Showing papers by "Vanderbilt University published in 1987"

Social-information-processing factors in reactive and proactive aggression in children's peer groups

Abstract: We examined social-information-processing mechanisms (e.g., hostile attributional biases and intention-cue detection deficits) in chronic reactive and proactive aggressive behavior in children's peer groups. In Study 1, a teacher-rating instrument was developed to assess these behaviors in elementary school children (N = 259). Reactive and proactive scales were found to be internally consistent, and factor analyses partially supported convergent and discriminant validities. In Study 2, behavioral correlates of these forms of aggression were examined through assessments by peers (N = 339). Both types of aggression related to social rejection, but only proactively aggressive boys were also viewed as leaders and as having a sense of humor. In Study 3, we hypothesized that reactive aggression (but not proactive aggression) would occur as a function of hostile attributional biases and intention-cue detection deficits. Four groups of socially rejected boys (reactive aggressive, proactive aggressive, reactive-proactive aggressive, and nonaggressive) and a group of average boys were presented with a series of hypothetical videorecorded vignettes depicting provocations by peers and were asked to interpret the intentions of the provocateur (N = 117). Only the two reactive-aggressive groups displayed biases and deficits in interpretations. In Study 4, attributional biases and deficits were found to be positively correlated with the rate of reactive aggression (but not proactive aggression) displayed in free play with peers (N = 127). These studies supported the hypothesis that attributional biases and deficits are related to reactive aggression but not to proactive aggression.

Graph Classes : A Survey

Abstract: Preface 1. Basic Concepts 2. Perfection, Generalized Perfection, and Related Concepts 3. Cycles, Chords and Bridges 4. Models and Interactions 5. Vertex and Edge Orderings 6. Posets 7. Forbidden Subgraphs 8. Hypergraphs and Graphs 9. Matrices and Polyhedra 10. Distance Properties 11. Algebraic Compositions and Recursive Definitions 12. Decompositions and Cutsets 13. Threshold Graphs and Related Concepts 14. The Strong Perfect Graph Conjecture Appendix A. Recognition Appendix B. Containment Relationships Bibliography Index.

Treatment of Disseminated Germ-Cell Tumors with Cisplatin, Bleomycin, and either Vinblastine or Etoposide

Abstract: Standard chemotherapy for disseminated germ-cell tumors includes a combination of cisplatin, vinblastine, and bleomycin, but this regimen produces substantial neuromuscular toxicity. In a randomized clinical trial in 261 men with disseminated germ-cell tumors, we substituted etoposide for the vinblastine in this regimen in half the patients to compare the efficacy and toxicity of the two treatments. Among 244 patients who could be evaluated for a response, 74 percent of those receiving the regimen including vinblastine and 83 percent of those receiving the regimen including etoposide became disease-free with or without subsequent surgery (P not significant). Among the 157 patients with high tumor volume, 61 percent became disease-free on the regimen that included vinblastine, as compared with 77 percent on the regimen that included etoposide (P less than 0.05). Survival among the patients who received etoposide was higher (P = 0.048). The regimens were similar in terms of myelosuppressive effects and pulmonary toxicity. However, the etoposide regimen caused substantially fewer paresthesias (P = 0.02), abdominal cramps (P = 0.0008), and myalgias (P = 0.00002). We conclude that etoposide with cisplatin and bleomycin is superior to vinblastine with cisplatin and bleomycin in the treatment of disseminated germ-cell tumors because of diminished neuromuscular toxicity and, among patients with advanced disease, better efficacy.

Issues and recommendations regarding use of the Beck Depression Inventory

Abstract: Issues concerning use of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) for the self-report of depressive symptomatology are raised and considered. Discussion includes the stability of depression and the need for multiple assessment periods, specificity and the need for multiple assessment measures, and selection cut scores and the need for terminological accuracy. Recommendations for the continued use of the BDI, designed to facilitate the integration of diverse studies and improve research on self-reported depression, are provided.

