bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Randomized controlled trials of treatments for hematologic malignancies
Authors: Yanada Masamitsu , Narimatsu Hiroto , Suzuki Takeshi , Matsuo Keitaro , Naoe Tomoki
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND

Although randomized controlled trials (RCTs) require a great deal of time, money, and effort, the majority of them have resulted in failure to verify a priori hypotheses. Therefore, the intention in the current study was to clarify the differential elements of studies with ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ outcomes.

METHODS

The authors performed a comprehensive search of RCT reports on treatments for hematologic malignancies published between 1995 and 2004, with 264 reports eventually identified. The expected rate and the observed rate for the primary endpoint were compared for 70 studies with all relevant information available.

RESULTS

Of all the superiority trials (n = 256), positive studies accounted for 33%. Most of the major study characteristics were not found to be associated with the study outcome except for the primary endpoint. Studies evaluating event‐free survival were more likely to report positive results than were those evaluating overall survival (P = .061). For the experimental treatment arm, the mean difference between the expected and observed rates was −10.1% (standard deviation [SD], 10.1%) in the negative studies, which indicates a rate lower than expected, and was 1.3% (SD, 9.2%) in the positive studies (P < .0001). In contrast, no statistical significance was observed for the standard treatment arm because the mean difference was 6.3% (SD, 10.7%) for the negative studies and 3.0% (SD, 9.0%) for the positive studies (P = .1885). The journal impact factor was statistically significantly higher for the positive than for the negative reports (P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Giving adequate consideration to the estimated effect of an experimental therapy may be critical when planning an RCT. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Primary Gleason pattern does not impact survival after permanent interstitial brachytherapy for Gleason score 7 prostate cancer
Authors: Merrick Gregory S. , Galbreath Robert W. , Butler Wayne M. , Waller Kent E. , Allen Zachariah A. , Lief Jonathan , Adamovich Edward
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND

The impact of primary Gleason pattern was determined on cause‐specific (CSS), biochemical progression‐free (bPFS), and overall survival (OS) after brachytherapy for Gleason score 7 prostate cancer.

METHODS

From April 1995 to October 2003, 530 patients underwent brachytherapy for Gleason score 3+4 (n = 300) or Gleason 4+3 (n = 230) prostate cancer. All patients underwent brachytherapy more than 3 years before analysis. The median follow‐up was 5.7 years. Of the 530 patients, 412 (77.7%) received supplemental external beam radiation therapy (XRT) and 177 (33.4%) received androgen deprivation therapy. bPFS was defined by a prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) ≤0.40 ng/mL after nadir. Multiple parameters were evaluated as predictors of CSS, bPFS, and OS.

RESULTS

At 10 years, Gleason 3+4 versus 4+3 did not predict for CSS (96.7% vs 93.3%, P = .506), bPFS (97.0% vs 92.9%, P = .085), or OS (77.0% vs 78.0%, P = .933). Cox linear regression analysis demonstrated that clinical stage and radiation dose (D90) predicted for CSS, whereas pretreatment PSA, clinical stage, and prostate size predicted for bPFS. Patient age, diabetes, and tobacco were the strongest predictors for OS. To date, 57 patients have died, with 80.7% due to cardiovascular/pulmonary events or secondary malignancies. Five patients have died of prostate cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

The primary Gleason pattern did not impact CSS, bPFS, or OS in Gleason score 7 prostate cancer. Deaths from cardiovascular/pulmonary disease and second malignancies were 9.6 times more common than death from prostate cancer. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Sharp integral inequalities for harmonic functions
Authors: Hang Fengbo , Wang Xiaodong , Yan Xiaodong
Published: June 2007

Motivated by Carleman's proof of isoperimetric inequality in the plane, we study some sharp integral inequalities for harmonic functions on the upper half‐space. We also derive the regularity for nonnegative solutions of the associated integral system and some Liouville‐type theorems. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Dyadic Sensitizer for Dye Solar Cells with High Energy‐Transfer Efficiency in the Device
Authors: Siegers Conrad , Hohl‐Ebinger Jochen , Zimmermann Boris , Würfel Uli , Mülhaupt Rolf , Hinsch Andreas , Haag Rainer
Published: June 2007

