bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Investigation of the Validity and Reliability of the Criminal Sentiments Scale in a Sample of Treated Sex Offenders
Authors: Witte Treena D. , Di Placido Chantal , Gu Deqiang , Wong Stephen C. P.
Published: February 2008

The Criminal Sentiments Scale (CSS) purports to measure attitudes and values pertaining to and in support of criminal conduct (Andrews & Bonta, 2003). A sample of 72 sex offenders treated in a high intensity sex offender program completed the CSS pre-and post-treatment and was followed up for approximately 3 years. The CSS demonstrated high internal consistency. Correlational and ROC analyses indicated that the CSS is a robust predictor of non-sexual violent and non-violent recidivism. The CSS also correlated significantly with the General Statistical Information on Recidivism Scale which assesses non-sexual recidivism risk. Similar analyses showed that the CSS did not predict sexual recidivism nor did it correlate with a tool that assesses sexual recidivism risk—the Static 99. The CSS scores changed significantly in the predicted direction following treatment. The present results suggest that the CSS is an internally consistent tool for the assessment of criminal sentiments among sex offenders and that it predicts non-sexual but not sexual recidivism.
Religious Affiliations Among Adult Sexual Offenders
Authors: Eshuys Donna , Smallbone Stephen
Published: February 2008

This article examines associations between self-reported religious affiliations and official offense histories among 111 incarcerated adult male sexual offenders. Four categories of religiosity were devised according to self-reported continuities and discontinuities in life-course religious affiliations: atheists, dropouts, converts, and stayers. ANCOVAs indicated that stayers (those who maintained religious involvement from childhood to adulthood) had more sexual offense convictions, more victims, and younger victims, than other groups. Results challenge assumptions that religious involvement should, as with other crime, serve to deter sexual offending behavior. Results are discussed in terms of social control and situational theories of crime.
The Oregon depo-Provera Program: A Five-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Maletzky Barry M. , Tolan Arthur , McFarland Bentson
Published: February 2008

In 1999, the Oregon State Legislature, concerned about the risk certain sexual offenders might pose to their communities upon release from prison, enacted House Bill 2500. This bill required selected offenders to be evaluated prior to their release to determine whether medical treatment with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), also known by its trade name of depo-Provera, was indicated to reduce their risk. The present study reviewed the first 275 men to be evaluated under this program from the years 2000 through 2004. Data were collected on diagnoses and outcome on three groups: men judged to need MPA who eventually went on to actually receive it; men recommended to receive MPA who, for a variety of reasons, did not receive the medication; and men deemed not to need MPA. Outcome measures included recidivism data, including reoffenses, parole violations, and reincarcerations, and whether these were sexual in nature. Data were also collected on employment and whether supervising officers believed the men in each group were doing well. Significant differences emerged among these three groups, with men actually receiving depo-Provera committing no new sexual offenses and also committing fewer overall offenses and violations compared to the other two groups. In addition, almost one third of men judged to need medication but who did not receive it committed a new offense and almost 60% of these were sexual in nature. While generalizations from these types of retrospective and partially subjective findings are inherently limited, the present study lends credence to the belief that, in selected offenders, anti-androgenic medication can be a valuable, if time-limited, addition to a cognitive and behavioral treatment program. Suggestions for more practical and far-reaching implementation of this adjunctive approach are offered.
Risk Factors for Adolescent Sex Offender Recidivism: Evaluation of Predictive Factors and Comparison of Three Groups Based Upon Victim Type
Authors: Parks Gregory A. , Bard David E.
Published: February 2008

This study investigated differences in recidivism risk factors and traits associated with psychopathy among 3 groups of male adolescent sexual offenders (N = 156): offenders against children, offenders against peers or adults, and mixed type offenders. Furthermore, those same variables were examined for their association with sexual and nonsexual recidivism and the 3 groups were compared for differences in rates of recidivism. Based upon both juvenile and adult recidivism data, 6.4% of the sample reoffended sexually and 30.1% reoffended nonsexually. Retrospective risk assessments were completed using the Juvenile Sex Offender Assessment Protocol-11 (JSOAP-II) and the Psychopathy Checklist:Youth Version (PCL:YV). Comparisons of the 3 preexisting groups for differences on scale and factor scores were conducted using analyses of variance (ANOVAs). Differences among groups for recidivism were measured using survival curve analysis. Associations between risk scales and recidivism were measured using Cox regression analyses. Results suggest significant differences among the 3 offender groups on multiple scales of the JSOAP-II and PCL:YV, with mixed type offenders consistently producing higher risk scores as compared to those who exclusively offend against children or peers/adults. The Impulsive/Antisocial Behavior scale of the JSOAP-II and the Interpersonal and Antisocial factors of the PCL:YV were significant predictors of sexual recidivism. The Behavioral and Antisocial factors of the PCL:YV were significant predictors of nonsexual recidivism. Results supported previous research indicating that most adolescents who sexually offend do not continue offending into adulthood. Such results can lead to improved treatment by targeting specific risk factors for intervention and better use of risk management resources in the community, while preserving the most restrictive treatment options for the highest risk offenders.
Adolescent Sexual Offenders: A Total Survey of Referrals To Social Services in Sweden and Subgroup Characteristics
Authors: Kjellgren Cecilia , Wassberg Annika , Carlberg Margareta , LÅngström Niklas , Göran Svedin Carl
Published: February 2008

