bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The psychometricians' fallacy: Too clever by half?
Authors: Michell Joel
Published: January 2008

The psychometricians' fallacy concludes that an attribute is quantitative from the premise that it is ordinal. This fallacy occupies a central place in the paradigm of psychometrics. Most of the founders of the discipline committed it and it makes sense of otherwise anomalous developments within the discipline, such as the permissible statistics controversy and the dominant form taken by item response theories. The fallacy is displayed by showing (1) that an attribute's quantitative structure reduces to a weak order upon differences between degrees that satisfies the double cancellation, solvability, and Archimedean conditions of conjoint measurement theory and (2) the fact that any order on the degrees themselves does not entail sufficient structure on this weak order to guarantee satisfaction of these conditions. Thus, it is possible that an ordered attribute is non‐quantitative. Also, each pair of differences between degrees of an ordinal attribute falls into one of two disjoint classes: (1) those where the order relation between the pair follows from an order on the attribute and (2) those where it is independent of that order and possibly diagnostic of quantitative structure and this fact means that the distinction between order and quantity is an empirical one.
SEM of another flavour: Two new applications of the supplemented EM algorithm
Authors: Cai Li
Published: January 2008

The supplemented EM (SEM) algorithm is applied to address two goodness‐of‐fit testing problems in psychometrics. The first problem involves computing the information matrix for item parameters in item response theory models. This matrix is important for limited‐information goodness‐of‐fit testing and it is also used to compute standard errors for the item parameter estimates. For the second problem, it is shown that the SEM algorithm provides a convenient computational procedure that leads to an asymptotically chi‐squared goodness‐of‐fit statistic for the ‘two‐stage EM’ procedure of fitting covariance structure models in the presence of missing data. Both simulated and real data are used to illustrate the proposed procedures.
MCMC estimation for thep2network regression model with crossed random effects
Authors: Zijlstra Bonne J. H. , van Duijn Marijtje A. J. , Snijders Tom A. B.
Published: January 2008

Thep2model is a statistical model for the analysis of binary relational data with covariates, as occur in social network studies. It can be characterized as a multinomial regression model with crossed random effects that reflect actor heterogeneity and dependence between the ties from and to the same actor in the network. Three Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) estimation methods for thep2model are presented to improve iterative generalized least squares (IGLS) estimation developed earlier, two of which use random walk proposals. The third method, an independence chain sampler, and one of the random walk algorithms use normal approximations of the binary network data to generate proposals in the MCMC algorithms. A large‐scale simulation study compares MCMC estimates with IGLS estimates for networks with 20 and 40 actors. It was found that the IGLS estimates have a smaller variance but are severely biased, while the MCMC estimates have a larger variance with a small bias. For networks with 20 actors, mean squared errors are generally comparable or smaller for the IGLS estimates. For networks with 40 actors, mean squared errors are the smallest for the MCMC estimates. Coverage rates of confidence intervals are good for the MCMC estimates but not for the IGLS estimates.
Estimation of maximal reliability for multiple‐component instruments in multilevel designs
Authors: Raykov Tenko , Penev Spiridon
Published: January 2008

A procedure for point and interval estimation of maximal reliability of multiple‐component measuring instruments in multi‐level settings is outlined. The approach is applicable to hierarchical designs in which individuals are nested within higher‐order units and exhibit possibly related performance on components of a given homogeneous scale. The method is developed within the framework of multi‐level factor analysis. The proposed procedure is illustrated with an empirical example.
Fixed‐links models for investigating experimental effects combined with processing strategies in repeated measures designs: A cognitive task as example
Authors: Schweizer Karl
Published: January 2008

Fixed‐links models enable the investigation of experimental effects in combination with processing strategies in the framework of repeated measures designs. The consideration of different processing strategies is reasonable whenever the task requirements can be met in different ways. Effects due to specific processing strategies become obvious in comparing the models representing these processing strategies and also by investigating the variances of the corresponding latent variables. The usefulness of such models is demonstrated by the reaction time data of a cognitive task including three treatment levels. Two different processing strategies were considered: analytic and holistic. The results indicated that the participants applied both processing strategies. The analytic strategy was primarily applied for performing with respect to the second and third treatment levels and the holistic strategy with respect to the first treatment level.
Acting on voices: Omnipotence, sources of threat, and safety‐seeking behaviours
Authors: Hacker David. , Birchwood Max. , Tudway Jeremy. , Meaden Alan. , Amphlett Catherine.
Published: January 2008

Objectives

Previous research indicates that beliefs about voice power and omnipotence are associated with distress, depression, and compliance. The present study investigates whether acting on voices to mitigate perceived threat, in a broader sense than compliance, is driven by delusional beliefs, as the Chadwick, Birchwood, and Trower cognitive‐behavioural model of voices would suggest. The role of safety behaviours in maintaining beliefs about voice omnipotence and distress is also examined.

Design

A cross‐sectional investigation of 30 individuals with current experience of auditory verbal hallucinations was conducted.

