Behavioral characteristics related to substance abuse and risk-taking, sensation-seeking, anxiety sensitivity, and self-reinforcement.

Given the multitude of negative outcomes associated with substance abuse and other risk-taking behaviors, the current study sought to investigate sensation seeking, anxiety sensitivity, and self-reinforcement as they relate to participation in high-risk behaviors with 155 undergraduate students. The measures were the Reckless Behavior Questionnaire, Sensation Seeking Scale, Anxiety Sensitivity Index, Heiby Self-Reinforcement Questionnaire, and a sample of items from the treatment factor of the Substance Abuse Attitude Survey. Significant multivariate effects were attributable to sensation seeking and anxiety sensitivity. Sensation seeking and anxiety sensitivity were significant predictors of substance abuse. The model significantly predicted risky sexual behavior with a positive relationship between sensation seeking and risky sexual behavior. High anxiety-sensitivity scores were associated with a greater reported incidence of high-risk sexual practices. Participants highest in sensation seeking were most likely to engage in reckless driving, with male incidence being greater than for females. An unexpected finding was that anxiety sensitivity negatively correlated with substance abuse.

Left-right development: the roles of nodal cilia.

Cilia on the ventral side of the mouse node have been implicated in initiating the left-right axis during embryonic development, but how cilia relate to other factors in the left-right pathway and the mechanism by which cilia convey patterning information remain uncertain.

Self-reinforcement, gender-role, and sex of participant in prediction of life satisfaction.

There have been conflicting results regarding sex differences and gender role in predicting life satisfaction and no research assessing the relationship between life satisfaction and self-reinforcement. These relationships were evaluated by administering to 182 undergraduates the Bem Sex Role Inventory, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and the Frequency of Self-reinforcement Questionnaire. A regression analysis showed significant effects for self-reinforcement and gender role in the prediction of life satisfaction. No main effect was found for sex of participant and there were no significant interactions. Scores on measures of self-reinforcement and life satisfaction were moderately correlated.

Cognitive determinants of quality of life after onset of cancer.

To investigate cognitive coping styles and how they might relate to perceived quality of life for individuals seriously ill with cancer 41 mostly elderly, male patients with a wide variety of cancers were administered the Illness Effects Questionnaire, a quality of life measure, the COPE Questionnaire, which samples different coping strategies, and questions regarding beliefs about illness behaviors, expectations about cancer's effects, comparisons of the participants' lives with those of others, feelings since having cancer, and motivation to resist lifestyle disruptions. Six of the belief factors and two of the coping strategies were related to perceived quality of life. If the effects of cancer were less than expected, quality of life was better; with an expectation of a negative effect from the disease, lowered quality of life was perceived. Two coping strategies were related to quality of life, suppression of competing activities and using religious practices. Other relationships were also discussed.

Fluorogenic assay for rapid detection of Escherichia coli in chilled and frozen foods: collaborative study.

A collaborative study was conducted to compare a proposed LST-MUG method with the AOAC official method for Escherichia coli detection. E. coli produces an enzyme, beta-glucuronidase, which cleaves the substrate, 4-methyl-umbelliferyl-beta-D-glucuronide (MUG), to yield a fluorescent end product. Incorporation of the MUG substrate into lauryl tryptose broth (LST) enables a rapid quantitative method for screening E. coli, which is detected by fluorescence of the medium under longwave UV light. In this collaborative study, 5 food samples, 2 frozen (entree sauce/gravy and dairy topping) and 3 chilled (hamburger, pork sausage, and cheese), were tested for E. coli detection by 17 collaborating laboratories. Results indicate that the LST-MUG method is equal to or better than the current AOAC method for detecting E. coli. The LST-MUG method has been adopted official first action.

Factor structure of the Heiby Self-Reinforcement Questionnaire.

In order to assess the psychometric properties of the Heiby Self-Reinforcement Questionnaire, 570 undergraduate student volunteers were administered the scale and a factor analysis was performed. The most interpretable analysis resulted in five factors, which are discussed relative to Rehm's formulations with regard to the components of self-reinforcement, with suggestions for the improvement of the questionnaire.

Phosphates as Antibotulinal Agents in Cured Meats: A Review.

