bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant and semicarbazide‐sensitive amine oxidase inhibitory activities of alginic acid hydroxamates
Authors: Liu Der‐Zen , Wu Wen‐Chung , Liang Hong‐Jen , Hou Wen‐Chi
Published: October 2006

The commercial polysaccharides of alginic acid (medium (3500 cps, 2% solution) and low (250 cps, 2% solution) viscosities) were esterified with acidic methanol (1 mmol L−1 HCl) at 4 °C with gentle stirring for 5 days to obtain methyl esters of medium‐viscosity alginic acid (ME‐MVA) and low‐viscosity alginic acid (ME‐LVA). These ME‐MVA and ME‐LVA were reacted with alkaline hydroxylamine to obtain medium‐viscosity alginic acid hydroxamates (MVA‐NHOH) and LVA‐NHOH. The percentages of hydroxamic acid content in MVA‐NHOH and LVA‐NHOH were calculated as 25% and 20%, respectively. The hydroxamate derivatives of alginic acid were used to test the antioxidant and semicarbazide‐sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) inhibitory activities in comparison with original materials (MVA and LVA). The half‐inhibition concentrations, IC50, of scavenging activity against 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) were 24.5 and 29.8 µg mL−1 for MVA‐NHOH and LVA‐NHOH, respectively. However, few scavenging activities of the MVA and LVA were found at the same concentrations. The IC50 of the positive control of butylated hydroxytoluene was 5 µg mL−1. The scavenging activity of DPPH radical was pH‐dependent, and the optimal pH for both of MVA‐NHOH and LVA‐NHOH was the Tris‐HCl buffer (pH 7.9). Using electron spin resonance (ESR) to detect the activity of scavenging hydroxyl radicals, both alginic acid hydroxamates showed dose‐dependent scavenging activities, and the IC50 was 90 and 92 µg mL−1, respectively, for MVA‐NHOH and LVA‐NHOH. Both alginic acid hydroxamates also exhibited protection against hydroxyl radical‐mediated DNA damage. Both MVA‐NHOH and LVA‐NHOH showed dose‐dependent inhibitory activities against bovine SSAO (2.53 units); the IC50 was 0.16 and 0.09 µg mL−1, respectively, for MVA‐NHOH and LVA‐NHOH, compared with 3.81 µg mL−1 of semicarbazide (positive controls). Amine oxidase activity staining also revealed that both MVA‐NHOH and LVA‐NHOH exhibited SSAO inhibitory activities. Both MVA‐NHOH and LVA‐NHOH showed mixed non‐competitive inhibition against bovine SSAO. It was found that the V′max value was reduced and the K′m value was either increased (added MVA‐NHOH, 0.05 µg mL−1) or reduced (added LVA‐NHOH, 0.11 µg mL−1) in the presence of alginic acid hydroxamate. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Preliminary study on the use of near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy to assess nitrogen content of undried wheat plants
Authors: Morón Alejandro , García Adriana , Sawchik Jorge , Cozzolino Daniel
Published: October 2006

Near‐infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy combined with chemometrics was used to assess nitrogen (N) and dry matter content (DM) and chlorophyll in whole‐wheat plant (Triticum aestivum L). Whole‐wheat plant samples (n = 245) were analysed by reference method and by visible and NIR spectroscopy, in fresh (n = 182) and dry (n = 63) presentations, respectively. Calibration equations were developed using partial least squares (PLS) and validated using full cross‐validation (leave‐one‐out method). Coefficient of determination in calibration (R2CAL) and the standard error of cross‐validation (SECV) for N content in fresh sample presentation, after second derivative, were 0.89 (SECV: 0.64%), 0.86 (SECV: 0.66%) and 0.82 (SECV: 0.74%) using the visible + NIR, NIR and visible wavelength regions, respectively. Dry sample presentation gave better R2CAL and SECV for N compared with fresh presentation (R2CAL > 0.90, SECV < 0.20%) using visible + NIR. The results demonstrated that NIR is a suitable method to assess N concentration in wheat plant using fresh samples (unground and undried). Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Interspecies nuclear transfer of Tibetan antelope using caprine oocyte as recipient
Authors: Zhao Zhen‐Jun , Li Rui‐Chang , Cao Heng‐Hua , Zhang Quan‐Jun , Jiang Man‐Xi , OuYang Ying‐Chun , Nan Chang‐Long , Lei Zi‐Li , Song Xiang‐Fen , Sun Qing‐Yuan , Chen Da‐Yuan
Published: October 2006

