A behavioral and pharmacological analysis of variables mediating active-avoidance behavior in rats.

In Exp. I, two strains of rats (F344 and ZM) were run in a discriminated -maze avoidance task. The F344s were greatly superior to ZMs in acquiring the avoidance response although both strains learned the discrimination. Analysis of other response measures indicates that F344s made significantly more active responses, suggesting that differences in avoidance behavior were due to strain-specific differences in the unconditioned response to shock. In Exp. II, the same Ss were administered d-amphetamine, scopolamine, or a combination of the 2 drugs. These manipulations significantly improved avoidance behavior in the ZM strain and increased other active responses. Results suggest that the prepotent variable in active-avoidance acquisition is the extent to which the S's response to shock is compatible with the response required. (23 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Attributional influences in counselor decision making.

We investigated the relation between counselors' causal explanations for clients' presenting problems and subsequent treatment assignments. After an intake interview counselors rated presenting problems on four attributional dimensions and on several other variables thought to influence counselor judgment (e.g., severity and duration of problem and treatment urgency). The results demonstrate that ratings of duration of problem and attributions of stability of cause best predicted treatment decisions. Specifically, a linear relationship emerged; as stability of cause and duration of problem increased, assignments to long-term treatment were more likely. We conclude that attributional processes may play a role in counselor decision making not previously acknowledged and discuss implications for practice and further research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Oil production by fermentation of lactose and the effect of temperature on the fatty acid composition1

Strains of the yeastsCandida curvata andTrichosporon cutaneum were isolated that were able to ferment the lactose of cheese whey and ultrafiltered whey permeate to produce oil. Rapid fermentation rates and lactose utilization were achieved by the Gcurvata strains. The fermentation was more efficient on permeate than whey, because the organisms used whey protein very poorly. Methods of extracting the oil were compared, and the best results were obtained by sequential extraction with methanol and benzene or by ethanol and hexane. The fatty acid composition of the yeasts varied with the growth temperature, fermentation time, and medium. The oil was rich in 18:1, 16:0, and 18:0. The process is a technically feasible means of using whey permeate. 1journal Paper No. J-9135 of the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station, Ames, IA. Project 2144.     

A meta-analysis of the relation of job characteristics to job satisfaction.

Determined, using meta-analysis procedures, the relation between job characteristics and job satisfaction in 28 studies. The role of growth need strength (GNS) as a possible moderator of this relation was also investigated. Results indicate a moderate relation between job characteristics and job satisfaction. This relation was stronger for employees high in GNS. It is suggested that situational characteristics were more important in determining satisfaction for employees low in GNS. A model based on these findings is proposed. (16 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Rapid gas-liquid chromatographic determination of low levels of erucic acid in rapeseed using an internal standard

A method is described for rapid determination of erucic acid in low erucic rapeseed. The method is suited primarily to erucic acid levels below 1 % and so provides greater sensitivity and accuracy than other procedures adapted to this range. Oil is expressed by means of rollers and the fatty acids are routinely transmethylated before gas-liquid chromatographic separation isothermally at 215°C. For maximum speed and accuracy the methyl ester of tricosanoic acid (C23:0) is included as internal standard. It elutes after erucic acid (C22:1) and within 15 min of injection. Satisfactory resolution of behenic (C22:0) and erucic acids is achieved, with good separation from other fatty acids and from the internal standard, on a steady baseline. Using one column repeatedly or two columns alternately, approximately 30 samples can be analysed in 1 day. With dual integrators the sample output can be doubled. Within the range below 1 % erucic acid, oils of high (0.9% m/m) and low (0.2% m/m) content returned coefficients of variation (c.v.) of ± 1.1 % and ± 2.5%, respectively. When rapeseed sample variation was included, precision fell away and c.v. changed to ± 7% and ± 12%, respectively. Sample variation is examined briefly and suggestions are made to reduce this source of error.     

Is there life after graduate school? Coping with the transition to postdoctoral employment.

Suggests that graduate programs in psychology typically do not provide their students with anticipatory socialization concerning entry into a professional setting, the role demands of professional life, and the personal adjustments needed for professional development. The process of adjustment for recent graduates of doctoral programs in psychology, coping strategies for individuals, and possible methods of intervention via training programs and employment settings are discussed. Suggestions are provided that may be helpful to training program directors and to new professionals, their supervisors, and their colleagues. (20 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Aggression, need for social approval, and humor preferences.

This study investigated the humor preferences of Ss with extreme scores on need aggression and need for social approval under alcohol and nonalcohol conditions. Since aggression is disapproved by the middle class, conflict in the S was inferred by the relationships between these 2 scores. High-aggression Ss rated aggressive cartoons as funnier than did low-aggression Ss. Nonsense cartoons were rated higher by high need for social approval Ss than by low need for social approval Ss. Alcohol seemed to facilitate the expression of repressed aggressive needs in humor since the ratings of aggressive cartoons by high aggression-high need for social approval Ss were greater under alcohol than nonalcohol conditions. This difference was not found for high aggression-low need for social approval Ss, nor for the Ss with low need aggression. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Post-Indentation Slow Growth of Radial Cracks in Glasses

An expression is developed for the slow growth of radial cracks after indentation using established notions of slow crack growth and residual stresses at the tip of radial cracks. This expression is substantiated by data gathered on indentation of microscope slides tested in air and water environments. The agreement is reasonable with the published values of the glass stress-corrosion susceptibility coefficients. It is suggested that the present approach represents a simple and straightforward method of measuring the stress-corrosion susceptibility of glasses.     

Ovarian-adrenal interactions in regulation of body weight by female rats.

Conducted 7 experiments with a total of 40 female Sherman albino rats. Ovariectomy induced an increase, and estrogen treatment after ovariectomy a decrease, in the level at which Ss regulated their body weights. Food-intake changes were transient, intake returning toward normal values as terminal body weight was approached. Results suggest these intake changes were probably secondary to effects on the weight-regulating system itself. Adrenalectomy blocked or reversed the weight gain which followed ovariectomy. This effect was not a matter of incapacity but seemed to reflect a resetting of the weight-regulating system so that a low weight level was voluntarily maintained. (20 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)