Showing papers by "Nova Southeastern University published in 2003"

Possible refugia for reefs in times of environmental stress

Abstract: This paper investigates the refuge potential of (1) upwelling areas, (2) coral areas at medium depth, and (3) offshore bank and island reefs in a scenario of increased global warming, and thus increased sea surface temperature (SST) and increased solar UV radiation. (1) Observations on coral health and water temperature in the subtropical Atlantic (Eleuthera and Cat Island, Bahamas) and Indian Ocean (Sodwana Bay, South Africa) suggest a link between cool water delivered by upwelling and coral health. After the 1998 bleaching event, caused by strong SST anomalies, coral health and recovery from the previous year's bleaching was significantly better on the narrow southern Cat Island shelf (70% of corals healthy) where the presence of cold water was observed, which was attributed to small-scale upwelling, than on the wide northern Eleuthera shelf (44% of corals healthy), where downwelling of hot bank waters was believed to have damaged corals. In South Africa, regular, short-term upwelling events in five summers reduced SST to well below bleaching level. (2) In the northern Red Sea (Safaga Bay) and in South Africa (Sodwana Bay), wide areas with either coral frameworks or non-framework communities exist. Calculations show that if the top 10 m (20 m) of the ocean became inhospitable to corals, still 50.4% (17.5%) of the coral area would remain intact in the Red Sea and 99% (40%) in South Africa. (3) Offshore bank and island reefs investigated in the Turks, Caicos, and Mouchoir Banks and Grand and Little Cayman showed high rates of mortality and coral diseases. The most remote sites (Mouchoir Bank) were not the healthiest. Refuge areas appear to exist in (1) and (2), but in (3) only if vigorous water-circulation is encountered.

Forms of Social Support That Moderate PTSD in Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors

Abstract: Although social support has been found to attenuate psychological symptoms in victims of sexual abuse, literature does not identify the specific forms of social support that mitigate maladjustment following a sexual abuse experience. This study sought to distinguish the specific types of perceived social support that buffer the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in victims of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). One hundred and seventy-two adult females reporting CSA were administered the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (ISEL) and the Impact of Events Scale (IES). The ISEL measures the perceived availability of 4 support types. The IES measures core PTSD symptoms of intrusion and avoidance. Regression analysis indicated that social support significantly buffered PTSD development. The best model was one which contained self-esteem and appraisal support. Tangible and belonging support added little to prediction. Further, self-esteem support was identified as the most important variable in preventing PTSD development.

The effect of static stretch and warm-up exercise on hamstring length over the course of 24 hours.

Abstract: Study Design Experimental pretest-posttest control design Objective The purpose of the study was twofold: (1) to determine the lasting effect of static stretch on hamstring length for up to 24 hours and (2) to compare the efficacy of static stretch with and without warm-up exercise on hamstring length Background Research is limited on the lasting effects of static stretching and is controversial on the combined effects of warm-up activities and static stretching on muscle lengthening Methods and Measures Fifty-six volunteer subjects (ages 18–42 years) with limited bilateral hamstring length were assigned to 1 of 4 groups: (1) warm-up and static stretch, (2) static stretch only, (3) warm-up only, and (4) control The warm-up was 10 minutes of stair climbing at 70% of maximum heart rate Static stretch consisted of a single session of three 30-second passive stretches of the hamstring Hamstring length was measured preintervention and at several intervals postintervention (immediately and then at 15 minu

Comparison of a quick drinking screen with the timeline followback for individuals with alcohol problems.

Abstract: Objective: Two major strategies have typically been used to assess recent drinking: (1) Daily Estimation (DE) measures such as the Timeline Followback (TLFB) and (2) Quantity-Frequency (QF) summary measures. Although QF measures provide a quick and easy measure of consumption, they have been criticized as not being able to capture sporadic and unpatterned drinking (e.g., days that reflect important social and/or health risks). The TLFB, a psychometrically sound drinking assessment method, is able to capture all drinking, including sporadic heavy days and unpatterned drinking. In some situations, however, recall of daily drinking may not be possible or practical (e.g., limited time; no resources). This article compares results obtained by using a QF measure and a DE measure to assess problem drinkers' pretreatment drinking. Method: The current study, part of a large community mail intervention with 825 alcohol abusers, compared results from two drinking measures covering the same time interval that were ad...

Driving habits and health-related quality of life in patients with age-related maculopathy.

