bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between a History of Consistent Maternal Employment and Depression in Young Adults
Authors: Chambliss Catherine , Termine Kim , Norton Jenifer , Barry Oliver , Bahm Jonathan , Papas Adam , Papas Harris
Published: January 2011

Research on the correlates of maternal employment has yielded inconsistent results. In this study, 79 male and 120 female undergraduates with mothers who had been employed from the students' infancy through their adolescence scored higher on the Beck Depression Inventory–II than those whose mothers had not been employed. This relationship between children's depressive symptoms and mothers' employment history was not evident among young adults whose mothers' employment was perceived to be financially unnecessary.
Traumatic Stress, Dissociation, and Limbic Irritability in Patients with Unipolar Depression Being Treated with SSRIs
Authors: Bob Petr , Susta Marek , Gregusova Alica , Jasova Denisa , Raboch Jiri , Mishara Aaron
Published: January 2011

Recent evidence suggests that stressful experiences may be related to deficits in inhibitory functions and temporolimbic epileptic-like activity. The latter may produce psychosensory seizure-like symptoms that may also appear in nonepileptic conditions. This study assesses whether the increased presence of the seizure-like symptoms in 113 unipolar depressive patients treated with SSRIs is associated with significantly more severe symptoms of depression, traumatic stress, and dissociation in comparison with 86 healthy controls. Results indicate that seizure-like symptoms in depressive patients have significant association with depression, symptoms of dissociation, and traumatic stress. This association suggests that processess generating seizure-like symptoms may be related to symptoms of depression, traumatic stress, and dissociation.
Positive Psychological States and Anxiety: The Mediating Effect of Proactive Coping
Authors: Griva Fay , Anagnostopoulos Fotios
Published: January 2011

The current study examined the mediating role of proactive coping in the relationship between positive psychological states like optimism and self-esteem and trait anxiety. 204 undergraduate students completed measures of optimism, self-esteem, and trait anxiety, together with the proactive coping subscale of the Proactive Coping Inventory (PCI). Mediated effects were explored using a series of regression analyses and were confirmed through bootstrapping procedures. Results revealed that proactive coping was a partial mediator in the relationship between both optimism and self-esteem and trait anxiety. Findings indicated that proactive coping enhances a perspective on life that involves a positive attitude toward future events in the form of optimistic expectancies and enhanced feelings of self-worth. Implications of the findings for clinical practice and mental health promotion are discussed.
Effects of Daylight-Saving Time Changes on Stock Market Volatility: A Comment
Authors: Kamstra Mark J. , Kramer Lisa A. , Levi Maurice D.
Published: January 2011

In a recent article in this journal, Berument, Dogan, and Onar (2010) challenged the existence of the previously documented daylight-saving effect. Kamstra, Kramer, and Levi's original finding (2000) was that average stock market returns on Mondays following time changes are economically and statistically significantly lower than typical Monday returns. Kamstra, et al. hypothesized that the effect may arise due to heightened anxiety or risk aversion on the part of market participants after they experience a 1-hr. disruption in their sleep habits, in accordance with prior findings in the psychology literature linking sleep desynchronosis with anxiety. Berument, et al. replicated the original findings using ordinary least squares estimation, but when they modeled the mean of returns using a method prone to producing biased estimates, they obtained puzzling results. The analysis here, based on standard, unbiased modeling techniques, shows that the daylight-saving effect remains intact in the U.S.
Testing the Factor Structure of the Beliefs about Language Learning Inventory
Authors: Hsiao Tsung-Yuan , Chiang Steve
Published: January 2011

This preliminary study examined the factor structure of the Beliefs About Language Learning Inventory in two samples of about 750 college students of English as a foreign language in Taiwan. Results of confirmatory factor analysis lend partial support to Horwitz's theoretical five-factor belief model. Subsequent exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of data show that a four-factor model represented by only 12 items performed better than other models both theoretically and empirically. This model consists of two dimensions already theorized in the inventory: Difficulty of Language Learning and Foreign Language Aptitude, and two newly interpreted dimensions, Importance of Spoken Language and Analytical Approaches to Language Learning. Although this four-factor model could be replicated in an independent sample, the factors are not reliable, suggesting the need to search for a more representative set of beliefs to tap specific aspects of language learning.
Sex Differences in the Factor Structure of a Modified Sexual Experiences Questionnaire
Authors: Reddy Madhavi K. , Murdoch Maureen
Published: January 2011

Sexual harassment has long been a problem in educational, employment, and military populations. It is unclear whether existing questionnaires used to measure sexual harassment in the U.S. military—particularly, derivatives of the Sexual Experiences Questionnaire—perform similarly in men and women. Using exploratory factor analyses in a mixed sample of active duty troops and veterans (289 men, 181 women), sex differences were found in one version's factor structure. Implications and suggestions for improving the validity of the questionnaire for men are offered.
Test Anxiety Scale: Reliability among Ethiopian Students
Authors: Raju P. Mohan , Mesfin Misganaw , Alia Esa
Published: January 2011