Interspecies nuclear transfer is an invalulable tool for studying nucleus–cytoplasm interactions; and at the same time, it provides a possible alternative to clone endangered animals whose oocytes are difficult to obtain. In the present study, we investigated the possibility of cloning Tibetan antelope embryos using abattoir‐derived caprine oocytes as recipients. Effects of culture conditions, enucleation timing, and donor cell passages on the in vitro development of Tibetan antelope‐goat cloned embryos were studied. Maternal to zygotic transition timing of interspecies Tibetan antelope embryos was also investigated using two types of cloned embryos, Tibetan antelope‐rabbit and Tibetan antelope‐goat embryos. Our results indicate that: (1) goat oocyte is able to reprogram somatic cells of different genus and supports development to blastocyst in vitro. (2) Coculture system supported the development of Tibetan antelope‐goat embryos to blastocyst rate stage (4.0%), while CR1aa alone did not. (3) When MII phase enucleated caprine cytoplast and TII phase enucleated caprine cytoplast were used as recipients, the fusion rate and blastocyst rate of hybrid embryos were not statistically different (73.9% vs. 67.4%; 4.0% vs. 1.1%). (4) When donor cells at 3–8 passages were used, 2.9% hybrid embryos developed to blastocysts, while none developed to blastocysts when cells at 10–17 passages were used. (5) There may be a morula‐to‐blastocyst block for Tibetan antelope‐goat, while there may be an 8‐ to 16‐cell block for Tibetan antelope‐rabbit embryos. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 74: 412–419, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Heat stress‐induced apoptosis in porcine in vitro fertilized and parthenogenetic preimplantation‐stage embryos
Authors: Isom S. Clay , Prather Randall S. , Rucker Edmund B.
Published: October 2006

Decades worth of research have consistently shown the adverse effects of elevated temperatures on reproductive parameters of livestock species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the developmental and apoptotic responses of porcine in vitro fertilized (IVF) and parthenogenetically activated (PA) embryos heat stressed at the late 1‐cell stage. Embryos were heat stressed (HS) at 42°C for 9 hr starting 22 hr after insemination or artificial activation stimulus. Non heat‐stressed (NHS) control embryos were maintained at 39°C for the duration of the experiments. TUNEL staining on Day 5 of development demonstrated that heat stress elicited a significant apoptotic response in IVF embryos (45.6% of HS embryos and 26.7% of NHS embryos were apoptotic;P < 0.05), but not in PA embryos (51.1% and 39.9% for HS and NHS embryos, respectively;P > 0.1). And, while IVF embryos were highly susceptible to heat‐induced developmental perturbations (20.6% and 8.8% development to blastocyst for NHS and HS embryos, respectively;P < 0.05), elevated temperatures did not affect blastocyst rates in PA embryos (22.2% for NHS PA embryos and 21.2% for HS PA embryos;P > 0.1). These findings indicate that, as in other systems studied, IVF pig embryos are directly affected adversely by heat stress conditions. Parthenogenetic embryos, though, appear to be surprisingly tolerant of the elevated temperatures. The differences between IVF and PA embryos in their response to heat stress warrants further investigation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 74: 574–581, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of OORP‐T, a novel oocyte‐specific gene encoding a protein with a conserved oxysterol binding protein domain in rainbow trout
Authors: Ramachandra Raghuveer K. , Lankford Scott E. , Weber Gregory M. , Rexroad Caird E. , Yao Jianbo
Published: October 2006

Genes specifically expressed in oocytes are important for the development of oocytes and early embryos. By analyzing expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from a rainbow trout oocyte cDNA library, we identified a novel EST sequence that does not show homology to any sequences in the GenBank. Analysis of tissue distribution by RT‐PCR revealed that this gene was only expressed in unfertilized oocytes. Sequencing of the EST clone identified a cDNA of 3,163 bp. Northern blot analysis showed the novel gene has a single transcript of 3.4 kb. Additional 5′ sequence was obtained by 5′ RACE, extending the novel cDNA to 3,333 bp. Analysis of the full‐length cDNA identified an open reading frame (ORF) encoding a protein of 564 amino acids. The novel protein contains a conserved oxysterol binding protein (OSBP) domain at the C terminus that is characteristic of OSBP‐related proteins (ORPs) implicated in lipid metabolism. Therefore, we named the novel gene as Oocyte‐specific Oxysterol binding protein Related‐Protein of Trout (OORP‐T). In situ hybridization showed that the OORP‐T mRNA appears to be confined to the cytoplasm of vitellogenic oocytes. Transcription of OORP‐T appears to start during pre‐vitellogenesis and increases steadily, reaching its peak in the late vitellogenic stage. OORP‐T transcript is abundantly present in unfertilized eggs but the level drops significantly in day 2 embryos and continues to decline in day 7 embryos after which it remains low. We propose that OORP‐T may play an important role in the utilization of yolk‐derived lipid products during oocyte development and early stages of embryonic development in rainbow trout. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 74: 502–511, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Study of conformational and optical rotation for the alaninamide
Authors: Zhao Shulei , Zhou Zhengyu , Wang Wenjuan , Ma Hongkun
Published: October 2006

