bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement of Total Vitamin B12 and Holotranscobalamin, Singly and in Combination, in Screening for Metabolic Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Authors: Miller Joshua W , Garrod Marjorie G , Rockwood Alan L , Kushnir Mark M , Allen Lindsay H , Haan Mary N , Green Ralph
Published: December 2005

Background: The standard screening test for vitamin B12 deficiency, measurement of total plasma vitamin B12, has limitations of sensitivity and specificity. Plasma vitamin B12 bound to transcobalamin (holoTC) is the fraction of total vitamin B12 available for tissue uptake and therefore has been proposed as a potentially useful alternative indicator of vitamin B12 status.

Methods: We compared the diagnostic accuracy of total vitamin B12, holoTC, and a combination of both measures to screen for metabolic vitamin B12 deficiency in an elderly cohort (age ≥60 years). Plasma methylmalonic acid and homocysteine were used as indicators of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Results: Low total vitamin B12 (<148 pmol/L) and low holoTC (<35 pmol/L) were observed in 6.5% and 8.0%, and increased methylmalonic acid (>350 nmol/L) and homocysteine (>13 μmol/L) were observed in 12.1% and 17.0% of the study participants. In multiple regression models, holoTC explained 5%–6% more of the observed variance in methylmalonic acid and homocysteine than did total vitamin B12 (P ≤0.004). ROC curve analysis indicated that total vitamin B12 and holoTC were essentially equivalent in their ability to discriminate persons with and without vitamin B12 deficiency. Individuals with low concentrations of both total vitamin B12 and holoTC had significantly higher concentrations of methylmalonic acid and homocysteine than did individuals with total vitamin B12 and/or holoTC within the reference intervals (P <0.001).

Conclusions: HoloTC and total vitamin B12 have equal diagnostic accuracy in screening for metabolic vitamin B12 deficiency. Measurement of both holoTC and total vitamin B12 provides a better screen for vitamin B12 deficiency than either assay alone.
Midline Facial Defects with Hypertelorism and Low-Grade Astrocytoma: A Previously Undescribed Association
Authors: Giffoni Silvyo David Araújo , Cendes Fernando , Valente Marcelo , Gil-da-Silva-Lopes Vera Lucia
Published: December 2005

We report on a child with midline facial defects with hypertelorism (MFDH), median cleft lip, sphenoidal ventriculocele, partial agenesis of the corpus callosum, and low-grade astrocytoma in the cervicomedullary junction. This combination of findings has not been reported previously. Although this association might be casual, it demonstrates a relationship between disorders of frontonasal process and posterior fossae. It also suggests that individuals with MFDH might require a prospective follow-up with central nervous system magnetic resonance imaging.
Performance limitations with mirror/QWP reference targets for reflective LCD measurements
Authors: Collier W. Lewis , Powell Robert A. , Pietrzak Kenneth A. , Smith Matthew H.
Published: December 2005

Abstract— Test equipment for reflective LCD devices must use a calibration target to mimic a known state of the intended display devices under test (DUTs). This target must also mimic the polarization effects of the DUTs. Traditionally, a mirror and quarter‐wave plate (MQWP) assembly is used for this function. By accounting for the reflectivity of the mirror and the transmission of the QWP, a reference target can be generated. The effects of the use of a QWP in this role will be examined and additional effects for which compensation must be performed in order to achieve accurate test results will be discussed.
Post‐transmission digital video enhancement for people with visual impairments
Authors: Fullerton Matthew , Peli Eli
Published: December 2005

Abstract— Image enhancement has been shown to improve the perceived quality of images and video for people with visual impairments. The MPEG coding scheme makes spatial filtering, likely to help those with such impairments, possible at the decoding stage. A real‐time platform was implemented for testing and improving contrast‐enhancement algorithms for MPEG video, with controls appropriate for the target population. The necessary additional processing runs efficiently on a general‐purpose PC and can be integrated easily into existing MPEG‐2 decoders. The system has enabled substantial improvement over the previous filtering algorithm; reducing artifacts exhibited in the previous implementation and facilitating individual user selection of enhancement parameters in evaluation studies.
Roll‐to‐roll manufacturing considerations for flexible, cholesteric liquid‐crystal display (Ch‐LCD) media
Authors: McCollough G. Thomas , Rankin Charles M. , Weiner Megan L.
Published: December 2005

Abstract— Roll‐to‐roll methods and equipment to manufacture a bistable, passively driven display media on a flexible substrate have been developed. Using continuous coating techniques and equipment, cholesteric liquid‐crystal droplets in a gelatin binder and a dark layer are simultaneously coated onto laser‐etched‐patterned transparent ITO conductors on a polymeric web. Second conductors are printed with a UV‐curable polymer thick‐film ink over the active display layers, followed by slitting and chopping to complete the manufacture of display media in a full roll‐to‐roll mode. Segmented‐ and matrix‐display media can be generated using these techniques. This paper will focus on the manufacturing considerations for producing matrix‐display media.
Hybrid spatial‐temporal color synthesis and its applications
Authors: Silverstein Louis D. , Roosendaal Sander J. , Jak Martin J. J.
Published: December 2005

