BackgroundThe quantification of radiation-induced foci (RIF) to investigate the induction and subsequent repair of DNA double strands breaks is now commonplace. Over the last decade systems specific for the automatic quantification of RIF have been developed for this purpose, however to ask more mechanistic questions on the spatio-temporal aspects of RIF, an automated RIF analysis platform that also quantifies RIF size/volume and relative three-dimensional (3D) distribution of RIF within individual nuclei, is required.ResultsA java-based image analysis system has been developed (AutoRIF) that quantifies the number, size/volume and relative nuclear locations of RIF within 3D nuclear volumes. Our approach identifies nuclei using the dynamic Otsu threshold and RIF by enhanced Laplacian filtering and maximum entropy thresholding steps and, has an application 'batch optimisation' process to ensure reproducible quantification of RIF. AutoRIF was validated by comparing output against manual quantification of the same 2D and 3D image stacks with results showing excellent concordance over a whole range of sample time points (and therefore range of total RIF/nucleus) after low-LET radiation exposure.ConclusionsThis high-throughput automated RIF analysis system generates data with greater depth of information and reproducibility than that which can be achieved manually and may contribute toward the standardisation of RIF analysis. In particular, AutoRIF is a powerful tool for studying spatio-temporal relationships of RIF using a range of DNA damage response markers and can be run independently of other software, enabling most personal computers to perform image analysis. Future considerations for AutoRIF will likely include more complex algorithms that enable multiplex analysis for increasing combinations of cellular markers.

A token economy designed to modify the behavior of 125 adolescent males committed to a state correctional institution was implemented in the boys' cottages, focusing on social behavior (peer interaction), rule following, and task completion.

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The reliability of an abbreviated form of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), the Mini-Mult, and its degree of correspondence with the MMPI were evaluated with a sample of 60 hospitalized schizophrenic veterans. The major results indicated respectable validity and reliability coefficients for Mini-Mult Scales F, K, 2, 6, 7, and 8. Scales 3 and 9 resulted in somewhat lower coefficients, with Scales L, 1, and 4 indicating either poor reliability or contradictory results pertaining to their relationship to the MMPI. Estimates of the mean loss in reliability of the Mini-Mult scales were 25.8% and 19.5%. The results also indicated the mean loss in degree of correspondence to be 21.6%. The possibility of coefficient inflation is discussed.

The predictive validity of the resource deterioration model was tested with a sample of 100 Black, elderly, low-income, unmarried, caregiving mothers of adult schizophrenic sons and/or daughters. Stressors consisted of three social variables (burden of care, economic strain, undesirable life events) and one physical variable (poor physical health). Stress mediators consisted of coping and social support resources; the outcome variable was defined as depression. The results indicated support for the resource deterioration model with regard to a physical stressor and coping resources, but not for social stressors and social support resources.