bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PTSD Compromises Battered Women's Future Safety
Authors: Perez Sara , Johnson Dawn M.
Published: February 2008

Intimate partner violence continues to be a social crisis that results in a complex array of physical and mental health problems. Although resources to counteract the effects of the violence are sometimes available, the posttrauma sequelae may prevent access by those in need. Using the Chicago Women's Health Risk Study, a naturalistic longitudinal study of 320 abused women, the current study examined the impact of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression on battered women's safety at follow-up. Participants completed both a baseline and follow-up interview, including data on abuse experiences. Results suggest symptoms of PTSD predict severity of violence at follow-up over the impact of help-seeking behaviors, perceived helpfulness of these behaviors, and social support. Implications of results are discussed.
Intimate Partner Violence and Miscarriage
Authors: Morland Leslie A. , Leskin Gregory A. , Rebecca Block Carolyn , Campbell Jacquelyn C. , Friedman Matthew J.
Published: February 2008

Despite research documenting high rates of violence during pregnancy, few studies have examined the impact of physical abuse, psychological abuse, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on miscarriage. Secondary analysis of data collected by the Chicago Women's Health Risk Study permitted an exploration of the relationships among physical abuse, psychological abuse, PTSD, and miscarriage among 118 primarily ethnic minority women. The interaction between maximum severity of abuse and age provided the best multivariate predictor of miscarriage rate, accounting for 26.9% of the variance between live birth and miscarriage outcome. Mean scores of psychological abuse, physical violence, forced sex, and PTSD were significantly higher in the miscarriage group than in the live birth group. Women who experience physical violence and psychological abuse during pregnancy may be at greater risk for miscarriage. Prospective studies can confirm findings and determine underlying mechanisms. Routine screening for traumatic stress and PTSD may reduce rates of miscarriage.
Sexual Victimization and Health-Risk Behaviors
Authors: Gidycz Christine A. , Orchowski Lindsay M. , King Carrie R. , Rich Cindy L.
Published: February 2008

The present study utilizes the National College Health Risk Behavior Survey to examine the relationship between health-risk behaviors and sexual victimization among a sample of college women. A prospective design is utilized to examine the relationship between health-risk behaviors as measured at baseline and sexual victimization during a 3-month follow-up period. After controlling for age and parents' education, a history of adolescent sexual victimization was associated with the following health-risk behaviors as measured at pretest: increased likelihood of cigarette smoking, marijuana use, suicidal ideation, experience of physical violence within a dating relationship, use of diet pills and vomiting or laxatives to lose weight, multiple sexual partners, and early sexual intercourse. Prospectively, women's history of adolescent sexual victimization was the strongest predictor of sexual victimization during the 3-month follow-up. Implications of univariate associations between early sexual intercourse, suicidal ideation, and problematic weight loss behaviors and subsequent experience of sexual victimization are discussed.
Current Perceptions of Marital Rape
Authors: Ferro Christine , Cermele Jill , Saltzman Ann
Published: February 2008

The current study extends previous research on marital rape and acceptance of general rape myths by comparing the perceptions of undergraduate college students ( n = 85) to those of college alumni/ae ( n = 44) who graduated from the same university three decades earlier. Participants read a hypothetical rape scenario that depicted the perpetrator as either the victim's husband or neighbor and completed three measures of different aspects of rape myth acceptance. Results indicated that although participants reported fairly low levels of support for different aspects of rape myths, certain rape myths were more strongly endorsed than were others. Furthermore, rape myth acceptance was stronger for marital rape than for acquaintance rape and for undergraduates than for college alumni/ae. Practical and theoretical implications of this study are discussed.
Perceived Conflict Patterns and Relationship Quality Associated With Verbal Sexual Coercion by Male Dating Partners
Authors: Katz Jennifer , Myhr Laura
Published: February 2008

The study of verbal sexual coercion in heterosexual relationships is controversial because nonphysical coercive tactics are often viewed as socially acceptable. It was hypothesized that, within couples, verbal sexual coercion will occur within a larger context of destructive conflict tactics and diminished relationship quality. Female undergraduates in consensually sexual dating relationships ( N = 193) provided self-report data on male partner verbal sexual coercion perceived conflict behaviors, and relationship quality. About 21% reported current partner verbal sexual coercion. Results reveal positive associations between feeling pressured into unwanted sex and perceptions of partner psychological abuse and destructive verbal conflict patterns. Also as expected, partner verbal sexual coercion is negatively associated with relationship satisfaction and sexual functioning. The authors conclude that women's experiences of verbal sexual coercion in heterosexual relationships may reflect broader problems in the dyadic context.
Differences in Female and Male Victims and Perpetrators of Partner Violence With Respect to WEB Scores
Authors: Houry Debra , Rhodes Karin V. , Kemball Robin S. , Click Lorie , Cerulli Catherine , McNutt Louise Anne , Kaslow Nadine J.
Published: February 2008