Sampling methodology (e.g. population-based vs. clinical samples, anonymous self-reports vs. data collected as part of mandated treatment) affects the validity of conclusions drawn from research addressing the etiology of adolescent sexual offending. Studies of unselected samples allow testing of the generalizability of etiological models suggested from investigation of selected clinical or forensic populations. Further, representative epidemiological data on adolescent sexual offending is needed for policy-making and the planning of services. We conducted a national survey of all adolescent sexual offenders (ASOs, 12-17 years) referred to Social Services during 2000. Social workers at all child and adolescent units in Social Service authorities throughout Sweden (N = 285, 99% response rate) completed a questionnaire about new ASO referrals in 2000. The National Board of Health and Welfare commissioned the survey and questionnaire items tapped offender, offence, and victim characteristics. A total of 197 boys and 2 girls aged 12-17 years were referred to Social Services because of sexually abusive behavior in 2000. Focusing specifically on males, this yielded a one-year incidence of .060% (95% confidence interval = .052-.068). Forty-six percent of male ASOs abused at least one child younger than age 12 years (child offenders) whereas the rest had abused peer or adult victims (peer offenders). Forty-two percent of male ASOs had ever committed sexual offences together with at least one other offender (group offenders). Child- vs. peer offenders and group νs. single offenders, suggested typologies in the literature, were compared to explore potential subtype-specific risk factors and correlates. The results suggested a higher proportion of group ASOs than previously reported and stronger support for subdividing ASOs into child vs. peer offenders than into group vs. single ASOs.
A Comparison of the Application of the Self-Regulation Model of the Relapse Process for Mainstream and Special Needs Sexual Offenders
Authors: Keeling Jenny A. , Rose John L. , Beech Anthony R.
Published: February 2008

The self-regulation model of the relapse process (Ward & Hudson, 2000) has been developed and empirically validated on general sexual offender populations (Bickley & Beech, 2002), but not on specific sexual offender populations. This paper aims to investigate whether special needs offenders, as compared to mainstream sexual offenders, can be categorized into the offense pathways described in the model. In addition, this paper aims to evaluate the application of the self-regulation model in highlighting the treatment needs of the special needs group. Special needs sexual offenders are defined as a treatment population that includes individuals with lower functioning, limited social and communication skills, and literacy deficits. Participants were classified into the self-regulation model using a method developed by Bickley and Beech (2002). Demographic and offense information were collected and comparisons made between the special needs and mainstream groups. The results showed that the sexual offenders with special needs could be reliably classified into the offense pathways of the self-regulation model. The largest group of special needs offenders was in the approach-automatic group, followed by the approach-explicit group. The results indicated no significant differences in representation in the offense pathways between the special needs and mainstream sexual offenders. The results also indicate that the special needs group would benefit from a responsive approach to treatment, which incorporates appropriate treatment targets identified by the self-regulation model.
Effect of Age-at-Release on Long Term Sexual Re-offense Rates in Civilly Committed Sexual Offenders
Authors: Prentky Robert Alan , Lee Austin F. S.
Published: February 2008

A cohort of 136 rapists and 115 child molesters civilly committed to a prison in Massachusetts and followed for 25 years (see Prentky, Lee, Knight, & Cerce, 1997) was examined for the effect of age at time of release on sexual recidivism. The present study (1) examined the recidivism rates for each of five age-at-release groups, separately for rapists and child molesters, (2) tested the fit of linear and quadratic models for 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25-year windows using Cox regression analysis, (3) presented the predicted failure rates for rapists (up to five years post-release) and child molesters (out 21 years post-release), and (4) provided a computational formula for estimating the sexual recidivism rate given an individual's age and number of years post-release. For rapists, a linear model extending 5 years best captured our data (LR = 5.62, p < .02). Going out any further than 5 years did not enhance the predictive efficacy of the model. By contrast, a quadratic model extending the full duration of the study (25 years) provided the best fit (LR = 6.30, p < .04) for child molesters. Our data supported the general conclusion that risk of sexual recidivism diminishes as a function of increasing age at time of release for rapists. We found marked differences, however, in the re-offense patterns of rapists and child molesters, with the latter group evidencing a distinct quadratic, rather than linear, pattern. Since these findings derive from a population screened for civil commitment by virtue of their presumptive dangerousness, they may not be generalizable to samples of sex offenders drawn from the general prison population.
The Neuropsychology and Neurology of Sexual Deviance: A Review and Pilot Study
Authors: Joyal Christian C. , Black Deborah N. , Dassylva Benoit
Published: February 2008

