bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Reliability and Validity of a Group-Based Measure of Adolescents' Friendship Closeness
Authors: Beadnell Blair , Carlisle Shauna K. , Hoppe Marilyn J. , Mariano Kristin A. , Wilsdon Anthony , Morrison Diane M. , Wells Elizabeth A. , Gillmore Mary Rogers , Higa Darrel
Published: June 2007

Objective: Six items were administered to a multiethnic sample of 435 middle school—age participants in a group-delivered safer sex intervention to determine their reliability and validity. Method: Exploratory analyses were followed by confirmatory factor analyses, and then correlations of scale scores with theoretically related variables were computed. Results: Findings favored a unidimensional scale with high internal consistency (with as few as two and as many as five items). Scale scores were generally related to other constructs as expected. Conclusions: The items show evidence of reliability and validity. In addition to the items' use in peer group research, the findings have implications for practice in terms of group leader training and facilitation, and the items' use as assessment tools.
Improving the Teaching of Evidence-Based Practice: Challenges and Priorities
Authors: Soydan Haluk
Published: June 2007

This article explores some of the main challenges of improving the teaching of evidence-based practice in schools of social work. The priority challenges are the needs for a general professional cultural shift, for adequate curricula, to overcome the controversy of scientific methodology, to better understand the state of the art of the professional knowledge base, to create a professional consensus on what is a reasonable evidence level on which to rely and in what circumstances, and to create genuine and instrumental teaching integrated into the places in which social work is practiced. Furthermore, it is suggested that when affected by exogenous sources of change, schools of social work and social work agencies will have to adopt evidence-based practice to increase their legitimacy and survival capability.
Epilogue: The Austin Initiative
Authors: Rubin Allen
Published: June 2007

This epilogue identifies efforts underway to implement the recommendations that have emerged based on the symposium papers and proceedings. Highlights of the initial efforts include establishing linkages with existing social work organizations and working within them, having follow-up symposia and presentations on evidence-based practice at various conferences, and reacting as a group to the preliminary new Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards draft from the Council on Social Work Education.
From the Scientific Revolution to Evidence-Based Practice: Teaching the Short History With a Long Past
Authors: Corcoran Kevin
Published: June 2007

This article concerns the introduction of evidence-based practice (EBP) in foundation research. Five suggestions are discussed: (a) EBP relative to other epistemologies, (b) EBP in the context of the history of science, (c) research designs and levels of EBP, (d) EBP and measurement, and (e) systematic reviews as a review topic of the content of the research course.
Implementing Evidence-Based Practice in Social Work Education: Principles, Strategies, and Partnerships
Authors: Proctor Enola K.
Published: June 2007

This article views social work education as fundamentally a knowledge implementation enterprise. It proposes principles, partnerships, and strategies through which schools can advance evidence-based practice in social work. Such strategies should meet five criteria: They must be deliberate and strategic, they should be knowledge based, they should reflect the complexity of social work practice, they should capitalize on school and agency core activities and resources, and they should build on natural partnerships inherent in professional education. Their savvy and ingenuity in leveraging existing resources may be the key to schools' success in preparing social work professionals for evidence-based practice.
Lack of Ethnic Differences in End-of-Life Care in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Fischer Stacy M. , Kutner Jean S. , Sauaia Angela , Kramer Andrew
Published: June 2007

Although existing literature shows pervasive ethnic disparities in end-of-life care, this study sought to determine if there were ethnic differences in the processes of care related to the end of life in a cohort of hospitalized, seriously ill veterans. The medical records of 217 patients (13% African American, 68% white, 9% Hispanic White) were reviewed for documentation of end-of-life care (advance directive discussions, pain, symptom-directed plan, and do-not-resuscitate orders). Logistic regression modeling demonstrated no ethnic differences for the treatment of pain or a symptom-directed plan of care. African American patients were more likely to have a do-not-resuscitate order and advance directive discussion documented compared with white patients. In this equal access system, minority patients were at least as likely or more likely to have important aspects of end-of-life care addressed compared with white patients.
End-of-Life Decisions: Family Views on Advance Directives
Authors: Bernal Ellen W. , Marco Catherine A. , Parkins Sue , Buderer Nancy , Thum Sister Dorothy
Published: June 2007

A cross-sectional survey was administered to family members of patients who died at 1 of the 5 Catholic institutions comprising Mercy Health Partners, a health care system in Ohio, to determine their opinions about patient and family participation in decisions about end-of-life care. Among 165 respondents, 118 (86%) of 138 agreed that the family was encouraged to join in decisions and 133 (91%) of 146 that their family member's health care choices were followed. Most agreed that nurses answered their questions (93%, 141/151) and that the doctor communicated well with family members (83%, 128/155). Seventy percent (107/152) indicated that their family member had at least 1 advance directive. There were no differences in whether health care choices were followed when patients with formal advance directives (92%, 92/100) were compared with patients without formal advance directives (88%, 35/40). A unique survey instrument can be used to measure family perceptions and opinions of participation in decisions about end-of-life care.
Telling It Like a Man
Authors: Mullaney Jamie L.
Published: June 2007

