bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Affect and Ability in Initial Exchange Quality Perceptions
Authors: Day David V. , Crain Elona C.
Published: March 2007

We hypothesized that positive and negative affect would interact with ability information in predicting exchange quality ratings of leaders and group members in a laboratory study. Ninety-six undergraduates completed a measure of cognitive ability, as well as a measure of positive-and negative-trait affect before participating in several group exercises. Exchange quality ratings collected from emergent leaders were best predicted by the interaction of member ability and negative affect. Specifically, there was a positive relationship between ability and exchange quality for those members with low negative affect, but no relationship for those with high negative affect. Exchange quality ratings gathered from group members (i.e., nonleaders) were best predicted only from leaders' positive-affect scores. Discussion centers on the particular role that affect plays in initial exchange quality judgments, as well as practical implications and generalizability issues.
Behavioral Competencies, Goal Setting, and OD Practitioner Effectiveness
Authors: O'Driscoll Michael P. , Eubanks James L.
Published: March 2007

A behavioral competency model was applied to organization development (OD) interventions conducted in the United States and New Zealand. Consultants and their clients were surveyed to assess perceived frequencies of a range of consultant behaviors and goal-setting activities and their contribution to overall consultation effectiveness. Differences between consultant and client perceptions of consultant behaviors, along with regressions on consultant effectiveness, highlighted the need for researchers and OD practitioners to give more attention to client expectations and requirements. The utility of the behavioral competency approach is considered.
The Role of Subordinate Performance and Ingratiation in Leader-Member Exchanges
Authors: Deluga Ronald J. , Perry J. T.
Published: March 2007

This study examined the contribution of subordinate performance and ingratiation to the quality of leader-member exchanges. It was predicted that subordinate performance would be positively associated with higher quality exchanges. It was also hypothesized that subordinate-ingratiating activity, including opinion conformity, other enhancement, and self-presentation, would augment performance in the prediction of higher quality exchanges. From the perspective of both subordinates and their immediate supervisors (152 dyads), a heterogeneous sample provided ingratiation and quality of leader-member exchange survey data. Supervisors also submitted subordinate performance ratings. Hierarchical regression analysis supported the two hypotheses. Furthermore, other enhancement and opinion conformity were positively linked with higher quality exchanges. The findings sustain and advance previous research examining subordinate performance, ingratiation, and higher quality exchanges. The limitations and implications of the results are addressed.
Are Board Members Pawns or Watchdogs?
Authors: Buchholtz Ann K. , Young Michael N. , Powell Gary N.
Published: March 2007

This study examines the CEO pay and firm performance link from two competing perspectives managerial power and board vigilance. From the managerial power perspective, a powerful CEO dominates the board and decouples the pay-performance link. In contrast, board vigilance maintains that boards represent shareholder interests by effectively tying the CEO's pay to firm performance. Consistent with the board vigilance perspective, the link was stronger when CEOs were older or longer tenured and when more committee members had CEO experience. The authors found no support for the managerial power perspective.
Evolution of Food-Foraging Strategies for the Caribbean Anolis Lizard Using Genetic Programming
Authors: Koza John R. , Roughgarden Jonathan , Rice James P.
Published: March 2007

This article describes the recently developed genetic programming paradigm that genetically breeds a population of computer programs to solve problems. The article then demonstrates, step by step, how to apply genetic programming to a problem of behavioral ecology in biology—specifically, two versions of the problem of finding an optimal food-foraging strategy for the Caribbean Anolis lizard. A simulation of the adaptive behavior of the lizard is required to evaluate each possible adaptive control strategy considered for the lizard. The foraging strategy produced by genetic programming is close to the mathematical solution for the one version for which the solution is known and appears to be a reasonable approximation of the solution for the second version of the problem.
Robust Spatial Navigation in a Robot Inspired by Chemotaxis in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Morse Thomas M. , Lockery Shawn R. , Ferrée Thomas C.
Published: March 2007

We report on the design and implementation of an autonomous robot that performs phototaxis under the control of a simulated neural network. The mechanical configuration of the robot and its neural network controller are patterned after those believed to produce chemotaxis in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The network is first optimized to produce phototaxis in a simulated, nematode-like robot and then is tested on a real robot. We find that both the simulated and real robot perform reliably, making nearly identical trajectories for similar environments and similar starting conditions. Furthermore, their performance is robust to significant perturbations of the robot's locomotion parameters. Finally, we discuss the implicit computational rule that this network uses to control phototaxis. This makes the results intuitive and improves our intuition about control of tactic behavior in two dimensions.
A Methodology to Support Concurrent Engineering in a Simulated Process Evaluation Environment (SPREE
Authors: Yetukuri Nagarjun V. , Prescott William C. , Fischer Gary W.
Published: March 2007

