Systematic effects of participant role on evaluation of the psychotherapy session.

This study identified systematic differences between therapists (n?=?114) and patients (n?=?119) in the process components that predict evaluation of psychotherapy sessions. The Comprehensive Scale of Psychotherapy Session Constructs was developed to measure 9 process variables and their relationships to session evaluation from the perspectives of therapist and patient. Regression equations predicting session evaluation from the process components for the 2 groups were significantly different. Therapist session evaluation was best predicted by therapist expertness, and patient session evaluation was best predicted by the therapist real relationship. The therapist real relationship negatively predicted therapist session evaluation when all process variables were considered simultaneously. Patient progress and patient involvement significantly and positively predicted both therapist and patient evaluation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Preprecipitation in Al/Zn/Mg alloys studied by hardness and small-angle X-ray scattering measurements

Small-angle X-ray scattering techniques and hardness measurements have been used to study preprecipitation in two Al/Zn/Mg alloys containing the same Zn content (2.46 at. %) but different Mg contents. Changes in Guinier-Preston (G-P) zone size are observed to follow the same pattern as changes in hardness. It is also observed that a critical zone size is required for the nucleation of the intermediate precipitate,'; the size being dependent on the Mg content. The role of Mg as a reversible-vacancy trap is also established.     

Deformation behavior and texture development in beta Ti-V alloys

Beta phase titanium-vanadium alloys in the composition range 20 to 40 wt pct vanadium were studied to determine the dependence of mechanical properties and texture formation on deformation modes. Changes in twinning probability and slip characteristics with vanadium content are reflected in wide variations in sheet textures in both as-rolled and rolled and recrystallized samples. These sheet textures exhibit strongly anisotropic strength properties which may be qualitatively related to the type of texture.     

Retention of raw data: A problem revisited.

Requested raw data from a sample of authors in 1 issue of 4 psychological journals which vary from "hard" to "soft" scientific methodology in the articles published. Despite differences between the authors in the "hard" and "soft" journals, replies indicate that at present there is a greater tendency toward sharing data than has been reported previously. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Testing for children: Assessment and the many determinants of intellectual competence.

Schools have a responsibility to each child and to society to match curricula to each child's needs and talents. While cognitive functioning is usually assessed to determine this match, the author presents arguments that motivation and adjustment are equally important determinants of what is termed "intellectual competence." It is felt that the poor learning histories of children labeled disadvantaged are probably due more to motivational insufficiencies and adjustment difficulties than to cognitive insufficiencies. By taking into account the interactive contributions of environments and genotypes to motivation and adjustment, a more accurate, less biased assessment of each child can be directed explicitly to the child's needs. (27 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

In vivo characterisation of a novel bioresorbable poly(lactide-co-glycolide) tubular foam scaffold for tissue engineering applications

Polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) foams of tubular shape were assessed for their use as soft-tissue engineering scaffolds in vitro and in vivo. Porous membranes were fabricated by a thermally induced phase separation process of PLGA solutions in dimethylcarbonate. The parameters investigated were the PLGA concentration and the casting volume of solution. Membranes produced from 5 wt/v % polymer solutions and a 6 ml casting volume of polymer solution were selected for fabricating tubes of 3 mm diameter, 20 mm length and a nominal wall thickness of 1.5 mm. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the structure of the tubular foams consisted of radially oriented and highly interconnected pores with a large size distribution (50-300 microm). Selected tubes were implanted subcutaneously into adult male Lewis rats. Although the lumen of the tubes collapsed within one week of implantation, histological examination of the implanted scaffolds revealed that the foam tubes were well tolerated. Cellular infiltration into the foams, consisting mainly of fibrovascular tissue, was evident after two weeks and complete within eight weeks of implantation. The polymer was still evident in the scaffolds after eight weeks of implantation. The results from this study demonstrate that the PLGA tubular foams may be useful as soft-tissue engineering scaffolds with modification holding promise for the regeneration of tissues requiring a tubular shape scaffold such as intestine.     

Effects of type of social reinforcement on the intelligence performance of lower-class Black children.

Examined the effects of different types of reinforcement on the performance of 80 Black 2nd grade males on the WISC-R. Ss given candy or culturally relevant social reinforcement obtained significantly higher scores than Ss given either no reinforcement or traditional social reinforcement. (2 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Saccharomyces sensu stricto: systematics, genetic diversity and evolution

Saccharomyces sensu stricto is a species complex that includes most of the yeast strains relevant in the fermentation industry as well as in basic science. The taxonomy of these yeasts has always been controversial, particularly at species level. Over the years, the grouping of Saccharomyces sensu stricto yeasts has undergone changes in accordance with the system employed in classifying yeast cultures. Names of species and single isolates have also undergone changes that have caused confusion for yeast scientists and fermentation technologists. Recent findings have demonstrated that Saccharomyces hayanus and S. pastorianus are not homogeneous and do not seem to be natural groups. The present work examines the current trends in systematics studies, evidences the importance and mechanism of genetic variation and explores the most recent evolutionary theories as a way to elucidate the mechanism of speciation and achieve a more natural grouping of Saccharomyces sensu stricto species.     

New method for simultaneous anatomical and functional studies of articular joints and its application to the human knee

In this paper a new methodology is described for the acquisition and computer elaboration of joint anatomy and motion data and the study of their correlation. The method uses a particular commercial electrogoniometer never used before for biomechanic investigations and software developed by the author for numerical interpolations and interactive display of the anatomical structures during joint motion. The original data acquisition protocol and computer elaboration software are described in detail, the theoretical and experimental accuracy of the method is reported and the original features and potential benefits of this approach in the field of joint biomechanics are discussed. Finally an experimental application for geometrical and functional analysis of the knee is presented as a practical example.