Despite the increase in recent decades in research on men's violence against women, few studies focus exclusively on men's verbal accounts of this violence. In this article, the author compares men's accounts offered to her as a researcher with those accounts reportedly given to female partners. Although the author expects men to attempt to excuse their violence when accounting to her as a researcher, men make overwhelming use of justifications. Somewhat as expected, they say they apologize to their partners following a violent incident, but surprisingly, they also refuse to account to their partners at times. A deeper look into these contradictory accounts reveals the creative ways men use verbal strategies as redress for various forms of masculinity they feel have been taken from them by their partners and/or agencies of the state and how hegemonic masculinity enables them to use certain accounts in the first place.
Men, Sex, and Homosociality
Authors: Flood Michael
Published: June 2007

Male-male social bonds have a powerful influence on the sexual relations of some young heterosexual men. Qualitative analysis among young men aged eighteen to twenty-six in Canberra, Australia, documents the homosocial organization of men's heterosexual relations. Homosociality organizes men's sociosexual relations in at least four ways. For some of these young men, male-male friendships take priority over male-female relations, and platonic friendships with women are dangerously feminizing. Sexual activity is a key path to masculine status, and other men are the audience, always imagined and sometimes real, for one's sexual activities. Heterosexual sex itself can be the medium through which male bonding is enacted. Last, men's sexual storytelling is shaped by homosocial masculine cultures. While these patterns were evident particularly among young men in the highly homosocial culture of a military academy, their presence also among other groups suggests the wider influence of homosociality on men's sexual and social relations.
Presidential Wounds
Authors: Warren Craig A.
Published: June 2007

Much of the literature about the assassination of John F. Kennedy focuses on and fetishizes the physical body of the president. This article examines how the president's wounded body—as represented in the Zapruder film and the autopsy photos especially— has become the subject of an enduring pornography of violence. In particular, the essay considers how his body has aroused in some white men feelings of not only horror and anxiety but also of exhilaration and guilty pleasure. By studying these contradictory impulses at work, we can draw closer to understanding why the damaged white male body has become, since the 1960s, an object of fantasy for many thousands of Americans.
From Sport Culture to the Social World of the “Good PT”
Authors: MacLean Vicky M. , Rozier Carolyn
Published: June 2007

This research explores the career development of men who cross over into the historically female occupation of physical therapy, drawing from a critical feminist perspective on sport, work, and the gender order. Data gathered from thirty-two semistructured interviews with early- and mid-career men indicate that a traditional emphasis on athleticism shaped men's career entry and early specialty choices. Men in physical therapy described a “good physical therapist” as displaying both stereotypically masculine and feminine traits. Although athleticism shaped men's abilities to comfortably accept alternative masculinities in the form of caring work, early-career specialty choices reinforced hegemonic patterns of occupational segregation. Implications for gender equality at work are discussed and limitations to feminist perspectives are noted.
Measuring Attitudes toward Gender Norms among Young Men in Brazil
Authors: Pulerwitz Julie , Barker Gary
Published: June 2007

This article describes the development and psychometric evaluation of a twenty-four-item scale to measure attitudes toward gender norms among young men: the Gender-Equitable Men (GEM) Scale. Scale items on gender norms related to sexual and reproductive health, sexual relations, violence, domestic work, and homophobia are designed. Items are based on previous qualitative work in the community and a literature review and administered to a household sample of 742 men, including 223 young men ages fifteen to twenty-four, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The current analysis focuses on the young men, as they were the main audience for a planned intervention to promote gender equitable and HIV risk reduction behaviors. Factor analyses support two subscales, and the scale is internally consistent (alpha = .81). As hypothesized, more support for equitable norms (i.e., higher GEM Scale scores) is significantly associated with less self-reported partner violence, more contraceptive use, and a higher education level.
Is There More to “Antischoolishness” than Masculinity?
Authors: Lyng Selma Therese
Published: June 2007

Boys behaving “laddish” and “macho” are dominating ethnographic research on secondary school, and a number of studies during the past years focus on school rejection as a matter of masculinity. Despite calls for research to include a wider range of student groups, there are still few studies of secondary schoolgirls and even of schoolboys cultivating other subcultures than “laddish” ones. Including groups of students often left out in existing studies, this article presents a multiple set of student styles: the golden boy, macho boy, geek, nerd, golden girl, mouse, babe, and wildcat. It discusses how this set of student styles complicates notions of intrinsic connections between school rejection and masculinity. It argues the need for a more complex approach to gender and school orientation, recognizing that even though students “do” school rejection in gender specific ways, educational self-exclusion is not in itself a gender specific phenomenon.
Three Generations of Yankees
Authors: Gorham Deborah
Published: June 2007

