bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bringing the Context Back In: Settings and the Search for Syndicate Partners in Venture Capital Investment Networks
Authors: Sorenson Olav , Stuart Toby E.
Published: August 2008

Most existing theories of relationship formation imply that actors form highly cohesive ties that aggregate into homogenous clusters, but actual networks also include many “distant” ties between parties that vary on one or more social dimensions. To explain the formation of distant ties, we propose a theory of relationship formation based on the characteristics of “settings,” or the places and times in which actors meet. We posit that organizations form relations with distant partners when they participate in two types of settings: unusually faddish ones and those with limited risks to participants. In an empirical analysis of our thesis in the formation of syndicate relations between U.S. venture capital firms from 1985 to 2007, we find that the probability that geographically and industry distant ties will form between venture capital firms increases with several attributes of the target-company investment setting: (1) the recent popularity of investing in the target firm's industry and home region, (2) the target company's maturity, (3) the size of the investment syndicate, and (4) the density of relationships among the other members of the syndicate.
Swimming with Sharks: Technology Ventures, Defense Mechanisms and Corporate Relationships
Authors: Katila Riitta , Rosenberger Jeff D. , Eisenhardt Kathleen M.
Published: August 2008

This paper focuses on the tension that firms face between the need for resources from partners and the potentially damaging misappropriation of their own resources by corporate “sharks.” Taking an entrepreneurial lens, we study this tension at tie formation in corporate investment relationships in five U.S. technology-based industries over a 25-year period. Central to our study is the “sharks” dilemma: when do entrepreneurs choose partners with high potential for misappropriation over less risky partners? Our findings show that entrepreneurs take the risk when they need resources that established firms uniquely provide (i.e., financial and manufacturing) and when they have effective defense mechanisms to protect their own resources (i.e., secrecy and timing). Overall, the findings show that tie formation is a negotiation that depends on resource needs, defense mechanisms, and alternative partners. These findings contribute to the recent renaissance of resource dependence theory and to the discussion on the surprising power of entrepreneurial firms in resource mobilization.
Decomposability in Knowledge Structures and Its Impact on the Usefulness of Inventions and Knowledge-base Malleability
Authors: Yayavaram Sai , Ahuja Gautam
Published: August 2008

We use patent data from the worldwide semiconductor industry from 1984 to 1994 to study the effect of the structure of organizational knowledge bases, or the patterns of coupling between their elements of technical knowledge, on the usefulness of inventions and knowledge-base malleability. We argue that organizational variations in coupling patterns between knowledge elements can be reflected in a spectrum of knowledge-base structures—varying from fully decomposable (the knowledge base is composed of distinct clusters of knowledge elements coupled together with no significant ties between clusters) through nearly decomposable (knowledge clusters are discernable but are connected through cross-cluster couplings) to non-decomposable (no knowledge clusters emerge, as the couplings are pervasively distributed)—and that organizations may differ in the way they use their knowledge because of variations in their knowledge-base structure, rather than because of differences in the knowledge elements themselves. Results show that a nearly decomposable knowledge base increases the usefulness of the inventions generated from it, as measured by patent citations, and also the knowledge base's malleability or capacity for change.
Estradiol Upregulates Activating Transcription Factor 3, a Candidate Gene in the Etiology of Hypospadias
Authors: Liu Benchun , Lin Guiting , Willingham Emily , Ning Hongxiu , Lin Ching-Shwun , Lue Tom F. , Baskin Laurence S.
Published: August 2008

Hypospadias is a penile developmental abnormality that may partly result from in utero exposure to estrogenic compounds. Expression of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) is elevated in human foreskin tissue from hypospadic patients, and in utero exposure to ethinyl estradiol (17-EE) causes ATF3 upregulation in a hypospadias mouse model. We investigated the effects of in vitro exposure to EE on ATF3 expression and promoter activity in human foreskin fibroblasts using immunocytochemistry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), western blot, and the luciferase activity assay. Immunocytochemistry showed peak positive staining at 2 hours after 0.5 to 3 hours of EE treatment (0.1 μM). Western blot showed significantly increased ATF3 protein expression ( P = 0.006) after EE exposure. ATF3 mRNA, as evaluated using reverse transcriptase PCR and TaqMan real-time PCR, also increased ( P = 0.146). In addition, the luciferase activity assay showed that ATF3 promoter activity was significantly enhanced after 1 hour of EE exposure ( P < 0.0001). Thus, EE upregulates ATF3 expression in fibroblasts in vitro, consistent with our previous results with human tissue and in vivo mouse models. ATF3 is involved in the TGF-β epithelial-mesenchymal signaling pathway, and its involvement in hypospadias suggests that ATF3 plays a role in development of this anomaly as a result of exposure to estrogenic compounds. Its potential involvement in other manifestations of developmental endocrine disruption is worth investigating.
A Normative Zone of Rpe Ratings for Use during Graded Exercise Testing
Authors: Goss Fredric L. , Robertson Robert J. , Metz Kenneth F. , Noble Bruce J. , Adler Lawrence
Published: August 2008

