bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Uncertainty on Mastery of Stress: A Case Study
Authors: Fenz Walter D. , Jones G. Brian
Published: February 2007

A highly experienced sport parachutist was tested under conditions of uncertainty as well as under normal jumping conditions; the dependent measures recorded during the sequence of events leading up to a jump were heart rate and respiration rate. Uncertainty produced a disruption of the orderly pattern of anticipatory physiological responding; this disruption was more pronounced for heart rate than for respiration rate.
Individual Differences in Autonomic Responses: Illustration of a Possible Solution
Authors: Egeren Lawrence F. Van , Headrick Mary W. , Hein Peter L.
Published: February 2007

A factor analysis methodology for the study of individual differences in response functions developed by Tucker (1958, 1966) was illustrated by analysis of conditional cardiac responses. Three cardiac (factor) responses were found: one acceleratory‐deceleratory, a second monophasic, and a third deceleratory‐acceleratory, over the CS–UCS interval. Individual conditional responses were composed of the acceleratory‐deceleratory component plus either positive or negative parts of the second and third components. Individual differences in conditional cardiac response forms were substantial. The factor model provided a better fit of observed responses than the average response model provided. The advantages of determining psychophysiological functions (laws) having explicit parameters for individuals were discussed.
Site, State, and Subject Characteristics of Palmar Skin Potential Levels
Authors: Christie Margaret J. , Venables Peter H.
Published: February 2007

Palmar skin potential levels (SPLs) were recorded with Ag/AgCl electrodes and 0.5% KCl, in two degrees of relaxation, simultaneously from eight finger sites of 20 habituated and 20 non‐habituated male subjects. The SPLs were examined by analyses of variance computed with right/left, and dominant/non‐dominant distributions of hand data.

There were significant finger site differences in all conditions; significant hand differences were observable only with greater relaxation, i.e. to ‘basal’ levels of SP, and only with the dominant/non‐dominant distribution of data. There was evidence of significant interactions implicating the habituation factor. The results are interpreted in terms of the balance of sweat gland and non‐sudorific contributions to the generation of palmar SPL.
What is Skin Potential Level?
Authors: Yamazaki Katuo , Tajimi Tetuo
Published: February 2007

In order to clarify the mechanism of skin potential level (SPL) measured on the foot pads of cats, 5 acute animals were used without any anesthetic drug. Spontaneous skin potential responses (SPRs) immediately disappeared after peripheral denervation, but SPL remained the same negative level as before. Moreover, this level reduced in negativity after death, gradually passing zero potential toward positivity. The existence of SPL after peripheral denervation or death suggests that a major portion of SPL can be conceived as an energy‐consuming bioelectrical potential having no relationship to central nervous system activation as considered previously.
A Differential Microvolt Test Signal Adjustable to Given Laboratory Requirements
Authors: Sheatz Guy C.
Published: February 2007

A circuit is described which generates microvolt signals for calibrating or testing differential amplifiers. All parameters of the waveform can be easily adjusted through ranges normal to low level biological signals.
A Technique for Recording Human Body Posture During Sleep
Authors: Muzet Alain , Becht Jean , Jacquot Pierre , Koenig Pierre
Published: February 2007

An actographic bed coupled with an electronic logic network was constructed to detect major body movements usually associated with changes in sleep posture. These body movements also triggered the infra‐red photographic system. Recordings of these movements by means of transducers attached to the actographic bed on the sleep electroencephalograms permitted an analysis of body movements in relation to sleep stages and time of night. The system remained reliable over long periods of use, and did not interfere with sleep.
The Comparability of Cross‐Laboratory Resting Heart Rate: A Reply to Elliott
Authors: Norman Arthur , Melville Charles H.
Published: February 2007

Elliott's comments on the comparability of heart rate measures in cross‐laboratory comparisons are discussed. The present paper attempts to show that the comparison of heart rate data across various laboratories in an attempt to infer motivational states may not be justified.
Further Comment on the Significance of Heart Rate in Cross‐Laboratory Comparison
Authors: Elliott Rogers
Published: February 2007

Norman and Melville appear to feel that differences from laboratory to laboratory are so pervasive and effective that no useful cross‐laboratory interpretations of differences in HR can be made. Elliott argues that the differences, and the absolute levels as well, are useful clues to motivational states, in rough proportion to the size of the samples involved, given certain boundary conditions about what we are willing to call “rest”; and that many of the dimensions of difference said by Norman and Melville to be fundamental are probably irrelevant. A variety of misrepresentations of Elliott's case made by Norman and Melville are discussed.
Neonatal Muscle Tone Recorded From Eye Movement Leads
Authors: Harmon Robert J. , Emde Robert N.
Published: February 2007

A simplified way of recording muscle tone during newborn sleep uses electrode placement over periorbital musculature. One study analyzed 30 nights of recording for the emergence of tonic muscle activity during REM to non‐REM sleep transitions. The periorbital location equalled the standard chin location in manifesting these changes even though the periorbital electrodes were originally intended for eye movement recording. Another study employed technical adjustments to enhance muscle tone recording from the periorbital location. Analysis of 8 recording nights indicated even more favorable results from this location.
The Effect of Unilateral Alpha Training on Visual Evoked Response in a Dyslexic Adolescent
Authors: O'Malley John E. , Conners C. Keith
Published: February 2007

To further elucidate the possible relationship between alpha waves and the averaged visual evoked response (VER), a pilot study with a dyslexic adolescent was undertaken. Baseline alpha and VER were recorded and bilateral alpha training done. After each trial the VER was recorded. By analysis of variance it was found that alpha training significantly increased the amplitude of VER (p < .001). Baseline values for amplitudes of the VER fluctuated widely from zero but were not correlated with percent alpha.

