bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Norepinephrine and Dopamine Metabolites and Educational Variables in Boys With Attention Deficit Disorder and Hyperactivity
Authors: Shekim Walid O. , Sinclair Esther , Glaser Robert , Horwitz Ellen , Javaid Javaid , Bylund David B.
Published: June 2008

The present study evaluated the biochemical measures of urinary homovanillic acid (HVA) and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) in relation to functioning on selected psychoeducational tests in a group of boys with attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R), the Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT), and the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test were administered to 28 hyperactive and 23 control subjects. The findings suggest subtle differences in psychoeducational test performance in relation to specific levels of homovanillic acid and MHPG. ( J Child Neurol 1987;2:50-56).
Review Article: Understanding and Preventing Perinatal, Intracerebral, Peri- and Intraventricular Hemorrhage
Authors: Goddard-Finegold Jan , Mizrahi Eli M.
Published: June 2008

Antenatal anticipation of problem pregnancies and improvements in resuscitation and care of newborns have led to increasing survival of babies born prematurely. Nevertheless, the potential for neurologic handicaps is significant in this population of children, and the prevention of intracerebral, peri- and intraventricular hemorrhages and associated brain lesions remains a high priority. In this review, we consider (1) the clinical problem of periventricular, intraventricular hemorrhage; (2) means of diagnosis; (3) the EEG and periventricular, intraventricular hemorrhage; (4) sequelae; (5) hypotheses of pathogenesis; (6) experimental approaches to understanding periventricular, intraventricular hemorrhage; (7) agents being tested for use in preventing hemorrhage; and (8) future areas for research toward the prevention of hemorrhage and other neonatal brain lesions. ( J Child Neurol 1987;2:170-185).
Benign Paroxysmal Tonic Upgaze of Childhood
Authors: Ouvrier Robert A. , Billson Frank
Published: June 2008

Four cases of an apparently benign ocular motor syndrome of childhood are reported. The features of the disorder are: (1) onset in early life; (2) periods of constant or variably sustained tonic conjugate upward deviation of the eyes; (3) down-beating saccades in attempted downgaze, which are difficult to sustain below the neutral positions; (4) apparently normal horizontal eye movements; (5) frequent relief by sleep; (6) otherwise normal neurological findings apart from mild ataxia, chronic in one boy and at times of illness in one of the other patients; (7) absence of deterioration during observation spanning up to 15 years; (8) eventual improvement but with some residual ocular movement problems in two cases; (9) normal metabolic, electroencephalographic, and neuroradiologic investigations; (10) normal brain examination findings in one patient who died accidentally; and (11) an apparently good response to levodopa therapy in one patient. To the authors' knowledge, this condition has not been described previously. It may be a new levodopa-responsive condition, secondary to a localized neurotransmitter deficiency. ( J Child Neurol 1988;3:177-180).
Prognosis in Sturge-Weber Disease: Comparison of Unihemispheric and Bihemispheric Involvement
Authors: Bebin E. Martina , Gomez Manuel R.
Published: June 2008

One hundred two patients with Sturge-Weber disease who were seen at the Mayo Clinic between 1942 and 1986 were studied retrospectively to determine the difference in prognosis between unihemispheric (88 patients) and bihemispheric (14 patients) involvement. Seizures occurred in 63 with unihemispheric involvement and 13 with bihemispheric; the mean age at onset of seizures was 24 months in the former and 6 months in the latter. Of the total group, 19% were severely or moderately mentally retarded, 27% were mentally retarded but educable, and 45% had average intelligence. In the bihemispheric involvement group, 46% were severely or moderately mentally retarded, 38% were retarded but educable, and only 8% had average intelligence. Bilateral involvement of the brain by Sturge-Weber disease is associated with earlier onset of seizures and worse prognosis for mental development compared with unilateral involvement. ( J Child Neurol 1988;3:181-184).
Interictal Sharp EEG Transients in Neonatal Seizures
Authors: Clancy Robert R.
Published: June 2008

This study describes the differences between several quantifiable variables that characterize interictal sharp EEG transients (SETS) recorded from neurologically ill neonates with proven electrographic seizures and a comparison group of apparently neurologically well babies with no known seizures. The abundance (number of sharp EEG transients per ten minutes), waveform morphology, repetitive behavior, and spatial distribution of SETS provide interpretive guidelines that help discriminate between these two patient populations (J Child Neurol 1989;4:30-38).
Autosomal Recessive Cerebellar Hypoplasia
Authors: Mathews Katherine D. , Afifi Adel K. , Hanson James W.
Published: June 2008

