The effect of tape-recorded relaxation training on well-being,symptoms, and peak expiratory flow rate in adult asthmatics: A pilot study

Abstract

Evidence indicates that psychological stress plays a role in precipitating and exacerbating asthma symptoms and suggests that relaxation techniques aimed at reducing stress and autonomic arousal leads to symptom reduction. This study explored the effect of a tape-recorded relaxation intervention on well-being (mood and stresson). asthma symptoms, and a measure of pulmonary function (PEFR). Twenty adult asthmatics were studied for 21 days in their natural environment using a multiple baseline design. Self-administered relaxation training (including both breathing exercises and muscle relaxation) led to decreased negative mood and stressor report. Reporting of asthma symptoms decreased over time, and PEFR was increased by relaxation training. Asthma medication use was unchanged. Results suggest that tape–recorded relaxation training positively impacts well-being, asthma symptoms. and PEFR in a naturalistic setting. Further study of the potential use of inexpensive tape-recorded interventions in chronic illness is warranted.     

Temperature dependence of the plastic flow behavior of tantalum

Nanoindention has been used to study the plastic flow behavior of bcc Ta(001) in the temperature range 25–200°C. Most notably, it is found that the shape of the load–displacement curves changes with increasing temperature. Only one large discontinuity marking the onset of plasticity is observed in room-temperature experiments, whereas multiple pop-ins separated by elastic reloading segments were observed at 200°C. Detailed analysis of the load–displacement curves indicates that the lattice resistance decreases with increasing temperature, consistent with the mobilization of screw dislocations by thermal activation. Contributions from the oxide layer and/or thermal drift can be excluded.     

Effect of Mg content on Portevin–Le Chatelier band strain in Al–Mg sheet alloys

Experimental measurements of stress drops and band strains in type-B Portevin–Le Chatelier (PLC) bands were carried out for 5xxx series Al–Mg sheets with Mg content between 1.8 and 4.5?wt%. While the stress drops increase with global strain, the band strain values in all the samples follow a common linear relationship with global strain. The results indicate that the type-B PLC band strain is independent of solute content at given strain rate.     

神经营养素3在小儿哮喘中表达的临床意义

神经营养素3（NT-3）参与了神经系统的发育和功能发挥.最近研究发现它在呼吸系统疾病,尤其是哮喘的发病中也发挥重要作用.本课题采用酶联免疫吸附实验（ELISA）检测哮喘各组和正常对照组血清中NT-3的表达水平;用NT-3体外刺激正常人外周血单核细胞（PBMC）,采用ELISA法检测培养上清中IL-6和TNFα的表达水平.结果显示,与对照组相比,在哮喘组血清中NT-3的表达水平明显增高;并且它在哮喘发作期和缓解期中的表达量也要高于正常组;另外,NT-3可以显著促进PBMC分泌IL-6和TNFα.以上结果提示,可以将NT-3在小儿哮喘患者血清中的表达水平作为诊断病变过程的标记物,并且NT-3在维持气道高反应性方面也起到一定作用.     

Disrupting the flow: How brief silences in group conversations affect social needs

We all know the awkward feeling when a conversation is disrupted by a brief silence. This paper studies why such moments can be unsettling. We suggest that silences are particularly disturbing if they disrupt the conversational flow. In two experiments we examined the effects of a single brief instance of silence on social needs, perceived consensus, emotions, and rejection. Study 1 demonstrated that fluent conversations are associated with feelings of belonging, self-esteem, and social validation. If a brief silence disrupts this fluency, negative emotions and feelings of rejection arise. Study 2 replicated these effects in a more realistic setting, and showed that the effects of a brief silence are considerable despite participants' unawareness of the silence. Together, results show that conversational flow induces a sense of belonging and positive self-esteem. Moreover, this research suggests an implicit route to social validation, in which consensus is inferred from fluent group conversation.     

血液透析患者在线血流量与Kt／V及尿素清除率因果关系分析

通过测定维持性透析患者血管通路血流量、Kt/V及尿素清除率(URR),利用自然辨证法中因果关系的复杂性探讨血流量与透析充分性之间的因果关系。选择维持性血液透析患者80例。设定血液透析开始后在线血流量,根据血流量不同分为三组,I组血流量300ml/min,Ⅱ组血流量250ml/min,Ⅲ组血流量200ml/min,计算各组Kt/V值与尿素减少率,观察血流量与Kt/V及尿素减少率之间的相关关系。三组之间Kt/V、URR比较P<0.001,差异均具有显著性;血流量与Kt/V、URR之间呈正相关(r1=0.448,P<0.001;r2=0.413,P<0.001;)随着血流量从300ml/min降到200ml/min,Kt/V、URR分别从1.33±0.33、(68.19±8.86)%降到0.99±0.31、(58.59±13.19)%。血液透析患者的血流量与Kt/V、URR密切相关,两者之间存在因果关系,较高的在线血流量是保证透析充分性的一项重要指标。     

哈维启示录——纪念哈维发现血液循环390周年

哈维的杰出贡献是开创了血液循环理论。他通过思想观念的革新,对心脏和血液的性质、功能及运动规律提出了一套与传统观点不同的理论和框架,进而科学揭示了血液循环的奥秘。他在研究方法上堪称先驱:体现了“观察渗透理论”,更为注重运用数学方法进行推演论证,抓紧一切时间研究前人的相关著作,善于学习借鉴正确的哲学理念,深入思考血液在体内循环的机理,对于当时不具备观察条件的问题则借助想象提出假说。     

Flow at Work: Evidence for an Upward Spiral of Personal and Organizational Resources*

The present 2-wave study among 258 secondary school teachers investigates the relationship between personal and organizational resources on the one hand, and work-related flow on the other hand. On the basis of Hobfoll’s (1988) conservation of resources theory, Bandura’ social cognitive theory (1997; 2001), and Fredrickson’s (1998) “broaden-and-build” theory of positive emotions, we formulated two hypotheses: (1) personal resources (i.e., self-efficacy beliefs) and organizational resources (including social support climate and clear goals) facilitate work-related flow (work absorption, work enjoyment, and intrinsic work motivation); and (2) work-related flow has a positive influence on personal and organizational resources. The results of a series of structural equation modeling analyses offer clear support for both hypotheses. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed. *This research was supported by a grant from the Bancaixa Foundation (#11232.01/1) and the Spanish Ministry of Science & Technology (CICYT #SEC2000-1031).     

A portable biofeedback device for autonomic responses

The design of a versatile and programmable transducer amplifier device with analogue display for self-monitoring of autonomic responses is described. The design features low cost, portability, and flexibility across direct-current transducer options (e.g., photoplethysmograph or thermistor). The device can be used for the visual or auditory display of continuous blood volume pulse or temperature measures where the relative amplitude or pulse rate is of concern. Auditory or visual biofeedback may be provided via the choice of a stacked bar-graph display or piezoelectric buzzer. A common circuit design to allow programming options for the estimation of heart rate, inter-beat interval, or pulse duration is provided.     

CLASSICAL CONDITIONING OF DECREASES IN HUMAN SYSTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE1

Decrease in human systolic blood pressure of 4.35 mm Hg (range: 0 to 12 mm Hg) were classically conditioned in normal and hypertensive subjects using a delayed conditioning paradigm in which a 30-sec auditory stimulus (the conditioned stimulus) was followed immediately by tilting the subject 15° head-down to elicit small decreases in blood pressure. Conditioning occurred within five trials. A control group demonstrated that sensitization of the reflex by repeated tilting could not account for the blood-pressure decreases associated with the conditioned stimulus in experimental subjects.