bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Factors for Persistent or Recurrent Disease of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma with Neck Lymph Node Metastases and/or Tumor Extension beyond the Thyroid Capsule at Initial Diagnosis
Authors: Leboulleux Sophie , Rubino Carole , Baudin Eric , Caillou Bernard , Hartl Dana M. , Bidart Jean-Michel , Travagli Jean-Paul , Schlumberger Martin
Published: October 2005

Context: Reliable prognostic factors are needed in papillary thyroid cancer patients to adapt initial therapy and follow-up schemes to the risks of persistent and recurrent disease.

Objective and Settings: To evaluate the respective prognostic impact of the extent of lymph node (LN) involvement and tumor extension beyond the thyroid capsule, we studied a group of 148 consecutive papillary thyroid cancer patients with LN metastases and/or extrathyroidal tumor extension. Initial treatment, performed at the Institut Gustave Roussy between 1987 and 1997, included in all patients a total thyroidectomy with central and ipsilateral en bloc neck dissection followed by radioactive iodine ablation.

Results: Uptake outside the thyroid bed, demonstrating persistent disease, was found on the postablation total body scan (TBS) in 22% of the patients. With a mean follow-up of 8 yr, eight patients (7%) with a normal postablation TBS experienced a recurrence. Ten-year disease-specific survival rate was 99% (confidence interval, 97–100%). Significant risk factors for persistent disease included the numbers of LN metastases (>10) and LN metastases with extracapsular extension (ECE-LN >3), tumor size (>4 cm), and LN metastases location (central). Significant risk factors for recurrent disease included the numbers of LN metastases (>10), ECE-LN (>3), and thyroglobulin level measured 6–12 months after initial treatment after T4 withdrawal.

Conclusion: We highlight an excellent survival rate and suggest risk classifications of persistent and recurrent disease based on the numbers of LN metastases and ECE-LN, LN metastases location, tumor size, and thyroglobulin level.
Genotypes at 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 11B1 and Hexose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Loci Are Not Risk Factors for Apparent Cortisone Reductase Deficiency in a Large Population-Based Sample
Authors: White Perrin C.
Published: October 2005

Context: Apparent cortisone reductase deficiency (ACRD) is a rarely ascertained condition characterized by signs of androgen excess in women or children and decreased urinary excretion of cortisol metabolites compared with cortisone metabolites. These findings suggest a deficiency of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11-HSD1; encoded by the HSD11B1 gene), which normally converts cortisone to cortisol. Common polymorphisms in both HSD11B1 and the hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (H6PD) gene encoding hexose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase have been found together in ACRD patients, who carry three of a possible four minor alleles at the two loci.

Objective: The objective of this study was to confirm the postulated digenic inheritance mechanism for ACRD.

Design: This was a population-based association study (Dallas Heart Study). Subjects were genotyped for the 1971T>G polymorphism in intron 3 of HSD11B1 and the R453Q polymorphism in H6PD.

Subjects: The study comprised 3551 individuals in a population-based sample (50% black, 35% white, and 15% Hispanic).

Main Outcome Measure: The main outcome measure was association between genotypes and risk for polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Results: Both polymorphisms occurred more frequently than previously reported. Thus, ACRD genotypes (at least three of four minor alleles) occurred in 7.0% of subjects. There were no associations between genotype and body mass index; waist/hip ratio; visceral adiposity; measures of insulin sensitivity; levels of testosterone, FSH, or LH (in females); or risk of polycystic ovarian syndrome. There was no genotype effect on urinary free cortisol/cortisone or corticosteroid metabolite ratios, which were measured in 10 subjects, each carrying zero, three, or four minor alleles.

Conclusions: Previously reported associations of ACRD with HSD11B1 and H6PD alleles represent ascertainment bias. However, rare severe mutations in these genes cannot be ruled out.
Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors Reverse Chemoresistance Phenotype in Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma by a Permeability Glycoprotein-Mediated Mechanism
Authors: Zatelli Maria Chiara , Luchin Andrea , Piccin Daniela , Tagliati Federico , Bottoni Arianna , Vignali Cristina , Bondanelli Marta , degli Uberti Ettore C.
Published: October 2005

Objective: Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a highly chemoresistant malignant neoplasia deriving from parafollicular C cells. Chemotherapy failure has been ascribed, at least in part, to the overexpression by MTC of the multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) gene, encoding a transmembrane glycoprotein [permeability glycoprotein (P-gp)] that antagonizes intracellular accumulation of cytotoxic agents. P-gp expression and function in a rat model have been demonstrated to depend on cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 isoform levels, which are found elevated in many human cancers. The aim of our study was to investigate the role of the COX-2 pathway in modulating chemoresistance.

