bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural Entrainment without Dawn and Dusk: The Case of the European Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus citellus)
Authors: Hut Roelof A. , van Oort Bob E. H. , Daan Serge
Published: May 2004

Observational data collected in the field and in enclosures show that diurnal, burrow-dwelling European ground squirrels (Spermophilus citellus) never were above ground during twilight at dawn or at dusk. The animals emerged on average 4.02 h (SD = 0.45) after civil twilight at dawn and retreated in their burrows on average 2.87 h (SD = 0.47) before civil twilight at dusk. Daily patterns of light perceived by these burrowing mammals were measured with light-sensitive radio collar transmitters in an enclosure (the Netherlands) and in the field (Hungary). The observational data are corroborated by the telemetry data, which show clear daily patterns of timing of light perception including light perceived from the burrow entrances. The first light was observed by the animals on average 3.54 h (enclosure, SD = 0.45) and 3.60 h (field, SD = 0.31) after civil twilight at dawn, whereas the final observed light was on average 3.04 h (enclosure, SD = 0.64) and 2.02 h (field, SD = 0.72) before civil twilight at dusk. Thus, the animals do not perceive the rapid natural light-dark (LD) transitions that occur at civil twilight. Instead, they generate their own pattern of exposure to light within the natural LD cycle. The classical phase response model for entrainment by light or dark pulses cannot explain how the circadian system of this species remains entrained to the external, natural LD cycle while the major LD transitions are created by its own behavior.
Nocturnal Increase in Plasma cGMP Levels in Humans
Authors: Zhdanova Irina V. , Simmons Michael , Marcus Jacob N. , Busza Ania C. , Leclair Ojingwa U. , Taylor Judy A.
Published: May 2004

The circadian dynamics of responses to cyclic guanosine 3’,5’-monophosphate (cGMP) in in vitro experiments and the stimulating effects of the pineal hormone melatonin on cGMP levels both in vitro and in vivo provoked an investigation into the diurnal pattern of occurrence of this second messenger in human plasma and its correlation with plasma melatonin levels. Plasma cGMP levels were measured in 9 normal human subjects who were over 50 years of age. Samples were obtained hourly through a 20-h period (11 a.m. to 7 a.m.) that included the subjects' habitual hours of nocturnal sleep; physical activity was kept to a minimum during the daylight hours. The area under the timeplasma cGMP concentration curve showed a significant increase during the period of nocturnal sleep compared to that observed during the period of daytime wakefulness. The individual temporal pattern of the nocturnal rise in plasma cGMP differed among the subjects; however, the initial increase typically was observed soon after bedtime. No significant correlation was observed between individual nocturnal plasma melatonin levels and cGMP levels.
Seasonal and Daily Variations in Plasma Melatonin in the High-Arctic Svalbard Ptarmigan (Lagopus mutus hyperboreus)
Authors: Reierth Eirik , Van’t Hof Thomas J. , Stokkan Karl-Arne
Published: May 2004

This study presents the daily rhythm of melatonin secretion throughout one year in a bird from the northern hemisphere, the Svalbard ptarmigan ( Lagopus mutus hyperboreus), which lives naturally at 76-80°N. Eight Svalbard ptarmigan were caged outdoors at 70°N and blood sampled throughout one day each month for 13 months. At this latitude, daylight is continuous between May and August, but there is a short period of civil twilight around noon from late November to mid January. There was no daily rhythm in plasma melatonin in May-July. Plasma melatonin levels varied significantly throughout the day in all other months of the year, with the nighttime increase reflecting the duration of darkness. The highest mean plasma concentration occurred at midnight in March (110.1 ± 16.5 pg/ml) and represented the annual peak in estimated daily production. Around the winter solstice, melatonin levels were significantly reduced at noon and elevated during the nearly 18 h of consecutive darkness, and the estimated mean daily production of melatonin was significantly reduced. Thus, at the times of the year characterized by light-dark cycles, melatonin may convey information concerning the length of the day and, therefore, progression of season. The nearly undetectable low melatonin secretion in summer and the reduced amplitude and production in midwinter indicate a flexible circadian system that may reflect an important adaptation to life in the Arctic.
Accuracy of Circadian Entrainment under Fluctuating Light Conditions: Contributions of Phase and Period Responses
Authors: Beersma Domien G. M. , Daan Serge , Hut Roelof A.
Published: May 2004