Current neurological hypotheses of paraphilia posit that sexual deviance is associated with frontal and/or temporal lobe damage. This broad conception is based on few investigations, however, and the first goal of this study was to review the existing data derived from neuropsychiatry, neuroimaging and neuropsychology. It is concluded that although fronto-temporal dysfunctions are sporadically reported among sexual offenders, the evidence is scarce and it might not be specific to this type of offending. The second objective of this investigation was to gather preliminary neuropsychological data with more homogeneous subgroups of sexual offenders. A profile of lower-order executive dysfunctions (e.g. sustained attention and inhibition) and verbal deficits with intact or good capacities for higher-order executive functioning (e.g. reasoning and cognitive flexibility) and visuo-spatial processing was preferentially found among sexual offenders, suggesting basal fronto-temporal anomalies. Importantly, pedophiles were more consistently and severely impaired than rapists of adults. However, this basal fronto-temporal profile is not characteristic of sexual deviance, as it is also found in association with delinquency and criminality in general. Future neuropsychological and brain imaging studies should consider subgroups of sexual offenders and recruit nonsexual violent persons and non-violent individuals in order to disentangle the complex relations between brain anomalies and sexual deviance.
Background, Offence Characteristics, and Criminal Outcomes of Aboriginal Youth Who Sexually Offend: A Closer Look at Aboriginal Youth Intervention Needs
Authors: Rojas Erika Y. , Gretton Heather M.
Published: February 2008

Canada's Aboriginal peoples face a number of social and health issues. Research shows that Aboriginal youths are over-represented in the criminal justice system and youth forensic psychiatric programmes. Within the literature on sex offending youth, there appears to be no published data available to inform clinicians working with adjudicated Aboriginal youth. Therefore, the present study examines the background, offence characteristics, and criminal outcomes of Aboriginal (n= 102) and non-Aboriginal (n=257) youths who engaged in sexual offending behaviour and were ordered to attend a sexual offender treatment programme in British Columbia between 1985 and 2004. Overall, Aboriginal youths were more likely than non-Aboriginal youths to have background histories of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), substance abuse, childhood victimization, academic difficulties, and instability in the living environment. Both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal youths had a tendency to target children under 12-years-old, females, and non-strangers. Aboriginal youths were more likely than non-Aboriginal youths to use substances at the time of their sexual index offence. Outcome data revealed that Aboriginal youths were more likely than their non-Aboriginal counterparts to recidivate sexually, violently, and non-violently during the 10-year follow-up period. Furthermore, the time between discharge and commission of all types of re-offences was significantly shorter for Aboriginal youths than for non-Aboriginal youths. Implications of these findings are discussed with regards to the needs of Aboriginal youth and intervention.
The Child Molester Empathy Measure: Description and Examination of Its Reliability and Validity
Authors: Fernandez Y.M. , Marshall W.L. , Lightbody S. , O'Sullivan C.
Published: February 2008

The aim of the two studies presented here was to produce and refine a measure of victim empathy for the assessment of child molesters. In the first study, 61 nonfamilial child molesters completed the Child Molester Empathy Measure (CMEM), a questionnaire designed specifically for this study. The measure assessed empathy in three contexts: (a) toward a child who was in a motor vehicle accident and was disfigured, (b) toward a child who had been sexually molested by an unknown assailant over a period of time, and (c) toward the offender's own victim (s). Results indicated that the measure was both internally reliable and produced stable responses over time. The results also revealed a relative deficit in empathy toward the offender's own victim(s). The goal of the second study was to replicate the data obtained in the first study and compare child molesters' responses with the responses of a group of nonoffenders. Twenty-nine child molesters and 36 community males (nonoffenders) completed the questionnaire. This study also confirmed the internal reliability and test-retest reliability of the CMEM. The discriminant validity of the measure was supported by the child molesters' demonstrated relative deficiency in empathy toward an unknown offender's victim of sexual abuse. However, the child molesters displayed equal empathy toward the accident victim relative to nonoffenders. Additionally, the child molesters displayed significantly less empathy toward their own victims than toward the general sexual abuse victim. The results are discussed in terms of their theoretical and practical implications.
Factors Associated with Treatment Compliance in a Population of Juvenile Sexual Offenders
Authors: Hunter John A. , Figueredo Aurelio José
Published: February 2008

Structural equation modeling was utilized to assess predictors of outcomes in a sample of 204 juvenile male sexual offenders participating in community-based treatment programming. Lower levels of client denial at intake predicted successful program compliance. Higher levels of denial were found in nonadjudicated youths. Although program attrition was high (50% in the first year), relatively few youths were expelled for sexual (4.9%) or nonsexual delinquency (6.6%) over a 12- to 24-month period. Program failure during years 1 and 2 was attributable largely to expulsion for failure to comply with attendance requirements and/or therapeutic directives. Youths failing to comply were found to have higher overall levels of measured sexual maladjustment and may be at greater long-term risk for sexual recidivism. Implications of the findings for clinical risk assessment, and directions for future research, are discussed.
Assessment of Juvenile Sexual Offenders: Reliability and Validity of the Abel Assessment for Interest in Paraphilias
Authors: Smith Gillan , Fischer Lane
Published: February 2008