This paper addresses the connection between war and masculinity through a case study of three generations of men in one family—the author's own. Gorham's great-grandfather, Charles Edward Gorham, born in 1842, served in the Union army during the Civil War. Her grandfather Henry Wilson Gorham wished he could have served in the First World War. Her father, postwar novelist Charles Orson Gorham, served in the Second World War. Using such primary sources as the Charles O. Gorham papers housed at the Howard Gottlieb Archival Research Center, Boston University; family papers in her possession; local history sources in St. Johnsbury, Vermont; as well as secondary literature on a variety of topics; Gorham presents an account of the experience of these three men. The case study is intended to contribute to a wider analysis of the intersections between dominant American conceptions of masculinity on the one hand, and war and violence on the other.
Men, Me, and Abortion
Authors: Shostak Art
Published: June 2007

The author recounts his long personal involvement in the abortion drama of over 400,000 males annually found in the waiting rooms of over 400 clinics. He shares research findings from four waves of survey data from 1984 through 2004 involving 3,000 males. Highlights include the desire of almost all to stay with the clinic patient throughout the procedure and afterwards in the recovery room, though very few clinics allow this. A majority would like family planning education sessions, and some would appreciate personal counseling, though very few clinics offer these services. Clinics that pioneer in helping men could be honored, others pressured to do so, and laws considered to force reforms across the board. To date the Men's Movement has ignored the entire matter, and thereby missed a major opportunity to help many males claim a new and better manhood in what for many remains a secret and exceedingly trying matter.
Health Behaviors among Individuals with Schizophrenia and Depression
Authors: Leas Loranie , Mccabe Marita
Published: June 2007

This article presents findings from a study that evaluated the utility of Protection Motivation Theory to explain cardiovascular health behaviors among people with schizophrenia ( n = 83) and depression ( n = 70). Results indicated that the prevalence of overweight, cigarette smoking and a sedentary lifestyle were greater among people with a mental illness compared to individuals without a mental illness. Major predictors were high levels of fear of cardiovascular disease, lack of knowledge of correct dietary principles, lower self-efficacy, limited social support and psychiatric symptoms. Implications of these results are discussed in designing education and preventive health programs for individuals with schizophrenia and Mental Depressive Disorder (MDD).
Living with a Kidney Transplant
Authors: Orr Anne , Willis Susan , Holmes Michael , Britton Peter , Orr David
Published: June 2007

Research has shown that transplantation improves quality of life for patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD), although it does not return to pre-kidney failure levels. This study used focus groups to explore the experience of living with a transplanted kidney. The data were analysed, using thematic analysis, and the following themes were identified: medicalization; fear; gratitude; and coping. These may necessitate constant vigilance, reduced spontaneity and preoccupation with self-care to maintain the kidney's health; being treated differently from others; pressure not to let themselves and others down; and the urge to increase their knowledge about their condition. It was found that these themes pervade the lives of the recipients and that the psychosocial effects of transplantation are long-lasting.
Limiting Exercise Options
Authors: Shields Christopher A. , Brawley Lawrence R.
Published: June 2007

We examined the influence of proxy-assistance on exercisers' social cognitions and behavior. Fifty-six fitness class participants reported preference for proxy-assistance and reacted to exercising in different contexts. A 2 (proxy-led vs self-managed exercise context) by 2 (preferred assistance) MANOVA revealed significant assistance by context interactions for self-regulatory efficacy (SRE) and difficulty. Regarding self-managed exercise, high-assistance individuals expressed lower SRE and higher difficulty. Chi-square analysis revealed that significantly fewer high-assistance participants chose self-managed exercise. A one-way MANOVA on preferred assistance indicated that high-assistance participants were less confident, satisfied and perceived their self-managed exercise as more difficult. Results support Bandura's theorizing that use of a proxy can limit SRE of those preferring the proxy's control of their behavior.
What Do People Think about When They Answer Theory of Planned Behaviour Questionnaires?
Authors: French David P. , Cooke Richard , Mclean Nikky , Williams Merroney , Sutton Stephen
Published: June 2007

