bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circumferential Change Scores in Phallometric Assessment: Normative Data
Authors: Howes Richard J.
Published: February 2008

Phallometric testing is a procedure that has enjoyed considerable popularity as an objective component in the assessment of sexual offenders. The value of this procedure may be most notably compromised in the realm of interpretation, and problems in interpretation are particularly acute for those participants where full arousal is not obtained during testing. The calculation of Percent Full Erection (PFE) scores has of necessity involved a speculative component in such cases. Eliminating this speculation through empirical investigation was the purpose of the current research. Circumferential change scores (from flaccidity to full erection) were obtained for 724 respondents at nine North American correctional facilities, allowing for the calculation of descriptive statistics and a determination of the distribution characteristics of these scores. The results provide an empirical basis for calculating PFE scores and interpreting phallometric data in those cases where full arousal is not obtained, and specific confidence levels associated with interpretation are offered. It is suggested that only through a more rigorous application of the principles of science will the procedure of phallometric assessment fulfill its true potential.
Actuarial Risk Assessment: Commentary on Berlin et al
Authors: Hart Stephen D.
Published: February 2008

F. S. Berlin, N. W. Galbreath, B. Geary, and G. McGlone (this issue) have raised some important questions regarding the use of actuarial risk assessment instruments in sex offender civil commitment proceedings, also known as sexually violent predator or SVP proceedings. Their primary point is that interpreting the findings of existing actuarial risk assessment instruments is a tricky business because it is not certain whether the extent to which probability estimates derived from group data can be applied to individual cases. I agree completely with Berlin et al. on this point, but disagree with them concerning the extent to which probability estimates—and, therefore, actuarial instruments— are legally relevant in SVP proceedings. I outline some potential problems with respect to the legal admissibility of actuarial instruments, including their legal relevance.
Therapeutic Engagement Styles of Child Sexual Offenders in a Group Treatment Program: A Grounded Theory Study
Authors: Frost Andrew
Published: February 2008

It is widely observed that child sexual offenders typically exhibit considerable reluctance to self-disclose at a level that reflects the full reality of their offending. Their successful engagement in relapse prevention-based programs is therefore problematic. This paper describes a study involving men undertaking a prototypical group treatment program, facing the challenge of revealing to others the details of their offense process. A procedure was developed to access their covert responses at the time of this encounter. From a grounded theory analysis, participants were found to employ various strategies to manage situations where self-disclosure was required. Four distinct disclosure management styles emerged: exploratory, oppositional, evasive, and placatory; the latter three of which appear unfavorable to effective engagement in treatment. As well as suggesting ways of influencing disclosure management style, analysis indicated that it might be possible to predict these different orientations during routine assessment.
The Etiology of Risk: A Preliminary Model
Authors: Ward Tony , Beech Anthony R.
Published: February 2008

The purpose of this paper- is to describe an approach that links risk-assessment and theory-directed research. Here we describe a theoretical underpinning to current notions of dynamic risk assessment. The paper has two facets. First, the reframing of a number of concepts such as (i). stable dynamic factors that we note would be better described as traits and hence have a grounding in the extant general psychological literature on trait theory, (ii). static risk factors that can be viewed as historical markers of the same underlying psychological dispositions measured by stable dynamic risk factors; (iii). acute risk factors that are better described as triggering/contextual risk factors (iv). acute risk factors that should be defined as the state expression of traits triggered by triggering/contextual risk factors. And second, the description of an etiological model of risk- model taking into account the interaction between significant learning events (i.e., developmental variables), psychological vulnerabilities (i.e., marked by static/historical variables and/or stable dynamic risk factors), contextual or triggering factors and their convergence in offense-related acute dynamic risk (i.e., acute psychological states).
Therapeutic Jurisprudence and Sex Offenders: A Psycho-Legal Approach to Protection
Authors: Birgden Astrid
Published: February 2008

Societal response to sex offenders is marked by uncertainty about whether punishment or treatment should occur. The distinction between punishment, prevention, and protection is useful to determine how best to assess, treat, and manage sex offenders within the criminal justice system. Once convicted, both law and psychology are concerned with sex offenders changing their behavior in order to protect the community. Therapeutic jurisprudence is a legal theory that aims to maximize therapeutic effects of the law and minimize anti-therapeutic consequences of the law. Therapeutic jurisprudence provides a framework to combine legal and psychological processes to balance prevention and protection. Legal and correctional practitioners can work together to address both community protection and offender protection concerns.
Biological Fathers and Stepfathers Who Molest Their Daughters: Psychological, Phallometric, and Criminal Features
Authors: Greenberg David M. , Firestone Philip , Nunes Kevin L. , Bradford John M. , Curry Susan
Published: February 2008