Empirical tests of the reliability and validity of the Abel Assessment for Interest in Paraphilias (AAIP) as used with juvenile sexual offenders were performed. Testretest reliability, screening validity, and diagnostic validity were assessed using several analytical approaches. The temporal stability, sensitivity, and specificity of the AAIP as used with adolescents in residential and day treatment were not demonstrated. The results indicate the need for further refinement of the AAIP.
Use of Physical Force as an Offense Characteristic in Subtyping Juvenile Sexual Offenders
Authors: Butz Catherine , Spaccarelli Steve
Published: February 2008

Juvenile sexual offenders were grouped based on whether they had ever used physical force or threats of force to commit an offense using self-reports on the Multiphasic Sex Inventory (MSI) and clinical records review. Subjects were 101 male offenders, 12 to 19 years, residing at a residential treatment facility. Cross-tabulation of self-report and records review were done to define three groups of offenders: rapists (i.e., those who used force), nonrapists, and deniers. These three groups were compared using the MSI and Jesness on other variables assessing offense patterns, sexual deviance, delinquent attitudes, perceived social competence, and offense-related cognitions. Rapists reported significantly more sexual assault fantasy/predatory behavior, greater preoccupation with children, and more paraphilias than did nonrapists and deniers. In comparison to deniers, rapists also reported more obsessive thinking about sex, and a greater willingness to participate in treatment. These findings are discussed with a focus on the apparent validity and usefulness of subtyping juvenile offenders based on whether or not they have used physical force or threats of force in committing a sexual offense.
Child Sexual Abuse as a Public Health Issue: Recommendations of an Expert Panel
Authors: McMahon Pamela M. , Puettl Robin C.
Published: February 2008

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a widespread problem that has been associated with a variety of negative health outcomes. There has been a call for prevention of first occurrences of CSA. Public health provides a unique framework for conceptualizing and implementing these prevention efforts. This article explains a model of the public health approach to prevention and illustrates the applicability of this model to CSA. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention convened a panel of experts to advise the agency about raising awareness of CSA as a public health problem. A summary of the recommendations developed by this expert panel is presented.
Transdisciplinary Activity Assessment for Young Children With multiple Disabilities
Authors: Grisham-Brown Jennifer
Published: February 2008

Shawna is approaching her fifth birthday and will be entering kindergarten in the fall. Currently she attends a Head Start program. Her team (which includes her family) wants to prepare for her transition to kindergarten and have begun talking about how to include Shawna in kindergarten activities. Shawna's team recognizes that a good assessment would facilitate this transition. However, their school district has relied primarily on traditional assessments to plan educational programs for Shawna. This type of assessment tells the team that Shawna functions between a six-month and 18-month developmental level. While it gives them information regarding which developmental mile-stones she has not reached, it does not tell them how to include Shawna in typical kindergarten activities.
Resources Within Reason
Authors: Catlett Camille , Winton Pam
Published: February 2008

Each issue will review resources that cost $50 or less on a different aspect of early intervention. This issue features materials that support families as leaders in collaborative efforts.
Documentation
Authors: Cooney Margaret H. , Buchanan Michelle
Published: February 2008

Rendi, the speech/language therapist at the Green River Child Development Center, routinely observed her preschool children in their classroom settings. She recorded the data from these observations in her "little blue book." When it was time to review a child's progress toward IEP goals, Rendi referred to the little blue book for evidence. When Rendi learned about the Reggio Emilia approach to documentation of children's learning, she decided to "free the data from the little blue book" and make it visible on documentation panels hung in the children's classrooms. Soon the children, their parents, and their teachers supplemented the usual assessment procedures in new ways that made growth and development more visible.
Resources Within Reason
Authors: Catlett Camille , Winton Pam , Dennis Brenda
Published: February 2008

Each issue will review resources that cost $50 or less on a different aspect of early intervention. This issue features resources that can be used to increase awareness about the inclusion of children with disabilities in diverse environments and activities.
Mapping Community-Based Natural Learning Opportunities
Authors: Dunst Carol J. , Hawks Orelena , Shields Holly , Bennis Leslie
Published: February 2008

Practitioners who were told that they needed to do early intervention in natural environments were talking about what this would look like for young children and their families. Their conversations led them along a path of listing learning opportunities for young children in their communities. In less than 30 minutes, more than 100 people, places, and events had been identified. Practitioners unfamiliar with some learning opportunities asked about their locations. The activities were located on a map drawn by one of the participants. What the practitioners had accomplished was a rudimentary type of community mapping.
Thank You for Being a Friend
Authors: Banko Cassandra D. , Buysse Virginia
Published: February 2008

Fostering Friendships for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Inclusive Environments
Reflections of a back door parent
Authors: Brault Linda M. J.
Published: February 2008