Design and Results: We investigated P-gp and COX-2 expression and then evaluated the sensitizing effects of COX-2 inhibitors on the cytotoxic effects of doxorubicin in the presence or in the absence of prostaglandin E2 in primary cultures and in a human MTC cell line, TT. Moreover, P-gp function has been studied. Our data show that TT cells express both MDR1 and COX-2 and that rofecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, sensitizes TT cells to the cytotoxic effects of doxorubicin, reducing P-gp expression and function.

Conclusions: Our data suggest that these effects are mediated by a mechanism not involving the generation of prostaglandin E2, possibly implicating the synthesis of other COX-2 products.
Laser-induced Mist and Particle Formation from Ambient Air: A Possible New Cloud Seeding Method
Authors: Yoshihara Keitaro
Published: October 2005

A new method of water condensation is reported. A UV laser induces seed formation from the air itself for water mist or ice particles depending on the temperature of the ambient air. The possible mechanism of this new phenomenon is proposed with photochemical radical formation and following reactions. This may offer the new prospect of a simple and environmentally harmless way to create artificial rain and snow.
Bilayer Vesicle Formation in Ethanol from Calix[4]arene Derivative with Two Guanidinium Groups
Authors: Liu Fang , Wang Yanhua , Lu Guo-Yuan
Published: October 2005

Stable and regular bilayer vesicles can be formed in ethanol by 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-bis(2-guanidinoethoxy)-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene hydrochloride (BGC). Hydrophobic interactions between aromatic cavity and t-butyl are main self-organization driving force. This is the first example of the formation of bilayer vesicles in ethanol from calixarene without long alkyl chains.
Employment of Substandard Antiemetic Prophylaxis in Recent Trials of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting
Authors: Holdsworth Mark T , Vo-Nguyen Thuy
Published: October 2005

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of substandard antiemetic therapy among recently published trials conducted in patients with cancer who received emetogenic chemotherapy.

DATA SOURCES

A MEDLINE search was conducted (2000–July 2004) using the key words 5-HT3 antagonists, ondansetron, granisetron, dolasetron, tropisetron, ramosetron, palonosetron, NK-1 antagonists, and aprepitant.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

all antiemetic trials in patients receiving chemotherapy that were published from January 2000 to July 2004 were evaluated. Standard prophylactic antiemetic therapy was derived from contemporary antiemetic guidelines published by oncology professional organizations and expert panels. The number of patients and studies in which patients received standard and substandard antiemetic therapy was determined for both the acute and delayed phases of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Separate determinations were made for severely and moderately emetogenic chemotherapy. The annual percentage of studies in which substandard antiemetic prophylaxis was given and the percentage of patients who received substandard prophylaxis also were determined.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Fifty-six studies were reviewed, which included a total of 10 274 patients and 125 study arms. The percentage of patients who received substandard antiemetic prophylaxis was 30% (n = 3063) for acute CINV and 33% (n = 3413) for delayed CINV. The average annual percentage of studies that employed substandard prophylaxis during this time period was 54%.

CONCLUSIONS

In recent antiemetic trials for CINV, the employment of substandard antiemetic therapy is common. These results raise important ethical questions regarding contemporary antiemetic trial design.
A test of self‐determination theory in school physical education
Authors: Standage Martyn , Duda Joan L. , Ntoumanis Nikos
Published: October 2005

Background. Contemporary research conducted in the context of school physical education (PE) has increasingly embraced various tenets of self‐determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985, 1991). Despite this increase in research attention, some postulates of the framework remain unexplored (e.g. impact of a need‐supportive climate). As such, the present study sought to provide a more comprehensive test of self‐determination theory. The present work also examined Deci and Ryan's claim that the motivational sequence embraced by their framework is invariant across gender.

Aims. (i) To examine a model of motivation based on the tenets of self‐determination theory, and (ii) explore the invariance of the model across gender.

Sample. Participants were 950 British secondary school students (443 male, 490 female, 17 gender not specified)

Method. Participants completed a questionnaire that included measures of need support, need satisfaction, motivation, positive and negative affect, task challenge, and concentration.

Results. Structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis revealed that students who perceived a need‐supporting environment experienced greater levels of need satisfaction. Need satisfaction predicted intrinsic motivation, which, in turn, linked to adaptive PE‐related outcomes. In contrast, need satisfaction negatively predicted amotivation, which, in turn, was positively predictive of feelings of unhappiness. Multi‐sample SEM invariance testing revealed the model to be largely invariant for male and female students.

Conclusions. The results of the study provide support for self‐determination theory and corroborate the application of the framework to the context of school PE. Further, we largely found support for the invariance of the motivational processes embraced by self‐determination theory across gender.
Does priming for mastery goals improve the performance of students with an entity view of ability?
Authors: Thompson Ted , Musket Sarah
Published: October 2005

Background. There is evidence that an entity view of ability (where ability is viewed as a fixed entity that cannot be changed) is linked with social comparison goals and poor performance. On the other hand, an incremental view of ability (where ability is viewed as an acquirable skill) is linked with a mastery goal orientation and positive achievement outcomes. On these bases, the present study sought evidence that priming students with an entity view of ability to pursue mastery goals would result in improved performance.