Measurements of intimate partner violence (IPV) based on acts of violence have repeatedly found substantial bilateral violence between intimates. However, the context of this violence is not well defined by acts alone. The objective of this research was to compare differences in women and men within each IPV status category (victim, perpetrator, and both) with respect to levels of battering as defined by their scores on the Women's Experience With Battering Scale (WEB), which asks gender-neutral questions about the abuse of power and control and fear in an intimate relationship. In our study, women disclosed higher levels of battering on the WEB, despite IPV status (victimization or both victimization and perpetration). In addition, female IPV victims were 5 times more likely than their male counterparts to disclose high rates of battering on the WEB. Depressive symptoms, symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, African American race, and IPV victimization were independently associated with higher WEB scores.
The Convergent Validities of Two Measures of Dating Behaviors Related to Risk for Sexual Victimization
Authors: Breitenbecher Kimberly Hanson
Published: February 2008

The primary purpose of this investigation was to assess the convergent validities of two measures of dating behaviors related to risk for sexual victimization, the Dating Self-Protection Against Rape Scale (DSPARS) and the Dating Behavior Survey (DBS). Three hundred seventy-seven women responded to measures assessing self-protective dating behavior (DSPARS), risk-related dating behavior (DBS), risk perception in a sexual assault scenario, and history of sexual victimization. The results support the convergent validities of the DSPARS and the DBS. Specifically, the results indicate that scores on the DSPARS were negatively correlated with risk-related dating behavior, delayed risk perception, and history of sexual victimization. In addition, scores on the DBS were positively correlated with delayed risk perception and history of sexual victimization. Scores on the DBS were also negatively correlated with self-protective dating behavior.
The Impact of Juror Characteristics and Victim Health Status on the Perception of Elder Physical Abuse
Authors: Kinstle Terri L. , Hodell Emily C. , Golding Jonathan M.
Published: February 2008

An experiment investigated mock juror perceptions of elder abuse using a community sample from Lexington, Kentucky. Two-hundred six men and women ranging in age from 18 to 88 read a fictional criminal trial summary of a case of elder physical abuse (EPA) in which the accuser was described as healthy, frail, or confused. In addition, the influence of participant age, participant gender, and attitude toward the elderly on juror perceptions of EPA was also investigated. Results showed that women had higher conviction rates than did men. Accuser health status, participant age, participant gender, and attitude toward the elderly affected other rating variables including accuser believability, accuser inaccuracy, defendant believability, and verdict confidence. Results suggest implications for how EPA cases are perceived in court.
School Staff Responses to Gender-Based Bullying as Moral Interpretation
Authors: Anagnostopoulos Dorothea , Buchanan NiCole T. , Pereira Christine , Lichty Lauren F.
Published: February 2008

Gender-based bullying is the most common form of violence that students encounter in U.S. public schools. Several large-scale surveys reveal its consequences for students. Fewer studies examine how school staff members make sense of and respond to such violence. The authors address this knowledge gap by presenting analyses of interviews conducted with high school faculty and staff. Synthesizing sociological studies of violence and positioning theory, the authors illuminate the webs of relationships and cultural narratives in which school staff responses to gender-based bullying are situated. The authors find that, although school staff members felt compelled to intervene when male students sexually harassed quiet girls, they were reluctant to intervene in abusive heterosexual dating relationships and were ambivalent about their responsibility toward gay and lesbian targets of bullying. The authors argue for expanding prevention efforts beyond intervention to engage school staff in critically examining sexist and heterosexist roles, norms, and practices.
The Venerable Margaret Sinclair: An Examination of the Cause of Edinburgh's Twentieth-Century Factory Girl
Authors: Kehoe Karly
Published: February 2008

Catholicism's precarious position in twentieth-century Scotland was in part a reflection of continued anti-Catholic and anti-Irish sentiments, but it was also the result of new political doctrines, growing worker movements and the introduction of complete female suffrage. These challenges were met, in part, by Margaret Sinclair, in religion Sister Mary Francis of the Five Wounds. The cause for her beatification and canonization was unofficially launched in 1926 and met with a groundswell of support, extending beyond Scotland to Europe and North America as the working-classes embraced her as one of their own. Not only was she declared `Angel of the Factory', thereby extending the Church's influence to the factory floor, but her image was grafted to that of the nation as `Scotland's Little Flower'. She was to symbolize feminine piety, the working-class struggle and the epitome of Scottish Catholicism.
Women, Reproductive Rights and the Catholic Church
Authors: Radford Ruether Rosemary
Published: February 2008

