Bridging the research traditions of task/ego involvement and intrinsic/extrinsic motivation: Comment on Butler (1987).

In an experiment on the effects of different feedback conditions on motivationally relevant variables, R. Butler (see record 1988-21628-001) tested the hypothesis that the effects of feedback on intrinsic motivation would depend on whether that feedback promotes a task-involving or ego-involving orientation. She interpreted the findings as they relate to J. G. Nicholls's (see record 1984-28719-001) theory of task/ego involvement and our cognitive evaluation theory (E. L. Deci and R. M. Ryan, 1985). Although the data were very interesting, Butler failed to review a series of highly relevant studies, she misportrayed cognitive evaluation theory, and she drew conclusions that were not necessarily warranted given her experimental manipulations and data. This article provides a commentary on that research and presents a discussion of the relation between the two theories that Butler claimed to have tested. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

On starting points and priorities: A rejoinder.

Responds to the reply by L. T. Hoshmand and J. Martin (see record 1997-02285-002) to S. C. Yanchar and K. B. Kristensen's comments (see record 1997-02285-001) on Hoshmand and Martin's (see record 1995-28533-001) proposal for a naturalistic epistemological approach to psychological science. Hoshmand and Martin argue that in Yanchar and Kristensen's stance toward some aspects of their proposal, they have attributed to Hoshmand and Martin a relationship between theory, method, and data that they do not hold. According to Hoshmand and Martin, in making their case Yanchar and Kristensen have objected to empirical means of evaluation, and essentially undermined their own argument. The authors clarify their position by responding to these claims. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Increased production of interleukin-10 by human blood monocytes stimulated with Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex

BACKGROUND: Overseas screening of immigrants and refugees applying for a visa to the United States identifies foreign-born individuals who are at high risk for tuberculosis (TB) or who have active TB. The system's effectiveness relies on further medical evaluation and follow-up of foreign-born individuals after their arrival in the United States. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of 893 immigrants and refugees who arrived in the United States from July 1, 1992, through December 31, 1993, with a destination of San Francisco, Calif, and a referral for further medical evaluation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Time to report to the local health department after arrival and the yield of active and preventable cases of TB from follow-up medical evaluations. RESULTS: Median time from arrival in the United States to seeking care in San Francisco was 9 days (range, 1-920 days). Of 745 immigrants and refugees (83.4%) who sought further medical evaluation, 51 (6.9%) had active TB and 296 (39.7%) were candidates for preventive therapy. Being a refugee was an independent predictor of failure to seek further medical evaluation in the United States. Class B-1 disease status based on overseas TB screening (odds ratio, 3.5; 95% confidence interval, 2.0-6.2) and being from mainland China (odds ratio, 4.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.9-9.9) were independent predictors of TB diagnosed in San Francisco. CONCLUSIONS: Timely, adequate medical evaluation and follow-up care of immigrants and refugees has a relatively high yield and should be a high priority for TB prevention and control programs.     

The use of bedside fluoroscopy to evaluate the cervical spine in obtunded trauma patients

BACKGROUND: Recognition of a cervical spine injury is important to prevent further injury and in planning for future care. The management of the patient with a possible cervical spine injury who remains unresponsive is controversial. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of obtunded trauma patients admitted to the surgical intensive care unit who underwent bedside fluoroscopic cervical spine evaluation. Fluoroscopic findings and all complications were noted. RESULTS: Twenty obtunded patients with possible cervical spine injuries underwent bedside fluoroscopic cervical spine evaluation. All patients had at minimum a normal three-view cervical spine series before fluoroscopy. Thirteen patients (65%) had the fluoroscopic examination completed at the bedside and were cleared. The complete cervical spine could not be evaluated in six patients (30%). One patient (5%) was found to have a C4-5 subluxation in the bedside examination. None of the patients had progression of their neurologic symptoms after cervical spine flexion/extension, and none developed evidence of spinal cord injury after being cleared during their hospital course. Cervical collars remained in place for 5.7+/-1.41 days (range, 1- 26 days). Three patients (15%) were noted to have decubiti under the cervical collar. CONCLUSION: In this small study, the use of bedside fluoroscopy to evaluate the cervical spine appears safe and easy to perform. One unrecognized injury was identified. The technique is usually successful and gives reassurance that a significant cervical spine injury is not present.     