Two studies aiming to identify the nature and extent of problems that people have when completing theory of planned behaviour (TPB) questionnaires, using a cognitive interviewing approach are reported. Both studies required participants to `think aloud' as they completed TPB questionnaires about: (a) increasing physical activity (six general public participants); and (b) binge drinking (13 students). Most people had no identifiable problems with the majority of questions. However, there were problems common to both studies, relating to information retrieval and to participants answering different questions from those intended by researchers. Questions about normative influence were particularly problematic. The standard procedure for developing TPB questionnaires may systematically produce problematic questions. Suggestions are made for improving this procedure.
Expectations and Voting in the NCAA Football Polls
Authors: Paul Rodney J. , Weinbach Andrew P. , Coate Patrick
Published: June 2007

A week-to-week voting model for college football using voting points from the ESPN/USA Today and Associated Press polls is specified. The point spread differential, the score differential of the most recent game minus the point spread, is shown to have a positive and highly significant effect on votes in both polls. A team that covers the point spread will receive an increase in votes in both polls. A team that wins but does not cover the point spread will lose votes. This result shows the role of expectations in this market. If a team performs better than expected, it will receive more votes in the polls and possibly move up in the rankings. Television coverage is also examined, and voter reaction to team performance is found to be greater for those games that are televised, which could be due to the television exposure itself or the fact that televised coverage is a proxy for important games.
The Demand for Football Pools in Spain
Authors: García Jaume , Rodríguez Plácido
Published: June 2007

Using data for all the fixtures for the seasons from 1972-73 to 2002-03, we estimate a dynamic model of demand for football pools in Spain paying attention to the effect of the main economic explanatory variables: the face value of a coupon, the effective price of a bet, and the jackpot. Additionally, we evaluate the importance of the composition of the list of games in the coupon, i.e., whether First Division matches are included. Results show that both the face value and the jackpot, but not the effective price, have significant effects on sales, which could have important implications in terms of how the structure of the game should be changed in order to have an effect on sales.
Deviations From Equity and Parity in the National Football League
Authors: Hamlen William A.
Published: June 2007

This article examines the implications of exceptions to the National Football League's (NFL) earlier principles of financial equity and competitive parity across teams. The exception to financial equity is that revenue from premium seating is not shared. The exception to competitive parity is that the salary cap, used to engender parity, does not include coaching salaries. The fact that teams, along with stadium owners, can exchange general seating for premium seating makes the degree of revenue sharing an endogenous variable. Empirical evidence suggests that teams in larger, wealthier markets have a greater incentive to increase the number of premium seats, and thus reduce the degree of revenue sharing, and to acquire greater coaching talent. The evidence also indicates that teams in larger, wealthier markets earn significantly more revenue, much of which is unshared revenue, and on the margin, have a greater probability of making the playoffs.
Competitive Balance and Game Attendance in Major League Baseball
Authors: Meehan James W. , Nelson Randy A. , Richardson Thomas V.
Published: June 2007

This article tests for the effects of a change in competitive balance on attendance at Major League Baseball games using game-level attendance data for the 2000-2002 seasons. Employing the difference between the winning percentages of the home and visiting teams as a measure of competitive balance, the authors find (a) the effects of a change in competitive balance on attendance are not symmetric, (b) the effects of a change in competitive balance increase as a team falls further behind the divisional leader, and (c) the effects of a change in competitive balance decline throughout the season if the home team has a better record than the visiting team but increase if the home team has a worse record than the visiting team.
Women and Competition in Elimination Tournaments
Authors: Lallemand Thierry , Plasman Robert , Rycx François
Published: June 2007

This article examines how professional female tennis players react to (a) prize incentives and (b) heterogeneity in ex ante players' abilities. It is found that a larger prize spread encourages women to increase effort, even when controlling for many tournament and player characteristics. Further results indicate that uneven contests lead favorites to win more games and underdogs to be less performing. They also show that the performance differential among players increases with the ranking differential. These findings suggest that the outcome of a match is more linked to players' abilities than to players' incentives to adjust effort according to success chances.
Transmitted Resistance: An Overview and Its Potential Relevance to the Management of HIV-Infected Persons in Resource-Limited Settings
Authors: Taiwo Babafemi O. , Murphy Robert
Published: June 2007

Transmitted resistance has become an important clinical problem in developed countries with long histories of antiretroviral use. In resource-limited settings, it is a foreseeable, if not insidiously emerging, issue. Any transmission route or currently approved antiretroviral drug may be involved. The clinical relevance of polymorphisms that commonly occur at sites known to be associated with resistance, and peculiarities of the non-B subtypes, are incompletely understood. Adverse clinical consequences that have been demonstrated with transmitted resistance include an increased risk of failing initial therapy and further development of resistance. Although treatment outcomes can be optimized by baseline resistance testing and virologic monitoring, these are impractical in most resource-limited settings at this time. The scale and impact of transmitted resistance can probably be reduced by comprehensive prevention and management strategies. Equally germane are epidemiological and clinical studies to extend understanding of the dynamics, clinical implications, and management of transmitted resistance.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Pyrimethamine Plus Sulfadiazine Versus Trimethoprim Plus Sulfamethoxazole for Treatment of Toxoplasmic Encephalitis in AIDS Patients
Authors: Kongsaengdao Subsai , Samintarapanya Kanoksri , Oranratnachai Kanokporn , Prapakarn Wantana , Apichartpiyakul Chatchawann
Published: June 2007

