Self-generated validity and other effects of measurement on belief, attitude, intention, and behavior.

Drawing from recent developments in social cognition, cognitive psychology, and behavioral decision theory, we analyzed when and how the act of measuring beliefs, attitudes, intentions, and behaviors affects observed correlations among them. Belief, attitude, or intention can be created by measurement if the measured constructs do not already exist in long-term memory. The responses thus created can have directive effects on answers to other questions that follow in the survey. But even when counterparts to the beliefs, attitudes, and intentions measured already exist in memory, the structure of the survey researcher's questionnaire can affect observed correlations among them. The respondent may use retrieved answers to earlier survey questions as inputs to response generation to later questions. We present a simple theory predicting that an earlier response will be used as a basis for another, subsequent response if the former is accessible and if it is perceived to be more diagnostic than other accessible inputs. We outline the factors that determine both the perceived diagnosticity of a potential input, the likelihood that it will be retrieved, and the likelihood that some alternative (and potentially more diagnostic) inputs will be retrieved. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Molecular cloning, sequencing, and expression of the 36 kDa protein present in pars planitis. Sequence homology with yeast nucleopore complex protein

PURPOSE: Patients with active pars planitis have increased levels of a 36 kDa protein (p-36) in their circulation. The current studies were undertaken to determine the primary structure of this protein. METHODS: A degenerate oligonucleotide probe based on the amino terminal sequence of p-36 was used to identify a clone from a human spleen cDNA library. The cDNA insert was subcloned into the EcoR1 site of pUC-19, and both strands were sequenced. Southern blot analysis was used to study the genomic hybridization pattern. p-36 cDNA was subcloned in a pSG5 expression vector, and the construct was used to transfect COS-7 cells. RESULTS: The cDNA sequence contained an open reading frame of 966 base pairs encoding a protein of 322 amino acids, an untranslated region of 322 base pairs, and 2693 base pairs at the 5' and 3' ends, respectively. The deduced amino acid sequence showed 96.8% identity with the carboxy-terminal region of a yeast nucleopore complex protein, nup 100. Southern blot analysis of human genomic DNA revealed a simple hybridization pattern. Transfection of p-36 cDNA in COS-7 cells resulted in the presence of p-36 mRNA and expression of protein. CONCLUSIONS: The 36 kDa protein (p-36) detected at increased levels in the blood of patients with active pars planitis was cloned from a human spleen cDNA library. Its deduced amino acid sequence is homologous with the carboxy-terminal region of a nucleopore complex protein. Thus, we refer to this protein as nup36.     

Inserts for fastening sheet molding compounds

New stainless steel inserts are developed for fastening sheet molding compound (SMC). Using these molded-in inserts, SMC components can be assembled without protrusions. The inserts consist of two mating surfaces which interlock through the existence of a shoulder male boss and a shoulder female counterbore. Repeated assembly and disassembly can take place without damaging the material being fastened. The strength of the joint, when using these interlocking inserts, is comparable to that when using bolts. Also being investigated is the strength of the joint after being immersed in water for half a month. The difference between the dry and wet strengths for the inserted samples is less than that for the bolted samples. Load versus extension plots show that these particular inserts provide a more rigid joint than a bolted connection.     

Structural Determinants of the Sign of the Pyroelectric Effect in Quasi‐Amorphous SrTiO3 Films

The magnitude and direction of the permanent electric polarization in the non‐crystalline, polar phase (termed quasi‐amorphous) of SrTiO₃ in SiSiO₂MeSrTiO₃Me, (Me = Cr or W), SiSrRuO₃SrTiO₃, and SiSrTiO₃ layered structures were investigated. Three potential sources of the polarization which appears after the material is pulled through a temperature gradient were considered: a) contact potential difference; b) a flexoelectric effect due to a strain gradient caused by substrate curvature; and c) a flexoelectric effect due to the thermally induced strain gradient that develops while pulling through the steep temperature gradient. Measurements show that options a) and b) can be eliminated from consideration. In most cases studied in this (SiSrTiO₃, SiSiO₂MeSrTiO₃Me, M = Cr or W) and previous works (SiBaTiO₃, SiBaZrO₃), the top surface of the quasi‐amorphous phase acquires a negative charge upon heating. However, in SiSrRuO₃SrTiO₃ structures the top surface acquires a positive charge upon heating. On the basis of the difference in the measured expansion of the upper and lower surfaces of the SrTiO₃ layer in the presence and absence of SrRuO₃, we contend that the magnitude and direction of the pyroelectric effect are determined by the out‐of‐plane gradient of the in‐plane strain in the SrTiO₃ layer while pulling through the temperature gradient.     