Next a system was devised to train alpha unilaterally. The subject was given a feedback response when he produced 0.5 sec of alpha in the left hemisphere and concurrently 0.5 sec of beta or theta in the right hemisphere. Alpha time on the left significantly increased over the 5 day (4 trials per day) period, as did beta and theta time on the right. Left minus right VER amplitude difference was also increased and correlated (p < .05) with both alpha (L) and beta or theta (R) percent time increases.
Computer Software Bank For Psychophysiology
Authors: Kahn S David
Published: February 2007

PP‐T0001‐0‐I This paper describes the inauguration of a Computer Software section in PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGY. It explains the three kinds of communications that will be published: Program Registrations, Software Abstracts, and Software Articles, either theoretical or describing working programs. Detailed instructions regarding content and format are given. In anticipation of a computerized software retrieval system for psychophysiology, it also contains coding instructions for authors so they may identify their papers by subject, organ system, machine, and language prior to submission.
A Methodological Note: Comparison Between Period and Rate Data in Studies of Cardiac Function
Authors: Khachaturian Z. S. , Kerr J. , Kruger R. , Schachter J.
Published: February 2007

The purpose of this study was to compare two methods of analyzing EKG data, period (R–R intervals) and frequency (heart rate). Simulated data as well as EKGs recorded from newborn infants were utilized to show the effects of transforming cardiac periods into frequencies. The results showed that this transformation introduces errors, which are reflected in the mean, variance, and the degree of skewness of the basic data. It is argued that the widely used convention of transforming period data into heart rate should not be used without valid justification.
Time Stick for Measuring Action and Reaction Speed
Authors: Wolf A. V. , Wolf Rodney A.
Published: February 2007

A simple “time stick,” graduated in hundredths of a second, falling under constant gravitational acceleration, provides ready, accurate measurement of certain manual action and reaction times.
Preprocessor Adapts Cardiovascular Signals to a Minicomputer
Authors: Krausman David T. , Ehrlich Walter , Brady Joseph V.
Published: February 2007

A laboratory‐developed analog signal processor, driven by a conventional polygraph recorder and associated signal conditioning devices, provides automatic heart beat‐by‐heart beat preprocessing of various cardiovascular functions for input to a laboratory‐type minicomputer. The technique of preprocessing individual functions, integrated with the minicomputer system which includes an A/D converter and teletype as input‐output peripherals, provides a low‐cost data acquisition and reduction system for the on‐line computation and analysis of cardiovascular functions in experimental research applications. Such preprocessing more efficiently uses the minicomputer's memory to handle large amounts of information since the digitized data is in the form of one data sample, per function, per heart beat. Preprocessing analog data provides a low density data format and simplified software programs that are ideally suited for the utilization of a minicomputer in this on‐line application.
Differences in Readiness Potential Associated with Push‐Button Construction
Authors: Ford Judith M. , MacPherson Leonard , Kopell Bert S.
Published: February 2007

For the purposes of psychophysiological experiments that require an operant response, a push‐button switch that utilized the skin resistance of the thumb was constructed. The skin contact push‐buton (SC‐PB) produced a more negative pre‐response slow potential shift recorded at the vertex than the standard push‐button (S‐PB), using 6 subjects in a repeated measures design.
Effects of Exteroceptive Feedback and Instructions on Control of Spontaneous Galvanic Skin Responses
Authors: Klinge Valerie
Published: February 2007

To more fully explore the possibility of control of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) in the human S, this study investigated the effects of instructions and exteroeeptive feedback on the control of spontaneous galvanic skin responsivity (GSR). Two sets of instructions (“Relax” and “Think”) were alternately presented to Ss under four types of meter feedback: accurate, positive, negative, and control. In addition to GSR activity, respiration and cardiac rate were recorded. The results indicated that Ss receiving accurate feedback were significantly better able to comply with the “Relax”‐“Think” instructions; next most effective was positive feedback, while negative and control feedback were least effective. No within‐subject relationships were found between control of spontaneous GSRs and respiration or cardiac activity. The results suggest that Ss are responsive to the consequences of their antonomic behavior in much the same manner as they are responsive to the consequences of other learned behaviors.
The Effect of Reaction Time Feedback on Reaction Time and Contingent Negative Variation
Authors: Rebert Charles S.
Published: February 2007

