Vocational rehabilitation from a behavioral economics perspective.

Behavioral economics represents a synthesis of basic principles of economics and behavioral psychology that has become a major perspective for understanding addictions and health service utilization. The present article discusses the basic assumptions and concepts of behavioral economics as they apply to vocational rehabilitation (VR) services. The concepts of value and unit price, demand, elasticity, substitutes and complements, and discounting are examined within the context of VR and common choices of VR participants. Common models of VR, such as supported employment and transitional employment, are discussed from a behavioral economics perspective. Implications for VR programs and staff are identified. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The application of virtual reality technology in rehabilitation.

Virtual reality (VR) is an emerging technology with a variety of potential benefits for many aspects of rehabilitation assessment, treatment, and research. Through its capacity to allow the creation and control of dynamic 3-dimensional, ecologically valid stimulus environments within which behavioral responding can be recorded and measured, VR offers clinical assessment and rehabilitation options that are not available with traditional methods. Initial applications of VR in other aspects of medicine and psychology have yielded encouraging results, but continued research and understanding of this evolving technology will be crucial for its effective integration into rehabilitation. This article provides a brief introduction to VR technology, examines the specific benefits VR offers consumers and providers of rehabilitation services and discusses potential areas of application and important considerations in applying this technology. Finally, 2 examples of current Vr applications are presented. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A survey of vocational rehabilitation counselors concerning American Indian and Alaska Native clients with alcohol and other drug abuse disorders

Vocation rehabilitation (VR) counselors in states where many American Indians reside were questioned about the characteristics of their American Indian clients with alcoholism or drug abuse problems, and the kinds of services that were provided to them. A total of 124 counselors from 14 states responded to the survey. Twenty-seven of these respondents were employed in tribally operated VR projects in nine states.     

A randomized controlled trial of exercise therapy for dizziness and vertigo in primary care

BACKGROUND: 'Vestibular rehabilitation' (VR) is an increasingly popular treatment option for patients with persistent dizziness. Previous clinical trials have only evaluated the effects of specialist therapy programmes in small, selective, or uncontrolled patient samples. AIM: To determine the benefits of VR compared with standard medical care, using a brief intervention for dizzy patients in primary care. METHOD: Adults consulting their general practitioner (GP) with dizziness or vertigo were randomly assigned to treatment or control groups. Patients in both groups received the same evaluation at baseline, six-week follow-up, and six-month follow-up, comprising examination of nystagmus, postural control, and movement-provoked dizziness, and a questionnaire assessment of subjective status, symptoms, handicap, anxiety, and depression. At baseline and six weeks later, the treatment group also received an individualized 30-minute therapy session, in which they were taught head, eye, and body exercises designed to promote vestibular compensation and enhance skill and confidence in balance. RESULTS: The treatment group (n = 67) improved on all measures, whereas the control group (n = 76) showed no improvement, resulting in a significant difference between the two groups on physical indices of balance and subjective indices of symptoms and distress. Odds ratios for improvement in treated patients relative to untreated patients were 3.1:1 at six weeks (95% CI = 1.4-6.8) and 3.8:1 at six months (95% CI = 1.6-8.7). CONCLUSION: VR is a simple, inexpensive, and beneficial treatment, and may be an appropriate first stage of management for many dizzy patients in primary care.     

Changes in the countercurrent system in the renal papilla: diuresis increases pH and HCO3- gradients between collecting duct and vasa recta

