Effects of alternative modeling strategies on outcomes of interpersonal-skills training.

The effects of 2 alternative modeling strategies (using multiple scenarios and combining negative and positive model displays) on outcomes of a behavior modeling training program were explored. Trainees (N?=?72) participated in a program on assertive communication structured to allow for a controlled experimental design that crossed scenario variability (1 vs multiple scenarios) with model display variability (positive model displays vs positive and negative model displays). Outcomes assessed included trainee reactions, learning, and retention and behavioral measures of reproduction and generalization. The effects of multiple scenarios were negligible, but the positive and negative combination of model displays had a significant positive effect on trainee generalization and a significant negative effect on reproduction. Implications for future modeling research and practice are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Post-traumatic stress disorder and smoking: a systematic review.

We conducted a systematic review of what is known about the relationship between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and smoking to guide research on underlying mechanisms and to facilitate the development of evidence-based tobacco treatments for this population of smokers. We searched Medline, PsychINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and identified 45 studies for review that presented primary data on PTSD and smoking. Smoking rates were high among clinical samples with PTSD (40%-86%) as well as nonclinical populations with PTSD (34%-61%). Most studies showed a positive relationship between PTSD and smoking and nicotine dependence, with odds ratios ranging between 2.04 and 4.52. Findings also suggest that PTSD, rather than trauma exposure itself, is more influential for increasing risk of smoking. A small but growing literature has examined psychological factors related to smoking initiation and maintenance and the overlapping neurobiology of PTSD and nicotine dependence. Observational studies indicate that smokers with PTSD have lower quit rates than do smokers without PTSD. Yet a few tobacco cessation treatment trials in smokers with PTSD have achieved quit rates comparable with controlled trials of smokers without mental disorders. In conclusion, the evidence points to a causal relationship between PTSD and smoking that may be bidirectional. Specific PTSD symptoms may contribute to smoking and disrupt cessation attempts. Intervention studies that test behavioral and pharmacological interventions designed specifically for use in patients with PTSD are needed to reduce morbidity and mortality in this population.     

Affiliation motivation: People who need people… but in different ways.

The Interpersonal Orientation Scale was developed to focus on four dimensions assumed to underlie affiliation motivation: social comparison, emotional support, positive stimulation, and attention. Factor analyses basically supported the proposed multidimensional construct. Evidence for the validity of the four dimensions was provided by their correlations with measures of constructs conceptually related to affiliation motivation and their lack of correlation with measures conceptually unrelated to affiliation motivation. Moreover, in a laboratory study, each motivational subscale tended to correlate most highly with role-played responses in a situation affording the relevant incentive type. Future research on social motivation and interaction will profit from identifying the particular incentives that are salient in a given setting. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Preceramic organoboron–silicon polymers

Several boron-containing organosilicon polymers were synthesized from a sodium-coupling reaction of silicon and boron halides with and without alkyl halide in hydrocarbon solvents. The B–Si preceramic polymers were characterized using techniques such as IR, UV, and NMR spectrometry, gel permeation chromatography, elemental analysis, molecular weight measurement, and thermal analyses (TGA, DSC, DTA, and TMA). The chemical structures of the preceramic polymers were postulated based on the analytical results. Black ceramic materials were obtained from the precursor polymers upon thermal degradation at temperatures above 1000°C in an inert atmosphere. The precursor polymers had a ceramic yield of up to 70%. Thermogravimetric analysis of the ceramic material in air at a flow rate of 100 mL/min showed it was stable up to 1000°C with little weight gain or loss. Several methods were used to characterize the ceramic materials: XRD, solid NMR, high-temperature DTA, elemental analysis, and acid digestion. The analyses indicated that the ceramic materials comprised a mixture of silicon carbide (SiC), silicon borides (SiB₄, SiB₆), and amorphous Si–B–C ceramics, with small amounts of silica and free silicon.     

Stress fracture of the sternum: an unusual injury?

Stress fracture of the sternum is a rare condition which presents as acute anterior chest pain after repetitive upper-body exercise. Two case reports are presented and it is postulated that this is an often underdiagnosed condition which should be considered in the differential diagnosis of acute chest pain in the athlete. Awareness of the injury together with meticulous clinical examination supported by good quality radiographs or isotope bone scan may lead to an increase in the diagnosis of this injury.     

Currents induced on multiconductor transmission lines by radiationand injection

Multiconductor transmission line theory is used to compare current induced on individual wires within a bundle by injection and radiated excitation. Calculations show that the two types of excitation generally induce significantly different current distributions, but the differences are much smaller for electrically short lines. The results are relevant to the validity of using current injection testing to replace radiated immunity testing     

The determination of polymer additive effects in a spherilene process HDPE matrix upon water carry-over in water quenched,cast film extrusion

A test method useful in determining the effects of polymer additives upon water carry-over (WCO) in water quenched, cast film extrusion is presented. Data from this test is obtained on film specimens based in a Spherilene process HDPE resin individually doped with 250 and 500 ppm of six various primary and secondary antioxidants and acid scavengers. Water contact angles and film surface tension data is also presented. The WCO test is reproducible and data may be applied to commercial production. Different additives that carry out the same function in the polymer may have greatly varying WCO properties; these differences are not detected by equilibrium goniometry.     

Experience with the antibiotic resistance analysis and DNA fingerprinting in tracking faecal pollution at two lake beaches.

Posting or closing of swimming beaches because of faecal contamination is a widespread problem reported in many locations. In a risk-based approach to this problem, the risk to swimmers' health is assessed by field monitoring of indicator bacteria and the associated risks are managed by source controls and other remedial measures. In risk assessment, great advances have been made in recent years with the introduction of microbial source tracking (MST) techniques. Two such techniques, antibiotic resistance analysis and DNA fingerprinting, were applied in a study of causes of faecal contamination at two lake beaches in Toronto, Ontario. Both methods identified bird faeces as the dominant sources of E. coli. Coping with this type of pollution presents a major environmental challenge.     

Consumer preference not to choose: Methodological and policy implications

Residential consumers remain reluctant to choose new electricity suppliers. Even the most successful jurisdictions, four US states and other countries, have had to adopt extensive consumer education procedures that serve largely to confirm that choosing electricity suppliers is daunting. Electricity is not unique in this respect; numerous studies find that consumers are generally reluctant to switch brands, even when they are well-informed about product characteristics. If consumers prefer not to choose, opening regulated markets can reduce welfare, even for some consumers who do switch, as the incumbent can exploit this preference by raising price above the formerly regulated level. Policies to open markets might be successful even if limited to industrial and commercial customers, with residential prices based on those in nominally competitive wholesale markets.