The purposes of this investigation were to identify a zone of normality for ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and to compare the RPE responses in patients with coronary artery disease to this zone. The zone was generated from RPE estimated during the last minute of each stage of a Bruce treadmill test in 44 normal adult men. RPE were regressed against the corresponding MET level for each exercise stage. The zone was established as the 95% confidence interval (CI) spanning the average RPE vs MET regression line. RPE estimated during the last 1.0 min. of a Bruce or Modified Balke treadmill test administered to adult men ( n = 37) with coronary artery disease were compared to the 95% CI zone. A total of 19 (51%) of the coronary artery disease patients estimated RPE during a progressively incremented treadmill test that were above the zone, indicating a comparatively greater than normal perception of strain for a given metabolic stress. The presently generated zone provides a practical use of RPE in the interpretation of clinical exercise tests.
Influence of Ball Type on Home Advantage in French Professional Soccer
Authors: Dosseville Fabrice E. M.
Published: August 2008

The home advantage has been consistently found in soccer matches, but conclusive evidence of the origin of this home advantage has yet to be identified. One factor often thought to contribute is familiarity with a local facility. The present study examined home advantage in the French professional soccer male championships (20 teams in each Ligue 1 and 2) and explored the influence of soccer ball type on this phenomenon. Whether it is knowing how a soccer ball rolls on a particular grass surface or some other aspect, the home team can react to the situation better if they know from experience what is likely to happen. The results suggest that type of soccer ball may have an influence on home advantage. Confounding factors are discussed.
Patterns of Adaptation in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Multivariate Indicators of Greater Variability and Linear Change Compared to Controls
Authors: Rubino I. Alex , Pezzarossa Bianca , D'Arconte Valentina , Siracusano Alberto
Published: August 2008

Patterns of adaptation to conflict in persons with Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder were assessed with the Serial Color-Word Test. Obsessive–Compulsive patients ( n = 50) were compared with an age- and sex-matched group of nonclinical volunteers. Measures of linear and nonlinear change in reading times during each of the five consecutive trials of the test were compared between groups by means of a multivariate model with doubly repeated measures. The multivariate analysis yielded a significant between-groups result (Wilks Lambda = .76, p < .001), mainly supported by higher values of nonlinear change in the Obsessive–Compulsive group. Thus, the discriminative ability of the Serial Color-Word Test was confirmed when individual differences were removed from the error term.
Expert-Novice Differences in Cognitive and Execution Skills during Tennis Competition
Authors: del Villar Fernando , González Luis García , Iglesias Damián , Moreno M. Perla , Cervelló Eduardo M.
Published: August 2008

This study deals with decision and execution behavior of tennis players during competition. The study is based on the expert-novice paradigm and aims to identify differences between both groups in the decision-making and execution variables in serve and shot actions in tennis. Six expert players (elite Spanish tennis players) and six novice players (grade school tennis players) took part in this study. To carry out this study, the observation protocol defined by McPherson and Thomas in 1989, in which control, decision-making and execution variables were included, was used, where it was applied to the performance of the tennis player in a real match situation. In the analysis, significant differences between experts and novices in decision-making and execution variables are found wherein it can be observed that experts display a greater ability to make the appropriate decisions, selecting the most tactical responses to put pressure on the opponent. Expert tennis players were also able to carry out forceful executions to their opponent with greater efficiency, making the opponent's response to a large extent more difficult. These findings are in accordance with those of McPherson and colleagues.
Nonverbal Behavior of Vendors in Customer-Vendor Interaction
Authors: Amsbary J. H. , Powell L.
Published: August 2008

Two research questions were posed on the homophily theory of customer-vendor interactions: (a) do vendors show any nonverbal preference for Euro-American or African-American customers?; (b) do vendors demonstrate any nonverbal preference for customers with which they share racial homophily? The results supported the homophily theory for Euro-American customers in that there were significant interaction effects by race in facial expression ( F = 5.33, p < .05), amount of speaking ( F = 6.76, p < .01), tone of voice ( F = 7.62, p < .01), and touching ( F = 4.57, p < .05). Vendor behavior varied when the customer was Euro-American, with Euro-American vendors smiling more frequently ( M = 4.05) than African-American vendors ( M = 3.69), speaking more frequently ( M = 3.57) than African-American vendors ( M = 3.09), using a more friendly tone of voice ( M = 3.59, and engaging in more touching behaviors ( M = 1.81) than African-American vendors ( M = 1.48). There was no significant difference in the behavior of Euro-American and African-American vendors when the customer was African-American.
Trunk Posture Affects Upper Extremity Function of Adults
Authors: Gillen Glen , Boiangiu Chanie , Neuman Michelle , Reinstein Rachel , Schaap Yona
Published: August 2008

