bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic Anti-Reflux Surgery is Effective in Obese Patients with Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Ng Vivien V , Booth Michael I , Stratford Jane J , Jones Linda , Sohanpal J , Dehn Thomas CB
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION

Obesity has long been regarded as a risk factor for the development of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). It has been claimed that surgical efficacy of laparoscopic anti-reflux operations is decreased in obese patients. The aim of this study was to assess whether laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery is effective in obese patients with GORD compared to non-obese patients.

PATIENT AND METHODS

A total of 366 patients (mean age 44 years; range, 12–86 years) underwent laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery between 1997–2003. Of these, 74 patients were considered obese; 58 patients had a body mass index (BMI) of 30–34 kg/m2 and 16 were classified as morbidly obese with a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2. Pre-operative symptomatic scoring, indications for surgery, pH studies, operative times and complications were compared between obese and non-obese patients. Symptomatic outcome and Visick score between the two groups were assessed at 6 weeks, 6 months and 1 year following surgery.

RESULTS

Failure of medical treatment was the main reason for surgery in all groups. Operative time was longer in obese patients (mean time 93 min compared to 81 min; P = 0.0007), the main difficulty being gaining access because of their body habitus. All groups found the procedure to be effective in symptomatic outcome, 91% of obese patients compared to 92% of non-obese patients scored Visick I or II at 6 weeks' postoperatively. Similar Visick scoring was shown between the two groups at 6 months and 1 year, and in the morbidly obese group.

CONCLUSIONS

The outcome of laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery is similar between obese and non-obese patients with no trend towards a worse outcome in the obese or morbidly obese. Obesity should not be seen as a contra-indication, although it may be more technically challenging in this group of patients. Good results can be achieved in obese patients.
A 5-Year Audit of Rhinology Procedures Carried Out in a District General Hospital
Authors: Mehrzad H , Irvine M , Kundu S , Bleach N
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION

Although there has been many studies quoting ENT and rhinology complications, there have been none looking at the complication rates of one department with a single specialist rhinologist over a 5-year period.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Over a 5-year period between 1998 and 2002, the number of operative procedures undertaken in the ENT department in a busy district general hospital was collected in a prospective manner.

RESULTS

A total of 10,768 ENT procedures were undertaken in the department which comprised four consultants and associated junior staff (SpRs/SASs/SHOs); 2507 of these procedures were rhinology cases. There were 39 recorded complications following nasal surgery, giving an overall rhinology complication rate of 1.56%. This included 12 postoperative nose bleeds (0.48%), 5 cases of infection following septal surgery (0.56%), 7 cases of septal perforation (0.75%) and various minor functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) complications (2.17%). These figures are either below or within the quoted literature rates. There were no major complications or deaths recorded following nasal surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

These results compare favourably with those of other studies.
Efficacy and Economics of Postoperative Blood Salvage in Patients Undergoing Elective Total Hip Replacement
Authors: Mirza Saqeb B , Campion Jon , Dixon John H , Panesar Sukhmeet S
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION

Patients undergoing total hip replacement (THR) regularly receive allogenic blood transfusions. The infusion of allogenic blood exposes the recipient to significant risks including the transmission of infection, anaphylactic and haemolytic reactions. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of introducing a system to retransfuse salvaged drainage blood in patients undergoing primary THR.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed records of 109 consecutive patients who underwent THR following the introduction of the ABTrans™ autologous retransfusion system at our institution in January 2000. For comparison, we reviewed the medical records of 109 patients who underwent the same procedure immediately before the introduction of the retransfusion system.

RESULTS

Overall, 9% of patients treated with blood salvage and 30% treated without blood salvage required allogenic blood transfusions. Patients treated with the salvage system had significantly smaller haemoglobin drops in the peri-operative period (difference 0.56 g/dl; P = 0.001). The overall cost of using the retransfusion system was similar to that of routine vacuum drainage when the savings of reduced allogenic blood transfusion were taken into account.

CONCLUSIONS

The retransfusion of postoperative drainage blood is a simple, effective and safe way of providing autologous blood for patients undergoing primary THR.
Study to Assess Differences in Outcome Following Open Carpal Tunnel Decompressions Performed by Surgeons of Differing Grade
Authors: Akhtar S , Sinha S , Bradley MJ , Burke FD , Wilgis SEF , Dubin NH
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION

Carpal tunnel decompression is the most commonly performed surgical procedure within a hand unit. Although very effective, the complications following the procedure can be significant. In an attempt to identify the causes of such complications, we assessed whether seniority of the surgeon impacts on outcome for open carpal tunnel decompression.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data were jointly and prospectively gathered from two units from either side of the Atlantic – the Pulvertaft Hand Center, UK and the Curtis Hand Center, USA. The aim of the study was to assess outcome following carpal tunnel decompression. Completed data were gathered following open carpal tunnel decompression on 352 hands. Surgeons of a consultant grade had performed 123 of these procedures whilst surgical trainees had performed 229 of the procedures. Assessment was by Levine Katz questionnaire results, Semmes-Weinstein testing, grip strength and pinch grip strength testing performed both preoperatively and 6 months' postoperatively. Complications following the procedure were also recorded.

