Learning, transfer, and changes in ability factors: A multivariate model.

Reviews the relationship between learning, transfer, and ability factors. After defining transfer and learning within the factor-analytic model, a multivariate change model is presented in which changes in ability factor scores (cognitive structure) and factor loadings (task structure) provide the theoretical underpinnings for the process of transfer. G. A. Ferguson and E. A. Fleishman's models are reinterpreted in light of a more rigorous statement as to the relationship between learning, transfer, and ability factors. (41 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Matched filtering using tapped bucket-brigade delay lines

The use of an m.o.s. tapped bucket-brigade shift register as a matched filter is discussed. Tapping is accomplished by sensing the node voltages at each delay stage with a source follower, and the weighted summation is accomplished by summing the resulting currents. Construction of a filter matched to a 13 bit Barker-coded p.n. sequence is described and results are presented.     

An extension of developmental models that separate ontogenetic changes and cohort differences.

Briefly reviews the developmental models of P. B. Baltes, R. B. Cattell, and K. W. Schaie. Baltes's original criticisms of Schaie's trifactor model are reinforced on the basis of additional considerations. Cattell's proposal for separating developmental curves into genetic and environmental additive component curves is closely scrutinized. Baltes's bifactor model (age and cohort), which involves longitudinal and cross-sectional sequential methods for data gathering, is extended to include a 3rd strategy in the form of the time-lag sequential method. 2 new possibilities for applying the bifactor developmental model to ability factors are considered: (a) changes in heritability ratios, and (b) changes in cognitive complexity or the trait pattern (the number of factors and their interrelationships). Some methodological problems associated with the proposed extensions and implications for future research are briefly discussed. (90 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Prenatal psychosocial stress exposure is associated with subsequent working memory performance in young women.

The aim of the present study was to examine the association between prenatal psychosocial stress exposure and subsequent prefrontal cortex-dependent working memory performance in human adults. Working memory performance was assessed using an item-recognition task under 10 mg hydrocortisone (cortisol) and placebo conditions in a sample of 32 healthy young women (mean age = 25 ± 4.34 years) whose mothers experienced a major negative life event during their pregnancy (Prenatal Stress, PS group), and in a comparison group of 27 healthy young women (mean age = 24 ± 3.4 years). The two groups did not differ in the placebo condition, however, subjects in the PS group showed longer reaction times after hydrocortisone administration compared with subjects in the comparison group (p = .02). These findings provide support for an association between prenatal stress exposure and the potential modulatory effect of cortisol on working memory performance in young adults, which may reflect compromised development of the prefrontal cortex in prenatal life. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

"Ideology run wild": Reply.

Replies to H. J. Eysenck's comment (1976) that takes exception to the author's views (see record 1976-04475-001) concerning the possibility of a sociology of psychological knowledge. The author stresses that psychological theory and knowledge are partly conditioned by social forces, a position that does not entail a commitment to the idea as an exclusive cause. (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)     

Subscriber Line Equipment for an Elastic Carrier Switching System

This is the third of three papers [l], [2] dealing with an elastic carrier-concentrator system. The functioning of the subscriber line equipment is described herein. The system serves 256 telephone subscriber lines by digital concentration switching and transmission of multiplexed message channels over a singleT1transmission line. The concentration switching function is nonblocking. Message channels are the individual communication links between terminals and are created on demand at the request of active subscriber lines. They are not merely inactive without service requests; they do not exist unless service is requested. The created message channels serve for their normal communication function and, in addition, carry for each line the ancillary functions of dialing, ringing, and pay-station coin disposal. Message channels are coded by delta modulation, which permits flexible digital concentration and provides a smooth tradeoff of channel quality versus the instantaneous traffic load. Each of two complementary subscriber line interface units, one per line at each end, provides the delta-modulation encoding and decoding functions for the analog voice-band signal input and output and, by overriding the delta codec, provides the desired signaling functions of dialing, ringing, etc. The line interface units provide the major equipment interface between the subscriber line and the digitalT1line. An integral test facility permits remote loop-back of any selected subscriber line unit via a test channel to the office terminals and at the same time connects the subscriber loop to an auxiliary programmed test facility which may transmit pertinent loop-test results to the office terminal.     

Perception-Based Data Reduction and Transmission of Haptic Data in Telepresence and Teleaction Systems

We present a novel approach for the transmission of haptic data in telepresence and teleaction systems. The goal of this work is to reduce the packet rate between an operator and a teleoperator without impairing the immersiveness of the system. Our approach exploits the properties of human haptic perception and is, more specifically, based on the concept of just noticeable differences. In our scheme, updates of the haptic amplitude values are signaled across the network only if the change of a haptic stimulus is detectable by the human operator. We investigate haptic data communication for a 1 degree-of-freedom (DoF) and a 3 DoF teleaction system. Our experimental results show that the presented approach is able to reduce the packet rate between the operator and teleoperator by up to 90% of the original rate without affecting the performance of the system.