Psychotropic Drug Use and the Risk of Hip Fracture

Abstract: To assess the risk of hip fracture associated with the use of four classes of psychotropic drugs, we performed a case-control study of 1021 patients with hip fractures and 5606 controls among elderly Medicaid enrollees. Persons treated with hypnotics-anxiolytics having short (less than or equal to 24 hours) elimination half-lives had no increased risk of hip fracture. By contrast, a significantly increased risk was associated with current use of hypnotics-anxiolytics having long (greater than 24 hours) elimination half-lives (odds ratio, 1.8; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.3 to 2.4), tricyclic antidepressants (odds ratio, 1.9; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.3 to 2.8), and antipsychotics (odds ratio, 2.0; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.6 to 2.6). The risk increased in relation to the doses of drugs in these three classes. An analysis for possible confounding by dementia did not alter the results. Previous but noncurrent use of drugs in these classes conferred no increase in risk. Although a cause-and-effect relation was not proved, these data support the hypothesis that the sedative and autonomic effects of psychotropic drugs increase the risk of falling and fractures in elderly persons. The results suggest the need for studies of this association in other populations and for evaluation of newer psychotropic drugs with fewer undesirable sedative and autonomic effects.

Comparison of the consensus sequence flanking translational start sites in Drosophila and vertebrates

Abstract: The previously presented consensus sequence for eukaryotic translation initiation sites by Kozak was derived substantially from vertebrate mRNA sequences. Drosophila nuclear genes exhibit a significantly different translation start consensus sequence. These differences probably do not represent mechanistic differences in translation initiation inasmuch as both taxa exhibit identical preferences and restrictions at the crucial -3 position. Using more conservative criteria for the assignment of consensus the following consensus sequences were derived: vertebrate--CANCAUG and Drosophila--CAAAACAUG.

The effect of message framing on breast self-examination attitudes, intentions, and behavior.

Abstract: In this study we tested the framing hypothesis that a pamphlet stressing the negative consequences of not performing breast self-examination (BSE) would be more persuasive than a pamphlet emphasizing BSE's positive consequences. College-aged female subjects were exposed to a loss-frame pamphlet, a gain-frame pamphlet, or a no-arguments pamphlet, or they received no pamphlet describing the importance of and the techniques for performing BSE. Attitudes toward BSE and intentions to perform BSE were assessed immediately after this intervention and again 4 months later. The follow-up also assessed subjects' postexperimental BSE behavior. Consistent with predictions, subjects who read a pamphlet with arguments framed in loss language manifested more positive BSE attitudes, intentions, and behaviors than did subjects in the other three conditions. The greater impact of the loss pamphlet could not be attributed to greater fear arousal, better memory for pamphlet content, greater perceived susceptibility to breast cancer, or stronger beliefs in BSE's efficacy on the part of the loss subjects. Only measures of perceived self-efficacy in performing BSE were differentially affected by the framing manipulation, with loss subjects reporting the greatest levels of self-confidence. The results are discussed in terms of prospect theory's framing postulate and a simpler negativity-bias conceptualization, and underlying mechanisms such as differential salience and vividness are considered. Clinical implications of the findings are also explored.