This article traces opposition to women's contraceptive rights moving from the role of St Augustine and Thomas Aquinas to the modern day role of the Vatican. Traditional views of women and sexuality have been challenged by modern feminism but Catholicism is still pursuing a global crusade against abortion, birth control, and redefinitions of the family that might include homosexual couples. This means opposing sex education curricula and opposition to state funding for family planning assistance. But the Catholic crusades against women's reproductive rights have generated rebellion among some Catholics worldwide. This is led by Catholics for a Free Choice and the SeeChange campaign.
Mabel Shaw's Theology in the Context of Her Work as a Christian Missionary Teacher in Northern Rhodesia 1915—1940
Authors: Allen Julia
Published: February 2008

This article makes an analysis of Mabel Shaw's understanding of African spirituality and Christian theology that emerged while she worked as a missionary teacher for the London Missionary Society (LMS) in Northern Rhodesia. It argues that post-colonial writing on missionary activity has tended to emphasize the negative aspects of the missionary movement, the consequence of which has been a failure to recognize the achievement of women such as Shaw. The freedom that the London Board of the LMS gave to their field workers allowed Shaw to create a Boarding School for girls at Mbereshi that won Shaw acclaim as an educational practitioner. An instinctive belief in natural theology combined with a strong sense of the presence of God in loving action was critical in forming and shaping the practical application of her faith. While professionally it is apparent that Shaw `hit the glass ceiling' with her being overlooked as a candidate to become Mission Station Head she provides an impressive example of a woman who challenged perceptions of theology and denominational allegiance. Her radical thought on issues surrounding Christian spirituality had implications for the Christian movement as it became an agent of change in Central Africa.
A Journey with Thérèse Couderc: Inspiration, Liability or Possibility for Change?
Authors: Stogdon Kate
Published: February 2008

Thérèse Couderc, canonized in 1970 and acclaimed for her great humility, was the founder of an apostolic religious Congregation for women in nineteenth century France. This paper investigates whether her heritage is a source of inspiration or liability for the women who look to her as a role model. Using archive material from the Congregational writings it calls attention to a more dynamic interpretation of her character, based on her commitment to what she called `the work of God'.
Re-Imagining Ecofeminist Theology for Eastern Europe
Authors: Ilishko Dzintra
Published: February 2008

Many Eastern European countries are on the edge of huge transitions in almost every sphere of life: political, economic, educational and religious. These changes have had an impact on the situation of women, many of whom entered into this time of transition believing that: (a) socialism had solved the issue of gender inequality; (b) what was obtained by socialism in the field of gender equality can be taken for granted; (c) democracy will automatically deliver additional rights for women. However, all implemented patterns of transition were hostile to gender equality. The consequences of soviet policy are still visible with respect to the environment and in attitudes towards ecology. The centralistic system of socialism was unable to tackle constructively the ecological crisis. The aim of this article is to indicate how ecofeminist theology can become a constructive framework for bringing women and men together, united by a common concern for the Earth, and a means of delivering alternative environmental policies for Eastern Europe. By acknowledging the connection between ecology and feminism, ecofeminist theology can become a transforming grace.
Secular Womynism Part II: An Epistemology… `It IS… What It Is!'
Authors: Medusa
Published: February 2008

In `Secular Womynism: A View From The Left', I introduced and articulated a viable alternative approach to the concept known as `Traditional Womanism'. In so doing, the term(s) `Feminist Womynist Philosopher/ Philosophy were born as an epistemological construct. As a further explication of the definition and praxis of the term, I now offer, Secular Womynism: Part II: An Epistemology…It IS… What It IS!'

This article will serve as a more focused prolegomena involving the fiftyeight (58) components of which the term, feminist womynist philosopher is comprised. The aforementioned components constitute the foundation of what will, at some point in the evolution of Womynist Theory, come to be called, `Womynist Ways of Knowing: A Womynist Epistemology', and will serve as the first such concrete claim within the discourse of Womynist thought.
Analysis of the U.S. Student Visa System
Authors: Urias David , Camp Yeakey Carol
Published: February 2008

Given the political, economic, and social events surrounding 9/11, the major issue addressed concerns the impact of federal legislation on international students/scholars. The study explored several research questions that can be summarized as, What are the relevant laws affecting international student study in the United States, and What are the consequences of having those laws? To date, there has not been a comprehensive compilation identifying such regulations nor an analysis and charting of the broader public policy at various levels of implementation. This article attempts to do this. Sifting through the miasma of regulations, certain themes emerge from the analysis: philosophical changes, entry and exit registration, intended and unintended consequences, impact on Arab and Muslim students, effects on U.S. citizens, and emergent problems.
Intraorganizational Respect and Organizational Participation: The Mediating Role of Collective Identity
Authors: Stürmer Stefan , Simon Bernd , Loewy Michael I.
Published: February 2008