The accuracy with which a circadian pacemaker can entrain to an environmental 24-h zeitgeber signal depends on (a) characteristics of the entraining signal and (b) response characteristics and intrinsic stability of the pacemaker itself. Position of the sun, weather conditions, shades, and behavioral variations (eye closure, burrowing) all modulate the light signal reaching the pacemaker. A simple model of a circadian pacemaker allows researchers to explore the impact of these factors on pacemaker accuracy. Accuracy is operationally defined as the reciprocal value of the day-to-day standard deviation of the clock times at which a reference phase (0) is reached. For the purpose of this exploration, the authors used a model pacemaker characterized solely by its momentary phase and momentary velocity. The average velocity determines the time needed to complete one pacemaker cycle and, therefore, is inversely proportional to pacemaker period. The model pacemaker responds to light by shifting phase and/or changing its velocity. The authors assumed further that phase and velocity show small random fluctuations and that the velocity is subject to aftereffects. Aftereffects were incorporated mathematically in a term allowing period to contract exponentially to a stable steady-state value, with a time constant of 69 d in the absence of light. The simulations demonstrate that a pacemaker reaches highest accuracy when it responds to light by simultaneous phase shifts and changes of its velocity. Phase delays need to coincide with slowing down and advances with speeding up; otherwise, no synchronization to the zeitgeber occurs. At maximal accuracy, the changes in velocity are such that the average period of the pacemaker under entrained conditions equals 24 h. The results suggest that during entrainment, the pacemaker adjusts its period to 24 h, after which daily phase shifts to compensate for differences between the periods of the zeitgeber and the clock are no longer necessary. On average, phase shifts compensate for maladjustments of phase and velocity changes compensate for maladjustments of period.
Influence of the Mode of Daily Melatonin Administration on Entrainment of Rat Circadian Rhythms
Authors: Slotten Helge A. , Pitrosky Bruno , Pévet Paul
Published: May 2004

In previous entrainment studies, melatonin (MEL) was administered by handling the animal, but because such handling may act as a confounding variable, the results from these studies are equivocal. The authors used MEL administration techniques that do not involve direct handling of the animal. Long Evans rats were used, and core body temperature (CBT) and wheel-running activity were recorded. One group of rats received a daily 1-h time-fixed infusion of MEL or the vehicle via a subcutaneous catheter. Animals in a second group had timed access to drinking water involving daily presence of drinking water containing MEL or the vehicle for2hata fixed time of the day. Following entrainment to LD 12:12, both groups were transferred to constant darkness to free-run under vehicle administration. MEL was then administered, and entrainment occurred when activity onset coincided with MEL onset. Under both regimens, entrainment of wheel-running and CBT rhythms showed equal phaserelation to the onset of MEL administration, and free-running reoccurred when MEL was withdrawn. The authors concluded that MEL administration via drinking water and via infusion represent efficient ways to synchronize free-running rhythms in rats.
A Circadian Oscillator Model Based on Empirical Data
Authors: Gundel Alexander , Spencer Michael B.
Published: May 2004

A model based on the van der Pol equation has been developed to predict the pattern of adaptation of aircrew and other travellers to rapid time-zone transitions, when the exposure to light cannot be quantified. The parameters of the model include the stiffness ([.mu]) and the intrinsic period ( T0), which together define the free-running period, and the external force ( F). The parameter values were estimated by using a simplex minimization technique to fit the output from the model to body temperature data from 12 individuals before, and over a 12-day period immediately after, a 10-h eastward transition between London and Sydney. Data were collected at three equally spaced points during each sleep period and at the end of four 45-min rest periods during the day. The fitting procedure enabled the parameters of the temperature rhythm to be estimated after correcting for the masking effect of sleep. The average estimates of [.mu] (0.38 h) and T0 (24.24 h) were close to earlier estimates based on forced desynchronization experiments, and the mean free-running period, calculated from these, was 24.50 h. The mean value of the external force F (0.54) was surprisingly high, and this may reflect the strong outdoor light levels during the days in Sydney. Estimates of phase, based on the model solutions, suggested that 11 subjects adapted by a phase delay and 1 by a phase advance. However, the amplitude of the rhythms was much reduced at times when the phase was changing rapidly. Simulations using the range of the model parameters for the 12 individuals predicted that adaptation to within 1 h after a 10-h eastward transition would be achieved within between 3 and 11 days. However, since these predictions are dependent on the choice of external force, estimates may need to be more conservative in real-life situations when light exposure cannot be measured.
Accuracy of Human Circadian Entrainment under Natural Light Conditions: Model Simulations
Authors: Beersma Domien G. M. , Spoelstra Kamiel , Daan Serge
Published: May 2004

The patterns of light intensity to which humans expose their circadian pacemakers in daily life are very irregular and vary greatly from day to day. The circadian pacemaker can adjust to such irregular exposure patterns by daily phase shifts, such as summarized in a phase response curve. It is demonstrated in this paper on the basis of computer simulations applying actually recorded human light exposure patterns that the pacemaker can substantially improve its accuracy by an additional response to light: For that purpose, it should additionally change its angular velocity (and consequently its period [.tau]) in response to light. Reductions of [.tau] in response to light in the morning and increases of [.tau] in response to light in the evening can lead to an increase in entrained pacemaker accuracy with about 25%. Circadian pacemakers have evolved as accurate internal representations of external time, and investigated diurnal mammals all seem to respond to light by changing the period of their circadian pacemaker (in addition to shifting phase). The authors suggest that also human circadian systems take advantage of this possibility and that their pacemakers respond to light by shifting phase and changing period. As a consequence of this postulated mechanism, the simulations demonstrate that the period of the pacemaker under normally entrained conditions is 24 h. The maximum accuracy corresponds to a day-to-day standard deviation of the time of phase 0 of circa 15 min. This is considerably more accurate than the light signal humans usually perceive.
Sleep Homeostasis and Models of Sleep Regulation
Authors: Borb Alexander A. , Achermann Peter
Published: May 2004