Abstract— A novel approach of synthesizing display color by hybrid color processing in both the spatial and temporal domains is introduced. The rational basis for this approach is found in vision science, and more particularly in the spatial and temporal characteristics of the human visual system. Various examples of the new approach, aiming at different display‐performance objectives, are described. Hybrid spatial‐temporal color synthesis can be used to generate a three‐primary RGB display, the analysis of which reveals a higher spatial resolution and a lower fixed‐pattern noise. The concept has also been used to build, based on a conventional LCD panel in combination with an adapted backlight system, a six‐primary LCD TV with a 22% wider color gamut. Finally, the approach is demonstrated in a four‐primary mobile LCD and results in lower cost combined with a higher display luminance and a wider color gamut.
Alternative approach to large‐sized AMOLED HDTV
Authors: Chung Ho‐Kyoon , Lee Ki‐Yong , Lee Seong Taek
Published: December 2005

Abstract— In this work, alternative approaches to existing technologies for the fabrication of large‐sized AMOLEDs, such as non‐laser crystallization methods for poly‐Si TFT fabrication and color patterning using laser‐induced thermal imaging (LITI), is proposed. In particular, it was found that the super grain crystallization (SGS) method resulted in high‐performance TFTs in terms of mobility and off‐current. The feasibility of these techniques for large‐sized AMOLEDs is demonstrated by 17‐in. UXGA AMOLED displays which show good brightness uniformity.
Development of 1.5‐in. full‐color double‐sided active‐matrix OLED with novel array design
Authors: Ko Chung‐Wen , Hu Shuo‐Hsiu , Li Shi‐Hao , Hsiao Tiao‐Hung , Lee Kou‐Sheng , Chen Che‐Jen , Chen Jui‐Hsing , Lih Jiin‐Jou
Published: December 2005

Abstract— A 1.5‐in. full‐color double‐sided AMOLED with a novel array design was fabricated. Different images on both sides of the panel can be controlled by using only one IC driver. High color gamuts of 67% and 81% on the bottom‐ and top‐emitting sides, respectively, were achieved. In addition, good performance on both sides, such as brightness and white balance, were also achieved.
Highly efficient deep‐blue organic light‐emitting devices
Authors: Lee Meng‐Ting , Liao Chi‐Hung , Tsai Chih‐Hung , Chen Chin H.
Published: December 2005

Abstract— A highly efficient deep‐blue organic light‐emitting device (OLED) incorporating a novel composite hole‐transport layer (c‐HTL) and an emitter based on the new non‐symmetrical mono(styryl)amine fluorescent dopant in the stable host MADN, which achieved a luminance efficiency of 5.4 cd/A with a Commission Internationale d'Eclairage (CIEx,y) of (0.14, 0.13) and an external quantum efficiency of 5.1% at 20 mA/cm2 and 6.8 V, is reported. The increased device efficiency is attributed to an improved balance between hole and electron currents in the recombination zone.
Development of a 32‐in. slim CRT with 125° deflection
Authors: Ha Kuedong , Shin Soon‐Cheol , Kim Do‐Nyun , Lee Kue‐Hong , Kim Jeong‐Hoon
Published: December 2005

Abstract— Today, CRT markets are being threatened by flat‐panel displays (FPDs) even though the screen quality of the CRT is one of the best of existing display devices. The depth of CRTs is one of its most important design factors to maintain its dominant position in the display market. Thus, a 32‐in.‐wide deflection‐angle 125° CRT (tube length of 360 mm) has been developed, and mass production began in January 2005. Wide deflection requires more advanced design of the major parts and reliable facilities in the production line. In this paper, new designs, mainly for deflection yokes and electron guns, will be introduced, which are considered the most difficult to design. These wide‐deflection CRTs attracted an extraordinary amount of attention even from end users in a variety of display shows last year and will help maintain the solid positions of CRTs in the coming era.
Fabrication and characterization of surface‐conduction electron emitters for SED application
Authors: Yamamoto K. , Oguchi T. , Sasaki K. , Nomura I. , Uzawa S. , Hatanaka K.
Published: December 2005

Abstract— A surface‐conduction electron emitter (SCE) for next‐generation flat‐panel displays has been developed. PdO thin films (approximately 10 nm thick) produced by an ink‐jet process were used to form the surface‐conduction electron emitter. The films were electroformed and activated while a voltage was applied, and an electron emitter with good characteristics was obtained. A current density of approximately 30 mA/cm2 was attained when an anode voltage of 10 kV was applied. Furthermore, a 36‐in. surface‐conduction electron‐emitter display (SED), consisting of SCEs and a phosphor screen similar to that of a CRT, was also developed.
A 25‐in. SMPDP with fine pitch and high resolution
Authors: Tang Yongming , Zhang X. , Li Q. , Tu Y. , Zheng Y. S. , Wu Z. , Xia J. , Fan Z. W. , Wang B. P. , Tong L. S.
Published: December 2005