A sample (N = 143) of men who sexually abused their biological daughters or their stepladopted daughters were examined on a comprehensive array of demographic and historical information, offense characteristics, psychological and phallometric measures, and recidivism. Biological fathers were significantly less sexually aroused by children than were the stepfathers. On all the remaining variables, however, no statistically significant differences were found. Overall, biological and stepfathers in the present study appear to be much more similar than different from one another.
Developing Empathy in Sexual Offenders: The Value of Offence Re-Enactments
Authors: Webster Stephen D. , Bowers Louise E. , Mann Ruth E. , Marshall William L.
Published: February 2008

This paper describes an evaluation of different uses of roleplay to enhance victim-specific empathy in sexual offenders. Thirty-three men participated in a treatment program involving offence re-enactment as described by Pithers (1994) and Mann, Daniels, and Marshall (2002). A matched group of 33 men participated in a treatment program that was identical in all respects except that they did not complete offence re-enactments. Instead, they completed extra roleplays designed to enhance empathy for the short and long-term consequences for their victim(s). Results indicated that completing an offence re-enactment led to slightly better ability to identify some types of negative consequences for abuse victims, and identify cognitive distortions about their offending and women per se. Rapists in particular seemed more likely to benefit from offence re-enactment. The non-re-enactment group showed better understanding of lifestyle disruption effects for sexual abuse victims. The differences between the groups were not very marked, and the study only involved measures of cognitive empathy. Given the concerns about offence re-enactment expressed by Pithers (1997), this procedure should be used with caution and future investigations should test specifically for possible signs of damage caused by the procedure.
Research on the Processes Involved in Treating Sexual Offenders
Authors: Drapeau Martin
Published: February 2008

This article summarizes preliminary findings from a series of pilot studies on the processes involved in treating sexual offenders. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used on samples of 15 to 24 child molesters undergoing a prison-based cognitive-behavioral and relapse prevention treatment program. Results are presented and discussed in the form of 5 questions: (1) Are therapists just "technicians"? The offenders' point of view (2) Does confronting the therapist mean treatment resistance? (3) Are the therapists perceived as therapists, parents, or a bit of both? (4) Is the structure of the program important? The offenders' point of view and (5) Is a sense of mastery important in a prison setting? It is suggested that researchers investigate the processes underlying the treatment of offenders, especially the common factors which have been shown to have an effect on therapeutic outcome.
Relationship Between Therapeutic Climate and Treatment Outcome in Group-Based Sexual Offender Treatment Programs
Authors: Beech Anthony R. , Hamilton-Giachritsis Catherine E.
Published: February 2008

The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between therapeutic climate and the effectiveness of CBT treatment for sexual offenders in U.K. prisons. To this end a measure of group atmosphere was administered to members and leaders of 12 treatment groups running the same prison-based sexual offender treatment program. Treatment outcome was measured using a case-by-case methodology clinically significant change analysis—to identify the percentage of individuals within each group who had significantly changed on measures of pro-offending attitudes targeted in treatment. The results of the group process measure indicated leaders generally viewed groups more positively than members. Clear differences were also found between groups (ostensibly running the same treatment program) in terms of group climate. Analysis of members' process data indicated that there was a clear relationship between how cohesive the members reported the group to be and the extent to which freedom of action and expressions of feelings were encouraged in groups, as well as treatment outcome as measured by significant reductions in pro-offending attitudes. These results are discussed in terms of what they say about attitudes and goals of those involved in running treatment and how the effectiveness of treatment programs can be maximized.
Juvenile Sex Offender Re-Arrest Rates for Sexual, Violent Nonsexual and Property Crimes: A 10-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Waite Dennis , Keller Adrienne , McGarvey Elizabeth L. , Wieckowski Edward , Pinkerton Relana , Brown Gerald L.
Published: February 2008

We report the results of a 10-year follow-up recidivism study of two sex offender treatment programs for incarcerated juvenile sex offenders (JSOs) in Virginia. The programs vary in environment and intensity. The more intense JSO program ("self-contained") operates in specialized living units that are separate from those of the general juvenile incarcerated population. In the less intense program ( "prescriptive" ), JSOs remain housed with the general population of juvenile offenders. Arrest and incarceration data through January 2003 were obtained for 261 male JSOs released between 1992 and 2001. The inclusion of adult incarceration data allowed for a more accurate assessment of the actual time at risk for sexual re-offending. Outcomes are re-arrest rates, length of time to re-arrest and type of offense (property, nonsexual assault, sexual) on re-arrest, with analyses using survival curve functions. For both groups, actual re-arrest is most likely to be for a nonsexual person offense (31 and 47%, respectively) and least likely to be for a sexual offense (<5% for both groups). Comparing the nonequivalent groups, the self-contained treatment group has a lower predicted re-arrest rate and a longer mean time to re-arrest, for all types of offenses, than the prescriptive treatment group. In addition, juveniles who indicate high levels of impulsive/antisocial behaviors are significantly more likely to recidivate compared to juveniles with low-levels of impulsivelantisocial behaviors, regardless of treatment type. This is the first 10-year follow-up study of treatment outcomes for a relatively large sample of males who were incarcerated for sexual offenses as juveniles.
Violent Juvenile Sex Offenders Compared with Violent Juvenile Nonsex Offenders: Explorative Findings From the Pittsburgh Youth Study
Authors: van Wijk Anton , Loeber Rolf , Vermeiren Robert , Pardini Dustin , Bullens Ruud , Doreleijers Theo
Published: February 2008