The contingent negative variation (CNV) and simple reaction time (RT) of human Ss were recorded when the imperative stimulus (IS) was either single flash, repetitive flash, numeric feedback of RT, or numeric no‐feedback of RT. Reaction times were not significantly shorter, but CNVs were larger when IS was flicker rather than single flash. RT was slightly faster, but CNV was no larger in one study when explicit numeric feedback was provided than when it was not. Slightly larger CNVs were obtained in the no‐feedback condition in a third experiment. Conclusions were: (1) that the effectiveness of flicker vs flash in producing a CNV difference was due to S's attempts to obtain feedback in the flicker condition and not to feedback per se, and (2) that the general hedonic quality of the experiment produced by the degree of positive or negative reinforcement is a potent feedback variable, whereas RT feedback per se is not.
A Comparative Study of the Effects of Electrical and Psychological Stimulation on Muscular Fatigue
Authors: Hundal P. S. , Gill Surishtha
Published: February 2007

An experiment was designed to study the effects of local electrical stimulation (LES) and verbal psychological stimulation (VPS) on the output of the fatigued muscles. The task was to operate Palmer's finger ergograph with the middle finger of the preferred hand. The LES was given by passing alternate square pulses through the operating muscles of the hand. The VPS was provided by applauding the performance of the S while he was still at work. Ten Ss provided the data under 5 experimental conditions. The results suggest that: (1) Both LES and VPS tend to increase the output as measured by the ergograph. (2) LES is superior to VPS in the initial stages of the work period but the situation is reversed at a later stage. (3) Neither the LES nor the VPS delay or enhance the onset of fatigue but they tend to increase the duration of work period when applied in the after decline period. (4) Continuous application of LES leads to rapid adaptation to its effect in comparison with VPS.
Large Magnitude Voluntary Heart Rate Changes
Authors: Wells David T.
Published: February 2007

An experiment was performed to demonstrate methods for enabling subjects (Ss) to produce large magnitude heart rate (HR) changes under conditions which include adequate controls for basal HR changes and elicitation of the HR response by breathing changes. The methods used were an attempt to optimize motivational, feedback, and practice variables. Of 9 Ss, 6 displayed mean HR increases ranging from 16.7 bpm to 35.2 bpm. The greatest mean HR decrease for any S was 3.1 bpm. Control procedures indicated that breathing changes accompanying large increases in HR were not sufficient to account for the magnitude of HR change.
Spontaneous Skin Potential Responses in Sleeping Infants Between 24 and 41 Weeks of Conceptional Age
Authors: Curzi‐Dascalova Lilya , Pajot Nicole , Dreyfus‐Brisac Colette
Published: February 2007

The goal of this study was twofold: at which conceptional age do the spontaneous skin potential responses (SPRs) appear in premature infants; are they related to the sleep cycle as they are in human adults. Twenty nine sleeping infants, conceptional age (CA) 24 to 41 weeks, were investigated with polygraphic recordings. SPRs first appeared at 28 weeks. Their number increased rapidly after 30 weeks CA. They appeared mostly simultaneously with slow wave EEG activity which in premature infants is the EEG pattern of active sleep. Unlike the spontaneous SPRs which in adults occur mainly in NREM sleep, they are in premature and full term newborns well correlated with active (or REM) sleep. The relationships between spontaneous SPRs and autonomic or phasic events of sleep are also studied.
A Case Study of Scientists' Opinions about the Regulations of their Work: Opinions of the Members of the Society for Psychophysiological Research about the Regulation of Biofeedback Research and Technology
Authors: Stephen Leff H.
Published: February 2007

A survey of members of the Society for Psychophysiological Research showed that most members responding foresaw both applications and problems associated with the development of biofeedback research and technology. It also showed that most respondents would not favor legislation regulating biofeedback work or public monitoring of it, but would favor public involvement in decision making in the face of its misuse. Although there was a consensus that biofeedback's treatment in the media is too sensationalistic, opinion was divided between those advocating less publicity as a remedy and those advocating improved working relations with the press and better educating the public. Age, source of research funds, and professional orientation were significantly related to respondents' opinions more than other background and work context variables. These relationships are discussed.
Personality, Psychophysiology, and Performance
Authors: Roessler Robert
Published: February 2007

Research relating personality variables to physiological responsivity and to motor performance is reviewed. Trait anxiety is not related to physiology but ego strength is related to change in physiological levels. Skin conductance is most consistently related to ego strength across experimental conditions and across subjects. Other physiological variables are also related to ego strength in certain subjects under certain conditions. Data relating ego strength to other personality variables and to psychomotor performance is also reviewed. A theory relating personality to physiological change is proposed.
Cardiovascular Response During a Word Association Test and an Interview
Authors: Williams Redford B. , Frankel Bernard L. , Gillin J. Christian , Weiss James L.
Published: February 2007

Previous work has demonstrated a consistent increase in diastolic blood pressure during an interview relative to a word association test. A consideration of normal cardiovascular mechanisms suggests that such increased diastolic pressure could be associated with decreased forearm blood flow. This expectation is at variance with previous studies in which psychological stimuli have been associated only with increased forearm blood flow. Forearm blood flow and pulse rate were measured during rest periods and during a word association test and an interview in 8 normal volunteers and 8 psychiatric inpatients. Twelve of the 16 Ss showed a decrease in forearm blood flow during the interview, thus confirming our expectation. That this decrease is an active response, rather than a passive fall, is suggested by the finding of increased heart rate during the interview. The cardiovascular responses of the patient group differed in some respects from those of the normal group. We hypothesize that the attentional deficit of the schizophrenics in the patient sample may have contributed to this difference.
Habituation During Sleep
Authors: Firth Hugh
Published: February 2007