This paper describes a methodology to support concurrent engineering in a simulated process evaluation environment (SPREE) for path- directed robot (PDR) applications, such as gas metal arc welding, spray painting, and adhesive applications. Such an environment makes it possible to program PDR applications off-line more accurately. The methodology includes consideration of the process variables and their constraints, design constraints, and robot specifications. SPREE allows the user to evaluate the process plan against process constraints and robot specifications, perform robot motion analysis, and evaluate the performance of the robot; thus, the user is able to complete the front-end preparations in SPREE, so that the off-line program for the selected robot can be generated in an environmental external to SPREE.
Unification of CAD and FEM using Knowledge Engineering
Authors: Roy Utpal , Bharadwaj Balaji , Ludden Chris
Published: March 2007

Establishing an "intelligent link" between conventional CAD systems and different analytical tools like finite element analysis packages is a significant concern in design automation. This paper proposes the use of knowledge engineering for the unification process and outlines the dimensions of an overall framework for an integrated CAD/FEM system A prototype system for structural design of aircraft wings has been implemented in this integrated environment.
Mediating Conflict in Concurrent Engineering with a Protocol Based on Utility
Authors: Bahler Dennis , Dupont Catherine , Bowen James
Published: March 2007

Concurrent engineering is an approach to product, process, and organizational design in which experts from many disciplines contnbute at many stages of the product life cycle Even though the design process is mostly cooperative, conflicts among sharply diverging viewpoints may occur, which require negotiated compromise solutions Design advice tools can assist in the process of negotiation by making their critiques and suggestions conveniently available to all members of the product development team Constraint-based languages of sufficient expressive power provide a convenient representation of real-world problems like those encountered in concurrent engineering, and we believe they are a good basis for building such design advice tools In this paper we descnbe a protocol, based on the use of economic utility, by which constraint-based design advice systems can recognize conflict, and support and mediate negotiation fairly
AI Assistance for Requirements Management
Authors: Black J. Emmett
Published: March 2007

Extraction of requirements from customer specifications has long been a tedious, time-consuming and error-prone manual effort. This is further compounded by the tendency for requirements to be vague and fuzzy things which are difficult to manage. Hypermedia-based, Al-assisted requirements acquisition provides a significant competitive edge over traditional, labor-intensive, error-prone methods. SIR/REX (Systems Information Resource/Requirements EXtractor) provides automation and support to the earliest phases of systems engineering by placing customer specifications into an easily navigated, enriched information resource, and by automatically and consistently extracting candidate requirements and issues from specifications while creating links to the original source documentation. Requirements become tangible objects which can be easily reviewed, adjudicated, and managed by a human being; thus improving productivity and quality in requirements capture. Afterward, when new specifications or new versions of specifications are received, SIR/REX provides an intelligent change manager which facilitates impact analysis and change response while maximizing conservation of existing engineering investment.
The Development of a Design System for Concurrent Engineering
Authors: Sivaloganathan S. , Evbuomwan N.F.O. , Jebb A.
Published: March 2007

The thesis of this paper is on the development of an integrated design system called Design Function Deployment (DFD), which pro vides a platform for the adoption of the concurrent engineering approach to product development The paper commences with discussions on the objectives and rationale for the development of the design system The contributing factors to its development are also elucidated DFD is then examined in terms of what it is, its design model, and how concurrent engineering is implemented within it The paper concludes with a con cise discussion of some of the key concurrent design methods constituted within it and work done to date toward the software Implementation of DFD
From CML to a Model-Based Concurrent Specification Language
Authors: Debbabi Mourad
Published: March 2007

In this paper, we address the problem of specification and design of concurrent systems More accurately, we present the definition of a new specification language that is formal, wide-spectrum, model-based, concurrent, polymorphic, and strongly implicitly typed The lan guage is built upon a concurrent, functional, and imperative programming language Concurrent ML Specification aspects are supported thanks to the addition of some specification constructs and also by allowing axioms to appear in ML structures and signatures The resulting specification language is thus highly expressive though it embodies a restricted number of concepts We present here the motivations underlying the definition of such a language as well as the design choices Furthermore, we introduce the specification and development methodology and illustrate it on various examples We will see that many specification styles are allowed algebraic, applicative, state-based, concurrent applicative, and con current imperative
Review of Narrative Therapy: Research and Utility
Authors: Etchison Mary , Kleist David M.
Published: March 2007

Narrative therapy has captured the attention of many in the family counseling field. Despite the apparent appeal of narrative therapy as a therapeutic modality, research on its effectiveness is in its in-fancy. This article will review current research on narrative therapy and discuss why a broader research base has yet to be developed. Suggestions for practitioners also will be provided.
The Family Therapist’s Own Family
Authors: Kottler Jeffrey A. , Parr Gerald
Published: March 2007

Approaches to family therapy and counseling are influenced not only by client needs and presenting complaints but also by the clinician’s theoretical orientation and personal experiences. This article explores the reciprocal influence that takes place between family therapists, their families of origin, and the families they treat. The relative influence of these dimensions are explored from a systems theoretical perspective.
Divorce Mediation: Research and Implications for Family and Couples Counseling
Authors: Hahn Robert A. , Kleist David M.
Published: March 2007