A new bichromophoric dyad based on an alkyl‐functionalized aminonaphthalimide as energy‐donor chromophore and [Ru(dcbpy)2(acac)]Cl (dcbpy=4,4′‐dicarboxybipyridine, acac=acetylacetonato) as energy acceptor and sensitizing chromophore is synthesized. Efficient quenching of the donor‐chromophore emission is observed in solution, presumably due to resonant energy transfer. This dyad is then used as a sensitizer in a dye solar cell. By comparing the spectral properties of transparent dye solar cells sensitized with the dyad and [Ru(dcbpy)2(acac)]Cl, it is possible to demonstrate that photons absorbed by the donor moiety also contribute significantly to the generation of current. Instead of using acceptor luminescence as a probe, enhanced photocurrent generation is employed to estimate the energy‐transfer efficiency. Fitting theoretical to experimental external quantum efficiency functions gives a value for the energy‐transfer efficiency of 85 %. Evaluation of the maximum output power of dye solar cells sensitized with the dyad and [Ru(dcbpy)2(acac)]Cl showed, under selective illumination at the absorption maximum of the donor chromophore, that the introduction of the energy‐donor moiety leads to a significant increase in the monochromatic maximum output power under blue illumination. This result demonstrates the usefulness of energy transfer for the generation of current in dye‐sensitized solar cells.
Is Plasma Concentration of NT‐Pro‐Brain Natriuretic Peptide Associated with Left Ventricle Hypertrophy among Hemodialysis Patients?
Authors: Kadiroglu Ali Kemal , Sit Dede , Kayabasi Hasan , Kara Ismail Hamdi , Yilmaz M. Emin , Batum Sabri
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association of plasma amino terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) level with left ventricle hypertrophy (LVH) among hemodialysis (HD) patients.

METHODS

We evaluated 65 patients on maintenance HD (28 women, 37 men) treated thrice weekly by low‐flux hollow‐fiber dialyzers for at least 6 months. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to whether they had LVH. NT‐proBNP concentration of the patients was measured before and after the HD session. Cardiac parameters were detected by echocardiography after the day of HD after the session.

RESULTS

In group 1 were the 34 patients who were LVH(−) (19 women and 15 men) and in group 2 were the 31 patients who were LVH(+) (9 women and 22 men). Mean left ventricular posterior wall diameter (LVPWd) was 0.87 ± 0.16 cm in group 1 and 1.28 ± 0.16 cm in group 2 (p < .001). Men were predominant in group 2 (p = .029). The patients in group 2 were older than those in group 1 (p = .033). There were no significant differences between the groups in pre‐HD and post‐HD NT‐proBNP levels (p = .163 and p = .327, respectively). We did not find any significant relationship between mean concentration of pre‐HD NT‐proBNP and LVPWd (r = 0.064, p = 0.612). A positive correlation was found between mean concentration of pre‐HD NT‐proBNP with age (r = 0.281, p = 0.023), MAP (r = 0.469, p < 0.001), and left atrial diameter (r = 0.322, p = 0.009).

CONCLUSION

Although increased serum levels of NT‐proBNP in HD patients was found to be related to LAd, an indicator of hypervolemia, there was no association between NT‐proBNP and LVH. Elevation of NT‐proBNP is affected by multiple factors such as age, sex, arterial blood pressure, and dialyzer membrane.
Developmental psychology in the real world: A paradigm of parent education
Authors: Clarke‐Stewart K. Alison
Published: June 2007

Twenty years ago, William Kessen, Greta Fein and I developed and tested a model of parent education, a model which involved variation in curricular content, didactic approaches, and child outcomes–experimentally contrasted. Our experience yielded some valuable lessons about the extent to which researchers can influence parents' behaviour, and parents their children's development. In the present article I suggest that these lessons might be useful for researchers now as they were for us then. I present some observations about the research that developmental psychologists have done in the intervening two decades and suggest that we could learn much by using such a model of parent education to answer questions about the effets of parents' behaviour on children's development. Carefully done, parent education studies can yield valuable information about many of the questions raised in recent correlational research. Parent training research can suggest hypotheses that can be tested with data collected non‐interventively and analysed in causal model analyses–and vice versa. What is more, because one reason for studying parent effects is so that we can offer guidance to parents about rearing their children, this design has a particular advantage; it is both the medium and the message.
Quantitative evaluation of infant behaviour and mother–infant interaction: An overview of a japanese interdisciplinary programme of research
Authors: Kobayashi Noboru , Ishii Takemochi , Watanabe Tomio
Published: June 2007

This paper provides an overview of an interdisciplinary programme of research started more than 20 years ago at the University of Tokyo. A major aim of this programme was (and still is) to develop methods and related forms of quantitative analysis that provide rigorous evaluations of infant behaviour from a particular theoretical perspective. In one part of the programme telethermography is used to measure emotional changes in young infants. Contrary to the accepted view in attachment theory, infants as young as 2–3 months showed evidence of stress following separation from the mother (as indexed by a drop in the skin temperature of the infant's forehead). In another part, we established the presence of interpersonal synchrony between arm movements of the newborn and the speech of the mother and other adults, using computer assisted pattern recognition techniques. On the basis of this finding, we have proposed a simulation model of mother‐infant interaction from the perspective of system information theory. In general, our programme of research provides a theoretically driven set of techniques and analytical approaches that may provide deeper insights into early development and parenting.
Autonomy and Interdependence in Japanese and American Mother–Toddler Dyads
Authors: Messinger Daniel , Freedman Daniel G.
Published: June 2007