Method

Participants were assessed on self‐report measures of voice topography, voice‐related threat and distress, safety behaviour use, beliefs about voices, and depression and anxiety.

Results

Three sources of threat were identified: physical harm, shame, and loss of control. Twenty‐six individuals had recently used safety behaviours, believing them to be effective in threat reduction. The degree of safety behaviour use and voice‐related distress were associated with voice omnipotence beliefs; mood or voice characteristics did not account for this relationship. The association of safety behaviours with increased distress was mediated by beliefs about voice omnipotence.

Conclusions

Acting on voices can be conceptualized as a form of safety seeking, associated with maintaining beliefs about voice omnipotence and distress.
Shifting ground: The variable use of essentialism in contexts of inclusion and exclusion
Authors: Morton Thomas A. , Hornsey Matthew J. , Postmes Tom
Published: January 2008

Past research has demonstrated a broad association between prejudice and essentialism. However, research has also shown that essentialism and prejudice are not always linked in the same way – sometimes essentialist thinking is associated with prejudice, but sometimes it is not. The aim of the present research was to explore experimentally how prejudice might relate to essentialist beliefs about race differently depending on how race is being used (inclusively or exclusively) and who is the implied target of such treatment (ethnic minorities or the white majority). Study 1 (N=178) demonstrated that, although prejudice among white Australians is typically related to essentialist beliefs about Aboriginal identity, this relationship disappeared when racial criteria were used to exclude someone for ‘being white’. Under these conditions, prejudiced participants expressed opposition to such treatment and de‐essentialized race. Study 2 (N=198) broadly replicated this pattern in a British context and indicated that prejudiced participants' de‐essentialism of race was due to a stronger emphasis on values of equality under the same conditions. These results demonstrate that prejudiced people endorse essentialism when it can be used to exclude others (who they want to exclude), but reject essentialism when it is used to exclude them.
Can 2‐ and 3‐year‐old children be trained to perform visual perception tasks?
Authors: McGuigan N…….icola
Published: January 2008

Children aged 2 and 3 years were exposed to a novel paradigm designed to train visual perception skills. The results indicate that children of this age could be trained to perform both percept deprivation and percept diagnosis tasks. Results are discussed with reference to engagement, a precursor to an adult‐like understanding of perception.
The association between persistent disruptive childhood behaviour and the psychopathic personality constellation in adolescence: A twin study
Authors: Forsman M…………….ats , Larsson Henrik , Andershed Henrik , Lichtenstein Paul
Published: January 2008

This study tested if persistent externalizing behaviour and symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in childhood are associated with personality and behavioural aspects of the psychopathic personality constellation in adolescence. The target sample consisted of all 1,480 twin pairs born in Sweden between 1985 and 1986. Parent‐reported externalizing behaviour and ADHD symptoms were obtained when the participants were 8–9 and 13–14 years old. Personality and behavioural aspects of the psychopathic personality constellation were measured with self‐report questionnaires when the participants were 16–17 years old. Persistent externalizing behaviour in childhood was associated with both psychopathic personality and antisocial behaviour in adolescence. However, within twin‐pair analyses showed that genetic factors explained the association between persistent externalizing behaviour and psychopathic personality, while shared environmental factors explained the association between persistent externalizing and antisocial behaviours. We conclude that persistent externalizing behaviour is a genetically influenced precursor of psychopathic personality among boys.
White children's alignment to the perceived racial attitudes of the parents: Closer to the mother than the father
Authors: Castelli L…uigi , Carraro Luciana , Tomelleri Silvia , Amari Antonella
Published: January 2008

In this study, in which 4–7‐year‐olds participated (N =58), we analysed the relationship between White children's racial attitudes and their perceptions of parental expectations and racial attitudes. Overall, the children showed a strong in‐group preference in their choice of playmates and in the attribution of positive and negative traits to White and Black peers. In addition, children reported the belief that parents would be happier if they played with a White rather than a Black child. Finally, children anticipated that parents would also display racial biases. Most importantly, we found that children's attitudes were strongly correlated with the perceived expectations and attitudes of the mothers but not the fathers. This result further supports the idea that mothers' attitudes might be more relevant than fathers' attitudes in the formation of racial attitudes among children.
Predictors of early numeracy: Is there a place for mistakes when learning about number?
Authors: Muldoon Kevin P. , Lewis Charlie , Berridge Damon
Published: January 2008

It is one thing to be able to count and share items proficiently, but it is another thing to know how counting and sharing establish and identify quantity. The aim of the study was to identify which measures of numerical knowledge predict children's success on simple number problems, where counting and set equivalence are at issue. Seventy‐two 5‐year‐olds were given a battery of nine tasks on each of three sessions (at 3‐monthly intervals). Tasks measured procedural proficiency, conceptual understanding (using an error‐detection paradigm) and the ability to compare sets using number knowledge. Procedural skills remained fairly stable over the 6‐month period, and preceded children's ability to detect another's violations to those procedures. Regression analysis revealed that children who are sensitive to procedural errors in another's counting and sharing are more likely to recognize the significance of cardinal numbers for set comparisons. We suggest that although children's conceptual understanding of well‐rehearsed routines is often limited, conceptual insight might be achieved by setting tasks that require reflection rather than practice.
Long‐term intellectual functioning and school‐related behavioural outcomes in children and adolescents after invasive treatment for congenital heart disease
Authors: Spijkerboer A. W. , Utens E. M. W. J. , Bogers A. J. J. C. , Verhulst F. C. , Helbing W. A.
Published: January 2008

