Factor analysis of the WAIS—R: Psychiatric and standardization samples.

Performed factor analysis on the responses of 114 psychiatric inpatients (mean age 28.9 yrs) to the WAIS—R. Results show clearly dichotomized Verbal and Performance subtests in a 2-factor solution and evidence of the previously found Freedom From Distractibility dimension in a 3-factor solution. Since both solutions were comparable to those obtained from the standardized sample, it is suggested that results validate clinical interpretations based on the factor structure. (9 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Optically pumped rubidium as a frequency standard at 196 THz

The performance of 196.0-THz (1529-nm) DFB lasers frequency-locked to absorption lines of a rubidium vapor optically pumped at 384.2 THz (780.2 nm) is studied. The absorption profiles of the pumped vapor are measured under various conditions and compared with theoretical predictions. A bright resonance resulting from the cascade of two cycling transitions is characterized both experimentally and theoretically. The measured frequency stability of a DFB laser frequency-locked to this line reaches a level of 2×10^-10 for an averaging time of 100 s when compared to a similar laser locked to an acetylene line     

Associative influence on the foraging behavior of pigeons (Columba livia).

In laboratory simulations of foraging conditions, adult White Carneaux pigeons maintained ad lib weight by treadlepressing for lengthy periods of access to grain in a 24-hr live-in environment. Localized visual signals produced by treadlepressing evoked approach and pecking behavior if they signaled impending food presentation (Pavlovian 1st-order conditioning) or the presentation of an established signal for food (Pavlovian 2nd-order conditioning). Findings from the 2 studies imply a role for associative mechanisms in the control of foraging. (44 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The migration hypothesis: A rebuttal to Silverman and Saunders.

Reports the results of a study with 65 psychiatric patients that was conducted in order to investigate the results obtained by I. Silverman and D. Saunders (see record 1982-01855-001), from which they concluded that a mental hospital in or nearby a community seems to create a mental illness culture and that psychiatric facilities foster not the detection, but the perception, of mental illness. The present results render Silverman and Saunders's conclusions unsubstantiated and do not support the supposed simplicity of their concept of mental illness. A reply by Silverman and Saunders is included. (French abstract) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Tower of London performance in relation to Magnetic Resonance Imaging following closed head injury in children.

To investigate the relationship of severity of pediatric closed head injury (CHI), the contribution of frontal lobe lesions, and age at testing (6–10 yr olds vs 11–15 yr olds) to cognitive deficit, 134 head-injured patients were given the Tower of London (TOL) task and underwent magnetic resonance imaging. 89 normal controls were given the TOL for comparison. Severity of CHI and age at testing were strongly related to cognitive performance on the TOL, including the frequency of breaking the rules. Volume of frontal lobe lesion (but not extrafrontal lesion) contributed to the prediction of perfomance on the TOL even after severity of injury was taken into account. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Integrity tests: Facts and unresolved issues.

Describes 2 independent reports, recently completed by the American Psychological Association (APA) and the US Congress Office of Technology Assessment, that examined many scientific and measurement issues concerning integrity testing (e.g., validity, criterion relevance). Background data are offered on a variety of tests collected by a survey of test publishers, providing a view of the industry's scope (e.g., test audience, user screening, score reporting) not available elsewhere. In the light of APA's Ethical Principles for Psychologists and Code of Conduct (APA, 1992), unresolved concerns are addressed that have a wide range of implications for the profession of psychology, the testing industry, and public policy (e.g., cutting scores, user screening and training, and test marketing practices). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Predictive mapping of powerful owl (Ninox strenua) breeding sites using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in urban Melbourne, Australia

Urban expansion is a principal process threatening biodiversity globally. It is predicted that over half of the world's population will reside in urban centres by 2010. If we are to conserve biodiversity, a shift in perspective from traditional ecological studies based in natural environments, to studies based in less natural environments is paramount. To effectively conserve species which occur in urban environments, comprehensive analysis is necessary to determine the processes that are driving this urban usage. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) technology provides a valuable tool for efficient spatial analysis and predictive mapping of species distributions.This study used GIS to analyze current breeding sites for the powerful owl, a vulnerable top order predator in urban Melbourne, Australia. GIS analysis suggests that a number of ecological attributes were influencing powerful owl usage of urban environments. Using these ecological attributes, predictive mapping was undertaken, which identified a number of potential breeding sites for powerful owls within urbanized Melbourne.Urban environments are traditionally perceived as “the wastelands” of natural environments, however, this study demonstrates that they have the potential to support apex predators, an important finding for the management of rare and threatened species.     

Degradation of PCBs in a marine sediment treated with ionizing and UV radiation

Radiolytic (electron beam) and photolytic (ultraviolet, UV) dechlorination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in a marine sediment are described. Samples of a PCB-laden marine sediment, Standard Reference Material (SRM) 1944, NewYork/New Jersey Waterway Sediment, have been mixed with aqueous alcohol solutions and irradiated with an electron beam or photolyzed. Additives, such as alcohol, enhance the radiolytic yield and PCB dechlorination. In the electron beam irradiated samples, the concentrations of 29 PCB congeners decrease with irradiation dose. At the highest dose (500 kGy), the total concentration of PCBs is decreased by 83%. Photolysis leads to little dechlorination, but photolysis with added triethylamine leads to dechlorination (about 60%). It is likely that photolysis under optimal conditions (other additives, exposure time) may be as effective as electron beam radiolysis for the dechlorination of PCBs in sediment.