Only a limited number of studies have compared the psychosocial characteristics of juvenile sex offenders and nonsex offenders. The results of these studies have often been contradictory. Furthermore, studies in normal population groups are rare and most of those studies have been conducted in specific populations. This paper reports on the findings of a prospective, longitudinal study, the Pittsburgh Youth Study, in which violent male sex offenders (n = 39) were compared with violent nonsex offenders (n = 430) based on 66 demographic and psychosocial characteristics. The findings show that the sex offenders resembled the nonsex violent offenders with respect to nearly all child, family, peer and demographic risk factors. Some suggestions are made with regard to future research.
The Utility of Cumulative Meta-Analysis: Application to Programs for Reducing Sexual Violence
Authors: Hanson R. Karl , Broom Ian
Published: February 2008

Recent advances in meta-analytic techniques provide a useful framework for interpreting the findings of individual studies. Simple formula are presented for determining whether the results of a single study are statistically different from the cumulative average of previous studies, and for calculating the new cumulative average. When applied to two controversial social policies (treatment of sexual offenders ; rape prevention programs for college women), cumulative meta-analyses suggested patterns that were not identified by the authors of the individual studies nor by narrative reviews of these content areas.
Identifying Schemas in Child Molesters, Rapists, and Violent Offenders
Authors: Milner Rebecca J. , Webster Stephen D.
Published: February 2008

One focus of research concerning offending behavior has been the concept of the cognitive distortion, although the importance of the need for research into the underlying cognitive structures in offenders has been highlighted. This study examined schemas in child molesters, rapists, and violent offenders, predicting content differences in the offence-related schemas between these groups. In accordance with previous research, the prevalence of a "suspiciousness/hostility to women" schema in rapists was predicted. Twelve rapists, twelve child molesters, and twelve violent offenders incarcerated in a male maximum-security prison completed "Life Maps" (autobiographies) and the My Life questionnaire (R. E. Mann & C. R. Hollin, 2001 ), both designed to indicate the presence of schemas. A content analysis template containing nine schemas was constructed and applied to the Life Map data. Results showed a significant difference in the prevalence of schema type between the three groups. There was a prevalence of a "hostility/distrust of women" schema in the rapists. Analysis of the My Life questionnaire revealed a difference between violent offenders and rapists only. This study highlights the need for further research into schemas with sexual and violent offenders.
Predicting Sex Offender Treatment Entry Among Individuals Convicted of Sexual Offense Crimes
Authors: Jones Nicole , Pelissier Bernadette , Klein-Saffran Jody
Published: February 2008

This study examined what factors were predictive of who volunteers for sex offender treatment (self-selection) as well as who enters treatment after volunteering (administration selection). Research participants included 404 treatment volunteers and 387 nonvolunteers to treatment who were convicted of a sexual offense involving minors within the federal prison system. Maximum likelihood probit estimation procedures indicated that when compared with nonvolunteers, treatment volunteers were more likely to be recommended by a judge to receive treatment at the time of sentencing, had received prior treatment for sexually deviant behavior, reported higher levels of motivation to change their sexually deviant behavior, and had lower rates of a substance use disorder in the year prior to incarceration. Of those persons who initially volunteered, 62% were accepted and entered treatment, 16% were denied entry to treatment by program staff, and 22% refused treatment after being accepted to the waiting list. When compared with those who were accepted and entered treatment, motivation was the only predictor of being denied admission into treatment by program staff and for refusal of treatment once accepted. The findings emphasize the need to control for selection bias in treatment outcome studies and the importance of examining the role of motivation in treatment volunteerism and treatment entry for sexual offenders.
Sex Offenders' Response to Treatment and its Association with Recidivism as a Function of Psychopathy
Authors: Langton Calvin M. , Barbaree Howard E. , Harkins Leigh , Peacock Edward J.
Published: February 2008

This study examined the relationship between recidivism and ratings of response to specialized cognitive behavioral treatment conducted in a prison setting among 418 sex offenders released to the community for an average follow-up period of over 5 years. As well as testing for a main effect for treatment ratings, the potential role of psychopathy assessed using the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) as a moderator of response to treatment was investigated. Ratings of response to treatment failed to predict either serious (violent including sexual) or sexual recidivism. For the more inclusive outcome of serious recidivism, there was no significant interaction between psychopathy and treatment ratings; however, the ubiquitous effect of psychopathy on recidivism was found to be significant. For sexual recidivism, psychopathy was not significant as a main effect, but a significant interaction between psychopathy and treatment ratings was found. Among sex offenders with PCL-R scores of 25 or higher, those with ratings reflecting a more negative response to treatment recidivated sexually at a faster rate than others. This interaction effect was not significant when treatment noncompleters were removed from the data set. The results were discussed in terms of the methodology involved in the assessment of response to treatment among sex offenders.
Comparison of Two Risk Assessment Instruments for Sexual Offenders
Authors: Looman Jan
Published: February 2008