This study examined the effects of various seated trunk postures on upper extremity function. 59 adults were tested using the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test while in three different trunk postures. Significant mean differences between the neutral versus the flexed and laterally flexed trunk postures were noted during selected tasks. Specifically, dominant hand performance during the tasks of feeding and lifting heavy cans was significantly slower while the trunk was flexed and laterally flexed than when performed in the neutral trunk position. Performance of the nondominant hand during the tasks of picking up small objects, page turning, as well as the total score was slower while the trunk was flexed compared to performance in the neutral trunk position. These findings support the assumption that neutral trunk posture improves upper extremity performance during daily activities although the effect is not consistent across tasks. Findings are discussed along with limitations and recommendations for research.
Is Fat Perception a Thermal Effect?
Authors: Prinz J. F. , Huntjens L. A. H. , de Wijk R. A. , Engelen L. , Polet I. A.
Published: August 2008

It has been generally assumed that fat is detected by its flavour and by its lubrication of the oral mucosa. A recent study reported a correlation of –.99 between perceived temperature of a product and its fat content. This was significantly higher than correlations of sensory scores for fat flavour, mouthfeel, and afterfeel. This suggested a third detection mechanism; fat may be detected via its effect on the thermal conductivity of the food. In 3 studies, thermal sensitivity in humans was investigated to verify whether oral thermal receptors are sufficiently rapid and accurate to play a role in the perception of fats. The thermal sensitivity of the lips and oral mucosa of the anterior and middle one-third of the tongue were assessed using a Peltier device. Subjects detected 0.5 Hz fluctuations in temperature of 0.08°C on the lower lip, 0.26°C and 1.36°C at the tip and dorsum of the tongue, demonstrating that the lips are sufficiently sensitive to detect small differences in temperature. In two further experiments subjects ingested custards and mayonnaises and then spat out samples after 5, 10, or 20 sec. The temperature of the food and oral mucosa was measured before and after spitting and the rates of heating were calculated. Results suggest assessment of thermal conductivity of food may be used to assess fat content.
Internal and External Imagery Perspective Measurement and Use in Imagining Open and Closed Sports Skills: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Spittle Michael , Morris Tony
Published: August 2008

This study explored the measurement and use of internal and external imagery perspectives during imagery of open and closed sports skills. Participants ( N = 41; male = 23; female =18), ages 14 to 28 ( M = 19.4 yr.; SD = 3.1), who were recruited from undergraduate classes in human movement and physical education, and local sporting teams, completed the Imagery Use Questionnaire and then imagined performing eight common sports skills, four open skills and four closed skills, in a random order. Participants provided concurrent verbalisation during their imagery. Immediately after imagining each skill, participants completed a rating scale and retrospective verbalisation of imagery perspective use. Analysis indicated that the questionnaire gave a general imagery perspective preference but was not a strong predictor of imagery used on specific occasions. The three measures of imagery perspective were equivalent in imagining performing particular skills. Participants experienced more internal imagery than external imagery while imagining the eight sports skills, but there was no significant difference between perspective use on the open and closed skills.
Lefties are Still a Little Shorter
Authors: Abel Ernest L. , Kruger Michael L.
Published: August 2008

Heights and weights of right- and left-handed major league baseball pitchers ( N = 5,780) were analyzed, adjusted for birth year. Right-handed pitchers were about 1.6 cm taller and 1.9 kg heavier than left-handed pitchers. The results corroborated other studies and suggest body size is related to handedness, although the average difference in height between right- and left-handed pitchers was very small.
Preliminary Evaluation of an After-School Resistance Training Program for Improving Physical Fitness in Middle School-Age Boys
Authors: Faigenbaum Avery D. , McFarland Jim E. , Johnson Larry , Kang Jie , Bloom Jason , Ratamess Nicholas A. , Hoffman Jay R.
Published: August 2008

Most after-school physical activity programs for youth focus on aerobic games and activities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an after-school resistance training program on improving the physical fitness of middle school-age boys. 22 boys ( M = 13.9 yr., SD = .4 yr.) participated in a periodized, multiple-set, 9-wk. (2x/week) resistance training program. All subjects were pre- and post-tested on their 10-repetition maximum squat, 10-repetition maximum bench press, vertical jump, medicine ball toss, flexibility, and also percentage of body fat and the progressive aerobic cardiovascular endurance run (PACER). Statistical analysis indicated that subjects significantly improved performance on the squat (19%), bench press (15%), flexibility (10%), vertical jump (5%), medicine ball toss (12%), and the PACER (36%). Although this design minus a control group limits interpretation, this after-school resistance-training program can improve muscular fitness and cardiovascular fitness in boys and should be replicated with appropriate experimental controls.
An Examination of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale Using Collegiate Wheelchair Basketball Student Athletes
Authors: Vermillion Mark , Dodder Richard A.
Published: August 2008

The purpose was to examine the construct validity of the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSES). The construct validity of the scale was examined by applying it to collegiate wheelchair basketball student athletes at an NCAA sanctioned wheelchair basketball tournament at a mid-sized university in the south central United States ( N = 68). In accordance with previous research on the scale, Cronbach alpha was .86; confirmatory factor analysis supported a one-factor structure. The scale is useful for measuring global self-esteem in collegiate wheelchair basketball student athletes.
Voice and Persuasion in a Banking Telemarketing Context
Authors: Chebat Jean-Charles , Hedhli Kamel El , Gélinas-Chebat Claire , Boivin Robert
Published: August 2008

