The role of feedback delay in dual-task performance.

Doing two things at once is hard, and it is probably hard for various reasons. Here we aim to demonstrate that one so far barely considered reason is the monitoring of sensory action feedback, which detracts from processing of other concurrent tasks. To demonstrate this, we engaged participants in a psychological refractory period paradigm. The responses in the two tasks produced visual action effects. These effects occurred either immediately or they were delayed for the first of the two responses. We assumed that delaying these effects would engage a process of monitoring visual feedback longer, and delay a concurrent task more, as compared to immediate effects. This prediction was confirmed in two experiments. We discuss the reasons for feedback monitoring and its possible contribution to dual tasking.

[Anxiety levels and quality of life assessment in patients that underwent an electrophysiologic study due to unexplained palpitations]. / Açiklanamayan çarpinti nedeniyle elektrofizyolojik çalisma yapilan hastalarda yasam kalitesi ve kaygi düzeylerinin degerlendirilmesi.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the quality of life and anxiety levels of patients with normal and abnormal results detected during an electrophysiological study (EPS) that was performed due to undocumented palpitations. STUDY DESIGN: Patients (n=128) who underwent EPS without documented arrhythmia of unexplained palpitations were included in the study. The quality of life and anxiety levels of patients with abnormal EPS results were compared with those with normal results by using the 26-item short form of the World Health Organization quality of life scale and state-trait anxiety inventory. RESULTS: SVT was found in 72 patients by diagnostic EPS. Quality of life scores were significantly poorer in the SVT group than of the normal EPS group (p=0.000-0.001). Likewise, the anxiety scores of the patients in the SVT group were higher than normal in the EPS group (p=0.000). Age, physical quality of life, psychological quality of life, state anxiety and trait anxiety were found to be independent predictors of SVT in multivariate regression analysis. CONCLUSION: The level of anxiety was found to be higher and quality of life was found to be lower in patients with palpitations due to SVT. In clinical practice it should be kept in mind that noticed psychiatric symptoms may be secondary to an underlying arrhythmia in the evaluation of patients with palpitations.

Gender Differences in the Pursuit of Cardiac Electrophysiology Training in North America.

BACKGROUND: Despite the increase in the number of female physicians across most specialties within cardiology, <10% of clinical cardiac electrophysiology (EP) fellows are women. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine the factors that influence fellows-in-training (FITs) to pursue EP as a career choice and whether this differs by gender. METHODS: The authors conducted an online multiple-choice survey through the American College of Cardiology to assess the decision factors that influence FITs in the United States and Canada to pursue cardiovascular subspecialties. RESULTS: A total of 933 (30.5%) FITs completed the survey; 129 anticipated specializing in EP, 259 in interventional cardiology (IC), and 545 in a different field or were unsure. A total of 1 in 7 (14%) FITs indicated an interest in EP. Of this group, more men chose EP than women (84% vs 16%; P < 0.001). The most important factor that influenced FITs to pursue EP was a strong interest in the field. Women were more likely to be influenced by having a female role model (P = 0.001) compared with men. After excluding FITs interested in IC, women who deselected EP were more likely than men to be influenced by greater interest in another field (P = 0.004), radiation concerns (P = 0.001), lack of female role models (P = 0.001), a perceived "old boys' club" culture (P = 0.001) and discrimination/harassment concerns (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Women are more likely than men to be negatively influenced by many factors when it comes to pursuing EP as a career choice. Addressing those factors will help decrease the gender disparity in the field.