This article reviews the past 10 years of divorce mediation research. Relevant topics of mediation research such as efficiency, client satisfaction, impact on psychological adjustment, levels of conflict and cooperation and a comparison with the adversarial process are presented. Most studies find favorable results for the mediation process. Implications of the mediation process will be discussed for those who are counseling families and couples.
Differences in Family Cohesion, Adaptability, and Environment among Latino Families in Dissimilar Stages of Acculturation
Authors: Miranda Alexis O. , Estrada Diane , Firpo-Jimenez Miriam
Published: March 2007

The present study examines the differences among Latino families who are in the low, bicultural, and high acculturation stages on measures of family cohesion, adaptability, and environment. Preliminary results revealed a significant difference in age of migration among the low acculturation and the bicultural and high acculturation groups. Therefore, a multiple analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) to control for age of migration was conducted. The results revealed significant differences among the groups on family cohesion, adaptability, and some indices of family environment. The implications for family counselors follow the recommendations for further research about acculturation’s influence on the Latino family.
The Professional Genogram: Enhancing Professional Identity and Clarity
Authors: Magnuson Sandy
Published: March 2007

An adaptation of the family genogram to enhance professional self-awareness is presented. Applications for academic and clinical settings are described.
Monitoring Our Own: Suggested Additions to the IAMFC Code of Ethics
Authors: Jordan Karin
Published: March 2007

Ethical standards for instructors of marriage and family counselors have not been well defined in the International Association for Marriage and Family Counselors code of ethics. The inherent power differential in an instructor-student relationship demands an accountability structure that is currently rare to nonexistent. This article describes some abuses of this power and calls for the creation of a code of ethics for marriage and family counselor educators. There is an understandable dearth of statistics regarding this matter; however, if the experiences of this author are an indicator, then the problem is significant and needs to be addressed far and wide.
Purpose, Process, and Product: A Case Study in Marital Intervention
Authors: Sells James N.
Published: March 2007

Transtheoretical metaphors of purpose, process, and product can be helpful for counselors to organize and focus therapy and for clients to conceptualize current marital patterns and create alternative relational habits. The case study of Kevin and Stacey is used to illustrate these constructs.
The Work-Family Connection: What Clinicians Need to Know
Authors: Sperry Len , Carlson Jon
Published: March 2007

Clinicians can most effectively help today s couples and families when they understand and appreciate work-family conflicts, issues, and treatment implications. In this article, relevant information about the history of work-family relations, various types of work-centered families, typical patterns of work-family conflicts, and Issues in balancing personal, job, and family life are reviewed.
Systemic Cognitive-Developmental Therapy an Integrative Framework
Authors: Rigazio-DiGilio Sandra A. , Ivey Allen E.
Published: March 2007

The aim of systemic, integrative ftrameworks is to empower therapists to draw across mariage andfamily therapy models to select the most appropriate treatment strategies for any family. The therapy model presented here provides an organizing set of dimensions and strategies for the continuous assessment offamily functioning throughout the therapeutic process. 7hese assessment data are used to assist in the coconstruction of developmentally appropriate, culturally sensitive treatment plans that guide the selection of interventions from different marimage and family therapy perspectives.
Ecocounseling: Focus or Fringe?
Authors: Huber Charles H.
Published: March 2007

The topic of ecocounseling psychology is reviewed as a back-drop for family counselors to consider the potential role of ecological activism in their professional practice.
Ingredients of Successful Marital Therapy: A Survey of Therapists' Views
Authors: Smith Jennifer C. , Brown Robert A. , O'Grady Kevin E.
Published: March 2007

Marital therapists' views on the ingredients of successful marital therapy were assessed using a survey developed from empirical and theoretical literature and a clinician questionnaire. A random sample of 210 American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) members representing varying theoretical orientations responded. Therapeutic orientation was associated with tendencies to endorse broad patterns of variables but not with endorsing any particular item. Therapists agreed that providing a safe atmosphere; therapists' communication skills, interpersonal skills and flexibility; and clients' commitment to therapy and to their relationship were almost always important for successful treatment. Research, training, and practice implications are explored. This study was based on a master's thesis conducted by the first author at the University of Maryland at College Park and supervised by the second author. The authors gratefully acknowledge Robyn A. Davidson and the University of Maryland Computer Center for their aid in data analysis, Charlesj. Gelso for his assistance in design and interpretation, and Janice Jestrewbski for her assistance in coordinating data collection.
Harriet Lerner: A Conversation
Authors: Lewis Judith A. , Engle Janet A.
Published: March 2007

