Development and validation of adaptability criteria.

A factor analysis of 22 variables obtained from aviation cadets revealed 5 interpretable factors: peer respect, peer acceptance, group conformity, academic achievement, and flying achievement. Hypotheses derived from the adaptability construct were supported. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Classification of neurological status using multiple discriminant function analysis of neuropsychological test scores.

Neuropsychological measures significantly discriminated 3 a priori defined groups: a control group, a brain-damaged group with a positive neurological exam, and a group with validated brain pathology and a negative physical neurological exam. The neuropsychological indices also correctly discriminated as brain damaged 73.5% of those with negative findings on the neurological exam. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Graphic determination of significance of 2 X 2 contingency tables.

There are several techniques available for determining the significance of differences in proportions, or frequencies in the 2 X 2 contingency tables. All of these techniques have their limitations. A method is proposed which overcomes some of these limitations. The method is applicable for the situation where the two samples being compared are independently selected and contain the same number of Ss. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Combat performance: Measurement and prediction.

"This investigation has shown first, that ratings of combat performance and adjustment made in the field by peers, superiors, and psychologists are related to each other and to objective data collected at the same time; second, that combat criterion measures are predictable by precombat criteria of adjustment and performance; and finally, that a complex personality dimension called likability seems to be one of the most enduring characteristics of individuals." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Adaptability measures as predictors of performance ratings.

How well do measures of temperamental and motivational characteristics in training predict success of performance of officers as indicated by Officer Effectiveness Ratings? S were selected from 666 cadets at one base and 69 at another. Variables used were 3 global indicies of adaptability and 10 variables representing the common factors. "(a) measures of adaptability to training and Air Force Life are more highly related to later officer performance than are measures of aptitude or ability; (b) assessments of a man's functioning involving personal judgments of peers, superiors, and experts are predictive of later performance as an Air Force officer." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

A phase I and pharmacokinetic study of a new camptothecin derivative, 9-aminocamptothecin

Camptothecins are the only available antitumor agents which target the nuclear enzyme topoisomerase I. 9-Aminocamptothecin (9-AC) is a water-insoluble derivative of camptothecin which has demonstrated impressive antitumor activity in preclinical models. While two other water-soluble derivatives, CPT-11 and topotecan, have successfully completed Phase I and Phase II testing, biochemical and tissue culture studies suggest that camptothecin analogues differ in characteristics which may be important in determining antitumor activity. We performed a Phase I trial of 9-AC to determine the pharmacokinetics, dose-limiting toxicity, and maximum tolerated dose of this agent when administered as a 72-h continuous i.v. infusion. Thirty-one patients with resistant solid cancers received 5-60 microgram/m2/h 9-AC for 72 h, repeated at 3-week intervals. The drug was administered in a vehicle containing dimethylacetamide, polyethylene glycol, and phosphoric acid. Blood samples were collected and the lactone (closed ring) form of 9-AC was quantitated. The maximum tolerated dose of 9-AC was determined to be 45 microgram/m2/h. Dose-limiting toxicity consisted of neutropenia. Thrombocytopenia was also prominent. There were no significant nonhematological toxicities. Minimal responses were seen in patients with gastric, colon, and non-small cell lung cancer. Although significant interpatient variation in plasma 9-AC lactone levels was observed, pooled data were fit to a two-compartment model, with a terminal half-life of 36 h. Analyses of topoisomerase protein levels in peripheral blood cells indicated decreases in topoisomerase I accompanied by increases in topoisomerase II in two of three patients. 9-AC is an active antitumor agent and may be administered safely as a 72-h infusion in patients with cancer. Although Phase II trials with a 72-h infusion of 9-AC are warranted, alternate schedules should be evaluated given the dramatic preclinical activity seen with more prolonged administrations.     

Heat increment of feeding in Steller sea lions, Eumetopias jubatus

The heat increment of feeding (HIF) was measured in six captive, juvenile Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus), fed meals of either 2 or 4 kg of herring. HIF was calculated as the post-prandial increase in metabolism above baseline levels, and was measured using open-circuit (gas) respirometry. It averaged 12.4 +/- 0.9% (SE) of ingested energy intake for the 4-kg meal trials, and 9.9 +/- 0.9% for the 2-kg meal size. The effect lasted 8-10 hr for the larger meal size. Metabolism peaked 3.7 hr after feeding, and was 2.13 times higher than baseline levels. For the 2-kg meal size, the effect lasted 6-8 hr, with metabolism peaking 2.8 hr after ingestion at 1.76 times baseline levels. Our estimates of HIF for Steller sea lions are at the lower end of estimates for terrestrial mammals, and are consistent with estimates for other marine mammals.     

Actinomycotic thyroiditis in a child

The authors present a unique case of actinomycosis occurring in a 10-year-old girl who presented with a painless, noninflammatory left neck mass of 3 weeks duration. Physical examination findings showed a firm, nontender mass within the left thyroid lobe, and a presumptive diagnosis of thyroid neoplasm was made. Inflammatory changes subsequently occurred and surgical drainage was performed revealing sulphur granules. Histological examination confirmed actinomycosis of the thyroid gland.     

Factor analysis of the Conners Teacher Rating Scale based on a large normative sample.

Presents results of a factor analysis of the Conners Teacher Rating Scale (TRS) using a stratified random sample of 9,583 elementary school children. Although the TRS is used primarily as a screening instrument for hyperactivity, previous factor analytic studies have tended to use small samples generally biased toward pathology. A revised factor structure is presented, with the aim of improving the utility of the TRS as a clinical screening instrument. The psychometric characteristics of the scale are evaluated via measures of internal consistency and random split-half analyses of the sample. Norms for composite factor scores, controlling for sex and age, are also presented. Contrary to earlier findings, a primary factor of Hyperactivity does emerge. (21 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)