Phosphates have been suggested as potential substitutes for the currently used nitrite in cured meat products, yet relatively little research has been done on the antibotulinal effects of phosphates. Phosphate selection for use in the cured meat industry continues to be based upon achieving certain functional objectives rather than microbiological control (i.e., improved tenderness, moisture retention, reduced shrinking during cooking, pH adjustments, emulsification, sequestration of ions). Current federal regulations limit addition of phosphates to amounts needed to achieve functionality. One notable exception is shelf-stable pasteurized processed cheese, cheese foods and cheese spreads, in which addition of phosphates for emulsification purposes also appears to provide antimicrobial or antibotulinal protection. It is, therefore, becoming evident that phosphates have the potential under certain conditions, of enhancing microbial or botulinal safety and stability of certain foods, with certain phosphates [i.e. sodium acid pyrophosphate (SAPP)] or mixture of phosphates displaying more effectiveness than others.

Association of [32P] with Clostridium botulinum 52A Vegetative Cells Following Growth in a Medium Containing Sodium Dihydrogen [32P]-Pyrophosphate.

The association of [32P] with Clostridium botulinum 52A vegetative cells following growth in a medium containing either sodium dihydrogen [32P]-pyrophosphate ([32P]-SAPP) or sodium dihydrogen [32P]-orthophosphate ([32P]-orthophosphate) was studied. Absorbency measurements at 630 nm were used in addition to [32P] recovery in determining [32P] association with cellular growth and metabolism. Radiolabeling experiments showed [32P]-orthophosphate was associated with vegetative cells during logarithmic growth, yet was released once stationary phase was attained or upon lysis. [3P]-SAPP was also associated with cells during growth, but was not released once stationary phase was attained. Results suggested [32P]-SAPP continued to bind cells or other metabolic materials following attainment of the stationary phase of cells. Fractionation of 24 and 48 h-old cultures grown in the presence of [32P]-SAPP showed a higher percentage of [32P] associated with the RNA fraction (3.91 and 2.48%, respectively) compared to the DNA fraction (0.09 and 0.07%, respectively).

Inhibition of Clostridium botulinum 52A toxicity and protease activity by sodium acid pyrophosphate in media systems.

The effects of two pH levels (5.55 or 5.85) in combination with 0.4% sodium acid pyrophosphate (SAPP), NaH2PO4 X H2O, Na2HPO4 X 7H2O, or NaCl on the growth and toxicity of Clostridium botulinum 52A were studied. Absorbancy measurements at 630 nm, microscopic observations, and the mouse bioassay procedure were used to observe the effects. At pH 5.55 and 5.85 most control cultures exhibited toxicity when cell lysis began. Vegetative cell development was normal (4 micron long; 1 micron wide). SAPP-containing (0.4%) treatment cultures displayed similar growth and lysis but no or delayed (48 h) toxicity. Cells grown in the SAPP treatment culture were longer and wider (6 micron long; 1.5 micron wide) than in most other treatment cultures. Trypsinization of nontoxic supernatants from 0.4% SAPP resulted in toxicity. Addition of 0.4% SAPP to toxic C. botulinum supernatant delayed but did not prevent death of mice. The addition of various levels of SAPP to toxic supernatants resulted in a decrease in zone size with an increase in the level of SAPP (9 mm with 0.4% SAPP to 7 mm with 1.0% SAPP), using a dual substrate protease assay. A decrease in the zone size also occurred with the supernatant from cultures grown in the presence of SAPP and with Bacillus polymyxa protease dilutions containing 0.4% SAPP. Results suggest that the actual production or function of the protease responsible for toxin activation may have been inhibited by the presence of SAPP.

Influence of a Minimal Change in pH on Germination of Clostridium botulinum 52A in Media Containing Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate and Potassium Sorbate.

The influence of 0.4% sodium acid pyrophosphate (SAPP) or 0.26% potassium sorbate (PS) on Clostridium botulinum 52A growth and toxicity from spores was studied at two pH levels 5.55 and 5.85. Absorbancy measurements at 630 nm were used in combination with microscopic evaluations and toxin analysis to compare effects of additives on normal cell development. Treatment cultures containing 0.4% SAPP and 0.26% PS at a higher pH of 5.85 showed no increase in absorbancy and no sign of toxicity, but elongated vegetative cells (≥9 µm) were observed using phase contrast microscopy rather than scanning electron microscopy. The SAPP-PS treatment culture at a lower pH of 5.55 displayed no signs of growth spectrophometrically or microscopically, as well as no toxicity. These data suggest that a SAPP-PS combination in a laboratory medium at pH 5.85 does not halt germination and outgrowth, yet may prevent cell division; whereas, the same treatment at pH 5.55 inhibits normal spore germination.