A panel study with two points of measurement throughout a four-month interval ( N = 189) in the context of a socio-political organization was conducted to examine the role of collective identity in mediating the relationship between perceived respect and organizational participation. Path analyses confirmed that the effect of perceived respect at Time 1 on organizational participation at Time 2 was fully mediated by the cognitive component of collective identity (`importance-to-identity'). Interestingly, although perceived respect at Time 1 also had a significant effect on the evaluative component of collective identity (`private collective self-esteem'), this component was not involved in the mediation. Including perceived individual benefits as statistical controls in the model did not change this picture. In fact, with regard to the link between perceived benefits and participation results also point to a mediating role of the cognitive component of collective identity. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Finding Teammates Who Are Not Prone to Sucker and Free-Rider Effects: The Protestant Work Ethic as a Moderator of Motivation Losses in Group Performance
Authors: Abele Susanne , Diehl Michael
Published: February 2008

This study examined whether differences in the endorsement of the `Protestant Work Ethic' (PWE) are related to motivation losses in group work. Three factors were derived from male student scores on the Mirels—Garrett Protestant Work Ethic Scale, Ho's Australian Work Ethic Scale and a scale designed to assess preferences for reward distributions: instrumental value of work, ethical value of work and normative value of equity. The study assessed motivation loss in two situations; one designed to promote free-rider effects and another designed to promote sucker effects. Results showed that the sucker effect was moderated by all three factors but in qualitatively different ways whereas the free rider effect was not strongly moderated by any of the PWE factors.
Do Groups Exclude Others More Readily Than Individuals in Coalition Formation?
Authors: van Beest Ilja , Andeweg Rudy B. , Koning Lukas , van Lange Paul A. M.
Published: February 2008

The present research compared interindividual and intergroup coalition processes. We examined whether groups are more likely to form small coalitions than individuals, and whether this tendency would depend on the social value orientation of the coalition party. Consistent with our hypothesis, results revealed that proselfs formed more small coalitions in intergroup settings than in interindividual settings whereas prosocials formed a similar number of small coalitions in both intergroup and interindividual settings. These and complementary findings add credence to the claim that people who are self-oriented are more likely to exclude others to maximize their own payoff and that such processes are especially pronounced in intergroup settings.
Implicit and Explicit Attitudes and Interracial Interaction: The Moderating Role of Situationally Available Control Resources
Authors: Hofmann Wilhelm , Gschwendner Tobias , Castelli Luigi , Schmitt Manfred
Published: February 2008

The present research examined whether implicit and explicit racial attitudes predict interracial interaction behavior differently as a function of situationally available control resources. Specifically, we investigated how implicit attitudes (Implicit Association Test) and explicit attitudes (Blatant/Subtle prejudice) were related to interracial interaction behaviors of Italians toward an African interviewer (Study 1) and of Germans toward a Turkish interviewer (Study 2). For half of the interview questions, participants' control resources were reduced via a memory task. Across both studies, the Race IAT was more predictive of behavior when participants were taxed than when untaxed. Conversely, explicit attitudes were somewhat more predictive under full resources. Taken together, our findings suggest that available control resources moderate the predictive validity of implicit and explicit attitudes.
Relative Deprivation, Attitude Contrast Projection, and Opinion Certainty
Authors: Holtz Rolf , Nihiser Tañja H.
Published: February 2008

This research examines social projection between relatively deprived groups and its effect on opinion certainty. In Study 1, disadvantaged and advantaged group members indicated their own attitudes on six issues, and then estimated the positions either of their in-group, their respective rival out-group, a control out-group, or they received no opportunity to project. As expected, disadvantaged participants projected attitudinal contrast onto their advantaged rival out-group. Negative thoughts about the rival mediated subsequent increments in opinion certainty. Alternatively, advantaged participants assumed moderate consensus with their disadvantaged rival. They also exhibited ambivalent out-group thoughts and low opinion certainty. Study 2 replicated the effect of disadvantaged status on contrast projection and opinion certainty. Discussion focuses on the different perspectives of relatively deprived groups.
`They Cooperate With Us, So They Are Like Me': Perceived Intergroup Relationship Moderates Projection from Self to Outgroups
Authors: Riketta Michael , Sacramento Claudia A.
Published: February 2008

Whereas projection of self-attributes to ingroups is ubiquitous, projection of self-attributes to outgroups (outgroup projection) is an elusive phenomenon. Two experiments examined the moderating effect of perceived intergroup relationship on outgroup projection and explored underlying mechanisms. Perceived cooperation versus competition between ingroup and outgroup was manipulated using fictitious (Experiment 1) or natural groups (Experiment 2). In both experiments, participants judged the outgroup as more similar to the self in the cooperation condition than in the competition condition. This effect was independent of recategorization, perceived intergroup similarity, and ingroup-to-outgroup projection. These studies demonstrate the very existence of outgroup projection and extend previous work on moderators of projection from self to groups.
Identity, Instrumental Self-Interest and Institutional Evaluations
Authors: Schoen Harald
Published: February 2008

