Recent studies on the biological development of the prefrontal cortex in rhesus monkeys are reviewed. These studies have elucidated the basic neural circuitry underlying the delayed-response function in adult nonhuman primates and suggest that a critical mass of cortical synapses is important for the emergence of this cognitive function. (BN)

A national survey of physiology, pharmacology, and surgery departments found that while laboratory exercises using animals are common, they are not universal, and that the widely available alternatives assume diverse forms, including films, computer models, lectures, readings, and clinical clerkships. (MSE)

Physiological measures were monitored as 80 undergraduate women watched videotapes of responsive and unresponsive children in anticipation of interaction with them and later during a postinterview. Results were interpreted as indicating the importance of social cognitions as moderators of caregiver response to child behavior. (RH)

Reports on two longitudinal studies of two-year-old children who were extreme in the display of either behavioral restraint or spontaneity in unfamiliar contexts. Indicates that by age seven most of the restrained group were socially avoidant while the spontaneous children were talkative and interactive. (TW)

Describes some of the chemical compounds involved in the nervous system and their roles in transmitting nerve signals. Discusses acetylcholine, dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, histamine, glycine, glutemate, and gamma-aminobutyric acid and their effects within the nervous system. (CW)

A total of 33 hearing and 29 deaf preschoolers were observed over seven months during outdoor free play at school. Three types of peer relationships were examined: those between nonfriends, between temporary friends, and between long-term friends. The differential functions of these relationships are discussed. (NH)

Discusses advantages and disadvantages of using computer simulations (including those involving application of mathematical models) in teaching physiology and pharmacology, indicating that the major benefit is in performing experiments that cannot be performed in the laboratory. Also considers a simulation on the interaction of drugs with…

Discusses why computer-assisted instruction is well-suited for adult learners. Examines differences among adult learners due to physiological changes and the importance of an egalitarian communication network to adult education programs. (CT)

The National Association of Secondary School Principals formed a national task force on learning styles, defining them as the composite of cognitive, affective, and physiological factors that indicate how a learner approaches learning. The goal was to develop a workable diagnostic instrument leading to personalized education. (MT)

Discusses the role of the small intestine in the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates and proteins. Indicates as outdated the view that these materials must be broken down to monomeric units before absorption and that the gut secretes a mixture of digestive juices which brings about absorption. (JN)

This study examined whether particular strategies would enhance affective arousal and if these techniques would affect warm-up decrement during performance of a sport skill. One strategy eliminated warm-up decrement and two had no effect. Positive and negative arousal and the correlation of arousal level to warm-up decrement are explored.…

One hundred twenty-six rats were studied to determine the effects of exercise, high altitude, and age upon right and left ventricular mass. Chronically hypoxic rats had significantly larger right ventricles but significantly smaller left ventricles than exercised or control rats. (Author/MT)

Describes how a computer simulation is used with a laboratory experiment on the synthesis of urea in isolated hepatocytes. The simulation calculates the amount of urea formed and the amount of ammonium remaining as the concentrations of ornithine, citrulline, argininosuccinate, arginine, and aspartate are altered. (JN)

This article defines and explains aerobic exercise and its effects on the cardiovascular system. Various studies on dancers are cited indicating that dance is an anaerobic activity with some small degree of aerobic benefit. (DF)

Reviews the major physiological measures that have been examined in studies of stress at work. Attempts to show that procedures typically used for measuring the physiological symptoms of stress are inadequate and to show how the validity of work stress research can be improved with better measurement methods. (LLL)