Abstract: PURPOSE: To characterize the driving habits of persons with age-related maculopathy who present to a low-vision rehabilitation clinic and to examine how driving status relates to vision-specific health-related quality of life. METHODS: The Driving Habits Questionnaire, the National Eye Institute Vision Function Questionnaire-25, and the Life Space Questionnaire were administered via telephone interview to 126 patients with age-related maculopathy who presented to a low-vision clinic during the previous year and were either past or current drivers. RESULTS: Twenty-four percent of the sample reported being a current driver. Compared with those who stopped driving, current drivers were more likely to be male, younger, have better visual acuity and higher National Eye Institute Vision Function Questionnaire-25 scores. Drivers reported driving an average of 4 days and 10 miles per week. Over 50% of drivers reported that because of their vision, they had difficulty with or did not drive at all in rain, at night, on freeways or interstate highways, in heavy traffic areas, or during rush hour. Drivers and nondrivers did not differ in their life space, the spatial extent of their excursions into their environment. CONCLUSION: Some individuals who present to a low-vision clinic with age-related maculopathy do drive, although their driving exposure is low and they report avoiding challenging on-road situations. Driving status in age-related maculopathy appears to be related to better eye visual acuity and vision-specific health-related quality of life.

The Corporate Identity Management Process Revisited

Abstract: This paper has two objectives. It attempts firstly to define a number of related concepts in the corporate identity management process and secondly, to update one of the earlier models of this process. Recent developments in the corporate identity management theory are discussed and models of this process are reviewed. An up-to-date model of the corporate identity management process is proposed.

A streamlined, bi-organelle, multiplex PCR approach to species identification: Application to global conservation and trade monitoring of the great white shark,Carcharodon carcharias

Abstract: The great white shark, Carcharodoncarcharias, is the most widely protectedelasmobranch in the world, and is classified asVulnerable by the IUCN and listed on AppendixIII of CITES. Monitoring of trade in whiteshark products and enforcement of harvest andtrade prohibitions is problematic, however, inlarge part due to difficulties in identifyingmarketed shark parts (e.g., dried fins, meatand processed carcasses) to species level. Toaddress these conservation and managementproblems, we have developed a rapid, moleculardiagnostic assay based on species-specific PCRprimer design for accurate identification ofwhite shark body parts, including dried fins. The assay is novel in several respects: Itemploys a multiplex PCR assay utilizing bothnuclear (ribosomal internal transcribed spacer2) and mitochondrial (cytochrome b) locisimultaneously to achieve a highly robustmeasure of diagnostic accuracy; it is verysensitive, detecting the presence of whiteshark DNA in a mixture of genomic DNAs from upto ten different commercially fished sharkspecies pooled together in a single PCR tube;and it successfully identifies white shark DNAfrom globally distributed animals. Inaddition to its utility for white shark trademonitoring and conservation applications, thishighly streamlined, bi-organelle, multiplex PCRassay may prove useful as a general model forthe design of genetic assays aimed at detectingbody parts from other protected and threatenedspecies.

Human 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS) synthase: biochemistry, molecular biology and genetic deficiency.