This paper addresses public opinion on common European policies in foreign affairs and defence. It proposes three models of support for common policies in these fields. Drawing on Eurobarometer data, the analysis shows that instrumental self-interest and territorial identities contribute considerably to explaining support for common foreign affairs and defence policies. Moreover, support for common policies is strongly driven by domain-specific evaluations of the European Union's performance. These findings suggest that popular support for common European policies in foreign affairs and defence has an experiential base. Thus, elites have an incentive to respond to public opinion when making policy decisions, so this analysis supports the liberal view in international relations rather than the realist account.
Regarding the Dutch `Nee' to the European Constitution
Authors: Lubbers Marcel
Published: February 2008

In June 2005, 61.5% of the Dutch voted `nee' in the referendum on the European constitution. In the present contribution I test hypotheses from the national identity, utilitarian and political approaches to explain this voting behaviour. I collected data in the Netherlands to test whether one of those approaches has been decisive in explaining the referendum outcome. I also provide information about whether specific EU evaluations from these approaches explain the voting behaviour, thus bringing in the discussion on the importance of domestic political evaluations (second-order election effects). I also test hypotheses on which theoretical approach explains differences between social categories in rejecting the constitution. My results show that specifically EU evaluations in particular accounted for the `no' vote, although in conjunction with a strong effect from domestic political evaluations. I also find evidence for `party-following behaviour' irrespective of people's attitudes. Utilitarian explanations determine the `no' vote less well than political or national identity explanations. The strongest impact on voting 'no' came from a perceived threat from the EU to Dutch culture.
The EU Conciliation Committee
Authors: Rasmussen Anne
Published: February 2008

Since the introduction of the co-decision legislative procedure, the EU has had the possibility to resort to a Conciliation Committee made up of representatives from the European Parliament and the Council to reconcile differences between the two bodies. This article assesses whether the members of this committee have an incentive to take advantage of their ability to present take-it-or-leave-it offers to their parent bodies by examining whether they are representative of their full body and/or whether they represent other interests inside or outside their legislative body. It concludes that the EU Conciliation Committee is generally representative of its parent bodies and that the option to go to conciliation is not a risky tool for them to reach agreement.
Lost in Translation or Full Steam Ahead
Authors: Kaeding Michael
Published: February 2008

This study supplements extant literature on implementation in the European Union (EU). The quantitative analysis, which covers the EU transport acquis, reveals five main findings. First, the EU has a transposition deficit in this area, with almost 70% of all national legal instruments causing problems. Second, transposition delay is multifaceted. The results provide strong support for the assertion that distinguishing between the outcomes of the transposition process (on time, short delay or long delay) is a useful method of investigation. Third, factors specific to European directives (level of discretion and transposition deadline) and domestic-level factors (national transposition package and number of veto players) have different effects on the length of delay. Furthermore, the timing of general elections in member states as well as policy (sub)sector-related accidents influence the timeliness of national transposition processes.
Predictors of depression among older adults with dementia
Authors: Stroud Jason M. , Steiner Victoria , Iwuagwu Cletus
Published: February 2008

Dementia and depression are common disorders among elderly populations. Their frequent co-morbidity and similar presentations create a complex clinical scenario for the health care professional. The objective of this study was to determine common characteristics of older adults with dementia that were associated with depression. Data from a retrospective chart review of 242 patients visiting an outpatient geriatric clinic were analyzed to determine the potential relationship between depression and several social- and health-related variables. Results from regression analysis show that taking greater numbers of medications and living in a less independent environment were both associated with greater depression, while using alcohol was associated with less depression. This information could be easily obtained during an office visit and used to help identify patients who suffer from dementia and are at risk for depression and require further evaluation.
Introducing nurse prescribing in a memory clinic
Authors: Page Debra , Grant Gordon , Maybury Cathy
Published: February 2008

Nurse prescribing has become increasingly important in allowing nurses to assume more proactive roles in ways designed to promote better self-care and concordance with medications by service users. At the moment, there is little evidence of how this can be accomplished in work with older people with cognitive impairments. In this article we consider the experiences of service users and family carers, based on a small-scale qualitative research study carried out during the early stages of implementing nurse prescribing from a memory clinic in Doncaster, UK. We conclude by reviewing the lessons learned from this formative evaluation.
Collective strength
Authors: Clare Linda , Rowlands Julia M. , Quin Rebecca
Published: February 2008