Voice has been neglected in research on advertising and persuasion. The present study examined the influence of voice and sex on the credibility of the voice source in a banking telemarketing context as well as with regards to the attitude toward the advertisement, and subjects' behavioral intention. An experiment using voices of a man and a woman was conducted. A recorded mock-telemarketing message consisted of an advertisement for an ATM card offered by a Canadian bank. Subjects were undergraduate students ( N = 399; 71.6% women, 28.4% men; Mage = 26.5 yr., SD = 7.4). They completed a questionnaire after hearing the message in telemarketing conditions. Analysis indicated a moderate intensity, an unmarked intonation, and a fast speech rate are associated with a more credible source than the other combinations. Sex was not a significant moderator in the relationship between voice characteristics and source credibility. Voice characteristics significantly affected attitudes toward the advertisement and behavioral intention.
Perceived Neighborhood Environments and Physical Activity in an Elderly Sample
Authors: Mota Jorge , Lacerda Alexandra , Santos Maria Paula , Ribeiro José Carlos , Carvalho Joana
Published: August 2008

Increasing evidence indicates the importance of environmental variables in explaining physical activity. This study evaluated sex differences in perception of home and neighborhood environmental support and assessed which neighborhood environmental variables were associated with reported physical activity of elderly people. A sample of 126 women ( M age = 79.1 ± 6.6 yr.) and 55 men ( M age = 76.6 ± 7.7 yr.) were healthy, community-dwelling individuals. A questionnaire about environmental variables was administered. Physical activity was assessed on the Baecke Questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis showed that Neighborhood Safety was related to total physical activity, activity in leisure time, and sport activities. Men were also likely to be more active in leisure time than women. Neighborhood Personal Safety was associated with physical activity of these elderly people, showing a potential influence of the environmental domain in physical activity.
Investigating a Computerised Test of the Stroop Effect Extended by Inclusion of a Third, More Difficult Task
Authors: Federmann Rolf , Goldsmith Robert , Bäckström Martin
Published: August 2008

A validation study of a computerised test recently developed involving the Stroop effect, extended here by inclusion of a third, more difficult test series, is presented. Three groups of men belonging to the Swedish armed forces and adjudged to differ in their qualifications (20, 32, and 19 men of levels 1, 2, and 3, respectively) and a fourth group of 18 men convicted of serious crimes of violence were given this test, termed the Stress Strategy Test. Discriminant analysis of the test's 12 variables (four for each of the three test series) yielded a discriminant power of 65% for the total group, highest for the level 1 group (80%) and for the nonmilitary group (72%), results substantially better than obtained for the original version of the test with use of similar subject groups.
Effects of the Coach Approach® Intervention on Drop-Out Rates among Adults Initiating Exercise Programs at Nine Ymcas over Three Years
Authors: Annesi James J. , Unruh Jennifer L.
Published: August 2008

Physical inactivity is a health problem that has not been largely affected by mass communications. An interpersonal counseling intervention, THE COACH APPROACH®, was tested with 2,380 adults (overall M age = 40.9 yr., SD = 10.8) initiating exercise programs in 2003, 2004, and 2005, January through March, at nine YMCA facilities in the Atlanta, GA area. Contrasts of comparison (2002) and treatment condition cohorts suggested that the protocol, based on tenets of social cognitive and self-efficacy theories, resulted in significant reductions in exercise program drop out over 6 months. Changes in dropout were not significantly correlated to participants' income, percentage of full-time exercise counselors administering the intervention, or proportion of female counselors. Although the field design did not permit randomization of participants, results of conservative statistical testing suggested that THE COACH APPROACH® may be effective for settings which allow for large scale dissemination of the intervention.
Display Polarity, Stimulus Exposure Duration, and Visual Lobe Shape
Authors: Chiu Cathy H. Y. , Chan Alan H. S.
Published: August 2008

This study investigated the effects of visual display polarity and stimulus exposure duration on visual lobe shape. Analysis showed that regardless of display polarity and exposure duration combinations tested here, visual lobe contours were slightly irregular and asymmetric, of medium roundness, with a moderately rough boundary, and horizontally elongated with a mean length-width ratio of 1.53. Visual lobes mapped with negative display polarity were significantly rounder, slightly more regular and more symmetric along the vertical axis, compared with those mapped with positive polarity. Under the different polarity conditions, there were no significant differences in visual lobe area, perimeter, boundary smoothness, and elongation. When stimulus exposure duration increased from 200 to 400 msec. and from 200 to 300 msec., there were significant increases in the visual lobe area, perimeter, roundness, boundary smoothness, and regularity. No such changes were found when duration increased from 300 to 400 msec. Exposure durations did not have a significant effect on the shape categories of elongation and horizontal symmetry for the different stimuli. There were no statistically significant interactions between polarity and stimulus exposure duration for any of the lobe shape indexes used here.
Response to Calmet's Comment on Paillard, Et Al. (2005): “Influence of Postural Regulation in Male Judokas' Direction of Falls”
Authors: Paillard Thierry
Published: August 2008