RESULTS

Mean results were found to be better in those patients where the surgeon was of a consultant grade. However, this was only found to be of statistical significance on Semmes-Weinstein testing. Complications following the procedure were also noted to be higher in the group of patients operated on by trainee grades.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show the carpal tunnel decompression performed by a surgeon of consultant grade offers slightly better results in objective neurological testing when compared with those performed by a more junior grade.
Vascular Surgery is An Unattractive Career Option for Current Basic Surgical Trainees: A Regional Perspective
Authors: Currie S , Coughlin PA , Bhasker S , Hossain J , Irvine CD , Curley PJ
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION

The workload of vascular services will substantially increase in the foreseeable future with the recent changes in surgical training presenting a challenge to training and recruitment in vascular surgery. This study aimed to determine the current feelings towards vascular surgery as a career choice from basic surgical trainees (BSTs) within a single region.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

BSTs from a single region were questioned. Probable career specialty choice was ascertained, as were suggestions for changes to the career pathway of a vascular surgeon to make it a more attractive career choice.

RESULTS

Seventy-seven of 110 BSTs returned the questionnaire. Of the 77, 52 had previous experience of a vascular firm. Ten BSTs had been on a pure vascular firm as an SHO and 52 had been on a general surgical firm. No BST specified vascular surgery as their ultimate career choice. Career choices included general surgery (n = 30), orthopaedics (n = 17), plastic surgery (n = 9) and urology (n = 5). Thirty-three BSTs would not be tempted at all to a career in vascular surgery. Changes in the career structure that would result in BSTs contemplating a career in vascular surgery included the inclusion of endovascular surgery (n = 13), no compulsion to undertake a period of research (n = 5), pure vascular training (n = 2), more general surgical training (n = 2) and less onerous on-calls when older (n = 2).

CONCLUSIONS

The lack of trainees wishing to become vascular surgeons is of grave concern. Increasing the endovascular capabilities of vascular surgeons as well as altering the stance on research may have an increasingly positive role in recruitment.
Knowledge Transfer in Surgery: Skills, Process and Evaluation
Authors: Dawes Martin , Lens Marko
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION

Knowledge transfer is an essential element in the management of surgical health care. In a routine clinical practice, surgeons need to make changes to the health care they provide as new clinical evidence emerges.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The information was derived from the authors' experience and research in evidence-based practice, searching of the literature, teaching and organisation of various national and international workshops on evidence-based medicine.

DISCUSSION

This manuscript discusses principles of knowledge transfer in surgery including evaluation of recommended changes that can improve quality of health care in routine surgical practice. Skills, process and evaluation are carefully described. Continuous information delivery is required to enable surgeons to improve knowledge transfer and to keep up to date their knowledge.
Oesophageal Replacement in Children
Authors: Arul GS , Parikh D
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION

The usual indications for oesophageal replacement in childhood are intractable corrosive strictures and long-gap oesophageal atresia. Generally, paediatric surgeons attempt to preserve the native oesophagus with repeat dilatations. However, when this is not successful, an appropriate conduit must be fashioned to replace the oesophagus. The neo-oesophagus should allow normal oral feeding, not have gastro-oesophageal reflux, and be able to function well for the life-time of the patient.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A Medline search for oesophageal replacement, oesophageal atresia, gastric transposition, colon transposition, gastric tube, caustic stricture was conducted. The commonest conduits including whole stomach, gastric tube, colon and jejunum are all discussed.

RESULTS

No randomised controlled studies exist comparing the different types of conduits available for children. The techniques used tend to be based on personal preference and local experience rather than on any discernible objective data. The biggest series with long-term outcome are reported for gastric transposition and colon replacement. Comparison of a number of studies shows no significant difference in early or late complications. Early operative complications include graft necrosis, anastomotic leaks and sepsis. Late problems include strictures, poor feeding, gastro-oesophageal reflux, tortuosity of the graft and the development of Barrett's oesophagus. The biggest series, however, seem to have lower complications than small series probably reflecting the experience, built up over years, in their respective centres.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term follow-up is recommended because of the risks of late strictures, excessive tortuosity of the neo-oesophagus and the development of Barrett's oesophagus.
Underestimation of Severity of Previous Whiplash Injuries
Authors: Naqui SZH , Lovell SJ , Lovell ME
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION

We noted a report that more significant symptoms may be expressed after second whiplash injuries by a suggested cumulative effect, including degeneration. We wondered if patients were underestimating the severity of their earlier injury.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We studied recent medicolegal reports, to assess subjects with a second whiplash injury. They had been asked whether their earlier injury was worse, the same or lesser in severity.