Current theories of social power suggest that development of a shared social identity can create the possibility of bringing about political and attitudinal change as well as benefiting individual psychological well-being. This exploratory, qualitative, internet-based study extending over two years explored the impact of developing a shared social identity among a group of people with early-stage dementia. We investigated the experience of belonging to the self-help network Dementia Advocacy and Support International (DASNI), and its effect on self-concept and adjustment, from the perspective of DASNI members in order to understand more about the factors that promote self-help, and the effects of engaging in self-help, mutual support and advocacy in this context. Seven active members of DASNI with a dementia diagnosis volunteered to participate. Interviews were conducted via email, and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to develop a thematic account. The challenges engendered by the onset of dementia were reflected in descriptions of loss, struggle and uncertainty. Participating in DASNI, in contrast, engendered a sense of collective strength and having something valuable to contribute, and made it possible to discover that there can be life after diagnosis. Belonging to DASNI helped to counteract the challenges to self and identity posed by developing dementia, thus significantly affecting the experience of living with dementia, and creating the possibility of effecting social change. Gradually, people in the mild to moderate stages of dementia are developing a `voice' and rejecting the passive patient role. One important element in this process is the way in which people with dementia band together to help themselves and one another, and influence social attitudes, through mutual support and collaborative advocacy. The development of DASNI, consistent with recent theoretical developments in conceptualizing processes of social power and influence, offers significant potential for change.
The influence of feeling positive about helping among dementia caregivers in New Zealand
Authors: Dulin Patrick L. , Dominy Jean B.
Published: February 2008

The primary purpose of this study was to examine the unique contribution of positive attitudes about helping others in predicting emotional functioning among a sample of dementia caregivers. Participants were 158 older ( M = 68 years) caregivers residing in New Zealand. Participants completed surveys consisting of the Revised Ways of Coping Checklist, the Helping Attitudes Scale, the Positive and Negative Affect Scale and a tailored measure of demographic and caregiver contextual variables. Results indicated that helping attitudes had the largest correlation with positive affect ( r = .31). Regression analyses also indicated that helping attitudes predicted positive affect with the other relevant demographic and coping variables controlled for statistically. This study indicates that having a positive attitude towards helping others may be an important determinant of positive emotional functioning among dementia caregivers and may help to offset the oft-cited negative consequences of caregiving. The implications for caregiver selection and caregiver intervention strategies are discussed.
Using the Senses Framework to achieve relationship-centred dementia care services
Authors: Ryan Tony , Nolan Mike , Reid David , Enderby Pam
Published: February 2008

This article describes the development of a new service for people with dementia and their carers in a large post-industrial city in the north of England, UK. The service arose in response to the perceived inadequacies of existing respite care provision and has proved very successful in meeting the needs of people with dementia and their family carers, and in providing high levels of job satisfaction for staff. The success of the initiative can be understood using the Senses Framework and relationship-centred care as an analytic lens to identify key attributes of the service. The article also discusses implications for the development of support services more generally.
Favorite music and hand massage
Authors: Hicks-Moore Sandee L. , Robinson Bryn A.
Published: February 2008

Agitation in individuals with dementia living in the nursing home environment affects care and quality of life. Relaxation techniques such as music and massage are showing promise to decrease agitation and improve quality of life in individuals with dementia. Using an experimental 3 × 3 repeated measures design, 41 residents with mild to moderate dementia participated in a study to test the effectiveness of favorite music (FM) and hand massage (HM) in reducing agitated behaviors. Agitated residents were randomly assigned to either the treatment or control groups. Residents in the treatment group received each of three treatments, HM, FM, and HMFM, with each treatment lasting 10 minutes. Residents in the control group received no treatment. Agitation was measured using the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI) at three different intervals. The results suggest that FM and HM individually and combined are effective in significantly decreasing agitation immediately following the intervention and also one hour post intervention.
Montessori programming for persons with dementia in the group setting
Authors: Jarrott Shannon E. , Gozali Tsofit , Gigliotti Christina M.
Published: February 2008

Implementing meaningful activities for persons with dementia reduces boredom, agitation, and negative affect. Previous research demonstrated that Montessori activities, modified for persons with dementia, facilitate positive engagement and affect. We conducted activities in small parallel group settings to support social interactions and reflect typical staff-to-client ratios in institutional activity settings. The amount and type of engagement and affect were compared during Montessori-based activities and regularly scheduled activities of 10 older adults with dementia at an adult day program. Participants exhibited more constructive engagement and less non-engagement during Montessori-activities compared to regular activities. Affect did not differ between the activity conditions. We conclude with a discussion of research and practice methodology modifications.
early childhood and care in England
Authors: Aubrey Carol
Published: February 2008

The introduction to this article will seek to present a distillation of Sally Lubeck's achievements in order to provide a benchmark of existing knowledge in the field of early childhood care and education from her perspective and an indication of its likely future. Her work, it is suggested, provides an exemplification of the new sociology of childhood that is theoretically grounded as well as morally and ethically committed. The contributions and challenges she made that are offered in this article focus on childhood in different cultures, the impact of globalization and the role of cross-national perspectives in the critical examination of our own national contexts. Poverty levels and the choice made by the US and UK to avoid redistribution of wealth are identified as a major source of disadvantage. The tension between decentralization, choice and lack of co-ordination on the one hand, and uniformity, centralization and social control on the other, is emphasized. It is in this context that policy-making in early childhood education is subjected to critical analysis. The possible contribution that the theories of Habermas can make to our understanding of progress and change was raised by Sally (Lubeck, 2001b) and expanded in this article as a means of response.
gender, work, and child care
Authors: Bloch Marianne N.
Published: February 2008