Abstract— A 25‐in. SMPDP with fine pitch and high resolution has recently been developed as a succession of the 34‐in. SMPDP, which had been exhibited at ASID '04. SMPDP was regarded as a hopeful low‐cost PDP solution. The new pitch size of 0.66 mm realized an SVGA resolution on this 25‐in. SMPDP, and it also promises HDTV‐resolution compatibility for a 42‐in. SMPDP. The discharge cell has been re‐designed and the delta‐type arrangement of discharge cells has been applied, which provides more display area and facilitates the panel fabrication as well. Other modifications, such as the bus‐electrode structure and the alternatives of the glass material for substrates, have been tested. A peak luminance of 500 cd/m2 and a total power consumption of 100 W has been achieved for the 25‐in. SMPDP sample.
Effects of diamond and AlN layers inserted beneath the phosphor layer on the discharge characteristics of PDPs
Authors: Park Do‐Young , Lee Seong‐Eui , Kim Young‐Mo , Kim Jin‐Seok , Kim Yong‐Seog
Published: December 2005

Abstract— In this study, the effects of diamond and AlN layers inserted beneath the phosphor layer of the rear plate of a PDP were investigated. The layers were formed via an osmotic‐pressure coating process. Macrocells and test panels were prepared to examine their effects on luminance and luminous efficacy. The results indicate that the layers primarily affect the glow‐discharge behavior and eventually enhance the luminous efficacy of the PDP, suggesting the possibile improvement in the performance of PDPs.
Prior Consents: Preventing Offensive Genetic Engineering Patents Against Indigenous People's Rights
Authors: Wu Haoliang , Lu Bingbin
Published: December 2005

Genetic engineering is one of the most advanced technologies in the world and can bring vast profits to developers by patenting resultant achievements. But genetic engineering must be based on original genetic materials. For obtaining such materials, developers travel around the world, especially to genetically rich areas in developing countries, to prospect for valuable genetic resources and bring back for research and patent derivate products. However a lot of disputes have arisen from such patents, such as the Enola patent dispute on Mexican traditional crop mayocoba bean and the patent dispute on sacred plant Ayahuasca between people and one U.S. Company. Indigenous people, who live in the origin areas of genetic resources for a long history, have established traditional and cultural genuine relation with some living species. These disputes revealed that some genetic engineering exploitation and patents based on certain species may be severely offensive against indigenous peoples spiritual, religious, or cultural traditions. Although genetic engineering achievements patentability has been argued for a long time, the TRIPs Agreement requirement and the worlds legislation trend, either in developed countries such as the U.S., European Union or in developing countries such as China, have indicated that genetic engineering products and processes are legitimately patentable. But some loophole exists in the patent acquisition procedure of current legislation, which allows such offensive patents to be granted. To prevent such offensive patents, one prior consents solution is proposed in this article, which requires genetic engineering developers to obtain prior consents from origin countries of genetic resources before they exploit these resources and patent derivate achievements. This solution is based on the Convention on Biological Diversity, which affirmed countrys sovereignty over their genetic resources and allowed countries to regulate and manage genetic resources in their territory. The Convention on Biological Diversity does not conflict with IPR legislation, in particular the TRIPs Agreement and the obligations under both treaties should be respected. The implementation of this proposed solution is based on the establishment of national genetic resources authority, which generally manages its countrys genetic resources and works as indigenous peoples representative with the authorization of state government. This solution should be implemented in three levels: domestically, transnationally and globally. Therefore, offensive genetic engineering patents could be prevented both by such authoritys examination and granting prior consents before developers access to genetic resources and by national patent administrations examination on prior consents proof from origin countrys authority before granting patents.
Violent Cultural Factors and Serial Homicide by Males
Authors: DeFronzo James , Prochnow Jane
Published: December 2005

Explaining the phenomenon of male serial homicide has usually been approached from a psychiatric perspective. However, recent integrative theory suggests that cultural factors may play a role in shaping the psychology of young males with particular psychiatric and possibly neurological vulnerabilities in such ways as to facilitate converting the motivation to kill into actual behavior. Present results indicated that 34–45% of the interstate variation in rates of serial killer activity could be accounted for by three dimensions of local culture. Higher rates of male serial killer activity were associated with a local state culture supportive of game hunting and military training and a local culture supportive of punitive violence. The findings must be viewed with caution since societal variables are complex and the results are based on correlations which cannot be causally interpreted without more direct evidence of validity.
Single-Item vs Multiple-Item Measures of Stage of Change in Compliance with Prescribed Medications
Authors: Cook Christopher L. , Perri Matthew
Published: December 2005

The Stage of Change construct from the Transtheoretical Model of behavioral change has been widely utilized in the assessment of various health behaviors. The majority of these tests measure the Stage of Change construct using the single-item, multiple-choice format. This study validated the use of a single-item measure in measuring readiness to comply with taking a prescribed medication. A sample of 161 subjects tested the multiple-item Stage of Change measure, then a refined multiple-item survey was tested with 59 subjects. With the latter survey, discriminating subjects at the differing stages of change dimensions was difficult. A correlation of .91 was found for stage classifications between ratings on the single-item and multiple-item scales. The use of the single-item measure seems reasonable when assessing stage of change in compliance with prescribed medication.
Environmental and Individual Predictors of Australian Young Adults' Interest in New Ideas
Authors: Marjoribanks Kevin
Published: December 2005