RESULTS

From the study cohort, 101 patients (87%) felt that they had fully recovered from their first injury and 15 (13%) had not. Seventy-six subjects considered their first injury of lesser severity, 24 worse and 16 the same. Of the 24 that felt the violence of their first accident was worse, only 8 had worse symptoms, and 16 felt their symptoms were mainly the same or less than their symptoms from their second injury. Statistical analysis of the data revealed that the proportion of those claiming a difference who said the previous injury was lesser was 76% (95% CI 66–84%). The observed proportion with a lesser injury was considerably higher than the 50% anticipated.

CONCLUSIONS

We feel that subjects may underestimate the severity of an earlier injury and associated symptoms. Reasons for this may include secondary gain rather than any proposed cumulative effect.
Contemporary Practice of Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: Review of Practice in a Single Region of the UK
Authors: Srirangam Shalom J , Darling Richard , Stopford Maureen , Neilson Donald
Published: January 2008

INTRODUCTION

Most series of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) from single specialised centres represent optimum results achievable and may not reflect outcomes of everyday practice. We analysed the practice in our region.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Medical records of 178 patients undergoing PCNL in 2002 in 12 participating hospital trusts were retrospectively analysed.

RESULTS

Even outside the tertiary referral centres, there was a 6-fold difference between trusts in the frequency of PCNL. In 28% of cases, another stone-removing modality had been tried first. Failed renal puncture was a major cause of abandoning surgery (9%). An indication of the difficulty in obtaining complete stone clearance is that only 107 (60%) operation notes recorded complete clearance, while 75 (42%) patients required a subsequent procedure (13% a secondary PCNL). Use of supra 12th rib punctures was small (6%) as was the rate of ‘tube-less’ PCNL (4%). Some 22% had simultaneous ureteric stent insertion. Approximately 8% of cases required a blood transfusion. Thirty-eight patients (23%) had a proven infection (UTI) pre-operatively (> 104 organisms; > 10 white blood cells) with almost all patients receiving antibiotics at anaesthesia induction. Postoperative sepsis rates (temperature > 38.5°C) were similar in those with and without a pre-operative UTI (18.4% versus 14.3%) and pre-operative antibiotics appeared to have little extra protective effect. Severe sepsis was rare with no patient requiring intensive care admission for this reason. Median length of stay postoperatively was 5 days.

CONCLUSIONS

These results present important figures to quote when counselling patients pre-operatively, albeit that the degree of difficulty (and hence the likelihood of problems) is identifiable from stone and anatomical configurations. In addition, the present data are a more accurate reflection of urinary stone surgery in non-tertiary, general urological practice.
Supplemental Permanent Maxillary Canines: Report of Two Rare Bilateral Cases
Authors: Cho Shiu-yin , Yeung Kar-hing , Lee Chun-kei
Published: January 2008

Supernumerary teeth in the permanent maxillary canine areas are uncommon, and are usually in the form of small conical-shaped teeth. Only a few reports of supplemental maxillary canines have been published in the literature, and most relate to unilateral cases. Bilateral occurrence of such supplemental teeth in non-syndromic patients has been reported to be extremely rare. This article reports two cases of bilateral supplemental permanent maxillary canines in children with no associated syndrome.
Payment by results for fractured neck of femur in two NHS Secondary Care Trusts
Authors: Jameson SS , Nargol AVF , Reed MR
Published: January 2008

The NHS is in the midst of widespread financial and personnel restructuring. A cost-efficient organisation with effective Secondary Care Trust payment structure was envisaged in the government paper Delivering the NHS Plan. Payment by results (PbR) was introduced into the NHS in 2004 in an effort to finance Trusts fairly and reward work volume. PbR is a cost-per-case fixed national payment system based on Healthcare Resource Groups (HRG). A reduction in waiting times, increased productivity and better use of capacity are expected benefits. An improvement in data collection is anticipated. Similar payment structures are used in Europe, the US and Australia. PbR aims to create an individual tariff for each hospital patient episode. Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) will pay this tariff for the treatment of each individual patient in their resident population.
Move it! Fellowship in stereotactic and functional neurosurgery, Vancouver
Authors: Low Hu Liang
Published: January 2008

Functional neurosurgery refers to the branch of brain surgery that involves the modulation of nervous tissue activity. This form of surgery is mainly used in the treatment of movement disorders, epilepsy and pain. Traditionally, this was achieved by injuring key structures in the central or peripheral nervous system. More recently, electrical stimulation has been used to alter the activities of different neuronal groups and deep brain stimulation is now an established treatment option for Parkinson's disease.
Clinical academics required to avert training crisis
Authors: Walls Angus
Published: January 2008