In some recent reports, authors have found no evidence for habituation during sleep, and have concluded that habituation and sleep are incompatible. This finding was tested using skin potential, heart rate, and EEG responses to a 70 dB, 1 sec, 1000 Hz tone, in sleep stages 2, 4, and REM, with daytime controls. Interstimulus intervals used ranged from 10 to 30 sec.

Autonomic responses analyzed separately for each series of stimuli showed significant habituation, except for heart rate responses in REM and in the daytime (drowsy) controls. EEG responses also demonstrated habituation. An interstimulus interval effect was found with EEG K‐complexes, habituation occurring more slowly or not at all with the longer, irregular interstimulus intervals.

It is suggested that previous failure to detect habituation has been due to a technique of averaging responses over hourly periods and/or the use of long irregular interstimulus intervals. It is concluded that habituation is indeed possible in human sleep if stimulus intervals are not long.
Cognitive Processes and the Multiple Response Phenomenon
Authors: Lockhart Russell A.
Published: February 2007

The phenomenon of multiple autonomic responding is analyzed in terms of the component responses of the multiple response pattern (CS‐R, PRE‐US‐R, POST‐US‐R). CS‐R is interpreted as a function of two mechanisms: (1) an orienting response sensitive to temporal and event uncertainty, and (2) a component sensitive to stimulus sequence. Both components are subject to cognitive control, but also appear operative in cognitively deficient populations (e.g., the mentally retarded). PRE‐US‐R is interpreted as unique to language‐capable humans and manifested when perceptual‐verbal processes actually are involved in S's interaction with the stimulus paradigm. It is, perhaps, an autonomic correlate of “awareness”. POST‐US‐R is interpreted as the earliest development of a neuronal model of stimulus sequence, but subject to enhancement or suppression via cognitive factors. When the human subject has full possession of his cognitive and symbolic processes and relates to the conditioning paradigm in terms of these processes, conditioning phenomena will be quite different than when these processes are absent or directed into nonparadigm‐related activities. The effect of rendering cognitive processes dysfunctional cannot be predicted from autonomic behavior mediated by cognitive processes operating naturally and without interference.
Differential SCR Conditioning With Two Control Baselines: Random Signal and Signal Absent
Authors: Prokasy William F. , Williams William C. , Kumpfer Karol L. , Lee William Yu‐Ming , Jenson William R.
Published: February 2007

Thirty‐six Ss, informed about the contingencies, were given differential SCR training with 3 different signals: CS+, CS−, and a signal which was random with respect to UCS occurrence. UCSs occurred randomly between trials and during random signal trials, were correlated with CS+ presence, and were absent during CS−. Employing nonspecific response frequency and amplitude, as well as responding during random signal trials, as baselines for comparison, evidence for both inhibitory and excitatory influences was obtained. The pattern of these influences was such as to question the proposition that a CS+ acquires general excitatory properties and a CS− acquires general inhibitory properties.
Autonomic Arousal in Normal, Alcoholic, and Brain‐Damaged Subjects as Measured by the Plethysmograph Response to Cold Pressor Stimulation
Authors: Lovallo William , Parsons Oscar A. , Holloway Frank A.
Published: February 2007

In order to study the role of central factors in controlling autonomic arousal, hospitalized control, brain‐damaged, and alcoholic patients were tested for responsivity to the cold pressor test. During the last 30 sec of a 1 min immersion, half of the Ss were given a motor task consisting of 12 reaction time trials. The dependent variable was the cutaneous vasomotor response measured by a plethysmograph. Hospital controls showed strong rebound tendencies on recovery and well‐modulated responses during immersion. The brain‐damaged had plethysmograph responses which after immersion showed little or no tendency to recover. Alcoholics manifested intermediate tendencies. Hospital controls who received the motor task during immersion had a reduction in response whereas brain‐damaged Ss in the same condition showed increased response. Also noted were two distinctly different plethysmograph response profiles to the cold pressor: vasodilation and vasoconstriction.
A Direct Comparison of the Effects of the Quiet Room and Water Immersion Isolation Techniques
Authors: Forgays, And Donald G. , Mcclure Gary N.
Published: February 2007

The present study compares in the same subjects (Ss) the effects of two isolation environments, the quiet room and the water‐immersion procedure. Total endurance time in the respective environments, heart rate, and subjective time estimates were the dependent variables. Data on 5 male and 5 female young adult Ss are presented. With voluntary termination possible at any time, Ss spent an average of over 5 1/4 hrs in the room and 4 1/2 hrs in the tank. These Ss underestimate the time spent in the room but overestimate the time spent under water. The average heart rate in the room is about 67 bpm while that in the tank is about 81 bpm. All of these differences are statistically reliable. These results support the position that the water‐immersion technique of isolation is a more stressful procedure than the more generally used room technique. The S appears to be more aroused or alerted in the tank than he is in the room.
Prevalence and Methods of Control of the Cephalic Skin Potential EEG Artifact
Authors: Corby James C. , Roth Walton T. , Kopell Bert S.
Published: February 2007

Prevalence of the cephalic skin potential (CSP) artifact was studied in 21 Ss during EEG recording of the Contingent Negative Variation (CNV), averaged evoked response (AER), and verbal free association test. Skin potential response and electro‐oculogram (EOG) were also recorded. Subdermal pin electrodes and local anesthesia infusion were employed to eliminate the CSP artifact in the EEG.