This study was designed to elucidate the acid-base balance local to the collecting duct urine (CD) and vasa recta blood (VR) in the rat renal papilla in diuresis. The pH changes were measured in both a furosemide-induced and a volume-load-induced diuresis, whereas the PCO2 (i.e., CO2 tension) and HCO3- concentration were measured only in a furosemide-induced diuresis. In an antidiuresis, the pH of the VR was more acidic than that of the systemic arterial blood (DeltapH = 0.44-0.73). Additionally, the pH of the ascending VR was significantly lower than that of the descending VR (DeltapH = 0.14-0. 16). In diuresis, the pH of the CD decreased (DeltapH = 0.81-0.97), while the pH of the descending and the ascending VR increased; however, the increase was only significant in the ascending VR (DeltapH = 0.23-0.30). Consequently, the significant difference in the pH gradient between the descending and the ascending VR was eliminated. The PCO2 values in the CD and the ascending VR were not different from those in antidiuresis, while the HCO3- concentration in the CD and the ascending VR, respectively, decreased and increased significantly. Thus, in diuresis, the decrease in the pH of the CD and the increase in the pH of the ascending VR result, respectively, from the decrease and the increase in the HCO3- concentration, with no changes in the PCO2 values.     

Proposed standardization of Neisseria meningitidis PorA variable-region typing nomenclature

Neisseria meningitidis isolates are conventionally classified by serosubtyping, which characterizes the reactivities of the PorA outer membrane protein variable-region (VR) epitopes with monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). A newer method (PorA VR typing) uses predicted amino acid sequences derived from DNA sequence analysis. The resulting classification schemes are not standardized, offering conflicting and sometimes irreconcilable data from the two methods. In this paper, we propose a standardization of the PorA VR typing nomenclature that incorporates serologic information from traditional PorA serosubtyping with molecular data from predicted VR sequences. We performed a comprehensive literature and database search, generating a collection of strains and DNA sequences that reflects the diversity within PorA that exists to date. We have arranged this information in a comprehensive logical model that includes both serosubtype and PorA VR type assignments. Our data demonstrate that the current panel of serosubtype-defining MAbs underestimates PorA VR variability by at least 50%. Our proposal for VR typing is informative because amino acid sequence and serologic information, when serosubtype-defining MAbs are available, can be deduced simultaneously from the PorA VR designation. This scheme will be useful in future classification and applied epidemiologic studies of N. meningitidis, being a systematic way of selecting PorA vaccine candidates and analyzing vaccine coverage and failure.     

基于VR技术的非煤矿山火灾应急培训系统的开发

为了克服非煤矿山矿井火灾传统应急培训方式效果不佳和部分培训内容难以实现的问题,设计了包含项目基本介绍、事故场景体验、人员角色体验和综合考核评价4个子系统的矿井火灾应急培训系统功能框架。利用3Ds Max三维建模软件和Unity3D游戏引擎建立了矿井火灾虚拟场景,通过C#语言脚本编程和HTC VIVE头显设备实现学员与矿井火灾虚拟场景的交互,从而完成了系统的开发,并对系统进行了评估。评估结果表明,VR培训系统的用户体验指标一般是PPT培训的2~4倍,其中沉浸性是PPT培训的22.5倍,培训效果指标一般是PPT培训的1~2倍,说明基于VR技术的矿井火灾应急培训系统的用户体验和培训效果更好。     

Rapid shortening during relaxation increases activation and improves systolic performance

BACKGROUND: Previous studies in cardiac muscle and isolated heart preparations generally have attributed positive effects of ejection to greater length-dependent activation. However, there have been some reports of an ejection-related increase in contractile function that is independent of end-diastolic volume (EDV) history. The present study was designed to more fully characterize the mechanoenergetic results of the latter effect in the intact ventricle. METHODS AND RESULTS: A servomotor was used to initiate left ventricular volume reduction (VR) at end systole, with EDV kept constant. Seven isolated, red blood cell-perfused rabbit hearts were studied at constant EDV during isovolumic contraction, slow VR (5.0 +/- 0.9 EDV/s), and rapid VR (26.8 +/- 5.1 EDV/s). Compared with isovolumic beats, VR caused an enhancement in contractility. This effect was greater for rapid VR and required > 50 beats to attain steady state. Rapid VR increased developed pressure by 15% (92.2 +/- 23.7 [mean +/- SD] versus 105.9 +/- 27.6 mm Hg), maximum dP/dt by 17% (1223 +/- 401 versus 1435 +/- 505 mm Hg.s-1), and Emax (slope of the end-systolic pressure-volume relation) by 13% (69.4 +/- 19.9 versus 78.6 +/- 23.0 mm Hg/mL) (all P < .01). Left ventricular oxygen consumption (VO2) was unchanged with slow VR and decreased by 8% with rapid VR (0.0744 +/- 0.0194 versus 0.0683 +/- 0.0141 mL O2.beat-1.100 g-1; P < .05). In separate hearts (n = 8), costs (basal metabolism and excitation-contraction coupling) were estimated by use of 2,3-butanedione monoxime. Compared with control, rapid VR was associated with a 26% increase in nonmechanical VO2 (0.0248 +/- 0.0021 versus 0.0312 +/- 0.0022 mL O2.beat-1.100 g-1; P < .01), consistent with an increase in calcium cycled per beat. CONCLUSIONS: Ejection after end systole has a positive effect on ventricular performance that cannot be ascribed to length-dependent activation and is likely related to an increase in calcium available for activation. Similarly, an increase in nonmechanical VO2 associated with ejection suggests a positive interaction between myofilament shortening and activator calcium cycling.     