I started my life in academic dentistry in 1982, when there was a crisis due to a dearth of young scientists coming into the career. Once again clinical academia is in crisis both in medicine and dentistry – and this time it is a global phenomenon. In 1982 the government's response was a New Blood lectureship scheme to attract young scientists into the academy. Of the three such posts in dentistry, all holders are now professors in UK dental schools. This initiative was a success by any standards but recruitment was small and the impact on staffing levels in universities limited.
College rewards aspiring surgeons
Authors: Wynn-Mackenzie Clare
Published: January 2008

The Opportunities in Surgery (OiS) committee works to increase diversity in surgery. An important part of this work is engaging with students early on to highlight the challenges and rewards of a surgical career. The development of Modernising Medical Careers has meant that it is vital that students choose their specialty as soon as possible and work to compile a comprehensive and attractive portfolio. A prestigious prize in their chosen specialty would be an impressive addition to any potential surgical trainee's portfolio. For this reason, the OiS committee developed the Professor Harold Ellis Medical Student Prize for Surgery.
What teacher factors influence their attributions for children's difficulties in learning?
Authors: Brady Katy , Woolfson Lisa
Published: January 2008

Background Identifying the factors that influence teacher beliefs about teaching children with learning difficulties is important for the success of inclusive education. This study explores the relationship between teachers' role, self‐efficacy, attitudes towards disabled people, teaching experience and training, on teachers' attributions for children's difficulties in learning.

Method One hundred and eighteen primary school teachers (44 general mainstream, 33 mainstream learning support, and 41 special education teachers) completed the short form of the Teachers' Sense of Efficacy Scale, the Interaction with Disabled Persons Scale (IDP), and a revised version of the Teacher Attribution Scale.

Results Regression analysis found that teachers' role influenced stability and controllability attributions. However, for stability attributions the effect was not sustained when examined in the context of the other factors of teaching efficacy, experience, training, and attitudes towards disability. What emerged as important instead was strong feelings of sympathy towards disabled people which predicted stable attributions about learning difficulties. Experience of teaching children with additional support needs and teaching efficacy positively predicted external locus of causality attributions. Surprisingly, training was not found to have an impact on attributions. A mixed MANOVA found that mainstream teachers' controllability attributions were influenced by whether or not the child had identified learning support needs.

Conclusions Teacher efficacy, experience of teaching students with support needs, attitudes towards disabled people, and teachers' role all impact on teacher attributions, but no relationship with training was found. Implications for teacher training and development, and for student achievement and student self‐perception are discussed.
Changing epistemological beliefs: The unexpected impact of a short‐term intervention
Authors: Kienhues Dorothe , Bromme Rainer , Stahl Elmar
Published: January 2008

Background Previous research has shown that sophisticated epistemological beliefs exert a positive influence on students' learning strategies and learning outcomes. This gives a clear educational relevance to studies on the development of methods for promoting a change in epistemological beliefs and making them more sophisticated.

Aims To investigate the potential for influencing domain‐specific epistemological beliefs through a short instructional intervention.

Sample On the basis of their performance on a preliminary survey of epistemological beliefs, 58 students at a German university (87.7% females) with a mean age of 21.86 years (SD = 2.88) were selected. Half of them had more naive beliefs and the other half had more sophisticated ones.

Methods Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: one whose epistemological beliefs were challenged through refutational epistemological instruction or another receiving non‐challenging informational instruction. The treatment effect was assessed by comparing pre‐ and post‐instructional scores on two instruments tapping different layers of epistemological beliefs (DEBQ and CAEB). Data were subjected to factor analyses and analyses of variance.

Results According to the CAEB, the naive group receiving the refutational epistemological instruction changed towards a more sophisticated view, whereas the sophisticated students receiving the informational instruction changed towards an unintended, more naive standpoint. According to the DEBQ, all research groups except the naive refutational group revealed changes towards a more naive view.

Conclusions This study indicates the possibility of changing domain‐specific epistemological beliefs through a short‐term intervention. However, it questions the stability and elaborateness of domain‐specific epistemological beliefs, particularly when domain knowledge is shallow.
Book Reviews
Authors: Gallucci Marcello
Published: January 2008

New developments in categorical data analysis for the social and behavioural sciences

By L. Andries van der Ark, Marcel A. Croon and Klass Sijtsma New Jersey, USA: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 2004, 240pp, £42.95, ISBN 978‐0‐8058‐4728‐4
Coherent psychometric modelling with Bayesian nonparametrics
Authors: Karabatsos George , Walker Stephen G.
Published: January 2008

