Peri-infarct flow transients predict outcome in rat focal brain ischemia.

Spreading depolarizations are accompanied by transient changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF). In a post hoc analysis of previously studied control rats we analyzed CBF time courses after middle cerebral artery occlusion in the rat in order to test whether intra-ischemic flow, reperfusion, and different parameters of peri-infarct flow transients (PIFTs) (amplitude, number) can predict outcome. Sprague-Dawley rats anesthetized with either halothane (n=23) or isoflurane (n=32) underwent 90-min filament occlusion of the middle cerebral artery followed by 72 h of reperfusion. The infarct size was determined by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Relative CBF changes were monitored by laser Doppler flowmetry at 4-5 mm lateral, and 1-2mm posterior to Bregma. An additional filament occlusion study (n=12) was performed to validate that PIFTs were coupled to direct current shifts of spreading depolarization. The PIFT-direct current shift study revealed that every PIFT was associated with a negative direct current shift typical of spreading depolarization. Post-hoc analysis showed that the number of PIFTs, especially with the combination of intra-ischemic level of flow, can predict the development of cortical infarcts. These findings show that PIFTs can serve as an early biomarker in predicting outcome in preclinical animal studies.

Further validation of the driving vengeance questionnaire.

The present study further validated the Driving Vengeance Questionnaire (DVQ), assessing the frequency of past acts of severe and dangerous violent driving behaviors, as well as milder driver aggression measured in actual driving conditions. DVQ scores were predicted by driver violence, where vengeful drivers reported greater acts of past violence. DVQ scores were also predicted by mild driver aggression measured in high traffic congestion, such that vengeful drivers were more likely to exhibit mild aggression in high congestion conditions. Finally, the DVQ demonstrated high internal consistency (alpha = 0.81), demonstrating the DVQ to be a reliable and valid measure of driving vengeance.

The Driving Vengeance Questionnaire (DVQ): the development of a scale to measure deviant drivers' attitudes.

The Driving Vengeance Questionnaire (DVQ) was developed and administered to assess drivers' use of vengeance when faced with common driving situations. Subjects in the development of the scale were 266 male and female university students. The scale was then administered to 271 university students (both male and female) and 74 male inmates who were classified as either violent or nonviolent offenders on the basis of the amount of force used in committing the offence. A Cronbach alpha of .83 (M = 40.76, n = 310) indicated a high level of internal consistency for the DVQ. Younger drivers (18-23 years old) indicated higher levels of vengeance while driving than did older drivers (24-66 years old, M = 44.35 and 37.81, respectively). Those with less driving experience (0-6 years) expressed higher levels of vengeance while driving than more experienced drivers (6+ years, M = 42.95 and 38.81, respectively). Male drivers responded with greater vengeance to the questionnaire items than females (M = 42.07 and 39.62, respectively). The level of force used in commission of crime failed to correlate with the DVQ. A factor analysis was performed with a different sample of subjects using a slightly modified version of the DVQ to deal with the issue of whether horn honking constituted an appropriate measure of aggression. When the two relevant DVQ items were changed to read "leaning on horn" rather than mere honking, a strong, single factor of vengeance was found to characterize the scale. Suggestions were made for the use of DVQ in the screening of driving license applicants and in the study of problem drivers.

The future role of the health sciences library in the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) conducted a survey to ascertain the perceptions of 322 library service chiefs and health care administrators within the VA health care system. Participants were asked to rate the desirability and probability of twenty-five predetermined statements and to identify the forces that would have an impact, either positive or negative, on whatever statements became reality. The response rate was 93%. Analysis of the data indicated that there was no significant difference between the library managers and health care administrators in their perceptions. Results indicate that both groups believe libraries serve an integral role in VA medical centers and that library services cannot be provided as successfully off site. The data also appear to reveal a clear consensus on the part of both groups for increased library involvement in educational activities and information delivery.