Cerebellar hypoplasia is found in association with a variety of neurologic and systemic disorders. It is the primary finding in the uncommonly reported condition of autosomal recessive cerebellar hypoplasia. We describe two siblings with cerebellar hypoplasia documented in both by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and review the clinical features of previously reported cases of autosomal recessive cerebellar hypoplasia. The most common findings in this disorder are nonprogressive ataxia, strabismus, mental retardation, and speech delay with dysarthria. Previously reported cases have been confirmed by autopsy, pneumoencephalography, or computed tomographic (CT) scans. MRI clearly documents diffuse cerebellar hypoplasia and aids in distinguishing autosomal recessive cerebellar hypoplasia from other disorders. The pathophysiology of this disorder is uncertain, however studies of the weaver mutant mouse (an animal model of autosomal recessive cerebellar hypoplasia) suggest that an abnormality of the Bergmann glia may lead to the observed granule cell layer deficiency in these patients. This diagnosis should be considered for children with nonprogressive ataxia and families should be made aware of the 25% recurrence risk. (J Child Neurol 1989;4:189-193).
Early and Late Neuropathological Changes in Perinatal White Matter Damage
Authors: Dambska Maria , Laure-Kamionowska Milena , Schmidt-Sidor Bogna
Published: June 2008

Our material presents two patterns of white matter lesions in the brain of newborns dying with the clinical diagnosis of intrauterine or perinatal pathology: (1) classical periventricular ischemic infarction resulting in coagulative necrosis and (2) diffuse periventricular colliquative necrosis, in some cases involving the center of the cerebral convolutions. The majority of cases did not survive the first month of life. The cases with longer survival (up to six years) presented clinically with the syndrome of bilateral spastic cerebral palsy. Neuropathological examination showed dilation of the lateral ventricles, small cavities, and diffuse glial scars, not only in the periventricular white matter but also involving the axis of cerebral convolutions, as opposed to the relative sparing of cerebral cortex and other brain structures. These changes could be considered as evident or putative forms of a distinct type of perinatal brain damage. (J Child Neurol 1989;4:291-298).
Review Article: Carnitine, Valproate, and Toxicity
Authors: Coulter David L.
Published: June 2008

Carnitine is an important nutrient that is present in the diet (particularly in meat and dairy products) and is synthesized from dietary amino acids. It functions to assist long-chain fatty acid metabolism and to regulate the ratio of free coenzyme A to acylcoenzyme A in the mitochondrion. Carnitine deficiency occurs in primary inborn errors of metabolism, in nutritional deficiency, and in various other disorders including antiepileptic drug therapy. Valproate therapy is often associated with decreased carnitine levels and occasionally with true carnitine deficiency. Some experimental and clinical evidence links valproate-induced carnitine deficiency with hepatotoxicity, but this evidence is limited and inconclusive. Carnitine supplementation has been useful in some studies, but these data are also limited. Young children with neurologic disabilities taking multiple antiepileptic drugs may have the greatest risk for carnitine deficiency. Measurement of carnitine levels appears warranted in these patients and in patients with symptoms and signs of possible carnitine deficiency. ( J Child Neurol 1991;6:7-14).
Age-Related Changes in the Relative Growth of the Posterior Fossa
Authors: Schaefer G. Bradley , Thompson James N. , Bodensteiner John B. , Gingold Monique , Wilson Melissa , Wilson Don
Published: June 2008

We have established a normative data set for the relative size of the structures of the midline posterior fossa from birth to 90 years old. Data were obtained from morphometric analysis of midsagittal magnetic resonance imaging scans of the brain utilizing a simple image analysis system. There are several significant changes in the size of these structures with an increase in chronologic age. The relative size of the cisterna magna decreases with age. Anterior cerebellar vermal lobules (I through V) appear to grow more rapidly than the rest of the cerebellum. Other, less significant, trends include a decrease in the overall size of the cerebellum, superior posterior vermal lobules (VI and VII) and inferior posterior lobule (VIII) with an increase in age. It is, therefore, necessary to use age-standardized normative data when making morphometric correlations with clinical disorders. ( J Child Neurol 1991;6:15-19).
Steroid-Dependent Postvaricella Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Tenorio Gene , Whitaker John N.
Published: June 2008

Postinfectious encephalomyelitis is an acute demyelinating illness that usually has its onset 3 to 7 days after the onset of a viral exanthem and has a monophasic course over 2 to 4 weeks. Recurrent bouts of postinfectious encephalomyelitis have been described that have resolved spontaneously or with short courses of steroid therapy. We report a patient who developed a chronic, steroid-dependent encephalomyelitis secondary to a varicella infection at 5 months of age. (J Child Neurol 1991;6:45-48).
Fever Producing Ballismus in Patients With Choreoathetosis
Authors: Harbord Michael G. , Kobayashi Jeffrey S.
Published: June 2008

We report two children with choreoathetoid cerebral palsy who had intermittent, severe, paroxysmal episodes of ballismus in response to febrile illnesses. These episodes lasted for hours and were difficult to control, requiring large doses of haloperidol or phenytoin. Differentiation from seizures triggered by fever was readily made by concurrent electroencephalographic recordings. ( J Child Neurol 1991;6:49-52).
Pantoprazole-Na Release from Poly(acrylamide-co-crotonic acid) and Poly(acrylic acid-co-crotonic acid) Hydrogels
Authors: Pulat Mehlika , Çetin Meliha
Published: June 2008