This study investigated two hypotheses: (a) Japanese mother‐toddler dyads will work together more interdependently than American mother‐toddler dyads; (b) American toddlers will act more autonomously than Japanese toddlers. The hypotheses were investigated using videotapes of 10‐minute shape‐fitting interactions of 12 Caucasian American and 12 Japanese national mothers visiting the United States and their 24‐ to 31‐month‐olds (matched by mean age, gender and birth order). A significant MANOVA and subsequent stepdown analyses revealed: (a) that Japanese mothers more frequently assisted their toddlers in fitting a shape before the toddlers had tried to fit the shape on their own (interdependence); (b) that American toddlers did not attempt to fit more shapes on their own (autonomy); and (c) that more American toddlers left the task than did Japanese toddlers (autonomy). The results indicate greater interdependent task‐engagement among Japanese mother‐toddler dyads. Greater autonomy on the part of American dyads was evident not in how they did the task, but rather in toddlers choosing to leave the assigned task. Discussion focuses on the implications of these nationality differences for understanding possible differences in early socialization.
The effects of baby bath and massage by fathers on the family system: The sunraysia australia intervention project
Authors: Samuels Curtis A. , Scholz Kim , Edmundson Stella
Published: June 2007

Instruction in baby massage and the Burleigh Relaxation Bath technique was given to one‐half of our sample of 32 couples who had just had their first child. This brief intervention, given at 4 weeks post‐partum, led to beneficial behavioural and psychological effects for the family system when assessed at 12 weeks postpartum. Depression and marital satisfaction were assessed with mothers and fathers at 4 weeks and 12 weeks after the birth of their child, and self‐esteem was measured at 12 weeks only. The mothers and fathers who were shown baby bathing and massage techniques showed higher degrees of marital satisfaction and self‐esteem, as well as lower levels of depression at 12 weeks post‐partum, than parents who did not receive instruction. It seems likely that brief interventions which educate new parents concerning functional techniques of baby care may favourably affect their feelings of competence and be of benefit to the entire family system.
The accuracy of maternal self‐reports: Agreement between reports on a computer simulation compared with observed behaviour in the supermarket
Authors: Holden George W. , Ritchie Kathy L. , Coleman Susan D.
Published: June 2007

The validity of maternal self‐reports about their parenting behaviour is evaluated with two studies. In both studies, the mothers were observed shopping in the supermarket with their 2‐year‐old children. One week later they responded to multiple choice questions on a computer that simulated the experience of shopping with their children. The exact agreement between the two types of data was then assessed. The results from the first study involving 28 mothers revealed some agreement, although it was generally low. In an effort to increase the level of agreement, the computer simulation was revised to allow multiple responses and to clarify some of the simulation vigenettes. A replication study resulted in a considerably higher level of agreement for 22 mothers. Implications of this method for researchers and practitioners are discussed.
Multilevel models in developmental psychological research: Rationales and applications
Authors: Hoeksma Jan B. , Koomen Helma M. Y.
Published: June 2007

The armoury of statistical techniques has recently been enhanced with the multilevel model for longitudinal data. The present article explains the multilevel model for longitudinal data to the statistically non‐sophisticated reader. It shows how the model relates to the five rationales of longitudinal research, as they were put forward by Baltes and Nesselroade (1979). In addition, it shows how the model matches Wohlwill's methodology of developmental functions. To elucidate the model further, three applications are given. The applications pertain to the development of children's sleeping duration during the first 18 months of life, the effects of early hospitalization on the daily frequency of crying, and the developmental relationship between social and solitary play.
Maternal interactive behaviour towards children with and children without cleft lip and palate
Authors: Koomen Helma M. Y. , Hoeksma Jan B.
Published: June 2007

The present study examined qualitative and quantitative differences in maternal interactive behaviour towards infants with and without cleft lip and palate (CLP). Thirty‐three mother‐child pairs with CLP and 34 pairs without CLP were videotaped at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of age in two sorts of play situations at home. In addition, the mothers were questioned by letter about their ability to recognize and interpret the child's signals; their willingness to respond to such signals; and the duration of shared daily activities in the context of feeding and play. The results showed that mothers of CLP children are somewhat less sensitive than other mothers. In addition, it appeared that CLP children play less with other people. Longer feeding times for CLP children appeared to be restricted to the age of 3 months. It is suggested that mothers of CLP children may be comparatively directive and stimulating because of uncertainty about additional deficiencies. Furthermore, they may be inclined to keep their children away from the outside world.
The influence of Japanese mothers' styles of emotional expression on thirteen‐month‐old infants' reactions to a stranger
Authors: Sogon Shunya , Masutani Makoto , Imakawa Shinji , Mototsune Maori
Published: June 2007