Inhibitory Effects of Various Salts and/or Ionic Strengths on Growth from Clostridium botulinum 52A Spores or Vegetative Cells.

Growth response from spores and vegetative cells of Clostridium botulinum strain 52A in peptone-yeast extract-glucose (PYEG) broth at two pH levels (5.55 or 5.85) containing sodium acid pyrophosphate (SAPP) (0, 0.2, 0.4%), NaCl (0, 1.25, 2.50%) and/or potassium sorbate (KS) (0, 0.13, 0.26%) was measured as the mean A630 nm of 20 tubes at 37°C. Additional treatments contained KC1 and MgCl2 (0, 1.25, 2.50%) without SAPP or KS. Growth ratios (GR = treatment/control) based on time to reach A630 = 0.35 were calculated to compare effects of additives on strain 52A. Growth from spores was affected significantly (p≤0.01) by pH level. KS and KS/pH interactions were also significant factors in growth from both spores and vegetative cells; SAPP/pH interactions were significant for cell growth, only. Combinations of SAPP (0.2, 0.4%) NaCl (0%) and KS (0.26%) were the most favorable treatments for delaying growth from spores or vegetative cells. NaCl (1.25, 2.50%) decreased antibotulinal effects produced by combinations of SAPP and KS. Elimination of NaCl enhanced antibotulinal effects. Formulations containing KC1 or MgCl2 (without SAPP and KS) at the same molarity as the NaCl in earlier treatments (0.21, 0.43) resulted in inhibition of growth from vegetative cells greater than growth from spores in the presence of MgCl2 at M = 0.43 (ionic strength = 1.29). This inhibition was more evident at pH 5.55 than pH 5.85. This study in a model system suggests ionic strength and/or chloride salt may be important considerations when manipulating formulations of additives designed to control C. botulinum growth.

Obese and nonobese individuals: behavioral and personality characteristics.

In order to determine if there were differences in individuals who were currently obese, previously obese now average, and always average, a battery of behavioral and personality measures were administered which included the assessment of self-concept, self-control, health locus of control, comparative reinforcement hierarchy and various activities. Significant differences were obtained in physical self-concept; time spent in vigorous activity, passive activity, with friends and social activities; and the reinforcement value of eating, time with friends or family, and taking it easy. The possible significance of these findings was discussed in terms of maintaining factors in obesity and treatment suggestions.

Effect of Polyphosphates in Combination with Nitrite-Sorbate or Sorbate on Clostridium botulinum Growth and Toxin Production in Chicken Frankfurter Emulsions.

Sodium nitrite, sorbic acid, potassium sorbate and polyphosphates (sodium acid pyrophosphate, SAPP; sodium hexametaphosphate, SHMP; and sodium tripolyphosphate, STPP) were tested at similar preadjusted (before cooking) pH levels (in the range of pH 5.78 to 6.19 after cooking) to determine effective combinations capable of controlling Clostridium botulinum growth and toxin production in mechanically deboned chicken meat frankfurter emulsions incubated at 27°C. In combination with low levels of nitrite (40 ppm), potassium sorbate (0.26%, pH 6.06) was more effective than sorbic acid (0.20%, pH 6.03) in delaying toxin production (>27 d vs. 6 d) and in controlling growth. In formulations containing combinations of nitrite (40 ppm) and sorbic acid (0.20%) or nitrite (40 ppm) and potassium sorbate (0.26%), the addition of polyphosphates (0.4%) resulted in a greater delay of toxin production (8 to 25 d for nitrite-sorbic acid-SAPP vs. 28 d for nitrite-potassium sorbate-SAPP) at similar pH levels. Under these conditions, SAPP delayed production of detectable toxin longer (25 d) than did either SHMP (6 to 11 d) or STPP (4 to 14 d). The addition of polyphosphates to nitrite-free emulsions containing sorbic acid (0.20%) or potassium sorbate (0.26%) did not delay the development of botulinal toxin when the pH was essentially equivalent in the range of 5.78 to 6.07.

