Factors and clusters for the Brazelton Scale: An investigation of the dimensions of neonatal behavior.

B. M. Lester et al (see record 1982-28799-001) proposed a set of 7 a priori clusters (e.g., orientation and Reflexes) for reducing data from the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale. In the present study, the distributional and psychometric properties of these clusters were examined in 162 neonates. The distributions of 5 clusters were reasonably normal, but 2 were significantly positively skewed. The 2 clusters whose items were recoded so that midrange optimal scores would be high and extreme scores low exhibited poor internal consistency. In addition, 3 clusters contained some items that were only weakly related to others in their respective clusters. A revised set of clusters was constructed based on data from 6 independent samples. The revised clusters exhibited greater internal consistency than the Lester clusters, comparable or stronger test–retest reliability, and a greater degree of orthogonality. The 2 sets of clusters performed similarly in 4 tests of concurrent validity that used examiner persistence, general irritability, birthweight, and gestational age as criterion variable. (31 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Intermittent metal cutting at small cutting depths—2. Cutting forces

Cutting forces in intermittent metal cutting at small cutting depths were investigated by single edge experiments. Single cutting strokes were performed in a modified Charpy pendulum tester which offers cutting and thrust force measurement and accurate selection of cutting speed and feed in ranges typical for many intermittent high speed steel (HSS) tool operations.

The cutting performance of a number of double rake HSS edges, with primary rake angles ranging from +20° (“parrot bill”) to −60°, all with a preground 0.1 mm flank length were tested in two steel grades (one plain carbon and one austenitic stainless). Some of the edge geometries were tested also in TiN coated condition. The relative performance of the different edges was investigated with respect to specific cutting and thrust forces. The influence of cutting length and depth, edge micro geometry, TiN coating and cutting speed is discussed specifically.

Among the most important observations were:

• The cutting and thrust forces at a fixed cutting depth may change significantly during the short (25–30 mm) cuts.

• The chamfer formed by a double rake geometry with negative primary angle increases the forces.

• For these chamfered tools the forces increase linearly with the projected flank length. TiN coating increases rather than reduces the forces during these short cuts.

The relationships between the varied parameters and chip formation phenomena like dead zone formation, chip curl and surface finish were presented in part 1 of this paper.     

Annealing studies of TiC and (Ti,V)C structures prepared by activated reactive evaporation

Films of TiC and (Ti, V)C solid solutions which had been deposited by the activated reactive evaporation process were annealed in an ultrahigh vacuum transmission electron microscope. Recrystallization of the deposit occured at 1000 °C, with the result that the microstructure transformed from fibrous grain bundles to a structure consisting of equiaxed grains of diameter 100 Å. The grain size was stabilized by an ultrafine network of cavities which were part of the original microstructure deposited at lower temperatures. The presence of a Ti₃O phase after annealing at 1000 °C was also observed.     

A comparison of sodium methoxide-treated lards

The treatment of lard with interesterification catalysts can give a variety of products, depending on the time and temperature relationships used in the treatment. These products are distinguished from each other by several means; x-ray diffraction analysis, cooling curves, dilatometric analysis, photomicrographic analysis, and glyceride composition. A correlation of the physical and functional properties of these treated lards has been made, showing that a stable shortening with good baking characteristics is associated with complete and permanent alteration in lard crystal structure, that is, crystal modification. Shortenings from those lards which exhibit somebeta crystal properties either initially or on subsequent storage do not retain these desirable characteristics. Presented at the 34th fall meeting, American Oil Chemists' Society, New York, October 17–19, 1960.     

A component analysis of cognitive-behavioral treatment for depression.

The purpose of this study was to provide an experimental test of the theory of change put forth by A. T. Beck, A. J. Rush, B. E Shaw, and G. Emery ( 1979 ) to explain the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CT) for depression. The comparison involved randomly assigning 150 outpatients with major depression to a treatment focused exclusively on the behavioral activation (BA) component of CT, a treatment that included both BA and the teaching of skills to modify automatic thoughts (AT), but excluding the components of CT focused on core schema, or the full CT treatment. Four experienced cognitive therapists conducted all treatments. Despite excellent adherence to treatment protocols by the therapists, a clear bias favoring CT, and the competent performance of CT, there was no evidence that the complete treatment produced better outcomes, at either the termination of acute treatment or the 6-month follow-up, than either component treatment. Furthermore, both BA and AT treatments were just as effective as CT at altering negative thinking as well as dysfunctional attributional styles. Finally, attributional style was highly predictive of both short- and long-term outcomes in the BA condition, but not in the CT condition. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

HLA associations of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis in a Cree and Ojibway population

Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus) is used as a traditional treatment for diabetes. In this study, incorporation of eucalyptus in the diet (62.5 g/kg) and drinking water (2.5 g/L) reduced the hyperglycemia and associated weight loss of streptozotocin-treated mice. An aqueous extract of eucalyptus (AEE) (0.5 g/L) enhanced 2-deoxy-glucose transport by 50%, glucose oxidation by 60% and incorporation of glucose into glycogen by 90% in mouse abdominal muscle. In acute, 20 min incubations, 0.25-0.5 g AEE/L evoked a stepwise 70-160% enhancement of insulin secretion from the clonal pancreatic beta-cell line (BRIN-BD11). The stimulatory effect of 0.5 g/L AEE was unaltered by the presence of 400 micromol diazoxide/L and prior exposure to AEE did not alter subsequent insulin secretory response to L-alanine, thereby negating adetrimental effect on cell viability. The effect of AEE was not potentiated by glucose or demonstrable in cells exposed to a depolarizing concentration of KCl. Further study of the insulin-releasing effects of AEE revealed the activity to be heat stable, acetone insoluble, stable to acid, but abolished by exposure to alkali. Sequential extraction with solvents revealed activity in both methanol and water fractions, indicating the presence of more than one biologically active extract constituent. These data indicate that Eucalyptus globulus represents an effective antihyperglycemic dietary adjunct for the treatment of diabetes and a potential source for discovery of new orally active agent(s) for future therapy.     

Methodological considerations in behavioral toxicology in infants and children.

The effect of exposure to neurotoxic substances on cognitive and behavioral development has become an important research focus within developmental psychology in recent years. Research design considerations are critically important in these studies, because random assignment and experimental control of extraneous influences are not possible and effects are often subtle and not seen in every exposed individual. Oversampling from the most highly exposed individuals is usually needed to ensure detection of toxic effects. Valid and reliable assessment must be made of important potential confounders, yet control variables must not be so confounded with exposure as to obscure toxic effects. In the assessment of developmental outcome, apical measures may provide the greatest sensitivity, and narrow-band tests, more information about the specific nature of the impairment. Dose-response analyses can help determine the lowest exposure levels at which deficits are seen ("thresholds"). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)