Abstract: 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS) synthase (PAPSS) catalyzes the biosynthesis of PAPS which serves as the universal sulfonate donor compound for all sulfotransferase reactions. PAPSS forms PAPS in two sequential steps. First inorganic sulfate combines with ATP to form adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (APS) and pyrophosphate catalyzed by ATP sulfurylase domain and in the second step, APS combines with another molecule of ATP to form PAPS and ADP catalyzed by APS kinase domain. The bifunctional PAPSS1 is comprised of NH2-terminal APS kinase domain (∼1-260 aa), and a COOH-terminal ATP sulfurylase domain (∼220-623 aa). In humans there are two major isoforms PAPSS1 and PAPSS2. In brain and skin PAPSS1 is the major expressed isoform, whereas in liver, cartilage and adrenal glands PAPSS2 isoform expression predominates and in various other tissues the proportions of the isoform expressions is purported to vary. The deduced amino acid sequences of the two isoforms reveal 77% identity between PAPSS1 and PAPSS2. In addition there is a splice variant PAPSS2b which contains notably an extra five amino acid sequence GMALP. From human tissues PAPSS1 and a splice variant PAPSS2b has been molecularly cloned, overexpressed, purified and have been biochemically characterized partially. PAPSS2b exhibited an apparent difference towards varying ATP concentration showing a sigmoidal response, with a 0.5 [v/Vmax] at 1.4 mM ATP whereas PAPSS1 exhibited a hyperbolic response with a 0.5 [v/Vmax] at 0.25 mM ATP. Although this being the case, comparison of PAPSS1 and PAPSS2 crude extracts, did not show marked difference in the kinetic properties with either substrates ATP or sulfate leading to speculate that the extra GMALP pentapeptide present in PAPSS2b could be altering the kinetic behavior. The ATP binding sites of the α-β-ATP hydrolysis, active site motif HxxH (425-428 aa) is present in the ATP sulfurylase domain and the β-γ-hydrolase motif GxxGxxK (59-65 aa) is present in the APS kinase domain. The motifs are highly conserved between both isoforms. Gene sequence analysis of PAPSS1 (∼106 kB) and PAPSS2 (∼86.5 kB), revealed a total of 12 exons. Among exons 2-11 the sizes are highly conserved, although intron sizes varied remarkably. Exons 1 and 12 varied in sizes, contained 5'-UTR and 3'-UTR respectively. PAPSS1 and PAPSS2 contained no putative TATA box and CCAAT box. However both PAPSS1 and PAPSS2 possessed many GC boxes. From promoter analysis, it is apparent that both PAPSS1 and PAPSS2 are inducible, perhaps at various time periods, regulated by specific transcription factors. The deficiency of PAPSS2 results in osteochondrodysplasias. Osteochondrodysplasias are genetically heterogeneous group of disorders that affects skeletal development, linear growth, and the maintenance of cartilage and bone. A large inbred family with a distinct form of recessively inherited, spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia (SEMD) was mapped to PAPSS2 isoform located in the chromosome region of 10q23-24. PAPSS1 located in the chromosome 4q23 deficiency and consequent effect in lymphocyte recruitment in High Endothelial Venules has been reported. Several single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of PAPSS has been identified, some of which are in the coding region (cSNPs), has been shown to have altered enzyme activity. IUBMB Life, 55: 1-11, 2003

Observation of wave-enhanced turbulence in the near-surface layer of the ocean during TOGA COARE

Abstract: Dissipation rate statistics in the near-surface layer of the ocean were obtained during the month-long COARE Enhanced Monitoring cruise with a microstructure sensor system mounted on the bow of the research vessel. The vibration contamination was cancelled with the Wiener filter. The experimental technique provides an effective separation between surface waves and turbulence, using the difference in spatial scales of the energy-containing surface waves and small-scale turbulence. The data are interpreted in the coordinate system fixed to the ocean surface. Under moderate and high wind-speed conditions, we observed the average dissipation rate of the turbulent kinetic energy in the upper few meters of the ocean to be 3–20 times larger than the logarithmic layer prediction. The Craig and Banner (J. Phys. Oceanogr. 24 (1994) 2546) model of wave-enhanced turbulence with the surface roughness length from the water side z 0 parameterized according to the Terray et al. (J. Phys. Oceanogr. 26 (1996) 792) formula z 0 = cH s provides a reasonable fit to the experimental dissipation profile, where z is the depth (defined here as the distance to the ocean surface), c ≈0.6, and H s is the significant wave height. In the wave-stirred layer, however, the average dissipation profile deviates from the model (supposedly because of extensive removing of the bubble-disturbed areas close to the ocean surface). Though the scatter of individual experimental dissipation rates (10-min averages) is significant, their statistics are consistent with the Kolmogorov's concept of intermittent turbulence and with previous studies of turbulence in the upper ocean mixed layer.

Elevated levels of DNA-protein crosslinks and micronuclei in peripheral lymphocytes of tannery workers exposed to trivalent chromium.

