3 and 2 similarly).

Our REG findings support those of other workers using alternative invasive methods to investigate cerebral circulation during non‐REM sleep in animals and man.
An Attempt to Elk it Cardiac Orienting and Defense Responses in the Newborn to Two Types of Facial Stimulation
Authors: Pomerieau‐Malcuit Andrée , Malcuit Gérard , Cifton Rachel Keen
Published: February 2007

Cardiac and behavioral reactivity of the human newborn to facial stimulation eliciting approach and escape responses were compared in order to test the distinction between cardiac orienting and defensive reactions. Each infant received 8 trials each of check stimulation (stroking near the mouth) and ear stimulation (pinch on the ear lobe). HR response to both tactile stimuli were accelerations of different amplitude when motor responses were also present. When no overt behavioral response was observed, stroking on the check elicited cardiac deceleration while ear stimulation again elicited acceleration. Thus, cardiac orienting was demonstrated in newborns when a rooting stimulus was presented that did not elicit overt head turning. The HR response to ear stimulation on trials unaccompanied by observed movements was a larger acceleration than to cheek stimulation when movement was present. This finding suggests that movement itself does not produce the observed HR increase, but rather that central processing of the signal value of the stimulus determines both overt and cardiac responding.
Hemispheric Asymmetries in the Visual Cortical Evoked Potential as a Function of Stimulus Location
Authors: Andreassi J. L. , Okamura H. , Stern M.
Published: February 2007

The averaged visual cortical evoked potential (VEP) was examined in two separate experiments us a function of stimulus location. The VEP was recorded from over left and right occipital hemispheres and stimuli were presented binocularly.

The results of Experiment I, in which three stimulus locations were used, indicated that stimuli presented in the left visual field resulted in shorter VKP latencies at the right occipital area than the left, while for stimuli presented in the right visual field, the opposite occurred. In Experiment II, seven locations were used and similar VEP latency asymmetries were observed. White no hemispheric amplitude asymmetries were found, there was a trend toward a decrease of VEP amplitude with increasing distance of stimulation from the fovea.

The latency asymmetries may he explained in terms of the angle at which the stimuli impinge upon the retinas of the two eyes from different locations. Direct stimulation is produced at the primary projection area, whereas indirect stimulation probably occurs at the secondary area, after crossover of impulses via the corpus callosum.
Effects of REM Time on What Is Recalled
Authors: Cartwright Rosalind D. , Lloyd Stephen , Butters Elizabeth , Weiner Lynda , Mccarthy Lois , Hancock Judith
Published: February 2007

To test the effects of RIM sleep on the amount and kind of material recalled after a 7‐hr interval, the groups of 10 student subjects were tested fur immediate and delayed recall of 70 adjectives before and after varying amounts of REM time. There were no significant between group differences in total amount of delayed recall but there were differences in the number of new words retrieved. Following a KIM present condition subjects recalled more new words than following a KKM absent condition. The properties associated with words recalled later differed following different conditions. The new words available to recall only after REM absent sleep were self affirming items. Those which became available following REM present sleep were items of personal discomfort. The nature of the intervening psychophysiological states appeared to affect the kind of material recalled.
Studies of Information Processing in Sleep
Authors: McDonald David G. , Schicht William W. , Frazier Robert E. , Shallenberger Hugh D. , Edwards David J.
Published: February 2007

Two studies of information processing in normal human sleep are reported. In Experiment I it was found that subjects responded differentially in stage 2 sleep to “own name,”“other name,” and tone stimuli (decreasing in that order) as reflected in both the finger plethysmograph (FP)and heart rate (HR) and to some extent the EEG K‐complex response, and similarly in REM sleep as reflected in the FP measure and to some extent the HR measure, but not in sleep stage 3–4. In Experiment II it was found that conditioned discrimination acquired during wakefulness persisted in sleep stage 4, as reflected in the FP and HR measures, and sleep stage 2, as reflected in the K‐complex response, but not in REM sleep. Results are compared to other studies of information processing in sleep. It is concluded that the results appear to indicate differential availability of the mechanisms of long‐term memory, short‐term memory, and stimulus preprocessing in the various stages of sleep. The authors further noted a bifurcation of the autonomic nervous system in sleep into two discrete effector limbs: electrodermal and cardiovascular.
Habituation to Scenes of Violence
Authors: Mangelsdorff A. David , Zuckerman Marvin
Published: February 2007