I was sitting in a meeting discussing policies and procedures of an organization. At one point someone said, "Let's find out what THE PARENT has to say about this." I turned to look and realized was the parent! Could I speak for parents everywhere? Could I speak as a parent at all? Who am I anyway? What perspective do I bring? ! I feel like I am sneaking in the back door ...
Resources Within Reason
Authors: Catlett Camille , Winton Pam , Fowler Susan , Hains Ann , Livesay Nancy , Rosenkoetter Sharon , Rous Beth
Published: February 2008

Each issue will review resources that cost $50 or less on a different aspect of early invention. This issue features materials for helping children and families make smoother transitions,
Resources within Reason
Authors: Catlett Camille , Winton Pam , Case-Smith Jane , Masin Helen , Perrin Kathy Riske , Sher Barbara , Solomon Jean
Published: February 2008

Each issue will review resources that cost $50 or less on a different aspect of early intervention. This issue features materials for supporting fine and gross motor development.
Resources Within Reason
Authors: Catlett Camille , Winton Pam
Published: February 2008

Each issue will review resources that cost $50 or less on a different aspect of early intervention. This issue features materials that promote family-professional collaboration in daily practice.
The Politics of Preemption and the War on Terror in Europe
Authors: De Goede Marieke
Published: February 2008

In the midst of the war on terror and unilateral US security politics, many observers look to Europe for alternatives. It is argued that Europe is particularly opposed to preemptive security practice, and prefers instead to rely on the rule of law. This article examines the meaning of preemption in the war on terror, and analyses three aspects of European counter-terror policy. It becomes clear that, with respect to a number of policies that play a key role in preemptive security practice, including criminalizing terrorist support, data retention, and asset freezing, the European Union is world leader rather than reluctant follower. Instead of relying on images that position Europe as inherently critical of preemptive security, debate concerning the legitimacy and desirability of such practices must be actively fostered within European public space.
Dynamics of International Norm Change: Rules against Wartime Plunder
Authors: Sandholtz Wayne
Published: February 2008

International norms change over time, but we do not fully understand how and why they evolve as they do. In this article, I explore a general model of international norm change. The model builds on two foundations. First, normative systems themselves generate tensions that lead to change. Those tensions are of two major types: (1) conflicts between the generality of rules and the specificity of concrete experience; and (2) conflicts between separate bodies of rules. Second, specific disputes push these normative conflicts to the fore and provoke arguments about the meaning and application of rules. The outcomes of those arguments necessarily modify the rules. The process of normative change is thus a cycle, linking rules to actions to arguments, which in turn reshape the rules. In order to explore the empirical utility of the model, the article assesses the evolution of the rules of war with respect to the plundering of artistic and cultural treasures. Relying on both secondary and archival materials, the analysis focuses on two crucial turns through the cycle of normative change, the Napoleonic Wars and World War II. The empirical account shows that the cycle of normative change depicted in the abstract does correspond to real-world processes.
Illocutionary Logic and Strands of Securitization: Applying the Theory of Securitization to the Study of Non-Democratic Political Orders
Authors: Vuori Juha A.
Published: February 2008

Convincing research programmes often use a variety of data from cases in different contexts; in order to reach a wider understanding, the models and hypothesis of securitization studies have to be applied to broad groups of cases. The research programme of securitization studies is formed around the leading idea of securitization being a social process achieved through speech acts. I argue that by explicating the concept of securitization through illocutionary logic, it can be utilized to study security politics in non-democratic contexts in addition to the favoured liberal democratic one, where the majority of empirical analysis has been conducted so far. In addition, I present clarifications to the concepts of 'audiences' and 'special politics' used in the theory. The theoretical discussion is illustrated with examples from the Chinese political system.
The Case for Combining Material Forces and Ideas in the Study of IR
Authors: Sørensen Georg
Published: February 2008

Neorealism tends to base itself on a certain, taken-for-granted, view of the material forces in IR, a view which focuses on the relative distribution of capabilities between sovereign states and their consequences in terms of the socialization and competition among states. Social constructivism is preoccupied with the study of ideas, but tends not to question the neorealist view of either socialization or competition or of the material world; the result is that the development and change of how material forces impact with the social world in IR is seriously under-theorized. The present contribution argues in favour of an approach which includes materialist as well as ideational factors; in that sense it advocates `analytical eclecticism'. A rich concept of international structure, which includes materialist as well as ideational factors, is proposed and the consequences of that concept for the analysis of IR are indicated.
Development of symbolic play through the use of virtual reality tools in children with autistic spectrum disorders
Authors: Herrera Gerardo , Alcantud Francisco , Jordan Rita , Blanquer Amparo , Labajo Gabriel , De Pablo Cristina
Published: February 2008