The present study investigated the hypothesized influence of mothers' styles of emotional expression on infants' responses to the stranger in Episode 3, the Ainsworth Strange Situation. One hundred and thirty‐five mothers volunteered for this experiment with their 13‐month‐olds. The mothers' answers on an expression style questionnaire (EESQ) were factor analysed. According to their mothers' factor scores, infants were divided into four groups, those having (a) expressive type mothers (N = 40), (b) suppressive type mothers (N = 39), (c) positive expressive type mothers (N = 31), and (d) negative expressive type mothers (N = 25). The infants' behaviours were analysed in 5‐sec intervals. The infants having expressive type mothers showed a strong interest in the stranger and interacted with her willingly. The infants having suppressive type mothers exhibited less smiling and much freezing behaviour. The infants having positive expressive type mothers reacted with more smiling, much bodily contact behaviour with the mother and less crying. The infants having negative expressive type mothers showed more often crying and frequent head orientation towards the stranger.
Development of child autonomy in eating and toilet training: One‐ to three‐year‐old Japanese and French children
Authors: Norimatsu Hiroko
Published: June 2007

This study analyses the interface between children's culture and their development as they learn to perform the daily activities of eating and toileting in culturally appropriate ways.

Thirty‐three Japanese and 36 French children 12‐31 months of age and adults' interventions were observed in public day care centres in Tokyo and in Paris. Within the same time frame, a survey was conducted among the adults (parents and nursery staff) to examine their developmental expectations for children.

Observations reveal differences between children's learning in the two countries. Toilet training begins at a later age in Japan and is learned more quickly, whereas learning to eat alone begins earlier than in France but is acquired at a slower pace. The analysis of the surveys shows some discrepancy between adults' conceptions and actual interactions.

In both countries, the developmental decrease in physical intervention corresponded with the progress of the child, but adult interventions and strategies varied according to the different cultures. The presence of Japanese adults is greater than those in France, but this does not mean that they intervene physically more often. Finally, instrumental independence begins slightly earlier in Japan.
The social environments of early infancy in Japan and the United States
Authors: Barratt Marguerite Stevenson , Negayama Koichi , Minami Tetsuhiro
Published: June 2007

The social environments of early infancy in Japan and the United States were compared in terms of the context of caregiving and the quality of the month‐infant interaction. Mothers of 17 Japanese infants and 17 infants in the United States were interviewed in their homes about the experiences that they provided for their 4‐month‐old infants, and mother‐infant interactions were recorded on videotape. Levels of parents' education were similar in both countries. The context of the infant's development varied substantially with culture. Mothers in the United States provided a greater variety of experiences on the HOME and care of Japanese infants tended to be more exclusively provided by mothers whereas care of infants in the United States was shared by fathers and other caregivers to a greater extent. Examination of behaviour frequencies during mother‐infant interaction indicated that mothers in Japan provided their infants with more vocal input and more physical play than mothers in the United States and Japanese mothers were more vocally responsive to their infants' vocalizations.
Control and responsiveness in Japanese and German mother‐child interactions
Authors: Trommsdorff Gisela , Friedlmeier Wolfgang
Published: June 2007

The present study aims to examine culturally invariant and culture‐specific patterns of mother‐child interaction, and, more specifically, to explore the stability and change of such interactions in structurally different situations. Starting from a control theoretical framework (primary and secondary control), we expected that differences in stress induced by differently structured achievement demands would affect mother‐child interactions in Japan and Germany differently. For Japanese as compared to German mothers, less primary control and more responsiveness was expected as a result of the cultural value of social orientation. The sample consisted of 20 mother‐child dyads (5‐year‐old girls) in each culture. The experimental procedure confronted each mother‐child dyad with three different situations varying with respect to induced stress (from no stress to high stress). The mother‐child interactions were videotaped and analysed in regard to control behaviour and responsiveness. Cultural differences with respect to control behaviour were observed in the expected direction only for high‐stress situations. Also, Japanese mothers were more responsive in all three situations. Mother's responsiveness was related to child's secondary control in both cultures. Furthermore, Japanese children showed more secondary control than German children.
Practices and representations of child care and motor development among West Africans in Paris
Authors: Rabain‐Jamin Jacqueline , Wornham Wendy L.
Published: June 2007