Effect of Different Packaging Films and Vacuum on the Microbiology of Bacon Cured with or without Potassium Sorbate.

Studies were done to determine the effects of packaging films and vacuum levels on the microbiology of bacon cured with nitrite or a combination of nitrite and sorbate in the curing salt mixture. High and low oxygen barrier films were used along with high and low vacuum levels for packaging systems. Growth of mesophilic, psychrotrophic and lipolytic organisms was restricted most with the combination of high barrier-high vacuum treatment. Vacuum level was more important than type of film in retarding bacterial growth as storage time progressed up to 28 d at 5°C. Sorbate combined with nitrite was more inhibitory than nitrite with no sorbate in the cure.

Effect of Pork Belly-Type on the Microbiology of Bacon Cured with or without Potassium Sorbate.

Fat- and lean-grade hog bellies were used to evaluate the microbiology of bacon cured with either 40 ppm of nitrite +0.26% of potassium sorbate or 120 ppm of nitrite with no potassium sorbate. Bacon slices were inoculated to provide an initial representative flora of 105-106 organisms per g of meat. Bacon was packaged in high barrier film with high vacuum (28-29 in. of Hg), stored at 0 - 5 C, and analyzed at 0, 10,21 and 28 days after processing for enumeration and identification of mesophilic, psychrotrophic and lipolytic organisms. In general, the 40 ppm of nitrite + 0.26% of potassium sorbate cure provided greater bacterial inhibition (especially in fat bacon) than did the nitrite cure. Lactobacillus and Bacillus were the most common isolates characterized.

The differential impact of self-monitoring on smoking behavior: an exploratory study.

This study investigated the impact of self-monitoring on smoking patterns of internal and external smokers. Eighty-nine Ss charted their smoking behavior (number of cigarettes per day) on a daily basis for 4 consecutive weeks, after which personality measures were administered. Self-monitoring produced wide changes in reported cigarette consumption, although this procedure did not change significantly smoking behavior for the entire sample. Ss were divided arbitrarily into three categories: Ss who increased 20 cigarettes or more, Ss who decreased 20 cigarettes or more, and Ss who increased or decreased up to 19 cigarettes. Negative affect traits, locus of control, and self-concept variables did not differentiate increasers, decreasers, or maintainers. Ss who increased consumption reported greater reinforcement value from solitary related as opposed to socially oriented functions than the decreasers and the maintainers. Future studies should explore the meaningfulness of an intervention designed to improve the smoker's social interactions.

External-cue responsivity as a function of age at onset of obesity.

Sixty subjects, averaging 26 per cent overweight, were classified according to age at onset in order to test the external-cue hypothesis of obesity and to investigate the possibility of different "types" of obesity. Subjects were presented with Hershey's kisses wrapped in either transparent (visible) or non-transparent (non-visible) wrappers while performing a sham test; the number of chocolates consumed was the dependent measure. Subjects were placed in four groups: Early onset-food visible (EV), early onset-food non-visible (ENV), late onset-food visible (LV), or late onset-food non-visible (LNV). The first two groups consumed about the same number of chocolates, but the early-onset subjects ate almost twice as many kisses as the late-onset participants. The evidence was inconclusive concerning the external-cue hypothesis, although there was some suggestion that there may be "types" of obesity. The findings are discussed in terms of the need to acknowledge factors other than weight alone in studying and treating obesity.

Acupuncture analgesia and radiant-heat pain: a signal-detection analysis.

Responses to radiant-heat stimulation to the back of the hand were obtained during baseline conditions and during acupuncture sessions. Signal-detection methodology and analysis were used to determine whether acupuncture affects d' (changes physiologic processes) relative to pain report. A binary rather than a rating-scale procedure was used to obtain more accurate measures of sensitivity. Results indicated that acupuncture decreased sensitivity only at intensity levels that were never described as painful.

Personality characteristics of long and short sleepers.

College students categorized as either long sleepers (mean = 9.25 hours per day) or short sleepers (mean = 6.2 hours per day) were administered a variety of personality tests. With a multiple regression analysis the patterns on the MMPI of higher MA and F with a lowered PD and CI (number of critical items) most significantly differentiated the short from the long sleepers. Also of relevance was the finding that long sleepers were more likely to score in the pathological direction on most of the MMPI clinical scales.