Difficulties in understanding symbolism have been documented as characteristic of autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs). In general, virtual reality (VR) environments offer a set of potential advantages for educational intervention in ASD. In particular, VR offers the advantage, for teaching pretend play and for understanding imagination, of it being possible to show these imaginary transformations explicitly. This article reports two case studies of children with autism (aged 8:6 and 15:7, both male), examining the effectiveness of using a VR tool specifically designed to work on teaching understanding of pretend play. The results, confirmed by independent observers, showed a significant advance in pretend play abilities after the intervention period in both participants, and a high degree of generalization of the acquired teaching in one of them.
How central is central coherence?
Authors: López Beatriz , Leekam Susan R. , Arts Gerda R . J.
Published: February 2008

This study aimed to test the assumption drawn from weak central coherence theory that a central cognitive mechanism is responsible for integrating information at both conceptual and perceptual levels. A visual semantic memory task and a face recognition task measuring use of holistic information were administered to 15 children with autism and 16 typically developing children. If there is a central integration mechanism, performance on the two tasks should be positively associated. No relationship was found, however, between the two abilities in the comparison group and, unexpectedly, a strong significant inverse correlation was found in the autism group. Classification data further confirmed this finding and indicated the possibility of the presence of subgroups in autism. The results add to emerging evidence suggesting that central coherence is not a unitary construct.
Social challenges and supports from the perspective of individuals with Asperger syndrome and other autism spectrum disabilities
Authors: Müller Eve , Schuler Adriana , Yates Gregory B.
Published: February 2008

The study describes the perspectives of individuals with Asperger syndrome and other autism spectrum disabilities (ASDs) regarding social challenges and supports. Eighteen adults with ASDs were individually interviewed. They were asked to describe their experiences navigating their social worlds, and recommend effective social supports and strategies for improving social connectedness. Qualitative analyses of the interview transcripts revealed a number of common experiences including a profound sense of isolation, difficulty initiating social interactions, challenges relating to communication, longing for greater intimacy, desire to contribute to one's community, and effort to develop greater social/self-awareness. Commonly recommended social supports included external supports (e.g. activities based on shared interests, highly structured or scripted social activities, and small groups or dyads); communication supports (e.g. alternative modes of communication, explicit communication, and instruction in interpreting and using social cues); and self-initiated strategies for handling social anxiety (e.g. creative/improvisational outlets, physical activity, spiritual practice/organized religion, and time spent alone).
Commodities, brands, love and kula
Authors: Foster Robert J.
Published: February 2008

Can Marcel Mauss's insights into the relations between persons and things help make sense of the nature of branded commodities and the operation of long distance commodity chains? Can these insights, when coupled with Marxist critiques of fetishism and labor exploitation, underwrite a politics of value that mobilizes the practices of knowing consumers? This article reconsiders gift giving in order to understand how brands operate as media of exchange between companies and consumers. It compares the rhetoric of brand stewardship in current business literature with Nancy Munn's account of the exchange of Gawan canoes for kitomu, a category of kula shells over which owners exercise proprietary rights. In so doing, the article develops a framework for comparing processes of value creation and circulation that substitutes a series of partial analogues for a monolithic opposition between gifts and commodities. It concludes by taking up the question of a politics of ethical consumption, and the crucial role of knowledge in such a politics.
Global Health Governance
Authors: Hein Wolfgang , Kohlmorgen Lars
Published: February 2008

AB STRACT This article analyses the impact of new institutional structures in global health governance (GHG) on the realization of social rights in poor countries. Focusing on the example of global HIV/AIDS politics. The article argues that new governance modes increase the participation of civil society groups and affected communities, but also that they are frequently instrumentalized by powerful actors to pursue their particular interests. In fact, increasing resources are mobilized for the fight against poverty-related diseases. The article concludes that, as the experience of HIV/AIDS politics, the conflicts around the TRIPS Agreement and the development of Global Public-Private Partnerships GPPPs suggest, GHG is characterized by a combination of moral values and material interests that does not guarantee a comprehensive realization of social rights, but which allows some progress in the fight against poverty-related diseases — a step toward realization of social rights.
Individual control of electric lighting in a daylit space
Authors: Newsham G.R. , Aries M.B.C. , Mancini S. , Faye G.
Published: February 2008

Participants (N=40) occupied a glare-free, daylit office laboratory for 1 day, and were prompted every 30 min to use dimming control over electric lighting to choose their preferred light level. Illuminances and luminances were recorded before and after each control opportunity; luminance maps were generated using a calibrated, high-dynamic range digital camera. Although there was a wide variation in chosen light levels between individuals, results showed a significant negative correlation between prevailing desktop illuminance and change in dimmer setting. This indicates that, from the perspective of occupants, daylight does displace electric lighting. Surprisingly, we did not find any luminance-based measure that was as good a predictor of participant dimmer choice as illuminance measured on the desktop. On average, manual dimming control in this situation reduced energy use for lighting by 25% compared to a fixed system delivering 500lx of electric lighting on the desktop.
Cost-effective controlled illumination using daylighting and electric lighting in a dual-function prism light guide
Authors: Rosemann A. , Cox G. , Friedel P. , Mossman M. , Whitehead L.
Published: February 2008