Sample. Participants were 48 students with an entity view of ability, and 48 students with an incremental view of ability.

Method. We used a 2 (views of ability: entity, incremental)×2 (performance feedback: success, failure)×2 (goal priming: mastery, social comparison) between‐subjects factorial design to examine the effects of goal priming on performance for students with either an incremental or entity view of ability following either success or failure feedback. Prior to, and following, performance feedback, participants completed parallel measures of state anxiety. Participants were then primed for either social comparison goals prior to attempting to solve 16 Unicursal (tracing puzzle) tasks. Their performance on a subsequent set of Unicursal tasks was then examined. Finally participants completed a State Goals Scale assessing their degree of endorsement of social comparison/mastery goals whilst working on the Unicursal tasks.

Results. The performance of students with an incremental view of ability was comparable irrespective of whether they were initially exposed to success and failure feedback and irrespective of whether they were primed for mastery or social comparison goals. However the performance of students with an entity view of ability improved when they were primed for mastery relative to social comparison goals irrespective of whether they were initially exposed to success or failure.

Conclusions. These findings confirm the performance‐limiting consequences of social comparison goals for participants with an entity view of ability, suggesting benefits in encouraging these students to pursue mastery goals.
The relationship between bullying and self‐worth in children with movement coordination problems
Authors: Piek J. P. , Barrett N. C. , Allen L. S. R. , Jones A. , Louise M.
Published: October 2005

Background. Past research has indicated that there is a negative relationship between victimization and self‐worth. Furthermore, children with movement problems such as developmental coordination disorder (DCD) are considered at risk of both victimization and low self‐worth.

Aims. This study investigated the relationship between peer‐victimization and self‐worth in a group of children with DCD and control children.

Sample. Forty‐three children aged 7–11 years were identified as at risk of DCD, and were matched on age and gender with 43 control children.

Method. Children were individually assessed using the Multi‐dimensional peer victimization scale (MPVS; Mynard & Joseph, 2000) to assess the degree and type of bullying, and the self perception profile for children (SPPC; Harter, 1985) to determine self‐worth.

Results. The two groups did not differ significantly on mean reported self‐worth or mean peer‐victimization. The relationship between these two measures, however, differed across group and gender. Peer victimization and self‐worth were negatively correlated only for the children at risk of DCD. Furthermore, peer victimization accounted for a greater and statistically significant proportion of the variance in the self‐worth of girls at risk of DCD compared with boys. This effect of peer‐victimization on self‐worth in girls with DCD was uniquely attributed to the effects of verbal victimization.

Conclusions. Although children with and without motor coordination problems reported equivalent amounts of victimization, there were differences in the impact of that bullying. Specifically, self‐worth was negatively affected by bullying for the girls with DCD. Teachers and parents should not only focus on the amount of bullying a child receives, but should also be aware of how bullying impacts differently on self‐worth across groups.
Learning to reflect and to attribute constructively as basic components of self‐regulated learning
Authors: Masui Chris , De Corte Erik
Published: October 2005

Background. Higher education is facing a number of problems: adjusting to larger and more heterogeneous student populations, increasing the number of graduating students, and preparing for lifelong learning. Improving learning competence can make a substantial contribution to solving each of these major concerns. The growing knowledge base on self‐regulated learning was taken as one of the main starting points for our study.

Aims. In this article we report on reflection and attribution as basic components of self‐regulated learning. We examine their trainability and their effect on academic performance. This study is part of a wider research project aimed at improving meta‐cognitive knowledge as well as affective, conative and regulation skills. The experimental treatment consisted of an integrated set of instructional conditions, which were operationalized in a series of training sessions, as well as practice and transfer tasks.

Sample. The participants in this study were 141 first year students of business economics. The experimental group and both control groups each consisted of 47 students.

Method. The effects of the learning environment were investigated using a quasi‐experimental design. To control for unintended effects of the design the experimental and the first control group had the same number of teaching hours (time‐on‐task) and both teachers and students were not informed about the experimental design. Attribution and reflection behaviour was measured through specific assignments; study results during and after the intervention period were taken as indicators of academic performance. To test the hypotheses, t tests and effect‐sizes were calculated.

Results. After the intervention the experimental students showed a higher degree of reflective behaviour than the control students. Moreover, their attribution skills had also measurably improved. The experimental students obtained better study results than their peers in the control groups.

Conclusions. This intervention study, focused on the combined training of learning to reflect and to attribute constructively, provides evidence of the successful fostering both of meta‐cognitive and of conative learning activities resulting in a positive impact on academic achievement.
Self‐managed learning groups in higher education: Students' perceptions of process and outcomes
Authors: Lizzio Alf , Wilson Keithia
Published: October 2005

Background. Self‐managed learning groups are increasingly used in higher education. There is a need for more systematic investigation of university students' perceptions of the processes and outcomes of this learning method.

