Interference with memory for lifted weight

An adaptation-level model for memory was tested by interpolating different weights between the standard and comparison weights. The results suggest that the model should be modified to account for the general tendency to use alternative categories of judgment with equal frequency. In terms of the modified model, memory for the standard shifts toward the value of the interfering stimulus, the magnitude of shift being proportional to the difference between the interfering stimulus and the value the memory would otherwise have had.     

Performance objectives in the stance phase of human pathological walking

Permanent disruption of aspects of a highly learned skill such as walking force adaptations to occur to the movement. Firstly the body must determine what factors will guide the formation of the new walking pattern, and secondly that new movement pattern must be learned. Frequently the questionable assumption is made that the performance objectives of the new skill are the same as the original. This work used non-linear optimal control and multiple segment simulation to evaluate the ability of several possible objective functions to predict pathological walking patterns. These predictions were then also compared to the results from normal walking. Preliminary results indicate the performance objectives of pathological gaits may be quite different from those of normals. Some support was also provided for the existence of simultaneous multiple performance objectives in complex movements.     

The Older Native American Indian With Disabilities: Implications for Providers of Health Care and Human Services

This article presents a review of the literature as regards the older Native American Indian, as well as a report of health care and human service needs based on a recent study of urban Native American Indians with disabilities in the Denver metropolitan area.     

Microprocessors in the laboratory: Dedicated computation and time-shared peripherals with REMOTE-11

This article describes a new solution to the dilemma faced by investigators who need dedicated computers but cannot afford the cost of expensive peripherals. An available software-hardware combination is described that permits users to timeshare expensive peripherals but to have a dedicated microprocessor at their disposal.     

AN ECOBEHAVIORAL EXAMINATION OF A SIMPLE STRATEGY FOR INCREASING MEALTIME LANGUAGE IN RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES

Typically in large residential facilities for retarded persons, meals are served in an institutional style that does not appear to encourage appropriate peer interactions. An ecological program alternative is serving meals in a family style. The present study was designed to examine both the feasibility of serving family style meals and the effects of family style meal service on mealtime language. Five retarded young adult male residents, who had some conversational skills and appropriate table manners, participated in this study. The experimental design involved a multiple baseline analysis across meals (dinner, lunch, and breakfast). Observers coded the youths' mealtime verbalizations according to the type, content, and direction of the verbalizations and they recorded the length of the meals. The analysis of the verbalization data indicated that during family style meals the participants spoke substantially more often than during institutional style meals. Increases in peer-directed conversation about the meals primarily accounted for the verbalization changes. Family style serving also resulted in the youths spending more time with their meals. In addition, social validation measures suggested that the family style procedures were preferred by the consumers (participants, staff, and concerned community members).     

A multidimensional analysis of internal health locus of control beliefs: separating the wheat from the chaff?

The current study examined the hypotheses that internal health locus of control comprises multiple dimensions and that these dimensions are differentially associated with physical health status. As expected, using covariance structure modeling of data derived from 181 medical outpatients, internal health locus of control was found to be multidimensional. Predicted dimensions included recognition that illness prevention is contingent on successful execution of potential health actions, recognition that illness management is contingent on successful execution of potential health actions, and self-mastery over health outcomes (i.e., the perceived capacity to achieve desired health outcomes). A 4th dimension (i.e., self-blame for negative health outcomes) also emerged. Moreover, as predicted, only perceptions of self-mastery were independently associated with indexes of physical health and well-being.     

The simultaneous and independent measurement of penile circumference and length

It has been recently shown that in the early stages of erection, the human penis undergoes a substantial length change that is not detected using circumferential measurement devices. The present report introduces a relatively simple device that can assess changes in both length and circumference. The device promises to provide a low-cost alternative to the precision and sensitivity associated with plethysmography.