Relations were examined among family social status, learning environments, individual characteristics, and young adults' interest in new ideas. Data were collected from 19-yr.-old Australians (4,609 females and 4,174 males), as part of a longitudinal investigation. Multiple regression analysis indicated that the predictors combined to have a small association with young adults' interest in new ideas.
Numbers of Homosexual Parents Living with Their Children
Authors: Cameron Paul
Published: December 2005

Those contending for the ‘normalcy’ of homosexuality claim there are 800,000 to 7 million homosexual parents raising between 1 and 9 million children. The 1996 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse, a nationally representative sample of 12,321 ages 18 through 59 yr., reported about 416,000 parents—most of whom were married—living with children under the age of 17 yr. who reported same-sex “vaginal, oral, or anal sex” in the past 12 months. Two random-sample surveys suggested that there are fewer than half a million homosexual parents, and a total sample of 14,000 mothers in Avon suggests even fewer. Thus, it is likely that fewer than 500,000 homosexual parents live with fewer than 750,000 children under 18 yr.
The Fisher-Pitman Permutation Test When Testing for Differences in Mean and Variance
Authors: Neuhäuser Markus , Manly Bryan F. J.
Published: December 2005

The Fisher-Pitman permutation test can detect any type of difference between two samples; hence, a significant Fisher-Pitman permutation test does not necessarily provide evidence for a difference in means. It is possible, however, to test separately for differences in means and variances. Here, we present a recently proposed two-stage procedure to decide whether there are differences in means or variances that can be applied when samples may come from nonnormal distributions with possibly unequal variances.
No Evidence for Ethnic and Racial Bias in the Tryout Edition of the Merrill-Palmer Scale—Revised
Authors: Floyd Rachele L. , Gathercoal Kathleen , Roid Gale
Published: December 2005

This research examined a revised version of the Merrill-Palmer Scale, a test of childhood development, to assess the cultural validity of items, i.e., Differential Item Functioning. Archival data were used to determine the Differential Item Functioning of items for 245 African-American, Euro-American, and Hispanic children, ages 3–6 years. Subjects were gathered from all four regions of the United States. Potential bias was examined through the use of partial correlations. Statistical analyses suggest that the Tryout Edition of the Merrill-Palmer Scale–Revised was not systematically biased toward any of the three racial groups examined.
Age-Adjusted Rates of Suicide and Homicide and Fluoride
Authors: Bridges F. Stephen
Published: December 2005

Using state data from 1992 and 2000 instead of 1975, the author both confirmed and extended Lester's 1987 study. Like Lester's study, the present replication showed for 1992 (but not 2000) that the more people drinking fluoridated water, the lower the rates of crude and age-adjusted suicide (partial rs: –.25 and –.25, respectively). Crude and age-adjusted rates of homicide in 1992 and 2000 did not change with the fluoridation of public water. Effective interpretation requires more study.
Development of an Ethanol Model Using Social Insects: III. Preferences for Ethanol Solutions
Authors: Abramson Charles I. , Sheridan Audrey , Donohue Darius , Kandolf Andreja , Božič Janko , Meyers Julia E. , Benbassat Danny
Published: December 2005

Experiments are designed to assess whether free-flying honey bees have an aversion to an ethanol solution when given a choice between targets containing an ethanol solution in sucrose or sucrose only. Animals given a choice between a 1% ethanol solution and sucrose only show no aversion to the ethanol solution either in acquisition or extinction. Honey bees given a choice between a 5% ethanol solution and sucrose only show no differences in the initial choice of targets but some bees do switch over to the sucrose-only target. Performance during extinction indicates that bees landed on the previously reinforced sucrose-only target more than the target previously containing the 5% ethanol solution. An experiment in which bees were given a single 5% ethanol target showed that of 20 bees, 11 returned for the entire 12 trials of the experiment. All bees returned at least 6 times to the 5% ethanol target. Additional experiments were run on harnessed foragers in a palatability study of alcoholic beverages consumed by humans. The results of the palatability experiment indicate that in general, bees prefer more sweet drinks with less alcohol.
Music Preferences and Tobacco Smoking
Authors: Posluszna Joanna , Burtowy Agnieszka , Palusinski Robert
Published: December 2005

This study investigated the association of music preferences with tobacco smoking in a group of 152 high school and college students. Both the questionnaire and the listening survey indicated a higher preference for music associated with anxiety and depressed mood among smokers. These findings may reflect a common etiology of tobacco addiction and a specific type of music preferences. To elucidate this phenomenon further studies are needed.
Correlates of the Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale in Delinquent Adolescents
Authors: Muris Peter , Meesters Cor , Merckelbach Harald
Published: December 2005

Correlations between scores on the Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale and a number of relevant personality characteristics, i.e., intelligence, memory, social inadequacy, social desirability, and fantasy proneness, were examined in a sample of 71 delinquent boys. Analysis showed that intelligence and memory were negatively related to suggestibility scores. That is, lower memory and intelligence were associated with higher suggestibility. No significant correlations were found between suggestibility and other personality characteristics.
Personality, Psychopathology, and Demographic Correlates of Medical vs Behavioral Reasons for Referral in Alcoholic Men
Authors: Yu Laurina M. , Templer Donald I.
Published: December 2005