Harriet Lerner is unique in her ability to share her vast experience equally well with professional family therapists and with members of the general public. In this interviewv, she focuses on her latest work, an exploration of deception and truth telling.
The Diamond: A Fairy Tale
Authors: Sherman Robert
Published: March 2007

This column provides a forum within which you, the read er, may share with your colleagues some of the creative tech niques that you have developed or adapted and find suc cessful in your work with couples orfamilies. Others may be able to adapt a technique for themselves, or they may be stim ulated to invent new techniques. Please submit your manu scripts to Robert Sherman, 154-23A Riverside Drive, Beechhurst, NY 11357-1339, or to the Editor, indicating that the manuscript is for this column.
Spirituality, Marriage, and Family
Authors: Giblin Paul
Published: March 2007

Whether viewved as part of culture, a subset of belief systems, or a constructivist languaging system, spirituality is gaining increased attention among marriage and family therapists. This research review first compares religion and spirituality, defines spirituality, and then reviews spirituality research in relation to marital satisfaction, healthy marital and family functioning, assessment, and clinical practice. The article concludes with a brief summary of questions warrantingfurther research.
Back to Basics: Introducing the ABCs of Courtesy
Authors: Sherman Robert
Published: March 2007

This column provides an opportunity for readers to share with their colleagues some of the creative techniques that they have sucjessfully developed or adapted in their work with couples andfamilies. If it works wellfor you, others may also be able to adapt it for their purposes, or be stimulated to invent or adapt another technique. Send manuscripts to Robert Sherman, 12 Berkshire Drive, Cranbury, NJ 08512, or send to the Editor indicating it is for this column.
Familial Influences on Adolescent Delinquent Behavior
Authors: Cashwell Craig S. , Vacc Nicholas A.
Published: March 2007

A path model was tested to examine a modified version of coercion theory. Results suggested that family cohesion is a salient issue in adolescent delinquent behavior, particularly as mediated by involvement with deviant peers.
Use of Blocks and Cups in Couple Counseling
Authors: Jacobs Ed
Published: March 2007

This column provides an opportunity for readers to share with their colleagues some of the creative techniques that they have successfully developed or adapted in their work with couples andfamilies. If it works wellfor you, others may also be able to adapt it for their purposes, or be stimulated to invent or adapt another technique. Send manuscripts to Robert Sherman, 12 Berkshire Drive, Cranbury, NJ 08512, or send to the Editor indicating it is for this column.
Using Sandplay in Couples Counseling
Authors: Carmichael Karla D. , Echols Kathy L. , Warren Gail Gachet
Published: March 2007

Sandplay is an appropriate adjunct to therapy for couples experiencing difficulties, providing the couple with a nonverbal and creative intervention. The authors present a background, methods, and materials for the couples counselor wishing to use this technique.
Insoo Kim Berg and Solution-Focused Therapy
Authors: West John D. , Bubenzer Donald L. , Smith Jeffrey M. , Hamm Terri L.
Published: March 2007

In this article, Insoo Kim Berg was interviewed on solution-focused therapy, and Steve de Shazer joined in the interview. During the interview, Berg discussed the evolution of her work and its application to various populations.
The Stream of Family Secrets: Navigating the Islands of Confidentiality and Triangulation Involving Family Therapists
Authors: Brendel Johnston M. , Nelson Kaye W.
Published: March 2007

This article provides family counselors with an overview of the ethical considerations that enter the therapeutic realm when secrets are shared with the family’s therapist that are obscured to the rest of the family unit. Included are a review of specific ethical guidelines and recommendations for practicing helping professionals.
Factor Structure of the Research Outcome Expectations Scale
Authors: Bieschke Kathleen J.
Published: March 2007

The Research Outcome Expectations Questions (ROEQ) is a measure of outcomes one might expect to occur as a result of engaging in research activities. Though the ROEQ has good internal consistency, the underlying factor structure of the ROEQ had not yet been examined. Exploratory factor analyses were completed on 183 doctoral students in counseling psychology and counselor education. A one-factor model was identified. The one-factor model was submitted to confirmatory factor analyses using an independent sample of 284 doctoral students and was found to be a good fit of the data. The predictive validity of the revised-ROEQ appears to be adequate. Implications for using the ROEQ in future research studies are discussed.
Career Assessment in a Time of Changing Roles, Relationships, and Contexts
Authors: Reardon Robert C. , Sampson James P. , Lenz Janet G.
Published: March 2007

Given emerging roles, relationships, and contexts for career service delivery, we speculate that career assessment will increasingly focus on determining readiness for career problem solving and decision making. These changes will enable career shoppers (persons previewing career materials or services before committing to them) and career helpers (persons with varied training and skills providing career assistance) to make collaborative decisions about self-help, brief staff-assisted, or individual case-managed career services. Both individual capability and situational complexity will be assessed in determining readiness, and career theories will be used to review and structure the variables involved in readiness assessment. Career helpers working directly and indirectly with career shoppers in new service delivery contexts will play varied roles in mediating the career assessment process. The Internet will enable career shoppers to directly participate in comprehensive career assessment. Implications for the nature of career assessments, costs, requisite skills and licenses for administration, and ethical guidelines for use of career assessments are discussed.
Internet Career Assessment for the New Millennium
Authors: Oliver Laurel W. , Whiston Susan C.
Published: March 2007