A prior study by Paillard, Montoya, and Dupui showed judokas' direction of fall based on analysis of videos is inversely related to the average position of their centre of foot pressure (measured on a force platform). From this result, Calmet (2006) proposes some suggestions (e.g., the evaluation of balance on a force platform with the two hands bound to a system of pulleys or springs) which could be useful to analyse the judokas' postural strategies and to develop increased awareness of balance. However, several of these different suggestions require additional methodological evaluation before application. Indeed, according to the literature, inclusion of the force exerted onto handles modifies the amplitude of shifts of centre of foot pressure. Moreover, other analyses could be performed to develop descriptions and measures of a faller's behaviour. It would be interesting (i) to analyse the judokas' postural segmental movements during actual matches by kinematics analyses (ii) to study the judokas' balance when presented randomized push actions or pull actions while on a force platform. These suggestions could also constitute new perspectives of research on judo.
Independent Age Cues for Infancy and Older Age in One Face: Evidence for Rivalry in Age Perception
Authors: Yoshida Hiroshi , Toshima Tamotsu
Published: August 2008

Participants estimated the ages of infants, teens, and adults in their 20s and 60s, using averaged facial images, as well as digitally transformed images of two different age groups. Since a blended face has intermediate features of the component faces, age of the combined faces was hypothesized to be perceived as the mean age of the component faces. However, the perceived age was underestimated when the transformed face included an infant, but overestimated when the face included a person in their 60s. From this one may infer the faces of infants and adults in their 60s have strong age cues. The estimated ages for blended images of infants and adults in their 60s showed a clear bipolar distribution, with one peak at 5–9 years and the other at 50–54 years. Analysis of individual variation showed that the different response to infants–60s faces was related to variations in sensitivity to 60s faces, not to a general perceptual tendency or confused responses to ambiguous appearing faces. Thus, cues for infancy and older age are qualitatively independent and can co-exist in one face, yielding a rivalry in age perception.
Can an Athlete Be Taught to Cope More Effectively? The Experiences of an International-Level Adolescent Golfer during a Training Program for Coping
Authors: Nicholls Adam R.
Published: August 2008

The purpose of this descriptive paper was to examine the experiences of an internationally ranked golfer during a training program for coping. A 16-yr.-old male English golfer maintained an audio diary for seven competitive rounds over 21 days. He answered the same five questions after each competitive round concerning his experiences of stress and coping. The training program for coping was based upon the previous research of Nicholls and colleagues with adolescent golfers at the international level. The training program reduced the number of ineffective coping strategies that the participant used.
Temporal Limitation of Navon Effect on Face Recognition
Authors: Hills Peter J. , Lewis Michael B.
Published: August 2008

Performance on a face identification line-up task is impaired if an intervening task involved processing the local features of a Navon stimulus rather than its global features. These results have only been shown in comparison with a reading task in line-up paradigms. In Exp. 1 undergraduates (3 men, 17 women, M age = 19 yr., selected by convenience) were tested in a replication of this Navon-effect using a recognition paradigm. The effect is observed only during the early part of the recognition test phase. In Exp. 2 analysis of undergraduates' responses (9 men, 20 women, M age =19, selected by convenience) showed the decrease in the Navon effect could be prevented by alternating the Navon task with the face recognition task.
Discrimination of Cello String Height: Musicianship and Sex
Authors: Kolodziej Ilka , Ackermann Bronwen J. , Adams Roger D.
Published: August 2008

The aim was to investigate differences by sex and music expertise in performance of a manual proprioceptive skill. Active left hand finger-movement discrimination for differences in string height was examined in a position similar to cello playing. Men and women who were experienced cellists and nonmusicians made active string depression movements and then made absolute judgments regarding which of five string positions were presented. Although no main effect was significant, analysis yielded a sex × musicianship crossover interaction ( F1.51 = 8.4, p = .006) wherein the female cellists performed better than the female nonmusicians, and the reverse occurred for males. These significant differences in active movement discrimination across sex and musicianship may be important in further understanding focal hand dystonia, a disorder wherein the interaction of sex and expertise is observed as a strong preponderance in experienced male musicians.
Validity and Reliability of Self-Assessed Physical Fitness Using Visual Analogue Scales
Authors: Strøyer Jesper , Jensen Lone Donbæk , Avlund Kirsten , Essendrop Morten , Warming Susan , Schibye Bente
Published: August 2008