We have developed a system that enables both daylight and electric light to be efficiently delivered to core areas of a building. Daylight is directed into the building by means of a new and cost-effective canopy system which collects sunlight and directs it into the dual-function luminaire. It efficiently transports and distributes the light along its length, and when the amount of daylight is insufficient, auxiliary electric light is automatically provided by fluorescent lamps. This paper focusses on the prototype illumination control system and its performance.
Up on the Roof: The Embodied Habitus of Diasporic Capoeira
Authors: Delamont Sara , Stephens Neil
Published: February 2008

The majority of the popular martial arts in Britain are of South East Asian origin. One exception is the Brazilian dance and martial art capoeira, which has grown in popularity in the UK over the past twenty years at the same time as it has become a global phenomenon. Brazilian teachers have spread across the globe to create what the article calls diasporic capoeira.The ethnographic research reported here focuses on how Brazilian capoeira teachers in the UK create and sustain a habitus for their students using a contrastive rhetoric. Teachers in the UK routinely stress the similarities and differences between the habitus of capoeira in Brazil and its habitus in the UK. Variations in the habitus of capoeira in the UK, at the individual and the institutional level are explored drawing upon the ethnographic data on capoeira groups, teachers and students.
Behind the Policy Mantra of the Inclusive Museum: Receptions of Social Exclusion and Inclusion in Museums and Science Centres
Authors: Tlili Anwar
Published: February 2008

The new UK policy framework for museums aims to reconfigure their social role and organizational identity. Central to this process are the Government's generic concepts of social exclusion/inclusion incorporated into museum policies to make museums more socially responsible and responsive through their contribution to tackling social exclusion. Based on accounts, views and experiences of a cross-section of staff from two science museums and two science centres in the UK, this article examines the ways in which the concepts of social exclusion/inclusion are mediated and configured in museum professionals' perceptions, interpretations and practices. I argue that the concepts of social inclusion/exclusion do not map onto organizational actors' interpretations and experiences in the way envisaged and demanded by the policies. I also highlight some of the unintended consequences and tensions that can arise in the course of museums' and museum professionals' attempts to balance the social inclusion role with other demands and pressures.
Discovery of agents that eradicate leukemia stem cells using an in silico screen of public gene expression data
Authors: Hassane Duane C. , Guzman Monica L. , Corbett Cheryl , Li Xiaojie , Abboud Ramzi , Young Fay , Liesveld Jane L. , Carroll Martin , Jordan Craig T.
Published: February 2008

Increasing evidence indicates that malignant stem cells are important for the pathogenesis of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and represent a reservoir of cells that drive the development of AML and relapse. Therefore, new treatment regimens are necessary to prevent relapse and improve therapeutic outcomes. Previous studies have shown that the sesquiterpene lactone, parthenolide (PTL), ablates bulk, progenitor, and stem AML cells while causing no appreciable toxicity to normal hematopoietic cells. Thus, PTL must evoke cellular responses capable of mediating AML selective cell death. Given recent advances in chemical genomics such as gene expression-based high-throughput screening (GE-HTS) and the Connectivity Map, we hypothesized that the gene expression signature resulting from treatment of primary AML with PTL could be used to search for similar signatures in publicly available gene expression profiles deposited into the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). We therefore devised a broad in silico screen of the GEO database using the PTL gene expression signature as a template and discovered 2 new agents, celastrol and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, that effectively eradicate AML at the bulk, progenitor, and stem cell level. These findings suggest the use of multicenter collections of high-throughput data to facilitate discovery of leukemia drugs and drug targets.
Endothelin-1 precursor peptides correlate with severity of disease and outcome in patients with community acquired pneumonia
Authors: Schuetz Philipp , Stolz Daiana , Mueller Beat , Morgenthaler Nils G , Struck Joachim , Mueller Christian , Bingisser Roland , Tamm Michael , Christ-Crain Mirjam
Published: February 2008

Background

Circulating levels of endothelin-1 are increased in sepsis and correlate with severity of disease. A rapid and easy immunoassay has been developed to measure the more stable ET-1 precursor peptides proET-1. The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic and prognostic value of proET-1 in a prospective cohort of mainly septic patients with community-acquired pneumonia.

Methods

We evaluated 281 consecutive patients with community acquired pneumonia. Serum proET-1 plasma levels were measured using a new sandwich immunoassay.

Results

ProET-1 levels exhibited a gradual increase depending on the clinical severity of pneumonia as assessed by the pneumonia severity index (PSI) and the CURB65 scores (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01). The diagnostic accuracy to predict bacteraemia of procalcitonin (AUC 0.84 [95% 0.74–0.93]) was superior than C-reactive protein (AUC 0.67 [95%CI 0.56–0.78]) and leukocyte count (AUC 0.66 [95%CI 0.55–0.78]) and in the range of proET-1(AUC of 0.77 [95%CI 0.67–0.86]). ProET-1 levels on admission were increased in patients with adverse medical outcomes including death and need for ICU admission. ROC curve analysis to predict the risk for mortality showed a prognostic accuracy of proET-1 (AUC 0.64 [95%CI 0.53–0.74]), which was higher than C-reactive protein (AUC 0.51 [95%CI 0.41–0.61]) and leukocyte count (AUC 0.55 [95%CI 0.44–0.65]) and within the range of the clinical severity scores (PSI AUC 0.69 [95%CI 0.61–0.76] and CURB65 0.67 [95%CI 0.57–0.77]) and procalcitonin (AUC 0.59 [95% 0.51–0.67]). ProET-1 determination improved significantly the prognostic accuracy of the CURB65 score (AUC of the combined model 0.69 [95%CI 0.59–0.79]). In a multivariate logistic regression model, only proET1 and the clinical severity scores were independent predictors for death and for the need for ICU admission.