Indications are that individuals will increasingly use the Internet to access career assessments in the new millennium. The purpose of this article is to analyze the current state of Internet career assessments, which includes a discussion of potential benefits and problems. In addition, methods for practitioners to evaluate career assessment websites are discussed. The authors also make suggestions for the further development of sound Internet career assessments and for additional research in this area.
Psychological Type, Decision-Making Style, and Reactions to Structured Career Interventions
Authors: Tinsley Howard E. A. , Tinsley Diane J. , Rushing James
Published: March 2007

The authors investigated the reactions of 50 career undecided women to a structured career intervention that identified barriers to career decision making, led participants through a systematic consideration of their vocational interests, and helped them formulate provisional college major and occupational choices. At follow up (3 weeks after the intervention), women whose primary focus was on inner experiencing and ideas (i.e., introversion) and those who used a rational decision-making style reported greater benefits from the intervention than women who (a) emphasized flexibility and spontaneity in dealing with the outerworld (i.e., perceiving), (b) used a dependent or intuitive decision-making style, or (c) who used an external information processing style.
The Use of the Career Decision Scale in Career Assessment
Authors: Osipow Samuel H. , Winer Jane L.
Published: March 2007

The history, development, and empirical foundations of the Career Decision Scale (CDS; Osipow, Carney, Winer, Yanico, & Koschier, 1976; 1987) are reviewed and summarized. The major research findings using the instrument are examined, along with its various uses in program planning, practice with special populations, and theory. Issues related to the instrument's use with women and men are briefly discussed, as are the cross-cultural applications of the measure. Finally, the controversy regarding the factor structure of the scale is reviewed.
The Career Transitions Inventory: Measuring Internal Resources in Adulthood
Authors: Heppner Mary J.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this article is to describe the development and application of the Career Transition Inventory (CTI; Heppner, 1991). The CTI is designed to assess psychological resources, or conversely barriers, that adults may experience during a career transition. This article discusses the CTI scale construction, including its theoretical base, factor analysis, reliability, and validity estimates. In addition, information is provided on how to interpret the various scales to adults in career transition.
Success and Women's Career Adjustment
Authors: Russell Joyce E. A. , Burgess Jennifer R. D.
Published: March 2007

Women have made significant advances in their careers during the last few decades, although there are still barriers facing them in their quest for advancement. Consequently, researchers and career professionals have suggested a number of personal and organizational strategies to help women overcome these barriers and achieve greater levels of success in organizations. Nevertheless, in recent years increasingly more women have left organizations to find career success by starting their own businesses. The present paper examines some of the barriers still facing women, proposed assistance strategies, and issues relevant to entrepreneurial women. Suggestions for future research to enhance the career success of women are offered.
Congruence, Skill Utilization, and Group Importance as Predictors of Well-Being in Army Reserve Units
Authors: Meir Elchanan I. , Green-Eppel Tal
Published: March 2007

The relations between two measures of environmental congruence, skill utilization congruence, and group importance on the one hand, and three measures of well-being (satisfaction, anxiety, and somatic complaints) on the other, were measured. Participants were 118 reserve infantry soldiers constituting four infantry companies. A correlation of .37 was found between skill utilization and group importance and around .66 between each of these variables and satisfaction (all p < .01). Environmental congruence did not yield significant correlations with the well-being measures. The findings are interpreted by reference to specific features of the sample, and the theoretical and practical implications are considered.
Preserving Biodiversity in Costa Rica: The Case of the Merck-INBio Agreement
Authors: Zebich-Knos Michele
Published: March 2007

Compensation for biological samples and information obtained from developing countries is now embodied in contractual relationships between nongovernmental organizations such as Costa Rica's National Biodiversity Institute (INBio) and the Merck pharmaceutical company. This article discusses the innovative partnership between INBio and Merck. This agreement may serve as a model for sustainable development and preserving biodiversity in Costa Rica and elsewhere.
The Cubatão Pollution Control Project: Popular Participation and Public Accountability
Authors: De Mello Lemos Maria Carmen
Published: March 2007

This article examines the Cubatão Pollution Control Project (CPCP) carried out by Cetesb, the São Paulo state environmental protection agency, to control air, water, and soil pollution in the city of Cubatão, Brazil. It focuses on Cetesb's strategy to involve the Cubatão community in the CPCP as a means to increase the agency's leverage vis-à-vis groups against pollution control implementation, especially the polluting industries. To achieve its goals, Cetesb designed a unique and unprecedented program of environmental education and community participation. The program included extensive surveying of neighborhood demands, orga nization of public meetings for project evaluation, and establishment of new channels of public accountability. As a result, community support played a critical role in Cetesb's ability to carry out pollution control in Cubatão.
Out of the Backyard: The Problems of Hazardous Waste Management at a Global Level
Authors: O'Neill Kate
Published: March 2007