Poly(acrylamide-co-crotonic acid) (PAAmCA), poly(acrylic acid-co-crotonic acid) (PAACA), PAA and PAAm hydrogels were prepared by free radical polymerization and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a crosslinker. The variations of swelling values (%) with time, temperature, and pH were determined for four types of hydrogels. The PAACA hydrogel was swollen 2300% at pH = 7.4 and 37°C. The drug release from pantoprazole-Na loaded PAACA and PAAmCA hydrogels was followed at pH = 7.4, 37°C for 30 h. The release from PAACA hydrogel was faster than that from PAAmCA hydrogel; therapeutic levels for both hydrogels are obtained within 1 hour. Non-Fickian diffusion was determined for both hydrogels.
Synthesis of pH-Sensitive and Biodegradable CM-Cellulose/Chitosan Polyampholytic Hydrogels with Electron Beam Irradiation
Authors: Long Zhao  , Mitomo Hiroshi , Yosh Fumio
Published: June 2008

A series of novel environment-conscious hydrogels were prepared from carboxymethylated cellulose (CM-cellulose) and chitosan using irradiation without any additives. Gel fraction, mechanical property, and swelling behavior of the hydrogel were studied. The hydrogel blend exhibited improved mechanical property and good swelling in water. The blend hydrogels also displayed typical pH-sensitive swelling behavior. A preliminary biodegradation study confirmed that the hydrogel blends undergo biodegradation by enzymatic degradation.
Children's Wishes
Authors: Ewing Bonnie
Published: June 2008

Expressions of children who have life-threatening illnesses are revealed in their art that provides a way for adults to know how they are experiencing their world. The language of children is unsophisticated; however, they speak meaningfully through their drawings. Children use symbols and images to represent elements in circumstances they are trying to understand. The purpose of this article is to show how the drawings of children with life-threatening illnesses who had special wishes fulfilled reveal meaning that translates into holistic practices.
Childhood systemic lupus erythematosus in Latin America. The GLADEL experience in 230 children
Authors: Ramírez Gómez LA , Uribe Uribe O , Osio Uribe O , Grisales Romero H , Cardiel MH , Wojdyla D , Pons-Estel BA ,   on behalf of the Grupo Latinoamericano de Estudio del Lupus (GLADEL)
Published: June 2008

Abstract

To evaluate disease characteristics of childhood onset SLE in Latin America and to compare this information with an adult population in the same cohort of GLADEL. A protocol was designed as a multicenter, multinational, inception cohort of lupus patients to evaluate demographic, clinical, laboratory and serological variables, as well as classification criteria, disease activity, organ damage and mortality. Descriptive statistics, chi square, Fisher's exact test, Student's t test and multiple logistic regression were used to compare childhood and adult onset SLE. 230 patients were < 18 years and 884 were adult SLE patients. Malar rash, fever, oral ulcers, thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia and some neurologic manifestations were more prevalent in children (p < 0.05). On the other hand, myalgias, Sjögren’s syndrome and cranial nerve involvement were more frequently seen in adults (p < 0.05). Afro-Latin-American children had a higher prevalence of fever, thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia. White and mestizo children had a higher prevalence of malar rash. Mestizo children had a higher prevalence of cerebrovascular disease and cranial nerve involvement. Children met SLE ACR criteria earlier with higher mean values than adults (p: 0.001). They also had higher disease activity scores (p: 0.01), whereas adults had greater disease damage (p: 0.02). In Latin America, childhood onset SLE seems to be a more severe disease than adults. Some differences can be detected among ethnic groups.
Myocardial tissue characterization in systemic lupus erythematosus: value of a comprehensive cardiovascular magnetic resonance approach
Authors: Abdel-Aty H , Siegle N , Natusch A , Gromnica-Ihle E , Wassmuth R , Dietz R , Schulz-Menger J
Published: June 2008

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multi-organ inflammatory disorder mainly affecting women and is associated with high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We tested the utility of a comprehensive cardiovascular magnetic resonance approach to assess myocardial involvement and to determine its relation to disease activity in SLE patients. We studied 20 SLE patients (19 females, 35 ± 10 years) and 13 healthy volunteers (nine females, 28 ± 11 years). Classification followed the criteria of the American College of Rheumatology and assessment of SLE activity was based on the European Consensus Lupus Activity Measurement index. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) was performed on a 1.5T scanner and included the following sequences: steady-state free precession, T2-weighted, early and late T1-weighted after gadolinium-DTPA injection. Ejection fraction was not significantly different between groups (controls: 63 ± 6, inactive SLE: 67 ± 7, active SLE 64 ± 8; P = 0.003 for all groups). In contrast, relative T2 ratio (myocardium to skeletal muscle) was significantly higher in active SLE than in the other groups (controls: 1.7 ± 0.3, inactive: 1.8 ± 0.2, active: 2.1 ± 0.2; P = 0.003). Similarly, early enhancement ratio was significantly higher in active SLE (controls: 2.4 ± 1.4, inactive: 2.8 ± 1.1, active: 4.5 ± 2.0, P = 0.39). Both relative T2 and early enhancement ratios significantly correlated with disease activity. Intramural foci of late enhancement were observed in three of eight patients (all with active SLE). Of the five patients with no late enhancement, only one had active disease. An imaging approach combining T2-weighted, early and late enhancement imaging is a useful tool to assess possible myocardial involvement in SLE. CMR parameters of global myocardial involvement correlate well with disease activity, but not with usual clinical signs as summarized in a cardiac score.
On the Relationship between Interpretations of the Confucian Classics and Political Power in East Asia
Authors: Huang Chun-chieh
Published: June 2008