Six stationary points of alaninamide have been located on the potential surface energy (PES) at the B3LYP/6‐311++G(2d,2p) level of theory both in the gas phase and in aqueous solution. In the aqueous solution, to take the water solvent effect into account, the polarizable continuum model (PCM) method has been used. Accurate geometric structures and their relative stabilities have been investigated. The results show that the intramolecular hydrogen bond plays a very important role in stabilizing the global minimum of the alaninamide. Moreover, the consistent result in relative energy using high‐level computations, including the MP2 and MP3 methods with the same basis set [6‐311++G(2d,2p)], indicates that the B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p) level may be applied to the analogue system. More importantly, the optical rotation of the optimized conformers (both in the gas phase and in aqueous solution) of alaninamide have been calculated using the density functional theory (DFT) and Hartree–Fock (HF) method at various basis sets (6‐31+G*, 6‐311++G(d,p), 6‐311++G(2d,2p) and aug‐cc‐pvdz). The results show that the selection of the computation method and the basis set in calculation has great influence on the results of the optical rotations. The reliability of the HF method is less than that of DFT, and selecting the basis set of 6‐311++G(2d,2p) and aug‐cc‐pvDZ produces relative reliable results. Analysis of the computational results of the structure parameters and the optical rotations yields the conclusion that just the helixes in molecules caused the chiral molecules to be optical active. The Boltzmann equilibrium distributions for the six conformers (both in the gas phase and in the aqueous solution) are also carried out. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007
False‐name‐proof multi‐unit auction protocol utilizing greedy allocation based on approximate evaluation values
Authors: Terada Kenji , Yokoo Makoto
Published: October 2006

This paper presents a new false‐name‐proof multi‐unit auction protocol called the Greedy ALlocation (GAL) protocol. Internet auctions have become an integral part of Electronic Commerce and a promising field for applying agent and Artificial Intelligence technologies. Although the Internet provides an excellent infrastructure for executing auctions, the possibility of a new type of cheating called false‐name bids has been pointed out. A false‐name bid is a bid submitted under a fictitious name. A protocol called the Iterative Reducing (IR) protocol has been developed for multi‐unit auctions and has proven to be false‐name‐proof, that is, using false‐name bids is useless. For Internet auction protocols, being false‐name‐proof is important since identifying each participant on the Internet is virtually impossible.

One shortcoming of the IR protocol is that it requires the auctioneer to carefully predetermine the reservation price for one unit. Our newly developed GAL protocol is easier to use than the IR, since the auctioneer does not need to set the reservation price nor any other parameters. The evaluation results show that the GAL protocol can obtain a social surplus that is very close to Pareto efficient. Furthermore, the obtained social surplus and seller's revenue are much better than those of the IR protocol even if the reservation price is set optimally. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 37(13): 89–98, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.10664
Modeling and generating whole body motion of balance maintenance
Authors: Kudoh Shunsuke , Komura Taku , Ikeuchi Katsushi
Published: October 2006

Recently there have been many attempts in various fields to construct exact human models from the dynamical viewpoint. One of the most essential and important topics in such efforts is maintenance of balance. This paper models the balance maintenance motion which the human performs against a sudden and strong external disturbance, and discusses the method of generating the motion to maintain the balance. This model has two modes of maintaining balance: keeping the feet on the ground, and stepping. The model is compared to human balancing motion data acquired by a motion‐capturing system and the validity of the model is verified. The parameters for motion generation are also determined. Optimization computation by the quadratic programming method is used in the motion generation, and efficient balance maintenance motion is generated as the optimal solution. By using this approach, whole body motions such as hip bending and arm swinging, which are often observed in human behavior, can be generated. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 37(13): 11–19, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20611
Core–Shell Iron–Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized by Laser‐Induced Pyrolysis
Authors: Bomatí‐Miguel Oscar , Tartaj Pedro , Morales Maria P. , Bonville Pierre , Golla‐Schindler Ute , Zhao Xinqing Q. , Veintemillas‐Verdaguer Sabino
Published: October 2006

Passivated iron nanoparticles (10–30 nm) have been synthesized by laser pyrolysis of a mixture of iron pentacarbonyl and ethylene vapors followed by controlled oxidation. The nanoparticles show a well‐constructed iron–iron oxide core–shell structure, in which the thickness and nature (structure similar to maghemite, γ‐Fe2O3) of the shell is found to be independent of the initial conditions. On the other hand, the composition of the core is found to change with the particle size from the α‐Fe structure to a highly disordered Fe phase (probably containing C atoms in its structure). The dependence of the magnetic properties on the particle size, iron oxide fraction, and temperature was also investigated. In the case of smaller particles, the magnetic data indicate the existence at low temperature of a large exchange anisotropy field, the magnitude of which increases with decreasing temperature in correspondence with the freezing of magnetic moments in the oxide shell.
Stress, coping, HIV status, psychosocial resources, and depressive mood in African American gay, bisexual, and heterosexual men
Authors: Peterson John L. , Folkman Susan , Bakeman Roger
Published: October 2006

