Effects of headings on text processing.

Reports 2 experiments concerned with the effects of headings, both embedded and intact (outline), on the processing of complex text material. Results of Exp I with 132 undergraduates indicate that embedded headings reliably improved delayed test performance. In Exp II with 106 Ss, it was further found that instructions in the use of headings as processing aids facilitated test performance. A discrepancy, however, was observed between the 2 experiments in that the presentation of headings without instructions failed to increase test scores significantly on the dependent measures of Exp II. Sensitization to the headings is proposed as one possible explanation for the results. (34 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Hierarchical organization in ordered domains: Estimating the dates of events.

In this article we examine certain consequences of hierarchical organization in memory for domains involving ordered items. In particular, when ordered items are organized at more than one level of precision, and memory is inexact (but unbiased) at a particular level of detail, the boundaries arising from the division of larger units will lead to biases in estimation. Here we develop a quantitative model to account for bias in the temporal domain. We present data from a study of memory for dates across bounded intervals in which large bias effects are observed, and we show that the model entirely accounts for these effects. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The problem of self-analytically choosing the weights

This article is the eighth of a series of articles discussing various open research problems in automated reasoning. Here we focus on self-analysis and the weighting strategy. The problem proposed for research asks one to find a means for an automated reasoning program to self-analytically determine which weights or priorities to give to clauses at various points during the program's attempt to complete a given assignment. For evaluating a proposed solution to this research problem, we include suggestions concerning possible test problems.This work was supported by the Applied Mathematical Sciences subprogram of the Office of Energy Research, U.S. Department of Energy, under contract W-31-109-Eng-38.     

Network Design Using SMDS and Leased Lines

In this paper we consider designing a high-speed virtual private network using a combination of heterogeneous telecommunication services. In particular, we consider mixing SMDS access lines and point-to-point digital leased lines to construct a virtual private network at minimum cost. We develop a nonlinear combinatorial optimization model and a simulated annealing algorithm to find a high-performance, low-cost network design. We compute lower bounds on cost savings from using mixed services as opposed to pure SMDS based on actual tariffs and realistic traffic.     

p53 immunohistochemical staining predicts residual disease after chemoradiation in patients with high-risk rectal cancer

This study was conducted to investigate the value of p53 immunohistochemical staining of pretreatment biopsy specimens in predicting the response of rectal cancer to chemoradiation. The study group comprised 42 patients with high-risk rectal cancer treated between July 1990 and July 1995 with a preoperative chemoradiation regimen of 45 Gy of external-beam irradiation and continuous-infusion 5-fluorouracil followed by surgical resection. p53 immunohistochemical staining was performed on pretreatment biopsy specimens. p53 immunohistochemical staining pattern and standard clinical and pathological parameters were correlated with extent of residual cancer in the surgical specimen. Twenty tumors were positive for p53 on immunohistochemical staining, 19 were negative, and 3 were focally positive. Thirteen patients experienced a complete response to chemoradiation. Aberrant p53 protein accumulation, as measured by immunohistochemical staining, correlated inversely with a complete pathological response to chemoradiation (P = 0.005; correlation coefficient = -0.43) and directly with an increased likelihood of residual cancer in the lymph nodes of surgical specimens (P = 0.02; correlation coefficient = 0.39). p53 immunohistochemical staining of pretreatment biopsy specimens correlates with the extent of residual disease after chemoradiation in patients with high-risk rectal cancer.     

Sexual self-schema and sexual morbidity among gynecologic cancer survivors.

Longitudinal research indicates that approximately 50% of women treated for gynecologic cancer have sexual dysfunctions as they recover and become cancer survivors. This outcome occurs in the context of satisfactory quality of life in other domains. This study, comparing gynecologic cancer survivors (n?=?61) and gynecologically healthy women (n?=?74), documents the reliability of the latter observations with measures of quality of life (general, depressive symptoms, social contacts, and stress), sexual functioning, and health. Of added importance are analyses focused on variables that may predict risk for sexual morbidity. Specifically, sexual self-schema is tested as an important, sexually relevant individual difference. In regression analyses that controlled for estimates of precancer sexual behavior (intercourse frequency), extent of disease–treatment, and menopausal symptoms, sexual self-schema accounted for significant variance in predicting current sexual behavior and responsiveness. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

"Response bias and the process-dissociation procedure": Correction to Yonelinas and Jacoby (1996).

Reports an error in the original article by A. P. Yonelinas and L. L. Jacoby (Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 1996, Vol 125[4], 422–434). On page 433, Appendix A, the equations were presented incorrectly. The correct reading of the equations is provided. (The following abstract of this article originally appeared in record 84-06353.) Two different approaches for treating response bias in the process-dissociation procedure were assessed: a multinomial approach proposed by A. Buchner et al (see record 1995-31816-001) and a dual-process, signal-detection approach proposed by A. P. Yonelinas et al (see record 1996-29360-001). The authors examined data presented by Buchner et al and found that, although the signal-detection-based model worked slightly better than the multinomial model, the data did not provide a strong test of either model. However, an examination of other recognition data showed that the multinomial model produced distorted estimates of recollection and familiarity, and it was unable to account for observed receiver operating characteristics (ROCs). In contrast, the dual-process, signal detection model produced unbiased estimates and was able to account for the observed ROCs.… (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Evaluation of impact loading in overhead work using a bolt pistol support.

This paper evaluates the effects of a bolt gun support stand on impact loading of the hand-arm system while firing spiked bolts into a steel beam. Ten healthy male subjects fired two bolts into the centre of the beam, one with and one without the aid of the support stand. During firing of a bolt gun, the shock sequences were recorded by two accelerometers. The analysis showed that peak values of acceleration decreased more than eightfold during firing with the bolt pistol support. The shock damping effect due to the bolt support was noted at the thumb (metacarpal level) and elbow bones.     

Interpersonal, job, and individual factors related to helping processes at work.

Nurses and support staff (N?=?465; mostly women) participated in a survey study examining the relationships among helping, help seeking, quality of work relationships, and job and individual factors. The results were consistent with a model that linked relationship quality and helping behavior and linked 1 person's help seeking and the other's helping. The results were also consistent with a model that linked relationship quality and an individual's judgments about the costs of seeking help. Finally, there was support for relationships between help seeking and job demands and task interdependence, suggesting indirect relationships with helping. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

An Assessment of the Double-Notch Shear Test for Interlaminar Shear Characterization of a Unidirectional Graphite/Epoxy under Static and Fatigue Loading

This research explores a modified testing technique for measuring interlaminar shear properties of orthotropic composite materials. An existing test method (double-notched test method) is examined here to characterize the interlaminar shear properties (strength and fatigue life) of a unidirectional ply under both static and fatigue loading conditions. No complicated fixture is required for the testing method which is beneficial for fatigue testing of the materials. The testing method is verified by a finite element technique where an optimized geometry for the specimen is found. AS4/3501-6 graphite/epoxy material is used in this study. The experimental results show that final failure occurs in the gage area for both static and fatigue loading conditions. Moreover, a reasonable amount of scatter for both the static strength and fatigue life is achieved.