This article focuses on the complex relationship existing between the interpretation of Confucian classics and political power in China, Japan and Korea. A wide range of materials is contained for discussion, namely East Asian scholars’ commentaries on the Analects and Mencius, questions extracted from the Book of Mencius in the civil service examinations in the Ming (1368–1644) China, reminders which a Tokugawa Japanese scholar marked on Mencius against imperial reading, and quotations from Confucian classics appearing in the dialogues between emperors and courtiers in the Han (206 BCE–220 CE) and Tang (618–907) dynasties. It is pointed out that the dual roles played by the interpreters—as Confucian scholars and as administrators—had closely connected the interpretation of classics to political power. Briefly speaking, three forms of relationship are observed: inseparability, competition, and the balance to be struck between the interpretation of the classics and political power. To sum up, the East Asian Confucians read and understood the classics through their own ‘existential structures’, at the same time endowing the classics with new strategic content; they were not just playing ‘intellectual games’
Perceived Parental Deviance, Parent-Child Bonding, Child Abuse, and Child Sexual Aggression
Authors: Kobayashi Juichi , Sales Bruce D. , Becker Judith V. , Figueredo Aurielo J. , Kaplan Meg S.
Published: June 2008

Structural equation modeling was used to test a theoretical model of the etiology of deviant sexual aggression by adolescents. The subjects were 117 juvenile male sexual offenders who had been referred from either criminal justice or social service agencies to a clinic that treated offenders. The tested theoretical model included several family factors: perceived parental deviance, child physical and sexual abuse history, and children's bonding to their parents. The model as a whole fit the data well. Results indicated that physical abuse by the father and sexual abuse by males increased sexual aggression by adolescents. Also, children's bonding to their mother was found to decrease their sexual aggression. These results are explainable from a social learning perspective and from a parent-child attachment, or social control, perspective, but the alternative perspectives of evolutionary psychology are also considered. Directions for future research are suggested.
Verbal Satiation: Notes on Procedure, with Speculations on Its Mechanism of Effect
Authors: Laws D.R.
Published: June 2008

The use of repetitive verbalization of deviant sexual fantasies to reduce deviant sexual arousal is the focus of this article. The similarity of the described procedure to other techniques designed to suppress or eliminate a wide range of undesirable behaviors is noted. Verbal satiation is quite similar to masturbatory satiation and the differences are compared. The verbal satiation technique is described, along with suggestions for improving its efficacy. The mechanism of effect is discussed, with emphasis on conditioned inhibition as the best explanation. Verbal satiation is compared to three types of aversive conditioning procedures to show that its operation and effects more closely resemble traditional satiation techniques. Maintenance of treatment effects in behavior therapy are discussed It is concluded that, given its simplicity and the strong support for satiation techniques in the behavior therapy literature, verbal satiation to reduce deviant sexual arousal should be given a more extensive empirical evaluation.
A Critical Comment on Pithers' Relapse Prevention Model1
Authors: Ward Tony , Hudson Stephen M. , Siegert Richard J.
Published: June 2008

The application of Marlatt's relapse prevention model to the treatment of sexual offenders has greatly facilitated the assessment and therapy of these difficult men. In particular, Pithers' reformulation of the model has been found useful. However, in applying this model of addiction to the sexual aggressor, certain conceptual and empirical problems have been overlooked. Specifically, redefining a lapse and incorporating the problem of immediate gratification into the abstinence violation effect has created theoretical confusion and is not supported by recent empirical research. The clinical implications of these problems are discussed.
Assessing Perspective-Taking Among Sexual Offenders, Nonsexual Criminals, and Nonoffenders
Authors: Hanson R. Karl , Scott Heather
Published: June 2008

Lack of victim empathy is often cited as a factor in sexual offending. Empathy is a complex reaction that requires both perspective-taking skills and sympathetic feelings. Some treatment programs for sexual offenders provide victim empathy training based on the assumption that increased awareness of victim suffering should inhibit further offenses. Perspective-taking deficits, however, may be irrelevant to certain offenders who are indifferent or even attracted to the suffering of their victims. In the present study a diverse group of sexual offenders and comparison subjects were administered two new measures of perspective-taking ability. The sexual offenders, in general, showed greater deficits than did the comparison subjects. As expected, deficits were most noticeable in those offenders who were not known to have used overt force and those who were not intoxicated during the commission of their offenses. The present study supports the utility of using perspective-taking measures with sexual offenders.
Rape: The Roles of Outcome Expectancies and Hypermasculinity
Authors: O'Donohue William , McKay J. Sean , Schewe Paul A.
Published: June 2008