According to the two-process model of sleep regulation, the timing and structure of sleep are determined by the interaction of a homeostatic and a circadian process. The original qualitative model was elaborated to quantitative versions that included the ultradian dynamics of sleep in relation to the non-REM-REM sleep cycle. The time course of EEG slow-wave activity, the major marker of non-REM sleep homeostasis, as well as daytime alertness were simulated successfully for a considerable number of experimental protocols. They include sleep after partial sleep deprivation and daytime napping, sleep in habitual short and long sleepers, and alertness in a forced desynchrony protocol or during an extended photoperiod. Simulations revealed that internal desynchronization can be obtained for different shapes of the thresholds. New developments include the analysis of the waking EEG to delineate homeostatic and circadian processes, studies of REM sleep homeostasis, and recent evidence for local, use-dependent sleep processes. Moreover, nonlinear interactions between homeostatic and circadian processes were identified. In the past two decades, models have contributed considerably to conceptualizing and analyzing the major processes underlying sleep regulation, and they are likely to play an important role in future advances in the field.
Commentary: Models of Sleep Regulation: Successes and Continuing Challenges
Authors: Dijk Derk-Jan , Kronauer Richard E.
Published: May 2004

Quantitative models have been developed to describe salient aspects of human sleep regulation. The two-process model of sleep regulation and the thermoregulatory model of sleep control highlight the interaction between sleep homeostasis and circadian rhythmicity and the association between sleep and temperature regulation, respectively. These models have been successful and inspiring, but continuing progress remains dependent on rigorous testing of some of their basic assumptions. Whereas it has been established that EEG slowwave activity is a marker of sleep homeostasis, its causal role in regulating the timing of sleep and wakefulness remains to be demonstrated conclusively. Likewise, the causal role of the temperature regulatory system in sleep timing requires further investigation. In both models, many parameters have yet to be associated with specific physiologic processes. This makes it challenging, at least within the framework of these models, to account for interindividual differences or age-related changes in such features as sleep duration and sleep timing, as well as changes in the phase angle between the sleep-wake cycle and accepted markers of the circadian pacemaker, such as the body temperature or melatonin rhythm. Although the models may describe adequately global sleep patterns and their circadian modulation, detailed modeling of the frequent short awakenings from, and the subsequent transitions back to, sleep, as well as the variation of the propensity to awaken across the ultradian non-REM-REM cycle, is not addressed. Incoporation of these aspects of sleep in mathematical models of sleep regulation may further our understanding of a key aspect of sleep regulation, that is, its timing.
Statistical Model Building and Model Criticism for Human Circadian Data
Authors: Brown Emery N. , Luithardt Harry
Published: May 2004

Mathematical models have played an important role in the analysis of circadian systems. The models include simulation of differential equation systems to assess the dynamic properties of a circadian system and the use of statistical models, primarily harmonic regression methods, to assess the static properties of the system. The dynamical behaviors characterized by the simulation studies are the response of the circadian pacemaker to light, its rate of decay to its limit cycle, and its response to the rest-activity cycle. The static properties are phase, amplitude, and period of the intrinsic oscillator. Formal statistical methods are not routinely employed in simulation studies, and therefore the uncertainty in inferences based on the differential equation models and their sensitivity to model specification and parameter estimation error cannot be evaluated. The harmonic regression models allow formal statistical analysis of static but not dynamical features of the circadian pacemaker. The authors present a paradigm for analyzing circadian data based on the Box iterative scheme for statistical model building. The paradigm unifies the differential equation–based simulations (direct problem) and the model fitting approach using harmonic regression techniques (inverse problem) under a single schema. The framework is illustrated with the analysis of a core-temperature data series collected under a forced desynchrony protocol. The Box iterative paradigm provides a framework for systematically constructing and analyzing models of circadian data.
Searching for Biological Rhythms: Peak Detection in the Periodogram of Unequally Spaced Data
Authors: Van Dongen Hans P. A. , Olofsen Erik , VanHartevelt Jan H. , Kruyt Erik W.
Published: May 2004