The associations between stress, physical health, psychosocial resources, coping, and depressive mood were examined in a community sample of African American gay, bisexual, and heterosexual men (N=139). Data were collected from physical exams and in‐person interviews. In our theoretical framework, depressive mood scores were regressed first on stressors, next on psychosocial resources, and finally on coping strategy variables. Results revealed that psychosocial resources mediate the effects of stressors, including health symptoms, hassles, and life events, on depressive mood. There were no significant differences in depressive mood associated with HIV status or sexual orientation. Results are discussed in terms of community interventions needed to provide social support as a buffer between stress and psychological distress in African American men.
An advocacy intervention program for women with abusive partners: Six‐month follow‐up
Authors: Sullivan Cris M. , Campbell Rebecca , Angelique Holly , Eby Kimberly K. , Davidson William S.
Published: October 2006

Presented the 6‐month follow‐up findings of an experimental intervention designed to provide postshelter advocacy services to women with abusive partners. The intervention involved randomly assigning half the research participants to receive the free services of an advocate, 4 to 6 hours per week, for the first 10 weeks postshelter. One hundred forty‐one battered women were interviewed about their experiences immediately upon their exit from a domestic violence shelter: 95% of the sample were interviewed 10 weeks thereafter (postintervention), and 93% were successfully tracked and interviewed 6 months later. At the 6‐month follow‐up, participants in both groups reported increased social support, increased quality of life, less depression, less emotional attachment to their assailants, and an increased sense of personal power. Although women in both groups reported some decrease in physical abuse over time, there were no statistically significant differences between those with and those without advocates, and abuse continued to be a problem for many women. Those who were still involved with their assailants continued to experience higher levels of abuse and had been more economically dependent upon the men prior to entering the shelter. Women who had worked with advocates continued to report being more satisfied with their overall quality of life than did the women in the control group.
The development of a mental health coalition: A case study
Authors: Nelson Geoffrey
Published: October 2006

Described the development of a local‐level mental health coalition to advocate for housing and community support programs for psychiatric consumer/survivors. Resource mobilization theory was used as a framework from which to view and understand the origins, goals, tactics, and outcomes of the coalition. Data were presented indicating that the coalition played a role in obtaining increased funding for housing and community support programs. Also, there was an emphasis on consumer/survivor and family participation in the change process. Benefits and limitations of the coalition after 6 years of operation were reviewed and compared with other advocacy coalitions in mental health.
The multidimensional nature of received social support in gay men at risk of HIV infection and AIDS
Authors: Schwarzer Ralf , Dunkel-Schetter Christine , Kemeny Margaret
Published: October 2006

This article concerns received social support in gay men at risk of HIV and AIDS. Distinctions are made between three types of support (informational, tangible, emotional), four sources of support (friends, relatives, partner, organizations), and three dimensions of support (amount, satisfaction, reciprocity). A 24‐item inventory reflecting these distinctions was administered to a sample of 587 gay men at two points in time. The psychometric properties of the instrument were determined, and the factor structure of the items varying sources and types of social support were tested. This was done by exploratory as well as by confirmatory factor analyses. The hypothesized structure was confirmed in both waves separately. Results corroborated the assumption that enacted or received social support is a highly differentiated construct and requires assessment tools that are designed according. Descriptive results on the support perceptions in this sample are also presented. Implications for the study of support in men at risk of HIV and AIDS are discussed.
A longitudinal study of school adjustment in urban, minority adolescents: Effects of a high school transition program
Authors: Reyes Olga , Gillock Karen , Kobus Kimberly
Published: October 2006

Described an intervention program designed to prepare elementary school (K‐8) eighth‐grade students for their transition to high school the following year. Participants in the study were 145, predominantly Hispanic, inner‐city public school adolescents. The experimental group received an augmented condition, consisting of Education and Peer Support Components. The control group received a minimal condition consisting of only the Education Component. While no group effects were observed, time effects indicated experimental and control students' improved perceptions of school readiness, but deteriorated perceptions of support from both home and school and diminished grade‐point averages and attendance. Time effects also revealed variable changes in school perceptions. Findings are discussed in terms of a developmental perspective of the school transition process. Implications for high school transition programming with the target population and directions for future research are also addressed.
A contextual‐behavioral model of empowerment: Case studies involving people with physical disabilities
Authors: Fawcett Stephen B. , White Glen W. , Balcazar Fabricio E. , Suarez-Balcazar Yolanda , Mathews R. Mark , Paine-Andrews Adrienne , Seekins Tom , Smith John F.
Published: October 2006