Outcome expectancies regarding coercive sexual behavior of male undergraduates were investigated to understand their possible association with self-reported past and future coercive sexual behavior and hypermasculine personality styles. Subjects indicating lower negative outcome expectancies regarding rape reported a greater history of coercive sexual behavior and higher future likelihood of raping, and were more likely to fit a hypermasculine personality pattern. Regression analysis revealed that a hypermasculine personality style, self-reported likelihood of raping, and the interaction between rape outcome expectancies and hypermasculine personality best predicted a history of sexual coercion. Implications for future research and primary prevention are discussed.
Rule-Governed Behavior and Pedophilia
Authors: Plaud Joseph J. , Newberry Donald E.
Published: June 2008

The experimental analysis of verbal and rule-govemed behavior is one area that potentially has much relevance to applied clinical settings, including the assessment and treatment of pedophilia. Much of the interaction between therapists and clients takes place in a verbal context. Since the publication of Skinner's Verbal Behavior in 1957, however, not much systematic clinical research conceming verbal behavior has been integrated into clinical practice, partly evidenced in the past several years by the many cognitive theories proclaiming to some extent that "mental way stations" explain the causes of behavior. This paper analyzes the fundamental aspects of rule-governed behavior, summarizes current research in this area, and explores some of the research methods and issues involved with rule-governed behavior. In addition, the potential of this area of behavioral psychology to provide important alternatives to explanations offered by cognitive psychology is also explored. Implications for the scientific use of rule govemed behavior in conducting psychological assessments with pedophiles is also examined.
Relapse Prevention: A Critical Analysis
Authors: Ward Tony , Hudson Stephen M.
Published: June 2008

In the last decade the application of the relapse prevention (RP) model to both the conceptualization and the treatment of sexual offenders has emerged as an innovative approach. Underlying the treatment utility of this perspective has been a social learning view of the relapse process in addictive behavior. In this paper we critically examine both Marlatt's original RP model and Pithers' application of this perspective to the sexual offending area. After outlining its basic assumptions, we describe the RP model in some detail. Following a critique of Marlatt's theory, we examine the strengths and weaknesses of Pithers' RP approach. Finally, we conclude with some comments on the implications of our critique.
The Sexual Offender: Monster, Victim, or EveMnan?1
Authors: Marshall W.L.
Published: June 2008

The nature of sexual offending is considered and it is concluded that offenders are more like other people than they are different. It is concluded that they are neither monsters nor victims and should, as a consequence, be treated like all other clients. Treatment implications are considered and it is suggested that we shift our focus away from a preoccupation with procedures and instead give attention to process features of treatment. Various therapist styles are discussed and it is proposed that a style that enhances the offender's self-esteem may be best. The value of this approach is outlined and tentative data are offered suggesting its value. Considerations for future developments are noted.
How Can We Conduct Treatment Outcome Research?
Authors: Miner Michael H.
Published: June 2008

The publication of a review of the treatment outcome literature by Furby, Weinrott, and Blackshaw in 1989 raised the issue of the failure of research to support adequately the efficacy of treatment for sexual offenders. Now, many years after the publication of Furby et al, there are still major flaws in the outcome research being conducted which have led certain researchers to conclude that we still have no empirical evidence on the effectiveness of sexual offender treatment. Specifically, the current literature has been criticized for reliance on single-group, follow-up only designs and designs that include nonequivalent treatment and comparison groups. These types of designs fail to provide adequate information about treatment outcome due to threats to internal validity and construct validity of putative causes and effects. In this paper, suggestions are made as to how to maximize experimental validity through development of program theories and questions posed about which aspects of treatment are associated with positive and negative outcomes and with whom our interventions work.
Evaluating Treatment Efficacy with Searual Offenders: The Insensitivity of Recidivism Studies to Treatment Effects
Authors: Barbaree Howard
Published: June 2008

Treatment programs for sexual offenders have been implemented in prison settings with the objective of reducing recidivism among released offenders. Reviews of the literature evaluating the efficacy of treatment have not found convincing evidence that institutional treatment reduces recidivism. However, these reviews have been most concerned with the possibility of a Type I error in hypothesis testing: specifically, that we might reject the null hypothesis when it is true, concluding that recidivism among treated offenders has been reduced compared with that of untreated offenders and concluding that treatment is effective when it is not. The present paper explores the risks of Type II error by examining the sensitivity of recidivism studies to treatment effects and the power of statistical tests of treatment hypotheses in recidivism studies. Using a series of "what if" analyses and power calculations, the sensitivity of statistical hypothesis testing was explored in recidivism studies under a variety of N's, base rates, and treatment effects. The size of treatment effects required for significance at the p < .05 level at various N's and base rates was calculated and the N required to obtain significance at the p < .05 level in the "average" recidivism study was estimated. This paper examines the sensitivity of statistical hypothesis testing in three of the most oft-cited recidivism studies of institutional sexual offender treatment. Recidivism studies were found to be quite insensitive to the effects of treatment and these findings are discussed with respect to the likelihood of a Type II error. Alternative methods of assessing sexual offender treatment efficacy are described and recommended
The Initiating Heterosexual Contact Scale: A Factor Analysis
Authors: Anderson Peter B. , Newton Maria
Published: June 2008