The classical power spectrum, computed in the frequency domain, outranks traditionally used periodograms derived in the time domain (such as the [.chi]2 periodogram) regarding the search for biological rhythms. Unfortunately, classical power spectral analysis is not possible with unequally spaced data (e.g., time series with missing data). The Lomb-Scargle periodogram fixes this shortcoming. However, peak detection in the Lomb-Scargle periodogram of unequally spaced data requires some careful consideration. To guide researchers in the proper evaluation of detected peaks, therefore, a novel procedure and a computer program have recently become available. It is recommended that the Lomb-Scargle periodogram be the default method of periodogram analysis in future biomedical applications of rhythm investigation.
Modeling Circadian Rhythm Generation in the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus with Locally Coupled Self-Sustained Oscillators: Phase Shifts and Phase Response Curves
Authors: Achermann Peter , Kunz Hanspeter
Published: May 2004

Circadian rhythm generation in the suprachiasmatic nucleus was modeled by locally coupled self-sustained oscillators. The model is composed of 10,000 oscillators, arranged in a square array. Coupling between oscillators and standard deviation of (randomly determined) intrinsic oscillator periods were varied. A stable overall rhythm emerged. The model behavior was investigated for phase shifts of a 24-h zeitgeber cycle. Prolongation of either the dark or the light phase resulted in a lengthening of the period, whereas shortening of the dark or the light phase shortened the period. The model's response to shifts in the light-dark cycle was dependent only on the extent of the shift and was insensitive to changes in parameters. Phase response curves (PRC) and amplitude response curves were determined for single and triple 5-h light pulses (1000 lux). Single pulses lead to type 1 PRCs with larger phase shifts for weak coupling. Triple pulses generally evoked type 1 PRCs with the exception of weak coupling, where a type 0 PRC was observed.
Control Systems Models for the Circadian Clock of the New Zealand Weta, Hemideina thoracica (Orthoptera: Stenopelmatidae)
Authors: Lewis Robert D.
Published: May 2004

The New Zealand weta, Hemideina thoracica, is a nocturnal orthopteran insect which emerges from holes in trees or from under bark soon after sunset to forage for several hours on plant and animal material before returning to its refuge before dawn. In tests of the internal clock hypothesis it exhibits clear circadian locomotor rhythms in which the period is initially somewhat less than 24 h, but frequently spontaneously increases to over 25 h. The rhythms are entrainable by light and temperature cycles, obey Aschoff's Law and are temperature compensated. A single oscillator feedback model accounts for these basic properties of the weta clock, but does not explain a variety of examples of rhythm lability, such as day skipping, spontaneous change in period, scalloping and desynchrony typically found in the real data. To account for these characteristics the model is expanded into two linked populations of oscillators, which retain the basic properties of the simple model and in addition interact through their coupling to show the various types of free-run lability. To make these control systems models compatible with the molecular interpretation of circadian biology, each of the components in the feedback loop is matched with molecular function and structure.
Characteristics of Prison Sexual Assault Targets in Male Oklahoma Correctional Facilities
Authors: Hensley Christopher , Tewksbury Richard , Castle Tammy
Published: May 2004

Research on male inmate sexual assault has been quite limited in correctional literature. Even fewer of these studies have focused specifically on the characteristics of sexual assault targets. Therefore, data gathered from August 1998 to May 1999 via face-to-face interviews with 174 inmates in three male Oklahoma correctional facilities were drawn on to examine various demographic and organizational characteristics of prison sexual targets. Respondents were asked a series of questions regarding their vulnerability to threatened and/or completed forced sexual assault encounters with other inmates. Roughly 14% of the inmates reported that they had been sexually targeted by other inmates.
Assessing for Domestic Violence Exposure in Primary Care Settings
Authors: Janssen Patricia A. , Landolt Monica A. , Grunfeld Anton F.
Published: May 2004

To evaluate the ability of medical students to apply domestic violence training in an early clinical experience, a cross-sectional survey was undertaken among 2nd-year medical students from the University of British Columbia during their rural family practice practicum. Participants recorded whether they assessed adult patients for exposure to domestic violence during routine office visits. Domestic violence was discussed in 11% of the 341 recorded patient encounters. All discussions involved female patients. Domestic violence was discussed in 27% of the one-on-one encounters with patients versus 3.6% of the encounters in which a preceptor was present. Barriers that prevented medical students from undertaking assessment and counseling included lack of mentoring and role modeling and a perceived lack of privacy and time available. Application of classroom knowledge in this challenging domain requires preceptorship by appropriately trained supervisors in the clinical setting.
Assessing Allegations of Domestic Violence in Child Custody Evaluations
Authors: Bow James N. , Boxer Paul
Published: May 2004