Results indicated that EEG recorded from subdermal pin electrodes or from locally anesthetized scalp was free of CSP artifact. The EEG recorded from subdermal pin electrodes demonstrated spontaneous potential shifts but appeared adequate for EEG recording of the CNV or the AER.

Significant CSP artifact was demonstrated in the EEG of 10 of 21 Ss, both evoked by stimuli (10 Ss) and spontaneous (3 Ss). CSP artifact significantly increased CNV amplitude. CSP artifact significantly increased the AER late positive wave (P3) to infrequent tones.

Studies of CNV and AER can be confounded by CSP artifact. Above techniques appear promising for recording EEG free of CSP artifact.
Facial Muscle Tonus During REM and NREM Sleep
Authors: Bliwise D. , Coleman R. , Bergmann B. , Wincor M. Z. , Pivii R. T. , Rechtschaffen A.
Published: February 2007

Equipment and procedures were devised for quantifying relatively noise‐free recordings of low amplitude chin and lip electromyograms (EMGs) during sleep. A total of 28 REM periods were recorded from 5 young adult female Ss. Tonic EMG levels tended to decline toward their lowest level of the night beginning 5 min in advance of REM periods. With very rare exceptions, the lowest EMG levels of the night were maintained throughout REM sleep. During the 20 min of NREM sleep which followed REM periods, mean EMG levels increased over the REM levels but were lower than those recorded during the 20 min of NREM sleep which preceded the REM periods. This pattern of tonic EMG variation obtained for each of the first 3 REM periods of the night.
Parameters of Eyes‐Closed Alpha Enhancement
Authors: Travis T. A. , Kondo C. Y. , Knott J. R.
Published: February 2007

The performance of subjects (Ss) receiving contingent feedback in an eyes‐closed alpha enhancement setting was contrasted with changes in alpha of Ss receiving random feedback and no feedback. In addition, comparisons were made between: 1) binary and continuous feedback signals; 2) integrated and criterion alpha as dependent variables; and 3) eyes‐open and eyes‐closed alpha enhancement tasks.

It was found that: 1) Increases in emitted occipital alpha under eyes‐closed conditions are related to contingent reinforcement. 2) Proportional feedback was most efficient in the rapid development of eyes‐closed training. 3) Larger changes in alpha were seen during eyes‐open than during eyes‐closed training. 4) Binary feedback appeared to be more efficient in increasing eyes‐open alpha response. 5) No relationships between the ability to perform the eyes‐open and eyes‐closed alpha enhancement tasks were found within Ss.
The Effects of Stress on Components of the Respiration Cycle
Authors: Cohen Harvey D. , Goodenough Donald R. , Witkin Herman A. , Oltman Philip , Gould Harry , Shulman Ernest
Published: February 2007

Some respiratory correlates of affect were examined by a computer partitioning of breath duration mid inspiration, expiration, and postexpiration pause components. Negative affects (primarily anxiety and hostility) were induced by showing stress films. The subjects' affects were assessed by a mood adjective checklist, and respiration by measures of thoracic and abdominal circumference during the viewing of stress and neutral films. No stress effect was observed on total breath time (respiration rate). However, expiration nines were longer and pause limes shorter during the stress than during the neutral 61ms. It is suggested that these changes may be due to increased tension in respiratory muscle groups. It was also found that breath times were longer during the first film viewed by the subjects than during then during subsequent films This pattern was observed when the subjects were cautiously attentive, and is attributed primarily to an increase in inspiration duration.
Individual Differences in Heart Rate Responses to Affective Sound
Authors: Gang Mark Jay , Teft Leon
Published: February 2007

Lacey, Kagan, Lacey and Moss (1963) distinguished between the effects of feedback from the cardiovascular system and from other autonomic systems and suggested that heart rate (HR) acceleration should be associated with stimulus “rejection” and HR deceleration with “attention” or stimulus “acceptance.” The present study quantified certain attributes of the sound of the high speed dental engine and tested the effects of this sound on HR and measures of hostility, depression, and anxiety. The study tested the findings of Lacey et al (1963) and Obrist (1963), Thirty‐eight females enrolled at (he University of Bridgeport were assigned to one of four groups predetermined by a questionnaire investigating their past experience and familiarity with the dental engine. Heart rate and measures of hostility, depression, and anxiety varied directly with the subjects' familiarity and subjective experience with the acoustic stimuli. Heart rate was found to be more accelerated in subjects who had less experience with and who rated the acoustic stimulus as more unpleasant. Similarly such subjects demonstrated higher scores on anxiety, depression, and hostility scales.
Reliability of Various Estimates of Electromyogram Activity: Within and Between Subject Analyses
Authors: Epstein Leonard H. , Webster Jeffrey S.
Published: February 2007