Aims. This study aimed to identify the domains of process issues that students perceive as relevant to their participation in self‐managed learning groups, and how these processes are perceived to influence group outcomes.

Sample. Participants were undergraduate psychology students who were members of self‐managed learning groups.

Method. The first study employed qualitative methods (namely, students' written accounts, interviews, and observation) to study learning groups (N =180 students) and identify the process domains. In the second study, first and second year students (N =207) used a questionnaire (based on the domains identified in Study 1) to evaluate the processes and outcomes of their learning groups.

Results. Analysis of qualitative data (Study 1) identified seven process domains: task focus, staff support, process learning, environmental fit, managing differences, equity and responsibility, and collaboration and cooperation. Factor analysis of students' responses (Study 2) identified an underlying structure of two process factors: personal responsibility and collaborative climate, and staff support and environmental fit. Both process factors were associated with the self‐reported satisfaction and productivity of this group of students.

Conclusions. University students' perceptions of the processes of self‐managed learning groups have a clear structure. These process factors are associated with perceived group outcomes in systematic and theoretically consistent ways.
Anti‐bullying intervention: Implementation and outcome
Authors: Salmivalli Christina , Kaukiainen Ari , Voeten Marinus
Published: October 2005

Background. The participant role approach represents a view of bullying as a group process in which bystanders often encourage the bullying or silently witness it, while little support is given to the victim (e.g. Salmivalli, Lagerspetz, Björkqvist, Österman, & Kaukiainen, 1996). There is a discrepancy between students' attitudes (which are often against bullying) and their actual behaviour in bullying situations, and this may be an important factor contributing to the persistence of the problem.

Aim. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of an anti‐bullying intervention programme targeting the group as a whole. Class teachers who attended a 1‐year training course carried out the interventions in school classes. The present evaluation of the project is based on multi‐level modelling, assessing the programme effects after 12 months of intervention, utilizing a cohort longitudinal design with adjacent cohorts (Olweus & Alsaker, 1991) also taking into account the degree of implementation of the programme.

Sample. The intervention was implemented in 48 school classes (Grades 4, 5, and 6) from 16 Finnish schools, involving 1,220 children (600 girls and 620 boys).

Method. The present report is based on questionnaire data collected at two assessment points during the project, assessing the frequencies of bullies and victims, the extent of observed and experienced bullying, students' attitudes and efficacy beliefs related to bullying, and their participant role behaviours (self‐ and peer‐reported). Reports were collected from teachers about the concrete actions taken in order to compare the actual content of the intervention to what had been planned.

Results. A positive impact of the intervention programme was found on several outcome variables (e.g. frequencies of bullies and victims, observed and experienced bullying, attitudes and efficacy beliefs, and to some extent, participant role behaviours). The intervention effects were found more often in Grade 4 than in Grade 5, and often only in schools with a high degree of implementation of the programme.
Perceptions of psychosis, coping, appraisals, and psychological distress in the relatives of patients with schizophrenia: An exploration using self‐regulation theory
Authors: Fortune Dónal G. , Smith Jo V. , Garvey Kay
Published: October 2005

Objective. Following Leventhal's self‐regulation model, the purpose of the present study was to provide an examination of the relationship between psychosis perceptions, coping strategies, appraisals, and distress in the relatives of patients with schizophrenia.

Design. Cross‐sectional study.

Method. Participants were 42 relatives of patients with schizophrenia who completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), a brief coping strategies measure (COPE), the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQR), and a measure of primary and secondary appraisals (Family Questionnaire).

Results. In general, carers who viewed their relative's psychosis as chronic, who had a stronger illness identity (experience of symptoms), who held a stronger belief in the severity of its consequences, and who reported weaker beliefs in treatment control but stronger beliefs that their relative could exert control over their condition had higher distress scores. Coping through seeking emotional support, the use of religion/spirituality, active coping, acceptance, and positive reframing were associated with less distress, while coping through self‐blame was associated with higher distress scores. Hierarchical regression demonstrated that illness perceptions and coping (acceptance, positive reframing, and self‐blame), respectively, made significant additional contributions to the variance in distress when entered after demographics, and primary and secondary appraisals. Furthermore, a mediational analysis suggested that coping strategies characterized by greater positive reframing, less self‐blame, and greater acceptance mediated the relationship between distress, and both illness identity and carer's beliefs about how much personal control the patient could exercise over their condition. There was no mediational effect of coping on the relationship between distress and carers' perceptions about symptom control through medical treatment.