There has been an increased focus on child custody evaluations involving domestic violence allegations with much criticism of evaluators’training, practices, and procedures. A national survey of 115child custody evaluators (doctoral and master’s level) was conducted to explore these criticisms. Findings revealed adequate training, multiple sources of data collection, and practices/procedures that closely adhere to child custody guidelines. However, robust, specialized domestic violence instruments, tests, and questionnaires were underutilized. Respondents indicated that findings supporting domestic violence allegations had a substantial impact on their subsequent recommendations. Results are discussed in terms of the importance of assessing domestic violence when conducting custody evaluations and the need for developing practice standards in this domain. Generally, results did not support common criticisms of custody evaluation practice.
Experiencing and Witnessing Familial Aggression and their Relationship to Physically Aggressive Behaviors among Filipino Adolescents
Authors: Maxwell Christopher D. , Maxwell Sheila Royo
Published: May 2004

The effects of family violence on children’s aggressive behaviors have been the focus of much research. However, results have been equivocal in at least the following three areas: (a) the specific effects on aggression of child-directed violence versus child-witnessed violence, (b) the salience of family violence as an explanation of aggression when other theoretically relevant explanations of aggression are controlled (i.e., peers, attachments, or moral beliefs), and(c) the gender-specific effects of family violence. Using a probability sample of adolescents from a medium-sized city in the Philippines, this article assesses the effects of child-directed and child-witnessed violence between parents on aggressive behaviors of adolescents while controlling for theoretically relevant explanations of aggression. Results show that child-witnessed and child-directed violence are positively and significantly related to self-reported aggression, that child-witnessed violence accounts for most of the variance in adolescent aggression, and that neither measures of family violence interacts with gender.
Differences in Trauma Symptoms and Family Functioning in Intra-and Extrafamilial Sexually Abused Adolescents
Authors: Bal Sarah , De Bourdeaudhuij Ilse , Crombez Geert , Van Oost Paulette
Published: May 2004

This study investigated to what extent abuse-related symptoms and family functioning are related to intra- or extrafamilial sexual abuse. One hundred adolescents (12 to 18 years old) were recruited shortly after disclosure of the abuse. Information from the participants was obtained through self-report questionnaires and a semistructured interview. Fifty-three percent of the adolescents reported clinically significant symptoms. Data did not support the idea that intrafamilial sexually abused adolescents report more symptoms than extrafamilial sexually abused adolescents. Type of abuse did not account for the differences and variety of reported symptoms or for differences in family functioning. Family functioning—in particular, lack of cohesion— was an independent contributor to internalizing trauma-related problems.
Finding Common Ground in the Study of Child Maltreatment, Youth Violence, and Adult Domestic Violence
Authors: Daro Deborah , Edleson Jeffrey L. , Pinderhughes Howard
Published: May 2004

For several decades, we have witnessed a surge in public policies aimed at ending child maltreatment, youth violence, and adult domestic violence. Commensurate with this increased interest has been a growing body of research on each issue’s etiology, affected population, and the public policy and prevention impacts. Even a cursory review of the literature suggests a number of commonalities across these forms of violence. As such, it seems timely and prudent to craft a research framework that facilitates the identification and dissemination of practice and policy innovations that can address all three concerns. This article articulates an overarching framework to guide researchers in better identifying common avenues of study. After summarizing the commonalities found across the three areas, the authors identify crosscutting issues that have particular relevance for advancing our understanding of violence and its effects on personal and social interactions.
Building Community Capacity for Violence Prevention
Authors: Sabol William J. , Coulton Claudia J. , Korbin Jill E.
Published: May 2004

The capacity of communities to prevent violence is examined fromthree perspectives: youth violence, child maltreatment, and intimate partner violence. The analysis suggests that community social control and collective efficacy are significant protective factors for all three types of violence, but these need to be further distinguished for their relationships to private, parochial, and state controls. It is argued that strong interpersonal ties are not the only contributor to collective efficacy and violence prevention. Weak ties, including those outside the community, and organizational ties are also seen as necessary. Violence prevention programs should be structured in ways that contribute to the communities’ own capacity to prevent violence.
Patterns of Childhood Sexual Abuse Characteristics and Their Relationships to Other Childhood Abuse and Adult Health
Authors: Hulme Polly A. , Agrawal Sangeeta
Published: May 2004

The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to cluster women who experienced childhood sexual abuse (CSA) according to their shared patterns of CSA characteristics and (b) to examine differences across clusters on measures of other childhood abuse and adult health. Seven CSA characteristic variables were used for cluster analysis. The seven-cluster solution that emerged ranged from a noncontact extrafamilial CSA cluster that occurred without force only once to the most severe clusters in which penetration by an intrafamilial or extrafamilial abuser occurred multiple times with force. Significant differences among clusters were found for childhood emotional abuse and physical abuse, adult physical and psychosocial symptomatology, and depression. There were no significant differences for health care utilization. The results promote further understanding of which victims of CSA are more likely to have experienced other forms of childhood abuse and which victims are more at risk for poor health in adulthood.
Rape Myth Acceptance and Rape Proclivity
Authors: Chiroro Patrick , Bohner Gerd , Viki G. Tendayi , Jarvis Christopher I.
Published: May 2004