The personality, psychopathological, and demographic differences between 330 alcoholic men referred for behavioral problems and 104 alcoholic men referred for medical problems were examined. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 indicated that those referred for behavioral problems showed more antisocial characteristics, while those referred for medical reasons had more subjective distress, were more highly introverted, and showed greater somatic preoccupation. Hispanic alcoholic men had a significantly higher proportion of medical referrals than Caucasian and African-American alcoholic men.
Sex and Leadership Styles: A Meta-Analysis of Research Published in the 1990s
Authors: Van Engen Marloes L. , Willemsen Tineke M.
Published: December 2005

Empirical research on sex differences in leadership styles, published between 1987 and 2000 in peer-reviewed journals, is reviewed by means of a metaanalysis. The leadership styles examined are interpersonal, task-oriented, democratic versus autocratic, and transformational and transactional leadership. Analysis showed that evidence for sex differences in leadership behavior is mixed, demonstrating that women tend to use more democratic and transformational leadership styles than men do, whereas no sex differences are found on the other leadership styles. Sex differences in leadership styles are contingent upon the context in which male and female leaders work, as both the type of organization in which the leader works and the setting of the study turn out to be moderators of sex differences in leadership styles.
Why Do People Perform Thrilling Activities? A Study Based on Reversal Theory
Authors: Legrand Fabien D. , Apter Michael J.
Published: December 2005

The present study was aimed at testing the assumption based on reversal theory, according to which people perform frightening activities to induce high anxiety, which in turn can give rise to pleasant excitement, provided that a metamotivational reversal occurs. The Tension and Effort Stress Inventory was administered to 46 individuals just before and just after a frightening ride on a cable (Fantasticable). A 30-subject control group was given the same inventory in a safe context, with a 2-min. rest between the two periods of completion. Ratings of Tension Stress, Anxiety, and overall Unpleasant Emotions were significantly decreased after the ride for the Fantasticable group. Conversely, significant increases in Preferred Arousal, Excitement, Transactional Emotions, and overall Pleasant Emotions were found after the ride. Also, pre-activity anxiety correlated with postactivity excitement ( r = .79) for the Fantasticable group only. This supports the reversal theory contention about how one's involvement in arousal-seeking leisure may improve one's emotional state. No time effect was noted in the ratings for the control group, suggesting an association of participation in a frightening activity and emotional enhancement.
Self-Reported Sources of Stress in Senior High School Students
Authors: Kouzma Nadya M. , Kennedy Gerard A.
Published: December 2005

The main sources of stress reported by 423 Australian final-year high school students using the Academic Stress Questionnaire were school-related as expected. The highest sources of this stress were examinations and outcomes, too much to do, worry over future, making choices about career, studying for examinations, amount to learn, need to do well imposed by others, and self-imposed need to do well.
Developmental Changes in Consistency of Preferential Feeling for Peers and Objects around Age Four
Authors: Uehara Izumi
Published: December 2005

When do young children come to have an individual mental image of each peer? Forming a stable impression of each person requires maturation of at least two cognitive abilities, inferring the other's mind and episodic memory. According to past studies, the critical period for both these abilities is around age four. Thus, it was hypothesized that the child begins to form a consistent mental image of each peer at or after age four. To test this hypothesis, the temporal consistency of preference for peers was examined in 3-, 4-, and 5-yr.-olds. Each subject was asked “Who do you like better than others in this class?” once a week for three times (Study 1). The results indicated that most of the 3-yr.-olds answered different names as their favorite friends or nonsense things inconsistently week by week, whereas older children tended to answer the same names across weeks. However, changing the question to “Which object do you like best of these alternatives?” dramatically changed the response pattern (Study 2): preferences among nonhuman objects (playthings) were temporally consistent even for 3-yr.-olds. These results indicate that children before age four do have a temporally consistent feeling toward general objects but do not have a consistent firm feeling about personal relationships among peers. The results are discussed in relation to the critical developmental changes about age 4 in other cognitive abilities.
Brief Multidimensional Students' Life Satisfaction Scale: Sex, Race, and Grade Effects for a High School Sample
Authors: Huebner E. Scott , Suldo Shannon , Valois Robert F. , Drane J. Wanzer , Zullig Keith
Published: December 2005

Preliminary normative data for the total score of the Brief Multidimensional Students' Life Satisfaction Scale were collected from 5,034 adolescents in Grades 9 through 12 at public high schools in South Carolina. The statistically significant mean differences by race were of small magnitude. Mean total scores did not differ by sex or grade in school.
Factor Structure of the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire Short Form for Restaurant Employees
Authors: Hancer Murat , George R. Thomas
Published: December 2005