In this study, long‐term intellectual functioning and school‐related behavioural outcomes were assessed in a patient sample that underwent invasive treatment for congenital heart disease (ConHD) between 1990 and 1995. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children‐Revised was used to measure intellectual functioning and the Teacher's Report Form to assess teacher‐reported behavioural and emotional problems. Overall, patients had IQ scores that fell within the normal range. The total sample of ConHD children (N = 117, 7–16 years old), however, obtained significantly lower mean scores on Verbal IQ and Verbal Comprehension than reference children. When compared with same‐aged reference peers from the general population, 7–11‐year‐old ConHD children obtained significantly lower mean scores on Total IQ, Verbal IQ, Verbal Comprehension, and Perceptual Organization. In contrast, scores of 12–16‐year‐old ConHD children appeared to be significantly lower on Verbal Comprehension only and significantly higher on Performance IQ. No significant differences were found in intellectual functioning between ConHD boys and girls, nor between different diagnostic groups. The school‐related behavioural and emotional adjustment of this sample of children with treated ConHD was favourable. Overall, this sample of recently treated ConHD children, and especially children aged 7–11 years, showed poorer intellectual functioning in several areas. These findings deserve further attention.
Salience of primary and secondary colours in infancy
Authors: Franklin Anna , Pitchford Nicola , Hart Lynsey , Davies Ian R. L. , Clausse Samantha , Jennings Siobhan
Published: January 2008

Primary colour terms (black, white, red, green, yellow, and blue) are more fundamental in colour language than secondary colour terms (pink, purple, orange, brown, and grey). Here, we assess whether this distinction exists in the absence of language, by investigating whether primary colours attract and sustain preverbal infants' attention more than secondary colours. A paired comparison technique paired eight focal colours from the chromatic primary and secondary categories against each other, and infant looking was recorded. When collapsed across individual colours, primary colours were looked at longer than secondary colours. However, a further analysis that considered each colour separately revealed only partial support for the distinction between primary and secondary colours. Rather, findings suggest perceptual biases towards focal red and against focal pink and brown. These early perceptual biases to certain colours in infancy may interact with cultural factors during development to shape toddler colour preference and colour term acquisition.
Relations between print exposure and literacy skills: New evidence from Grade 1–5
Authors: Ecalle Jean. , Magnan Annie.
Published: January 2008

This study had two main aims: (a) to develop checklists adapted for the French culture and the age of the children whose level of print exposure (PE) was to be assessed and (b) to analyse the impact of print exposure on various literacy skills. The checklists consisted of Titles, Magazines, and Authors (targets and foils). The children's responses decreased from Titles to Magazines to Authors. With children in first grade and their parents (Expt 1), we established that PE shows links to socio‐economic status. In a longitudinal study conducted in Grade 1 (Expt 2), a hierarchical regression indicated that PE predicts variance in word reading after age, phonological skills, and letter knowledge have been partialled out. In older children (Expt 3), and only in Grades 4–5, PE accounts for unique variance in word recognition, in word spelling, and, finally, in vocabulary, after chronological and lexical age have been controlled for.
The effect of coaching interviewees on subsequent interview performance in structured experience‐based interviews
Authors: Tross Stuart A. , Maurer Todd J.
Published: January 2008

This study investigated the effect of coaching interviewees on subsequent interview performance within a structured experience‐based interview format. Using a post‐test only experimental design, participants (N=144) were assigned to one of three coaching conditions of increasing comprehensiveness: low (introduction‐only training), medium (introduction plus awareness training), and high (introduction plus awareness plus skill training). Results indicated that individuals who participated in more comprehensive coaching ultimately received higher interview ratings. Results also identified interviewee knowledge as a partial mediator of the relationship between coaching comprehensiveness and subsequent interview performance.
Measuring criminal thinking styles: The construct validity and utility of the PICTS in a Dutch prison sample
Authors: Bulten Erik , Nijman Henk , van der Staak Cees
Published: January 2008

Purpose. Criminal thinking and thinking styles are important areas in the assessment and treatment of offenders. The Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles (PICTS: Walters, 2005) is designed to assess such criminal thinking styles. In the current study, the associations between criminal thinking styles on the one hand, and criminal histories, personality traits, and mental disorders of Dutch prisoners on the other, were explored. The aim is to test the reliability and construct validity of the PICTS in a population of male Dutch detainees.