Massage techniques and postural manipulation used by West African women immigrants in Paris were studied, with the aim of demonstrating that culturally regulated caretaking practices have an influence on infant motor development. Twenty‐five infants were observed between the ages of 3 and 12 months and 9 and 15 months. Frequency of massage and its accompanying set of physical exercises were found to be related to age at onset of independent walking. The findings show that infants receiving daily massage walk significantly earlier than infants who do not receive massage, thus confirming other reports that vestibular and postural stimulation have a positive effect on motor development. These results are discussed in relation to the observed frequencey of contact and of physical games with the caregiver for a smaller sample of three infants, and to parental expectations about the age of acquisition of certain cognitive and motor abilities. African immigrant mothers expect their infants to sit and to walk earlier than French mothers. The conclusion emphasizes the contribution of social anthropology, which shows that in all cultures, physical development and body changes elicit symbolic practices and a search for explanation.
The parental support networks of mothers and fathers: A multidimensional approach
Authors: Melson Gail F. , Hsu Hui‐Chin , Ladd Gary W.
Published: June 2007

This paper argues for a multidimensional approach to the study of the social support networks of mothers and fathers of young children. Network structure (e. g. size, density, member characteristics), support content (e. g. emotional, informational, economic and child care) and support quality (e. g. helpfulness, satisfaction with support, conflict associated with support and willingness to access support in future need) are distinguished. The goals of the study were: (1) to empirically test the multidimensionality of parental support networks; (2) to assess the relations among these three dimensions for mothers and for fathers; and (3) to examine how couples' support networks are interrelated. Individual at‐home interviews were conducted with 100 parents to derive measures of parental support structure, content and quality. Fathers (N = 31) were compared to their spouses (N = 31) and to a comparison group of demographically similar married mothers (N = 38). For all three groups, the same three predicted dimensions emerged in the factor structure of their networks; in general, few gender differences were found. However, relations among structure, content and quality differed by gender, with network structure predicting support content and quality only for mothers. The network structure of couples was positively correlated, and overlap in network members was related to own and spouse's network helpfulness, satisfaction and child care support.
Infant–mother social referencing interactions: Description and antecedents in maternal sensitivity and infant irritability
Authors: Hagekull Berit , Stenberg Gunilla , Bohlin Gunilla
Published: June 2007

The purpose of the study was to describe naturally occurring infant and maternal behaviours in terms of social referencing in a stranger wariness situation, and to explore antecedents to such behaviouts in early maternal sensitivity and infant irritability. One hundred and ten 10‐months‐old infants and their mothers were videotaped. Infant social referencing behaviour was defined as puzzled looks directed at mother's face after the infant had discovered the stranger. Almost half of the infants looked with a puzzled expression at their mothers immediately after discovering the stranger, and a majority of the mothers sent a positive message back to the infants. Twenty per cent of the infants never looked at their mothers and 20% of the mothers did not respond when their infants turned to them. Infants whose mothers had responded positively to the referencing look showed positive responses to the stranger to a higher degree than infants who did not reference or those who were not responded to. Antecedents to infant and mother interactive behaviours were sought in maternal sensitivity (general sensitivity, physical contact, responsiveness, intrusiveness, response to distress, and effectiveness in comforting) and in infant irritability as observed when the infants were 4 months old. It was found that infants who did not reference their mothers for information at 10 months had experienced less sensitive mothering 6 months earlier and had also shown more irritability.
Prenatal discrimination of a male and a female voice uttering the same sentence
Authors: Lecanuet J.‐P. , Granier‐Deferre C. , Jacquet A.‐Y. , Capponi I. , Ledru L.
Published: June 2007

Using a habituation/dishabituation procedure, near‐term foetuses (36‐39 weeks gestational age) were tested in a low variability HR state, to examine whether they could discriminate between a male and a female voice repeatedly uttering the same short sentence. Prosody and loudness of the two voices were controlled. Once the foetal heart rate (HR) habituated to the first voice, the effect of a second voice was investigated in two experimental conditions: male/female voice and female/male voice. HR variations after the onset of the second voice were compared to those occurring in two control conditions in which the same voice was presented twice (male/female voice and female/female voice). Highly conservative statistical criteria taking each subject's pre‐stimulus HR variability into account showed that most foetuses exposed to the voice change displayed decelerative cardiac changes, with no significant difference between the two conditions. These HR decelerations were found in the first seconds following the onset of the new voice, and reached their peak amplitude within 10 s in most subjects. These responses lasted more than 10 s for two‐thirds of the experimental subjects. Mostly transient HR accelerations and only a few decelerative changes were recorded in the control subjects. Furthermore, mean amplitudes of these changes were significantly lower than the HR decelerations induced by the new voice in the experimental conditions, suggesting that the latter were not spontaneous HR modifications but rather cardiac responses to the voice change. It is argued that near‐term foetuses may perceive a difference between voice characteristics of two speakers when they are highly contrasted for fundamental frequency and timbre.
Melodies in caregivers' speech: A species‐specific guidance towards language
Authors: Papoušek Mechthild
Published: June 2007