Conclusion

In community-acquired pneumonia, ET-1 precursor peptides correlate with disease severity and are independent predictors for mortality and ICU admission. If confirmed in future studies, proET-1 levels may become another helpful tool for risk stratification and management of patients with community-acquired pneumonia.

Trial registration

ISRCTN04176397
Selenium supplementation induces metalloproteinase-dependent L-selectin shedding from monocytes
Authors: Ahrens Ingo , Ellwanger Christoph , Smith Belinda K , Bassler Nicole , Chen Yung Chih , Neudorfer Irene , Ludwig Andreas , Bode Christoph , Peter Karlheinz
Published: February 2008

Selenium therapy in patients with severe sepsis improves clinical outcome and has been associated with increased activity of the selenoprotein glutathione peroxidase. However, the mechanism of the observed beneficial effects remains unclear. We determined the effect of selenium treatment on the monocyte adhesion molecule L-selectin and L-selectin-related monocyte functions in vitro and transferred our findings to an in vivo mouse model. Monocytes were purified, cultured, and incubated in the presence or absence of supplemented selenium and metalloproteinase (MP) inhibitors for up to 16 h. Expression of L-selectin was unaffected after 2 and 6 h but decreased after 16 h of incubation in the presence of selenium. Soluble L-selectin (sL-selectin) in the supernatant was determined by ELISA. A 2.3-fold increase as a result of shedding of L-selectin was observed after 16 h of selenium treatment. Addition of the MP inhibitors GM6001, TNF-α-converting enzyme inhibitor 2, or GW280264X strongly reduced selenium-induced L-selectin shedding, indicating a MP-dependent mechanism. The functional consequences of L-selectin shedding were examined in a flow chamber model. Selenium-treated monocytes showed significantly decreased rolling and adhesion to the L-selectin ligand Sialyl-Lewisa under conditions of venous shear stress (0.5 dyne/cm2). Selenium treatment of C57BL6 mice led to increased serum levels of sL-selectin, underscoring the in vivo relevance of our findings. We describe a selenium-induced down-regulation of L-selectin on monocytes as a consequence of MP-dependent shedding of this membrane-anchored adhesion molecule. The impairment of monocyte adhesion by selenium supplementation may represent an important, underlying mechanism for the modulation of inflammatory reactions in patients with severe sepsis.
Effect of Anastrozole on Bone Mineral Density: 5-Year Results From the Anastrozole, Tamoxifen, Alone or in Combination Trial 18233230
Authors: Eastell Richard , Adams Judith E. , Coleman Robert E. , Howell Anthony , Hannon Rosemary A. , Cuzick Jack , Mackey John R. , Beckmann Matthias W. , Clack Glen
Published: February 2008

Purpose

The Arimidex, Tamoxifen, Alone or in Combination (ATAC) trial (median follow-up, 68 months) has shown that adjuvant anastrozole has superior efficacy and better tolerability than tamoxifen. However, anastrozole reduces circulating estrogen, and low estradiol levels are associated with decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and increased fracture risk. It is therefore important to understand the effects of long-term aromatase inhibitor therapy on BMD.

Patients and Methods

This prospective substudy of the ATAC trial assessed BMD changes in postmenopausal women with invasive primary breast cancer receiving anastrozole (1 mg/d) or tamoxifen (20 mg/d) as adjuvant therapy for 5 years. Lumbar spine and total hip BMD were assessed at baseline and after 1, 2, and 5 years.

Results

One hundred ninety-seven women from the monotherapy arms of the ATAC trial were recruited onto the bone substudy, and 108 were included in the primary analysis. Among anastrozole-treated patients, there was a decrease in median BMD from baseline to 5 years in lumbar spine (−6.08%) and total hip (−7.24%) compared with the tamoxifen group (lumbar spine, +2.77%; total hip, +0.74%). No patients with normal BMD at baseline became osteoporotic at 5 years.

Conclusion

Anastrozole is associated with accelerated bone loss over the 5-year treatment period. However, although patients with pre-existing osteopenia are likely to require monitoring and bone-protection strategies, patients with normal BMD would not appear to require monitoring beyond the recommendation for healthy postmenopausal women. The effect of anastrozole on bone should be weighed against its superior efficacy and better tolerability profile versus tamoxifen in the main ATAC trial.