Abstract: DNA–protein crosslinks (DPC) are a promising biomarker of exposure to hexavalent chromium, a known human carcinogen. Although trivalent chromium is considered to have much lower toxicity, the risk involved in chronic exposure is uncertain. DPC may be a useful tool in clarifying this risk, by signaling an exposure of body tissues to biologically active forms of chromium. DPC quantification was carried out in lymphocytes of a group of tannery workers exposed to trivalent chromium, a small group of manual metal arc stainless steel welders exposed to hexavalent chromium and a control group. This biomarker was compared with the frequency of micronuclei in cytokinesis blocked peripheral lymphocytes as a biomarker of cytogenetic lesions and total plasma and urine chromium levels as an index of exposure. The results indicate a significant increase in the formation of DPC in tannery workers compared with controls (0.88 0.19 versus 0.57 0.21%, P < 0.001, Mann–Whitney test) and an even higher level of DPC in welders (2.22 1.12%, P 0.03). Tanners showed a significant increase in micronucleated cells compared with controls (6.35 2.94 versus 3.58 1.69‰, P < 0.01), whereas in welders this increase was not significant (5.40 1.67‰). Urinary chromium was increased in both groups, with a greater increase observed in tanners compared with controls (2.63 1.62 versus 0.70 0.38 µg/g creatinine, P < 0.001) than in welders (1.90 0.37 µg/g creatinine, P < 0.005). Plasma chromium was also increased in both groups (tanners 2.43 2.11 µg/l, P < 0.001, welders 1.55 0.67 µg/l, P < 0.005 versus controls 0.41 0.11 µg/l). In summary, chronic occupational exposure to trivalent chromium can lead to a detectable increase in lymphocye DNA damage which correlates with a significant exposure of the cells to the metal.

Histidine-decarboxylase knockout mice show deficient nonreinforced episodic object memory, improved negatively reinforced water-maze performance, and increased neo- and ventro-striatal dopamine turnover.

Abstract: The brain's histaminergic system has been implicated in hippocampal synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory, as well as brain reward and reinforcement. Our past pharmacological and lesion studies indicated that the brain's histamine system exerts inhibitory effects on the brain's reinforcement respective reward system reciprocal to mesolimbic dopamine systems, thereby modulating learning and memory performance. Given the close functional relationship between brain reinforcement and memory processes, the total disruption of brain histamine synthesis via genetic disruption of its synthesizing enzyme, histidine decarboxylase (HDC), in the mouse might have differential effects on learning dependent on the task-inherent reinforcement contingencies. Here, we investigated the effects of an HDC gene disruption in the mouse in a nonreinforced object exploration task and a negatively reinforced water-maze task as well as on neo- and ventro-striatal dopamine systems known to be involved in brain reward and reinforcement. Histidine decarboxylase knockout (HDC-KO) mice had higher dihydrophenylacetic acid concentrations and a higher dihydrophenylacetic acid/dopamine ratio in the neostriatum. In the ventral striatum, dihydrophenylacetic acid/dopamine and 3-methoxytyramine/dopamine ratios were higher in HDC-KO mice. Furthermore, the HDC-KO mice showed improved water-maze performance during both hidden and cued platform tasks, but deficient object discrimination based on temporal relationships. Our data imply that disruption of brain histamine synthesis can have both memory promoting and suppressive effects via distinct and independent mechanisms and further indicate that these opposed effects are related to the task-inherent reinforcement contingencies.

Assessing drinking outcomes in alcohol treatment efficacy studies: selecting a yardstick of success

Abstract: Background: Although the number of alcohol treatment efficacy trials has mushroomed, there is no consensus on how best to measure outcomes. To advance the goal of establishing cross-trial consistency in measuring outcomes in clinical efficacy studies, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism convened a panel of experts and charged them with exploring, debating, and, ultimately, selecting a sentinel or optimal outcome measure to be used in future alcohol treatment studies. The goal of this article, one in a series of several presented at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism conference, is to discuss (1) the rationale underlying selection of an optimal outcome measure, (2) the necessary characteristics of an optimal outcome measure, (3) the utility of selecting an optimal measure, and (4) which drinking assessment methods could be used to collect data to portray the optimal outcome measure. Methods: At a minimum, the criteria for an optimal measure include that it be psychometrically sound. In addition, it should have considerable currency in the field, thereby increasing its prospects for adoption. The measure should also be consistent with the concepts of greatest interest and relevance to the field (e.g., directly reflect the fundamental goal of alcohol treatment). In light of these highly desired features, percent of days heavy drinking was chosen at the conference as a practical and relevant measure of alcohol treatment outcome. Conclusions: Percent of days heavy drinking should be the optimal measure of alcohol treatment outcome. Currently, daily drinking estimation methods are the most useful for gathering data that can reflect the optimal measure. In addition, data gathered by daily drinking estimation methods can be used to study a variety of other outcome variables of interest to clinical researchers.