In this paper we argue that model selection, as commonly practised in psychometrics, violates certain principles of coherence. On the other hand, we show that Bayesian nonparametrics provides a coherent basis for model selection, through the use of a ‘nonparametric’ prior distribution that has a large support on the space of sampling distributions. We illustrate model selection under the Bayesian nonparametric approach, through the analysis of real questionnaire data. Also, we present ways to use the Bayesian nonparametric framework to define very flexible psychometric models, through the specification of a nonparametric prior distribution that supports all distribution functions for the inverse link, including the standard logistic distribution functions. The Bayesian nonparametric approach provides a coherent method for model selection that can be applied to any statistical model, including psychometric models. Moreover, under a ‘non‐informative’ choice of nonparametric prior, the Bayesian nonparametric approach is easy to apply, and selects the model that maximizes the log likelihood. Thus, under this choice of prior, the approach can be extended to non‐Bayesian settings where the parameters of the competing models are estimated by likelihood maximization, and it can be used with any psychometric software package that routinely reports the model log likelihood.
Fixed‐ versus random‐effects models in meta‐analysis: Model properties and an empirical comparison of differences in results
Authors: Schmidt Frank L. , Oh In‐Sue , Hayes Theodore L.
Published: January 2008

Today most conclusions about cumulative knowledge in psychology are based on meta‐analysis. We first present an examination of the important statistical differences between fixed‐effects (FE) and random‐effects (RE) models in meta‐analysis and between two different RE procedures, due to Hedges and Vevea, and to Hunter and Schmidt. The implications of these differences for the appropriate interpretation of published meta‐analyses are explored by applying the two RE procedures to 68 meta‐analyses from five large meta‐analytic studies previously published inPsychological Bulletin. Under the assumption that the goal of research is generalizable knowledge, results indicated that the published FE confidence intervals (CIs) around mean effect sizes were on average 52% narrower than their actual width, with similar results being produced by the two RE procedures. These nominal 95% FE CIs were found to be on average 56% CIs. Because most meta‐analyses in the literature use FE models, these findings suggest that the precision of meta‐analysis findings in the literature has often been substantially overstated, with important consequences for research and practice.
Acquiescent responding in partially balanced multidimensional scales
Authors: Lorenzo‐Seva Urbano , Ferrando Pere J.
Published: January 2008

We propose a method for controlling acquiescent response in which acquiescence response variance is isolated in an independent factor. This kind of procedure is available for perfectly balanced scales (i.e. half of the items are worded in the opposite direction to the other half with respect to a general trait). However, few questionnaires are designed so that exactly half of the items are worded in this way. If this is not the case, the available methods are useless. We propose to adapt the rotation method of Lorenzo‐Seva and Rodríguez‐Fornells to handle partially balanced scales (i.e. only a few items in the scale are worded in the opposite direction). The most important characteristic of our method is that it removes the variance due to acquiescent response from all the items in the questionnaire (i.e. the balanced subset of items, but also the unbalanced subsets of items). The usefulness of the method is illustrated in a numerical example.
Sample size and the width of the confidence interval for mean difference
Authors: Liu Xiaofeng Steven
Published: January 2008

The width of the confidence interval for mean difference can be viewed as a random variable. Overlooking its stochastic nature may lead to a serious underestimate of the sample size required to obtain an adequate probability of achieving the desired width for the confidence interval. The probability of achieving a certain width can either be an unconditional probability or a conditional probability given that the confidence interval includes the true parameter. We reconciled the difference between the unconditional and conditional probabilities by deriving the lower bound of the conditional probability. Additionally, we used the harmonic mean to determine unequal sample sizes for the confidence intervals for the two‐mean comparison and multiple‐mean comparisons.
Changes in the relationship between self‐reference and emotional valence as a function of dysphoria
Authors: Watson L. A. , Dritschel B. , Jentzsch I. , Obonsawin M. C.
Published: January 2008

The self‐positivity bias is found to be an aspect of normal cognitive function. Changes in this bias are usually associated with changes in emotional states, such as dysphoria or depression. The aim of the present study was to clarify the role of emotional valence within self‐referential processing. By asking non‐dysphoric and dysphoric individuals to rate separately the emotional and self‐referential content of a set of 240 words, it was possible to identify the differences in the relationship between self‐reference and emotional valence, which are associated with dysphoria. The results support the existence of the self‐positivity bias in non‐dysphoric individuals. More interestingly, dysphoric individuals were able to accurately identify the emotional content of the word stimuli. They failed, however, to associate this emotional valence with self‐reference. These findings are discussed in terms of attributional self‐biases and their consequences for cognition.
Taking computerized CBT beyond primary care
Authors: Learmonth Despina. , Rai Sadik.
Published: January 2008

Objectives

This study seeks to determine whether the effectiveness of Beating the Blues (BtB), an established computer‐based CBT (CCBT) programme, can extend beyond primary care.