The factor structure of the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire short form for nonsupervisory restaurant employees was explored in questions among 2000 employees of three full-service restaurant chains operating in midwestern United States. A total of 2000 surveys were distributed to hourly employees of the three chains. From the mailing, 924 surveys were returned and found useable, a 46.2% response rate. Principal factors analysis identified a four-factor structure for the employees, in contrast to the original two-factor structure, but as in other studies the structure was multifactorial.
Strength of Religious Faith and Psychological Adjustment in Intercollegiate Athletes
Authors: Storch Eric A. , Kovacs Adrienne H. , Roberti Jonathan W. , Bailey Lisa M. , Bravata Erica A. , Storch Jason B.
Published: December 2005

In light of recent research examining the distress buffering properties of religion in intercollegiate athletes' lives, the present study investigated associations among religious faith and depressive symptoms, trait anxiety, and loneliness. Using self-report questionnaires, religious faith was not correlated with depressive symptoms, trait anxiety, and loneliness in 57 intercollegiate athletes.
Relation of Type A Behavior and Multidimensionally Measured Narcissistic Personality of Japanese University Students
Authors: Oashi Osamu
Published: December 2005

The revised version of the Type A Behavior Assessment Scale and the Narcissistic Personality Inventory short version were administered to 104 university students. The former scale has three subscales, Impatience and Hostile Speech Style, Achievement Striving and Job Commitment, and Time Urgency. The latter scale has three subscales, Need for Attention and Praise, Sense of Superiority, and Competence and Self-assertion. Analysis gave a total of five significant correlations between the subscales of the two questionnaires; Impatience and Hostile Speech Style of Type A is positively correlated with scores on two subscales of the narcissism measure, Need for Attention and Praise, Self-assertion, and Achievement Striving and Job Commitment of Type A is positively correlated with scores on all three subscales of the narcissism measure.
Childhood Pay for Grades is Related to College Grade Point Averages
Authors: Flora Stephen Ray , Poponak Stacy Suzanne
Published: December 2005

In a sample of 87 college students from four junior level courses, being paid for earning good grades in childhood was related to higher college GPAs relative to students who were not paid for good grades in childhood.
Marital Status and the Risk of Suicide: Experience from England and Wales, 1982–1996
Authors: Yip Paul S. F. , Thorburn James
Published: December 2005

This analysis examined suicide rates by age, sex, and marital status in England and Wales for the period 1982–1996. Never married, widowed, and divorced people had higher rates of suicide than those who were married, for both sexes. Among the widowed ages 20–39 years, both sexes had the highest rate, and the rate decreased with age. The suicide rate for divorced people was similar to those who had never married, except for the younger group ages 20–29 years. The male:female ratios for the relative suicide risk for never married, widowed, and divorced to married for both sexes were statistically significantly different for older adults. The decrease in suicide rates observed for the period 1982–1996 in England and Wales was mainly attributable to the reduction of suicide rates among the widowed and divorced.
Responsivity to Stress in Chronic Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Due to Childhood Sexual Abuse
Authors: Klumpers Ursula M. H. , Timmerman Leo , Loonen Anton J. M. , Tulen Joke H. M. , Fekkes Durk , Boomsma Frans
Published: December 2005

The purpose of this study was to investigate psychological, cardiovascular, and neuroendocrine reactivity to standardized stress tests (orthostatic challenge, Stroop Color Word Test) in drug-free adult women with chronic PTSD due to repetitive childhood sexual abuse. At baseline, the 11 patients showed significantly higher mean scores on the Symptom Check List-90 and the Profile of Mood States than 13 healthy female controls, whereas baseline cardiovascular or hormonal parameters showed no differences between the groups. Also, no significant differences were found between the two groups in cardiovascular and hormonal responsivity to the stress tests. Thus, in the presence of robust psychological differences, the patients with chronic PTSD due to childhood sexual abuse did not show alterations in baseline values of neurobiological parameters, nor did they react differently to a physical and mental stress test when compared to healthy controls.
Response to Lynn, et al.'s “Evaluation of Woodard's Theory of Perceptually Oriented Hypnosis”
Authors: Woodard Fredrick J.
Published: December 2005

In this article some misunderstandings of Perceptually Oriented Hypnosis presented in the recent evaluation by Lynn, et al. are pointed out. Perceptually Oriented Hypnosis emphasizes individual differences naturally occurring in the experience of everyday life or being-in-the-world and differentiation as major themes to understanding hypnosis. Woodard advocates that qualitative research enhances our understanding of hypnotic experiencing and allows us to examine hypnotic phenomena that elude the laboratory and control settings.
Job Control and Social Support as Coping Resources in Job Satisfaction
Authors: Shimazu Akihito , Shimazu Miyuki , Odahara Tsutomu
Published: December 2005

This study examined the effects of active coping on job satisfaction in the context of the job demands-control-support model. Participants were 867 employees (811 men and 56 women, M age = 35.2 yr.) of a large electrical company in Japan. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis examined whether effects of active coping on job satisfaction might depend on the extent of coping resources, such as job control or social support (supervisor and coworker). Analysis showed that the effect of active coping on job satisfaction depended on the extent of coworkers' support, not on job control and supervisors' support.
Comments on “The Effects of Leader-Member Exchange and Differential Treatment on Work Unit Commitment”: Distinguishing between Neutralizing and Moderating Effects
Authors: Xu Ye , Barbuto John E.
Published: December 2005