When people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, older adults, women, and others lack power, they usually experience adverse conditions disproportionate to other members of society. Emproverment—the process by which people gain some control over valued events, outcomes, and resources—is an important construct for understanding and improving the lives of people of marginal status. This manuscript presents a contextual‐behavioral model of empowerment and its application in collaborative research with people with physical disabilities. The eight case studies illustrate 18 tactics for promoting empowerment that flow from the model. The case studies show the use of different combinations of empowerment tactics in a variety of contexts: (a) setting improvement agendas from the perspective of people with disabilities, (b) enforcing ordinances that preserve access to parking spaces designated for people with disabilities, (c) enabling access to homes through housing modifications, (d) enhancing support available through mutual‐aid groups, (e) developing skills for recruiting mentors, (f) promoting self‐directed behavior hange with personal and health concerns, (g) enhancing skills for personal self‐advocacy, and (h) building the capacities of groups of people with disabilities for systems advocacy. Finally, we discuss issues that may contribute to research and action related to empowerment.
Empowering the silent ranks: The Southeast Asian experience
Authors: Silka Linda , Tip Jahnvibol
Published: October 2006

Southeast Asians are among the fastest growing immigrant groups in the United States, yet the rich and varied Southeast Asian newcomer experiences remain underrepresented within the community psychology literature Much of this experience raises complex questions about the concept of empowerment. In this paper we summarize recent published work on the Southeast Asian experience. We will show that three themes have dominated extant work: (1) the importance of understanding the cultural dimensions of Southeast Asian experiences, including the ways in which broad differences between American and Southeast Asian culture call into question the suitability of Western approaches to intervention within the Southeast Asian community; (2) the importance of understanding the trauma and hardship of the immigration experience which accompanied the forced migration of many in the Southeast Asian community; and (3) the urgency of adopting effective strategies for addressing the pressing needs with this new immigrant community. Each of these themes potentially lends itself to an empowerment focus, but we will see that much of the work has been pursued in ways that are inconsistent with an empowerment perspective. We end the discussion with a consideration of what community psychology might gain from a deeper understanding of the Southeast Asian immigrant experience and we suggest possible areas for disciplinary involvement in Southeast Asian empowerment efforts.
Cracks in a postdisaster service delivery network
Authors: Gillespie David F. , Murty Susan A.
Published: October 2006

Poor linkage cracks are defined and identified empirically in a postdisaster service delivery network. These cracks exist when essential services are provided only by isolated or peripheral clusters of organizations. Network analysis is used to identify the isolated and peripheral clusters of organizations. Measures of experience in responding to disasters and service capacity are used to identify the organizations whose services are essential in the network. Cracks prevent the network from responding effectively in the aftermath of a disaster. Suggestions are made for using network analysis to identify cracks and to improve planning and coordination in all kinds of service networks.
Social integration and social support in a life crisis: Effects of macrosocial change in east Germany
Authors: Schwarzer Ralf , Hahn André , Schröder Harry
Published: October 2006

The breakdown of the former communist system in East Germany was a major critical life event for those who left that country as well as for those who stayed behind. When the borders were opened, a longitudinal study was launched to examine the psychological readaptation process. Some indicators of social changes of migrants compared to nonmigrants were available. At three points in time over 2 years, both groups reported on their social bonding and social support. Migrants readjusted well by making new friends. In particular, young men were socially active, and more same‐sex than opposite‐sex friendships were established. The group of young migrants reported having received the most support, in particular when they had a partner. Anticipated support, in contrast, was highest for young single women who did not migrate. Results contribute to the understanding of social dynamics that occur after a stressful relocation.
Biculturality among Puerto Rican adults in the United States
Authors: Cortés Dharma E. , Rogler Lloyd H. , Malgady Robert G.
Published: October 2006

Identified the concept of acculturation as a cornerstone of immigration research, while questioning assumptions about zero‐sum cultural change in acculturation scales and in procedures assessing biculturality. Involvements in the host society culture and the culture of origin should be assessed separately in order to reflect the complexities of the cultural interactions immigrants and their offspring experience. To evaluate this prescription, we convened focus groups of Puerto Rican adults to discuss their cultural experiences in Puerto Rico and in the United States. Discussions were content analyzed to develop acculturation items. Factor analysis of the responses of 403 first‐ and second‐generation adults yielded two general factors, involvement in American culture and involvement in Puerto Rican culture, which demonstrated modest reliability, relative independence, and moderate correlations with traditional acculturation scale validators. Results of the study challenge the assumption of mutual cultural exclusivity in acculturative change; enable the measurement of degree of biculturality; and provide future directions for the assessment of acculturation in domains other than language usage. The concept of acculturation is integrated with recent formulations in community psychology which advocate a deeper and more extensive commitment to studying the implications of cultural phenomena and greater focus on the growing cultural diversity in the United States.
Sequential validation of cluster analytic subtypes of homeless veterans
Authors: Humphreys Keith
Published: October 2006