To test the validity and reliability of self-assessed physical fitness samples included healthcare assistants working at a hospital (women = 170, men = 17), persons working with physically and mentally handicapped patients (women = 530, men = 123), and two separate groups of healthcare students (a) women = 91 and men = 5 and (b) women = 159 and men =10. Five components of physical fitness were self-assessed by Visual Analogue Scales with illustrations and verbal anchors for the extremes: aerobic fitness, muscle strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance. Convergent and divergent validity were evaluated by age-adjusted correlations stratified by sex with performance-based measures of physical fitness. Self-assessed aerobic fitness ( r = .36–.64) (women/men), muscle strength ( r = .30–.51), and flexibility ( r = .36–.31) showed moderate convergent validity. The divergent validity was satisfactory except for flexibility among men. The reliability was moderate to good ( ICC = .62–.80). Self-assessed aerobic fitness, muscle strength, and flexibility showed moderate construct validity and moderate to good reliability using visual analogues.
The Validity of Using Prior Ratings of Perceived Exertion to Regulate Resistance Exercise Intensity
Authors: Lagally Kristen M. , Amorose Anthony J.
Published: August 2008

This investigation examined the validity of using ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) to regulate intensity during resistance exercise. 19 male ( M age = 22.2 yr., SD = 2.7) and 19 female ( M age = 21.4 yr., SD = 2.3) participants estimated exertion when performing the knee extension at 40% to 90% of one-repetition maximum. One week later, participants were asked to produce weights for the knee extension that elicited the feelings of exertion associated with 9, 13, and 17 on the Borg RPE scale. The weight produced at 9, 13, and 17 during the production session was compared to the weight lifted at each RPE during the estimation session. The effect sizes associated with the differences in weight lifted across sessions at each RPE were generally small in magnitude, especially at the higher intensities ( ES = .40, –.09, .15, respectively). The results of this investigation support the use of RPE as a method of prescribing the intensity of resistance exercise.
Numeral Size, Spacing between Targets, and Exposure Time in Discrimination by Elderly People Using an LCD Monitor
Authors: Huang Kuo-Chen , Yeh Po-Chan
Published: August 2008

The present study investigated the effects of numeral size, spacing between targets, and exposure time on the discrimination performance by elderly and younger people using a liquid crystal display screen. Analysis showed size of numerals significantly affected discrimination, which increased with increasing numeral size. Spacing between targets also had a significant effect on discrimination, i.e., the larger the space between numerals, the better their discrimination. When the spacing between numerals increased to 4 or 5 points, however, discrimination did not increase beyond that for 3-point spacing. Although performance increased with increasing exposure time, the difference in discrimination at an exposure time of 0.8 vs 1.0 sec. was not significant. The accuracy by the elderly group was less than that by younger subjects.
Perceptual Visual Skills in Young Highly Skilled Basketball Players
Authors: Quintana Manuel Sillero , Román Ignacio Refoyo , Calvo Alberto Lorenzo , Molinuevo Javier Sampedro
Published: August 2008

A simple method was designed to evaluate visual abilities such as distance visual acuity, binocular horizontal visual field, simple and choice visual reaction times, and stereoscopic vision in skilled 11- to 13-yr.-old basketball players participating in a 15-day summer training camp. On a test battery, visual abilities were monitored in 473 players of the Spanish Basketball Federation over a 5-yr. period. The players showed outstanding scores on distance visual acuity and stereoscopic vision, and good visual reaction times and horizontal visual fields. When scores were compared by sex and age, significant differences on certain visual measures were observed. Many players showed crossed eye-hand dominance. Visual screening programs may help promote visual health among junior basketball players and could be used for performance training.
Visual Search Performance on an LCD Monitor: Effects of Color Combination of Figure and Icon Background, Shape of Icon, and Line Width of Icon Border
Authors: Huang Kuo-Chen , Chiu Tsai-Lan
Published: August 2008

This study investigated the effects of color combinations for the figure/icon background, icon shape, and line width of the icon border on visual search performance on a liquid crystal display screen. In a circular stimulus array, subjects had to search for a target item which had a diameter of 20 cm and included one target and 19 distractors. Analysis showed that the icon shape significantly affected search performance. The correct response time was significantly shorter for circular icons than for triangular icons, for icon borders with a line width of 3 pixels than for 1 or 2 pixels, and for 2 pixels than for 1 pixel. The color combination also significantly affected the visual search performance: white/yellow, white/blue, black-red, and black/yellow color combinations for the figure/icon background had shorter correct response times compared to yellow/blue, red/green, yellow/green, and blue/red. However, no effects were found for the line width of the icon border or the icon shape on the error rate. Results have implications for graphics-based design of interfaces, such as for mobile phones, Web sites, and PDAs, as well as complex industrial processes.
Effect of Various Discriminative Stimuli on Choice Behavior in Male Siamese Fighting Fish (Betta Splendens)
Authors: Craft B. B. , Szalda-Petree A. D. , Brinegar J. L. , Haddad N. F.
Published: August 2008