Design and synthesis of novel alpha1a adrenoceptor-selective dihydropyridine antagonists for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

We report the synthesis and evaluation of novel alpha1a adrenoceptor subtype-selective antagonists. Systematic modification of the lipophilic 4,4-diphenylpiperidinyl moiety of the dihydropyridine derivatives 1 and 2 provided several highly selective and potent alpha1a antagonists. From this series, we identified the 4-(methoxycarbonyl)-4-phenylpiperidine analogue SNAP 5540 (-) [(-)-63] for further characterization. When examined in an isolated human prostate tissue assay, this compound was found to have a Ki of 2.8 nM, in agreement with the cloned human receptor binding data (Ki = 2.42 nM). Further evaluation of the compound in isolated dog prostate tissue showed a Ki of 3.6 nM and confirmed it to be a potent antagonist (Kb = 1.6 nM). In vivo, this compound effectively blocked the phenylephrine-stimulated increase in intraurethral pressure (IUP) in mongrel dogs, at doses which did not significantly affect the arterial pressure (diastolic blood pressure, DBP), with a DBP Kb/IUP Kb ratio of 16. In addition, (-)-63 also showed greater than 40 000-fold selectivity over the rat L-type calcium channel and 200-fold selectivity over several G protein-coupled receptors, including histamine and serotonin subtypes. These findings prove that alpha1a adrenoceptor-subtype selective antagonists such as (-)-63 may be developed as uroselective agents for an improved treatment of BPH over nonselective alpha1 antagonists such as prazosin and terazosin, with fewer side effects.     

Goal attainment scaling as an adjunct to counseling.

T. J. Kiresuk and R. E. Sherman (see record 1970-04099-001) have proposed a method of evaluating programs and counseling that combines theoretical approaches that may be beneficial to the counseling process itself. The present study hypothesized that counseling with these Goal Attainment Scaling evaluation procedures would improve the conduct of counseling. The Personal Orientation Inventory, Nowicki and Strickland Children's Locus of Control Scale, a consumer satisfaction questionnaire, and behavioral measures were used to assess outcome of counseling for 20 13-17 yr olds with adjustment problems. (20 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Note on Cooper's findings on initial task choice.

In the process of evaluating the construct validity of J. W. Atkinson's (1957) theory of achievement motivation, W. H. Cooper (see record 1983-32694-001) made a comparative evaluation of the adequacy of this theory and so-called cognitive theory in the area of predicting initial task choice. The choice task that Cooper used was not a measure of task preference; it was instead an implicit evaluation of task diagnosticity. The present author asserts that Cooper should have addressed "What is the basis of task preference?" Cooper's findings were thus unable to shed light on the question at hand. His finding that the task choice measure correlates with explicit ratings of diagnosticity and not with resultant valence means that there is test–retest consistency in ratings of diagnosticity and not, as Cooper suggested, that cognitive theory has won a victory over Atkinson's theory. (4 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A new interference-free lysine biosensor using a non-conducting polymer film

An electrochemical biosensor for the determination of lysine to be used for rapid evaluation of food quality has been developed. Platinum electrodes have been coated by electropolymerisation with 1,2-diaminobenzene (1.2-DAB) using cyclic voltammetry. The reduction in the oxidation of interferents compared with the bare platinum electrode was 100% for ascorbic acid, 99% for acetaminophen and 99% for cysteine. The enzyme L-lysine-alpha-oxidase was then immobilised onto the polymer layer by passive adsorption and a calibration curve for lysine constructed. This gave a linear range of 1 x 10(-5) mol/l to 1 x 10(-3) mol/l and a limit of detection of 2 x 10(-7) mol/l.     