Conclusion. Results provide partial but not unequivocal support for the self‐regulation model in the current sample. Findings may invite us to consider the further use of the self‐regulation/common sense model as a framework for understanding distress in the carers of people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia.
Individual cognitive‐behavioural anger treatment for people with mild‐borderline intellectual disabilities and histories of aggression: A controlled trial
Authors: Taylor John L. , Novaco Raymond W. , Gillmer Bruce T. , Robertson Alison , Thorne Ian
Published: October 2005

Objectives.Anger is a significant predictor and activator of violent behaviour in patients living in institutional settings. There is some evidence for the value of cognitive‐behavioural treatments for anger problems with people with intellectual disabilities. In this study, a newly designed treatment targeted at anger disposition, reactivity, and control was provided to intellectually disabled offenders with aggression histories living in secure settings.

Design.About forty detained patients with mild‐borderline intellectual disabilities and histories of serious aggression were allocated to specially modified cognitive‐behavioural anger treatment (AT group) or to routine care waiting‐list control (RC group) conditions.

Methods.AT group participants received 18 sessions of individual treatment. The AT and RC groups were assessed simultaneously at 4 time points: screen, pre‐ and post‐treatment, and at 4‐month follow‐up using a range of self‐ and staff‐rated anger measures. The effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated using ANCOVA linear trend analyses of group differences on the main outcome measures.

Results.The AT group's self‐reported anger scores on a number of measures were significantly lower following treatment, compared with the RC wait‐list condition, and these improvements were maintained at follow‐up. Limited evidence for the effectiveness of treatment was provided by staffs' ratings of patient behaviour post‐treatment.

Conclusions.Detained men with mild‐moderate intellectual disabilities and histories of severe aggression can successfully engage in, and benefit from, an intensive individual cognitive‐behavioural anger treatment that also appears to have beneficial systemic effects.
The relationship of non‐disclosure in therapy to shame and depression
Authors: Hook Anne , Andrews Bernice
Published: October 2005

Objective.This study aimed to explore the relationship between shame‐proneness, depression, and non‐disclosure in therapy in 85 men and women who had received treatment for depression.

Method.Data were collected by means of a questionnaire, which assessed depressive symptoms, shame‐proneness, non‐disclosure in therapy, and reasons for non‐disclosure.

Results.In total, 54% of the respondents reported concealing depression‐related symptoms and behaviours or other distressing experiences from their therapist. Shame was the most frequently reported reason for non‐disclosure overall, but was a more frequent reason for non‐disclosure of symptoms than experiences. Similarly, shame‐proneness was significantly related to non‐disclosure of symptoms but not to non‐disclosure of experiences. For participants no longer in therapy, non‐disclosure of symptoms made a significant independent contribution to current level of depressive symptoms after controlling for demographic variables, worst depression, and shame‐proneness.

Conclusions.The hypothetical model put forward in this study predicting a significant relationship between shame, non‐disclosure in therapy, and current depressive symptomatology was supported. The findings suggest that encouraging and facilitating the disclosure of shameful symptoms and related behaviours has positive implications for the effectiveness of treatment.
Understanding the genesis of psychotic disorder: Issues in the prediction and prophylaxis of those at ultra‐high risk
Authors: Mason Oliver J. , Beavan‐Pearson Julie
Published: October 2005

Purpose. Recent research is starting to identify individuals at an increased risk of developing a psychotic disorder. This review seeks to identify the ‘state of the art’ with respect to the clinical identification and treatment of individuals at ‘ultra‐high risk’.

Method. The research and clinical literature are reviewed with respect to a wide range of predictors relevant across development.

Results. The review draws on evidence from childhood and adolescence to suggest that a range of biological, cognitive, personality, and social features are predictive of, but often not specific to, psychosis within the context of the diathesis‐stress model. Much evidence supports the view that environmental stressors act in combination with vulnerability factors to increase risk of transition, often during late adolescence and early adulthood.

Conclusions. Recent clinical research has used both retrospective and prospective means of identifying individuals at ultra‐high risk and has made substantial gains in predicting transition. The clinical implications of their identification are discussed in the context of current pharmacological and psychosocial treatment studies. However, significant unresolved clinical and ethical issues remain with both types of study.
Working memory performance and preoccupying thoughts in female dieters: Evidence for a selective central executive impairment
Authors: Kemps Eva , Tiggemann Marika
Published: October 2005

Objective. The study aimed to extend previous research into the impaired cognitive performance of spontaneous dieters by employing the Double Span Memory Task to investigate the relationship between weight‐loss dieting and performance simultaneously on the three subsystems of working memory.

Method. A sample of 33 dieting and 33 non‐dieting women were presented with increasingly longer sequences of common objects, displayed successively in different, randomly chosen locations of a 4 × 4 grid. Participants were then asked to name the objects (phonological loop), point to the locations (visuospatial sketch pad), or both (central executive). Participants also completed self‐report measures of preoccupying cognitions, dietary restraint, depressed affect, and verbal intelligence.