Design

BtB was delivered and evaluated in an NHS specialist CBT care centre as part of routine care.

Method

A sample of 104 service users, typically displaying chronic levels of depression and/or anxiety received CCBT.

Results

Completers' scores on the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation‐Outcome Measure (CORE‐OM), as well as on single‐item rating scales for anxiety and depression, improved significantly following the intervention. Statistically significant differences held during intention‐to‐treat analyses. Almost half of the completer sample achieved reliable and clinically significant change. The results were benchmarked against national data sets.

Conclusions

These preliminary findings suggest a potential role for CCBT within secondary care as a first step, self‐help treatment tool for anxiety and depression.
Illusion of control by proxy: Placing one's fate in the hands of another
Authors: Wohl Michael J. A. , Enzle Michael E.
Published: January 2008

In the present set of studies, we investigated how perceptions of other people's luck are used in an attempt to maximize one's own outcomes. Specifically, it was hypothesized that people will defer to a lucky other in games of chance to maximize winning potential, i.e. theillusion of control by proxy. In Experiment 1, participants were told that they would receive a scratch‐and‐win lottery ticket as a gratuity for participating. As hypothesized, participants were more likely to allow a confederate to either pick their lottery ticket if they perceived the confederate to be personally lucky than if such perceptions where not facilitated. In Experiments 2 and 3, participants interacted with a confederate over the Internet. As predicted, participants were more likely to allow a gambling partner (a confederate) to spin a roulette wheel (Experiment 2), and bet more money on the outcome of the spin (Experiment 3) if they were made to believe their partner was lucky. The expanded reach of the illusion of control phenomena is discussed.
Conversational perspective‐taking and false belief attribution: A longitudinal study
Authors: Bernard Stéphane , Deleau Michel
Published: January 2008

The aim of this study was to explore the developmental links between conversational perspective‐taking and false belief attribution. To examine this, 81 children aged between 3 and 4 years participated in a longitudinal study over a period of 1 year, with three measurement sessions being performed at 6‐month intervals. The children were assessed by means of sets of tasks involving conversational perspective‐taking, false belief attribution and language. The results show that false belief attribution scores, at a given age, are predicted to a significant extent, irrespective of the sessions compared, by the variations in conversational perspective‐taking scores at an earlier age, whereas the reverse is not observed. These results support the hypothesis that perspective‐taking experience contributes to the development of belief representation during the preschool period.
Preschoolers can recognize violations of the Gricean maxims
Authors: Eskritt Michelle , Whalen Juanita , Lee Kang
Published: January 2008

Grice (Syntax and semantics: Speech acts, 1975, pp. 41–58, Vol. 3) proposed that conversation is guided by a spirit of cooperation that involves adherence to several conversational maxims. Three types of maxims were explored in the current study: 1) Quality, to be truthful; 2) Relation, to say only what is relevant to a conversation; and 3) Quantity, to provide as much information as required. Three‐ to five‐year‐olds were tested to determine the age at which an awareness of these Gricean maxims emerges. Children requested the help of one of two puppets in finding a hidden sticker. One puppet always adhered to the maxim being tested, while the other always violated it. Consistently choosing the puppet that adhered to the maxim was considered indicative of an understanding of that maxim. The results indicate that children were initially only successful in the Relation condition. While in general, children performed better at first in the Quantity condition compared with the Quality condition, 3‐year‐olds never performed above chance in the Quantity condition. The findings of the present study indicate that preschool children are sensitive to the violation of the Relation, Quality, and Quantity maxims at least under some conditions.
It's all relative: Different levels of relational similarity used in children's comparisons
Authors: Paik Jae H. , Mix Kelly S.
Published: January 2008

Using a sticker search task, Gentner and Rattermann (Perspectives on thought and language: Interrelations in development (Gelman & Byrnes, Eds.), pp. 225–227, 1991) found that the ability to ignore surface features and match objects in terms of relative size emerged around 5 years of age. However, because spatial position covaried with relative size, it was unclear which of these relations successful children used. To find out, we tested 5‐year‐olds with the same sticker search task, but manipulated spatial position. Children performed significantly worse, though not randomly, when they were prevented from using spatial position to find the sticker. This finding suggests that children use spatial position when they can, but are capable of using relative size if they must.
Implicit and explicit motor learning in children with and without Down's syndrome
Authors: Vinter Annie. , Detable Christelle.
Published: January 2008

This paper reports a study investigating the degree of dissociation between performance shown by children with or without Down's syndrome (DS), matched on non‐verbal MA‐level, following an implicit or explicit learning procedure. Task‐specific factors were tightly controlled using the same task for both modes of learning. The implicit learning task was based on the manipulation of a graphic production principle. Our procedure trained participants to reverse the principle. In the explicit task, participants had to learn the two rules that account for this reversed principle. Whether they were trained implicitly or explicitly, participants then performed the same test in which the impact of their training was assessed.

