Left ventricular geometry in presenting untreated hypertension

In order to investigate the spectrum of geometry in our patient population, 63 untreated hypertensives underwent two-dimensional echocardiography. Left ventricular (LV) mass index and relative wall thickness, a measure of wall thickness in relation to cavity size, were calculated from the M-mode strip. In addition, to assess the sphericity of the left ventricle the ratio of LV minor to major hemiaxis was calculated. The subjects comprised 41 men (17 Caucasian, 22 Afro-Caribbean and two Oriental), and 21 women (five Caucasian, 12 Afro-Caribbean and two Oriental). Concentric hypertrophy was present in 46% of subjects, concentric remodelling in 32% of subjects, eccentric hypertrophy in only 6% of subjects and a normal left ventricular shape in 16% of subjects. The degree of sphericity of the left ventricle was similar among the four groups, suggesting that it does not change in uncomplicated hypertension. In contrast to the previously published combined series from Sassari and New York we had a low proportion of patients with either eccentric hypertrophy or normal left ventricular geometry. This is probably due to the high proportion of Afro-Caribbean subjects in our clinic population who are more likely to have left ventricular hypertrophy.     

Social skill deficit interventions for substance abusers.

Because substance abusers demonstrate significant cognitive and behavioral skill deficits, 2 social competency models of habilitation are proposed to increase abusers' life management skills and coping abilities. Social problem-solving training programs focus on generic cognitive problem-solving deficits, while social skills training programs address specific behavioral deficiencies. Social problem solving is a cognitive-behavioral approach that teaches people how to think, emphasizing thinking that is alternative, consequential, means-end, perspective taking, and social-causal. Social skills training may be taught using modeling, role playing, rehearsal, coaching, and feedback. Both approaches have been successful for increasing social adjustment and diminishing psychopathology among high-risk substance abusers. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effects of intermittent and constant punishment on resistance to punishment in a free operant situation for the albino rat.

Trained male Wistar albino rats (10 experimental and 9 control Ss) to barpress for food reinforcement in a 2-bar cyclic response chain situation. Responding on 1 bar led also to a punishment (footshock) on either an intermittent or constant schedule. Both punishment schedules led to increased responding on the nonpunished bar and to initial response suppression followed by recovery on the punished bar. For Ss on the intermittent schedule, the response increase on the nonpunished bar was seen only after a punishment on the other bar. Similar effects were found for transfer time between the 2 bars. The effects of punishment on response to both bars were more pronounced for the intermittent punishment groups. Results are discussed in terms of the motivational constructs of A. Amsel and of R. K. Banks. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Effects of group membership, relative performance, and self-interest on the division of outcomes.

Each of 105 male undergraduates divided a fixed prize of $3 between 2 competitors. Three factors were varied: (a) group membership of Person 2 (in-group or out-group), (b) relative performance of Person 1 (higher or lower than Person 2, and (c) participation in the prize (Person 1 was self or another in-group member). Low-performing Ss allocated to high performers more than high-performing Ss allocated to themselves and more than nonparticipants allocated to high performers. The largest amount allocated to low performers occurred in the allocation by a nonparticipant to a low-performing in-group member who was competing against an out-group person. Results do not fit 2 existing theoretical analyses of group bias. Instead, results indicate the importance of impression management. The fixed prize induced a substantial number of winner-take-all allocations, rarely found when the prize is determined by the sum of the performances. (17 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Global aspects of sunlight as a major energy source

To achieve and sustain a decent livable world for all is a central goal for human society. While an abundant supply of energy is not in itself a determinant of such a world, it is nevertheless essential. A careful inquiry suggests that sunlight could eventually be the primary and even exclusive source of heat, electricity and synthetic fuels for the entire world, continuously and eternally on a scale (upwards of 100 TW) generally regarded possible only with fusion or with fission via the fast breeder. This could be achieved through a global network of solar conversion facilities coupled with appropriate energy transport and storage systems, and appears to be possible within acceptable constraints on energy payback time, materials and water resources, capital investment, and available suitable land.     

From figurative to operative expectancy in the perceptual judgments of children.

Conducted 2 studies on "figurative expectancy," the tendency to make perceptual judgments on the basis of temporal patterns. In Exp I, 60 4-9 yr old children were shown 4 series of animal pictures in which the relative strengths of the temporal patterns were varied. Results show (a) a significant decrease with age in figurative expectancy and (b) significantly more figurative expectancy in the case of a strong temporal sequence linked with a weak critical figure than in the case of a weak temporal sequence linked with a strong critical figure. In Exp II, 66 4-yr-old children were shown a single series of pictures presented at different rates and with critical figures that were ambiguous or nonambiguous. Results show that there was more figurative expectancy the more rapid the rate of presentation. There was also an ambiguity effect showing more figurative expectancy judgments the greater the ambiguity of the critical figure. Results support Piaget's theory of perceptual development. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The child's perception of the parent.

"Interviews were held with 217 children of both sexes whose ages ranged from 6-0 to 10-2. Their answers to questions related to their perception of their parents were obtained. Both girls and boys stated that fathers were less friendly and more dominant, punitive, and threatening than mothers. There was, however, a consistent tendency for the older children to be more likely than the younger children to view the parent of the same sex as more dominant and punitive. It was suggested that differential handling of boys and girls might partially account for this latter finding." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Numerical modeling of reinforced concrete containment walls under cyclic shear

This paper provides an overview of research in numerical modeling of reinforced concrete containment walls subjected to cyclic shear. Bases for the development of the model are discussed, and application of the model is shown. Further research needs and interests are suggested for improved analysis capabilities and design.     

A utility analysis of a weighted application blank designed to predict turnover for clerical employees.

Demonstrated the validity of a weighted application blank in predicting turnover for clerical employees. Cross-validated results showed relatively low shrinkage of the validity coefficient, and indicated that weighted application blank scores could be used as a basis of selection. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)