Methods. A sample of 191 randomly selected male prisoners of a large Dutch correctional institution were assessed by means of the PICTS, NEO‐PI‐R, and the MINI psychiatric interview. Prison inmates with very severe psychiatric symptoms and severe disruptive behaviours were excluded.

Results. The psychometric qualities of the PICTS were found to be fair‐to‐good. The construct validity of the PICTS was supported by various convergent results with the criminal antecedents of the offenders, as well as with the scores on the scales measuring personality traits and psychiatric disorders.

Conclusions. The associations between criminal thinking styles on the one hand and personality traits, antisocial personality disorder, and mental disorders on the other were rather strong. The current results suggest that the PICTS may be a valid and useful tool for assessing criminal thinking styles.
The relationship between job status, interviewing experience, gender, and police officers' adherence to open‐ended questions
Authors: Smith Rebecca M. , Powell Martine B. , Lum Jarrad
Published: January 2008

Purpose. The current study examined whether several factors related to the job and demographic profile of police officers are associated with adherence to best‐practice guidelines when interviewing children.

Method. One hundred and seventy‐eight police officers completed a standardized (simulated) interview regarding an allegation of abuse by a 5‐year‐old child. Immediately prior to this interview, details were obtained from the officers' regarding their job status, gender, interview experience, the timing and nature of prior training/supervision, and experience outside the policing profession with young children.

Results. The results showed that timing of training was the only factor that related to interview performance. The proportion of open‐ended questions among participants who completed their interviewer training course less than 1 month prior to the simulated interview was better than those who completed the training earlier. Interestingly, the performance of the latter group was identical to that of a group of participants who had not yet received any formal interview training. The implications of the findings are discussed, along with directions for future research.
Childbirth‐related post‐traumatic stress disorder in couples: A qualitative study
Authors: Nicholls Karen , Ayers Susan
Published: January 2008

Objectives. Previous research has established that women can develop childbirth‐related post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but the effect of this on a couple's relationship has not been examined. This study aimed to look at the experience and impact of childbirth‐related PTSD in women and their partners.

Design. This was a qualitative interview study of six couples, where at least one partner had clinically significant symptoms of childbirth‐related PTSD.

Methods. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted separately with each partner and interview transcripts subjected to thematic analysis.

Results. Analysis identified four themes with 18 subthemes as follows: (1) birth factors (pain, negative emotions in labour, perceived lack of control, lack of choice or lack of involvement in decision‐making, restricted movement or physical restraint, and expectations not being met); (2) quality of care (information provision, staff factors, continuity of care and environment); (3) effects on relationship with partner (impact on physical relationship, communication within the relationship, negative emotions within the relationship, receiving or giving support from partner, coping together as a couple and overall effect on the relationship); and (4) effects on relationship with child (perceptions of the child and parent‐baby bond).

Conclusions. This study suggests that PTSD may have a negative impact on the couple's relationship and the parent–baby bond.
Testing the usability of access structures in a health education brochure
Authors: Kools Marieke , Ruiter Robert A. C. , van de Wiel Margaretha W. J. , Kok Gerjo
Published: January 2008

Objectives. In health education, the design of written materials is seldom subject to experimental tests. Using insights from cognitive‐ergonomic literature on usability we tested a brochure against three stepwise improved versions. Effects were assessed of pictorials that flagged references in the brochure text, the use of tabs and colour coding of these pictorials and tabs, on finding information in the brochure.

Methods. One hundred Dutch adults from the general population were videotaped while looking up search items. Dependent measures relating to search effectiveness, efficiency, satisfaction and learnability were extracted.

Results. Results showed a general inferiority of the original brochure. The presence of coloured tabs and pictorials contributed to a more usable brochure design, although errors were still made.

Conclusion. It is concluded that this kind of research may provide valuable insights for more effective health education material design and thus contributes to the effectiveness of health education practice.
Using the affective priming paradigm to explore the attitudes underlying walking behaviour
Authors: Eves Frank F. , Scott Emma J. , Hoppé Roberta , French David P.
Published: January 2008

Objectives. Walking is poorly represented in memory, making it difficult to measure using self‐report and even harder to predict. To circumvent this, we used the affective priming paradigm (Fazio, Sanbonmatsu, Powell, & Kardes, 1986) to assess implicit attitudes towards walking.

Methods. Royal Air Force trainee aircraftsmen (N = 188) wore pedometers for 1 week prior to completing the affective priming paradigm, questionnaire and interview. The affective priming paradigm involved a computer‐based response latency task containing physical activity words as primes followed by adjectives as targets to be evaluated. Targets were drawn from two bipolar dichotomies, good–bad (the original Fazio et al. items) and happy–sad (mood).

Results. Priming for mood items was related to levels of physical activity with high frequency participants priming for the positive (happy) pole and low frequency participants priming for the negative (sad). Both groups primed for the negative element of the Fazio (good–bad) dichotomy. Regarding walking and running, there was no differentiation on the basis of participation level. Instead, facilitated responses to happy targets contrasted with inhibited responses to sad targets for both types of locomotion. There was weak evidence that intentions to run were associated with priming of positive target items, irrespective of category.