To identify subgroups within the homeless population, a number of researchers have employed cluster analytic statistical procedures. Although this is an appropriate application of cluster analysis, many studies have not employed important statistical safeguards against arbitrary results. This study demonstrates a cluster analytic procedure—sequential validation—that enhances the replicability, external validity, and cross‐validity of cluster solutions. The procedure is applied to a nationwide sample of 745 homeless veterans. After 12 different clustering procedures were subjected to derivation, replication, external validation, and cross‐validation phases, a 4‐cluster Ward solution emerged as the most sound. Substantively, the clusters were an alcoholic subtype, a psychiatrically impaired subtype, a best functioning subtype, and a multiproblem subtype. The generalizability of these subgroups to other contexts was assessed by comparing them to subgroups identified in other homelessness research. Suggestions were made for improving the quality of cluster analytic research in community psychology.
Occupational conditions and workers' sense of community: Variations by gender and race
Authors: Lambert Susan J. , Hopkins Karen
Published: October 2006

The literature is reviewed to define a sense of community in the workplace and to identify factors that may foster it. A model is developed and estimated with survey data from a culturally diverse sample of men and women performing lower‐level jobs at a medium‐sized manufacturing firm. Results of regression analyses are reported that correct for sample selection bias resulting from the lower response rates of minority workers. Findings suggest that well‐designed jobs and supportive workplace relationships and policies are important in explaining workers' sense of community, defined as workers' perceptions of mutual commitment between employee and employer. Informal sources of support play a larger role in explaining men's sense of community, while formal sources of support are more important in explaining women's sense of community. Findings further suggest that African American workers, especially women, have a difficult time experiencing a sense of community at work.
Prevention of depression with primary care patients: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Muñoz Ricardo F. , Ying Yu-Wen , Bernal Guillermo , Pérez-Stable Eliseo J. , Sorensen James L. , Hargreaves William A. , Miranda Jeanne , Miller Leonard S.
Published: October 2006

The prevention of major depression is an important research goal which deserves increased attention. Depressive symptoms and disorders are particularly common in primary care patients and have a negative impact on functioning and well‐being comparable with other major chronic medical conditions. The San Francisco Depression Prevention Research project conducted a randomized, controlled, prevention trial to demonstrate the feasibility of implementing such research in a public sector setting serving low‐income, predominantly minority individuals: 150 primary care patients free from depression or other major mental disorders were randomized to an experimental cognitive‐behavioral intervention or to a control condition. The experimental intervention group reported a significantly greater reduction in depressive levels. Decline in depressive levels was significantly mediated by decline in the frequency of negative conditions. Group differences in the number of new episodes (incidence) of major depression did not reach significance during the 1‐year trial. We conclude that depression prevention trials in public sector primary care settings are feasbile, and that depressive symptoms can be reduced even in low‐income, minority populations. To conduct randomized prevention trials that can test effects on incidence with sufficient statistical power, subgroups at greater imminent risk have to be identified.
Adolescent suicidal behaviors as a function of depression, hopelessness, alcohol use, and social support: A longitudinal investigation
Authors: Reifman Alan , Windle Michael
Published: October 2006

Surveyed two high school cohorts (ns=698 and 283) to study independent prospective predictors of adolescent suicidal behaviors (thoughts, communicatio to others, attempts). Within each cohort, there were two measurements conducted 6 months apart. Structural equation models were tested, with depressive symptoms, hopelessness, alcohol consumption, social support, and gender serving as predictors. In the larger cohort, depression predicted later levels of all three suicidal behaviors controlling for baseline suicidal behaviors. Also, suicidal thoughts predicted later communications, and suicide attempts predicted future thoughts. In the smaller cohort, alcohol consumption predicted all three suicidal behaviors at the later measurement, whereas depression was predictive only of later thoughts. Major issues regarding prevention, theories of suicide and negative affect, and methodological/analytical approaches were discussed.
Social support processes in early childhood friendship: A comparative study of ecological congruences in enacted support
Authors: Rizzo Thomas A. , Corsaro William A.
Published: October 2006

Examined congruences between children's friendships and classroom social ecologies in three distinct settings, and poses that such congruences or social adaptations are aptly characterized as a process of enacted social support; i.e., an interpersonal transaction involving the reduction or evasion of stress. Data were derived from Corsaro's recent ethnographics of children's friendship and peer culture in a University Preschool (Corsaro, 1985) and Head Start center (Corsaro, 1994), and from Rizzo's (1989) ethnography of friendship development among first‐grade children. Despite vast differences across settings, the nature and activities of children's friendships appeared consistently linked with specific organizational features in their life‐worlds and in this way may constitute significant interpersonal and individual adaptations to that world. In this view, friendship is best seen not as a static entity, which children appropriate in a consistent fashion, but as a general and malleable concept, which they modify and use in a collaborative fashion to address shared psychosocial concerns. Findings are related to research on the link between perceived and enacted support, and on the interplay between relational and social support processes.
Effects of parental alcoholism and life stress on hispanic and non‐hispanic caucasian adelescents: A prospective study
Authors: Barrera Manuel , Li Susan A. , Chassin Laurie
Published: October 2006

