Influence of model characteristics on psychiatric inpatients' interview anxiety.

Examined the utility of model characteristics of mastery vs coping behavior and the expression of positive affect in modifying 38 psychiatric inpatients' anxiety and performance in an interview. (Mean age of Ss was 31.7 yrs; mean length of hospitalization was 69.8 mo.) Also, the influence of these variables on model attraction were examined to evaluate how model characteristics achieve their effects. Between repeated assessments, Ss observed televised models demonstrating 1 of 4 types of job interview situations; mastery-positive-affect, mastery-no-affect, coping-positive-affect, or coping-no-affect. Results indicate that modeled coping behavior produced partial modification of Ss' behavior; however, some evidence supports the value of modeled positive affect. Modeled mastery and positive affect behaviors increased model attraction, but attraction was not correlated with behavior change. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Paul trap for optical frequency standards

We describe a variant of the quadrupole rf (Paul) ion trap capable of localization of a trapped ion within much less than an optical wavelength (Lamb-Dicke regime). Attainment of the Lamb-Dicke regime reduces the sensitivity of the central absorption feature to atomic motion, thereby reducing an important source of noise in an optical frequency standard. The trapping potentials are generated by a high-Q, vacuum-compatible, quarter-wave resonator driven at about 240 MHz. Secular frequencies of tens of megahertz have been achieved for trapped magnesium and beryllium ions     

Respond to cognitive-behavioral therapy in depression: Effects of pretreatment cognitive dysfunction and life stress.

Response to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression is variable and the factors that account for differences in response are not yet well established. Level of cognitive dysfunction and the occurrence of negative life stress have been theorized as patient variables, which may account for differences in response to CBT. The relationship between response to CBT and the interaction of cognitive dysfunction with negative life events was examined in a sample of 53 depressed outpatients. Overall, there was little support for the prediction of a difference in acute outcome between patients with or without pretreatment cognitive dysfunction and negative stressors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Response to cognitive-behavioral therapy in depression: effects of pretreatment cognitive dysfunction and life stress

Response to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression is variable and the factors that account for differences in response are not yet well established. Level of cognitive dysfunction and the occurrence of negative life stress have been theorized as patient variables, which may account for differences in response to CBT. The relationship between response to CBT and the interaction of cognitive dysfunction with negative life events was examined in a sample of 53 depressed outpatients. Overall, there was little support for the prediction of a difference in acute outcome between patients with or without pretreatment cognitive dysfunction and negative stressors.     

Gender differences in cognitive diathesis-stress domain match: Implications for differential pathways to depression.

The frequency of cognitive diathesis-stress match was compared in a sample of depressed women and men to investigate hypotheses positing gender differences in the relation of cognitive diathesis-stress factors to depression. Depressed women were more likely to have experienced a match between a cognitive diathesis and a preonset negative stressor compared with depressed men. Comparisons of women and men on the cognitive and stress variables singly yielded differences in stress variables but not in cognitive variables. Depressed women were more likely to have experienced a negative severe event before the onset of depression and had a greater frequency of negative interpersonal events. Results supported the hypothesis of gender differences in pathways to depression. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Conceptual complexity as a mediator of thought content and negative affect: Implications for cognitive restructuring interventions.

Cognitive restructuring interventions assume that people are capable of recognizing their faulty thinking and can substitute adaptive cognitions to lessen negative affect and improve future appraisals of situations. The present study hypothesized that differences in conceptual complexity (CC) may mediate individuals' cognitive and emotional responses toward problem situations. 106 undergraduates high and low in CC (as measured by the Paragraph Completion Method) first imagined a neutral scene and then situations involving social rejection and academic failure, followed by assessments of attributions, self- and task statements, and change in negative affect (the Multiple Affect Adjective Check List). High-CC Ss reported more internal attributions and fewer negative task statements and showed less increases in negative mood. Although the findings have internal validity, additional research is needed before links between CC and particular cognitive/affective processes in cognitive restructuring can be determined. (27 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Phased array RF coils for high-resolution MRI of the inner ear and brain stem

Ten conceptual approaches make up most of the basis for attempts to deal with quality in healthcare. Quality assessment, quality approvement, and quality assurance are related to the instrumental categories for dealing with quality. At first glance, outcome analysis seems to be most logical. However, the process of healthcare-delivery is of considerable importance and should not be neglected in favor of outcome studies. Accreditation seems promising for obtaining about compliance with standards which serve as a certain degree of guarantee for the prevention of problems. Standards are most prominently connected with structure. With the help of guidelines the process of providing care can be improved. Indicators related to process and outcomes may serve as "flags" for problems. Without continuous evaluation, studies quite often result in no direct contribution to quality improvement and quality assurance.     

Wrist and forearm postures of users of conventional computer keyboards

The aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive investigation to document wrist and forearm postures of users of conventional computer keyboards. We instrumented 90 healthy, experienced clerical workers with electromechanical goniometers to measure wrist and forearm position and range of motion for both upper extremities while typing. For an alphabetic typing task, the left wrist showed significantly greater (p < .01) mean ulnar deviation (15.0 degrees +/- 7.7 degrees) and extension (21.2 degrees +/- 8.8 degrees) than the right wrist (10.1 degrees +/- 7.2 degrees and 17.0 degrees +/- 7.4 degrees for ulnar deviation and extension, respectively). Conversely, the right forearm had greater mean pronation (65.6 degrees +/- 8.3 degrees) than the left forearm (62.2 degrees +/- 10.6 degrees). We noted minimal functional differences in the postures of the wrists and forearms between alphabetic and alphanumeric typing tasks. Ergonomists should consider the statistically significant and probable practical difference in wrist and forearm posture between the left and right hand in ergonomic interventions in the office and in the design of computer keyboards. Actual or potential applications of this research include guiding the design of new computer keyboards.