The current research examines the predictive validity of the Static-99 and the SORAG in predicting sexual and violent recidivism among a sample of 258 treated high-risk sexual offenders. While the SORAG was found to have moderate predictive accuracy for both sexual and violent recidivism over a 5-year follow-up period, the Static-99 was found to only predict sexual recidivism. As well, the actual recidivism rates in the current sample were compared to the published risk percentages for each of the instruments. For both the Static-99 and the SORAG the current sample re-offended at a lower rate than expected. Possible explanations for this finding are discussed.
Prescription of Medroxyprogesterone Acetate to a Patient with Pedophilia, Resulting in Cushing's Syndrome and Adrenal Insufficiency
Authors: Krueger Richard B. , Hembree Wylie , Hill Michael
Published: February 2008

This article provides a case report of a patient with pedophilia who was treated over a 4-year period with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) at a dose of 300 mg/day and as a consequence developed Cushing's Syndrome and adrenal insufficiency, for which he was treated and from which he recovered. He also reported a hypersexual reaction to his own past cessation of MPA. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, which have a more benign side-effect profile than MPA, are suggested as an alternative to MPA.
The Self-Regulation Model of Sexual Offending: The Relationship Between Offence Pathways and Static and Dynamic Sexual Offence Risk
Authors: Yates Pamela M. , Kingston Drew A.
Published: February 2008

T. Ward and S. M. Hudson (1998) have proposed a self-regulation model of the offence process which is specific to sexual offenders and which attempts to account for the deficiencies in the traditional relapse prevention model as applied to this group of offenders. The self-regulation model is a nine-stage process of offending that addresses both the individual's goals with respect to the offending behavior (approach versus avoidance) and the manner in which the individual attempts to achieve these goals (passive versus active), resulting in four hypothesized pathways that lead to sexual offending. The present study evaluated the validity of this model with a sample of adult male sexual offenders (N = 80) treated within the Correctional Service of Canada. Results demonstrated support for the self-regulation model. Specifically, it was found that the four pathways contained in this model were differentially associated with offender types (e.g., incest offender, rapist, extrafamilial child molester, etc.). In addition, static and dynamic risk factors were found to vary among the four pathways in predicted directions and are consistent with the theoretical model. Finally, static and dynamic risk factors differentially predicted pathway membership, again in the expected directions. Implications of findings and the self-regulation model for the assessment and treatment of sexual offenders are discussed.
A Test of Counterfeit Deviance: A Comparison of Sexual Knowledge in Groups of Sex Offenders with Intellectual Disability and Controls
Authors: Michie Amanda M. , Lindsay William R. , Martin Victoria , Grieve Alan
Published: February 2008

Several authors have suggested that lack of sexual knowledge is a primary reason for inappropriate sexual behaviour in men with intellectual disabilities. This hypothesis, counterfeit deviance, is tested in the current report with two separate cohorts comparing sex offenders and controls, both with intellectual disability. The Socio-Sexual Knowledge and Attitudes Test was completed on all participants and any significant differences between groups indicated that the sex offender cohort had a higher level of knowledge. The hypothesis has not been supported. In addition, a positive relationship was found between intellectual ability and knowledge for the control cohort but not for the sex offender cohort.
Assessing Sexual Arousal with Adolescent Males Who Have Offended Sexually: Self-Report and Unobtrusively Measured Viewing Time
Authors: Worling James R.
Published: February 2008

Sexual arousal was assessed using three approaches: the Affinity (Version. 1.0) computerized assessment of unobtrusively measured viewing time (VT), Affinity self-report ratings of sexual attractiveness, and a self-report sexual arousal graphing procedure. Data were collected from 78 males, aged 12-18 (M = 15.09; SD = 1.62), who acknowledged their sexual assaults. The pattern of responses to all three assessment techniques was remarkably similar, with maximal sexual interest demonstrated and reported for adolescent and adult females. Both self-report procedures could significantly distinguish those adolescents who assaulted a child from those who assaulted peers or adults. The self-report procedures could also significantly discriminate those adolescents with male child victims. The Affinity VT approach significantly differentiated those adolescents who assaulted male children from those who assaulted other individuals. No assessment technique could accurately identify those adolescents with exclusively female child victims. Overall, the results suggest that structured, self-report data regarding sexual interests can be useful in the assessment of adolescents who have offended sexually.
Different Actuarial Risk Measures Produce Different Risk Rankings for Sexual Offenders
Authors: Barbaree Howard E. , Langton Calvin M. , Peacock Edward J.
Published: February 2008