Sarason's Test Anxiety Scale, translated into an Ethiopian language, was administered to 391 students in Grade 8 and to 422 students in preparatory school (Grades 11 and 12). In the first sample, 32 items loaded above the 0.3 criterion of acceptable item-remainder correlations and Cronbach alpha of .84. In the second sample, Cronbach alpha was .84 for the 34 items, but only 19 items had acceptable item-remainder correlations. The internal consistency reliabilities were comparable with those reported in the literature. However, the results of confirmatory factor analyses with extraction of four factors did not confirm the item loadings on factors as reported in the literature. Younger students (Grade 8) were found to have higher mean Test Anxiety than Grades 11 and 12 students. The Amharik version of the Test Anxiety Scale as a whole could be considered reliable and useful for Ethiopian students.
Diagnostic Utility of the PTSD Checklist in Detecting PTSD in Chinese Earthquake Victims
Authors: Li Huanhuan , Zhang Yuqing , Wu Kankan , Wang Li , Shi Zhanbiao , Liu Ping
Published: January 2011

By using the posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) module of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) as the gold standard to identify PTSD, the current study investigated the diagnostic efficiency of the PTSD Checklist (PCL) as a screening questionnaire in a sample of 152 Chinese victims of the Wenchuan earthquake. The results showed that the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was .96 ( SE = .02), and the optimally efficient cut-off score was 44. The findings provide preliminary support of the PCL as a screening questionnaire among Chinese earthquake victims. The present study may contribute to further PTSD-related research and practices in Chinese disaster settings.
The Simplest Chronoscope II: Reaction Time Measured by Meterstick versus Machine
Authors: Montare Alberto
Published: January 2011

Visual simple reaction time (SRT) scores measured in 31 college students of both sexes by use of the simplest chronoscope methodology (meterstick SRT) were compared to scores obtained by use of an electromechanical multi-choice reaction timer (machine SRT). Four hypotheses were tested. Results indicated that the previous mean value of meterstick SRT was replicated; meterstick SRT was significantly faster than long-standing population estimates of mean SRT; and machine SRT was significantly slower than the same long-standing mean SRT estimates for the population. Also, the mean meterstick SRT of 181 msec, was significantly faster than the mean machine SRT of 294 msec. It was theorized that differential visual information processing occurred such that the dorsal visual stream subserved meterstick SRT; whereas the ventral visual stream subserved machine SRT.
Split-Half and Parallel Reliabilities of the Purdue Pharmacist Directive Guidance Scale
Authors: Marr-Lyon Lisa R. , Anderson Joe R. , Gupchup Gireesh V.
Published: January 2011

Using R and SPSS, various forms of split-half and parallel reliabilities were calculated. Robust split-half and parallel reliability coefficients for the Purdue Pharmacist Directive Guidance Scale are presented with coefficients greater than .84.
An Exploratory Study of Differences in Emotional Intelligence in U.S. and Norwegian Undergraduate Students
Authors: Hystad Sigurd W. , Eid Jarle , Hansen Anita L. , Tapia Martha , Matthews Michael D.
Published: January 2011

The present study explored sex and cultural differences in Emotional Intelligence scores in samples from Norway ( n = 297) and the United States ( n = 234). Significant main effects for sex were found in overall Emotional Intelligence scores and the Empathy factor. In addition, results revealed a small but significant effect for culture in the Self-control factor, as well as support for an interaction between sex and culture in the Handling Relationships factor. The results are discussed in light of cultural differences between U.S. and Norwegian societies.
Moral Development and Perceptions of Attempted Suicide and Physician-Assisted Suicide
Authors: Gunn John F. , Lester David
Published: January 2011

In a sample of 115 undergraduates, no association was found between a measure of moral development and the perception of attempted suicides. For the 85 women in the sample, a higher moral development score was associated with less approval of physician-assisted suicide.
Language, Bilingualism, and Executive Functioning in Early Development
Authors: Morton J. Bruce
Published: January 2011

Okanda, et al. (2010) reported new evidence concerning associations between language ability, bilingualism, and executive functioning early in development. The paper adds to a growing body of literature suggesting that bilingualism is associated with advantages in executive functioning generally, and the Dimensional Change Card Sort task in particular. However, as with all findings that hinge on between-group comparisons, there is a need to exercise caution before drawing firm conclusions about the effects of bilingualism on the development of executive control. Several lines of recent evidence are outlined that challenge key assumptions underlying the standard account of the bilingual advantage. Okanda, et al.'s findings are discussed in light of this evidence.
Wayfinding through an Unfamiliar Environment
Authors: Boumenir Yasmine , Georges Fanny , Rebillard Guy , Valentin Jeremie , Dresp-Langley Birgitta
Published: January 2011