Children with DS performed as well as controls in the implicit learning condition. They benefited less from the explicit learning condition than controls. They appeared to be impaired in the ability to recollect explicit information about the implicit training situation in comparison with controls. These results are discussed in the light of the current literature on the implicit and explicit modes of learning, and hypotheses are formulated about specific information processes that may be impaired in individuals with DS.
The association between ethnic congruence in the supervisor‐subordinate dyad and subordinate organizational position and salary
Authors: Avey James B. , West Bradley J. , Crossley Craig D.
Published: January 2008

We used a large field sample (N=32,854) to test popular press claims and propositions from relational demography theory that the ethnic congruence of the supervisor‐subordinate dyad is associated with positive employee outcomes. Results indicate that ethnic congruence was positively associated with subordinates' level in the organization and salary. These relationships were moderated by type of compensation system, such that the effects were stronger in merit‐based than in tenure‐based systems. In addition, the extent of the relationship between supervisor‐subordinate congruence differed by ethnic group, supporting previous research that suggests examining unique outcomes by ethnicity. However, although statistically significant, effect sizes were generally smaller than anticipated and implied in the popular press. Practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Applicant–employee similarity and attraction to an employer
Authors: Devendorf Shelba A. , Highhouse Scott
Published: January 2008

Considerable research has supported the similarity–attraction effect, wherein similarity on various dimensions predicts interpersonal attraction. The present study extended this notion to workplace attraction, by examining whether applicant similarity to prospective co‐workers enhances attraction to the potential employer. Similarity between college‐aged women and prototypical employees at well‐known retail stores was assessed. Both perceived similarity and prototype similarity predicted perceptions of employer attractiveness. Although perceived similarity produced larger effect sizes, prototype similarity showed promise as an indirect measure of person‐to‐person fit.
The interactive effects of job advertisement characteristics and applicant experience on reactions to recruitment messages
Authors: Walker H. Jack , Feild Hubert S. , Giles William F. , Bernerth Jeremy B.
Published: January 2008

Job seekers often use job advertisements presented during the early stages of recruitment to gather important information about potential employers. Content of these advertisements as well as associated peripheral cues have the potential to influence job seekers' organizational attitudes. Using the elaboration likelihood model as a theoretical framework, the authors proposed that job seekers' previous work and job search experience moderate the extent to which these job advertisement characteristics influence attitudes towards organizations. Results suggest that the content of job advertisements influence the organizational attitudes of experienced job seekers more than their inexperienced counterparts. Additionally, the presence of peripheral cues (i.e. physical attractiveness of those persons shown in recruitment material) appears to have a greater effect on the organizational attractiveness perceptions of job seekers having less work and job search experience versus those having more experience. Implications of the findings regarding organizational recruitment practices are discussed.
Validity in judgments of high‐ and low‐accurate witnesses of own and other ethnic groups
Authors: Lindholm Torun
Published: January 2008

Purpose. Research has shown that people often have difficulties estimating eyewitness accuracy correctly. In most previous studies examining validity in credibility judgments, participants have assessed the accuracy of witnesses who have been homogeneous in their memory performance. This study investigated validity in judgments of witnesses who varied widely in memory. A further purpose was to examine whether judgmental validity was moderated by the witnesses' ethnic in‐group/out‐group status.

Methods. Participants (N = 120) rated the reliability of videotaped testimonies of high‐ and low‐accurate in‐group (Swedish, N = 4) and out‐group (immigrants, N = 4) witnesses who were genuinely trying to recall a criminal event.

Results. Participants assigned more reliability to high‐ than to low‐accurate in‐group witnesses, while out‐group witnesses received low reliability ratings regardless of their actual memory performance. Path analyses demonstrated that the subjective confidence of in‐group, but not of out‐group, witnesses predicted participants' accuracy judgments.

Conclusions. The results indicate that the validity in judgments of in‐group witnesses can be better than has previously been implied. Investigators may have difficulty distinguishing high‐ and low‐accurate witnesses from other ethnic groups, and they may also systematically underestimate the reliability of ethnic out‐group witnesses. Implications for legal practices are discussed.
Assessment of sexual interest using a choice reaction time task and priming: A feasibility study
Authors: Santtila Pekka , Mokros Andreas , Viljanen Klaus , Koivisto Mika , Sandnabba N. Kenneth , Zappalà Angelo , Osterheider Michael
Published: January 2008

Purpose. We investigated the feasibility of assessing sexual interest in hetero‐ and homosexual men using two information‐processing methods, namely a choice reaction time task and priming. The participants were expected to have longer reaction times for sexually explicit when compared with non‐explicit pictures due to sexual content‐induced delay. In addition, the reaction times of the heterosexual (N=15) and homosexual (N=11) men for pictures corresponding with their sexual interest were compared to pictures not corresponding with their sexual interest. Heterosexual men were expected to have longer reaction times during the presentation of sexually explicit female as opposed to male pictures, whereas homosexual men were expected to have the opposite pattern.