Results. Current dieters performed more poorly than non‐dieters on combined recall, but not on the single recall of objects or locations. They also scored more highly on self‐rated preoccupying cognitions.

Conclusion. Dieting to lose weight selectively impairs central executive functioning, rather than the storage capacity of the two slave systems. This dieting‐related central executive deficit is at best partly attributable to the preoccupying thoughts about food, weight, and body shape accompanying dieting.
The detection of malingering in memory performance: The sensitivity and specificity of four measures in a UK population
Authors: Kelly P. J. , Baker G. A. , van den Broek M. D. , Jackson H. , Humphries G.
Published: October 2005

Objectives. To investigate the validity of a clinical neuropsychological battery for the detection of malingering on tests of memory.

Methods. A simulated scenario design was developed to investigate the effectiveness of a battery of four neuropsychological tests in the detection of malingering; the Coin in the Hand Test (CIH), Autobiographical Memory Index (AMI), Rey 15‐Item Test (RIT), and the Wechsler Mental Control Test (MCT). The performances of patients with an acquired brain injury (N=40) were compared with two groups of controls instructed either to simulate a head injury performance (N=40) or do their best (N=40).

Results. The CIH and MCT demonstrated good validity and displayed high sensitivity and specificity. The RIT and the AMI was relatively poor in distinguishing between simulators and patients.

Conclusions. The sensitivity and specificity of all four tests to the detection of malingering has been assessed. Two of the tests the CIH and MCT would be useful as a quick and accurate screening tool for detecting malingering.
Effects of male rape on psychological functioning
Authors: Walker Jayne , Archer John , Davies Michelle
Published: October 2005

Background. Since the 1970s there has been a wealth of literature on the effects of rape on women. However, the study of the effects of male rape is still in its infancy. The aim of this study was investigate the psychological functioning of 40 British male rape survivors, and compare their level of functioning with that of a matched control group.

Methods. Participants, recruited through national advertising in the British press, completed a series of questionnaires, measuring psychological functioning, assumptions about the world, self‐esteem, and (survivors only) PTSD‐related intrusion and avoidance.

Results. The male rape group had much poorer psychological functioning than the controls, lower self‐worth, and lower self‐esteem. Most survivors reported high levels of intrusive thoughts and avoidance in relation to the assault. Logistic regression showed that lack of treatment after the assault predicted suicide attempts.

Conclusions. Results are discussed in relation to treatment issues for male rape survivors.
Patterns of attentional deficits and emotional bias in bipolar and major depressive disorder
Authors: Kerr N. , Scott J. , Phillips M. L.
Published: October 2005

Objectives.Previous studies have reported deficits in selective attention and specific emotional biases in patients with bipolar (BP) disorder. The extent to which these distinguish BP patients from those with major depressive disorder (MDD) remain unclear. We aimed to examine the relationship between selective attentional impairments and emotional biases in symptomatic and euthymic BP, and symptomatic MDD patients.

Design.A between‐group design was used. The time taken for BP patients to perform on Stroop tasks was compared with that in patients with MDD, and a normal healthy control group.

Methods.BP patients during manic (N=14) and depressed (N=13) episodes, and euthymia (N=15), together with symptomatic patients with MDD (N=17) and normal healthy controls (N=18) were matched for IQ, gender, and age. Selective attention was measured using theGolden (1978)version of the Stroop task, and emotional bias, using theLyon, Startup, and Bentall (1999)version of the emotional Stroop task.

Results.On the Card Stroop, all patients were significantly slower than normal healthy controls on all three conditions. On the emotional Stroop Test, all patients were slower on neutral, positive, and negative conditions.

Conclusions.Our findings suggest that both BP and MDD patients demonstrate impaired performance on neutral and emotionally salient attentionally demanding tasks. The finding of impaired performance in all patients on baseline conditions in each task, however, indicates the need for inclusion of additional baseline conditions in these tasks in order to elucidate the nature of attentional impairments specific to these patient populations.
Perceived difficulty in the theory of planned behaviour: Perceived behavioural control or affective attitude?
Authors: Kraft Pål , Rise Jostein , Sutton Stephen , Røysamb Espen
Published: October 2005