Percentile ranks were computed for N = 262 sex offenders using each of 5 actuarial risk instruments commonly used with adult sex offenders (RRASOR, Static-99, VRAG, SORAG, and MnSOST-R). Mean differences between percentile ranks obtained by different actuarial measures were found to vary inversely with the correlation between the actuarial scores. Following studies of factor analyses of actuarial items, we argue that the discrepancies among actuarial instruments can be substantially accounted for by the way in which the factor Antisocial Behavior and various factors reflecting sexual deviance are represented among the items contained in each instrument. In the discussion, we provide guidance to clinicians in resolving discrepancies between instruments and we discuss implications for future developments in sex offender risk assessment.
Increasing Honest Responding on Cognitive Distortions in Child Molesters: The Bogus Pipeline Revisited
Authors: Gannon Theresa A. , Keown Kirsten , Polaschek Devon L. L.
Published: February 2008

Questionnaires are relied upon by forensic psychologists, clinicians, researchers, and social services to assess child molesters' (CMs') offense-supportive beliefs (or cognitive distortions). In this study, we used an experimental procedure to evaluate whether extrafamilial CMs underreported their questionnaire-assessed beliefs. At time one, 41 CMs were questionnaire-assessed under standard conditions (i.e., they were free to impression manage). At time two, CMs were questionnaire-assessed again; 18 were randomly attached to a convincing fake lie detector (a bogus pipeline), the others were free to impression manage. The results showed that bogus pipeline CMs significantly increased cognitive distortion endorsements compared to their own previous endorsements, and their control counterparts' endorsements. The findings are the first experimental evidence showing that CMs consciously depress their scores on transparent questionnaires.
An Application of the Rational Choice Approach to the Offending Process of Sex Offenders: A Closer Look at the Decision-making
Authors: Beauregard Eric , Leclerc Benoit
Published: February 2008

Although the study of both offense processes and implicit theories provides in-depth knowledge about the decision-making of sex offenders, these studies focus solely on the internal psychological processes of the offender leading to the commission of a sexual assault. These studies neglect to look specifically at the offender's decision-making during the offense in interaction with the immediate situations encountered at the offense scene, such as the choices of behavior while interacting with the victim in a specific context. Based on a rational choice approach, this study investigates the decision-making involved in the offending process of 69 serial sexual offenders who have committed their crimes against stranger victims. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with offenders in order to identify the rationale behind their actions during the pre-crime phase (premeditation of the crime, estimation of risk of apprehension by the offender, and forensic awareness of the offender), crime phase (use of a weapon, use of restraints, use of a vehicle, and level of force used), and the post-crime phase (event leading to the end of crime and victim release site location choice). Results show that sex offenders, even if traditionally described as "irrational" and impulsive individuals, are capable, up to a certain point, of an analysis of the costs/benefits related to their actions. Moreover, results emphasize the important role of situational factors, such as victim resistance, on the decision-making process of sex offenders. Implications of the results are briefly discussed in regard of clinical practice and crime prevention.
The Utility of the Random Controlled Trial for Evaluating Sexual Offender Treatment: The Gold Standard or an Inappropriate Strategy?
Authors: Marshall W.L. , Marshall L.E.
Published: February 2008

This paper examines the scientific, practical, and ethical issues surrounding the employment of the Random Controlled Trial (RCT) in the evaluation of sexual offender treatment. Consideration of these issues leads us to conclude that the RCT design is not suitable for determining the effectiveness of sexual offender treatment. We also examine the RCT study by Marques et al. (Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment and Evaluation 17:79-107, 2005) that is often held up as the model for the evaluation of sexual offender treatment. We found several problems with this study that, in our opinion, reduce its relevance for deciding whether treatment is effective with these clients. Finally, we examine two alternative strategies for evaluating treatment that may allow treatment providers to more readily examine, and report, the results of their programs.
IQ, Handedness, and Pedophilia in Adult Male Patients Stratified by Referral Source
Authors: Blanchard Ray , Kolla Nathan J. , Cantor James M. , Klassen Philip E. , Dickey Robert , Kuban Michael E. , Blak Thomas
Published: February 2008

This study investigated whether the previously observed association of pedophilia with lower IQs is an artifact of heterogeneity in referral source. The subjects were 832 adult male patients referred to a specialty clinic for evaluation of their sexual behavior. The patients' erotic preferences for prepubescent, pubescent, or adult partners were assessed with phallometric testing. Full scale IQ was estimated using six subtests from the WAIS-R. The results showed that the relations between pedophilia and lower IQ, lesser education, and increased rates of non-right-handedness were the same in homogeneous groups referred by lawyers or parole and probation officers as they were in a heterogeneous group referred by a miscellany of other sources. Those results, along with secondary analyses in the study, supported the conclusion that the relation between pedophilia and cognitive function is genuine and not artifactual. The findings were interpreted as evidence for the hypothesis that neurodevelopmental perturbations increase the risk of pedophilia in males.
Cognition or Involvement? Explaining Sexual-coercion in High-school Dating
Authors: Enosh Guy
Published: February 2008