This study in early 1971 deals with the effects of “set” (labeling of a picture) and Advanced Army ROTC membership on subjects' cognitive and physiological responses. A laboratory analog of the habituation process was suggested as a parallel to some of the attitudes toward the war in Viet Nam. Subjects were significantly more aroused by an auto accident scene than by the massacre and neutral slides (larger amplitude skin conductance changes). Across all series, there were significant trials effects (a decrease in amplitude of skin conductance changes), indicative of habituation. The set “Viet Cong massacre of civilians” produced higher self report ratings of agitation than the same slide with the caption “American …” There was cardiac deceleration to the Viet Cong label, but generally cardiac acceleration to the American label on the massacre presentations. ROTC cadets habituated more rapidly on the “agitated” ‐ “calm” ratings to repeated presentations of the massacre and to an auto accident scene than nonROTC male students.
Conditioned Orienting and Defensive Responses
Authors: Hare Robert D. , Blevings George
Published: February 2007

Physiological responses were recorded while 9 females (Group P) who Feared spiders and 9 who did not (Group N) viewed “neutral” and spider slides in a delayed, differential conditioning procedure. Two different tones were the conditioned stimuli, and 12 neutral and 12 spider slides the unconditioned stimuli. Each CS was 11 sec long.

Only Group P showed differential HR conditioning‐anticipatory acceleration to the CS preceding the spider slides (CS+). For both groups, cephalic vasoconstriction was greater to the CS+ than to the CS‐. However, with repeated trials Group P's response to the CS+ became more prolonged, so that by the last block of trials contraction persisted until the end of the CS period. Group N's response, on the other hand, continued to be constriction followed by rapid recovery to the prestimulus level. Although significant electrodermal conditioning did not occur, Group P tended to give larger anticipatory SC. responses to the CS+ than to the CS‐. There was little evidence of somatic‐autonomic coupling on a group basis. When considered along with post‐experimental reports, the results indicate that at least some of the cardiovascular components of the defensive response (DR) are conditionable.
Heart Rate, Activity, and Activation in Rats
Authors: Elliott Rogers
Published: February 2007

Two experiments, repeated patterns of results in which heart rate (HR) and rate of instrumental activity were negatively related. In the first experiment, HR covaried substantially with gross movement, both measures responding similarly in experimental and deprivation conditions though not to time (habituation). Different categories of behavior were associated with different levels of HR. In the second experiment, the rate of instrumental consummatory behavior was inversely related to other, high‐HR behaviors, and the cardiac and somatic measures were again independent in their response to time.
Electrodermal Activity Recorded Concomitantly From the Subject's Two Hands
Authors: Bull R. H. C. , Gale M.A.
Published: February 2007

Electrodermal activity is the most frequently monitored psychophysiological and most investigators assume that the activity recorded from one hand is representative of the whole system. A few earlier studies of possible bilateral differences in this activity frequently noted such differences in response magnitude and pre‐response level. The present study examines bilateral differences not only in response magnitude and pre‐response level but also in response latency, recruitment time, and recovery. Relationships with handedness are also considered. It is concluded that although bilateral differences were often noted, the activity from one hand is strongly related to the activity concomitantly recorded from the other hand.
The Role of Feedback in Control of Heart Rate Variability
Authors: Harrison Ross Steven , Raskin David C.
Published: February 2007