A study was conducted to explore (a) the dimensional structure of perceived behavioural control (PBC), (b) the conceptual basis of perceived difficulty items, and (c) how PBC components and instrumental and affective attitudes, respectively, relate to intention and behaviour. The material stemmed from a two‐wave study of Norwegian graduate students (N=227 for the prediction of intention and N=110 for the prediction of behaviour). Data were analysed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and multiple regression by the application of structural equation modelling (SEM). CFA suggested that PBC could be conceived of as consisting of three separate but interrelated factors (perceived control, perceived confidence and perceived difficulty), or as two separate but interrelated factors representing self‐efficacy (measured by perceived difficulty and perceived confidence or by just perceived confidence) and perceived control. However, the perceived difficulty items also overlapped substantially with affective attitude. Perceived confidence was a strong predictor of exercise intention but not of recycling intention. Perceived control, however, was a strong predictor of recycling intention but not exercise intention. Affective attitudes but not instrumental attitudes were identified as substantial predictors of intentions. The findings suggest that at least under some circumstances it may be inadequate to measure PBC by means of perceived difficulty. One possible consequence may be that the role of PBC as a predictor of intention is somewhat overestimated, whereas the role of (affective) attitude may be similarly underestimated.
Threats to group value, domain‐specific self‐esteem and intergroup discrimination amongst minimal and national groups
Authors: Hunter John A. , Cox Sarah L. , O'Brien Kerry , Stringer Maurice , Boyes Mike , Banks Mike , Hayhurst Jillian G. , Crawford Maria
Published: October 2005

The research reported in this investigation sought to examine the self‐esteem hypothesis (SEH) using measures of domain‐specific and public collective self‐esteem (CSE). Two studies were conducted. Each tested both propositions of the SEH. The first study revealed that minimal group members (a) experienced an increase in that domain of self‐esteem judged to be relatively more important to the in‐group, following the display of in‐group favouritism and (b) that minimal group members with low public CSE (and who thus believed that the in‐group was negatively evaluated by the out‐group) showed enhanced levels of in‐group favouritism. The second study, which utilized the members of real social categories (i.e. New Zealanders and Australians) and negative outcome allocations (i.e. white noise) revealed identical findings. The theoretical implications of these results are discussed.
Taking the strain: Social identity, social support, and the experience of stress
Authors: Haslam S. Alexander , O'Brien Anne , Jetten Jolanda , Vormedal Karine , Penna Sally
Published: October 2005

The social identity/self‐categorization model of stress suggests that social identity can play a role in protecting group members from adverse reactions to strain because it provides a basis for group members to receive and benefit from social support. To examine this model, two studies were conducted with groups exposed to extreme levels of strain: patients recovering from heart surgery (Study 1), bomb disposal officers and bar staff (Study 2). Consistent with predictions, in both studies there was a strong positive correlation between social identification and both social support and life/job satisfaction and a strong negative correlation between social identification and stress. In both studies path analysis also indicated that social support was a significant mediator of the relationship between (a) social identification and stress and (b) social identification and life/job satisfaction. In addition, Study 2 revealed that group membership plays a significant role in perceptions of how stressful different types of work are. Implications for the conceptualization of stress and social support are discussed.
The relationship between theory of mind and metaphor: Evidence from children with language impairment and autistic spectrum disorder
Authors: Norbury Courtenay Frazier.
Published: October 2005

Happé (1993) proposed that theory of mind (ToM) understanding was necessary for comprehension of metaphorical expressions. The current study investigated the role of both ToM and language ability in metaphor understanding. Ninety‐four children aged 8–15 years with communication impairments were grouped according to language ability and autistic symptomatology in the first instance, and then according to ToM performance. Their performance on a metaphor task was compared to 34 typically developing age‐matched peers. These analyses showed that only children with language impairment, with or without concurrent autistic features, were impaired on the metaphor task. Furthermore, possession of first‐order ToM skills did not ensure metaphor comprehension. Instead, semantic ability was a stronger predictor of performance on the metaphor task. These results are considered with reference to the view that ToM understanding is necessary for the comprehension of metaphor.
Working memory and phonological awareness as predictors of progress towards early learning goals at school entry
Authors: Alloway Tracy Packiam. , Gathercole Susan Elizabeth. , Adams Anne‐Marie. , Willis Catherine. , Eaglen Rachel. , Lamont Emily.
Published: October 2005

This study investigates whether working memory skills of children are related to teacher ratings of their progress towards learning goals at the time of school entry, at 4 or 5 years of age. A sample of 194 children was tested on measures of working memory, phonological awareness, and non‐verbal ability, in addition to the school‐based baseline assessments in the areas of reading, writing, mathematics, speaking and listening, and personal and social development. Various aspects of cognitive functioning formed unique associations with baseline assessments; for example complex memory span with rated writing skills, phonological short‐term memory with both reading and speaking and listening skills, and sentence repetition scores with both mathematics and personal and social skills. Rated reading skills were also uniquely associated with phonological awareness scores. The findings indicate that the capacity to store and process material over short periods of time, referred to as working memory, and also the awareness of phonological structure, may play a crucial role in key learning areas for children at the beginning of formal education.
Inhibitory and working memory demands of the day–night task in children
Authors: Simpson Andrew. , Riggs Kevin J.
Published: October 2005