This article explores recent developments in the regulation of the international hazardous waste trade. It begins with the move in recent years toward banning the North-South waste trade and shows how this ban reflects a particular specification of the waste trade, as a transboundary environmental issue whereby domestic waste management problems are seen as issues of sovereign national responsibility. It examines another way of formulating the waste trade: as a symptom of more fundamental problems afflicting waste management sectors in most industrialized countries. Without taking this perspective into account, the ban on the waste trade is likely to fail. The final section is more optimistic, examining how certain countries—Britain, France, Germany, and Australia—are formulating policy change in ways likely to have an impact on the waste trade, drawing conclusions about how the role of international authorities might be revised in the light of these developments.
The Psychopathy Checklist-Screening Version: An Examination of Criteria and Subcriteria in Three Forensic Samples
Authors: Rogers Richard , Salekin Randall T. , Hill Christie , Sewell Kenneth W. , Murdock Melissa E. , Neumann Craig S.
Published: March 2007

The development and refinement of psychopathy represent a critical issue in clinical and forensic practice. During the last decade, important advances in the operationalization of psychopathy were achieved, primarily through the development of the Psychopathy Checklist (PCL) and its subsequent versions (PCL-R and PCL:SV). PCL ratings are based primarily on item descriptions or subcriteria. The current study serves to break new ground as the first systematic investigation of PCL:SV subcriteria by addressing their psychometric properties and exploring their construct and criterion-related validation. Previously unanalyzed data from three samples were integrated: female offenders, male forensic patients, and male adolescent offenders. Results largely support the use of subcriteria as homogeneous components of criteria and provide strong initial evidence of their construct validity. Results are less conclusive regarding criterion-related validity. For female offenders, they suggested the potential value of specific PCL:SV subcriteria for predicting verbal aggression. Confirmatory factor analysis provided encouraging results on the applicability of the standard two-factor model of psychopathy. However, a first-order principal axis factoring suggested further refinements in our understanding of psychopathy.
Parenting Alliance: A Multifactor Perspective
Authors: Konold Timothy R. , Abidin Richard R.
Published: March 2007

The Parenting Alliance Measure (PAM) provides an operational representation of Weissman and Cohen's theory of parenting that has both clinical and research applications. The PAM is a 20-item, self-report instrument that measures the strength of the perceived alliance between parents of children ages 1 to 19 years. Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine whether the PAM measures the same constructs for mothers and fathers. In addition, a formal comparison between a one- and two-factor solution was conducted, and the invariance of parameter estimates for the preferred model was tested for mothers and fathers. Results indicated that the PAM measures the same dimensions for these two groups. A formal comparison between the one- and two-factor solutions favored the less parsimonious two-factor model. At the same time, the relationship between these constructs was sufficiently high to warrant interpretation of an overall parenting alliance score. Accordingly, results from the current investigation support two levels of interpretation on the PAM. Normative raw score conversions to percentile and standardized T scores are provided.
Cognitive Complexity and the Validity of Clinicians' Judgments
Authors: Garb Howard N. , Lutz Catherine
Published: March 2007

Efforts to explain why some neuropsychologists are more accurate than others have been unsuccessful. In the present study, the relation between the cognitive complexity of clinicians and the validity of their judgments was investigated. Forty-two neuropsychologists completed a measure of cognitive complexity. The hypothesis that neuropsychologists who are high in cognitive complexity will be more accurate than those who are low in cognitive complexity was not supported. It is not clear why cognitive complexity was not significantly related to the validity of diagnostic ratings: One explanation is that the measure of cognitive complexity used in this study was inadequate but another possibility is that neuropsychologists who are low in cognitive complexity may still be able to achieve high levels of accuracy if they attend to normative data when they interpret test results.
A Comparative View of the New Journal: Assessment
Authors: Blashfield Roger K. , Archer Gretchen
Published: March 2007

The reference sections from all articles in the 1997 volumes of Assessment, Journal of Personality Assessment, and Psychological Assessment were entered into a database and analyzed. An article published in Assessment averaged almost 31 references. An article published in Journal of Personality Assessment contained an average of 33 references. Psychological Assessment averaged 38 references per article. The median age of the references in the three journals was 8 years with an interquartile range of 4 to 14 years. The Journal of Personality Assessment had the largest number of citations in this database of 5,316 references. Each of these received a relatively large number of their citations from articles published in the same journal (self-citations). Randomly selected articles from the 1997 volume of Assessment received fewer citations in the Social Science Citation Index than a similar set of articles from the other two journals. However, the data on Assessment, when compared with data available on other new scientific publications, suggests that Assessment is doing as well as other fledgling journals.
MMPI-2 SCALE F(þ) and Symptom Feigning: Scale Refinement
Authors: Gass Carlton S. , Luis Cheryl A.
Published: March 2007