High-dose corticosteroids in patients with the adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Abstract: Corticosteroids are widely used as therapy for the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) without proof of efficacy. We conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of methylprednisolone therapy in 99 patients with refractory hypoxemia, diffuse bilateral infiltrates on chest radiography and absence of congestive heart failure documented by pulmonary-artery catheterization. The causes of ARDS included sepsis (27 percent), aspiration pneumonia (18 percent), pancreatitis (4 percent), shock (2 percent), fat emboli (1 percent), and miscellaneous causes or more than one cause (42 percent). Fifty patients received methylprednisolone (30 mg per kilogram of body weight every six hours for 24 hours), and 49 received placebo according to the same schedule. Serial measurements were made of pulmonary shunting, the ratio of partial pressure of arterial oxygen to partial pressure of alveolar oxygen, the chest radiograph severity score, total thoracic compliance, and pulmonary-artery pressure. We observed no statistical differences between groups in these characteristics upon entry or during the five days after entry. Forty-five days after entry there were no differences between the methylprednisolone and placebo groups in mortality (respectively, 30 of 50 [60 percent; 95 percent confidence interval, 46 to 74] and 31 of 49 [63 percent; 95 percent confidence interval, 49 to 77]; P = 0.74) or in the reversal of ARDS (18 of 50 [36 percent] vs. 19 of 49 [39 percent]; P = 0.77). However, the relatively wide confidence intervals in the mortality data make it impossible to exclude a small effect of treatment. Infectious complications were similar in the methylprednisolone group (8 of 50 [16 percent]) and the placebo group (5 of 49 [10 percent]; P = 0.60). Our data suggest that in patients with established ARDS due to sepsis, aspiration, or a mixed cause, high-dose methylprednisolone does not affect outcome.

Production and auto-induction of transforming growth factor-alpha in human keratinocytes.

Abstract: Transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) is a polypeptide which is structurally related to epidermal growth factor (EGF) and binds to the EGF receptor TGF-alpha synthesis occurs in a variety of neoplastic cells and during early fetal development but has not been reported in normal cells of the adult organisms TGF-alpha has therefore been regarded as an embryonic growth factor which is inappropriately expressed during neoplasia Here we report that primary cultures of normal human keratinocytes synthesize TGF-alpha Furthermore, we show that addition of EGF or TGF-alpha to these cultures induces TGF-alpha gene expression, suggesting that a mechanism of auto-induction exists Analysis of normal skin biopsies using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry demonstrates the in vivo presence of TGF-alpha messenger RNA and protein in the stratified epidermis

Development of a questionnaire for the assessment of active and passive coping strategies in chronic pain patients.

Abstract: This study describes the development of a self-report questionnaire, the Vanderbilt Pain Management Inventory, which assesses the frequency with which chronic pain patients use active or passive coping strategies when their pain reaches a moderate or greater level of intensity. Two internally reliable scales, Active Coping and Passive Coping, were derived using factor analytic techniques from a sample of 361 rheumatoid arthritis patients. The 2 scales showed an opposite pattern of relationships with criterion measures. While Active Coping was associated with reports of less pain, less depression, less functional impairment, and higher general self-efficacy, Passive Coping was correlated with reports of greater depression, greater pain and flare-up activity, greater functional impairment, and lower general self-efficacy. The relationship of these scales to previous theory and research on coping is presented. These scales appear useful for the assessment of coping strategies in clinical settings and in treatment outcome research on chronic pain.

Hostile attributional biases among aggressive boys are exacerbated under conditions of threats to the self.

Abstract: Previous studies have found a tendency for aggressive boys to display hostile attributional biases and social cue interpretation deficits. It was hypothesized that these biases and deficits would be exaggerated under conditions of social anxiety and threat. Aggressive and nonaggressive boys aged 8 - 10 (total N = 65) were administered tests of attributional tendencies and social cue interpretation skills (via videorecorded stimuli) under relaxed and threatening conditions. It was found that, relative to normal boys, aggressive boys displayed a bias toward attributing hostile intentions to peers, a deficit in interpreting accurately others' intentions, and a deficit in linking interpretations to behavioral responses. The hypothesis that these biases and deficits would be exaggerated under conditions of threat was also supported. Findings were interpreted as consistent with theories of preemptive processing and emotional vulnerability in aggressive boys.

Algebras, lattices, varieties

Abstract: Introduction. Preliminaries. Basic concepts. Lattices. Unary and binary operations. Fundamental algebraic results. Unique factorization. Bibliography. Table of notation. Index.