Prospective evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract in patients with iron deficiency and no systemic or gastrointestinal symptoms or signs

BACKGROUND: Although endoscopic evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract is commonly performed to evaluate iron deficiency, little data is available regarding the underlying causes, yield of evaluation, and long-term outcome for those in whom gastrointestinal and systemic symptoms and signs are absent. METHODS: In- or out-patients seen by the gastroenterology consultative service at a large inner-city hospital over a 56-month period were considered eligible for the study when iron deficiency (serum ferritin <50 ng/mL) was documented. Exclusion criteria included: any gastrointestinal or systemic symptoms/signs, radiographic or endoscopic examinations of the gastrointestinal tract within 3 and 5 years, respectively, or obvious source of blood loss. Patients underwent colonoscopy and if no lesions other than carcinoma were found, upper endoscopy was then performed with a pediatric colonoscope. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients were evaluated (mean age, 66 +/- 13 years; range, 20 to 89 years; 32 men/20 women). At the time of evaluation, the mean (+/-SD) hematocrit was 25% +/- 7% (range, 14% to 42%). Overall, 23 patients (44%; 95% CI 30% to 59%) had an identifiable gastrointestinal lesion considered the cause of iron deficiency, including: colonic carcinoma, 11 (21%); colonic and/or esophagogastric/duodenal vascular ectasias, 9 (17%); and gastric carcinoma, colonic polyposis, and colonic ulcers in 1 patient each. Long-term follow-up (median 24 months, range 2 to 63 months) identified only 1 patient with a cause found (colonic carcinoma), and in this patient, complete colonoscopy was not technically possible at the time of initial evaluation. There were no clinical or laboratory features that distinguished patients with an etiology for iron deficiency to the idiopathic group. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately half of patients with iron deficiency in whom gastrointestinal or systemic signs or symptoms are absent have an underlying gastrointestinal lesion. Nevertheless, despite a thorough endoscopic evaluation, some patients will have no etiology found; the prognosis for these patients is excellent.     

"Comparable worth judgments: A measurement properties analysis": Correction to Madigan.

Reports an error in "Comparable worth judgments: A measurement properties analysis" by Robert M. Madigan (Journal of Applied Psychology, 1985[Feb], Vol 70[1], 137-147). There was an error on page 146 on the fourth line from the top. The text should read: "evaluation method convergence was an inappropriate test of measurement validity." (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 1985-13501-001.) Examined the Position Analysis Questionnaire, the guide chart plan, and the custom plan as methods of comparable-worth job evaluation from a psychometric qualities perspective. Evaluation scores for 20 positions in a state agency were generated by 4 experienced analysts via each method. Reliability, discriminant validity, and convergence of the measures were examined in the context of comparable-worth pay classification decision making. Results show that (1) reliability coefficients above .95 could still be inadequate for comparable-worth job evaluation application, (2) factor (dimension) redundancy was potentially a major shortcoming of job evaluation measures, (3) evaluation methods differed in terms of measurement quality, and (4) classification decisions were likely to be method dependent. It is concluded that none of the 3 evaluation methods exhibited the psychometric qualities desired of a procedure to serve as the governing criterion in pay classification decisions. (38 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Evaluation of head injury in a pediatric emergency department: pretrauma and posttrauma system

OBJECTIVE: To determine if trauma center protocols affect the number of tests and consultations performed and the length of time spent in the emergency department or hospital. DESIGN: A retrospective review and comparison of treatment for children with isolated head injury admitted to the emergency department before trauma center designation (group 1, 1985), and 5 years after implementation of trauma center protocols (group 2, 1991). SETTING: Urban children's hospital, level I trauma center. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-five children met the enrollment criteria in 1985 and 162 met the criteria in 1991. Falls were the predominant mechanism of injury (55%) for both years. For patients with moderate injury (Glasgow Coma Scale score, 9-12) or severe injury (Glasgow Coma Scale score, <9), there was no difference in radiographic or laboratory evaluation. For patients with minimal head injury (Glasgow Coma Scale score, 15, no loss of consciousness, amnesia, seizure, focal neurologic findings, or persistent symptoms) and minor head injury (Glasgow Coma Scale score, >12, and loss of consciousness or amnesia), more radiologic and laboratory studies were done in 1991 that showed no clinically significant abnormalities. Patients with minimal head injury in group 2 were 14 times more likely to have cranial computed tomographic scans performed (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.4-67); 11 times more likely to have cervical spine radiographs (95% CI, 2.2-76.6); and 23 times more likely to have hepatic enzymes obtained (95% CI, 3-491). These differences persisted when analyzed by both the age of the patient and mechanism of injury. CONCLUSIONS: Application of trauma system protocols to isolated head injury patient evaluation results in increased use of laboratory and radiologic services. These practices have the potential to increase the cost of medical care without significantly improving outcome.     