The F(l=thorn) scale of the MMPI-2 is widely used to help identify exaggeration of psychological problems in psychiatric, forensic, and neuropsychological settings. The scale was constructed by selecting all MMPI-2 items (N = 27) that were endorsed by less than 20% of a sample of VA psychiatric inpatients and 20% of the normative sample used in restandardizing the MMPI-2. Although þ is used to measure symptom exaggeration and malingering, 4 of its 27 items load on the Lie (L) scale, which is known to be a measure of defensiveness and symptom underreporting. These four items, which express a denial of occasional anger, irritability, and procrastination, could conceivably measure an uncommon expression of defensiveness. This study used 150 neuropsychological referrals to test the hypotheses that (a) the four L scale items measure defensiveness, not exaggeration, and (b) the elimination of these items improves the utility of þ in assessing symptom exaggeration. The results indicate that the four L scale items are associated with defensiveness, not with symptom exaggeration. One third of the patients had an average T-score artifact of 9.5 points on þ as a result of endorsing these L scale items, with a range of OT to 21 T. Using the K scale as a criterion for level of problem disclosure, a shortened version of þ (omitting the four L scale items) was superior to þ as a measure of symptom exaggeration (r= -.46 vs. -.36, r2 = 21% vs. 13% of the variance). The implications for clinical practice are discussed.
Comparing MMPI and MMPI-2 Profiles: Replication and Integration
Authors: Morrison Thomas L. , Edwards Daniel W. , Weissman Herbert N. , Allen Ronald , DeLaCruz Arnold
Published: March 2007

Respondents in two settings, a Veterans Administration mental hygiene clinic (n = 94) and a university counseling center (n = 73), completed the test items from the MMPI and MMPI-2 in a single administration, allowing for between-form comparisons that were minimally affected by temporal instability. Concordance rates for high-point codes were 54% and 60%, respectively. Concordance rates for two-point profile codes, regardless of elevation, were 53% and 60%, respectively. Among nonconcordant cases, the proportions of cases with the same high point were 49% and 59%, respectively. In these two samples, 37% and 23%, respectively, of the cases had elevated profiles that were "well-defined." Among these well-defined profiles, concordance rates for high-point codes were 60% and 94%, respectively. These findings are discussed in relation to previous studies of profile concordance between the MMPI and MMPI-2. Implications for clinical practice are suggested.
Social Emotional Adjustment and Interpersonal Problems: A Circumplex Analysis of the Weinberger Adjustment Typology
Authors: Pincus Aaron L. , Boekman Laura F.
Published: March 2007

Weinberger's typological model of social-emotional adjustment was described. The model's six adjustment types were evaluated within the context of the interpersonal problems circumplex in a sample of 306 young adult college students. Diagnostic features of precise circumplex measurement were used to distinguish adjustment types. Substantive features of the interpersonal problems circumplex were used to describe differential characteristics of interpersonal dysfunction across adjustment types. Differential endorsementrates of psychological symptoms across adjustment types were also examined. The validityof the social-emotional adjustment typology was supported. Based on previous research on interpersonal problems, psychotherapy response, and attachment styles, implications for the typology regarding the development of psychopathology and psychotherapeutic interventions are discussed. We conclude that the Weinberger types represent a useful, person-centered typological model in which to integrate developmental, personality, and clinical perspectives on social-emotional adjustment.
An Investigation of Vetrbal Spatial Functioning in Chronic Alcoholics
Authors: Tivis Laura J. , Parsons Oscar A.
Published: March 2007

The mild generalized brain dysfunction hypothesis of alcoholic impairment predicts that, as a group, alcoholics will be impaired on both right- and left-hemisphere spatial functioning tests. A verbal-spatial problem-solving task (Luria, 1980) composed of explicitly spatial problems and comparative problems was developed and administered along with a well-known visual spatial problem-solving task (Block Design) to 24 sober male alcoholics and 24 peer controls. As expected, alcoholics performed more poorly and made more configurational errors than controls on Block Design. In accord with the mild generalized hypothesis, alcoholics performed more poorly than peer controls on the more explicitly spatial verbal problems, but not on the easier comparative problems.
Interrater Reliability of the Ruff Figural Fluency Test
Authors: Berning Lisa C. , Weed Nathan C. , Aloia Mark S.
Published: March 2007

