Report on paper by Edward Girden on psychokinesis.

Failure to replicate, as Girden has suggested, does not mean a particular event was never there or is necessarily an artifact. This and several other issues raised by Girden (see 37: 6052) are considered unreasonable. Alternative arguments are offered. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Reflections on introspection.

Reviews theoretical positions on introspection and its methods and the validity of the observations gained. Whether introspection is a method at all, whether one can be trained to perform introspection, and what the results of the process are, are discussed. Introspection as data and introspection as a method are distinguished; "data" refers to the statements or reports of introspection which can be used and measured as can any behavior. Introspection as method, however, involves "data" accessible only by observation. Several classifications of introspective methods are proposed (self-observation, self-reports, and thinking aloud) and related to historical definitions of psychology (e.g., W. Wundt, E. B. Titchener, and J. B. Watson). It is concluded that arguments about introspection and its methods are merely a question of what one is interested in; introspection is a technique which yields information that cannot be obtained in another way and arguments over its validity or definition are theoretically unhelpful. (21 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Analyzing sequential categorical data on dyadic interaction: A comment on Gottman.

Recent theoretical developments emphasize that social interactions are dynamic and reciprocal, and this has led to widespread use of time-series data on behavior in 2-person systems. In principle, such data allow one to separate the influences of 2 actors on each other. Statistical methods currently being used, however, are deficient in several respects. The present article shows that (1) a statistic proposed by G. P. Sackett (1979) and later "proved" by J. M. Gottman (see PA, Vol 62:5153; and 1980) is incorrect, and (2) the failure to control for autodependence can produce misleading results. New procedures are presented that are based on both traditional and more recently developed methods for the analysis of contingency tables. Using these procedures, methods are shown for testing dependency, measuring dependency, testing for differences in dependency across subgroups, and testing for dominance in reciprocal behavior sequences. (33 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Comment on "Effects of anxiety and sex on neuropsychological tests."

Discusses difficulties in interpretation of the results of a sex effect on the Finger Tapping Test (FT) found by G. D. King et al (see record 1979-06024-001). Specifically, psychometric considerations for questioning the validity of neuropsychological tests are discussed, and previously published normative data bearing on the interpretation of FT performance are identified. The difficulties of conducting research on human brain–behavior relationships are noted. (5 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

On Schachter on obesity.

Argues that the characteristics of the obese behavior syndrome identified by S. Schachter (see record 1971-24450-001) are suited to the survival of the predator. Two types of hypothalamic ventral nuclei (HVN) are suggested: the predator-facilitating HVN and the vegetarian-facilitating HVN. It is proposed that obese individuals are misplaced hunters programmed for an environment that does not exist in most parts of the modern world. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Drug effects on gallbladder motility (based on dynamic ultrasonic data)

The central nervous system (CNS) manifestations of the chronic autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) are reviewed. SLE-CNS dysfunction is broadly divided into neurologic and psychiatric clinical categories. The distinct clinical entities within these broad categories are fully described. Diagnostic criteria employed to verify the presence of SLE-CNS dysfunction, including laboratory serum and cerebral spinal fluid analyses as well as radiologic and other multimodality diagnostic tools, are compared and contrasted with respect to sensitivity and specificity.     

Effect of phenformin and ethyloestrenol on blood fibrinolytic activity on rabbits maintained on high cholesterol diet

Degassed excised rat lungs were ventilated in a water-filled plethysmograph with the carina as the zero pressure reference. Pressure-volume curves were recorded from a minimum transpulmonary pressure (Pmin) of -5 cmH2O to a maximum pressure (Pmin) of 30 cmH2O. An index of the minimun volume for the lung (Vm) divided by the maximum lung volume for the same cycle (Vmax) was used as an index of the amount of air trapped within the lung. As the flow rate was decreased from 38.2 to 1.9 ml/min, there were significant increases in the amount of air trapped in the lung. As the maximum pressure was decreased to 25 and 20 cmH2O, or the minimum pressure was increased to 6 and 11 cmH2O, the amount of trapped air in the lung significantly decreased. The rate of lung inflation had a much greater influence on the amount of trapped air than either the deflation rate or stress relaxation. The results are consistent with the theory that bubbles are formed during inflation and are the main cause of air trapped in the excised lung.     

