Family psychology: The journal, the field.

This is the first part of a two-part "Editor's Introduction" to the Journal of Family Psychology. This part will introduce the readers to the Journal and will deal with its development, definition, mission, structure, and operating procedures. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Electron therapy using wedge filters. I. Experimental studies using wedge filters made from polystyrol

Based on dose measurements at the phantom, the dose distributions obtained during electron therapy by the use of wedge filters made of polystyrol are reported. Energy doses from 15 to 42 MeV were applied; angles of wedges amounted to 10 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, and 60 degrees. Only by wedge-angles larger than 45 degrees, it was possible to bring about significant changes in the dose distribution. The results obtained are presented diagrammatically. The influence exerted by the wedge-angle and by electron energy upon the inclination of the 50%-isodose to the axis of the useful beam is shown by tables.     

Improving the journal review process: The question of ghostwriting.

Offers comments in response to S. Epstein's (see record 1996-12802-001) suggestions for improving the journal review process. Bedeian's concern centers on the question of where in the journal review process detailed editing and reviewing end and ghostwriting begins. The author suggests that journal editors develop and enact practices that protect the integrity of scientific enterprise while respecting the prerogatives and ethics of authorship. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A journal for psychological essays.

Supports W. Webb's (1965) proposal for a journal for the publication of psychological essays, arguing that there is an overemphasis on empirical studies and a neglect of speculative essays in current psychology. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Illusory reliability in journal reviewing.

Like everyone else, scientists can and do see pronounced contingencies in certain situations where almost no association is actually present. In situations where clear association is expected, this perception of illusory contingency can be especially strong. Journal review procedures seem to be a textbook example of one such situation. In this article, the author proposes to highlight a brief example of illusory reliability in journal reviewing, and then to mention the growing literature which justifies what he has said above. He believes this literature can offer us a means for understanding and avoiding similar illusions in the future. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The journal 150 & 100 years ago. May 1848 and 1898

AIM: To study the therapeutic efficacy of low dose intravenous artesunate followed by oral mefloquine in severe falciparum malaria in Singapore. METHODOLOGY: Retrospective review of 4 cases of severe falciparum malaria admitted for treatment in a private hospital in the first six months of this year. Patients were considered cured when no malaria parasites were detected in the blood film on discharge and remained afebrile at 28 days. RESULTS: This drug regimen was well tolerated, rapidly reduced parasitaemia and achieved 100% cure in all four patients. CONCLUSION: Low dose intravenous artesunate followed by mefloquine was found to be well tolerated and rapidly effective in treating severe falciparum malaria contracted in Indonesia and India. There was no relapse of clinical disease in all four cases after 28 days.     

The citation impact factor: Another dubious index of journal quality.

Maintains that there is little or no evidence that citation frequencies are useful for evaluating psychologists other than to identify those whose names are household words in the discipline. It is also stressed that the citation impact factor penalizes journals that publish articles that are not cited: The journal's impact factor is likely to be reduced by its publication of articles that do not conform to current customs, fads, and fashions. (13 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Responsibility of journal editors and referees.

Relates personal experiences regarding the submission of articles to psychology journals and the subsequent reviews made by anonymous referees and by journal editors. Rather than making substantive comments, the referees provided only minimal feedback or concerned themselves with trivia. (0 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

On Mace and Warner's journal ratings.

Suggests that K. C. Mace and H. D. Warner's (1973) ratings data of psychology journals say more about the orientation of departmental chairmen than they do about the journals' professional reputations. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A new vision for the journal.

It is with great pleasure that I accept and begin my tenure as the fourth editor of the International Journal of Stress Management (IJSM), following F. J. McGuigan, John Carlson, and Gary VandenBos. In this brief editorial, I provide historical context to set the path for the future of the journal and reflect on two parts of the journal’s title, “international” and “management,” that shape my vision for the journal. My envisioned future for the journal is increased focus on international and cross-cultural perspectives, as well as an interdisciplinary approach to gain a comprehensive understanding of factors that shape (a) individuals’ perceptions and experiences of stimuli (or stressors); (b) the environment’s internal and external pressures; (c) individuals’ perceptions of physiological, psychological, and behavioral health and well-being; as well as (d) individuals’ and organizations’ efforts toward prevention, coping, and management of healthy lifestyles. My ultimate goal is to see IJSM serve as the desired publication outlet of choice and primary journal for scholars and practitioners around the globe who are focused on the progress of scholarship and practice in identification and management of stress. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

The founding of the American Psychologist: The professional journal that wasn't.

The American Psychologist began publication 50 years ago this month as the official journal of a reorganized American Psychological Association. The journal was created as a centerpiece of the new Association, reflecting its acknowledgment of a broader role for the APA, a role that called for the advancement of psychology as a profession. The American Psychologist was intended to be the "professional " journal of the new Association, but it never really filled that responsibility. Drawing on published records and the unpublished documents of the APA Archives, this article recounts the history of this journal's founding. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Laparoscopic vs. open wedge biopsy of the liver

The number of people smoking free-base cocaine, or "crack," has increased dramatically in recent years. Concomitantly, the literature describing complications of such use has grown as well. Adverse pulmonary effects are being increasingly noted, such as respiratory symptoms, pulmonary hemorrhage, pulmonary edema, asthma, and pulmonary barotrauma. These and other pulmonary effects are reviewed.