An object-oriented database for protein structure analysis

An object-oriented database system has been developed whichis being used to store protein structure data. The databasecan be queried using the logic programming language Prolog orthe query language Daplex. Queries retrieve information by navigatingthrough a network of objects which represent the primary, secondaryand tertiary structures of proteins. Routines written in bothProlog and Daplex can integrate complex calculations with theretrieval of data from the database, and can also be storedin the database for sharing among users. Thus object-orienteddatabases are better suited to prototyping applications andanswering complex queries about protein structure than relationaldatabases. This system has been used to find loops of varyinglength and anchor positions when modelling homologous proteinstructures.     

The Dutch "Drs" degree is an ABD.

Extends F. M. McPherson's (see record 1986-20607-001) discussion of the "Drs" doctoral degree in the Netherlands, emphasizing that the Drs degree is an all-but-dissertation (ABD) degree. While generally recognized as the practitioner degree in the Netherlands, the Drs is not equivalent to the American PhD degree. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Emerald: A general-purpose programming language

Emerald is a general-purpose language with aspects of traditional object-oriented languages, such as Smalltalk, and abstract data type languages, such as Modula-2 and Ada. It is strongly typed with a non-traditional object model and type system that emphasize abstract types, allow separation of typing and implementation, and provide the flexibility of polymorphism and subtyping with compile-time checking. This paper describes the Emerald language and its programming methodology. We give examples that demonstrate Emerald's features, and compare and contrast the Emerald approach to programming with the approaches used in other similar languages.     

The importance of lead and cadmium stabilizers to the vinyl compounder

The inorganic salts of lead were the first materials proposed for use as vinyl stabilizers, and even though newer families of materials have been developed, lead salts continue to fill an important role in vinyl stabilization. They are irreplaceable in the manufacture of electrical insulation for high-temperature use and are still considered among the most powerful of stabilizer types. Cadmium organic salts, as part of complex barium-cadmium-zinc systems, have proven indispensible in the manufacture of vinyl compounds requiring a combination of outstanding heat and light stability. The move in Detroit towards the manufacture of lighter, more fuel-efficient automobiles would be difficult without the use of plastics, including some of the more sophisticated vinyl compounds stabilized with barium cadmium-zinc combinations.     

Are the ends of tachistoscopic arrays processed first?

In a previous study, P. M. Merikle, M. Coltheart, and D. G. Lowe (see record 1971-28058-001) explained their finding that a patterned mask following a tachistoscopic letter array selectively interferes with report of the middle of the row by assuming that processing begins at the ends of rows. The present study with 6 Ss tested this "ends-first" hypothesis, 1st by replicating the effect, then using monetary payoffs to redistribute processing priorities in favor of the center of the row. This redistribution was reflected in performance, but the selective masking effect at the center of the row was undiminished. The simple assumptions which refute the ends-first hypothesis are described. (French summary) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Pratfalls in moderator research.

Considers that studies attempting to improve prediction by identifying and using moderator variables frequently incorporate methodological difficulties which could easily affect the accuracy of their conclusions. Several pitfalls are described that have appeared in published investigations: misuse of regression equation, residual scores, and validity coefficients, as well as failure to perform a complete evaluation of the moderators' actual contribution to prediction. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The effects of temperature,pressure and water on the preparation of glass-mica composite material

A systematic investigation on the fabrication of glass-mica composite materials from recycled colourless soda-lime glass powders and phlogopite-type mica powders has been conducted. Mixtures of two specific compositions of the glass-mica system were used and the investigation was based on several chosen processing parameters. When compacted powder samples were sintered at temperatures in the range 780 to 900° C, samples of one composition formed a composite material having a cellular structure; whereas samples of the other composition formed a composite material having a highly-dense ceramic structure. Sample evaluations showed that both the sintering temperature and the quantity of water which is added to the glass-mica mixtures as wetting agent in the powder compaction process are sensitive processing parameters. They can control the physical, mechanical and thermal properties of the glass-mica composite material. It was found that when glass-mica dry mixtures were prepared with the addition of a quantity of water equivalent to about 10% of the sample weight and sintered at the temperature of 850° C, the resultant composite material exhibited optimum physical, mechanical and thermal properties. The compressive strength and thermal insulating value of the glass-mica composite material with the densified structure are found to be superior to those of several conventional building materials, such as masonary products, lightweight concrete and soda-lime glass components. The experimental findings suggest that the glass-mica composite material is a potential structural element for building construction applications as it may contribute to energy conservation.     

Teaching ethical principles by means of value confrontations.

Presents an approach to teaching ethical standards and principles to graduate psychology students. Students are asked to respond to critical incidents involving ethical dilemmas. Existing values and beliefs are confronted and the student is challenged to seek solutions to the dilemmas. Topics range from ethical issues in psychotherapy research to values inherent in major theories of personality. Sample discussions from several topics are presented. The position is taken that the teaching of ethical principles is facilitated by value confrontations. (21 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The facilitating effects of money and moral set on the moral judgment of adolescent delinquents.

Previous research with normal elementary school children and adolescent delinquents had demonstrated the effectiveness of modeling procedures in promoting their level of intentionality (i.e., the developmentally more mature judgment of a misdeed in terms of intent rather than consequent material damages). The present study with 20 male juvenile delinquents (mean age = 12 yrs) investigated the extent to which such increases in intentionality reflect the appearance of previously acquired responses, rather than the learning of new behaviors as a consequence of modeling. Following establishment of a baseline, Ss were exposed to a manipulation in which money and adult moral set maximized the operation of old moral response styles but precluded the learning of new ones. Posttest evaluation revealed significant increases of 20% in level of intentionality in experimental Ss in comparison with controls. Alternative interpretations of these effects are considered. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)