Investigated ethnicity and parental alcoholism as factors that might influence the stress vulnerability of adolescents. It extended an initial cross‐sectional study of this same sample by adding two annual assessments which allowed for additional cross‐sectional analyses and longitudinal tests. Hispanic and Caucasian adolescents (N=306 at Time 1) completed measures of their own life stress, family conflict, and alcohol use. Their parents reported on adolescents' internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Cross‐sectional analyses at Time 2, and prospective analyses involving Time 1 and Time 2 measures were, for the most part, consistent with the original study's results. Caucasian adolescents and children of alcoholic parents appeared to be more vulnerable to stress than Hispanic adolescents and children of nonalcoholic parents. Family conflict was a partial explanation for this increased vulnerability.
Public knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about homeless people: Evidence for compassion fatigue?
Authors: Link Bruce G. , Schwartz Sharon , Moore Robert , Phelan Jo , Struening Elmer , Stueve Ann , Colten Mary Ellen
Published: October 2006

Media reports suggest that the public is becoming impatient with the homeless—that so‐called “compassion fatigue” has gripped the nation. This characterization of public sentiment could have important policy consequences—restrictive measures can be justified by growing public impatience, and progressive housing policies seem infeasible within a hostile climate of opinion. But evidence to support the compassion fatigue notion is anecdotal. We examine the issue by tracking the results of public opinion polls and by reporting detailed evidence from a nationwide random‐digit dial telephone survey (N=1,507) concerning knowledge attitudes and beliefs about homeless people. To be sure, the public sees homelessness as an undesirable social problem and wants something done about it. However, although the homeless are clearly stigmatized, there is little evidence to suggest that the public has lost compassion and is unwilling to support policies to help homeless people.
Empowerment theory, research, and application
Authors: Perkins Douglas D. , Zimmerman Marc A.
Published: October 2006

This introduction to the special issue briefly reviews the meaning and significance of the empowerment concept and problems associated with the proliferation of interest in empowerment. We identify some of the topics not included in this issue and relate those to the many broad and diverse areas of psychological empowerment theory and community‐based research and intervention that are covered. We present synopses of each article along with some of the themes and lessons cutting across the frameworks, studies, and applications. These include a wide diversity of settings, fairly representative of empowerment interventions, and, at the same time, improved clarity (if not unanimity) of definitions and measurement, which has been a problem in much empowerment research and intervention.
An empirical test of a comprehensive model of intrapersonal empowerment in the workplace
Authors: Spreitzer Gretchen M.
Published: October 2006

A comprehensive model of intrapersonal empowerment in the workplace posits that empowerment mediates the relationship between the social structural context and behavioral outcomes. The social structural context is operationalized as perceptions of role ambiguity, sociopolitical support, access to strategic information and resources, and work unit culture, whereas behavioral outcomes are operationalized as innovativeness and effectiveness. The model is examined on a sample of 324 middle managers from different units of a Fortune 50 organization. Survey data are examined using a series of regression analyses to assess the mediating effect of intrapersonal. Results suggest that intrapersonal empowerment mediates the relationship between some elements of workplace social structure and innovativeness, but not effectiveness. Although not a mediating mechanism for effectiveness, intrapersonal empowerment is nonetheless directly related to effectiveness (as assessed by the respondent's subordinates). Implications of the results are discussed as are study limitations and directions for future research.
Using empowerment theory in collaborative partnerships for community health and development
Authors: Fawcett Stephen B. , Paine-Andrews Adrienne , Francisco Vincent T. , Schultz Jerry A. , Richter Kimber P. , Lewis Rhonda K. , Williams Ella L. , Harris Kari J. , Berkley Jannette Y. , Fisher Jacqueline L. , Lopez Christine M.
Published: October 2006

Models of community empowerment help us understand the process of gaining influence over conditions that matter to people who share neighborhoods, workplaces, experiences, or concerns. Such frameworks can help improve collaborative partnerships for community health and development. First, we outline an interactive model of community empowerment that describes reciprocal influences between personal or group factors and environmental factors in an empowerment process. Second, we describe an iterative framework for the process of empowerment in community partnerships that includes collaborative planning, community action, community change, capacity building, and outcomes, and adaptation, renewal, and institutionalization. Third, we outline activities that are used by community leadership and support organizations to facilitate the process of community empowerment. Fourth, we present case stories of collaborative partnerships for prevention of substance abuse among adolescents to illustrate selected enabling activities. We conclude with a discussion of the challenges and opportunities of facilitating empowerment with collaborative partnerships for community health and development.
Community organizing: An ecological route to empowerment and power
Authors: Speer Paul W. , Hughey Joseph
Published: October 2006