Strategies for finding one's way through an unfamiliar environment may be helped by 2D maps, 3D virtual environments, or other navigation aids. The relative effectiveness of aids was investigated. Experiments were conducted in a large, park-like environment. 24 participants (12 men, 12 women; age range = 22–50 years; M = 32, SD = 7.4) were divided into three groups of four individuals, who explored a 2D map of a given route prior to navigation, received a silent guided tour by means of an interactive virtual representation, or acquired direct experience of the real route through a silent guided tour. Participants then had to find the same route again on their own. 12 observers were given a “simple” route with only one critical turn, and the other 12 a “complex” route with six critical turns. Compared to three people familiar with the routes, among the naïve participants, those who had a direct experience prior to navigation all found their way again on the simple and complex routes. Those who had explored the interactive virtual environment were unable to find their way on the complex route. The relative scale representation in the virtual environment may have given incorrect impressions of relative distances between objects along the itinerary, rendering important landmark information useless.
Resource Depletion Promotes Automatic Processing: Implications for Distribution of Practice
Authors: Scheel Matthew H.
Published: January 2011

Recent models of cognition include two processing systems: an automatic system that relies on associative learning, intuition, and heuristics, and a controlled system that relies on deliberate consideration. Automatic processing requires fewer resources and is more likely when resources are depleted. This study showed that prolonged practice on a resource-depleting mental arithmetic task promoted automatic processing on a subsequent problem-solving task, as evidenced by faster responding and more errors. Distribution of practice effects (0, 60, 120, or 180 sec. between problems) on rigidity also disappeared when groups had equal time on resource-depleting tasks. These results suggest that distribution of practice effects is reducible to resource availability. The discussion includes implications for interpreting discrepancies in the traditional distribution of practice effect.
Early Sport Involvement in Young Portuguese Basketball Players
Authors: Leite Nuno , Sampaio Jaime
Published: January 2011

The purpose of this study was to examine the quantity and type of sporting activities undertaken by young Portuguese basketball players in early stages of athletic development. 750 basketball players aged between 12 and 16 years served as participants, grouped by sex and competitive level. The Skilled group comprised players representing the 9 highly ranked regional teams ( n = 378) while the Less-skilled group comprised the players representing the remaining 9 regional teams ( n = 372). All the participants filled out a previously validated questionnaire based on retrospective information linked to the training activities experienced throughout their involvement in sport. Results suggest that the majority of the players started practicing sports preferentially between 6 and 10 years. However, a significant number of players reported a later start, between 11 and 14 years of age. The pattern of sport involvement confirmed important divergences in the path reported by the players by the team's competitive level. The major findings of this study confirmed that players representing the highly ranked teams demonstrated a tendency to extend their training activities during longer periods during the week and throughout each season.
Sex Differences in Discriminative Power of Volleyball Game-Related Statistics
Authors: JoãTo Paulo Vicente , Leite Nuno , Mesquita Isabel , Sampaio Jaime
Published: January 2011

To identify sex differences in volleyball game-related statistics, the game-related statistics of several World Championships in 2007 ( N = 132) were analyzed using the software VIS from the International Volleyball Federation. Discriminant analysis was used to identify the game-related statistics which better discriminated performances by sex. Analysis yielded an emphasis on fault serves ( SC = –.40), shot spikes ( SC = .40), and reception digs ( SC = .31). Specific robust numbers represent that considerable variability was evident in the game-related statistics profile, as men's volleyball games were better associated with terminal actions (errors of service), and women's volleyball games were characterized by continuous actions (in defense and attack). These differences may be related to the anthropometric and physiological differences between women and men and their influence on performance profiles.
Tactical Skills and Ball Speed during a Field Simulation of Penalty Kick Strategies in Soccer
Authors: Castillo José M. , Oña Antonio , Raya Antonio , Bilbao Alfonso , Serra Enrique
Published: January 2011

This study investigates the efficacy of intermediate penalty kickers by comparing the effect of applying an automated WiFi system on the field of play to simulate a strategy that takes account of goalkeeper action (dependent) with another for which goalkeeper strategy is irrelevant (independent). Intermediate penalty kickers ( n = 12) took a pretreatment test of 32 kicks in a “real-play” situation with intermediate goalkeepers ( n = 3). Two groups of kickers underwent 11 treatment sessions using different strategies and then were administered a posttreatment test. The variables measured were the number of goals scored, whether the direction of the shot was the same or different from the direction of the goalkeeper's move (DDG), ball speed, and the duration of the kicking movement. Data suggested the goalkeepers had a greater capacity to identify advance cues when faced with independent strategy kickers and that dependent strategy kickers achieved lower ball speeds.
Predictor Variables for A 100-km Race Time in Male Ultra-Marathoners
Authors: Knechtle Beat , Rosemann Thomas , Knechtle Patrizia , Lepers Romuald
Published: January 2011

