Pervasiveness of the relationship between intrinsic-extrinsic needs and persistence at work.

Administered inventories of 7-19 intrinsic and 8-17 extrinsic needs to 209 teachers, 25 laboratory workers, 27 psychiatric team workers, 86 building workers, 67 special education teachers, 68 nurses, and 141 youth counselors (N = 623). While persistence at work was positively correlated with intrinsic needs, no correlation was found with extrinsic needs. Results are generally consistent across populations. Data are compared with a previous study of nurses, dentists, policewomen, social workers, and youth counselors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Differential perception of counselor behavior.

Investigated questions raised by previous research by A. Barak and M. B. LaCrosse (1975) regarding perceptions of counselor behavior. 127 undergraduates in 3 groups viewed a film of interviews given by Ellis, Perls, or Rogers and rated them on 36 bipolar items (Counselor Rating Form). Results indicate that the perceived dimensions of expertness, attractiveness, and trustworthiness were reliable as measured by the Counselor Rating Form and were moderately intercorrelated. Significant between- and within-counselor differences were found. Results are discussed in terms of perceived counselor behavior, and questions are raised concerning the source of individuals' perceptions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effects of dopamine D?-like and D?-like agonists in rats trained to discriminate cocaine from saline: Influence of experimental history.

Effects of D?-like and D?-like agonists were compared in rats (Rattus norvegicus) with differing levels of experience (24 or 9 mo) in a cocaine discrimination procedure (5.6 mg/kg cocaine; fixed-ratio 20 schedule of food presentation). Cocaine d-amphetamine, and D?-like agonists (quinelorane, 7-OH-DPAT) dose-dependently substituted cocaine in both groups of rats. In contrast D?-like agonists (SKF 82958, SKF 7734) substituted for cocaine only in rats with less discrimination experience. Pretreatment with D?-like agonists increased the stimulus effects of low cocaine-doses in both groups, whereas D?-like agonists produced these effects only in rats with less discrimination experience. The data suggest that the stimulus effects of cocaine overlap with those of D?-like agonists across a broader range of conditions than with those of D?-like agonists. Thus, D?-like receptors may play an especially important role in cocaine's behavioral effects. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Construction safety training using immersive virtual reality

Construction workers’ ability to identify and assess risks is acquired through training and experience and is among the key factors that determine their behaviour and thus their safety. Yet researchers have questioned the effectiveness of conventional safety training. This research tested the hypotheses that safety training in a virtual reality (VR) construction site would be feasible and more effective, in terms of workers’ learning and recall in identifying and assessing construction safety risks, than would equivalent training using conventional methods. Sixty-six subjects were provided training in construction safety and their safety knowledge was tested prior to the training, immediately afterward, and one month later. Half of the subjects received traditional classroom training with visual aids; the other half were trained using a 3D immersive VR power-wall. Significant advantage was found for VR training for stone cladding work and for cast-in-situ concrete work, but not for general site safety. VR training was more effective in terms of maintaining trainees’ attention and concentration. Training with VR was more effective over time, especially in the context of cast-in-situ concrete works. Given the need for improved training and the advantages of training using VR, incorporation of VR in construction safety training is strongly recommended.     

Erythrocyte folate status and serum iron levels in patients undergoing hemodialysis

The present study was aimed to evaluate erythrocyte folate and the iron levels in diabetes and hypertension patients treated with/without hemodialysis. The effects of erythropoietin and iron treatment as well as vitamin supplementation on measured parameters were considered. The 67 controls consisted of healthy subjects (n = 22), hypertensive subjects (n = 22), and diabetic subjects (n = 23) without any renal disorder. According to primary renal disorders, the patients undergoing hemodialysis (n = 68) were classified into four groups as diabetic nephropathy, hypertensive nephropathy, reflux nephropathy or interstitial nephritis, and renal insufficiency depending on other causative factors. The mean value of erythrocyte folate levels of all patients undergoing hemodialysis was higher than the healthy control group (P < 0.05). Erythrocyte folate levels in hypertensive and diabetic nephropathy patients were higher than their own hypertensive or diabetic controls and also healthy controls (both, P < 0.05). Serum iron levels of all subgroups in hemodialysis patients were found to be similar with healthy controls (all, P > 0.05). The only significance observed within the subgroups was between diabetic controls and diabetic nephropathy patients (P < 0.05). None of the treatment or supplementation of erythropoietin, iron and vitamin affected erythrocyte folate levels (all, P > 0.05). The increase in erythrocyte folate status of patients with end stage renal diseases might be the result of sum or individual effects of causative factors such as renal pathology, compensation mechanism against renal anemia, or routine folate supplementation.     

Conservative surgical treatment of a spontaneous splenic rupture during infectious mononucleosis. Report of a case and review of the [Conservative surgical treatment of a spontaneous splenic rupture during infectious mononucleosis. Case report and literature review

A spontaneous splenic rupture occurred in a 31 year old patient suffering from infectious mononucleosis. An echography and an abdominal CT Scan revealed a rupture of the inferior pole of the spleen with a hemoperitoneum. A conservative surgical treatment was performed. Postoperative course was uneventful. This case-report draws the attention to the possibility of a conservative surgical treatment of a splenic rupture in the course of infectious mononucleosis. This attitude avoids the complications of splenectomy.     

The in vivo effect of recombinant human granulocyte-colony stimulating factor in neutropenic neonates with sepsis

The effects of recombinant granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) in neonatal neutropenia with presumed sepsis, which has a poor prognosis, were investigated. The study involved 14 neonates with presumed sepsis and neutropenia. Findings were compared with those from 24 historical controls. rhG-CSF (5 micrograms/ kg/day i.v. for 5 days) was administered immediately following diagnosis. Complete blood counts were obtained before and 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h after initiation of treatment. Neutrophil storage pool (NSP) was assessed (in 4 patients) before and after treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using one way analysis of variance. Treatment led to an increase in absolute neutrophil count (ANC) levels in 13/14 patients. At the end of treatment, the mean ANC was higher than that of controls (P = 0.007). There was a marked increase in the NSP of between 32% and 65% (P = 0.005). There were two clinical failures, one of whom was considered to have died from his underlying condition. There were no reports of clinical or haematological toxicity during treatment or follow up.     

Studies on the biology of Attagenus elongatulus Casey (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) and the effects of larval crowding on pupation and life cycle

The rates of pupation of Attagenus elongatulus Casey larvae were reduced by increased larval crowding. Artificial selection reduced the crowding effects and shortened the minimum life cycle. Female fecundity and mating success declined with age. Male potency was not affected by age but mating success declined. Females produced progeny from eggs laid during the first 4 days after mating with over 80% of the larvae produced during the first 2 days.