Values obtained from six procedures for estimating electromyogram (EMG) activity from the unintegrated and average integrated signals were compared to cumulative integration values. Correlation coefficients were derived for repeated measures data used in evaluating single subject performance over time, and for subject means used in comparing group performance. The results indicated that the cumulative integration values are necessary for precise estimates of within subject changes, while all but one of the derived EMG measures were good estimates of group activity.
Relaxation Training and Biofeedback in the Reduction of Reducation Muscle Tension
Authors: Haynes Stephen N. , Moseley Dianne , McGowan William T.
Published: February 2007

To assess the comparative effectiveness of frontalis electromygraphic (E M G) biofeedback and relaxation instructions in reducing frontalis EMG levels, 101 male and female university students were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: 1) frontalis EMG biofeedback (variable frequency auditory feedback). 2) passive relaxation instruct inns (instructions to attend to and relax mustiest. 3) active relaxation instructions tensing and relaxing exercises), 4) false feedback, and 5l no treatment control. In a one‐session design, subjects receiving biofeedback and passive relaxation instructions demonstrated the greatest decrement in frontalis EMG level. The relationships between decrements in frontalis EMG level and sex, baseline EMG and manifest anxiety are discussed.
Eye Movements and Visually Active Dreams
Authors: Firth Hugh , Oswald Ian
Published: February 2007

There are a number of reports suggesting an association between profusion of eye movements and active dreaming. It has however been suggested that this relationship might only be evident in comparisons across the night and would not be evident in comparisons within one REM period. Data from 20 subjects taking placebo, amylobarbitone, and nitrazepam were used to test this. Dream reports were collected from REM awakenings and rated blind as visually active or passive. Eye movement profusion (number of 2 sec epochs) was assessed for each REM period.

Correlation between dream content and eye movement was low but significant in comparisons including the whole night, and including data from drug, withdrawal, and placebo conditions. A significant correlation was not consistently obtained, however, when data from each REMP were considered separately. Correlations based on data from non‐drug nights only were also small and could have been due to chance effects alone. The low correlations were not explicable solely by poor reliability of content ratings. It is concluded that the relationship between visually active dreaming and eye movement is slight, and may not hold when time of night is adequately controlled.
Contingent Negative Variation and Cardiac Deceleration in a Long Preparatory Interval: A Developmental Study
Authors: Klorman Rafael
Published: February 2007

Ten‐, 14‐, and 19‐yr‐olds participated in a simple RT task with 5‐sec foreperiod. CNV waveforms contained an early and a late negative component, and comparable deceleratory limbs characterized the cardiac waveforms. The 19‐yr‐oldsapos; early cardiac deceleration underwent intersession habituation and the analogous CNV response intra‐session diminution; both processes were absent in younger subjects. Only young adults exhibited steady growth of late cardiac and CNV waves across both sessions. There were no developmental differences in basal body movement or anticipatory slowing of somatic activity or cardiac rate. However, 10‐yr‐olds had faster basal heart rates and larger acceleratory cardiac responses within the foreperiod than either older group. The results demonstrated partial dissociation of somatic and cardiac activity under the present experimental conditions. The overall results underscore the need for developmental psychophysiological research including childhood and adolescence.
Expectation Effects in Alpha Wave Control
Authors: Valle Ronald S. , Levine John M.
Published: February 2007

In a study designed In investigate expectation artifact in EEG alpha training, Ss' actual direction of alpha change and expected direction of change were orthogonally manipulated in a 2x2 design. Twenty Ss actually enhanced alpha and 20 actually suppressed alpha (Task manipulation). Within each Tank group. 10 Ss were led to believe they enhanced alpha and 10 were told they suppressed alpha (Expectation manipulation) Five high and 5 low alpha baseline Ss were assigned to each of the 4 conditions. Ss participated in 4 alpha training sessions in a dark room, each composed or a 2‐min eyes‐closed baseline period followed by 20 2‐min training period with a tone indicating S's EEG activity. Results, based on percent alpha change between the baseline period and the final alpha training period in each session, indicated that Ss who believed they enhanced alpha controlled alpha significantly better (more enhancement in the Task Enhancement condition and more suppression in the Task Suppression condition) than Ss who believed they suppressed alpha, Implications of expectation artifact for EEG biofeedback studies were discussed.
Evaluation of an Intra‐Cardiac Limit of Learned Heart Rate Control
Authors: Weiss Theodore , Engel Bernard T.
Published: February 2007

Operant Conditioning to increase ventricular heart rate (VHR) was carried out in 3 subjects (Ss) with complete heart block. None of the Ss increased VHR consistently, This finding suggests that operant conditioning of VHR is possible only when the conduction path between atria and ventricles is not interrupted.
Magnitude of the Heart Rate and Electrodermal Response as a Function of Stimulus Input, Motor Output, and Their Interaction
Authors: Epstein Seymour , Boudreau Louis , Kling Stephen
Published: February 2007