In 169 male 100-km ultra-marathoners, the variables of anthropometry, training, and prerace experience, in order to predict race time, were investigated. In the bivariate analysis, age ( r = .24), body mass ( r = .20), Body Mass Index ( r = .29), circumference of upper arm ( r = .26), percent body fat (r = .45), mean weekly running hours ( r = –.21), mean weekly running kilometers ( r = –.43), mean speed in training ( r = –.56), personal best time in a marathon ( r = .65), the number of finished 100-km ultra-runs ( r = .24), and the personal best time in a 100-km ultra-run ( r = .72) were associated with race time. Stepwise multiple regression showed that training speed ( p < .0001), mean weekly running kilometers ( p < .0001), and age ( p < .0001) were the best correlations for a 100-km race time. Performance may be predicted ( n = 169, r2 = .43) by the following equation: 100-km race time (min) = 1, 085.60 – 36.26 × (training speed, km/hr.) −1.43 × (training volume, km/wk.) + 2.50 × (age, yr.). Overall, intensity of training might be more important for a successful outcome in a 100-km race than anthropometric attributes. Motivation to train intensely for such an ultra-endurance run should be explored as this might be the key for a successful finish.
Electromechanical Delay in Ballistic Movement of Superior Limb: Comparison between Karate Athletes and Nonathletes
Authors: Ferreir Mário A. Rodrigues , Brito António Vences
Published: January 2011

The aim of the study was to analyze electromechanical delay in a ballistic movement of the superior limb. 10 male karate athletes and 9 nonathletes (without karate experience) performed a motor skill as fast and powerfully as possible, with impact on a makiwara (karate training instrument). For each participant, 10 choku-zuki performances were analyzed. Kinematics and surface electromyographic (EMG) activity of the anterior and posterior portions of deltoid, pectoralis major, latissimus dorsi, triceps brachii, and biceps brachii were recorded. Athletes had significantly shorter delay in arm flexion agonist muscles and significantly higher delay in arm flexion antagonist muscles and in forearm extension agonists. Results suggest that enhanced performance in athletes was mainly due to motor learning.
Similarity of Anthropometric Measures for Male Ultra-Triathletes and Ultra-Runners
Authors: Knechtle Beat , Knechtle Patrizia , Rosemann Thomas
Published: January 2011

Previous research concluded that Triple Iron ultra-triathletes were close to runners in anthropometry. We assessed similarities in anthropometry between 64 Triple Iron triathletes who competed over 11.4 km swimming, 540 km cycling, and 126 km running versus 95 100-km ultra-marathoners. Variables of anthropometry such as body mass, body height, length and circumferences of limbs, skin-folds and body fat, and training such as volume and speed were compared between ultra-triathletes and ultra-runners. The Triple Iron triathletes completed their race distance within 2, 811 min. ( SD = 379) and the 100-km ultra-marathoners within 691 min. ( SD = 117). Triathletes were younger, had higher body mass, shorter legs, higher circumference of upper arm and thigh, lower sum of skin-folds, and lower percent body fat compared to runners. Weekly training volume was higher for triathletes, and weekly hours in running and weekly kilometres in running were higher for runners. In the Triple Iron ultra-triathletes, the sum of eight skin-folds correlated to total race time. The circumference of upper arm, the sum of eight skin-folds, and percent body fat correlated with time in the running section .42, .47, and .43, respectively. In the 100-km ultra-marathoners, the sum of eight skin-folds, the skin-fold thickness of thigh, percent body fat, weekly running hours, and weekly running kilometres correlated with race time .55, .40, .56, –.50, and –.51, respectively. However, in the triathletes, none of these training variables was significantly correlated with race time. In the ultra-marathoners, the sum of eight skin-folds, the skin-fold thickness of thigh, percent body fat, weekly running kilometres, and speed in running during training were related to race time (correlations of .55, .40, –.28, and –.51, respectively). Overall, the ultra-triathletes were not similar to ultra-runners in their anthropometric measures and training variables.
Burnout and Self-Perceptions of Physical Fitness in a Sample of Italian Physical Education Teachers
Authors: Carraro Attilio , Scarpa Stefano , Gobbi Erica , Bertoll Maurizio , Robazza Claudio
Published: January 2011

This study examined the relations of physical education teachers' burnout with some individual variables, including teachers' self-perceived physical fitness and the perceived influence of personal fitness on teaching. Participants were 219 Italian physical education teachers in secondary school. Demographic and professional information, ratings of self-perception of physical condition, and the Italian version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory were recorded. Compared to the data of a normative sample, average scores on the three dimensions of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (Emotional Exhaustion, Depersonalisation, and Reduced Personal Accomplishment) were found. There were statistically significant associations among Reduced Personal Accomplishment, the self-perception of physical fitness, and the perception of the influence of personal fitness on teaching. Women reported scores on Emotional Exhaustion and Reduced Personal Accomplishment indicative of greater severity than men. No significant differences appeared to be related to the years of teaching. Recommendations for further studies are discussed.
Age and Physiological, Perceptual, and Affective Responses during Walking at a Self-Selected Pace
Authors: DaSilva Sergio Gregorio , Guidetti Laura , Buzzachera Cosme Franklim , Elsangedy Hassan Mohamed , Krinski Kleverton , Krause Maressa Priscila , de Campos Wagner , Goss Fredric L. , Baldari Carlo
Published: January 2011

