Ethnic differences in women with HIV infection in Britain and Ireland. The study group for the mrc collaborative study of HIV infection in women

Homeobox (hox) genes are of considerable importance in the formation of the body axis of invertebrates and vertebrates. The postulation of a hox-code (i.e. the simultaneous activity of a certain subset of hox genes) for structures at different metameric levels and which differ from each other in shape suggests a relationship between hox-code and shape, which is reinforced by the possibility of homeotic transformation when the hox-code is changed experimentally. This paper considers the possible nature of such a relationship between the hox genes governing vertebral formation in the upper part of the mouse vertebral column and the shape of the adult vertebrae formed in this region.     

Statistically combining independent studies: A meta-analysis of sex differences in conformity research.

Compares traditional (literary) reviews of research in social psychology with a statistical approach. It is concluded on both abstract and practical grounds that adoption of the statistical approach would lead to theoretical progress for the research area covered. A meta-analysis "package" is described and then applied to the question of whether there are sex differences in degree of conformity. The meta-analysis is yoked to a literary analysis, and conclusions of differing direction and confidence appear. Problems in application are encountered, and appropriate courses of action are discussed. Finally, limitations on the power of the procedure are outlined. (69 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Men and things, women and people: A meta-analysis of sex differences in interests.

The magnitude and variability of sex differences in vocational interests were examined in the present meta-analysis for Holland’s (1959, 1997) categories (Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional), Prediger’s (1982) Things–People and Data–Ideas dimensions, and the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) interest areas. Technical manuals for 47 interest inventories were used, yielding 503,188 respondents. Results showed that men prefer working with things and women prefer working with people, producing a large effect size (d = 0.93) on the Things–People dimension. Men showed stronger Realistic (d = 0.84) and Investigative (d = 0.26) interests, and women showed stronger Artistic (d = ?0.35), Social (d = ?0.68), and Conventional (d = ?0.33) interests. Sex differences favoring men were also found for more specific measures of engineering (d = 1.11), science (d = 0.36), and mathematics (d = 0.34) interests. Average effect sizes varied across interest inventories, ranging from 0.08 to 0.79. The quality of interest inventories, based on professional reputation, was not differentially related to the magnitude of sex differences. Moderators of the effect sizes included interest inventory item development strategy, scoring method, theoretical framework, and sample variables of age and cohort. Application of some item development strategies can substantially reduce sex differences. The present study suggests that interests may play a critical role in gendered occupational choices and gender disparity in the STEM fields. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The effects of purpose of appraisal and individual differences in stereotypes of women on sex differences in performance ratings: A laboratory and field study.

We investigated the effects of purpose of appraisal and individual differences in stereotypes of women on the evaluations of male and female ratees in two studies. In Study 1, 52 female and 51 male undergraduate students with traditional or nontraditional stereotypes of women evaluated written vignettes of either male or female ratees. Raters were informed that their evaluations would be used for scale development (experimental purposes) or for merit pay and promotion decisions (administrative decisions). Analyses revealed that female ratees were evaluated less accurately by raters with traditional stereotypes of women than by raters with nontraditional stereotypes of women. Such differences occurred, however, only when appraisals were made for administrative decisions. In Study 2, 810 raters with traditional or nontraditional stereotypes of women evaluated the teaching effectiveness of eight male and six female professors. Analyses indicated that women were evaluated more favorably by raters with nontraditional stereotypes of women than by raters with traditional stereotypes of women. Implications of the findings for sex differences in appraisal, future research, and organizational effectiveness are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A profile of neuropsychological deficits in alcoholic women.

Neuropsychological deficits, most notable in executive, visuospatial, and functions of gait and balance, are detectable in alcoholic men even after a month of sobriety. Less well established are the severity and profile of persisting deficits in alcoholic women. The authors used an extensive test battery to examine cognitive and motor functions in 43 alcoholic women who were sober, on average, for 3.6 months. Functions most severely affected in alcoholic women involved visuospatial and verbal and nonverbal working memory processes as well as gait and balance. Areas of relative sparing were executive functions, declarative memory, and upper-limb strength and speed. The authors found that lifetime alcohol consumption was related to impairment severity on Block Design (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale--Revised, D. Wechsler, 1981) and verbal and nonverbal working memory, suggesting a dose effect of alcohol abuse. The alcohol-related deficits in working memory, visuospatial, and balance implicate disruption of prefrontal, superior parietal, and cerebellar brain systems. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A cross-cultural analysis of the behavior of women and men: Implications for the origins of sex differences.