可视化与虚拟现实技术及其在矿业中的应用

介绍了可视化及虚拟现实的内涵、特点及关键技术，并就其在矿业中的应用及前景进行了探讨和展望。     

Intermittent punishment of self-stimulation: Effectiveness during application and extinction.

Performed 2 studies comparing the effectiveness of FR and VR schedules of punishment during application and extinction. In Study 1, the self-stimulatory behavior of a young boy was punished on both an FR 1 and a VR 5 schedule using a multi-element, multiple-baseline reversal design. Study 2 investigated the effects of FR 1 and VR 5 schedules of punishment on multiple forms of self-stimulation in a young girl using a multi-element multiple-baseline reversal design. Both studies indicated no difference in the suppressive effects of the FR 1 and VR 5. Study 2 indicated that the VR schedule produced superior resistance to extinction. Both studies found significant positive "side effects" of punishment in terms of increased play and social behavior as well as increased performance of academic tasks. (18 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Commitment in the face of adversity: A value-affirmation approach.

Hypothesized that self-relevant values (C. Steele, 1988) may be an antecedent variable that predicts commitment (CM) in the face of adversity (AD). Study 1, a cross-sectional study of students' ongoing personal projects, revealed that the perceived value relevance (VR) of the projects interacted with the degree of experienced AD in predicting felt CM. Whereas VR was unrelated to CM under low AD, it was positively related to CM under high AD. This interaction accounted for significant variance independent of C. E. Rusbult's (e.g., see record 1981-10400-001) investment model of CM in the face of AD. Study 2 was a longitudinal investigation of students engaged in term-long volunteer projects. VR and initial reports (IR) of CM were measured at the beginning of the term, and AD and subsequent reports of CM were measured at the end of the term. VR at the outset subsequently predicted CM in the face of AD. Moreover, IRs of CM did not account for the variance explained by the interaction of IRs of VR and subsequent reports of AD. Thus, VR predicted, in a positive direction, latent differences in CM that were manifest in the face of AD. Those who saw their projects as value relevant at the outset were more likely to feel committed in the face of AD at the end of the term. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Primacy of interresponse-time reinforcement in accounting for rate differences under variable-ratio and variable-interval schedules.

Pigeons' keypeck rates under VR schedules are typically higher than under VI schedules when between-schedule reinforcement rates are equated. Exp I, with 4 male White Carneaux pigeons, reproduced this between-schedule rate difference in a multiple VR-VI schedule. However, when the short interresponse times (IRTs) typically reinforced under VRs were required for VI reinforcement, between-component rate differences diminished. Exp II (4 Ss) replicated Exp I except that long IRTs reinforced under VI schedules were required for VR reinforcement. This manipulation eliminated between-schedule rate differences. In Exp III (4 Ss), VR/VI and VI/VR tandems had the same correlation between response and reinforcement rates. In a simulation, C. P. Shimp's (1969) IRT response rule was used as an algorithm to mimic between-schedule rate difference. Findings show that IRT reinforcement (a molecular factor), rather than the feedback function between response rate and reinforcement rate (a molar factor), accounts for the higher response rates under VR schedules. (25 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Validity of video-mediated recall procedures for mothers' emotion and child ratings.