The author reports on a series of integrated studies on melodic contours in infant‐directed (ID) speech. ID melodies in speech are taken as an instructive example of intuitive parenting in order to review current evidence on its forms, functions and determinants. The forms and functions of melodic prototypes are compared in terms of universal properties and individual and/or cultural variability across samples of German, Chinese and American mothers, and German mothers and fathers with their 2‐ and 3‐month‐old infants. Microanalyses of interactional contexts show that forms and functions of ID melodies are intimately related to typical dimensions of intuitive caregiving–arousing/soothing, turnyielding/turn‐closing, approving/disapproving. The communicative functions of ID melodies as both categorical and graded signals are discussed with respect to the current knowledge on infant responses to ID speech and on early speech perception. According to a comprehensive longitudinal study of ID speech in relation to stages of infant vocalization, ID speech results from fine‐tuned adjustments in various prosodic and linguistic features to developmental changes in infants' perceptual and vocal competence. ID melodies evidently have the potential to draw infant attention to caregivers' speech, to regulate arousal and affect in infants, to provide models for imitation, to guide infants in practising communicative subroutines and to mediate linguistic information. Current evidence suggests that the melodies in caregivers' speech provide a species‐specific guidance towards language acquisition.
Evolutionary roots of intuitive parenting: Maternal competence in chimpanzees
Authors: Bard Kim A.
Published: June 2007

Intuitive parenting behaviours have been shown to be universal in humans and appear to be based on psychobiological preadaptedness. This study is an exploration of the evolutionary roots of intuitive parenting through naturalistic observation of mother chimpanzees' interaction with their very young infants. Maternal competence is demonstrated initially through the behaviours of carrying the newborn infant and allowing the infant to nurse. Very early mother–infant interactions include play, ‘exercise’, cradling and grooming. Chimpanzee mothers also assess their offspring's behavioural state and muscle tone through visual inspections and movement of legs, arms, fingers and toes. Chimpanzee mothers and infants, as early as 2 weeks of age, spend some time in mutual gaze. Neonatal chimpanzees are capable of sustained face‐to‐face interactions, as these were observed in nursery‐reared chimpanzee interactions with human adults; however, it appears that chimpanzee mothers encourage mutual gaze with their infants for only brief durations. Chimpanzees with good maternal competence exhibit sensitive responsivity to infants' communicatory signals. Thus the results of this study support the claim that there are evolutionary and comparative foundations of intuitive parenting evident in the maternal behaviour and maternal competence of chimpanzees.
Eye contact and vocal responsiveness in squirrel monkey infants and their caregivers
Authors: Biben Maxeen
Published: June 2007

Seventeen newborn squirrel monkeys, housed socially with their mothers and other adult females, were observed during their first 10 days of life. As early as day 1, infants began responding, vocally as well as by eye contact, to vocalizations and gaze directed to them by mothers and allomothers (aunts). Visual contact appeared always to be initiated by the adults. Infants spent less than 4% of awake time in eye contact with adults, but most infant‐directed vocalizing occurred during these episodes, when both mothers and allomothers greatly increased their rate of calling. Infants were more likely to respond to vocalizations directed to them while in eye contact; 72% of infants' responsive vocalizing occurred then. These data are compared to those for human mothers and infants, where eye contact has also been shown to stimulate vocal exchange. A functional explanation of the involvement of allomothers, based on the infant's clinging position, is discussed.
Communication in preterm infants: Why is it different?
Authors: Van Beek Yolanda , Samson Janny F.
Published: June 2007

The present paper selectively reviews the literature which compares full‐term and preterm infants' communication with their mothers in the first year of life. The review is focused not only on what differences are found between full‐term and preterm infants, but also why such differences exist. Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of interpreting the findings in the light of the developmental phase of the infants, the heterogeneity of the preterm population and the situation in which communication is studied. Most studies were not designed to consider these issues in any detail. Differences with respect to these factors can be found between studies, however, which may have contributed to the often contradictory findings. Consequently, comparisons between these studies provide clues about the effects of these factors on communicative development. The ultimate goal of this review is to point to important directions for future research on early communication in preterm infants.
The effect of situation familiarity on the establishment of co‐references between mother and infant
Authors: Danis Agnès , Saules Robert
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the familiarity or the novelty of play objects available during mother‐infant interaction has an effect on the mother's ability to capture and maintain the infant's attention. Twelve mother‐infant dyads with 5‐ and 9‐month‐old infants were filmed during two 5‐minute sessions with familiar or unfamiliar toys. Changes in the infant's visual orientation preceded by a maternal behaviour within a 3‐sec interval were studied. In the familiar toy situation, the infants focused more frequently on the maternal referent than with the unfamiliar toys. The mother's verbal and non‐verbal interventions were more effective at initiating and maintaining co‐reference, because the infant was more frequently in an receptive state. Conversely, when the toys were unfamiliar, the baby was often the initiator. Unfamiliar objects, which appear more attractive, may compete with the mother's attempts to gain the child's attention.
A typical interaction behaviour between fathers and toddlers: Teasing
Authors: Labrell Florence
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this article is threefold. First, it presents teasing behaviours towards the infant through the notion of ‘expectancy violation’, and defines what parental teasing may consist of. Secondly, the paper summarizes empirical data which show that teasing concerns more paternal than maternal behaviours. Thirdly, we speculate about a positive impact of this kind of typical paternal behaviour on cognitive and social development, as it introduces novelty and ambiguity, which must be processed, as well as negotiation of a struggle.
Interaction between mother and pre‐term infant at 34 weeks post‐conceptional age
Authors: Eizirik Lígia S. , Bohlin Gunilla , Hagekull Berit
Published: June 2007