This article evaluates theories of the origins of sex differences in human behavior. It reviews the cross-cultural evidence on the behavior of women and men in nonindustrial societies, especially the activities that contribute to the sex-typed division of labor and patriarchy. To explain the cross-cultural findings, the authors consider social constructionism, evolutionary psychology, and their own biosocial theory. Supporting the biosocial analysis, sex differences derive from the interaction between the physical specialization of the sexes, especially female reproductive capacity, and the economic and social structural aspects of societies. This biosocial approach treats the psychological attributes of women and men as emergent given the evolved characteristics of the sexes, their developmental experiences, and their situated activity in society. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A pilot study of the neuropsychological benefits of computerized cognitive rehabilitation in Ugandan children with HIV.

Objective: Because antiretroviral treatment (ART) fails to improve neurocognitive impairment in children with HIV, we completed a pilot study evaluating the feasibility and cognitive benefit of computerized cognitive rehabilitation therapy (CCRT) in Ugandan children with HIV. Method: Sixty Ugandan children with HIV (23 on ART) were randomly assigned to 10 sessions of Captain's Log CCRT (Sandford, 2007) training configured for attention and memory skills or no intervention. Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (2nd ed., KABC–2; Kaufman & Kaufman, 2004) performance at baseline indicated pervasive neurocognitive impairment. Cognitive ability was assessed before and after training using the Cogstate computerized neuropsychological test (Darby, Maruff, Collie, & McStephen, 2002). Viral load along with CD4 and CD8 absolute and activation levels also were measured posttest. Results: CCRT was well received with a 95% adherence rate to scheduled training sessions. CCRT intervention children showed greater improvement on a Cogstate card detection task of simple attention (p = .02), and speed of correct moves on a Groton Maze Learning Task (p     

Sex differences in the neuropsychological functioning of epileptics.

Compared the performance of 137 male and 113 female epileptics on a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery (e.g., WAIS, 3 Wide Range Achievement Test subtests, a modified Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Test Battery, and Babcock Story Recall Test). Significant differences were found for 12 of 33 test comparisons, with the pattern of results resembling sex differences found among neurologically normal Ss. Although the most pronounced differences were obtained on motor speed and strength measures, an illustration was provided of how subtle effects found for more complex tasks may affect diagnostic decisions. Theoretical implications of these findings for the Sex by Functional Brain Asymmetry interaction noted by other investigators are discussed. (7 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A reconceptualization of issues in the treatment of abused women: A case study.

The personality profile of abused women needs to be reconceptualized as a result of living in an abusive situation rather than as the antecedent that provokes abuse from the spouse. The personality traits exhibited by abused women closely parallel symptoms of learned helplessness, a concept that can be used to explain the perception of no alternatives, an inability to effect change, and passivity. A strategy for therapeutic intervention is outlined through a case study that suggests changing faculty beliefs and developing skills prior to instituting change in the abused woman's environment. The case study is significant in its successful modification of the abusive male's behavior even though he never came to therapy. Significant posttherapy decreases in MMPI personality scales as well as mood scales indicate vast personality changes in the client as a result of her successful attempts to change her environment. (12 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A neuropsychological investigation of multitasking in HIV infection: Implications for everyday functioning.

Objective: A subset of individuals with HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment experience related deficits in “real world” functioning (i.e., independently performing instrumental activities of daily living [IADL]). While performance-based tests of everyday functioning are reasonably sensitive to HIV-associated IADL declines, questions remain regarding the extent to which these tests' highly structured nature fully captures the inherent complexities of daily life. The aim of this study was to assess the predictive and ecological validity of a novel multitasking measure in HIV infection. Method: Participants included 60 individuals with HIV infection (HIV+) and 25 demographically comparable seronegative adults (HIV?). Participants were administered a comprehensive neuropsychological battery, questionnaires assessing mood and everyday functioning, and a novel standardized test of multitasking, which involved balancing the demands of four interconnected performance-based functional tasks (i.e., financial management, cooking, medication management, and telephone communication). Results: HIV+ individuals demonstrated significantly worse overall performance, fewer simultaneous task attempts, and increased errors on the multitasking test as compared to the HIV? group. Within the HIV+ sample, multitasking impairments were modestly associated with deficits on standard neuropsychological measures of executive functions, episodic memory, attention/working memory, and information processing speed, providing preliminary evidence for convergent validity. More importantly, multivariate prediction models revealed that multitasking deficits were uniquely predictive of IADL dependence beyond the effects of depression and global neurocognitive impairment, with excellent sensitivity (86%), but modest specificity (57%). Conclusions: Taken together, these data indicate that multitasking ability may play an important role in successful everyday functioning in HIV+ individuals. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Level-of-processing effects in word-completion priming: A neuropsychological study.