The focus of this article is on the themes of gender, work, and child care as they have been addressed in much of Sally Lubeck's work, in an attempt to understand her trajectory, and her diverse messages to us. In reading her work for this article, key themes stood out that focus our attention on Sally Lubeck's continuing fight for better public funding for child care/early education in the USA, and for a positive family policy that supports all families, particularly single mothers and their children in the United States. Her research attention was also focused on the wisdom expressed in local cultural systems, by parents and teachers, as well as within societal contexts where care and education for all families and children are prioritized.
rethinking research in early care and education
Authors: New Rebecca S.
Published: February 2008

The article considers three domains of Sally Lubeck's scholarship as illustrations of her orientation to research on early care and education: her critique of positivism in general and the field of developmental psychology (and the sub-discipline of child development) specifically as the primary source of a `knowledge base' for the field of early childhood education; her concerns about globalization's increasing influence on educational goals and practices; and her quest to expand the potentials of research in a way that illuminates alternative perspectives on the period of early childhood and bridges the divide between the protagonists and subjects of social science. The article concludes with an invitation to others to pick up where Sally left off.
The Progression of Behavior in Dementia: An In-Office Guide for Clinicians
Authors: Kilik Lindy A. , Hopkins Robert W. , Day Duncan , Prince Christopher R. , Prince Pamela N. , Rows Catharine
Published: February 2008

This article examines the progression of behavioral changes in 200 community living and long term care patients using the Kingston Standardized Behavioral Assessment, a measure of traditional neuropsychiatric behaviors (behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia) and neuropsychological behaviors. A group of patients diagnosed with probable Alzheimer's disease or mixed dementia (Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia), was assessed using the Kingston Standardized Behavioral Assessment, ranked by total Kingston Standardized Behavioral Assessment score and were divided into quartile-based groups. The scores revealed changes in behavior patterns across quartiles. Significant behavior change appeared even in quartile one. Lower scores were predominantly associated with neuropsychological behaviors; as scores increased, neuropsychiatric behaviors became equally common. An at-a-glance guide characterizing the patterns of increasing behavioral change is provided for clinicians. Behavioral changes appear both early and throughout dementia; the type and pattern of these emerging behaviors change as the disease progresses. Clinicians can use the typical patterns of behavioral change to identify behavioral impairment in individual patients and anticipate future changes and related care needs.
Learning in Context
Authors: DiSalvo Betsy James , Crowley Kevin , Norwood Roy
Published: February 2008

The authors present an exploratory study of Black middle school boys who play digital games. The study was conducted through observations and interviews with Black American middle school boys about digital games as an informal learning experience. The first goal of the study is to understand the cultural context that Black students from economically disadvantaged inner-city neighborhoods bring to playing digital games. The second goal of the study is to examine how this cultural context affects the learning opportunities with games. Third, the authors examine how differences in game play are potential factors in the discrepancy between White male gamers and Black male gamers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Finally, the authors address several opportunities within the field of informal learning to augment game play by bridging the learning that takes place within game play to the real world.
Sulfated polysaccharides identified as inducers of neuropilin-1 internalization and functional inhibition of VEGF165 and semaphorin3A
Authors: Narazaki Masashi , Segarra Marta , Tosato Giovanna
Published: February 2008

Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) and NRP2 are cell surface receptors shared by class 3 semaphorins and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Ligand interaction with NRPs selects the specific signal transducer, plexins for semaphorins or VEGF receptors for VEGF, and promotes NRP internalization, which effectively shuts down receptor-mediated signaling by a second ligand. Here, we show that the sulfated polysaccharides dextran sulfate and fucoidan, but not others, reduce endothelial cell-surface levels of NRP1, NRP2, and to a lesser extent VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2, and block the binding and in vitro function of semaphorin3A and VEGF165. Administration of fucoidan to mice reduces VEGF165-induced angiogenesis and tumor neovascularization in vivo. We find that dextran sulfate and fucoidan can bridge the extracellular domain of NRP1 to that of the scavenger receptor expressed by endothelial cells I (SREC-I), and induce NRP1 and SREC-I coordinate internalization and trafficking to the lysosomes. Overexpression of SREC-I in SREC-I–negative cells specifically reduces cell-surface levels of NRP1, indicating that SREC-I mediates NRP1 internalization. These results demonstrate that engineered receptor internalization is an effective strategy for reducing levels and function of cell-surface receptors, and identify certain sulfated polysaccharides as “internalization inducers.”
P19INK4D links endomitotic arrest and megakaryocyte maturation and is regulated by AML-1
Authors: Gilles Laure , Guièze Romain , Bluteau Dominique , Cordette-Lagarde Véronique , Lacout Catherine , Favier Rémi , Larbret Fréderic , Debili Najet , Vainchenker William , Raslova Hana
Published: February 2008