The validity of video-mediated recall (VR) measures of mothers' experience of emotion and appraisals of their children's behavior was evaluated. While viewing videotapes of their immediately preceding interactions, 97 mothers used a dial to continuously rate their toddlers' behavior and then their own emotion. Mothers' appraisals, emotion, and autonomic responses measured as averages across each VR condition were associated with their autonomic responses and their children's misbehavior measured during the live interactions. Less correspondence was found when similar relations were assessed in 10-s intervals. Additional tests supported concurrent and discriminant validity of the averaged VR measures. Taken together, the results suggest acceptable construct validity, but that the timing of mothers' thoughts and feelings may differ between live interactions and VR. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A scientific problem-solving approach to developing accountability procedures for school psychologists.

Discusses the use of evaluations of school psychological services in improving service delivery and professional development. The steps of a scientific problem-solving approach to accountability are outlined in terms of problem definition, generation of alternatives, decision making, implementation and outcome evaluation, dissemination of results, and meta-evaluation. The use of this model is illustrated by its application to the assessment of the evaluation, consultation, and referral services provided by a school psychologist. (38 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Consumer satisfaction with mental health treatment.

Reviews literature on the evaluation of consumer satisfaction with mental health treatment. The methods of assessing consumer satisfaction, methodological issues in studies assessing satisfaction, results of the studies, and the value of consumer evaluation are discussed. Consumer evaluation is found to be a useful though flawed method of assessing services. It is concluded that consumer evaluation should be included in a multimethod treatment evaluation. (3 p ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Virtual reality (VR) for psychotherapy: From the physical to the social environment.

Discusses current and future therapeutic applications of virtual reality (VR). To date, treatments incorporating VR have involved the simulation of physical (as opposed to social) aspects of the environment. Researchers have produced simulations of heights, different kinds of spaces, and the experience of flying, with the goal of improving the delivery of exposure and desensitization for the treatment of phobias. Researchers are only beginning to explore simulation of the social environment. When VR gains the ability to simulate human social interaction, it can be used to assist in treating a wider variety of conditions, including social phobia, fear of intimacy, and sexual aversion. More long range goals are the use of VR for the exploration of childhood memories, overcoming maladaptive thinking, empowerment, increasing empathy, expressing emotions, developing and maintaining boundaries, and promoting marital satisfaction and bonding. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The Cys607-->Tyr change in the UL97 phosphotransferase confers ganciclovir resistance to two human cytomegalovirus strains recovered from two immunocompromised patients

Two ganciclovir (GCV)-resistant human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) strains recovered from an AIDS patient (strain VR4990) and a heart transplant recipient (strain VR5474) showed a Cys607-->Tyr change in the UL97-encoded phosphotransferase. No amino acid substitutions were observed in the viral DNA polymerase. Marker transfer experiments showed marked reduction in GCV phosphorylation and drug susceptibility of the recombinant HCMV strain VR4990rec2-1-1. These results further extend the region of the carboxy-terminal domain of the UL97 phosphotransferase involved in GCV substrate recognition.     

虚拟技术在冶金工业的应用前景

介绍了虚拟现实技术的概念,发展和当前应用的基本情况,论述了一个虚拟现实系统的基本组成所需的软,硬件支持,以及虚拟现实技术在冶金工业的一些应用实例。     

Professionals as providers: Some thoughts on disability and ideology.

Examines, in historical terms, the differences between the leaders of the handicapped rights (HRs) movement and leaders of the vocational rehabilitation VR program. VR was born in the 1920's and was dominated by the emerging science of psychology. HR activists came to political maturity in the 1960's and adopted a civil-rights ideology. It is suggested that both the professional and the civil rights outlook have their share of contradictions and that these contradictions need to be understood before they can be unraveled. (4 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)