Hoxb13 knockout adult skin exhibits high levels of hyaluronan and enhanced wound healing

Abstract: In contrast to adult cutaneous wound repair, early gestational fetal cutaneous wounds heal by a process of regeneration, resulting in little or no scarring. Previous studies indicate that down-regulation of HoxB13, a member of the highly conserved family of Hox transcription factors, occurs during fetal scarless wound healing. No down-regulation was noted in adult wounds. Here, we evaluate healing of adult cutaneous wounds in Hoxb13 knockout (KO) mice, hypothesizing that loss of Hoxb13 in adult skin should result in enhanced wound healing. Tensiometry was used to measure the tensile strength of incisional wounds over a 60-day time course; overall, Hoxb13 KO wounds are significantly stronger than wild-type (WT). Histological evaluation of incisional wounds shows that 7-day-old Hoxb13 KO wounds are significantly smaller and that 60-day-old Hoxb13 KO wounds exhibit a more normal collagen architecture compared with WT wounds. We also find that excisional wounds close at a faster rate in Hoxb13 KO mice. Biochemical and histochemical analyses show that Hoxb13 KO skin contains significantly elevated levels of hyaluronan. Because higher levels of hyaluronan and enhanced wound healing are characteristics of fetal skin, we conclude that loss of Hoxb13 produces a more "fetal-like" state in adult skin.

Mating Behavior of Southern Stingrays, Dasyatis americana (Dasyatidae)

Abstract: We document in detail the first complete sequence of mating events in the southern stingray, Dasyatis americana, based on observations of four matings (five separate copulations) at Grand Cayman, British West Indies and Bimini, Bahamas. These observations are significant because almost nothing is known about this important aspect of the life cycle of batoids, due to the rarity of encounters with mating animals in natural settings. Similar to mating behavior described in the manta ray, Manta birostris, the mating sequence of D. americana can be characterized as (1) 'close-following', (2) 'pre-copulatory biting', (3) 'insertion/copulation', (4) 'resting' and (5) 'separation'. Additional information gained from these observations includes the fact that (1) two of the females were mated very shortly (i.e. within minutes–hours) after parturition and (2) one of the mating events involved a single female that copulated (unforced) with two males in rapid succession. The latter observation suggests that polyandry and multiple paternity may be elements of the mating system of D. americana.

Corals and coral reefs of the Pacific coast of Colombia

Abstract: Based on a literature review and our own research, we examine coral reef development on the Pacific coast of Colombia Several We provide a historical outline of the research, a summary of studies on coral community distribution, composition and ecological structure, a discussion on natural and anthropogenic impacts and effects, and finally, an overview of the current conservation and management status Coral reef development in this area of the eastern Pacific is marginal, and communities are small, species poor (only 21 species of zooxanthellate corals), and discontinuously distributed They occur in a variety of environmental settings ranging from coastal (Ensenada de Utria and Tebada), to continental insular (Gorgona Island), to oceanic (Malpelo Island) The largest (∼10 ha), most developed (up to ∼8 m thick), and species-rich coral reefs are located at Gorgona Island These fringing reefs show a diffuse zonation pattern characterized by the dominance of pocilloporid corals on the shallow reef flat and the presence of massive colonies of Pavona and Gardineroseris on the deeper outer reef base Coral and coral reef development on the Pacific of Colombia is limited due to suboptimal climatic and oceanographic conditions such as a narrow continental shelf, intense rainfall (which results in elevated terrestrial run-off and turbidity, and reduced light and salinity conditions), and extreme temperature fluctuations caused by sporadic upwelling and El Nino Most important among these are El Nino warming events, which have caused coral bleaching and mortality since at least 1983 In addition to recurrent El Nino conditions, other natural disturbances affect the coral reefs in this region, including periodic sub-aerial exposure during extreme low tides, high sedimentation, seasonal upwelling, and tectonic activity Most of the areas with coral reef development on the Colombian Pacific are legally protected However, all are subject to sporadic anthropogenic impacts Human disturbances are lowest on the remote Malpelo Island and highest on the northern coastal reefs Corals reefs of the Colombian Pacific constitute a key marine biotope, and provide economic and social assets as habitats for artisanal fisheries, as well as recreation and educational activities Further studies addressing basic questions and management and conservation issues are necessary

A framework for concentric diversification through sustainable competitive advantage

Abstract: This article investigates the issue of diversification around the core business, namely concentric diversification. There have been many diversification failures reported over the last few decades. Little guidance has been available to firms who plan to diversify in order to grow. The literature relating to competitive advantage, sustainable competitive advantage, and concentric diversification is reviewed. A process is then presented to help managers make sound strategic diversification decisions, thus reducing the risk of failure.