The impact of premature birth and perinatal medical status on early mother–infant interaction was assessed in 75 dyads with pre‐term infants divided into three groups. Infants' gestational age at birth and need for neonatal intensive care intervention differentiated the groups: group 1, 23–31 weeks with intensive care; group 2, 32–35 weeks with intensive care; group 3, 32–35 weeks with no intensive care. The methodological approach was based on observations of the dyads performed when the infant reached a post. conceptional age of 34 weeks (4 weeks before estimated due date of delivery). The observations were conducted in the neonatal nursery during cleaning, face‐to‐face and feeding interactions. Significant group differences were found in infant distress, maternal sensitivity to the infant and dyadic behaviours of positive interaction. Group 1 dyads showed higher scores or more desirable performance than dyads of group 3. Group 2 dyads usually achieved intermediate scores and performed better than dyads of group 3, especially during the feeding situation. We suggest that, in addition to a possible emergence of maternal compensatory mechanisms in the higher‐risk groups, the amount of dyadic experience after birth affects the quality of mother–infant interaction at this early stage.
Evaluation of an islandwide screening, assessment and treatment program
Authors: Scarr Sandra , McCartney Kathleen , Miller Shari , Hauenstein Emily , Ricciuti Anne
Published: June 2007

This article reports on the effectiveness of the Islandwide Screening, Assessment, and Treatment Program of the Child Development Project in Bermuda. From 1982 to 1984, approximately 1100 families with 2‐year‐old children were screened for children's cognitive and language delay, for behaviour management problems and for other home characteristics that put children at risk for later school failure. Children who failed the screening and subsequent assessment procedures (of whom random samples received treatment) and samples of others who passed screening and assessment were evaluated from 1984 to 1986 at 4 years of age. This article focuses on the results of the cognitive and language programs; the more problematic behaviour management analyses were reported elsewhere (Miller and Scarr, 1988). The screening procedures and assessment measures developed for this project were themselves evaluated and adjusted to maximize efficiency and costeffectiveness. The screening and assessment procedures proved effective in bringing to the attention of the Child Development Project those families and children who need developmental services, and in not overidentifying normal children as potentially delayed in development. Two kinds of treatment services were compared: The Mother‐Child Home Program (MCHP), administered by paraprofessional toy demonstrators, and other interventions tailored by professionals to the language and cognitive problems of the child (called ‘tailored programs’). Children who were not extremely delayed or disturbed were randomly assigned either to the MCHP or to a tailored program. Neither intervention program was preferable to the other. Even though improved, the 4‐year‐olds identified as developmentally delayed at 24 months still lagged behind children who passed all parts of screening and those who failed screening but passed assessment 2 years earlier. The screening and assessment procedures were very effective in the early identification of children with developmental problems, but the treatment programs failed to bring most children to normal levels of cognitive and language functioning.
Early behaviour and its relation to behaviour at 3 years
Authors: Dittrichová J. , Paul K. , Sobotková D. , Tautermannová M. , Vondráček J.
Published: June 2007

In 34 healthy 1‐month‐old infants sleep, waking, crying and conditioning were analysed in detail. Intellectual functioning and coping with an unfamiliar situation were assessed at the age of 3 years. Likewise, the social environment including mother‐infant interaction was considered. The majority of sleep and waking parameters assessed during the first month did not correlate with outcome data at 3 years. Rather, it was those concerning conditioning at 1 month that significantly correlated with coping in an unfamiliar situation at 3 years, a finding in accordance with neurophysiological concepts concerning stimulus sensitivity. More sensitive infants at 1 month had problems in coping with an unfamiliar situation at 3 years. In the light of these results we suggest that factors related to central nervous system processes play a role in coping with unfamiliar situations.
Maternal depressed mood and stress as related to vigilance, self‐efficacy and mother‐child interactions
Authors: Fox Cathie Radin , Gelfand Donna M.
Published: June 2007