In Part I, 20 Ss squeezed a dynamometer at various levels of rapacity. Heart rate and skin conductance were monitored during each squeeze. In part II, reactivity to the four combinations of the presence and absence of a loud noise and the presence and absence of a strong squeeze was examined. Part HI compared reactivity to the loud noise under the following conditions; as an unfamiliar, surprise stimulus; as a familiar surprise stimulus; as a familiar, expected stimulus. Major conclusions were: (1) Heart rate varies more directly and reliably with motor output than skin conductance; (2) Skin conductance is more sensitive to small cognitive than to small motor effects; (3) Skin conductance is more reactive to stimulus input than to motor output, while the opposite is true for heart rate; (4) A strong familiar stimulus presented by surprise elicits a marked heart rate declarative reaction, usually, but not always, preceded by a smaller accelerative reaction; (5) Baseline changes immediately preceding stimulus onset markedly affect the response to stimulation, and can account for the attenuated reactions observed when a noxious stimulus is preceded by a warning signal.
Behavior of Kibbutz and Urban Children Receiving an Injection
Authors: Shapiro A. H.
Published: February 2007

This study attempted to demonstrate the usefulness of uncomplicated psychophysiological measures applied in a real‐life setting involving stress. The Ss were 17 Kibbutz girls and 19 Urban girls who received immunization needles in varied contexts. Measures of the 12‐yr‐olds included heart rates (HR) taken at the wrist and finger sweat prints (FS) recorded one day before, immediately before, and one week after Ss received their needles. Supplementary verbal rating scales and behavioral observations added validity to the physiological indices. A lower HR of Kibbutz Ss immediately before their injections (p<01) accurately predicted their more relaxed behavior to needle penetration (p<.001). FS was of limited validity being masked completely by ambient temperature. Simple physiological measures, it was concluded, can be predictive in applied contexts.
Modification of the Grass 7P4 Tachograph Preamplifier for More Reliable Triggering
Authors: Bland Peyton H.
Published: February 2007

The problem of reliably triggering the Crass 7F4 Tachograph is explained and a solution is proposed. Modifications to the 7P4 and the addition of an amplifier/pulse shaper are described, and an adjustment procedure is given.
Auditory Analgesia: Somatosensory Evoked Response and Subjective Pain Rating
Authors: Lavine Robert , Buchsbaum Monte S. , Poncy Mark
Published: February 2007

Subjective rating responses and averaged evoked responses (AERs) to shock stimuli of varying intensity were recorded in 20 subjects to examine the possible analgesic effects of sound stimulation (music) and suggested analgesia. Subjects (10 men, 10 women, ages 19–31) were divided into two groups of 10, each receiving the sound‐suggestion condition and the no‐sound, no‐suggestion condition in different order. Sound and suggestion produced the following significant (p<.05) effects: 1) increased electrical stimulus levels required to elicit discomfort ratings; 2) decreased slope of somatosensory AER amplitudes plotted against stimulus intensity; and 3) decreased mean AER amplitudes. These AER effects were greatest in time bands centered on the P100 component. Prior exposure to the electrical stimuli also reduced AER slopes and mean amplitudes, but mostly in time bands centered on the P200 component.
Effects of Isometric Muscle Tension on Vasomotor Activity and Heart Rate
Authors: Lynch Wesley C. , Schuri Uwe , D'Anna Jacqueuline
Published: February 2007

Twenty‐four adults each performed two isometric exercises at three levels of exertion while finger pulse amplitude, skin temperature, heart rate, and respiration rate and amplitude were monitored. Due to exercise, pulse amplitude and skin temperature were significantly reduced while heart rate was significantly increased. The magnitude of cardiovascular (CV) effect varied in proportion to the magnitude of exercise. Further evidence for the close association between exercise and CV effects was implied by the rapid recovery of pulse amplitude and heart rate at the termination of exercise. This evidence in addition to a detailed analysis of respiration data led to the conclusion that CV reactions to isometric exercise were not mediated by respiratory variations. The implications of these, findings for studies of operant conditioning of CV and other autonomic responses are discussed.
Paced Respiration as a Technique for the Modification of Autonomic Response to Stress
Authors: Harris Victor A. , Katkin Edward S. , Lick John R. , Habberfield Tedd
Published: February 2007

This study was designed to test the efficacy of a paced respiration procedure in reducing subjects' reactions to real and anticipated aversive events. The main hypothesis was that subjects who were taught how to pace their respiration at a slower than normal rate in accordance with a specified signal would show decreased autonomic responsiveness to an electric shock and its anticipation. Three groups of 13 subjects were employed. A Respiration Control group was compared with a group which received all the same stimuli but were instructed merely to pay attention to them without any respiration instructions (Attention Control group) and with a control group for whom the stimuli were or no significance. Results for electrodermal measurement, but not for cardiac measurement, indicated that the learning of a short series of breathing exercises can have significant facilitative effects on reducing autonomic responsivity to a stressful stimulus.
Characteristics of a Light Emitting Diode—Transistor Photoplethysmograph
Authors: Tahmoush Albert J. , Jkennings J. Richard , Lee Alison L. , Camp Stephen , Webhr Frederick
Published: February 2007