The aim of this study was to examine physiological, perceptual, and affective responses during self-paced walking for three age groups. 66 adult women were assigned into three groups by age: 20–25 yr. ( n =22), 30–35 yr. ( n = 22), and 40–45 yr. ( n = 22). Each participant completed a maximal exercise test and a 20-min. bout of walking at a self-selected pace. The preferred walking speed was similar for all age groups, whereas physiological responses relative to maximal and ventilatory threshold values were greater in the 40–45 yr. group than the other two groups. Nevertheless, perceptual and affective responses were similar for all age groups. These findings suggest that physiological responses, but not perceptual and affective responses, of sedentary women are associated with age during walking at a self-selected pace.
Romanticism as a Function of Age, Sex, and Ethnicity
Authors: Regan Pamela C. , Anguiano Carlos
Published: January 2011

This study examined the association between romanticism (operationalized as mean score on the Romantic Beliefs Scale) and age, sex, and ethnicity in a large community sample ( N = 436). Age was negatively correlated with romanticism scores; as age increased, romanticism scores decreased. No sex differences were found; men and women had similar, moderate scores. Although ethnicity largely was unrelated to romanticism, Asian/Pacific Islander participants were significantly more romantic than were African-American participants.
Event Valence and Estimates of Own, Average Person's, and Randomly Chosen Person's Risk
Authors: Gold Ron S. , Nguyen Hien
Published: January 2011

People typically believe they have a lower likelihood of experiencing negative events and a greater likelihood of experiencing positive events than does the average person. This effect is greater for negative than positive events. It has been proposed that this is a by-product of a tendency for estimates of the average person's likelihood to increase with the size of the group concerned. If so, event valence should affect estimates of the average person's likelihood, but not estimates of one's own likelihood or estimates of the likelihood of a person selected at random. These predictions were tested for a single event using a student sample ( N = 113). Results were not in accord with the proposal. An explanation in terms of motivational processes is offered instead.
Validation of the Psychological Work Maturity Scale in Chinese Employees
Authors: Tong Jiajin , Wang Lei
Published: January 2011

Psychological work maturity is an important concept in situational leadership theory. The present research revised the Psychological Work Maturity Scale for use in Chinese organizations. Three samples of full-time employees ( Ns = 205, 266, and 283) from different companies and industries participated in the present study. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that a single-factor structure fit the data. The scale had acceptable reliabilities, convergent and criterion-related validities, and was shown to be an appropriate measure of psychological work maturity in Chinese employees. Maturity differences in several demographic variables were not found, but employees with longer tenure in Sample 2 scored higher on maturity, which shows that psychological work maturity may be dependent on personal development in the interaction with the varying situational factors, especially in the work domain. Implications for research and practice on psychological work maturity in China are discussed.
Environmental Attitude as a Mediator of the Relationship between Psychological Restoration in Nature and Self-Reported Ecological Behavior
Authors: Byrka Katarzyna , Hartig Terry , Kaiser Florian G.
Published: January 2011

Environmental attitude and ecological behavior were investigated in relation to the use of nature for psychological restoration. Specifically, with survey data from 468 German university students, the role of environmental attitude was investigated as a mediator of the restoration-behavior relationship. Assuming that positive experiences in nature can have a broad influence on environmental attitudes, the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) scale, an attitudinal measure with broad scope, was adopted. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated partial mediation by environmental concern. The study helps to consolidate the restoration theme in the growing literature on positive motivations for ecological behavior.
Stability of the Spanish Version of the Five-Item Francis Scale of Attitude toward Christianity
Authors: Miranda-Tapia Giskar Alonso , Cogollo Zuleima , Herazo Edwin , Campo-Arias Adalberto
Published: January 2011

The aim of this study was to establish test-retest reliability of a Spanish version of the Francis Scale of Attitude toward Christianity (Campo-Arias, Oviedo, & Cogollo, 2009) among adolescent students in Cartagena, Colombia. A group of ninth grade students from two public schools in Colombia ( N =157) completed the five-item scale. Cronbach's alphas were .74 and .76 in the first and second administrations, respectively. Both Pearson's ρ and intra-class correlation coefficient were .69. A Spanish translation of the 5-item scale had consistent stability over four weeks.
Psychological Factors Associated with Poor Hypertension Control: Differences in Personality and Stress between Patients with Controlled and Uncontrolled Hypertension
Authors: Sanz Jesús , García-Vera María Paz , Espinosa Regina , Fortún María , Magán Inés , Segura Julián
Published: January 2011

Only one-third of patients with hypertension under pharmacological treatment achieve the recommended blood pressure goals. Psychological factors could partially account for poor hypertension control through the existence of personality traits related to treatment compliance (e.g., self-discipline, deliberation, impulsiveness), and the fact that stress and some personality traits (e.g., anxiety, depression, anger expression, Type A) are involved in the etiology of some hypertension cases. This study was aimed at examining the differences in personality and stress between patients taking antihypertensive medications with controlled and uncontrolled hypertension. Results revealed that after controlling sex, age, and traditional variables associated with poor hypertension control, the uncontrolled hypertension group showed higher scores on impulsiveness, depression, anger expression-out, and stress, with differences ranging between medium and large (Hedges' g effect size = 0.77 to 1.08). These results support the hypothesized relationship between psychological factors and poor hypertension control.
Early Maturation of Frequency-Following Responses to Voice Pitch in Infants with Normal Hearing
Authors: Jeng Fuh-Cherng , Schnabel Elizabeth A. , Dickman Brenda M. , Hu Jiong , Li Ximing , Lin Chia-Der , Chung Hsiung-Kwang
Published: January 2011