Parenting self‐efficacy, maternal vigilance, competence and child behaviour were studied in a community sample of mothers of 18‐36‐month‐old children. Thirty dysphoric mothers had elevated Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores (12–16) and 30 nondysphoric mothers had BDIs <5. Dysphoric mothers were more stressed, less happily married, less effective as parents and described their children as less competent and responsive than did non‐dysphoric mothers. When completing a distracting questionnaire task, all mothers were less vigilant and their children less well behaved than during free play. Stressed, dysphoric mothers were observed to be less sensitive, responsive, warm, vigilant and effective in controlling their children, and their children were more destructive, and less happy, responsive and compliant. Combined maternal stress and dysphoria were associated with generally negative perceptions of self and child, and negative mother‐child interactions.
A North American perspective on the psychological maltreatment of children
Authors: Fortin Andrée , Chamberland Claire
Published: June 2007

Psychological maltreatment may be the most common form of abuse suffered by North American children within the family environment. However, little effort has been directed towards eliminating and preventing it. The present article emphasizes the importance of thoroughly understanding the phenomenon so that effective intervention strategies can be developed. North American research studies of child maltreatment are reviewed and discussed with particular emphasis placed upon the manifestations of psychological maltreatment, the scope and the consequences of the problem, and the identification of associated risk factors. The paper identifies several areas for improvement before successful interventions can be conceptualized.
Cross‐sectional study of coordination between infants' gaze and vocalizations towards their mothers
Authors: D'Odorico L. , Cassibba R.
Published: June 2007

The study aimed at providing more precise information about infants' capacity to coordinate their vocalizations with gaze towards their mothers. A total of 32 infants were observed, four boys and four girls in each of four age groups (4, 6, 8 and 10 months), in an observational setting aimed at minimizing infants' casual looks to their mothers. Videotapes of mother‐infant‐toy interactions were coded separately for infants' vocalizations and gaze towards their mothers, and the difference between observed and expected cooccurrence of these two communicative behaviours was evaluated by transfromation into z‐scores. Results indicate that only at 10 months of age do infants develop the ability to coordinate vocalizations and gazes towards mother. Moreover, more competent subjects show temporal relationships between gaze and vocalizations different from those observed in less competent subjects.
The interpretation of discrepancies in multimethod research: A comparison of children's negotiations in two research contexts
Authors: Leonard Rosemary
Published: June 2007

Although multimethod research has a large number of advocates, problems arise in the interpretation of any discrepancies between results. This paper identifies three approaches to their interpretation: hierarchical validity, cross‐validity and triangulation. The first assumes that methods can be ranked in order of validity so that lower ranking methods can be validated against higher ranking methods. The second assumes there is no hierarchy and that multiple methods are desirable to overcome the weaknesses in any one method and, further, that only results obtained from more than one method should be given credence. The third position, which differs from the others in that it arises from a constructionist rather than a positivist framework, holds that multimethods are valuable because of the different insights they produce and focuses attention on the need to examine methods in terms of their contribution in the context of a particular theory. These approaches are discussed in reference to results for children's negotiations from mothers' reports versus those from a quasi‐experimental puppets task.
Development of a pleasure in parenting scale
Authors: Fagot Beverly I.
Published: June 2007

Two major components of parenting have been identified: warmth and control. There has been a great deal of work on the measurement of control, but there are not many measures of parental warmth. As part of an attempt to develop better measures of warmth, we developed a scale measuring parents' pleasure in carrying out routine caretaking acts with their children. This measure was then related to other measures of positive support such as observation, observer ratings and questionnaires. As there is evidence in the literature that quality of the environment interacts with parenting, we related the measure to measures of stress, observer ratings of quality of the home, marital interaction and parental mood. Finally, we examined the relation of child variables (attachment classification, temperament rating and observed behaviours) to the parents' ratings of pleasure in the child.
Parenting in Hawaii: Three cultural groups at the beach
Authors: Martini Mary
Published: June 2007

This study shows systematic differences in parenting behaviour across three cultural groups in Hawaii. Japanese‐, Caucasian‐ and Hawaiian‐American parents (N =149) are observed as they interact with their young children at the beach. The observed families come to the beach in different groupings. Hawaiian groups are the largest, many consisting of five or more people. Most Japanese families resemble the ‘typical’ nuclear family: two parents and one or two children. More Caucasian and Hawaiian parents come to the beach alone with their children than do Japanese‐American parents. Parents in the three groups spend their time differently. Japanese‐American parents focus almost exclusively on their children. They play with, watch or take care of them for most of the observed time. They rarely engage in solitary activities, such as reading or sunbathing, or in social activities, such as talking with each other. Caucasian parents engage in solitary activities more frequently. They encourage children to entertain and care for themselves. Hawaiian parents interact extensively with other adults, and Hawaiian children play among themselves without prompting. The Hawaiian parents interact less frequently with their children than do parents in the other groups. These findings are discussed in terms of cultural differences in views of the parenting role, the range of people socializing children and childrearing emphases on independence vs dependence, aloneness vs social involvement and innovation vs imitation.