Background: Toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE), caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is common in AIDS patients. TE can result in tissue destruction via massive inflammation and brain abscess formation. Methods: Randomized controlled trials were performed in AIDS patients to assess which drug regimen was optimally effective for the treatment of TE. AIDS patients with TE were randomly divided into 3 groups that received a 6-week course of either pyrimethamine (50 mg/ day or 100 mg/day) plus sulfadiazine (4 g/day) and folinic acid (25 mg/day) or trimethoprim (10 mg/kg/day) plus sulfamethoxazole (50 mg/kg/day) (TMP-SMX), and results were evaluated with respect to clinical response, mortality, morbidity, and serious adverse events. The primary outcome was defined as death in the first 6-week period. The secondary outcome was successful treatment within 6 weeks without severe adverse events, bone marrow suppression, drug-induced rash, or any other event that caused a change in the treatment regimen. Results: The results from this study showed that in AIDS patients, TE was most successfully treated with the combination of pyrimethamine (50 mg/day) plus sulfadiazidine (4 g/day) and folinic acid (25 mg/day); failure rates were not significantly different among the 3 treatment groups. Conclusions: Available data suggest that of the currently available options, treatment of TE with pyrimethamine at 50 mg/day plus sulfadiazidine at 4 g/day provides the best primary outcome for AIDS patients with TE; however, because this study was terminated prematurely, we suggest that treatment with intravenous TMP-SMX be further evaluated to determine its efficacy.
Improvement of Arm Movement Patterns and Endpoint Control Depends on Type of Feedback During Practice in Stroke Survivors
Authors: Cirstea M.C. , Levin M.F.
Published: June 2007

Background. A major challenge in stroke rehabilitation is restoration of arm motor function. Therapy-induced improvements in arm function may occur via restoration of premorbid movement patterns (recovery) or development of compensatory movement strategies. However, it is unclear whether the learning benefits of practice might be enhanced by incorporating different forms of feedback, focusing on movement outcomes or on specific arm movement patterns. Objective. To determine if manipulation of attentional focus by providing either knowledge of results (KR) feedback, focusing on movement outcomes, or knowledge of performance (KP) feedback, focusing on arm movement patterns during repetitive practice of a pointing movement, may lead to arm motor recovery. Methods. Twenty-eight chronic stroke survivors were randomly assigned to 2 groups that practiced 10 sessions of 75 pointing movements. During practice, groups received either 20% KR about movement precision or faded (26.6% average) KP about arm joint movements. A nondisabled control group (n = 5) practiced the same task with KR. Results. Motor patterns recovered only in KP, as evidenced by immediate and long-term increases in joint range, better interjoint coordination in early movement phases, and generalization of gains. Improvements in clinical impairment and function were related to decreases in compensation (trunk rotation) and recovery of interjoint coordination in mid-movement phases. Conclusions. In stroke survivors, when the learners' attention was directed to the movements themselves (KP), motor improvements reflect recovery compared to when attention was directed toward movement outcomes (KR).
Cortical Reorganization for Response Regulation With Unilateral Thalamic Stroke Detected by Functional MRI
Authors: Yuen Kenneth S. L. , Lee Tatia M. C. , Wai Yau-Yau , Liu Ho-Ling , Mok Edith N. H. , Li Leonard S. W. , Chan Chetwyn C. H.
Published: June 2007

To understand neural reorganization of response regulation after stroke, a 54-year-old woman with a chronic left thalamic stroke performed a task requiring decisions about the directionality of an arrow during cerebral functional magnetic resonance imaging. Her performance was compared to 13 matched healthy control subjects. Her behavioral responses were slower but as accurate. Bilateral frontal activations were observed in the right medial frontal gyrus (BA 9), left superior frontal gyrus (BA 45), and left frontal rectus gyrus (BA 11). Activation in the right medial frontal gyrus, along with activity in close proximity to the anterior cingulate cortex, was observed, which may reflect reorganization of activity after the loss of function of the anterior cingulate cortex.
Physiological Cost Index as a Proxy Measure for the Oxygen Cost of Gait in Stroke Patients
Authors: Fredrickson Eric , Ruff Robert L. , Daly Janis J.
Published: June 2007