Individuals who are high in rape myth acceptance (RMA) have been found to report a high proclivity to rape. In a series of three studies, the authors examined whether the relationship between RMA and self-reported rape proclivity was mediated by anticipated sexual arousal or anticipated enjoyment of sexually dominating the rape victim. Results of all three studies suggest that the anticipated enjoyment of sexual dominance mediates the relationship between RMA and rape proclivity, whereas anticipated sexual arousal does not. These findings are consistent with the feminist argument that rape and sexual violence may be motivated by men’s desire to exert power over women. Theoretical and practical implications of our findings are discussed.
Dissatisfaction With Relationship Power and Dating Violence Perpetration by Men and Women
Authors: Kaura Shelby A. , Allen Craig M.
Published: May 2004

This study focuses on the relationship between an individual’s dissatisfaction with the level of power they have in their dating relationships, parental violence they experienced during their childhoods, and their dating violence perpetration. A sample of 352 male and 296 female undergraduate college students completed a dating violence survey, including selected subscales from the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2) and the Relationship Power Scale. Findings show that relationship power dissatisfaction is associated with the use of violence in dating relationships for both men and women. However, parental violence emerged as an even stronger predictor of dating violence perpetration. Findings also indicate that male perpetration of dating violence is related to mother’s violence, whereas female perpetration of dating violence is related to father’s violence. The results indicate the importance of including gender in the study of dating violence perpetration.
The Scope of Sexual Victimization in Germany
Authors: Kury Helmut , Chouaf Silvia , Obergfell-Fuchs Joachim , Woessner Gunda
Published: May 2004

This study examined the sexual victimization of 309 female students in Germany. The results indicate that the majority of the subjects have been victims of minor offenses and that a minority of subjects was severely victimized. As to the relation of victim and perpetrator, the milder offenses are more likely to be committed by strangers. In contrast, the most serious offenses are more likely to be committed by perpetrators with a close relation to the victim. It was also investigated whether the perception of being victimized correlates with the subjects’ gender-role orientation and their health problems.
Ethical and Safety Considerations When Obtaining Information From or About Battered Women for Research Purposes
Authors: Sullivan Cris M. , Cain Debra
Published: May 2004

More and more researchers, evaluators, and policy makers are recognizing that in order to best understand the factors precipitating, supporting, and prohibiting intimate violence against women, we must often gather information directly from battered women themselves. Such data collection, however, is not without its risks to the women involved in such studies. It is important that researchers and evaluators consider ethical issues, especially but not limited to those related to safety and confidentiality, before attempting to gather information either directly from battered women or through their records or files. This article provides a number of practical strategies and protocols that have been used successfully when gathering sensitive information from and about women with abusive partners.
Gender Inequality, Violence Against Women, and Fear
Authors: Yodanis Carrie L.
Published: May 2004

This article presents a cross-national test of the feminist theory of violence against women. Combining data from the International Crime Victims Survey (ICVS) with United Nations statistics, the findings support the theory. Specifically, the results indicate that the educational and occupational status of women in a country is related to the prevalence of sexual violence against women. In countries where the status of women is low, prevalence of sexual violence against women tends to be higher. In turn, sexual violence is related to higher levels of fear among women relative to men. In comparison, in countries where the status of women is high, sexual violence against women is lower. The findings of this study add confirmation to the argument that we need to look beyond individual level variables to understand and develop strategies for reducing violence against and fear among women.
Community Violence and PTSD in Selected South African Townships
Authors: Dinan B. Ann , McCall George J. , Gibson Diana
Published: May 2004

Given the high rates of crime in South Africa’s townships, nonpolitical violence out-side the home and its psychological impact on women were investigated within two samples, the primary a help-seeking sample and the secondary a community sample. In the help-seeking sample, two thirds of the women reported having experienced several traumatic events outside the home. Those women displayed a median of 9 PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) symptoms, with nearly half meeting all criteria for PTSD. In the community sample, 40 women of color were interviewed at a community festival for women, and again two thirds reported having experienced several traumatic events outside the home during the previous year. These women displayed a median of 8.8 PTSD symptoms, with none meeting all criteria for PTSD. South Africa’s distinctive culture of violence is discussed as context for understanding issues of community violence and PTSD among women in its minority townships.
Phoning Logistics in a Longitudinal Follow-Up of Batterers and Their Partners
Authors: Gondolf Edward W. , Deemer Crystal
Published: May 2004