The current experiment was an exploratory study empirically comparing three discrimination methodologies proposed for use in choice preparations with food rewards. Subjects were thirty-five, healthy, adult male Siamese fighting fish ( Betta splendens). Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three discrimination groups: a Direction group (using left or right as discriminative stimuli), a Color group (using red or green as discriminative stimuli), and a Bubble group (using the presence or absence of air bubbles as discriminative stimuli). For all three discrimination groups, subjects chose between one or three food pellets in a submerged T-maze. The results from the experiment indicated a statistically significant preference for the three pellets of food over one pellet of food only for the Bubble group. Of particular note is the effect size and observed power obtained for the Bubble group, which was the only group which supported a reasonably powerful test for discrimination, given a sample size of 12 subjects and 0.94 effect size.
The Emotion Recognition Task: A Paradigm to Measure the Perception of Facial Emotional Expressions at Different Intensities
Authors: Montagne Barbara , Kessels Roy P. C. , De Haan Edward H. F. , Perrett David I.
Published: August 2008

The Emotion Recognition Task is a computer-generated paradigm for measuring the recognition of six basic facial emotional expressions: anger, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness, and surprise. Video clips of increasing length were presented, starting with a neutral face that changes into a facial expression of different intensities (20%–100%). The present study describes methodological aspects of the paradigm and its applicability in healthy participants ( N = 58; 34 men; ages between 22 and 75), specifically focusing on differences in recognition performance between the six emotion types and age-related change. The results showed that happiness was the easiest emotion to recognize, while fear was the most difficult. Moreover, older adults performed worse than young adults on anger, sadness, fear, and happiness, but not on disgust and surprise. These findings indicate that this paradigm is probably more sensitive than emotion perception tasks using static images, suggesting it is a useful tool in the assessment of subtle impairments in emotion perception.
Locus of Control, Self-Control, and Family Income as Predictors of Young Children's Mathematics and Science Scores
Authors: Martin Sue , Meyer James A. , Nelson Laverne , Baldwin Vernoice , Ting Ling , Sterling Deloris
Published: August 2008

Locus of control, self-control, and family income were investigated as possible predictors of 138 young children's mathematics and science scores. The children, 60 boys and 78 girls, ranging from 4 to 8 years of age ( M = 5.4, SD=1.3) were administered the Stephens-Delys Reinforcement Contingency Interview Scale, the Self-control Rating Scale, the Comprehensive Mathematics Inventory, and a science test based on the work of D. K. Dickinson. Analysis showed mathematics scores were positively related to income, locus of control, and science scores. Mathematics and science scores were negatively related to lack of self-control. Also, science scores were positively related to locus of control. Multiple regression analysis with mathematics as the dependent variable indicated income had the greatest predictive value followed by self-control and locus of control. The multiple regression model of science was also significant, with locus of control having the greatest influence followed by self-control.
Spatial Accuracy Demand in Aiming Movements: Kinematic Analysis of Subtended Angle and Tolerance Width
Authors: Yao Wan X. , DeSola Bill , Zunker Weston , Zhong C-Bi , Wallace Stephen A. , Ding Yuchuan
Published: August 2008

Subtended angle has been assumed to be an important factor in both response programming time and kinematic characteristics of aiming movements. Support for this assumption has come mainly from studies in which circular targets have been used. However, with circular targets, the subtended angle covaries with the size of the target in the principal direction of the movement (tolerance width). The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of tolerance width and subtended angle on aiming movement with multiple targets. Participants first hit a 5-cm-diameter circular target located 8 cm to the left of a starting position and then moved another 8 cm left to hit either a 5-cm diameter circular target or a 5- × 1-cm rectangular target oriented either horizontally or vertically, depending on the condition. Analysis showed that reaction times and movement times were longer for the vertical rectangular target, which had a smaller tolerance width than the other two targets. In addition, the vertical rectangular target also showed a greater percentage of secondary-submovement trials, lower movement velocity, and higher peak vertical displacement. Overall, the results indicate that the tolerance width of the target may impose more constraints on aiming movements than subtended angle.
Autobiographical Recall Training in Elderly Adults with Subjective Memory Complaint: A Pilot Study
Authors: Grossi Dario , Postiglione Alfredo , Schettini Bruno , Trojano Luigi , Barbarulo Anna Maria , Giugliano Valentina , Ambron Elisabetta , Aiello Assunta
Published: August 2008

Subjective memory complaint is a self-reported memory impairment which affects elderly people. This problem does not interfere with daily living activities but could decrease quality of life. This study's purpose was to verify whether a specific, newly developed, autobiographical recall training could modify self-perception of memory of subjects with subjective memory complaint. Seven elderly subjects (4 women and 3 men; mean age 65.5 yr., SD = 11) with such complaint, evidenced through a specific questionnaire, attended the training course and were prospectively assessed on standard neuropsychological tests, depressive symptomatology, and self-perception of memory. Self-perception of memory, as assessed by scores on a formalized questionnaire, improved significantly after the training, while depressive symptoms did not change. Neuropsychological performances were normal before and after the training, but a statistically significant improvement was observed only on the phonological fluency test. Thus the present pilot study suggested that the training may be effective in improving self-perception of memory and metamnestic capacity in elderly people with subjective memory complaints but not in changing subjects' depressive symptoms. This requires replication of this work with a much larger sample so statistical power is adequate.
Comparison of Two Exercise Protocols on Fitness Score Improvement in Poorly Conditioned Air Force Personnel
Authors: Westcott Wayne L. , Skaggs Jerry M. , Gibson Jill R. , Annesi James J. , Reynolds Roger D. , O'Dell J. Pat
Published: August 2008