The purpose of the present study was to examine a predictive model of perpetration of, and victimization by, sexual coercive practices. The theoretical perspective focused on the interactive nature of dating and sexual coercion within the dating context. The interactive nature of sexual coercion assumes that in each dating encounter, partners have expectations of developing some level of sexual and romantic relations. Thus, one of the partners may initiate a sexual advancement, while the other reacts to this initiation. The reaction may range from cooperation, through passive reaction to straight forward resistance. Any attempt to continue in the face of resistance should be defined as an attempt at sexual coercion. In order to asses perpetration and victimization risks, a planned behavior model was examined, including the relative importance of personal attitudes and subjective norms, operationalized as perceived peers' expectations. Further, the role of other factors related to social/cultural background (such as immigration status, religiosity, and gender) in contributing to either risk of victimization and perpetration was examined. Instruments and sample: A factorial survey design was carried out on a sample of 329 adolescents in eleventh grade, 157 males and 172 females. The findings indicate that males are more prone to both victimization and perpetration of sexual coercion. Overall, the current conceptualization of dating sexual coercion as an interactional process, based on socially constructed and personally interpreted scripts, has enabled the comparison of two major explanatory models - the TPB and the involvement model, and to show the primacy of involvement.
The Impact of Health Care Reform: A Survey of Victim and Offender Treatment Providers
Authors: Berliner Lucy , New Michelle
Published: February 2008

Health care reform and, especially, managed care may have important consequences for providers of mental health treatment to sexual assault victims and sexual offenders. This study is an initial effort to identify the impact of changes in health care delivery systems on specialist providers. A survey was mailed to 380 therapists in Washington state who were identified as having specialized expertise in either victim or offender treatment. Of the total sample, 39% (N= 135) responded, including 64 providers of treatment to sexual offenders and 86 providers of treatment to victims of sexual abuse. A substantial minority of subjects (46%) reported having made changes in the type of client or treatment approach or seeing fewer clients (43%). A majority (68%) stated that requirements for documentation or reports had increased. Overall, three-quarters of respondents reported that managed care had at least a moderate level of impact on their practice. Differences between providers of treatment to victims and providers to offenders emerged only in the perceived degree of impact on practice, with therapists who work with victims reporting significantly greater impact. Comments from providers revealed that reductions in the number of sessions, increases in administrative expectations, and compromised confidentiality were considered significant threats to the delivery of effective services. It is suggested that the impact of health care reform is more likely to be experienced by victim treatment providers. Offender evaluation and treatment have rarely been covered by commercial insurance and are often sought because of external pressure. As a result, managed care will have less effect on current offender treatment practice.
Sexual Offender Treatment in Europe: An Impression of Cross-Cultural Differences
Authors: Frenken Jos
Published: February 2008

This article is based on some tens of seperate presentations in three recent conferences on sexual offender research and treatment in Europe. In these conferences the differences between countries in the development of sexual offender treatment have become apparent. In some northwestern European countries there has been significant progress in this field; however, much slower progress has been made in southwestern European countries, while in Central and Eastern Europe, only incidental treatment facilities are available, or none at all. When treatment does occur in Europe, treatment methods differ markedly between countries. It is not easy to explain these differences, for this requires of the observer an in-depth knowledge of the sociocultural context, judicial system variables, and the nature of the helping profession specific to each nation. This article offers some tentative explanations of the observed differences across countries. However, conclusions should be interpreted cautiously due to the lack of detailed information about these background factors.
Partnering in Response to Sexual Violence: How Offender Treatment and Victim Advocacy Can Work Together in Response to Sexual Violence
Authors: D' Amora David A. , Burns-Smith Gail
Published: February 2008

The role of interagency collaboration is extremely important in response to sexual violence. This article examines the conceptual underpinnings of collaborative responses in this arena, including the guiding principle of victim and community safety, as well as the need for coherent system responses. The Connecticut Collaborative model is discussed, along with the necessary components to develop a successful collaborative response, the typical problems likely to be encountered, and strategies to overcome these problems. The central thesis of the article is that a collaborative response is critical to combating sexual violence effectively.
Enhancing Interaction Through Positive Touch
Authors: Pardew E. Michelle , Bunse Carol
Published: February 2008

Luisa, a lively two-year old with autism, runs around the living room in her family home. She flits from one object to another, first flipping the magazine on the table, then banging a toy on the wall, and then quickly moving to bounce on the couch cushion. Pilar, her mother, has spread toys out on the floor and periodically calls to Luisa to join her in play. Finally, Pilar waits until Lusia is nearby and then rubs her hands together saying, "Do you want a massage, Luisa?" Luisa pauses and then comes over to her mother and sits on her lap. After a few minutes of back and shoulder massage, Luisa is visibly relaxed and is able to sit on the floor with her mother and play with the toys for several minutes. Luisa's mother has built a form of massage called "positive touch" into Luisa's daily routine.
Day dreams
Authors: Cox John
Published: February 2008