An important contribution to empowerment theory and community psychology practice can be made by examining how the concept of social power is developed and manifested in the context of community organizing. Theory and practice may be further informed through an ecological analysis of organizing processes and interventions. Lessons from a national community organizing network highlight the relationship between empowerment and power through a set of organizing principles and a cycle of organizing activity. Perhaps most important is the understanding that a reciprocal relationship exists between development of power for community organizations and individual empowerment for organization members. Implications for empowerment theory in the community organizing domain are provided in a matrix adapted from Zimmerman's description of empowerment processes and outcomes at multiple levels of analysis.
Empowerment meets narrative: Listening to stories and creating settings
Authors: Rappaport Julian
Published: October 2006

Comments on and summarizes some of the themes of a special issue on empowerment. Extends empowerment theory with the suggestion that both research and practice would benefit from a narrative approach that links process to practice and attends to the voices of the people of interest. Narrative theory and method tends to open the field to a more inclusive attitude as to what counts as data and to cross‐disciplinary insights as well as citizen collaboration. Communal narratives are defined at various levels of analysis, including the community, the organizational, and the cultural. A definition of empowerment that includes a concern with resources calls attention to the fact that communal narratives and personal stories are resources. Implications for personal and social change are suggested.
A meta‐analysis of bibliotherapy studies
Authors: Marrs Rick W.
Published: October 2006

Used meta‐analysis to examine the efficacy of bibliotherapy. Bibliotherapy treatments were compared to control groups and therapist‐administered treatments. The mean estimated effect size (d) of the 70 samples analyzed was +0.565. There was no significant differences between the effects of bibliotherapy and therapist‐administered treatments, as well as no significant erosion of effect sizes at follow‐up. Bibliotherapy did appear more effective for certain problem types (assertion training, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction) than for others (weight loss, impulse control, and studying problems). Overall, the amount of therapist contact during bibliotherapy did not seem to relate to effectiveness, but there was evidence that certain problem types (weight loss and anxiety reduction) responded better with increased therapist contact. Recommendations for future research were given, especially for more research on the commonly purchased books and moderator analyses by personality type and reading ability.
Cultural orientation and psychological well‐being in Chinese Americans
Authors: Ying Yu-Wen
Published: October 2006

Examined cultural orientation in the domains of language proficiency, cultural activity, and social relationship, and its relationship with psychological well‐being in a group of 143 Chinese Americans in San Francisco. Four indicators of psychological well‐being were utilized, two assessing the experience of distress (depression level and negative affect) and two assessing positive well‐being (positive affect and life satisfaction). Domain‐specific cultural orientations were found to hold differential relationships with psychological well‐being. For instance, bicultural activity orientation predicted the best psychological well‐being (regardless as to how it was assessed), but socially separatist individuals experienced less negative affect than assimilated and bicultural respondents. Findings were discussed in the context of the multicultural setting of San Francisco. It is suggested that future research retain separate assessments of domain‐specific cultural orientation, examine the contribution of the community's ethnic/cultural composition to its members' cultural orientations (i.e., address the role of person‐environment fit) and study their impact on psychological well‐being.
Parallel lives: Community psychology in Latin America and the United States
Authors: Montero Maritza
Published: October 2006

Comparing the history of community psychology as it developed in the U.S. during the 1960s with the community psychology that developed 10 years later in Latin America, one is reminded of the title of Plutarch's masterpice,Parallel Lives. Although there was very little contact or communication between the first community psychologists in these regions, very similar principles and orientations evolved. These similarities are particularly striking given the many ways in which the U.S. and Latin American contexts and histories differ. Since most readers are expected to be familiar with the history of community psychology as it developed in the U.S., this paper focuses primarily on the development of community psychology in Latin America in order to highlight areas of convergence as well as divergence from the U.S. experience.
The development of a measure of enculturation for Native American youth
Authors: Zimmerman Marc A. , Ramirez-Valles Jesus , Washienko Kathleen M. , Walter Benjamin , Dyer Sandra
Published: October 2006

Enculturation is the process by which individuals learn about and identify with their ethnic minority culture. It is distinguished from acculturation which refers to the process by which an ethnic minority individual is assimilated into the majority culture. Three studies with Native American youths are reported that describe the development of a measure of enculturation for Native American youths. Development of a measure of enculturation provides a foundation upon which to build a body of literature that focuses on strengths in a youth's life rather than on deficits. Results of the first study (n=120), a confirmatory factor analysis, indicated that cultural affinity, Native American identity, and family involvement in traditional activities adequately represent the construct of enculturation. The study also provides some convergent validity for this interpretation. The second study examines factor invariance for enculturation among youths with data from over 2 years (n=69). The factor structure was similar across time. The third study replicates the factor structure and validity analyses with a new sample (n=42). Usefulness of the measure for assessing protective factors and stressing ethnicity over simple assessment of race categories is discussed.