A 12-wk. study was conducted to contrast the effects of a longer and more frequent aerobic exercise protocol with a shorter and less frequent circuit strength-training protocol for improving U.S. Air Force physical fitness test scores of subjects who previously failed to achieve a passing point total. 83 men and women of the U.S. Air Force ( M age = 32.7 yr.) participated in either the unsupervised standard conditioning program, which recommended approximately 60 min. of aerobic activity 4 to 5 days per week ( n = 26), or the supervised circuit strength-training program, which required approximately 25 min. of alternating strength and endurance exercises 3 days per week ( n = 57). Subjects were assessed on a 2400-m (1.5-mile) run, abdominal circumference, push-ups completed in 1 min., and abdominal crunches completed in 1 min. Dependent t tests with Bonferroni adjustment indicated that significant improvements were attained by the circuit strength-training group only on each of the aforementioned measures. Significantly more participants in the circuit strength-training group (26%) achieved a passing point total than in the standard conditioning group (19%) at Wk. 12 (χ12 = 3.96, p = .05). Implications for enhancing physical fitness in poorly conditioned adults were discussed.
Typology of Violence Derived from Ratings of Severity and Provocation
Authors: Collyer Charles E. , Gallo Frank J. , Corey Jonathan , Waters Dusty , Boney-McCoy Susan
Published: August 2008

Two exploratory studies examined ratings of the severity of violence of several behaviors. In Study 1, a very consistent ordering of the behaviors by severity was obtained from two groups of participants. The stated justification for the behaviors was manipulated, and both mitigation and aggravation effects were observed. Study 2 found that essentially the same ordering of behaviors could be obtained in a provocation-rating task, and that both the severity ratings and the provocation ratings yielded four interpretable types of violence upon factor analysis: more severe physical (V1), less severe physical (V2), more severe nonphysical (V3), and less severe nonphysical (V4). Individual profiles of severity ratings across these four types yielded two interpretable groupings of participants upon cluster analysis: a violence-sensitive group and a violence-tolerant group. The violence-tolerant group had lower severity ratings for three of the four types of violence. These empirical distinctions help to illuminate what appear to be different meanings of the term violent for different behavior categories and for different individuals.
Field-Dependence-Independence and Career Counseling: Directions for Research
Authors: Guisande M. Adelina , Paramo M. Fernanda , Soares Ana Paula , Almeida Leandro S.
Published: August 2008

This paper reviews relevant research concerning the utilization of Field-dependence-independence cognitive style in vocational decision-making as well as in implementation and adjustment of career choices. Need for further investigation is highlighted and how career interventions can be enriched by including cognitive style indicated. A test of cognitive styles offers complementary information to traditional career counseling but needs to be explicitly integrated into personal history, academic experiences, achievements, motivations, and vocational goals. New directions for research are offered.
Language Disturbances in a Group of Participants Suffering from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Fabbro F. , Felisari G. , D'Angelo M. G. , Turconi A. C. , Marini A. , Comi G. P. , Bresolin N.
Published: August 2008

Results from several studies suggest that the process of language acquisition may be altered in patients suffering from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. In this study, a group of 8 male participants with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy ( M age = 16 yr., SD = 4.7) underwent an extensive neuropsychological and language assessment. They also performed a discourse production task. Results showed mild mental retardation associated with a specific deficit in Verbal rather than Performance IQ. At the linguistic assessment, 7 of 8 participants showed moderate to severe difficulties on oral language processing with particularly impaired morphosyntactic competence.
Utility of Personality Measurement of Clinic Patients with Insomnia
Authors: Sexton-Radek Kathy , Pichler-Maury Rene , Urban Amanda
Published: August 2008

An assessment study examining the relationship between sleep quality and personality style in individuals presenting to a sleep clinic with symptoms of insomnia was conducted. The protocol entailed standard clinical interviews conducted by a board certified sleep physician and licensed clinical psychologist. Participants were then assessed using a standard interview and the Millon Clinical Multi-axial Inventory III (MCMI-III) A follow-up appointment was conducted to provide interpretation and treatment recommendations from the interview and testing data. The results from a review of 210 cases are presented in terms of their sleep quality and dominant MCMI-III patterns. Preliminary multivariate analyses indicated two common profiles that correspond to the presentation of insomnia symptomology. These clusters were termed “avoidant” and “anxious” profiles, accordingly. Item content analyses were conducted via the Noteworthy Item classification in the MCMI-III manual to determine the viability of a category determined by the authors called Sleep Behavior Preoccupation. Of this sample 17% fit into the category.