Neural plasticity of pitch processing mechanisms at the human brainstem, as reflected by the scalp-recorded frequency-following response (FFR) to voice pitch, has been reported for normal-hearing adults. Characteristics and maturation of such a response during the first year of life have remained unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics of FFR to voice pitch in normal-hearing infants and to make a direct comparison with adults using the same stimulus and recording parameters. 9 infants and 9 adults were recruited. A Chinese monosyllable that mimics the English vowel /i/ with a rising pitch was used to elicit the FFR to voice pitch. The results demonstrated that infant FFRs showed slightly larger Pitch Strength but comparable Frequency Error, Slope Error, and Tracking Accuracy to those obtained from adults. Early maturation of FFRs was also observed in the infants starting from 1 to 3 mo. of age.
Phonology and Access to Chinese Character Meaning
Authors: Kong Lingyue , Zhang John Xuexin , Ho Connie Suk-Han , Kang Cuiping
Published: January 2011

One of the central concerns in theories of reading skills is the role of phonology in access to word meaning. The present study focused on this issue in Chinese to examine the extent to which phonology affects Chinese character recognition. Two naming experiments were conducted with a phonologically mediated semantic priming paradigm, and the relative frequencies of semantic associates of the targets and their homophones were manipulated systematically. Analyses showed that a semantic associate produced robust priming on target naming at 57- and 250-msec. stimulus onset asynchronies, but only the low frequency homophones of high frequency semantic associates facilitated target naming at a 250-msec. stimulus onset asynchrony. These results indicate the role of phonology is neither obligatory nor efficient in access to Chinese character meaning, contradicting the key assumptions of the lexical constituency model. A revised parallel access model that emphasizes visual access to semantics is suggested as a more plausible account.
Predicting European Suicide Rates with Physiological Indices
Authors: Lester David
Published: January 2011

In a sample of 17 European nations, the prevalence of the brain parasite Toxoplasma gondii and the percentage of Finno-Ugrians in the populations were significantly associated with national suicide rates for men and women.
Accuracy of Stereomotion Speed Perception with Persisting and Dynamic Textures
Authors: Brooks Kevin R. , Stone Leland S.
Published: January 2011

It has been established that the motion in depth of stimuli visible to both eyes may be signalled binocularly either by a change of disparity over time or by the difference in the velocity of the images projected on each retina, known as an interocular velocity difference. A two-interval forced-choice stereomotion speed discrimination experiment was performed on four participants to ascertain the relative speed of a persistent random dot stereogram (RDS) and a dynamic RDS undergoing directly approaching or receding motion in depth. While the persistent RDS pattern involved identical dot patterns translating in opposite directions in each eye, and hence included both changing disparity and interocular velocity difference cues, the dynamic RDS pattern (which contains no coherent monocular motion signals) specified motion in depth through changing disparity, but no motion through interocular velocity difference. Despite an interocular velocity difference speed signal of zero motion in depth, the dynamic RDS stimulus appeared to move more rapidly. These observations are consistent with a scheme in which cues that rely on coherent monocular motion signals (such as looming and the interocular velocity difference cue) are less influential in dynamic stimuli due to their lack of reliability (i.e., increased noise). While dynamic RDS stimuli may be relatively unaffected by the contributions of such cues when they signal that the stimulus did not move in depth, the persistent RDS stimulus may retain a significant and conflicting contribution from the looming cue, resulting in a lower perceived speed.
Parameter Value Switching in Discrete and Continuous Aiming Movements
Authors: Sherwood David E.
Published: January 2011

The effect of practice variations on spatial and temporal accuracy was investigated in both discrete and continuous aiming movements in the preferred hand of college-aged participants ( N = 25). In a completely within-subject design, participants made rapid reversal movements with a lightweight lever in the sagittal plane, practicing 20° and 60° movements in repeated (same distance) and alternating (switching between 20° and 60°) conditions. Movements were also made one at a time (discretely) or in sequences of 20 movements (continuously). Spatial constant error, spatial variable error, spatial overall error, the coefficient of variation, movement time, and the relative timing were calculated for each set of 20 movements and analyzed by within-subject analyses of variance. Movements in the repeated conditions for both discrete and continuous movements were more accurate and consistent compared to the alternating condition where the short movements were overshot and the long movements were undershot. Discrete movements were more spatially and temporally variable than continuous movements. The discrete and continuous movements showed different relative timing patterns, suggesting that the temporal structure of the motor program is affected by task characteristics.
Visual Biasing of Auditory Localization in Azimuth and Depth
Authors: Agganis Brian T. , Muday Jeffrey A. , Schirillo James A.
Published: January 2011