On the psychological meaning of information about competence: A reply to Ryan and Deci's comment on Butler (1987).

The comment by R. M. Ryan and E. L. Deci (see record 1989-34660-001) addresses a study (R. Butler; see record 1988-21628-001) in which I investigated the motivational effects of different kinds of information. Findings were related to several issues, including the different emphases of J. G. Nicholls's (see record 1984-28719-001) theory of task/ego involvement and their cognitive evaluation theory. Ryan and Deci's comment on my article reflects cognitive evaluation theory's emphasis on perceived autonomy as the major determinant of intrinsic motivation. I discuss certain methodological and conceptual limitations of their approach in understanding the impact of different achievement goals and competence strivings on intrinsically motivated behavior. I suggest that it would be fruitful to work toward a synthesis between cognitive evaluation theory and achievement theory that would clarify the relation between perceptions of autonomy and conceptions of competence. Such a synthesis should be helpful in achieving their common aim of promoting task-involved, intrinsically motivated learning in the classroom. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Increased intraventricular velocities: an unrecognized cause of systolic murmur in adults

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency, clinical features and echocardiographic characteristics of increased intraventricular velocities (IIVs) in patients referred to the echocardiography laboratory for systolic murmur. BACKGROUND: A subset of patients referred to the echocardiography laboratory for evaluation of a systolic murmur have IIVs in the absence of other recognized causes of systolic murmur. METHODS: We prospectively studied echocardiograms from 108 consecutive patients referred for evaluation of a systolic murmur. Clinical data were obtained from patient examinations and medical records. RESULTS: The sole explanation for systolic murmur was IIVs in 16.7% of referred patients. Compared with those without IIVs, patients with IIVs had a higher ejection fraction (EF) (58.7+/-7.8% vs. 51.1+/-12.5%, p < 0.001), percent fractional shortening (42.3+/-9.7% vs. 31.0+/-11.4%, p < 0.0001), left ventricular (LV) mass index (181+/-70 vs. 152+/-48 g/m2, p=0.046) and prevalence of hypertension (73.3% vs. 51.7%, p=0.043) and a lower prevalence of segmental wall motion abnormalities (2.2% vs. 39.3%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Increased intraventricular velocities are a common cause of systolic murmur in this group of patients and should be included in the differential diagnosis of systolic murmurs in adults. The association of IIVs with LV hypertrophy should be a clinical consideration when these murmurs are identified.     

Caveats concerning comparisons of change rates obtained with five methods of identifying significant client changes: Comment on Speer and Greenbaum (1995).

Various methods have been proposed to identify clients who have improved, have not changed, or have deteriorated in psychotherapy. D. D. Speer and P. E. Greenbaum (see record 1996-00402-019) compared empirically determined change rates (proportions of clients identified as improved, unchanged, or deteriorated) obtained with 5 of these methods, tested the hypothesis that 1 method would be more sensitive than the other 4 in detecting significant changes, and recommended 2 of the 5 methods. This comment draws attention to problems related to the meaning of their comparisons of change rates and to some implications of their recommendations. These problems include misinterpretation of formulas; use of methods with questionable standard errors; confounding of effects of methods with effects of norms, data sets, and risks of misclassifying patients who do not change; absence of valid external criteria of client changes; and excessive reliance on the Jacobson-Truax method for evaluation of 2-wave data. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Synthesis, preliminary evaluation and molecular modeling studies of new, conformationally constrained analogues of the competitive NMDA receptor antagonist 4-(phosphonomethyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylic acid (CGS 19755)

Two new spirobicyclophosphonate isomers (19 and 20), conformationally constrained analogues of the potent competitive NMDA antagonist CGS 19755 (4), have been designed and synthetized with the aim of gaining insight into the conformational preference of the crucial distal phosphonate moiety at the antagonist NMDA binding site. The preliminary biological evaluation reveals that the activity as NMDA antagonist resides only in the (1R,5S,7R)-isomer (19), characterized by a (-)-gauche disposition around the C1-C5 bond, thus confirming previously reported pharmacophore models.     