Suramin inhibition of growth factor receptor binding and mitogenicity in AKR‐2B cells

Abstract: Suramin, a polyanionic compound, has previously been shown to dissociate platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) from its receptor. In the present study suramin was found to inhibit the growth of sparse cultures of AKR-2B cells in fetal bovine serum (FBS)-supplemented medium in a dose-dependent, reversible fashion. Suramin also inhibited the ability of FBS, transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), heparin-binding growth factor type-2 (HBGF-2), and epidermal growth factor (EGF) to stimulate DNA synthesis in density-arrested cultures of AKR-2B cells. The inhibition of growth factor-stimulated mitogenicity was directly correlated to the dose of suramin required to inhibit the binding of 125I-labeled TGFβ, HBGF-2, and EGF to their cell surface receptors. Suramin affected TGFβ and HBGF-2-related events at a 10–15-fold lower dose than that required for EGF-related events. It was also noted that suramin inhibited TGFβ-stimulated soft agar colony formation of AKR-2B (clone 84A) cells as well as the spontaneous colony formation of AKR-MCA cells, a chemically transformed derivative of AKR-2B cells. This demonstrates that suramin's spectrum of action for growth factors and their receptors should be extended to include TGFβ, HBGF-2, and EGF as well as PDGF. The data further suggest that the spontaneous growth of AKR-MCA cells in soft agar is dependent on growth factor binding to cell surface receptors.

Perceived control and health

Abstract: Perceived control (PC) is defined as thebelief that one can determine one’s own internal states and behavior, influence one’s environment, and/or bring about desired outcomes. Two important dimensions of PC are delineated: (1) whether the object of control is located in the past or the future and (2) whether the object of control is over outcome, behavior, or process. A variety of constructs and measures of PC (e.g., efficacy, attribution, and locus of control) are discussed in relation to these dimensions and selected studies are reviewed. The issues, controversies, and limits of the research on perceived control and health are addressed in terms of the antecedents and consequences of perceived control. Investigations should clearly conceptualize the object of perceived control, use measures that match the conceptualization, and when attempting to manipulate control, directly measure perceived control. The relation between PC and health outcomes is complex, and different aspects of PC may interact to affect health outcomes.

Cellular retinoid-binding proteins.

Abstract: • A number of specific carrier proteins for members of the vitamin A family have been discovered. Two of these proteins bind all-trans-retinol and are found within cells important in vitamin A metabolism or function. These two proteins have considerable sequence homology and have been named cellular retinol-binding protein (CRBP) and cellular retinol-binding protein, type II (CRBP [II] ). A third intracellular protein, cellular retinoic acid-binding protein (CRABP) also is structurally similar but binds only retinoic acid. Although retinol appears to be bound quite similarly by the two retinol-binding proteins, subtle differences are apparent that appear to be related to the different functions of the two proteins. That, coupled with the specific cellular locations of the two proteins, suggests their roles. Cellular retinol-binding protein appears to have several roles, including (1) delivering retinol to specific binding sites within the nucleus and (2) participating in the transepithelial movement of retinol across certain blood-organ barriers. In contrast, CRBP (II) appears to be involved in the intestinal absorption of vitamin A and, in particular, may direct retinol to a specific esterifying enzyme, resulting in the production of fatty acyl esters of retinol that are incorporated into chylomicrons for release to the lymph. Like CRBP, CRABP can deliver its ligand retinoic acid to specific binding sites within the nucleus, sites different from those for retinol. The nuclear binding of retinol and retinoic acid may be part of the mechanism by which vitamin A directs the state of differentiation of epithelial tissue. (Arch Dermatol1987;123:1693-1695a)