A reflective transducer which combines a gallium arsenide infrared emitting diode and silicon phototransistor has been adapted for use us a photoelectric plethysmograph. This device is inexpensive, compact, and easily applied to the skin surface. The phototransistor responds in a linear fashion to the range of light intensities generally obtained from normal subjects, and the phototransistor output is relatively independent of both temperature and prior light exposure. The light source possesses a narrow spectral distribution in the infrared region. These characteristics suggest that the LKD‐transistor photoplethysmograph is superior to the miniature tungsten lump‐photoconductive cell combination generally employed in photoplethysmography.
Effects of “Below‐Zero” Habituation on the Electrodermal Orienting Response to a Test Stimulus
Authors: Stephenson David , Siddle David A. T.
Published: February 2007

Two experiments were designed to investigate the effect of below‐zero habituation training on skin conductance response (SCR) amplitude to a change in auditory stimulus frequency. In both experiments, subjects were trained with a 1000 Hz tone until zero responding and then received 5, 10, or IS further training trials. In Experiment 1 (N=45), subjects then received 1 presentation of a test stimulus of 1400 Hz, while in Experiment 2 (N=45), the test stimulus was a tone of 670 Hz. On the basis of dual‐process theory, it was hypothesized that response amplitude to the test stimulus would be inversely related to amount of below‐zero training. However, the results of both experiments indicate that SCR amplitude was positively related to amount of below‐zero training. These results suggest that in situations of extended habituation training, an expectancy or subjective probability of stimulus occurrence gradient is important in determining response amplitude to a test stimulus.
On Testing Specific Hypotheses About Subliminal Perception: A Reply to Shevrin
Authors: Schwartz Marvin
Published: February 2007

Schwartz and Rem (1975) reported that they could find no evidence that averaged evoked responses discriminate between two stimuli presented for durations that were either subliminal or supraliminal for discriminating the stimuli behaviorally. Shevrin (1975) has criticized this conclusion. This paper argues that Shevrin's criticisms are factually and theoretically erroneous. In addition, a reanalysis of the data, following Shevrin's suggestions, confirms the conclusions originally drawn—there is no evidence that averaged evoked responses discriminate between either subliminal or supraliminal stimuli.
Intersession Interval and Reductions in Frontalis EMG During Biofeedback Training
Authors: Kondo C. Y. , Canter A. , Bean J. A.
Published: February 2007

Subjects were given practice in reducing frontalis EMG using biofeedback procedures with either Short, Medium, or Long intervals between practice sessions. After 10 sessions there were significant differences among the groups in decreasing EMG amplitude.
The Influence of Musical Training on Patterns of EEG Asymmetry During Musical and Non‐Musical Self‐Generation Tasks
Authors: Davidson Richard J. , Schwartz Gary E.
Published: February 2007

Musically proficient and non‐proficient right‐handed subjects were requested to list in a pre‐experimental questionnaire three familiar songs, whose words and melody were well known. They were then instructed in two separate experiments, to whistle the melody of a song, talk the lyrics to a song, or sing a song each for 3 1‐min trials performed with eyes closed. EEG was recorded from the left and right occipital areas (O1 and O2) in Experiment I and from the left and right parietal areas (P3 and P4) in Experiment II, and filtered for 8–13 Hz activity on‐line. Comparable results were obtained in both experiments and indicated that non‐musically trained subjects show significantly greater relative right hemisphere activation while whistling the melody of a song vs talking the lyrics to a song. Musically trained subjects show no differences in EEG asymmetry between these tasks. In addition, there were no group differences in asymmetry during the talking and singing conditions. These data are consistent with recent evidence suggesting that musical training is associated with the adoption of an analytic and sequential processing mode toward melodic information, and suggest that long term training in complex cognitive skills has functional neural concomitants.
Effects of Performance Evaluation and Anxiety on Cardiac Response in Anticipation of Difficult Problem Solving
Authors: Montgomery George K.
Published: February 2007

The purpose of the experiment was to determine whether an analysis of phasic cardiac response would contribute to the descriptive differentiation of anxious and non‐anxious subjects. Groups of high and low trait‐anxious male undergraduate subjects (n=12/group, N=48) performed a problem‐solving task under either evaluation‐stress or non‐stress conditions. Word anagrams were briefly presented (500 msec) following a constant 8 sec anticipation period. No differences in performance between groups were observed. Average heart rate during the anticipation period failed to discriminate groups. However, an analysis of sec‐by‐sec changes in cardiac rate revealed that waveform components were sensitive to both anxiety and failure within the evaluation‐stress condition only. Initial acceleration covaried with performance across anxiety groups, apparently reflecting differences in confidence or motivation. The occurrence of late foreperiod deceleration across cells appeared to reflect attentional readiness for problem onset. However, the greater slowing by low‐anxiety subjects under stress suggested differences between groups in adaptive cardiac and attentional control.