Background. Stroke survivors can exhibit abnormally elevated oxygen consumption during walking. Therapeutic interventions can improve gait deficits and oxygen consumption. A practical measure of oxygen cost is not available. This study tested the usefulness of an indirect index of oxygen cost, the Physiological Cost Index, and the ability of this index to discriminate between healthy adults and stroke survivors. Methods. The authors studied 17 subjects with stroke and 10 healthy control participants. Participants walked 10 minutes at their chosen comfortable speed on a treadmill. Oxygen consumption and heart rate data were collected. Primary measures were oxygen cost and the Physiological Cost Index. Secondary measures were age and gait speed. Results. The Physiological Cost Index and oxygen cost had a good to excellent correlation ( r = .83, P < .001) for subjects with stroke. Both oxygen cost and the Physiological Cost Index were comparable in detecting a significantly abnormal elevation for stroke survivors versus healthy adults ( P = .003 and .002, respectively). Age was not correlated with oxygen cost, the Physiological Cost Index, or chosen gait speed. A moderate correlation of gait speed to both the Physiological Cost Index and oxygen cost was found. Conclusions. The Physiological Cost Index can be used as a proxy index for the oxygen cost of walking in subjects after stroke because it is correlated with oxygen cost and is comparable to oxygen cost in its capability to discriminate between healthy controls and subjects with stroke. The Physiological Cost Index can be performed inexpensively on a routine basis in a clinical environment.
Cortical Plasticity in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Motor Imagery and Function
Authors: Lulé Dorothée , Diekmann Volker , Kassubek Jan , Kurt Anja , Birbaumer Niels , Ludolph Albert C. , Kraft Eduard
Published: June 2007

Background. Cortical networks underlying motor imagery are functionally close to motor performance networks and can be activated by patients with severe motor disabilities. Objective. The aim of the study was to examine the longitudinal effect of progressive motoneuron degeneration on cortical representation of motor imagery and function in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Methods. The authors studied 14 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients and 15 healthy controls and a subgroup of 11 patients and 14 controls after 6 months with a grip force paradigm comprising imagery and execution tasks using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Results. Motor imagery activated similar neural networks as motor execution in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients and healthy subjects in the primary motor (BA 4), premotor, and supplementary motor (BA 6) cortex. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients presented a stronger response within premotor and primary motor areas for imagery and execution compared to controls. After 6 months, these differences persisted with additional activity in the precentral gyrus in patients as well as in a frontoparietal network for motor imagery, in which activity increased with impairment. Conclusion. The findings suggest an ongoing compensatory process within the higher order motor-processing system of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients, probably to overcome loss of function in primary motor and motor imagery-specific networks. The increased activity in precentral and frontoparietal networks in motor imagery might be used to control brain-computer interfaces to drive communication and limb prosthetic devices in patients with loss of motor control such as severely disabled amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients in a locked-in-like state.
Gait Training—Induced Change in Corticomotor Excitability in Patients With Chronic Stroke
Authors: Yen Chu-Ling , Wang Ray-Yau , Liao Kwong-Kum , Huang Chia-Chi , Yang Yea-Ru
Published: June 2007

Background. Numerous studies have reported the effects of gait training on motor performance after stroke. However, there is limited information on treatment-induced changes in corticomotor excitability. Objectives. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of additional gait training on motor performance and corticomotor excitability and to demonstrate the relationship between motor improvement and corticomotor excitability change in patients with chronic stroke. Methods. Fourteen patients were randomly assigned to the experimental or control group. Participants in both groups participated in general physical therapy. Those in the experimental group received additional body weight− supported treadmill training for 4 weeks. All participants received baseline and posttreatment assessments. The outcome measures included assessment of the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and gait parameters. Focal transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to measure the motor threshold, map size, and location of the amplitude-weighted center of gravity of the motor map for the tibialis anterior (TA) and abductor hallucis (AH) muscles. Results . After general physical therapy, we noted that the patients showed an improvement only in walking speed and cadence, and there were no significant changes in corticomotor excitability. After additional gait training, participants improved significantly on BBS score, walking speed, and step length. Moreover, the motor threshold for TA decreased significantly in the unaffected hemisphere. The map size for TA was increased in both hemispheres, whereas that for AH was increased only in the affected hemisphere. There were significant differences between the change scores of the groups in terms of walking speed, step length, and motor threshold for TA in the unaffected hemisphere and map size for AH in the affected hemisphere. Additionally, the changes in corticomotor excitability correlated with functional improvement. Conclusions . Additional gait training may improve balance and gait performance and may induce changes in corticomotor excitability.
Wallerian Degeneration of the Corticofugal Tracts in Chronic Stroke: A Pilot Study Relating Diffusion Tensor Imaging, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, and Hand Function
Authors: Lindberg Påvel G. , Skejø Pernille H. B. , Rounis Elisabeth , Nagy Zoltan , Schmitz Christina , Wernegren Helena , Bring Annika , Engardt Margareta , Forssberg Hans , Borg Jörgen
Published: June 2007