The effects of contingent feedback (CF), non‐contingent feedback (NCF). and no feedback (NF) on heart rate (HR) variability control were studied. Nine matched trios of subjects were given (ruining in HR variability control on 3 consecutive days. CF and NCF subjects attempted HR, variability control while HR feedback was continuously presented, and NF subjects attempted HR variability control without feedback. During the training periods the CF group produced reliably‐lower mean HR variance than the NF group, but the NCF group was not reliably different from either of those groups. There was no significant difference among groups in negative linear trend across training periods, and the CF group did not continue to produce decreasing HR variances over sessions. However, the CF and NCF groups showed reliable quadratic trends, indicating an initial drop in HR variance followed by a return to pretraining levels. Both CF and NCF groups showed rapid, reliable increases in respiration rate during training periods. The results pose serious problems for studies which have reported feedback‐related control of HR variability.
Learning to Control Heart Rate: Effects of Varying Incentive and Criterion of Success on Task Performance
Authors: Lang Peter J. , Twentyman Craig T.
Published: February 2007

The effects of motivational variables on learned heart rate speeding and slowing were investigated. Undergraduate volunteers were randomly assigned to two groups which received feedback tasks differing in difficulty, i.e., a median target display (50% of all heart intervals would be successful based on no‐feedback performance) and a quartile target (25% predicted success), Equal subgroups received either a monetary reward for successful performance or received no supplementary incentive. The results indicated that directional changes in heart rate could be achieved with simple instructions, and that heart rate control performance was generally superior under incentive conditions. Speeding showed overall improvement over feedback sessions, and over trials for the median target group. Slowing performance showed no general improvement over sessions and no effects of target. The effects of incentives on heart rate slowing were strongest on trial periods when subjects were under instructions to reduce heart rate, but no feedback display was presented. The results are interpreted within a skills learning conception of cardiac rate control training.
Averaged Evoked Potential Predictors of Clinical Improvement in Hyperactive Children Treated with Methylphenidate: An Initial Study and Replication
Authors: Halliday Roy , Rosenthal Joseph. H. , Naylor Hilary , Callaway Enoch
Published: February 2007

In two experiments certain measures of the visual evoked potential (VEP) discriminated between hyperactive children who were subsequently judged by their pediatrician to have shown significant improvement (responders) with methylphenidate (Ritalin) as compared to children who showed a poor or marginal response to this drug. The principal findings were: 1) With Ritalin, EP variability increased when responders went from a task requiring active attention (ATT) to one requiring passive observing (PAS). In contrast, EP variability decreased in nonresponders when they went from ATT to PAS. 2) The amplitude of the M40‐P190 component in the ATT condition increased from placebo to Ritalin for the responders.

It was suggested that the variability measure primarily reflects an abnormalizing effect of Ritalin on the nonresponder while the N140‐P190 component represents an apparent deficit in responders that is normalized by Ritalin.
The Effect of Oculomotor Activity on Alpha‐Blocking in the Absence of Visual Stimuli
Authors: Goodman David M.
Published: February 2007

One within‐subjects experiment employing 20 normal adults was performed to examine the effect of controlled eye movements in the dark on occipital KEG alpha. The subjects moved their open eyes laterally toward tones coming from 5 different loud speakers on a perimeter, in the dark. The amount of alpha recorded from each subject during his eye movements locating the auditory stimulus was compared with the amount of alpha recorded during the control condition of eyes open in the dark with tones coming from the perimeter of speakers, but with no eye movements. Visual input remained constantly zero during both conditions. Significantly more alpha‐blocking occurred during the eye movement condition than during the no eye movement control condition (rejection region =.95). Subsequent tests supported this finding for each of the 5 eye and loudspeaker positions. The results indicate that a visual stimulus is not necessary to produce suppression of alpha, but that controlled oculomotor adjustments are sufficient.
Alpha Enhancement and the Likelihood of an Alpha Experience
Authors: Plotkin William B. , Mazer Cliff , Loewy Diane
Published: February 2007