Correctly integrating sensory information across different modalities is a vital task, yet there are illusions which cause the incorrect localization of multisensory stimuli. A common example of these phenomena is the “ventriloquism effect.” In this illusion, the localization of auditory signals is biased by the presence of visual stimuli. For instance, when a light and sound are simultaneously presented, observers may erroneously locate the sound closer to the light than its actual position. While this phenomenon has been studied extensively in azimuth at a single depth, little is known about the interactions of stimuli at different depth planes. In the current experiment, virtual acoustics and stereo-image displays were used to test the integration of visual and auditory signals across azimuth and depth. The results suggest that greater variability in the localization of sounds in depth may lead to a greater bias from visual stimuli in depth than in azimuth. These results offer interesting implications for understanding multisensory integration.
A Follow-up Study on Utilization of a Chopsticks Training Device
Authors: Chen Yi-Lang , Lee Yu-Chi
Published: January 2011

Retention of a skill was estimated after using a training device to assist in correcting the use of chopsticks. Simulated food-serving tasks (pulling, pinching, and moving tasks) were administered twice with a 1-mo. interval. The current work was based on 22 of 30 persons who had practiced the use of the scissor-pinching technique with chopsticks. A control group of 22 who typically used the pincers-pinching technique was also recruited for comparison. Analysis showed 1-mo. retention of skill at the pincers-pinching technique using three measures, since no difference in performance between the groups was noted.
Illusory Lightness in the Delboeuf Figure
Authors: Zanuttini Lucia , Daneyko Olga
Published: January 2011

A white disk presented inside a small concentric circle (a display like the Delboeuf figure) looks lighter than when inside a larger one. The magnitude of the effect was measured with 20 observers (10 women, 10 men; ages 19 to 26 years). The decrements in luminance of the disk inside the smaller circle, in order to match the lightness of the disk inside the larger circle, are reported for three different grey backgrounds and correspond to 9.13, 10.33, and 10.46%.
Spectroscopy and Chemical Dynamics
Authors: Maier John P. , Willitsch Stefan
Published: January 2011

Chemical physics and molecular spectroscopy are topics with a traditionally strong emphasis in the department. Current research focuses on the spectroscopic characterization of transient molecules present in interstellar space and the preparation, control and chemistry of ultracold
molecules and ions in the gas phase.
Theoretical and Computational Chemistry
Authors: Meuwly Markus
Published: January 2011

Computer-based and theoretical approaches to chemical problems can provide atomistic understanding of complex processes at the molecular level. Examples ranging from rates of ligand-binding reactions in proteins to structural and energetic investigations of diastereomers relevant to
organo-catalysis are discussed in the following. They highlight the range of application of theoretical and computational methods to current questions in chemical research.
Analytical Sciences
Authors: Hauser Peter C.
Published: January 2011

The research group for analytical and bioanalytical sciences at the Department of Chemistry of the University of Basel is working on miniaturization of analytical techniques, with special focus on detection. Downsizing is a challenge for quantitation and contributions have been made
based on different techniques which encompass atomic and molecular spectroscopy as well as different electroanalytical methods. Particularly successful has been contactless conductivity detection and an introduction to this technique is given as an example of the activities of the research
group.
Biophysical Chemistry
Authors: Häussinger Daniel , Pfohl Thomas
Published: January 2011

Biophysical chemistry at the Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, covers the NMR analysis of protein–protein interaction using paramagnetic tags and sophisticated microscopy techniques investigating the dynamics of biological matter.
Reaction Screening Using a Microreactor
Authors: Naef Olivier , Roch Mathieu , Chappuis Thierry
Published: January 2011

This article discusses the screening of chemical reactions using a microreactor equipped with infrared spectroscopy as online analytics. An esterification reaction has been optimized in continuous mode with the proposed setup. The esterification did not work well due to the material
of the microreactor (stainless-steel 316Ti) that catalyzed the decomposition of formic acid. However, despite the occurrence of decomposition, an optimization could be achieved with this system.
Comparison of river quality indices to detect the impact of organic pollution and water abstraction in Hindu Kush-Himalayan rivers of Nepal
Authors: Feld Christian Karl , Tangelder Marijn , Klomp Maaike Johanna , Sharma Subodh
Published: January 2011

Several assessment methods exist for river quality classification in the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region. While rapid field bioassessment (RFB)1 applies on-site screening protocols, more sophisticated multi-habitat sampling (MHS) is employed to generate biotic scores using benthic macroinvertebates as bioindicators. This study presents the comparison of River Quality Classifications (RQC) according to i) 40 RFB records based on two slightly different RFB protocols and ii) 20 qualitative benthic macroinvertebrate samples used to calculate two different scores (average scores per taxon; ASPT). Sensory attributes, such as odour, colour, foam and epilithic algal cover, were used in addition to biological samples for RFB. All samples were taken at two river basins in Nepal, the Punyamata river (12 stations, stressor: organic pollution) and the Khimti river (8 stations, stressor: damming and water abstraction). RQCs revealed organic pollution to impact benthic invertebrate communities in the Punyamata river, while the impact of water abstraction and damming was not detectable in the Khimti basin based on the methods compared. Furthermore, a pollution gradient was clearly detectable based on 66 macroinvertebrate families and genera found in our samples.Our results confirm the applicability of RFB protocols and scoring systems to asses the impact of organic pollution in Nepalese rivers. Further research, however, will be required to adjust the protocols and taxon scores to assess also the impact of other stressors present in the region.Key words: Rapid field bioassessment; benthic macroinvertebrates; NEPBIOS; ASPT; water quality; Punyamata; Khimti DOI: 10.3126/jowe.v4i0.2545Journal of Wetlands Ecology, (2010) Vol. 4, pp 112-127
Ecology of terrace wet rice-fish environment and role of periphyton
Authors: Saikia Surjya Kumar , Das Debangshu Narayan
Published: January 2011