Conclusions. The relationship between implicit attitudes and behaviour is complex. Whereas implicit attitudes were related to overall exercise participation, they were not related to the specific activity of walking, despite the behaviour being mainly under automatic control.
The theory of planned behaviour predicts self‐reports of walking, but does not predict step count
Authors: Scott Emma J. , Eves Frank F. , French David P. , Hoppé Roberta
Published: January 2008

Objectives. This paper compares multiple measures of walking in two studies, and the second study compares how well Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) constructs perform in predicting these different measures.

Methods. In Study 1, 41 participants wore a New Lifestyles NL‐2000 pedometer for 1 week. Subsequently, participants completed a questionnaire containing measures of the TPB constructs and two self‐report measures of walking, followed by two interview measures of walking. For Study 2, 200 RAF trainee aircraftsmen wore pedometers for 2 weeks. At the end of each week, participants completed the questionnaire and interview measures of walking.

Results. Both studies found no significant association between questionnaire measures of walking and pedometer measures. In Study 1, the interview measures produced significant, large correlations with the pedometer measure, but these relationships were markedly weaker in the second study. TPB variables were found to explain 22% of variance in intention to walk in Study 1 and 45% of the variance in Study 2. In Study 2, prediction of subsequent measures of behaviour was found to be weak, except when using a single‐item measure of walking.

Conclusions. Recall of walking is poor, and accurate measurement by self‐report is problematic. Although the TPB predicts intentions to walk well, it does not predict actual amount of walking, as assessed by pedometer. Possible reasons for these findings include the unique nature of walking as an activity primarily used to facilitate higher order goals. The use of single‐item measures may exaggerate the effectiveness of the TPB model for walking, and possibly other forms of physical activity.
Expressive writing and post‐traumatic stress disorder: Effects on trauma symptoms, mood states, and cortisol reactivity
Authors: Smyth Joshua M. , Hockemeyer Jill R. , Tulloch Heather
Published: January 2008

Objectives. This study investigates the boundary conditions (feasibility, safety, and efficacy) of an expressive writing intervention for individuals with post‐traumatic stress disorder [PTSD].

Design. Randomized trial with baseline and 3‐month follow‐up measures of PTSD severity and symptoms, mood states, post‐traumatic growth, and (post‐only) cortisol reactivity to trauma‐related stress.

Methods. Volunteers with a verified diagnosis of PTSD (N = 25) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (writing about their traumatic experience) or control group (writing about time management).

Results. Expressive writing was acceptable to patients with PTSD and appeared safe to utilize. No changes in PTSD diagnosis or symptoms were observed, but significant improvements in mood and post‐traumatic growth were observed in the expressive writing group. Finally, expressive writing greatly attenuated neuroendocrine (cortisol) responses to trauma‐related memories.

Conclusions. The present study provides insight into several boundary conditions of expressive writing. Writing did not decrease PTSD‐related symptom severity. Although patients continue to exhibit the core features of PTSD, their capacity to regulate those responses appears improved following expressive writing. Dysphoric mood decreased after writing and when exposed to traumatic memories, participants' physiological response is reduced and their recovery enhanced.
Written emotional disclosure and processing of trauma are associated with protected health status and immunity in people living with HIV/AIDS
Authors: O'Cleirigh Conall , Ironson Gail , Fletcher Mary Ann , Schneiderman Neil
Published: January 2008

Objective. This study compared written emotional disclosure and processing of trauma among a relatively rare group of people with AIDS with atypically favourable disease status with an HIV+ comparison group. The study also examined the mediational role of emotional/cognitive processing and natural killer (NK) cells.

Design. This study utilized a cross‐sectional group comparison design.

Method. Two HIV+ groups, the Healthy Survivors (N = 37;>9‐months with <50 CD4 cells/mm3 and asymptomatic), and an HIV+ comparison groups (N = 100) wrote essays describing their reactions to past traumas; these were scored for emotional disclosure/processing.

Results. Healthy survivors had higher levels of emotional disclosure and emotional/cognitive processing than the comparison group. Emotional/cognitive processing mediated the relationship between emotional disclosure and group membership. NK cell number mediated the relationship between emotional/cognitive processing and ‘healthy survival’.

Conclusions. The results suggest that higher levels of emotional disclosure and processing of trauma may confer health and immunological benefits to people living with HIV/AIDS.
Who does expressive writing work for? Examination of alexithymia, splitting, and repressive coping style as moderators of the expressive writing paradigm
Authors: Baikie Karen A.
Published: January 2008

Objective. This paper examines the moderating influence of alexithymia, splitting, and repressive coping style in the expressive writing paradigm.

Method. Eighty‐eight university students randomized to four weekly 20‐minute expressive or neutral writing sessions, with 1‐month follow‐up.

Results. Expressive writing was more beneficial for individuals scoring higher on alexithymia and splitting, but not repressive coping.