A comparison of the minimum canal wall thickness remaining following preparation using two nickel–titanium rotary systems

Abstract: Aim To examine in vitro whether Profile or Hero 642 nickel–titanium rotary instrument systems substantially reduce the minimum canal wall thickness present following root-canal preparation. Methodology The canal anatomy of 26 mesial roots from mandibular molars with separate buccal and lingual canals was evaluated before and after instrumentation using the Endodontic Cube. Following access, working lengths were determined and then samples invested within the cube using acrylic resin. Canal cross-sections were subsequently prepared. Samples were then instrumented within the cube and pre- and post-instrumentation images of the sections were compared to determine the minimum canal wall thickness remaining after preparation. Results Buccal and lingual canals within the sections from each level (coronal to apical) showed a reduction in minimum canal wall thickness after instrumentation. No statistically significant differences in canal wall thickness were found between the two systems at any level of the root. Conclusions Instrumentation with either of the two systems under investigation did not compromise canal wall thickness. Pre-operative canal wall thickness was found to be the most significant factor determining the minimum canal wall thickness after preparation.

Interannual and Decadal Variability in an Intermediate Coupled Model of the Pacific Region

Abstract: Processes that cause decadal variability in an intermediate coupled ocean‐atmosphere model of the Pacific basin, both at northern midlatitudes and in the Tropics, are studied. The model’s ocean component is a variabletemperature 3‰-layer system. Its atmospheric component consists of two basic parts: an empirical model, constructed from patterns obtained by the singular value decomposition (SVD) statistical technique that determines wind stress anomalies from model sea surface temperature (SST), and a simple representation of the planetary boundary layer to calculate the surface heat flux anomalies. A third part specifies stochastic wind stress forcing from observed variability. In addition, the model is specifically designed to separate tropical and extratropical interactions, such that the Tropics can force the extratropics through the atmosphere but the extratropics can only feed back to the Tropics through the ocean. Solutions develop two types of oscillations: an ENSO-like interannual mode and a decadal mode. As in many models of ENSO, the interannual mode is driven by positive, ocean‐atmosphere feedbacks near the equator, and time-delayed negative feedback is provided by off-equatorial Rossby waves. For parameter choices that amplify midlatitude coupling by 30% (fo 5 1.3), a self-sustained decadal oscillation develops in the North Pacific without any tropical interactions. Diagnostic analyses show that it is maintained by ocean-to-atmosphere feedbacks in the northwest and subtropical northeast Pacific, and by atmospheric teleconnections from those regions to the northeast ocean. For weaker coupling (fo 5 1.2), the decadal mode is damped. In this case, the mode can be sustained by atmospheric teleconnections from the Tropics associated with the interannual mode, but not by extratropical stochastic forcing. Although including stochastic forcing does generate variability at decadal timescales, a distinct decadal spectral peak only exists when the decadal mode is active. Decadal variability is carried to the equator by variations in the transport, rather than temperature, of the North Pacific subtropical cell. These variations modulate near-equatorial SST by altering the amount of cool, thermocline water that upwells in the eastern equatorial Pacific, which in turn feeds back to the interannual mode.

MMPI-2 F scale elevations in adult victims of child sexual abuse.

Abstract: The present study assessed whether the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) F scale elevations may reflect genuine trauma-related distress and/or psychopathology, rather than malingering, in a clinical sample of adult child sexual abuse (CSA) victims. Eighty-eight women seeking outpatient treatment for CSA after-effects participated. Self-report measures of dissociation, posttraumatic stress, depression, and family environment individually correlated significantly with F, and collectively accounted for 40% of its variance. Dissociation was the strongest predictor. Findings suggest that high F elevations may reflect genuine problem areas often found among CSA victims, rather than symptom overreporting.

Work and Family Variables as Related to Paternal Engagement, Responsibility, and Accessibility in Dual-Earner Couples with Young Children

Abstract: Fathers and mothers (N = 75 dual-earner couples) of preschoolaged children completed questionnaires that examined work and family variables as related to paternal involvement in three areas: engagement (i.e., directly interacting with the child), responsibility (i.e., scheduling activities and being accountable for the child’s well-being), and accessibility (i.e., being available to the child but not in direct interaction). Fathers’ reports of responsibility and accessibility were significantly predicted by structural variables and beliefs; however, fathers’ reports of engagement were not predicted by work and family variables. Mothers’ reports of work and family variables did not predict their reports of father involvement. These findings suggest that for fathers of young children, parental involvement appears mainly self-determined.