Method. The participants were presented either sexually explicit or non‐explicit male and female target pictures (and primes that preceded the targets in random combinations) while simultaneously performing a choice reaction time task in three phases each containing a total of 160 prime–target pairs.

Results. Both expectations were confirmed in phase 1 of the study. In phase 2, the means differed in the expected way, but the effects were not significant. In phase 3, the expected effect was moderated by a complex priming effect.

Conclusions. The results suggest that the choice reaction time task is a promising way of measuring sexual interest but that questions of habituation should be given more attention in future studies.
Psychosocial factors related to cardiovascular disease risk in UK South Asian men: A preliminary study
Authors: Williams Emily D. , Kooner Ishminder , Steptoe Andrew , Kooner Jaspal S.
Published: January 2008

Objective. To compare the exposure to psychosocial factors associated with cardiovascular risk in UK South Asian and white European men.

Design. Interview study of 63 healthy UK South Asian and 42 white European men aged 35–75 years, randomly selected from a larger study group in West London. Interviews were administered in Punjabi and English. Measures of psychosocial and cardiovascular risk factors were obtained.

Setting. Ealing Hospital, West London.

Results. The South Asian men had lived in the UK for an average of 27.9 (SD 11.6) years, and had higher educational attainment than the white Europeans. Compared with the white Europeans, the South Asian men lived in significantly more crowded homes, experienced lower job control, greater financial strain, lower neighbourhood social cohesion and more racial harassment. They received less emotional support, and were more depressed and less optimistic on standard questionnaires. These men also had higher waist/hip ratios and were more sedentary, but there were no significant ethnic differences in biological risk factors.

Conclusions. South Asian men living in London showed a higher risk profile in psychosocial factors thought to contribute to cardiovascular disease risk. This preliminary investigation is consistent with the possibility that psychosocial adversity contributes to increased vulnerability to coronary heart disease in South Asians resident in the UK.
Does the easy–difficult item measure attitude or perceived behavioural control?
Authors: Gagné Camille , Godin Gaston
Published: January 2008

Objective In order to determine if easy–difficult item measures attitude or perceived behavioural control (PBC), we used structural equation modelling of 10 cross‐sectional data sets.

Design Cross‐sectional design was used.

Method. Ten studies that examined health‐related behaviours and used the theory of planned behaviour as a theoretical framework were analysed. Samples totalling N = 4,552 participants were employed. All studies involved multi‐item measures of attitude (Aact) and PBC items derived from pilot testing.

Results Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the discriminant validity of Aact and PBC. Structural equation modelling of relevant path indicated that in three studies, easy–difficult item is an indicator of both Aact and PBC. In the other seven studies, easy–difficult item belongs to PBC. The indexes of meta‐analysis suggest that overall, easy–difficult item is an indicator of PBC.

Conclusion. Findings from 10 studies converged toward the conclusion that the easy–difficult item is an indicator of perceived PBC. However, since the easy–difficult item is sometimes classified as both Aact and PBC, and only the perceived difficulty dimension of PBC captures a significant increment in the variance of intention, it appears important to develop and validate a set of items devoted to measure the perceived difficulty dimension adequately.
A prospective examination of illness beliefs and coping in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Searle Aidan , Norman Paul , Thompson Rachel , Vedhara Kav
Published: January 2008

Objective. According to the common‐sense model of illness behaviour, illness representations are directly related to coping and, via coping, to adaptive or maladaptive outcomes. However, it may be more appropriate to conceptualize coping by assessing what patients actually do – i.e., their coping behaviours – rather than what they say they do in coping scales – i.e., their coping cognitions. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between illness representations and the relative importance of coping cognitions and coping behaviours in the context of the management of type 2 diabetes.

Design. The relationship between illness representations and coping variables was explored within a prospective design.

Methods. The illness representations of 134 patients were assessed with the IPQ‐R (Moss‐Morris et al., 2002) along with coping cognitions and coping behaviours (medication, physical activity, diet).

Results. Illness representations predicted coping cognitions and coping behaviours but coping cognitions did not mediate the relationships between illness representations and coping behaviours.

Conclusion. The results demonstrate that illness representations are direct predictors of both coping cognitions and coping behaviours in patients with type 2 diabetes. In addition, coping cognitions and coping behaviours appear to be distinct mechanisms that operate independently. The findings suggest that rather than manipulating patients' coping cognitions to improve patients' health behaviours it may be beneficial to focus on their beliefs about diabetes.