More needs to be known about the phoning logistics of interviewing subjects for longitudinal follow-up studies in the domestic violence field. Using phoning logs from a 4-year follow-up of batterer intervention, the authors calculated the number, results, and costs of phone calls from a sub sample of 100 men and 138 women. The number of calls is high (5.5 per man and 7.1 per woman), locators play a substantial role (for 25% of the men and women), and mailed questionnaires are a useful supplement (increasing response rate 5% for men and 11% for women). On average, about half of the subjects were interviewed at each interval. The main obstacle is not refusals but no response and not being able to locate a subject. Strategies to address “no response” are considered.
Effectiveness of Hotline, Advocacy, Counseling, and Shelter Services for Victims of Domestic Violence
Authors: Bennett Larry , Riger Stephanie , Schewe Paul , Howard April , Wasco Sharon
Published: May 2004

The authors report the results of an evaluation of services provided by 54 Illinois domestic violence agencies. In collaboration with the University of Illinois at Chicago evaluation team, domestic violence advocates identified services to be evaluated, specified desired outcomes of those services, and participated in developing measures of those outcomes in both English and Spanish. With in the limitations of the study, outcomes were positive in all four program areas: hotline, counseling, advocacy, and shelter. The authors then discuss implications for evaluation of domestic violence programs that maintain victim safety as a guiding principle.
Foreign Business Travel: Getting a Handle on Rising Costs
Authors: Latta Geoffrey W.
Published: May 2004

Although they are frequent and expensive, shortterm international business trips often receive less attention by employers in terms of cost control. They should be more carefully monitored and controlled. Having access to daily cost information (per diems) for business travelers_representing accommodations and meals_offers a source of data that can help an organization set a fair but cost-effective business travel policy. Another use for per diem data is to develop an accurate cost projection, which may make or break an important bid. And having several expense levels available allows management to tailor a per diem that suits not only an employee's job level and status but also his or her job responsibilities on location. In either case, efficiency and fairness can go hand in hand.
Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts: An Old Benefit With New Appeal
Authors: Gordon Pat Henley , Box-Farnen Helen
Published: May 2004

Health care flexible spending accounts (HCFSAs) were introduced in the late 1970s, when pretax contributions were first allowed under section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code. However, these benefits have been treated as a "minor league player" in a world of "major league" health plans. But with recent legislative changes and skyrocketing health care costs, HCFSAs are well positioned to become a more valuable health care benefit. To ensure that plan sponsors and employees realize the tremendous advantages that these accounts offer, plan sponsors need to put more muscle behind the promotion of HCFSAs. To be effective, employees will need a greater understanding of how these accounts will benefit them and the role HCFSAs can play in their overall health care planning processes. By encouraging participation in HCFSAs, employers can attain financial gain for themselves and their workforces and compensate for some of the rise in health care expenses. In addition, HCFSAs can help further the cause of health care cost education and bring focus to the need for more awareness and consumerism.
Adding Long-Term Care Benefits
Authors: Gordon Murray
Published: May 2004

Long-term care insurance (LTCI) is emerging as the benefit of the 21st century as an aging population looks for ways to finance quality health care in the later years and protect their savings. LTCI reimburses costs associated with nursing facility care, assisted living, adult day care, personal services needed in the home, and hospice care. Millions of working Americans are primary caregivers for aging or ill loved ones. Working caregivers often have to come in late, leave early, take time off, decline promotions, choose early retirement, or leave work altogether. Such workplace accommodations cost employers $11 billion to $29 billion annually in lost productivity. LTCI enables employees to better care for their families. Employers, in turn, benefit in increased employee retention, well-being, morale, and productivity. LTCI is available for employees, their families, and retirees and is a no-cost way for employers to enhance benefits, with tax advantages for employers and employees.
Assumptions of Coercive Treatment: A Critical Review
Authors: Norland Stephen , Sowell Robin E. , DiChiara Albert
Published: May 2004

This article draws attention to some empirical patterns in the research literature that raise questions concerning how effective the dominant modes of therapy are and whether coercive treatment is similarly successful. Several classic studies show that although clients in treatment programs do improve on their drug use, so do comparison groups comprised of people who drop out. Furthermore, this pattern of change seems to apply regardless of treatment philosophy. Contradictory assumptions among some of the programs cloud the interpretation of what brings the changes about. In addition, it is far from clear that coerced clients move closer to therapeutic objectives because of longer stays in treatment. The article concludes with recommendations for future research to address some of these issues.
Race and Misdemeanor Sentencing
Authors: Leiber Michael J. , Blowers Anita N.
Published: May 2004

This research examines the validity of an integrative theoretical approach that consists of the “liberation hypothesis” and the “focal concerns” perspective to assess the extent racial discrimination is likely to occur in misdemeanor decision making involving less serious cases. We examined decisions involving the prioritizing of cases, the granting of a continuance, conviction, and incarceration in a large county court in a southeastern state. The results fail to provide support for the belief that the likelihood of race effects is increased in cases involving less severity. Race, however, is found to influence misdemeanor decision making directly and indirectly and in interaction with a number of independent variables. The implications of the findings for future research and policy are discussed.
Applying for and Dropping a Protection Order: A Study with 150 Women
Authors: Malecha Ann , McFarlane Judith , Gist Julia , Watson Kathy , Batten Elizabeth , Hall Iva , Smith Sheila
Published: May 2004