The following experiment was conducted as a preliminary investigation of the influence of the following four variables on the likelihood of having an “alpha experience” during brief alpha training: I) Subject Type (unpaid Volunteers versus Students required to participate in a psychology experiment), 2) suggestion (Alpha Experience Set or no set), 3) the degree of alpha enhancement achieved, and 4) Sex. Dependent measures were four different indexes of the degree of alpha enhancement based on an integrated amplitude measure of alpha strength, and the ratings of subjects' post‐session subjective reports (SRs) on a 0 to 6 scale, where “6” is most like an alpha experience. Forty‐eight (N=6) participants trained for 5 6‐min enhancement periods alternated with 5 2‐min rest periods, both with eyes open. None of the independent variables had significant effects on the SRs, with the exception of a three‐way interaction, which was interpreted as due to the effects of an uncontrolled fifth variable: the degree of experienced success. Most important, although several persons did have alpha experiences, none of the four enhancement measures were significantly correlated with the SR ratings. In fact, all four of the correlations were negative. These results demonstrate that in our experimental situation the likelihood of an alpha experience is unrelated to the degree of alpha enhancement.
Voluntary Control of Electrodermal Activity in Relation to Imagery and Internal Perception Scores
Authors: Ikeda Yukinobu , Hirai Hisashi
Published: February 2007

feedback of spontaneous Electro dermal fluctuation in human subjects increased their in frequency of occurrence relative to a non‐contingent feedback control group. The effect was facilitated for subject having high imagery und/or high internal perception as measured by the Suphian Scale of Imagery (SSI) and Sophian Scale of Internal Perception (SSP) respectively. These data suggest the existence of individual differences in self‐control of autonomic responses.
Effects of Exercise, Bedrest and Napping on Performance Decrement During 40 Hours
Authors: Lubin A. , Hord D. J. , Tracy M. L. , Johnson L. C.
Published: February 2007

Young male Naval volunteers were denied normal noclurnal sleep and maintained on a 60‐min lreatment‐160‐min testing schedule during 40 consecutive hrs. Ten subjects bicycled, 20 subjects controlled EEG activity during bedrest, and 10 subjects napped. Eight measures of addition, auditory vigilance, mood, and oral temperature were obtained. The Bedrest group showed significant impairment on all eight measures, and thus, gave no support to lite forced‐rest theory of sleep function. The Exercise group was worse than the Nap and Bedrest groups for all measures. In spite of fragmented, reduced sleep (about 3.7 hrs per 24 hrs), the Nap group had no impairment on six of the measures. The results suggest that exercise increases the impairment due to sleep loss, and naps reduce or remove this impairment. Bedrest is not a substitute for sleep.
A Faster and More Accurate Instrument for Digital Measurement of Pupil Diameter
Authors: Juris Michael
Published: February 2007

This low cost device enables the experimenter In make a faster and more accurate measurement of pupil diameter registered on a TV recorder. Instead of a direct external measurement on the TV screen with a scale, two black or dark areas with sharp vertical edges are electronically superimposed on (he pupil projection on the monitor, These dark areas can easily he moved independently in both horizontal directions, so that the pupil becomes confined at its edges.

The time required by the cathode ray to pass the field between these areas is a linear index of pupillary diameter. This time can be registered with a frequency counter.
Occipital Alpha and the Attributes of the “Alpha Experience”
Authors: Plotkin William B. , Cohen Robin
Published: February 2007