Conclusions. Future research should include personality measures in explorations of expressive writing to further understand the boundary conditions of the expressive writing paradigm.
Poor cognitive‐emotional processing may impede the outcome of emotional disclosure interventions
Authors: van Middendorp Henriët , Geenen Rinie
Published: January 2008

Objectives. To examine the potential relevance of alexithymia and induced cognitive–emotional processing for the efficacy of emotional disclosure.

Methods. Associations were examined of alexithymia and emotional and cognitive word use with self‐assessed psychological and disease activity outcome in 37 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (23 females; mean age 58 years).

Results. Cognitive and positive emotion word use during the disclosure sessions predicted improved psychological well‐being but not disease activity after the intervention. Negative emotion word use and alexithymia did not significantly predict outcome.

Conclusion. Our study suggests that poor cognitive–emotional processing may impede the outcome of emotional disclosure interventions.
Suicide risk in schizophrenia: Explanatory models and clinical implications, The Schematic Appraisal Model of Suicide (SAMS)
Authors: Johnson Judith , Gooding Patricia , Tarrier Nicholas
Published: January 2008

Purpose. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the Cry of Pain model of suicide behaviour as applied to psychosis and to derive theoretically driven guidelines for prevention. Suicide risk in psychotic patients is a serious but poorly understood clinical and social problem. There is a dearth of psychological models to explain suicidal behaviour and to guide effective preventative clinical interventions. Understanding suicidal behaviour in psychosis may be facilitated by utilizing models from depression. The ‘Cry of Pain’ model of suicide is founded on an evolutionary approach to understanding suicidal behaviour in depression.

Methods. The model was critically evaluated and relevant literature reviewed.

Results. Although strengths of the model were identified, lack of clarity regarding the concepts of defeat, entrapment, and lack of rescue appeared to limit its theoretical and clinical utility. We suggest a modification to this model which replaces concepts of defeat, entrapment, and lack of rescue with a four‐stage appraisal process in conjunction with information‐processing biases and suicidal schema.

Conclusions. Methods of testing this model are suggested and guidelines for a clinical intervention (Cognitive Behavioural Suicide Prevention for Psychosis; CBSPp) are outlined.
Implementing clinical guidelines for bipolar disorder
Authors: Morriss Richard.
Published: January 2008

Purpose. To critically review the evidence concerning the implementation of clinical guidelines for bipolar disorder.

Methods. A Medline search was made of the literature on the implementation of guidelines in bipolar disorder and mental health. The implementation of non‐pharmacological treatments from the 2006 NICE Guideline for Bipolar Disorder was then used as a case example. May's model of normalization of complex interventions was then applied to the NICE guideline recommendations for bipolar disorder.

Results. The effective local implementation of guidelines requires a detailed understanding of local barriers to their implementation. Some recommendations in the NICE Guideline on advanced directives and management of anxiety disorder in bipolar disorder appear to follow the existing trends in practice and are more likely to be implemented. Interventions concerning the psychological management of bipolar depression and maintenance psychological treatments are going to be the most difficult to implement because of shortages of skilled staff, the absence of specific training and supervision, the requirements for staff to adopt practices that are quite different from what they are used to, and some uncertainty about whether these interventions are effective in the most severe patients.

Conclusions. Without a detailed local understanding of the barriers to implementation and the resources and will to overcome them, there is likely to be a considerable local variation in the implementation of guidelines for bipolar disorder. Recommendations that require little change to working practices and resources are most likely to be implemented.
Specificity of Four Monoclonal Anti-Nkx6-1 Antibodies
Authors: Klinck Rasmus , Serup Palle , Madsen Ole D. , Jørgensen Mette C.
Published: January 2008

The homeodomain transcription factor Nkx6-1 is essential for proper motor neuron development and development of insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells. Nkx6-1 is closely related to Nkx6-2 and Nkx6-3, and all three are expressed in the developing central nervous system and in the developing foregut. Immunohistochemical detection of protein expression is an important tool for description of the temporal differences in expression patterns. When several gene family members like the Nkx6 factors have overlapping or juxtaposed expression domains, there is an elevated risk of unrecognized cross-reactivity, and it is therefore crucial to determine the specificities of antibodies against such targets. In this study we have determined the epitope consensus sequences of four monoclonal antibodies against Nkx6-1 using SPOT membranes, and we refined the results by combined peptide recognition and blocking assays. We show that two of the monoclonal anti-Nkx6-1 antibodies specifically recognize Nkx6-1 and do not cross-react to Nkx6-2 and Nkx6-3. The other two monoclonal anti-Nkx6-1 antibodies are specific to Nkx6-1 in mice but do not recognize Nkx6-1 in chicken and human.
Detection and Characterization of Placental MicroRNAs in Maternal Plasma
Authors: Chim Stephen S C , Shing Tristan K F , Hung Emily C W , Leung Tak-yeung , Lau Tze-kin , Chiu Rossa W K , Dennis Lo Y M
Published: January 2008

Background: The discovery of circulating fetal nucleic acids in maternal plasma has opened up new possibilities for noninvasive prenatal diagnosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small RNAs, have been intensely investigated recently because of their important regulatory role in gene expression. Because nucleic acids of placental origin are released into maternal plasma, we hypothesized that miRNAs produced by the placenta would also be released into maternal plasma.

