Behavior and heredity: Statement by the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues.

In response to a comment by E. B. Page (1972), the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues (SPSSI) Council unanimously passed a resolution that an SPSSI Commission be constituted to deal with the issue of equality. Initial actions taken by the Commission are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Multichip module with planar-integrated free-space optical vector-matrix-type interconnects

Even in the semiconductor industry, free-space optical technology is nowadays seen as a prime option for solving the continually aggravating problem with VLSI chips, namely, that the interconnect technology has failed to keep pace with the increase in communication volume. To make free-space optics compatible with established lithography-based design and fabrication techniques the concept of planar integration was proposed approximately a decade ago. Here its evolution into a photonic microsystems engineering concept is described. For demonstration, a multichip module with planar-integrated freespace optical vector-matrix-type interconnects was designed and built. It contains flip-chip-bonded vertical-cavity surface emitting laser arrays and a hybrid chip with an array of multiple-quantum-well p-i-n diodes on top of a standard complementary metal-oxide semiconductor circuit as key optoelectronic hardware components. The optical system is integrated into a handy fused-silica substrate and fabricated with surface-relief diffractive phase elements. It has been optimized for the given geometrical and technological constraints and provides a good interconnection performance, as was verified in computer simulations on the basis of ray tracing and in practical experiments.     

Effect of Flavonoids on Feeding Preference and Development of the Crucifer Pest Mamestra configurata Walker

Thirty-seven flavonoid compounds (9 flavones, 18 flavonols, 8 flavanones, and 2 flavanonols) were investigated for their effect on feeding choice with bertha armyworm (Mamestra configurata Walker; BAW). Feeding choice was dependent upon subtle differences in biochemical structure. Unsubstituted flavone and flavanone were the strongest feeding deterrents in the choice bioassay, while 7.4'-dihydroxyflavone and dihydroquercetin stimulated BAW to feed. The constitutive flavonoids of Brassica napus, isorhamnetin-3-sophoroside-7-glucoside and kaempferol-3,7-diglucoside, were effective deterrents when supplemented at concentrations higher than endogenous levels. In a no-choice bioassay, flavone reduced both larval weight as well as larval and pupal development time.     

Sirolimus, a new, potent immunosuppressive agent

Sirolimus (SRL), a potent immunosuppressant, is currently being investigated in phase III trials for prophylaxis of renal transplant rejection. The mechanism of action of SRL is a blockade of the response of T and B cells to cytokines, thereby preventing cell cycle progression in G1 and consequently cell proliferation. There seems to be a good correlation between SRL concentrations, estimated as exposure by the area under the concentration versus time curve, and trough whole blood concentration, so that therapeutic monitoring may be done by trough levels only. Because of the low frequency of allograft rejection, there has been no documented correlation between trough concentrations and efficacy. Trough SRL concentrations of 15 ng/ml or higher seem to be associated with an increased frequency of adverse effects. Drug-associated toxicities include thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and increases in cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The drug has synergy with cyclosporine (CsA) in vitro as well as in animal and clinical studies. In phase II trials the combination of SRL-CsA therapy reduced the frequency of acute rejection episodes, permit withdrawal of concomitant corticosteroid therapy, and allowed reduction of CsA dosages in nonblack patients.     

The long term effects of traumatic brain injury on the roles of caregivers

This study was conducted to identify the long term effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on the roles of caregivers. The subjects consisted of 155 caregivers of survivors with TBI who were randomly selected from 15 midwestern state brain injury association databases. A questionnaire was developed by the researchers to determine factors affecting role changes of caregivers. The Role Checklist, by Barris, Oakley and Kielhofner, was also included with the questionnaire. Both were mailed to each selected caregiver and used for data gathering. The data obtained were analysed to determine existing trends in the data. Graphs were utilized to depict the trends that was identified. The following trends and conclusions established by this research include: (a) behavioural effects of the survivor with a TBI are associated with the number of role changes experienced by caregivers; (b) participation in support systems is associated with the number of role changes experienced by caregivers; and (c) caregivers who care for a person with a TBI in the home will show a larger number of role changes than those who do not provide direct care for a person with a TBI.     

Moment-based image normalization with high noise-tolerance

In this paper the effects of noise with nonzero mean on existing moment-based image normalization methods are studied. Several modifications to reduce noise sensitivity are presented and tested. They involve nonlinear mapping and fractional- and negative-order moments