Cl~-在Al(100)表面吸附的密度泛函理论研究

通过第一性原理的密度泛函理论,研究Cl-离子在Al(100)表面的吸附行为,获得了不同覆盖度下Cl-离子在Al(100)表面吸附后的能量、结构参数和电子特性。计算结果表明,Cl-离子在Al(100)表面的顶位(T)和桥位(B)的吸附较稳定,而洞位(H)是能量上最不稳定的吸附位,吸附能随着覆盖度的增大而减小。同时,表面吸附Cl-离子,还引起靠近表面的多层Al原子发生不同程度的收缩;随着覆盖度的增加,被吸附的Cl-离子之间的距离变短,使得它们之间的静电排斥和静电能增大,并导致表面吸附能和吸附的Cl-离子与最外层Al原子间的垂直距离逐渐减小。通过对清洁的Al(100)表面及Cl-离子在不同位置的吸附表面的态密度分析,得到如下结论:Cl-离子在Al(100)表面的吸附主要是由于Cl-的2s和2p轨道与基底金属的3p轨道相互作用的结果。     

Effect of pubococcygeal exercise on female sexuality: Comment on Chambless et al.

Comments on the article by D. L. Chambless et al (see record 1984-12685-001) concerning pubococcygeal exercise for women that raised several issues, including problems of paradigm research, cost and benefit treatment decisions, and difficulties relating to the research on female sexuality. The Chambless et al procedures are compared to an earlier study by G. Kline-Graber and B. Graber (1978). The Chambless et al findings are questioned on the basis of sample size, S appropriateness, measurement flaws, and insufficient treatment time and length. Confusion of diagnosis and treatment is discussed, and specific targets for replication are suggested. (7 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Comments on my critics.

Allan R. Buss responds to Bavelas' and Macdonald's criticisms of Buss's article (see record 1976-26634-001) on the evaluation of Canadian psychology departments. Buss says that Bavelas' (see record 2007-04411-001) criticisms are, in the main, important, insightful, and fundamentally correct and that Macdonald's (see record 2007-04410-001) criticisms are, in contrast to Bavelas', highly original, unimportant, and fundamentally incorrect. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Biobehavioral perspectives on hypertension.

The variables that influence blood pressure (BP) and hypertension include family history, personality, and stress (natural disasters, culture and urbanization, occupational stress, prolonged illness, experimentally induced stress, response to stress in individuals with a family history of hypertension, and Type A behavior). Other factors such as obesity, physical activity, dietary sodium, caffeine, and alcohol, are also noted. The major nonpharmacologic approaches to treatment of hypertension involve modification of physical risk factors (sodium restriction, weight loss, reduced caffeine and alcohol, physical training, drug adherence) and behavioral treatment methods (direct regulation of BP with biofeedback, regulation of sympathetic nervous activity, relaxation, and stress management). These methods are appraised, and suggestions are offered on improving the quality of treatment research in selection of patients and initial assessments, BP assessment, maintenance and follow-up, and generalization of treatment effects. (127 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Organizational research on job involvement.

Reviews the literature on job involvement. First, the various definitions of the term are identified and integrated. Next, 3 theoretical perspectives on job involvement are considered: job involvement as an individual characteristic, as a situationally determined variable, and as a product of person-situation interaction. The literature is reviewed in terms of each of these perspectives. A summary table is presented showing the major correlates of job involvement, and a profile of the job-involved person is presented. Conclusions are drawn regarding the nature of job involvement, and new directions for needed research are suggested. (65 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

管线钢板亚表面隐蔽式裂纹缺陷成因分析

采用喷砂、着色探伤、冷弯、阶梯式刨削及高、低倍金相检验分析方法,研究了两种规格管线钢板受力后表面所产生的板条状翘皮裂纹缺陷（卷板）和开口呈撕裂状纵向裂纹缺陷（平板）的形成原因。结果表明,两种规格钢板受力后不同的表面缺陷同属于一种缺陷的不同表现形式,受力后表面缺陷形成的主要原因是铸坯皮下气孔遗传所致。     

Craft Jurisdiction Impact on Construction

Construction craft jurisdiction, normally exercised by unions, includes both territorial and technological claims to certain categories of work. Jurisdiction is important to unions in maintaining membership, negotiating wages and benefits, defining apprenticeship programs, and establishing work rules. This paper reports on a research project that had three main objectives: (1) Collect and analyze statistics on the incidence of jurisdictional disputes; (2) evaluate existing jurisdictional dispute settlement mechanisms; and (3) survey contractors and owners to determine the impact of craft jurisdictional practices (not only disputes) on costs and schedules. The paper concludes that there is inadequate statistical information at present to support informed decision‐making on jurisdictional problems. Most dispute settlement mechanisms are antiquated and ineffective, but there are good plans in some local areas. The survey revealed that there are serious cost and schedule impacts on construction projects from observing craft jurisdictional practices.     