Methods: We systematically searched for placental miRNAs in maternal plasma to identify miRNAs that were at high concentrations in placentas compared with maternal blood cells and then investigated the stability and filterability of this novel class of pregnancy-associated markers in maternal plasma.

Results: In a panel of TaqMan MicroRNA Assays available for 157 well-established miRNAs, 17 occurred at concentrations >10-fold higher in the placentas than in maternal blood cells and were undetectable in postdelivery maternal plasma. The 4 most abundant of these placental miRNAs (miR-141, miR-149, miR-299-5p, and miR-135b) were detectable in maternal plasma during pregnancy and showed reduced detection rates in postdelivery plasma. The plasma concentration of miR-141 increased as pregnancy progressed into the third trimester. Compared with mRNA encoded by CSH1 [chorionic somatomammotropin hormone 1 (placental lactogen)], miR-141 was even more stable in maternal plasma, and its concentration did not decrease after filtration.

Conclusion: We have demonstrated the existence of placental miRNAs in maternal plasma and provide some information on their stability and physical nature. These findings open up a new class of molecular markers for pregnancy monitoring.
Density-Dependent Growth of Yellow Perch in Southern Lake Michigan, 1984–2004
Authors: Headley Heath C. , Lauer Thomas E.
Published: January 2008

The relationship between the growth rates and abundance of yellow perch Perca flavescens was evaluated in the Indiana waters of Lake Michigan from 1984 to 2004. Relative abundance values were taken from trawl catch per unit effort, while growth rates were determined by back-calculation. Abundance was approximately one order of magnitude higher during the mid-1980s than in 1990–2004. Growth rates were negatively related to relative abundance and were sexually dimorphic (females grew faster than males). Regression analysis indicated that approximately one-half of the observed variation in growth was related to abundance; this was most apparent with smaller and younger fish. Lee's phenomenon was shown to be present during periods of high exploitation and not present during periods of low exploitation. Both intraspecific competition and physiological changes associated with age at maturity are plausible explanations for these relationships.
Overwintering Distribution, Behavior, and Survival of Adult Summer Steelhead: Variability among Columbia River Populations
Authors: Keefer Matthew L. , Boggs Charles T. , Peery Christopher A. , Caudill Christopher C.
Published: January 2008

Unlike most anadromous salmonids, summer steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss overwinter in rivers rather than the ocean for 6–10 months prior to spring spawning. Overwintering in rivers may make summer steelhead more vulnerable to harvest and other mortality sources than are other anadromous populations, but there has been little systematic study of this life history strategy. Here, we used a large-scale radiotelemetry study to examine the overwintering behaviors and distributions of 26 summer steelhead stocks within the regulated lower Columbia–Snake River hydrosystem. Over 6 years, we monitored 5,939 fish, of which 3,399 successfully reached spawning tributaries or the upper Columbia River basin and were assigned to specific populations. An estimated 12.4% of fish that reached spawning areas overwintered at least partially within the hydrosystem (annual estimates = 6.8–19.6%), while the remainder overwintered in tributaries. Across all populations, later-arriving fish were more likely to overwinter in the hydrosystem; overwintering percentages ranged from less than 1% for fish tagged in June to over 40% for those tagged in October. Proportionately more interior-basin steelhead (Clearwater, Salmon, and Snake River metapopulations) overwintered in the hydrosystem than did fish from lower-river populations. Steelhead were distributed in mixed-stock assemblages throughout the hydrosystem during winter, usually in reservoirs closest to their home rivers but also in nonnatal tributaries. Overwintering fish moved upstream and downstream between reaches in all months; a nadir occurred in early January and peak egress into spawning tributaries was in March. The estimated survival to tributaries was higher for fish that overwintered in the hydrosystem (82%) than for fish that did not (62%); this difference was largely attributable to low winter harvest rates. Our results suggest that large main-stem habitats, including reservoirs, may be widely used by overwintering summer steelhead. The complex migration behaviors of steelhead indicate both the potential for adaptation and possible susceptibility to future river environment changes.
Influência da luz e da temperatura na germinação de cinco espécies de plantas daninhas do gênero Amaranthus
Authors: Carvalho Saul Jorge Pinto de , Christoffoleti Pedro Jacob
Published: January 2008

Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar a influência da luz e da temperatura na germinação de cinco espécies de plantas daninhas. O experimento foi desenvolvido durante 2005 em câmara de germinação e constou de uma combinação fatorial de quatro condições de germinação e cinco espécies de plantas daninhas do gênero Amaranthus. As quatro condições de germinação foram: fotoperíodo (8 horas de luz/16 horas de escuro) com alternância de temperatura (8 horas a 30 ºC/16 horas a 20 ºC), fotoperíodo com temperatura constante (25 ºC), escuro com alternância de temperatura e escuro com temperatura constante. As espécies de plantas daninhas estudadas foram: Amaranthus deflexus (caruru-rasteiro), A. hybridus (caruru-roxo), A. retroflexus (caruru-gigante), A. spinosus (caruru-de-espinho) e A. viridis (caruru-de-mancha). Avaliou-se a germinação (%) aos 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 e 14 dias após semeadura, bem como, calculou-se o índice de velocidade de germinação das espécies. Os dados foram submetidos ao teste F na análise da variância, seguido do emprego de regressões não-lineares ou teste de Tukey a 5%. Constatou-se que a luz e a temperatura interferem na germinação de todas as espécies, em que as maiores taxas e velocidades de germinação foram obtidas em condição de fotoperíodo com alternância de temperatura (8 horas de luz a 30 ºC/16 horas de escuro a 20 ºC). Em condições menos favoráveis, A. viridis e A. hybridus obtiveram maiores taxas de germinação que as demais espécies. Em geral, A. deflexus e A. spinosus foram as espécies de plantas daninhas com os menores índices de velocidade de germinação.
Emprego da poda verde para a obtenção de duas safras por ciclo vegetativo em 'Niagara Branca'
Authors: Souza Paulo Vitor Dutra de , Fochesato Mário Luís
Published: January 2008

Avaliou-se o efeito de épocas de poda verde em dois anos consecutivos visando obter a segunda safra de uva em um mesmo ciclo vegetativo na cv. Niágara Branca (Vitis labrusca L.), cultivada no sistema em espaldeira. O experimento foi realizado na Estação Experimental Agronômica da UFRGS, em Eldorado do Sul (RS), nas safras de 2003/2004 e 2004/2005. Os tratamentos constaram de três épocas de poda verde, realizadas imediatamente após a quarta folha acima do último cacho, e dois anos consecutivos de avaliação. Todas as plantas foram submetidas à superação de dormência mediante aplicação de cianamida hidrogenada a 2%. Analisou-se a duração dos estádios fenológicos, o período de maturação, a produção por planta, a massa fresca do cacho, o teor de sólidos solúveis totais e a acidez total titulável. Observou-se que a época de realização da poda verde não afetou a quantidade, nem a qualidade da uva produzida na primeira colheita, apenas atrasando-a em uma semana. A poda verde realizada no início de novembro possibilitou a segunda colheita de uva, realizada entre março e abril, sendo uma alternativa de ampliação do período de oferta do produto no mercado.
Avaliações fenológicas e agronômicas em café arábica cultivado a pleno sol e consorciado com banana 'Prata Anã'
Authors: Pezzopane José Ricardo Macedo , Pedro Júnior Mário José , Gallo Paulo Boller , Carmargo Marcelo Bento Paes de , Fazuoli Luiz Carlos
Published: January 2008

O trabalho foi realizado em cafeeiros (Coffea arabica L.) cv. Icatu Vermelho IAC 4045, cultivados a pleno sol e consorciados com banana 'Prata Anã' (Musa AAB), em Mococa (SP), em Latitude 21º 28' S, Longitude 47º 01' W, altitude 665 m. Entre julho de 2001 e junho de 2004 foi acompanhado o desenvolvimento fenológico dos cultivos, além de se avaliar, o crescimento das plantas em altura e diâmetro da copa. Nas safras de 2002, 2003 e 2004 foram avaliados os parâmetros de produção nos dois sistemas de cultivo, além de sua variabilidade nas parcelas do cultivo consorciado. Nos sistemas de cultivo avaliados, o crescimento vegetativo em altura e diâmetro foi maior no período primavera-verão em relação ao período outono-inverno, não tendo sido encontradas diferenças significativas das taxas de crescimento, de desenvolvimento fenológico e dos índices de produção entre os cultivos. No cultivo consorciado, no ponto próximo às bananeiras observaram-se diferenças em relação aos demais pontos amostrados no crescimento vegetativo e desenvolvimento fenológico para algumas épocas do ano, além de apresentar menor produção por planta.
Aplicação do resíduo específico na análise de grupos de experimentos
Authors: Oliveira Wilson Alves de , Nogueira Maria Cristina Stolf
Published: January 2008

A análise de grupos de experimentos tem como objetivo principal produzir informações que possam ser aplicadas a uma população, seja no espaço e/ou no tempo. O objetivo deste trabalho é aplicar a técnica do resíduo específico para contornar o problema da heterocedasticidade presente nas interações dos experimentos com tratamentos, e obter as esperanças dos quadrados médios, para os efeitos considerados na análise de variância. Os dados utilizados referem-se a grupo de 11 experimentos, de adubação, no esquema fatorial 3³ com cana de açúcar, desenvolvidos em diferentes localidades do Estado de São Paulo. Os resultados revelaram que a técnica do resíduo específico é adequada quando a heterocedasticidade está presente nas interações.