Recent studies of college women's initiation of heterosexual contact have focused on the relationships among predictors of women's heterosexual initiating behaviors, initiating strategies, and theories concerning sexuality and indicate the importance of establishing the psychometric properties of the research measurements. The present study of 212 college women (mean age = 22.3 years) investigated the factor structure underlying one of these tools, the Initiating Heterosexual Contact Scale (IHCS). The IHCS was developed to assess behaviors and motives relative to initiating heterosexual contact. Subjects were administered a survey that included their self-report of initiating sexual contact with men. Factor analysis of the 26-item scale revealed a 19-item scale comprised of six factors-Sexual Arousal, Hidden Motives, Verbal Pressure, Retaliation or Gain, Physical Force, and Exploitation-accounting for 59.8% of the response variance. The internal reliability of the subscales ranged from .43 to 75. Recommendations for further refinement of the IHCS and areas of future research are suggested.
The Sexual Histories and Fantasies of Youthful Males: A Comparison of Sexual Offending, Nonsexual Offending, and Nonoffending Groups
Authors: Daleiden Eric L. , Kaufman Keith L. , Hilliker Daniel R. , O'Neil Jon N.
Published: June 2008

The present clinical and theoretical literature suggests that adolescents' sexual histories and fantasies are factors contributing to the onset and perpetuation of criminal sexual behaviors. However, few data exist either to support or to refute such assertions. The purpose of the present study was to describe the self-reported sexual histories and fantasies of four groups: 104 incarcerated adolescent sexual offenders between 10 and 15 years of age, 198 16- to 20-year-old incarcerated sexual offenders, 124 incarcerated youth without a history of sexual offending, and 135 male nonoffending undergraduates. Youthful sexual offenders reported fewer consenting sexual experiences and more involvement in nonconsenting and paraphilic behaviors than both incarcerated nonsexual offenders and college males. Moreover, both sexual offenders and incarcerated nonsexual offenders reported more atypical and voyeuristic experiences, and fewer nondeviant sexual fantasies than college males. These results are discussed in terms of both social deficit and deviant conditioning models of sexual offending, leading to speculation that, contrary to clinical lore, criminal activity may be associated with suppressed levels of nondeviant fantasy rather than elevated levels of deviant fantasy.
Deviant Sexual Behavior in Children and Young Adolescents: Frequency and Patterns
Authors: Wieckowski Edward , Hartsoe Peggy , Mayer Arthur , Shortz Joianne
Published: June 2008

A descriptive statistical study was performed to assess the characteristics of youth who began committing sexual offenses in childhood. The youth in this study ranged in age from 12 to 15. They had been committed to the Virginia Department of Juvenile Justice for sexual offenses and met the criteria for residential sexual offender treatment. Three instruments were used in this study. A questionnaire was independently administered to each youth by an examiner and corroborated, when possible, by information in the youth's file. The questionnaire was supplemented by the Hare Psychopathy Scale—Revised and by information from the Risk Assessment Interviewing Protocol for Adolescent Sex Offenders. The results suggested that deviant sexual behavior may begin in early childhood, with some offenders developing patterns of offending prior to the onset of adolescence. These youth committed a median of 69.5 sexual offenses each, with each offender having a median of 16.5 victims. They used either force, threats, or violence in the large majority of their contact offenses. They predominantly came from multiproblematic families, were abused in early childhood, and were exposed to pornographic materials at a young age. The results suggest that children have the capacity to commit serious sexual offenses similar to those of older juvenile and adult offenders. The clinical implications of this study are discussed.
Successful Authors and Effective Reviewers
Authors: Tsui Anne S. , Hollenbeck John R.
Published: June 2008

Bedeian, Van Fleet, and Hyman offer some data that cast doubt on the qualifications of the reviewers of the flagship journals in our field. Using two alternative measures of authoring success, we found the reviewers of Academy of Management Journal are as a group more accomplished scholars than the authors are as a group. However, we suggest that a more relevant conversation should be about addressing the large gap between the demand for effective reviewers and the supply of individuals who are both successful authors and effective reviewers. We encourage a two-pronged approach involving reducing the demand for reviews on one hand and increasing the supply of effective reviewers on the other hand. We offer several procedural and structural alternatives to initiate a conversation that might help to move us toward some norms to encourage and reward effective reviewing in our field.
Understanding Relations of Individual—Collective Learning in Work: A Review of Research
Authors: Fenwick Tara
Published: June 2008