Van Breukelen, Konst, and van der Vlist in 2002 examined how members' perceptions of differential treatment from the leader affect the relationship between Leader-Member exchange and work unit commitment. This paper offers commentary, with specific focus on the judgment call for examining continuous effects across all levels of differential treatment. To justify the role of differential treatment as a neutralizer that weakens the influence of Leader-Member exchange on work unit commitment, the regression coefficients of work unit commitment on Leader-Member Exchange should be examined continuously with discriminable differential treatment. As a caution against using “neutralizer” based on the research results presented, “moderator” is suggested as the more appropriate descriptor of the role that differential treatment played. Also, the nature of the interaction between Leader-Member exchange quality and work unit commitment is explored, suggesting research should focus more on the main effects.
Emotion and Style in an English Translation of the Quran
Authors: Whissell Cynthia
Published: December 2005

An English translation of the Quran was studied in terms of word use patterns, emotionality of words, and style. Variables were assessed with the help of computer programs and the Dictionary of Affect in Language. On the basis of words used at unusually high frequencies, the translation of the Quran was seen to be emphatically about Allah, his Prophets and Message, and believers. The translation of the Quran was slightly less Pleasant and Active in emotional tone than everyday English and also less concrete. It contained an unusual number of negatives and was repetitive but did not contain many rare or long words. Significant differences were noted between chronologically Early and Late suras (chapters) in terms of emotion, style, and word use. An inflection point was identified in the time-line partway through the Meccan suras of the Quran.
Reconsidering the Relationship between Parenting and Religiosity
Authors: Duriez Bart , Soenens Bart
Published: December 2005

This study examined the relation between religiosity and parenting. 311 parents from the Flemish-speaking part of Belgium completed the Post-critical Belief Scale and reported on their style of parenting. Scores for religiosity (as measured by the Exclusion vs Inclusion of Transcendence dimension) were not significantly correlated with parenting styles. In contrast, the way in which religious contents are processed (as measured by the Literal vs Symbolic dimension) was significantly correlated with dimensions of parenting style.
Family Conflict Tendency and ADHD
Authors: Niederhofer H. , Hackenberg B. , Lanzendörfer K.
Published: December 2005

A lack of perseverance, poor attention, and poorly modulated behaviour are important criteria of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). Instructions often have to be repeated, sometimes even by different family members before a child with ADHD attends and complies. We hypothesised that a child with ADHD might cause less disagreement in families with almost no conflicts. Responses to the Mannheim Parents Interview and teacher's form of the Conners scale completed by families of 15 boys (ages 6 to 12 years), diagnosed with ADHD were compared with those of a matched, healthy control group of 15 boys. Parents completed a form assessing the family's cooperation and child-rearing practices. Having few family conflicts, i.e., almost no Verbal Disagreement may reduce Physical Punishment and Anger and Disregard and augment the Openness to another's needs and, for that reason, have protective effects on children's behaviour modulation.
Some Factors in Condom Use Amongst First-Year Nigerian University Students and Black and White South Africans
Authors: Peltzer Karl , Oladimeji Yetunde
Published: December 2005

A questionnaire was administered to 213 sexually active first-year Nigerian university students and 150 Black and 150 White South African adults. Nigerian students gave 90% correct answers on 6 of the 10 items of a measure of condom knowledge ( M = 6.1). The most common mistakes with respect to condom use were ignorance about putting a condom on just before ejaculation (37%), the use of an oil-based lubricant with a condom (29%), and when to take off a condom (28%). For the South African sample utility of the Health Belief Model and Theory of Reasoned Action for HIV prevention could be confirmed by intention to use condoms. Race and preventive benefits were predictive for current condom use. Findings have relevant implications for developing culturally diverse HIV intervention programs if confirmed with larger diverse groups.
Psychological Effects of Attack on the World Trade Center: Analysis before and after
Authors: Wilson W. Cody , Rosenthal Beth Spenciner
Published: December 2005

Four different studies using a total sample of 711 from the same New York City student population tested a model that has emerged from previous research on disasters. The model suggests that postdisaster psychological distress is a function of exposure to the disaster, predisaster psychological distress, acute distress following the disaster, time elapsed between disaster and observation of distress, and additional traumatic experiences since the disaster. Although findings replicate those of previous cross-sectional studies regarding association of exposure and distress after the disaster, before and after studies did not detect an effect on postdisaster psychological distress of the World Trade Center attack. Great caution must be used in attributing elevated psychological distress observed postdisaster to the effects of the disaster.
Trends and Monthly Variations in the Historical Record of Suicide in Japan from 1976 to 1994
Authors: Yamasaki Akiko , Kaneko Yoshihiro , Morgenthaler Stephan , Shirakawa Taro
Published: December 2005

Monthly suicide rates in Japan were analyzed for the period from 1976 to 1994 to clarify trends and recurring effects. The data were separated by sex, and the least-squares method was used. The major findings were (1) a significant positive correlation between unemployment rate and suicide rate for both sexes, (2) the suicide rate was highest in April for both sexes, and (3) an upsurge in male suicide mortality was noted from 1983 to 1990. These findings may well be associated with socioeconomic factors as well as neurobehavioral variables.
Construction of a Scale for Measuring Development of Moral Judgement
Authors: Comunian Anna Laura
Published: December 2005