Objective. This study tested the hypothesis that degeneration of the corticofugal tracts (CFTs) is related to poor functional outcome in the upper limb after stroke. Methods. The authors used diffusion tensor imaging to determine the degree of white matter integrity of the CFT (FAAH/UH) in chronic stroke patients and controls. The functional integrity of the corticospinal pathway was examined using transcranial magnetic stimulation. Recruitment curves and silent period duration were measured. The relationship between FA AH/UH and functional outcome of the upper limb was also assessed using a battery of upper limb function tests. Results. In patients, FA AH/UH correlated positively with the slope of recruitment curves (RC AH/UH) and grip strength. FAAH/UH also correlated negatively with the silent period duration (SPAH/UH). According to the FA AH/UH, patients were also classified into groups with minimal or extensive Wallerian degeneration (WD). Patients with more extensive WD had poorer grip strength, dexterity, and range of movement. Conclusions. The authors' results suggest that structural and functional integrity of the CFT is essential to maintain function of the upper limb after stroke.
Differentiating Between Intimate Partner Violence and Stranger Violence Risk Among Women Through an Examination of Residential Change
Authors: Waltermaurer Eve
Published: June 2007

The construct of residential change is instrumental in various criminological theories to predict crime in general and violence specifically. When looking at intimate partner violence in particular, residential change can play a unique role as a marker of forced isolation by an offender or attempted escape by a victim. Currently, the distinct role of residential change on the risk of differing violence types is only conceptual as violence research tends to either overlook issues of gender and implications of the victim— offender relationship or examine one type of violence independent of the others. This study, a parallel empirical examination of the impact of residential change on a woman's risk of intimate partner violence and risk of stranger violence, illustrates that compared to nonmovers, women who recently move are at an increased risk of intimate partner violence that is not analogous for stranger violence.
Traversing the Spatial Divide? Gender, Place, and Delinquency
Authors: Miller Kirk
Published: June 2007

This article employs a gender-as-social-practice perspective to explain patterned differences in the situational context of delinquency by sex. Using data on juvenile offenders from the Philadelphia Birth Cohort II study, criminal events, rather than individuals, are used as the unit of analysis. The events approach decenters individuals from the analysis and provides a window through which to explore how gender influences certain characteristics of crime. Findings suggest that male and female juveniles, alone and in groups, become involved in crime that is concentrated in different types of physical space. In particular, boys are more likely to be involved in crimes that occur outdoors and in a larger variety of places than are girls. The context of criminal events provides a place where the practices of gender and the distribution of delinquent opportunities appear to intersect.
Men's Experiences Viewing an HIV/AIDS Prevention Education Film by and for Women
Authors: DeMarco Rosanna F. , Minnich Chad A.
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this study is to understand (a) the experience of men viewing the film Women's Voices Women's Lives ( WVWL), a prevention education film for and by heterosexual African American women living with HIV/AIDS in the United States, and (b) the perceived needs of male viewers on how to best access effective HIV/AIDS prevention messages. A postviewing structured written survey was completed addressing the experience of viewing the film and HIV prevention services in the community, respectively ( N = 16). Responses include stunning realization and anger that motivated viewers to get immediately screened for HIV. In addition, the men felt they were informed about HIV risk through the courage and candidness of the women describing their experience. Participants reported that a film similar to WVWL should be made for heterosexual/bisexual men. The authors conclude film prevention messages are a powerful means to convey health education ideas.
Evaluation of Quality of Life for Prostate Cancer Patients Who Have Undergone Radical Prostatectomy Surgery
Authors: Tomicich Stephen F.
Published: June 2007

Prostate cancer is an epidemic among aging men. It is essential that research be conducted with the purpose of determining the outcomes of various treatment options. For this study, a sample of radical prostatectomy patients completed a written questionnaire for the purpose of evaluating whether the radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer has an effect on quality of life. In addition, demographic factors were examined to determine if they had an effect on quality of life after this surgical procedure. Data appeared to show that urinary, bowel, and sexual function are determinants of quality of life that are affected by having the radical prostatectomy procedure. Due to the numerous treatment options available for prostate cancer, more research regarding quality of life should be undertaken to determine the best possible treatment option for the patient.
The Internet as an Emerging Patient Education Tool Among African American Men With Prostate Cancer: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Wallington Sherrie Flynt
Published: June 2007