More than once during the last 12 years since our daughter, Kristina, was born with cerebral palsy I have daydreamed wistfully about what she might have been like if only ....
Writing IEP Goals and Objectives
Authors: Grisham-Brown Jennifer , Hemmeter Mary Louise
Published: February 2008

endall is a three-year old with significant challenges including vision and hearing problems, physical disabilities, and limited formal communication. Prior to when Kendall entered preschool, an early childhood coordinator in the school district developed an IEP for Kendall based on assessment information from a standardized evaluation instrument. A group of specialists and therapists had individually conducted additional assessments with Kendall and each developed a set of objectives for her. The teacher now has all this information and is charged with the challenge of implementing Kendall's IEP which now contains nearly 40 objectives! Most of the skills identified on Kendall's IEP, such as focusing on objects, holding up her head, and making choices, are quite different than the developmental outcomes identified for other children in the class.

During the teacher's preservice training, she learned about embedding skills into developmentally appropriate activities. Yet, no one ever said what to do when a child has this many objectives. Being a conscientious new teacher, she is concerned about making sure she "works on" each child's IEP objectives, but can't imagine how to do this for Kendall when there are six other children in the class with IEPs. As a last resort, the teacher does what she knows is really not best practice and assigns an aide to pull Kendall from existing classroom activities to "work on her IEP."
Resources Within Reason
Authors: Catlett Camille , Winton Pam , Barrera Isaura , McCollum Jeanette , Yates Tweety
Published: February 2008

Each issue will review resources that cost $50 or less on a different aspect of early intervention. This issue features materials that support infant-caregiver connections.
Electrochromic glazing and facade photovoltaic panels: a strategic assessment of the potential energy benefits
Authors: Mardaljevic J. , Nabil A.
Published: February 2008

This article describes a methodology to compare the energy benefit that may result from the adoption of two very different facade technologies in non-domestic buildings. A comparison is made of the energy benefit that might result from: (a) replacing conventional glass with electrochromic (EC) glazing; and, (b) installing PV panels across the opaque sections of vertical facade. The energy benefit from electrochromic glazing is predicted on the basis of displaced electric lighting usage against standard glazing with blinds, whereas the energy benefit from facade PV panels is equal to their delivered electrical output. The evaluation setting is a `typical' six metre deep perimeter office space with vertical glazing. Office orientations for each of the four cardinal compass points are considered. Performance evaluations are founded on a full year's hourly meteorological data for fourteen locales across the world. The predicted energy benefit from electrochromic glazing and facade PV are related to the total annual vertical irradiation incident on the building facade. The findings indicate that the energy benefit that results from replacing standard glazing with electrochromic glazing may exceed that of facade PV for the majority of cases studied. Surprisingly, electrochromic glazings are found to provide the greatest energy benefit for those cases at the lower end of the experienced range in total annual vertical irradiation. The effectiveness of widespread deployment across multiple facades for each locale is examined. The likelihood that electrochromic glazing alone can offer sufficient solar protection without recourse to additional shading is assessed using the recently formulated useful daylight illuminance (UDI) scheme.
Identification of a major GpVI-binding locus in human type III collagen
Authors: Jarvis Gavin E. , Raynal Nicolas , Langford Jonathan P. , Onley David J. , Andrews Allen , Smethurst Peter A. , Farndale Richard W.
Published: February 2008

We have analyzed the adhesion of human and murine platelets, and of recombinant human and murine GpVI ectodomains, to synthetic triple-helical collagen-like peptides. These included 57 peptides derived from the sequence of human type III collagen and 9 peptides derived from the cyanogen bromide fragment of bovine type III collagen, α1(III)CB4. We have identified several peptides that interact with GpVI, in particular a peptide designated III-30 with the sequence GAOGLRGGAGPOGPEGGKGAAGPOGPO. Both human and murine platelets bound to peptide III-30 in a GpVI-dependent manner. III-30 also supported binding of recombinant GpVI ectodomains. Cross-linked III-30 induced aggregation of human and murine platelets, although with a lower potency than collagen-related peptide. Modifications of the peptide sequence indicated that the hydroxyproline residues play a significant role in supporting its GpVI reactivity. However, many peptides containing OGP/GPO motifs did not support adhesion to GpVI. These data indicate that the ability of a triple-helical peptide to bind GpVI is not solely determined by the presence or spatial arrangement of these OGP/GPO motifs within the peptides.
xDnmt1 regulates transcriptional silencing in pre-MBTXenopusembryos independently of its catalytic function
Authors: Dunican Donncha S. , Ruzov Alexey , Hackett Jamie A. , Meehan Richard R.
Published: February 2008