A total of 150 women who qualified for a protection order against an intimate partner wereinterviewed on the day of application and 3 months later to study factors associated with the receipt or dropping of a protection order. At 3 months, 54% of the women received protection orders, 28% dropped the process, and 18% did not receive protection orders. Differences (p < .05) in relationship status existed at intake between the women that received or dropped the protection order. Women who dropped were more likely in current relationships with the perpetrator, whereas protection order recipients considered the perpetrator a former partner. At intake and 3 months later, women in current relationships, irrespective of protection receipt or drop, reported significantly (p < .005) more physical assaults. Relationship status is a significant correlate of abused women’s receipt or dropping of a protection order as well as the level of assault experienced.
Problem-Solving Approaches to Homicide: An Evaluation of the Indianapolis Violence Reduction Partnership
Authors: Chermak Steven , McGarrell Edmund
Published: May 2004

Indianapolis experienced record levels of homicide in the mid-1990s. Officials decided to use a problem-solving strategy that modeled a successful program implemented in Boston. The Indianapolis Violence Reduction Partnership involved a coalition of criminal justice and community agencies using a problem-solving approach to violence. The strategic response included having multiple agencies respond to homicide incidents, directing resources to crimes committed by chronic offenders, and having notification meetings with high-risk probationers and parolees. This research focuses on two issues. First, we describe the impact on homicide. Second, we evaluate the effectiveness of the notification meetings. The results indicate that homicides declined, and the evaluation of the notification meetings shows that arrestees thought the criminal justice system was more effective at responding to crime, however, probationers/parolees were not less likely to recidivate compared to a matched control group. The implications for using problem-solving strategies to respond to homicide are discussed.
“YOU'RE NOT A RETARD, YOU'RE JUST WISE”
Authors: TAYLOR STEVEN J.
Published: May 2004

This study examines the social meaning of disability and the construction of social identity in a family whose members, as well as numerous kin and friends, have been officially defined as handicapped, disabled, or mentally retarded. As a point of departure for examining family members' perspectives, this article briefly reviews the literature on disability and stigma. In contrast to current theories, the family in this study has constructed a life world in which disability is not stigmatizing or problematic for their identities. This article examines, in depth, how family members and their broader social network construct the meaning of disability labels in nonstigmatizing ways and define themselves and each other in terms of their personal characteristics and family relationships. The conclusion of this article considers some factors that seem to account for the family's ability to avoid the stigma and stained identities associated with mental retardation and other disabilities.
The Micropolitics of Identity in Adverse Circumstance
Authors: PATERNITI DEBORA A.
Published: May 2004

This article is about the micropolitics of identity construction by residents in a total institution. Data come from two hundred hours of participant observation during a four-month period of full-time employment as a nurse aide. Interactional analysis of observations suggests that residents' personal narratives, whether real or imagined, become who some residents conceive themselves to be and define residents' expectations for interactional others. Changes in institutional culture occur as staff begin to recognize in interaction the ways residents think of themselves. The narrative accounts and interactional struggles to define self that the author discovered in the institution are not unlike conceptions and processes of identity construction, maintenance, and change that confront all human actors. These accounts provide insight into the liberating possibilities of personal identity claims.
“Sixth Grade Madness”
Authors: CHIN TIFFANI
Published: May 2004

This ethnographic look at sixth graders and their parents as they apply to private high schools highlights the emotion work parents do as they push their children through a process they dislike. Parents manage their own emotions, forcing themselves to believe that the private school system is necessary, so that they can manage their children's emotions: motivating them, preparing them for disappointment, and comforting them. This emotion work challenges and deepens social, cultural, and human capital theories by problematizing the transfer of capital resources. It shows that, unlike the automatic inheritance of money, the inheritance of other forms of capital is done through a great deal of work, tension, and anxiety for parents and children. It also demonstrates, through the exploration of an extreme case, the parental work involved in securing a good education for children and the dilemmas parents face trying to motivate children and make them feel confident and loved.
Gender and Territoriality in Games Played by Nine- to Twelve-Year-Old Schoolchildren
Authors: KELLE HELGA
Published: May 2004

Taking recent ethnomethodological insights into gender as an ongoing interactional accomplishment as a starting point, a research group conducted an ethnographic exploration of the practices of gender differentiation among nine- to twelve-year-old schoolchildren in Germany. This article deals with a small segment of these practices: spontaneous territorial games, characterized by a high degree of physical activity in which the children split up into gender-homogeneous teams. Based on the detailed analysis of two recess situations, the article explores how gender-defined territories are achieved interactionally and how gender polarity is thus staged. The concluding play-theoretical reflections in particular show that territorial games simplify, alienate, and aestheticize gender arrangements.