Cloning of complementary DNA for GAP-43, a neuronal growth-related protein

Abstract: GAP-43 is one of a small subset of cellular proteins selectively transported by a neuron to its terminals. Its enrichment in growth cones and its increased levels in developing or regenerating neurons suggest that it has an important role in neurite growth. A complementary DNA (cDNA) that encodes rat GAP-43 has been isolated to study its structural characteristics and regulation. The predicted molecular size is 24 kilodaltons, although its migration in SDS-polyacrylamide gels is anomalously retarded. Expression of GAP-43 is limited to the nervous system, where its levels are highest during periods of neurite outgrowth. Nerve growth factor or adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate induction of neurites from PC12 cells is accompanied by increased GAP-43 expression. GAP-43 RNA is easily detectable, although at diminished levels, in the adult rat nervous system. This regulation of GAP-43 is concordant with a role in growth-related processes of the neuron, processes that may continue in the mature animal.

The functions of program theory

Abstract: The role of theory in program evaluation is an important but neglected area in evaluation practice and theory. Program theory has several important functions that can improve our ability to generalize from particular evaluations, contribute to social science theory, and achieve consensus in evaluation planning.

Epidermal growth factor

Abstract: During the course of purifying nerve growth factor from the submaxillary gland of the mouse, Cohen (1960) and Levi-Montalcini and Cohen (1960) noticed that daily injections of certain gland extract fractions into newborn mice produced developmental changes that could not be ascribed to nerve growth factor. These changes included precocious opening of the eyelids (7 days compared to the usual 14 days) and a similar early eruption of the incisors. Using these gross anatomical changes as an assay, Cohen (1962) proceeded to isolate the active factor — a polypeptide which he termed epidermal growth factor (EGF).

Variability in hand surface representations in areas 3b and 1 in adult owl and squirrel monkeys.

Abstract: Detailed microelectrode maps of the hand representation were derived in cortical areas 3b and 1 from a series of normal adult owl and squirrel monkeys. While overlap relationships were maintained, and all maps were internally topographic, many map features varied significantly when exam­ ined in detail. Variable features of the hand representations among different monkeys included a) the overall shapes and sizes of hand surface represen­ tations; b) the actual and proportional areas of representations of different skin surfaces and the cortical magnifications of representations of specific skin surfaces, which commonly varied severalfold in area 3b and manyfold in area 1; c) the topographic relationships among skin surface representa­ tions, with skin surfaces that were represented adjacently in some monkeys represented in locations many hundreds of microns apart in others; d) the internal orderliness of representations; e) the completeness of representa­ tions of the dorsal hand surfaces; and f) the skin surfaces represented along the borders of the hand representation. Owl monkey maps were, in general, internally more strictly topographic than squirrel monkey maps. In both species, area 3b was more strictly topographic and less variable than was area 1. The degree of individual variability revealed in these experiments is difficult to reconcile with the hypothesis that details of cortical maps are ontogenetically specified during a period in early life. Instead, we propose that differences in the details of cortical map structure are the consequence of individual differences in lifelong use of the hands. This conclusion is consistent with earlier studies of the consequences of peripheral nerve tran­ section and digital amputation, which revealed that cortical maps are dy­ namically maintained and are alterable as a function of use or nerve injury in these monkeys CMerzenich et al., '83a,b, '84a; Merzenich, '86; Jenkins et al., '84; Jenkins and Merzenich, '87).

"Eating lightly" and the self-presentation of femininity.

Abstract: In Experiment 1, male and female subjects were given an opportunity to snack as they participated in a "get-acquainted study" with a same-sex or opposite-sex partner (confederate) whose social desirability was manipulated. Consistent with the hypothesis that women may eat less when motivated to present themselves in a feminine light, female subjects ate significantly less with a desirable male partner than in the remaining three conditions. In contrast, male subjects did not eat more (or less) with a desirable woman, although they did show an overall tendency to eat less with female (vs. male) partners. In Experiment 2, female subjects snacked as they got acquainted with a desirable male partner (confederate). Before this interaction, subjects received feedback indicating that they had either very masculine or very feminine interests. In addition, subjects believed either that their male partner was aware of their gender feedback or that he was unaware. Consistent with predictions derived from Schlenker's (1982) analytic-identity theory of social conduct, subjects in the partner-aware conditions ate less when they had received masculine (vs. feminine) feedback, whereas subjects in the partner-unaware conditions ate less when they had received feminine (vs. masculine) feedback. Implications for understanding eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are discussed.