We previously reported that the maintenance cytosine methyltransferase xDnmt1 is essential for gene silencing in early Xenopus laevisembryos. In the present study, we show that silencing is independent of its catalytic function and that xDnmt1 possesses an intrinsic transcription repression function. We show that reduction of xDnmt1p by morpholino (xDMO)injection prematurely activates gene expression without global changes in DNA methylation before the mid-blastula transition (MBT). Repression of xDnmt1p target genes can be reimposed in xDMO morphants with an mRNA encoding a catalytically inactive form of human DNMT1. Moreover, target gene promoter analysis indicates that silencing is not reliant on dynamic changes in DNA methylation. We demonstrate that xDnmt1 can suppress transcription activator function and can be specifically localised to non-methylated target promoters. These data imply that xDnmt1 has a major silencer role in early Xenopus development before the MBT as a direct transcription repressor protein.
PLK-1 asymmetry contributes to asynchronous cell division ofC. elegansembryos
Authors: Budirahardja Yemima , Gönczy Pierre
Published: February 2008

Acquisition of lineage-specific cell cycle duration is an important feature of metazoan development. In Caenorhabditis elegans, differences in cell cycle duration are already apparent in two-cell stage embryos, when the larger anterior blastomere AB divides before the smaller posterior blastomere P1. This time difference is under the control of anterior-posterior(A-P) polarity cues set by the PAR proteins. The mechanisms by which these cues regulate the cell cycle machinery differentially in AB and P1are incompletely understood. Previous work established that retardation of P1 cell division is due in part to preferential activation of an ATL-1/CHK-1 dependent checkpoint in P1, but how the remaining time difference is controlled is not known. Here, we establish that differential timing relies also on a mechanism that promotes mitosis onset preferentially in AB. The polo-like kinase PLK-1, a positive regulator of mitotic entry, is distributed in an asymmetric manner in two-cell stage embryos, with more protein present in AB than in P1. We find that PLK-1 asymmetry is regulated by A-P polarity cues through preferential protein retention in the embryo anterior. Importantly, mild inactivation of plk-1 by RNAi delays entry into mitosis in P1, but not in AB, in a manner that is independent of ATL-1/CHK-1. Together, our findings support a model in which differential timing of mitotic entry in C. elegans embryos relies on two complementary mechanisms: ATL-1/CHK-1-dependent preferential retardation in P1 and PLK-1-dependent preferential promotion in AB, which together couple polarity cues and cell cycle progression during early development.
Alkaline-sulfite chemithermomechanical pulping of Eucalyptus grandis biotreated by Ceriporiopsis subvermispora under varied culture conditions
Authors: Paulo Vicentim Marcos , Ferraz André
Published: February 2008

The effect of different culture conditions have been evaluated concerning the extracellular enzyme activities of the white-rot fungus Ceriporiopsis subvermispora growing on Eucalyptus grandis wood. The consequence of the varied fungal pretreatment on a subsequent chemithermomechanical pulping (CTMP) was addressed. In all cultures, manganese peroxidase (MnP) and xylanase were the predominant extracellular enzymes. The biopulping efficiency was evaluated based on the amount of fiber bundles obtained after the first fiberizing step and the fibrillation levels of refined pulps. It was found that the MnP levels in the cultures correlated positively with the biopulping benefits. On the other hand, xylanase and total oxalate levels did not vary significantly. Accordingly, it was not possible to determine whether MnP accomplishes the effect alone or depends on synergic action of other extracellular agents. Pulp strength and fiber size distribution were also evaluated. The average fiber length of CTMP pulps prepared from untreated wood chips was 623 μm. Analogous values were observed for most of the biopulps; however, significant amounts of shorter fibers were found in the biopulp prepared from wood chips biotreated in cultures supplemented with glucose plus corn-steep liquor. Despite evidence of reduced average fiber length, biopulps prepared from these wood chips presented the highest improvement in tensile indexes (+28% at 23° Schopper-Riegler).
Conhecimento, atitude e prática do uso de pílula e preservativo entre adolescentes universitários
Authors: Alves Aline Salheb , Lopes Maria Helena Baena de Moraes
Published: February 2008

Foram avaliados o conhecimento, atitude e prática em relação à pílula e ao preservativo entre adolescentes, ingressantes de uma universidade pública paulista. Um questionário foi aplicado a 295 universitários. Observou-se que os adolescentes apresentaram atitudes positivas em relação à prática contraceptiva, já que 92,6% opinaram que devem utilizar métodos anticoncepcionais, e dentre os adolescentes com vida sexual ativa, aproximadamente 82% responderam que utilizavam algum método em todas as relações sexuais. Demonstraram ter maior conhecimento do que prática. Quando comparados o preservativo e a pílula, os adolescentes apresentam maior conhecimento e prática em relação ao preservativo. Conclui-se que embora os adolescentes tenham conhecimento e atitudes adequadas, precisam modificar algumas de suas práticas para uma anticoncepção eficaz.