Evolution of social learning when high expected payoffs are associated with high risk of failure

In an environment where the availability of resources sought by a forager varies greatly, individual foraging is likely to be associated with a high risk of failure. Foragers that learn where the best sources of food are located are likely to develop risk aversion, causing them to avoid the patches that are in fact the best; the result is sub-optimal behaviour. Yet, foragers living in a group may not only learn by themselves, but also by observing others. Using evolutionary agent-based computer simulations of a social foraging game, we show that in an environment where the most productive resources occur with the lowest probability, socially acquired information is strongly favoured over individual experience. While social learning is usually regarded as beneficial because it filters out maladaptive behaviours, the advantage of social learning in a risky environment stems from the fact that it allows risk aversion to be circumvented and the best food source to be revisited despite repeated failures. Our results demonstrate that the consequences of individual risk aversion may be better understood within a social context and suggest one possible explanation for the strong preference for social information over individual experience often observed in both humans and animals.     

Rigid poly(vinyl chloride)-organosolv lignin blends for applications in building

The article presents preliminary work carried out to prepare and evaluate the blends obtained from an unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) compound, formulated with several amounts of TiO₂ and an organosolv lignin. A series of blends in which lignin replaced partially or totally the TiO₂ were made on a laboratory scale. The influence of lignin on the melt processing of the blends and on their stress-strain properties was studied. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed to examine the contribution of lignin to the properties of these blends. The possibility of a proton donor/proton acceptor interaction between lignin and PVC chains is discussed. This can arise due to the interaction between the carbonyl group of lignin and α hydrogen of PVC or between hydroxyl groups of lignin and chlorine of PVC. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Demonstration of EBR-II power maneuvers without control rod movement

A group of five plant inherent control tests was successfully conducted in November 1987 in the Experimental Breeder Reactor II. These tests demonstrated that the plant power of a metal-fueled reactor can be passively controlled over a large power range by slowly changing the primary flow and the reactor inlet temperature. These variables are, in turn, regulated by the primary pump speed, the secondary flow, and the turbine inlet pressure. In all tests, control rods were not used to regulate power. It was demonstrated that the plant power can be controlled with reasonable accuracy without using control rods when the reactivity feedback characteristics of the reactor are well understood and the plant controllers are adequately designed.     

Radiation-chemical synthesis of poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel containing dicyclohexano-18-crown-6

Radiation-chemical synthesis of poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels containing physically immobilized dicyclohexano-18-crown-6 was carried out. Remarkable gel fraction of 40-70% was observed at absorbed dose of about 5 kGy. Increasing degree of poly(vinyl alcohol) crosslinking led to growth of the efficiency of crown ether immobilization. Post-irradiation thermal annealing of the hydrogel samples at 120 °C for 0.5-5 h resulted in an increase of crown ether retention as compared with non-annealed samples by approximately 20% at the same absorbed dose. Preliminary results on a sorption behavior of the crown-containing hydrogels with respect to Sr²⁺ cations in 2.4 M HNO₃ solution are presented.     

Recurrent Epstein-Barr virus-associated lesions in organ transplant recipients

This paper discusses the problem of violence and its expression upon mortality due to external causes. A few indicators are offered, which have been worked upon it to emphasise the importance of the theme. In a general way, the study demonstrates violent death has had its magnitude increased along the years, not only throughout Latin America but also in Brazil and in Santa Catarina.