Utilization of Self-Schemas as a Mechanism of Interpretational Bias in Aggressive Children

Abstract: The goal of this research was to examine social information-processing mechanisms that may be responsible for hostile interpretational biases among aggressive children. In Study 1, 32 aggressive and 42 nonaggressive adolescent boys and girls were presented with hypothetical stories in which they were to imagine being the object of an ambiguous provocation by a peer. Their task was to interpret the peer's intention. Equal numbers of cues supporting a hostile interpretation and a benign interpretation accompanied the stories. Aggressive subjects demonstrated a relative bias toward attributing hostile intent to the peer provocateur. It also was found that aggressive subjects were less likely than others to utilize presented cues and more likely than others to utilize self-schemas when asked to explain their decisions. This pattern of cue utilization was not responsible for the interpretational patterns, however. In Study 2, similar stories were presented, but the numbers of hostile and benign cues were weigh...

Cardiovascular and respiratory effects of adenosine in conscious man. Evidence for chemoreceptor activation.

Abstract: The cardiovascular and respiratory effects of intravenous adenosine were studied in conscious normal volunteers. Bolus injections of adenosine increased systolic and diastolic pressures initially (+15 and +13 mm Hg after 100 micrograms/kg) followed by a subsequent reduction in systolic and diastolic pressures (-12 and -16 mm Hg). Heart rate increased during trough blood pressure (R-R interval shortening of 298 msec after 100 micrograms/kg). Adenosine steady-state infusions increased heart rate (+30 beats/min during 140 micrograms/kg/min), systolic pressure (+16 mm Hg), and pulse pressure (+21 mm Hg) but decreased diastolic pressure slightly (-5 mm Hg), resulting in no significant change in mean arterial pressure. Adenosine stimulated respiration, resulting in decreased PaCO2 (41 to 31 mm Hg), increased PaCO2 (101 to 113 mm Hg), and increased pH (7.42 to 7.50). The increased ventilation was not explained by bronchoconstriction, hypotension, or hypoxia. The observed pressor and tachycardic effects are mediated through reflex autonomic mechanisms since they are completely abolished in patients with severe autonomic failure. These autonomic mechanisms probably involve chemoreceptor activation since adenosine is pressor when infused in the aortic arch proximal to the origin of the carotid arteries but depressor when infused in the descending aorta. It is concluded that the hemodynamic and respiratory effects of adenosine observed in normal volunteers are in part due to chemoreceptor stimulation. These findings raise the possibility that adenosine is an endogenous modulator of respiration in man.

Ovarian thecal cells produce transforming growth factor-β which can regulate granulosa cell growth

Abstract: Ovarian thecal cells in culture were found to synthesize and secrete transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ). A component in thecal cell-conditioned medium was immunologically similar to TGFβ, as assessed with a RIA, and inhibited specific binding of TGFβ to its cell surface receptors. Thecal cell-secreted proteins also contained TGFβ biological activity, which was determined by stimulation of soft agar colony formation by AKR-2B indicator cells. Specific TGFβ antibodies precipitated a 25 K protein from radiolabeled thecal cell-secreted protein that comigrated with purified platelet-derived TGFβ. Both bovine thecal cell and rat thecal/interstitial cell preparations produced TGFβ, which required acid treatment to obtain fully active samples. The physiological significance of TGFβ production by thecal cells was addressed through an analysis of the effects of TGFβ on bovine granulosa cell growth. TGFβ inhibited epidermal growth factor stimulation of granulosa cell growth, but alone it had no apparent influence. ...