The molecular mechanisms that regulate megakaryocyte (MK) ploidization are poorly understood. Using MK differentiation from primary human CD34+ cells, we observed that p19INK4D expression was increased both at the mRNA and protein levels during ploidization. p19INK4D knockdown led to a moderate increase (31.7% ± 5%) in the mean ploidy of MKs suggesting a role of p19INK4D in the endomitotic arrest. This increase in ploidy was associated with a decrease in the more mature MK population (CD41highCD42high) at day 9 of culture, which was related to a delay in differentiation. Inversely, p19INK4D overexpression in CD34+ cells resulted in a decrease in mean ploidy level associated with an increase in CD41 and CD42 expression in each ploidy class. Confirming these in vitro results, bone marrow MKs from p19INK4D KO mice exhibited an increase in mean ploidy level from 18.7N (± 0.58N) to 52.7N (± 12.3N). Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays performed in human MKs revealed that AML-1 binds in vivo the p19INK4D promoter. Moreover, AML-1 inhibition led to the p19INK4D down-regulation in human MKs. These results may explain the molecular link at the transcriptional level between the arrest of endomitosis and the acceleration of MK differentiation.
High EVI1 levels predict adverse outcome in acute myeloid leukemia: prevalence of EVI1 overexpression and chromosome 3q26 abnormalities underestimated
Authors: Lugthart Sanne , van Drunen Ellen , van Norden Yvette , van Hoven Antoinette , Erpelinck Claudia A. J. , Valk Peter J. M. , Beverloo H. Berna , Löwenberg Bob , Delwel Ruud
Published: February 2008

Inappropriate expression of EVI1 (ecotropic virus integration-1), in particular splice form EVI1-1D, through chromosome 3q26 lesions or other mechanisms has been implicated in the development of high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML). To validate the clinical relevance of EVI1-1D, as well as of the other EVI1 splice forms and the related MDS1/EVI1 (ME) gene, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed in 534 untreated adults with de novo AML. EVI1-1D was highly expressed in 6% of cases (n = 32), whereas 7.8% were EVI1+ (n = 41) when all splice variants were taken into account. High EVI1 predicted a distinctly worse event-free survival (HR = 1.9; P = .002) and disease-free survival (HR = 2.1, P = .006) following multivariate analysis. Importantly, we distinguished a subset of EVI1+ cases that lacked expression of ME (EVI1+ME−; n = 17) from cases that were ME+ (EVI1+ME+; n = 24). The atypical EVI1+ME− expression pattern exhibited cytogenetically detectable chromosomal 3q26 breakpoints in 8 cases. Fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed 7 more EVI1+ME− cases that carried cryptic 3q26 breakpoints, which were not found in the EVI1+ME+ group. EVI1+ME− expression predicts an extremely poor prognosis distinguishable from the general EVI1+ AML patients (overall survival [OS]: P < .001 and event-free survival [EFS]: P = .002). We argue that EVI1/ME quantitative expression analysis should be implemented in the molecular diagnostic procedures of AML.
A perspective for biomedical data integration: Design of databases for flow cytometry
Authors: Drakos John , Karakantza Marina , Zoumbos Nicholas C , Lakoumentas John , Nikiforidis George C , Sakellaropoulos George C
Published: February 2008

Background

The integration of biomedical information is essential for tackling medical problems. We describe a data model in the domain of flow cytometry (FC) allowing for massive management, analysis and integration with other laboratory and clinical information. The paper is concerned with the proper translation of the Flow Cytometry Standard (FCS) into a relational database schema, in a way that facilitates end users at either doing research on FC or studying specific cases of patients undergone FC analysis

Results

The proposed database schema provides integration of data originating from diverse acquisition settings, organized in a way that allows syntactically simple queries that provide results significantly faster than the conventional implementations of the FCS standard. The proposed schema can potentially achieve up to 8 orders of magnitude reduction in query complexity and up to 2 orders of magnitude reduction in response time for data originating from flow cytometers that record 256 colours. This is mainly achieved by managing to maintain an almost constant number of data-mining procedures regardless of the size and complexity of the stored information.

Conclusion

It is evident that using single-file data storage standards for the design of databases without any structural transformations significantly limits the flexibility of databases. Analysis of the requirements of a specific domain for integration and massive data processing can provide the necessary schema modifications that will unlock the additional functionality of a relational database.