Some broader issues: Clinical relevance, gender sensitivity, and psychometrics.

Responds to comments by G. B. Spanier (see record 1989-17637-001) and L. Thompson (see record 1989-17646-001) on the present authors' (see record 1989-17603-001) evaluation of the Dyadic Adjustment Scale. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Comparable worth judgments: A measurement properties analysis.

[Correction Notice: An erratum for this article was reported in Vol 71(3) of Journal of Applied Psychology (see record 2009-18143-001). There was an error on page 146 on the fourth line from the top. The text should read: "evaluation method convergence was an inappropriate test of measurement validity."] Examined the Position Analysis Questionnaire, the guide chart plan, and the custom plan as methods of comparable-worth job evaluation from a psychometric qualities perspective. Evaluation scores for 20 positions in a state agency were generated by 4 experienced analysts via each method. Reliability, discriminant validity, and convergence of the measures were examined in the context of comparable-worth pay classification decision making. Results show that (1) reliability coefficients above .95 could still be inadequate for comparable-worth job evaluation application, (2) factor (dimension) redundancy was potentially a major shortcoming of job evaluation measures, (3) evaluation methods differed in terms of measurement quality, and (4) classification decisions were likely to be method dependent. It is concluded that none of the 3 evaluation methods exhibited the psychometric qualities desired of a procedure to serve as the governing criterion in pay classification decisions. (38 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Paper and plastic in daily diary research: Comment on Green, Rafaeli, Bolger, Shrout, and Reis (2006).

The authors applaud A. S. Green, E. Rafaeli, N. Bolger, P. E. Shrout, and H. T. Reis's (2006) response to one-sided comparisons of paper versus electronic (plastic) diary methods (see record 2006-03820-006) and hope that it will stimulate more balanced considerations of the issues involved. The authors begin by highlighting areas of agreement and disagreement with Green et al. The authors review briefly the broader literature that has compared paper and plastic diaries, noting how recent comparisons have relied on study designs and methods that favor investigators' allegiances. The authors note some sorely needed data for the evaluation of the implications of paper versus plastic for the internal and external validity of research. To facilitate evaluation of the existing literature and assist in the design of future studies, the authors offer a balanced comparison of paper and electronic diary methods across a range of applications. Finally, the authors propose 2 study designs that offer fair comparisons of paper and plastic diary methods. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Testing of drug delivery systems for use in the treatment of narcotic addiction

The evaluation of the drug release characteristic of four naltrexone delivery systems has been carried out together with the development of analytical techniques and an investigation of the metabolic profile of naltrexone. Pharmacologic evaluation of the four delivery systems in the mouse indicated significant analgesic antagonism for a period of from 16-22 days. Further evaluation of one of these systems by measurement of the rate of excretion of radioactivity after administration of radiolabelled naltrexone in the delivery system confirmed that significant release occurs for a time period of about 15 days. Electron capture gas-liquid chromatographic assays for naltrexone and naloxone in plasma or urine have been developed that yield linear calibration curves and are sensitive to one ng/ml. Studies on naltrexone disposition indicate that (a) binding to plasma proteins in several species varies from 20-26 per cent, (b) distribution of drug from blood is extremely rapid and extensive, (c) beta-naltrexol is a major metabolite of naltrexone in man, monkey and guinea pig among six species studied, whereas alpha-naltrexol is a minor metabolite in the monkey and guinea pig only, and (d) metabolic reduction of naltrexone occurs in the 100,000 x g supernatant of guinea pig liver. Pharmacokinetic studies of naltrexone in the dog and monkey indicate that the drug is rapidly distributed and eliminated, has a very large apparent volume of distribution and a total body clearance greater than the rate of liver blood flow.