A pilot study of social competence assessment using interaction rating scale advanced.

Purpose. The purpose of this paper is to clarify the validity of the Interaction Rating Scale Advanced (IRSA) as an evidence-based practical index of social skills. Methods. The participants in our study were 17 high school students. The participants completed the five-minute interaction session and were observed using the IRSA. Their teacher evaluated their social competence based on regular observation in school. Results. The results indicated the high correlation between IRSA scores and teacher's practical evaluation. IRSA can measure social competence with high validity. Conclusion. The IRSA provides further evidence of the fact that in order to study social competence development, it is important to evaluate various features of the interaction like IRSA subscales.

Water chemistry gradient in a degraded bog area.

Surface and ground water was sampled in a degraded bog area 36 times during 1993 - 2003 at Five representative points: point E (natural area with Sphagnum as the main vegetal cover), point W (boundary between the natural and degraded areas), point W' (area installed with vinyl sheeting), point WW (area where Sasa thrives), and point NC (area with naturally formed ditches). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted for parameters measured in surface water and ground water at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 m depths. "Sampling point" (i.e. locations along the degradation gradient) accounted for most of the variation in surface and ground water chemistry. It accounted for 30-80% of the total variation in pH, electrical conductivity, ammonia, dissolved nitrogen, major cations (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+), alkalinity and dissolved organic carbon. "Year" accounted for more variation in nitrate, nitrite, chloride, and sulfate than the sampling point did, but the variation in dissolved reactive phosphorus and dissolved phosphorus concentrations was not based on any of the calculated variables.

Effects of hypertonic glucose and amino acid infusions on pancreatic exocrine function.

Inhibiting effects of hypertonic glucose and amino-acids on pancreatic exocrine function were studied using mongrel dogs with chronic gastric and pancreatic fistulae. Under the basal stimulation with secretin and pancreoxymin, 20% glucose, 30% glucose and 12% amino acids were given intravenously. Infusion of these substances caused the maximal decreases in pancreatic juice volume and amylase output, to 23% and 11%, respectively (20% glucose), 32% and 29% (30% glucose), and 53% and 42% (12% amino acids). But no significant changes were noted in bicarbonate concentration. When glucose was infused, the rise in levels of blood sugar and IRI was associated with the inhibition of pancreatic exocrine secretion. Aminoacid infusion produced the greatest inhibitory effect on the pancreatic secretion and markedly elevated both the levels of IRI and IRG. Intravenous infusion of glucagon suppressed notably the exocrine function of the pancreas.