A review was conducted of literature addressing learning in work, focusing on relations between individual and collective learning published in nine journals during the period 1999—2004. The journals represent three distinct fields of management/ organization studies, adult education and human resource development; all publish material about workplace learning regularly. In total, 209 articles were selected for content analysis, containing a range of material including reports of empirical research to theoretical discussion. Eight themes of individual—collective learning were identified through inductive content analysis of this literature: individual knowledge acquisition, sense-making/reflective dialogue, levels of learning, network utility, individual human development, individuals in community, communities-of-practice and co-participation or co-emergence. The discussion highlights similar issues stated in the different journals about understanding individual—collective learning, the apparent lack of dialogue across the fields, the ontological and ideological differences among the themes of learning currently in circulation and the low frequency of analysis of power relations in the articles reviewed.
Comparative study of four different assays for the detection of binding antibodies against interferon-β
Authors: Gneiss C , Brugger M , Millonig A , Fogdell-Hahn A , Rudzki D , Hillert J , Berger T , Reindl M , Deisenhammer F
Published: June 2008

Background

Binding antibodies (BAB) against interferon-β (IFNβ) are often determined as screening assays before performing an expensive and elaborate neutralizing antibody (NAB) test.

Methods

In this study, we compared four BAB tests, a western blot (WB), a direct binding enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (dELISA), a capture ELISA (cELISA), and a commercial enzyme immuno-assay (EIA) in 325 multiple sclerosis patients with and without neutralizing antibodies to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity to detect NAB by receiver operating characteristics analysis.

Results

The area under the curve (AUC) values were 0.907 for the dELISA, 0.925 for the cELISA, and 0.776 for the EIA ( P < 0.0001 for all). At a sensitivity of 95%, the specificity was approximately 30% in the dELISA, 55% in the cELISA, and 13% in the EIA. The WB as a qualitative BAB detection method had a given sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 55%. There was a strong and significant correlation between high NAB titers (>500 neutralizing units [NU]) and titers obtained by all quantitative BAB assays. However, low to medium NAB titers (20–500 NU) did not significantly correlate with BAB titers.

Conclusion

We conclude that the cELISA seems to be most suitable for NAB screening, but BAB titers cannot reliably predict NAB titers.
Predictors of successful, self-reported lifestyle changes in a defined middle-aged population: The Söderåkra Cardiovascular Risk Factor Study, Sweden
Authors: Petersson Ulla , Östgren Carl Johan , Brudin Lars , Ovhed Ingvar , Nilsson Peter M.
Published: June 2008

Aims: It is well established that the main cause of the development of cardiovascular disease can be found in unhealthy lifestyle habits. In our study, we wanted to explore the long-term predictors of self-reported lifestyle changes in a middle-aged population after screening for cardiovascular risk factors 10 years earlier. Methods: We conducted a 10-year follow-up telephone interview on self-reported lifestyle changes in a rural population in south-eastern Sweden, after a cardiovascular screening programme. The population comprised 90% of all inhabitants (n=705) aged 40—59 years at baseline, and 90% of these (n=629) were reached for the telephone interview. Results: When multivariate logistic regression was used, a higher success rate for lifestyle changes was independently associated with female gender (odds ratio (OR)=1.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11—2.18). When stratified for gender, significant predictors for success in men were prevalent cardiovascular risk conditions (OR=4.77, 95% CI 2.18—10.5; p<0.001) and previous myocardial infarction (OR=22.8, 95% CI 4.73—110; p<0.001) at baseline. For women, elevated blood pressure (≥160 and/or ≥90 mmHg) measured at baseline (OR=1.84, 95% CI 1.12—3.02; p=0.016) was significantly associated with successful lifestyle changes. Smoking at baseline was also associated with significant success: OR=3.36 (95% CI:2.05—5.51; p<0.001) and OR=1.81 (95% CI 1.11—2.95; p=0.017) for men and women, respectively. Conclusions: Female gender was associated with significant improvements in self-reported lifestyle changes. Furthermore, smoking, a medical history of diabetes, hypertension, angina pectoris or myocardial infarction at baseline predicted success in lifestyle change in this 10-year follow-up study.
Barriers to good sickness certification — an interview study with Swedish general practitioners
Authors: Swartling Malin S. , Alexanderson Kristina A.E. , Wahlstrom Rolf A.
Published: June 2008

Background: To date, there is no gold standard for sick-listing practices, and physicians find sickness certification problematic. Measures have been taken to improve physician's sick-listing practices, but with ambiguous results. To be able to make such interventions effective, it is important to identify and target barriers to good practices. Our aim was to identify barriers preventing general practitioners (GPs) from sick-listing in the way they think is best. Methods: Semi-structured individual interviews were carried out with 19 GPs in 17 primary healthcare centres in four central Swedish counties. Interview transcripts were analysed using qualitative content analysis to identify types of barriers to good sick-listing practices. Results: Barriers within the healthcare system included: complexity of clinical judgements; the physician's competence — especially, poor skills in handling situations regarding conflicting perceptions of the need for sickness certification; the performance of other healthcare professionals; and deficiencies in the healthcare system itself. Barriers outside the healthcare system included: general attitudes to sick-listing and benefits; the labour-market situation; patients' social problems; and the performance of and collaboration with other stakeholders. Conclusions: GPs experienced a number of barriers to what they perceived to be good sick-listing practice. Such barriers need to be addressed in interventions for change. We propose communication skills training, with a special emphasis on difficult situations in sick-listing practice.
What are the Real Risks for Asbestos Abatement Workers?
Authors: Lange J.H. , Mastrangelo G.
Published: June 2008