The present research was designed to study to what extent occipital alpha strength is related to five subjective dimensions that are associated with the “alpha experience.” These are (1) the degree of oculomotor processing, (2) the degree of sensory awareness, (3) the degree of body awareness, (4) the deliberateness of thought, and (5) the pleasantness of emotional state. One experimental group of 8 persons was run for each of the above five dimensions. First, while an integrated amplitude measure of occipital alpha strength was recorded, our research participants practiced two “simple awareness techniques” (without feedback) corresponding to the two poles of their group's dimension. Later they were given the task of associating their two “awareness techniques” with occipital alpha strength by means of feedback‐augmented alpha enhancement and suppression. The results showed that only the first two dimensions—the degree of oculomotor processing and the degree of sensory awareness—are significantly related to occipital alpha strength. These findings support the notion that the “alpha experience” as a whole is not intrinsically or directly associated with enhanced occipital alpha strength, and that occipital alpha strength is a direct function of only oculomotor processing.
Heart Rate Regulation With Success and Failure Signals
Authors: Bouchard Camil , Corson John A.
Published: February 2007

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of success and failure signals on performance of subjects attempting heart rate regulation. Thirty‐two experimental subjects formed two major groups, one speeding and the other slowing; half of the subjects in each group were signalled for their successes only, and the other half, for their failures only. The session consisted of three phases: Feedback, No Feedback, and Feedback. The data showed that: subjects receiving success signals increased their heart rate significantly more than those receiving failure signals; subjects receiving failure signals decreased their heart rate significantly more than those receiving success signals; there were no differences between the Feedback and No Feedback phases. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for the understanding of the compatibility between task and signal.
Habituation of the Orienting Response: A Gating Mechanism Subserving Selective Attention
Authors: Waters William F. , McDonald David G. , Koresko Richard L.
Published: February 2007

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether prior habituation of the phasic orienting response (OR) to stimuli which were later to be used as distractors in an attention demanding task, would improve task performance and reduce OR frequency to distractors during the task. The task was the solution of mathematical problems from immediate memory, and the distractors were random numbers and mathematical signs. Subjects were sequentially assigned to one of four conditions: 1) 15 presentations of distractors, problems with distractors; 2) 15 presentations of a tone, problems with distractors; 3) problems with distractors; and 4) 15 presentations of distractors or tone, problems without distractors. Results clearly indicated that prior habituation of the phasic OR to the distractors improved performance relative to no prior habituation or to prior habituation to a tone. There was also evidence of decreased OR activity during problem solving in the prior habituation group relative to the tone habituation and no habituation groups. The data supported an hypothesis that selective attention consists of at least two processes: 1) sensitization of phasic and tonic ORs to salient stimuli, and 2) habituation of phasic and tonic ORs to irrelevant stimuli.
Sleep During and After Gradual Sleep Reduction
Authors: Mullaney D. J. , Johnson L. C. , Naitoh P. , Friedmann J. K. , Globus G. G.
Published: February 2007

To determine: 1) the minimum amounts of sleep subjects would tolerate, 2) the changes in EEG sleep measures, and 3) whether subjects would revert to baseline sleep after study termination, 4 couples gradually reduced their sleep. Three couples reduced their TST in 30‐min steps from a baseline of 8 hrs and one couple from a baseline of 6.5 hrs. Subjective estimates of sleep time, sleep quality, and mood were collected daily. Home EEG sleep recordings were obtained 3 nights a week.

Two of the 8‐hr sleepers reduced their sleep to 5.5 hrs, 2 to 5.0 hrs, and 2 reached 4.5 hrs. These 6 subjects continued sleeping 1 to 2.5 hrs below baseline amounts a year after reduction terminated. The 6.5‐hr baseline couple reached 5.0 hrs and returned to 6.5 hrs TST during follow‐up.

Stages W, 2, and REM decreased significantly in absolute amounts. Percentage of stages W and 2 also decreased significantly. REM percent remained constant. Stage 3 was constant while stage 4 increased in both absolute and relative amounts. REM cycle length remained constant. Stage 4 rebound on 7‐hr nights was not observed during times of greatest sleep reduction. Occurrences of stage REM within 10 min of stage 1 onset were observed in 2 subjects when their TST was below 6.5 hrs.

Our results are consistent with other studies of shortened sleep, indicating that TST is the major determinant of sleep‐stage characteristics.