The waterlogged terrace wet rice-fields of Apatani Plateau located at an altitude of 1500msl in Arunachal Pradesh of the north eastern India are stocked with fish Common carp (Cyprinus carpio L) for several decades. The fishes are not fed with supplementary feeds because of the rich organic nature of the rice-fields. The study on water and soil of these fields revealed a strong co-relation to such organic nature. The wet rice-fish integrated fields exhibited the characters of shallow wet ecosystems. The water canals traversed through the rice fields were found inundated with water up to 50m showing the nature of Deep Water Rice fields (DWR) at least for one month. Significant (p<0.001) variations of water were observed for dissolved oxygen (DO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) to diurnal and seasonal changes. Alkalinity of the fields intends to play a role towards its productivity which is otherwise played by DO in other aquatic systems. Soil nitrogen reflected a gradual increasing trend of organic nature. Role of periphyton may not be ignored to the high phosphorus level of the soil at later flood phases in these fields. Key words: Rice-fish; aquatic ecosystem; organic practice; plankton; periphyton DOI: 10.3126/jowe.v4i0.2585Journal of Wetlands Ecology, (2010) Vol. 4, pp 102-111
Biodiversity of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve: a post flood assessment
Authors: Khatri Top B , Shah Deep Narayan , Shah Ram Devi Tachamo , Mishra Nilamber
Published: January 2011

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and its associated wetlands including Saptakoshi River are important wetland habitats for the critically endangered Wild Water Buffalos (Bubalus bubalis arnee), Migratory Birds and River Dolphins (Platanista gangetica). Rapid and complete inundation of the Reserve during monsoon and frequent changes in river courses almost every year has been the biggest threat to the existence of wild buffalo (locally known as 'Arna') and other wildlife. The breach of eastern embankment of the Koshi barrage at Kusaha of Sunsari district on 18th August 2008, created havoc for wildlife and their habitats, people’s livelihood and welfare. A study was therefore conducted to ascertain the status of biodiversity within Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and its Buffer Zone from March to November 2009 to come up with the status of Arna, dolphins, marsh mugger crocodile, Swamp francolin (Simtitra), and vulture population and assess the ecological status of wetlands. Direct count method, transect method, point counts, qualitative samplings, field observation and social survey were carried out to study the biodiversity status. A total of 219 wild water buffalo, 11 dolphins, 5 marsh mugger crocodiles, 52 to 74 Swamp francolin and 517 vultures. The studied wetlands were moderately polluted. Altogether 42 taxa of benthic macro invertebrates were recorded. The results were further compared with a few years of data before the flood occurrence. The current result showed an encouraging population of key species at the Reserve but the threats for conservation still remain challenging. Key words: biodiversity; critically endangered; human pressure; Koshi breach; stewardship; wetlands DOI: 10.3126/jowe.v4i0.3734Journal of Wetlands Ecology, (2010) Vol. 4, pp 69-82
Socio-economic values of wetland resources around Lake Manyara, Tanzania: assessment of environmental threats and local community awareness on environmental degradation and their effects
Authors: Nonga HE , Mdegela RH , Lie E , Sandvik M , Skaare JU
Published: January 2011

Understanding local people’s socio-economic values of wetlands and traditional mechanisms of managing natural resources forms the basis of conserving them. Wetlands have frequently been developed for short-term economic gains that destroy their ecological values and environmental services in the long term. A study was carried out to assess socio-economic values of the wetland resources, environmental threats around Lake Manyara and local community awareness on causes of environmental changes, degradation in the wetlands and their effects using 80 respondents. Field surveys, interviews, questionnaires and direct observation were used in data collection. It was found that local community was aware on the ecosystem services accrued from the wetlands which were unsustainably used. However, environmental degradation due to unsustainable agriculture, overgrazing, deforestation, urbanization and mining was rampant which had resulted to soil erosion, reduced water availability, wildlife mortality and frequent dry up of Lake Manyara and rivers. In order to protect the lake basin; controlled human activities, land use and water resources within the catchment are to be done in cooperation between the government departments, local authorities and the general local community around. Key words: Ecosystem services; rivers; Lake Manyara; wetland; agriculture DOI: 10.3126/jowe.v4i0.4153Journal of Wetlands Ecology, (2010) Vol. 4, pp 83-101