Traditionally, risk for those working with asbestos was associated with exposure to this mineral and, in addition, smoking. Over the years, as the health risks associated with use of the minerals were realized exposures have been drastically reduced. The current exposure levels for those in the asbestos industry, especially the asbestos abatement industry in the United States, are now very low and constitute little, if any, risk to health. Risk for this population has dramatically changed from exposure to asbestos to other activities, which appear to be more socio-economic. This brief report provides preliminary results on smoking, body mass index and risk taking activity of a group of asbestos abatement workers that attended a refresher training class. These findings suggest that this population is at risk from obesity, smoking and risk taking activities and not asbestos exposure.
Reducing Risk of Airborne Transmitted Infection in Hospitals by Use of Hospital Curtains
Authors: Ching W.-H. , Leung M.K.H. , Leung D.Y.C. , Li Y. , Yuen P.L.
Published: June 2008

An in-patient suffering from an airborne infectious disease should be properly isolated in a negative-pressure isolation room to prevent hospital-acquired infection. However, before the infectious status is identified by clinical diagnosis, the patient may be assigned to stay with others in a hospital ward with multiple beds. Under these circumstances, there may be a risk of infection of the neighboring patients. Therefore, reasonable infection control measures should be implemented in multi-bed hospital wards, intensive care units, among others. The use of hospital curtains as physical barriers against transmission of disease is potentially a simple but effective method to reduce the risk of infection. In this investigation, the effectiveness of hospital curtains in prevention against airborne transmission of diseases in hospital rooms was evaluated by numerical modeling analysis. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-statistical hybrid modeling method, which was validated by tracer gas measurements, was employed to determine the transient dispersion of airborne contaminants. It was found that among all the case studies, the use of curtains between two beds could reduce the peak concentration for each individual neighboring patient in a bioaerosol dispersion process. A curtain fully extended to the length of a bed yielded significantly higher protection than a partially extended curtain and the reduction in peak concentration could be as much as 65%.
Different short-term and longitudinal results on perceived health status for asthma and COPD patients after pulmonary rehabilitation. Patients living alone have the largest improvements in perceived quality of life
Authors: Haave E , Hyland ME
Published: June 2008

A combined sample ( n = 132) of asthma (70%, n = 92) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (30%, n = 40) patients was assessed for short-term and longitudinal changes in perceived health status (HS), quality of life (QoL), and trait anxiety after a 4-week inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program (PRP). The total sample improved on HS ( P = 0.009 effect size (ES) = 0.12) and QoL ( P = 0.011, ES = 0.16) immediately after rehabilitation but improvements diminished at 6 months follow-up. Trait anxiety scores changed very little. The COPD group improved on HS immediately after the rehabilitation program ( P = 0.005, ES = 0.16) but scores had deteriorated at follow-up. The asthma group had only a small and non-significant HS improvement immediately after the program but got better during the follow-up period and improved significantly on HS ( P = 0.040, ES = 0.21) from before rehabilitation to follow-up 6 months after the program. Within both diagnosis groups, patients who were living alone had the largest improvements in QoL scores. PRP may have different longitudinal effects for patients with asthma and COPD. After-care procedures are probably important in rehabilitation of patients with COPD.
Late respiratory effects of sulfur mustard: how is the early symptoms severity involved?
Authors: Ghanei M , Adibi I , Farhat F , Aslani J
Published: June 2008

The association between severity of exposure to sulfur mustard (SM) and late respiratory complications is not clear. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of late pulmonary complications in patients with mild, moderate, and severe initial symptoms of sulfur mustard exposure. This was a retrospective cohort study on patients with mild, moderate, and severe initial symptoms of sulfur mustard exposure (during 1983–1988) in Baqyatallah University of medical sciences (2004–2005). The ‘mild’ group ( n = 115) had no early symptom at the time of exposure. The ‘moderate’ group ( n = 273) had early symptoms after exposure and were not hospitalized for that reason. The ‘severe’ group ( n = 215) had early symptoms and had been hospitalized accordingly. Pulmonary function tests and high-resolution computed tomography of the chest were performed. The chi-square test was used for data analysis. The severe and moderate groups had a similar frequency of obstructive pattern (21%), whereas only one patient in the mild group showed this pattern. Air trapping did not significantly differ between groups. In the mild group, 74.8% ( n = 86) showed significant air trapping, whereas it was 62.3% ( n = 170) in moderate and 67.0% ( n = 144) in severe groups ( P = 0.057). Moderate and severe exposure to sulfur mustard causes an equal risk of late pulmonary complications, while mild exposure has lesser risk. Bronchiolitis obliterans is the main underlying respiratory consequence of sulfur mustard exposures and may relate to host factors rather than to severity of early symptoms.