The lives of African American men with prostate cancer are greatly influenced by the information available to them, some of which is accessed on the Internet. Research indicates that the Internet can enhance consumer health knowledge but has not reached socioeconomic groups at highest risk for health disparities, such as African American men with prostate cancer. In this study, focus groups were used to explore the perceptions and uses of the Internet as a patient education tool among 39 African American men aged 39 years and older with diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Nineteen (49%) participants reported using the Internet, 15 (38%) reported no use but indicated it was used on their behalf, and 5 (13%) reported no use and no use on their behalf. The findings revealed varying degrees of Internet use for information and social support. Prostate cancer diagnosis, poor patient—doctor communications, and accessibility influenced Internet use. Accessibility related more to lack of ease and familiarity with Internet use than lack of computer access. With training and awareness, the Internet has potential as a patient education tool among African American men with prostate cancer.
Vitamin D Levels in Men in a Single Primary Care Practice Near Boston
Authors: Karfunkel Perry
Published: June 2007

Vitamin D levels in the general population have been studied in the past; however, these studies have not directed particular attention to men, nor have they studied patients across all age groups. The present retrospective report documents the vitamin D levels of all the male patients in a single primary care practice near Boston who scheduled their own physical examinations over a 1-year period. Six hundred seventy-five men had their vitamin D levels assessed, and 228 (34%) had levels below 20 ng/ml and 90 of these men (16%) had levels below 15 ng/ml. The widely accepted lower limit for normal vitamin D levels is 20 ng/ml, although specialists advise goal levels of at least 30 ng/ml. Of the 675 men studied, 83% had levels below 30 ng/ml. Men reported to have serum levels of vitamin D below 20 ng/ml included those taking multivitamins daily. Subgroups of Indian-born and Chinese-born patients, most of whom are software engineers working around Boston, were almost universally identified to have low levels of vitamin D.
Fathers' Experience of Social Support After the Death of a Child
Authors: Aho Anna Liisa , Tarkka Marja-Terttu , Åstedt-Kurki Päivi , Kaunonen Marja
Published: June 2007

The aims of this study were to describe fathers' social networks and their experience of social support after the death of a child. The sample consisted of 8 fathers who had lost a child under the age of 3. The data were collected with open-ended questions and interviews. Data analysis used qualitative content analysis. The fathers' social support networks varied over time and between fathers. The support networks included either just the spouse or the spouse and other people. Social relationships broke down and new relationships formed in their place. The fathers experienced social isolation but also deliberately isolated themselves from human relationships. The support the fathers received was felt to be both positive and negative. Peer support was only positive. Support from professionals was reported to be important but was also criticized. In particular better family care, informal support, and systematic support after leaving the hospital were expected.
Social Support in Widowhood
Authors: Scott Stacey B. , Bergeman C.S. , Verney Alissa , Longenbaker Susannah , Markey Megan A. , Bisconti Toni L.
Published: June 2007

Although social support is assumed to be an important factor following loss, the mechanisms by which it influences outcomes are not well understood. This study explored the nature of social support following loss using mixed methods. Widows participated in semistructured interviews 1 and 4 months after loss; a subsample completed 98 days of questionnaires between interviews. Interviews were analyzed using the constant comparative method; themes included the importance of supportive groups and the meaning of support. Social support trajectories were examined using hierarchical linear modeling; perceived social control explained differences in trajectories. Additional interviews were selected by their maximally divergent plots. The findings of these analyses were integrated to contribute a more detailed description of social support in the transition to widowhood.
Transformative Paradigm
Authors: Mertens Donna M.
Published: June 2007

The intersection of mixed methods and social justice has implications for the role of the researcher and choices of specific paradigmatic perspectives. The transformative paradigm with its associated philosophical assumptions provides a framework for addressing inequality and injustice in society using culturally competent, mixed methods strategies. The recognition that realities are constructed and shaped by social, political, cultural, economic, and racial/ethnic values indicates that power and privilege are important determinants of which reality will be privileged in a research context. Methodological inferences based on the underlying assumptions of the transformative paradigm reveal the potential strength of combining qualitative and quantitative methods. A qualitative dimension is needed to gather community perspectives at each stage of the research process, while a quantitative dimension provides the opportunity to demonstrate outcomes that have credibility for community members and scholars. Transformative mixed methodologies provide a mechanism for addressing the complexities of research in culturally complex settings that can provide a basis for social change.
How Seventeenth-century Evensong Forms Twenty-first-century Character: An Evocation
Authors: Wells Samuel
Published: June 2007

The centre of theological ethics is not the decision made in a crisis, but character formed over time. Christian character is shaped primarily through worship. Worship saves theology from Gnosticism and praxis from despair. Anglican Evensong offers four key practices—singing the psalms, listening to Scripture, singing the canticles and saying the Creed—that constitute the practice of friendship with God. The argument is illuminated by examples of how worship transforms character.