Gerstadt, Hong, and Diamond (1994) investigated the development of inhibitory control in children aged 3½ – 7 years using the day–night task. In two studies we build on Gerstadt et al.'s findings with a measure of inhibitory control that can be used throughout childhood. In Study 1 (twenty‐four 3½‐year‐olds and sixteen 5‐year‐olds) we modified Gerstadt et al.'s day–night task. Using this modified task we obtained further evidence for the development of inhibitory control in children between 3½ and 5‐years‐old. We also obtained data suggestive of more moderate working memory development. In Study 2 we tested 84 children aged between 3½ and 11 years. The aim was to determine how much inhibition and working memory taxed children of different ages. We obtained evidence that inhibitory demands were high and that inhibitory development was non‐linear, with rapid improvements in children between 3½ and 5 years and only modest improvements thereafter. In contrast, working memory demands were low and working memory development was more linear. We interpret these findings as evidence that working memory has relatively little impact on performance in our modified version of the day–night task.
Person–job fit versus person–organization fit as predictors of organizational attraction and job acceptance intentions: A longitudinal study
Authors: Carless Sally A.
Published: October 2005

This longitudinal field study examined the relationship between perceived person–job (PJ) and person–organization (PO) fit and organizational attraction, intentions to accept a job offer, and actual job offer decision. Data were collected from 193 graduate applicants prior to the selection process, during the selection process, at the end of the selection process, and after job acceptance decision. The findings showed support for the hypothesis that perceptions of PJ and PO fit influenced attraction at different stages of selection. The second hypothesis that the relationship between perceptions of PJ and PO fit and intentions to accept a job offer are mediated by organizational attraction was partially supported. Mid‐selection, the relationship between PJ fit perceptions and intentions to accept a job offer was mediated by organizational attraction; in contrast, at the end of the selection process, there was a direct relationship between PJ fit perceptions and intentions. PO fit perceptions were unrelated to intentions to accept a job offer. PJ and PO fit perceptions (before and during the selection process) were unrelated to actual job acceptance decision. These findings highlight the importance of ensuring that applicants have sufficient information about the job during the recruitment and selection process.
Easing the strain: The buffer role of supervisors in the perceptions of politics–strain relationship
Authors: J. Harris Kenneth , Kacmar K. Michele.
Published: October 2005

The positive relationship between perceptions of politics and strain has received a great deal of confirmation in the literature. What has been missing from these studies is a search for variables that minimize the negative outcomes associated with this relationship. In an effort to fill this void, the present paper investigated three possible moderators of the relationship between perceptions of politics and strain: leader–member exchange, participative decision‐making, and communication with supervisors. Results from a sample consisting of 1,255 respondents from two different organizations provided support for the buffering effect of supervisor variables on the perceptions of politics and strain relationship.
The role of within‐group agreement in understanding transformational leadership
Authors: Feinberg Barbara J. , Ostroff Cheri , Burke W. Warner.
Published: October 2005

Theories of transformational leadership imply that effective leaders should engage in a constellation of appropriate behaviours. Further, since an important component of transformational leadership is the leader's ability to create a consensus or a similar mindset among subordinates, attributions that the leader is transformational are likely to depend on both the leader's behaviours and the extent to which subordinates perceive the leader similarly. In the present study, these notions were tested using a multi‐source data set comprising 68 focal managers, 285 subordinates, 495 peers, and 68 supervisors. Results indicated that leaders who engage in higher levels of appropriate leader behaviours are more likely to have followers who agree in their perceptions of the leader. In addition, significant interactions were found between leader behaviours and agreement among subordinates, suggesting that agreement moderates the relationship between leader behaviours and attributions of transformational leadership style.
Managing correctional treatment for reduced recidivism: A meta‐analytic review of programme integrity
Authors: Andrews Don A. , Dowden Craig
Published: October 2005

Purpose. Although issues surrounding programme integrity and implementation seem intuitively appealing as important contributors to effective correctional programming, they have been relatively ignored within the extant literature. The present meta‐analysis provided the first systematic examination of these issues by exploring their impact on recidivism reduction in correctional treatment programmes.

Methods. A meta‐analysis was conducted on 273 tests of the effectiveness of correctional treatment programmes that were extracted from various human service programmes. Indicators of programme integrity reviewed included several management variables (i.e. selection, training and clinical supervision of service deliverers), evaluator involvement, presence of training manuals, monitoring of treatment delivery, and using a small sample of clients.

Results. Overall, the meta‐analyses revealed that programme integrity provided an independent source of enhanced programme effectiveness, even when controls were introduced for other variables (e.g. involved evaluator and sample size).

Conclusions. Consistent with previous research, the present study demonstrated that the positive contributions of programme integrity were limited to the enhancement of the effects of human service programmes consistent with the principles of risk, need, and general responsivity. However, the relatively poor reporting of programme integrity indicators within primary studies necessitates that evaluators and programme deliverers alike ensure that this information is included in future evaluations to provide an even greater understanding of the influences of integrity.