The present research is a part of a study done to develop an objective measure of the development of moral judgement according to Kohlberg's theoretical construct. The Padua Scale of Moral Judgement and the relationship between empirical data and theory are presented. The scale was constructed from responses to the Sociomoral Reflection Measure–Short Form derived from Kohlberg's Moral Judgement Interview. Reliability and validity of the new scale as well as group age and sex differences were examined.
Frames of Reference for Self-Evaluation of Ability in Mathematics
Authors: Skaalvik Sidsel , Skaalvik Einar M.
Published: December 2005

Measures of eight frame-specific self-evaluations of ability in mathematics were used to predict general mathematics self-concept and self-efficacy. Participants were 900 Norwegian students in Grade 6 ( n = 277), Grade 9 ( n = 236), Grade 11 ( n = 263), and adult students attending senior high school ( n = 124). Four items measured frame-specific self-evaluation of achievement based on external frames of reference whereas four items measured frame-specific self-evaluation based on internal frames of reference. Regression analyses were used to test relations between the frame-specific self-evaluations and general mathematics self-concept and self-efficacy. The analyses indicated that self-evaluation based on comparison with other students in class (an external frame of reference) and on comparison of mathematics achievement with achievement in other school subjects (an internal frame of reference) were robust predictors of both mathematics self-concept and self-efficacy. The analyses also indicated that students are using multiple frames of reference when evaluating their mathematics ability. Implications of the result for the internal-external frame of reference model are discussed.
Sex, Perceptions of Attractiveness, and Sensation Seeking and Ratings of the Likelihood of Having Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Authors: Zaromatidis Katherine , Carlo Regina , Racanello Dennis
Published: December 2005

Association of attractiveness, sex, and sensation seeking with perceptions of sexually transmitted diseases were examined. Subjects (64 women and 56 men) were given a picture and brief description of a target and asked to rate the accuracy of statements based on information provided. Pictures depicted a man or woman previously rated as attractive or unattractive by volunteers. The hobbies listed skydiving and rock climbing for high sensation seekers and reading and listening to music for low sensation seekers. Analysis indicated a significant three-way interaction with the attractive male targets described as high sensation-seeking and being perceived by men as most likely to have a sexually transmitted disease.
Concordance among Readers of Self-Help Books about Important Ideas
Authors: Gabriel Betty L. , Forest James J.
Published: December 2005

Amount of agreement among readers about the relevant information in a self-help psychology book was measured to assess whether readers' choices are unique or overlapping. 15 men and 14 women attended two 1-hr. sessions in which they read and marked relevant information in the first 60 pages of a self-help psychology book. Comparison of the amount and pattern of marking across pages and lines on five specific pages showed that there was a statistically significant amount of agreement on which pages contained relevant ideas and which lines contained important concepts. There were no differences between men and women.
Three-Year Outcomes of Exposure to a Science Curriculum
Authors: Flynn Leisa Reinecke , Milton Sande , Spiegel Samuel A. , Curva Felicidad , Dixon Patricia J.
Published: December 2005

From 1,142 seventh and eighth graders responses to paper-and-pencil measures were correlated with scores on a science-based antismoking curriculum and on tobacco use behavior (–.14 to –.24).
Effects of Preshift Small Magnitude of Reward Received during Goalbox Placements on the Negative Contrast Effect
Authors: Calef Richard S. , Choban Michael C. , Glenney Katherine R. , Calef Ruth A. , Mace Errika M. , Cummings Theresa D.
Published: December 2005

During preshift, one experimental group of rats was given a large magnitude of food reward following a traversal of a straight alley and during a goalbox placement, while the other experimental group was given a small reward during goalbox placement and a large reward following a run. During postshift, all experimental groups were given a small reward of food following a traversal down the runway and during a goalbox placement. A control group was maintained on small reward during placements and following a traversal throughout the study. Only the group who received preshift large reward during placement and following a runway response ran slower to small reward during postshift than the control group maintained on small reward (negative contrast effect).
Comparison of Scores for Abused and Nonabused Young Adults on the Psychological Trauma and Resources Scale
Authors: Stader Sandra R. , Holmes George R. , McNulty George F. , Forand Angela Q. , Myers deRosset
Published: December 2005

The Psychological Trauma and Psychological Resources Scale has been developed to identify adolescents and adults who have experienced traumatic events, i.e., physical, sexual, or emotional abuse and neglect. The scale also attempts to identify the presence of compensatory or resource factors such as social support that may serve to ameliorate the effects of traumatic events. 98 college participants who reported a history of abuse were compared with 464 nonabused students on the seven subscales. As predicted, the abused participants reported significantly more incidents of abuse and neglect than the nontraumatized group. In addition, the abused group reported receiving less emotional support, and they were less likely to use positive self-talk as a way to decrease emotional distress. These results provide empirical support for using the Psychological Trauma and Psychological Resources Scale to identify individuals with a history of abuse. Findings underscore the importance of assessing resource variables that may moderate the effects of abuse.