To examine interrater reliability of the Ruff Figural Fluency Test (RFFT), 124 college students completed the RFFT and scored RFFT test protocols. Three questions were examined: (a) What is the relationship between RFFT scores obtained by different raters? (b) Do participants improve in RFFT scoring accuracy with practice?, and (c) Are participants who perform better on the RFFT more accurate raters? Interrater reliabilities for unique designs, design perseverations, and error ratios were .93, .74, and .66, respectively. Participants benefitted from practice on scoring with increased accuracy over five protocols. Finally, results indicated a positive relationship between performance on the RFFT and scoring accuracy.
Assessment of Self-Reported Anger Expression in Youth
Authors: Musante Linda , Treiber Frank A. , Davis Harry C. , Waller Jennifer L. , Thompson William O.
Published: March 2007

Internal consistency, temporal stability, and principal components structures of two selfreport anger expression scales used in pediatric health research were examined in 415 youth (216 White, 199 Black; 191 boys, 224 girls; mean age 14.7 years). Participants completed the Anger Expression Scale (AXS) and the Pediatric Anger Expression Scale (PAES) on two occasions separated by approximately 1 year. Psychometric properties of the two scales were examined and compared with those reported by the scale authors. For both the AXS and the PAES, estimates of internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) were acceptable and comparable to values reported by scale authors. Temporal stability of both scales was significant over 1 year. Principal components structures for both scales were similar to those reported by scale authors. Results were generally consistent for age groupings (<13,?13 years), ethnicity, and gender. It is concluded that further research using the AXS and PAES is warranted. The stability of anger expression over time and the assessment of anger suppression is discussed.
Reliability of the Advanced Psychodiagnostic Interpretation (API) Scoring System for the Bender Gestalt
Authors: Aucone Ernest J. , Raphael Alan J. , Golden Charles J. , Espe-Pfeifer Patricia , Seldon Jen , Pospisil Tanya , Dornheim Liane , Proctor-Weber Zoe , Calabria Michael
Published: March 2007

This study assesses the interrater reliability of the revised Advanced Psychodiagnostic Interpretation (API) scoring system for the Bender Gestalt Test (BGT). The API scoring system identifies 207 possible distortions in a BGT protocol. Agreement across nine raters exceeded 90% for each of three clinical protocols. Kappa statistics indicated that the API system exhibited good interrater reliability. Further research is necessary in such areas as test-retest reliability and validity to further demonstrate the effectiveness of the procedure.
REVIEW ■ : Nitric Oxide: Actions and Pathological Roles
Authors: Dawson Ted M. , Dawson Valina L.
Published: March 2007

Nitric oxide is a unique biological messenger molecule. It mediates, in part, the immune functions of mac rophages ; it is produced by endothelial cells to mediate blood vessel relaxation; and it also serves as a neurotransmitter in the central and peripheral nervous system. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase and neuronal nitric oxide synthase are thought to be primarily constitutive, with activation induced by calcium entry into cells in the absence of protein synthesis, whereas the macrophage nitric oxide synthase is inducible with large increases in new nitric oxide synthase protein synthesis after immune stimulation. The molecular targets of nitric oxide are expanding, as are its physiological and pathophysiological roles in the nervous system. Nitric oxide may regulate neurotransmitter release, and it may play a key role in nervous system morpho genesis and synaptic plasticity and regulate gene expression. Under conditions of excessive formation, nitric oxide is emerging as an important neurotoxin in a variety of disorders of the nervous system. The Neuro scientist 1:7-18, 1995
Review : Serotonin Transporter and Psychiatric Disorders: Listening to the Gene
Authors: Lesch Klaus-Peter
Published: March 2007

Mood, cognition, and many other physiological functions are modulated by the midbrain raphe serotonin (5- HT) system. By directing the magnitude and duration of postsynaptic receptor-mediated signaling, the 5-HT transporter (5-HTT) plays a crucial role in the integration of 5-HT neurotransmission. Considerable progress has been made in the molecular characterization of the 5-HTT, and research is currently focusing on the organization of 5-HTT gene (SLC6A4, OMIM accession number 182138), on the regulation of 5-HTT ex pression, on alterations in expression because of allelic variation in gene transcription, on structure-activity relationships of the 5-HTT protein, and on mechanisms of 5-HT and ion translocation. In the psychobiological dimension, it is becoming increasingly evident that inadequate adaptive responses to environmental stress ors, in conjunction with predisposing genes like the 5-HTT, contribute to the etiopathogenesis of behavioral and psychiatric disorders. A polymorphism in the regulatory region of the 5-HTT gene is associated with anxiety- and depression-related personality traits, and preliminary studies suggest that it influences the risk to develop affective disorders, alcohol dependence, and late-onset dementias. Finally, transgenic strategies are gaining momentum for the validation of the concept of the 5-HTT gene as a susceptibility locus for emotional instability (neuroticism) and psychiatric disorders. This approach addresses the pertinent question: to what extent does targeted disruption of the 5-HTT gene affect biochemistry, electrophysiology, and phar macology of the 5-HT system and modulate neural development and synaptic plasticity? It may also provide a model system that facilitates the dissection of successive events that lead to disease states as well as to the testing of novel therapeutic concepts. NEUROSCIENTIST 4:25-34, 1998