Admissions testing on trial.

Criticisms of test use in educational admissions decisions frequently stem from fundamental disagreements about underlying values but may still be couched in test-specific technical terms. A. Nairn's (1980) claims regarding predictive validity are discussed, and the erroneous and misleading nature of these claims is demonstrated. The alternative of relying on previous grades alone rather than in combination with tests for purposes of admissions is reviewed. Criticisms of tests based on issues of bias, coachability, and secrecy are discussed and evaluated. (63 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

New perspectives on the actions of sulphonylureas and hyperglycaemic sulphonamides on the pancreatic beta-cell

Sulphonylureas and the hyperglycaemic sulphonamide diazoxide are commonly employed in the therapy of non-insulin-dependent (Type 2) diabetes mellitus and insulinoma, respectively. Stimulatory effects of sulphonylureas on insulin secretion and the inhibitory action of diazoxide are thought to be primarily mediated through modulation of the activity of ATP-sensitive K+ channels (K(+)-ATP channels) in the beta-cell plasma membrane. Certain sulphonylureas are known to be internalised by the pancreatic B-cell. Recent studies suggest that these drugs and diazoxide can influence insulin secretion from electropermeabilized beta-cells in which K(+)-ATP channels and other plasma membrane ion channels are inoperative. This observation suggests that sulphonylureas and diazoxide interact with intracellular sites in the pancreatic B-cell which are directly involved in the regulation of the final stages of exocytosis.     

Ecological constraints on mental health services.

Proposes 4 principles for community mental health programing that are consistent with an ecological thesis: (1) Assessment methods are focused on the total population rather than on those persons who presently receive a mental health service. (2) Mental health services are designed to reduce a high risk for community service. (3) Professional and research services are created as local community resources. "By initiating the informal coordination of current services, the community mental health program helps to create specific new community services as needed." (4) The program plans for change; this involves mobilizing anticipatory problem-solving resources not only for clients but for professionals as well. A "conception of community mental health work based upon the ecological thesis that adaptive programs change" is presented. (39 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Transpersonal psychotherapy: Reflections on the genre.

Presents a broad overview of the emerging enterprise of transpersonal ("Fourth Force") psychotherapy. Contrasts are drawn between transpersonal and other major schools of therapy. Within the transpersonal realm of psychotherapy, issues of process, content, stages, goals, and context are discussed, and conceptual distinctions are made. The difference between enlightenment and change is elucidated, and techniques associated with change are described. The optimal attributes of a transpersonal therapist are outlined, and the limitations—especially the problem of proof of transcendent phenomena—of this psychological realm are examined. (34 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Climatic Effects on Construction

The results of an investigation designed to determine the relationship between overall construction productivity, and temperature and humidity are presented. Data from the following activities or crafts, or both, were employed: excavation (manual), erection, masonry, electrocal, carpentry, laborers, and excavation (equipment). Two nonlinear equations were determined, one for cold or cool weather (R2? = ?0.62) and another for hot or warm weather (R2? = ?0.64). The overall findings indicate that below ?10?°F and above 110?°F it is difficult to achieve efficient construction operations. In addition to productivity data, the health hazards, possible preventive measures, and acclimatization of workers to severe environments are examined.     

Update on contraception

Genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics are likely to play an expanded role in the provision of family planning services. A recent survey of GUM clinics in the UK indicated that 71.4% provided emergency contraception and 48.1% provided routine contraception services. To facilitate the ability of GUM practitioners to provide contraceptive counseling and supplies to both men and women, this article reviews the current state of emergency contraception, combined oral contraceptives (OCs), modern IUDs, the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system, female condoms, and the personalized computerized contraceptive system Persona. Also reviewed are current issues regarding the possible impact of combined OCs on an increased risk of venous thromboembolism and breast cancer.