Recent reviews (A. S. Brown & D. B. Mitchell, see record 82:16176; B. Challis & D. R. Brodbeck, see record 79:30007) concluded that level-of-processing (LOP) manipulations affect priming in perceptual tasks, contrary to earlier suggestions that such tasks are insensitive to LOP. In 3 experiments with amnesic patients and control Ss, the authors examined the effect of LOP manipulations on priming in word-stem and word-fragment completion and on recognition memory. Amnesic patients exhibited reduced or near-zero LOP effects in word-completion priming compared with controls. LOP affected recognition memory for both amnesic patients and control Ss, confirming that the LOP manipulation affected explicit memory. When the effect of explicit retrieval on control performance was reduced by using a low-level encoding task, priming was the same for amnesic patients and controls. The authors suggest that LOP effects in word-completion priming tasks reflect the influence of explicit retrieval, which can be used usefully by control Ss but much less so by amnesic patients. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The contingent smile: A meta-analysis of sex differences in smiling.

The authors present a meta-analysis of sex differences in smiling based on 448 effect sizes derived from 162 research reports. There was a statistically significant tendency for women and adolescent girls to smile more than men and adolescent boys (d=0.41). The authors hypothesized that sex differences in smiling would be larger when concerns about gender-appropriate behavior were made more conspicuous, situational constraints were absent or ambiguous, or emotion (especially negative) was salient. It was also predicted that the size of the sex difference in smiling would vary by culture and age. Moderator analysis supported these predictions. Although men tend to smile less than women, the degree to which this is so is contingent on rules and roles. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A review of sex differences in peer relationship processes: Potential trade-offs for the emotional and behavioral development of girls and boys.

Theory and research on sex differences in adjustment focus largely on parental, societal, and biological influences. However, it also is important to consider how peers contribute to girls' and boys' development. This article provides a critical review of sex differences in several peer relationship processes, including behavioral and social-cognitive styles, stress and coping, and relationship provisions. The authors present a speculative peer-socialization model based on this review in which the implications of these sex differences for girls' and boys' emotional and behavioral development are considered. Central to this model is the idea that sex-linked relationship processes have costs and benefits for girls' and boys' adjustment. Finally, the authors present recent research testing certain model components and propose approaches for testing understudied aspects of the model. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Use of research in the practice of community mental health: A case study.

To assess the degree to which research was cited by practitioners in justifying their initial treatment decisions, 333 representatively sampled intake evaluation reports from a community mental health center requiring a rationale for preliminary mode and type of therapy were examined. Practitioners, in general, failed to provide rationales for their treatment decisions, and research was seldom cited when rationales were provided. Findings provide evidence that a schism exists between researchers and practitioners in community mental health; experimentally assessed reforms aimed at producing a more reciprocal exchange between researcher and practitioner are needed. (25 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A cross-cultural survey of some sex differences in socialization.

"A survey of certain aspects of socialization in 110 cultures shows that differentiation of the sexes is unimportant in infancy, but that in childhood there is, as in our society, a widespread pattern of greater pressure toward nurturance, obedience, and responsibility in girls, and toward self-reliance and achievement striving in boys. There are a few reversals of sex difference, and many instances of no detectable sex difference; these facts tend to confirm the cultural rather than directly biological nature of the differences. Cultures vary in the degree to which these differentiations are made; correlational analysis suggests some of the social conditions influencing these variations, and helps in understanding why our society has relatively small sex differentiation." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Apparent sex differences in cooperation–competition: A function of individualism.

Of the studies investigating sex differences among Anglo-American children, some have found boys more competitive than girls, whereas others have found the opposite or no differences. Analysis of previous cooperation–competition (C-C) studies, however, reveals that in many studies either the cooperative or the competitive alternative has been confounded with individualism (i.e., offers own-gain maximization) and that the sex differences in observed C-C vary systematically as a function of individualism. To test the hypothesis that sex differences in individualism can account for the apparently contradictory finding regarding sex differences in C-C, 80 3rd–5th graders (42 girls, 38 boys) made 24 choices on 4 choice cards that systematically varied with respect to individualism. As predicted, girls were more individualistic than boys and appeared more cooperative in situations in which individualism and cooperation were confounded, but girls were more competitive than boys when individualism and competition were confounded. Results point to the conclusion that the apparent contradictions found in studies of sex differences in C-C among children are due to the confounding effects of individualism. (29 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Perceiving AIDS-related risk: Accuracy as a function of differences in actual risk.

Investigates the perceived risk of an HIV infection. Cognitive antecedents of biases in risk perception and their effects on behavioral intentions were investigated. The purpose of this study was to determine the relative accuracy of risk assessments for samples that vary in actual risk for AIDS. Ss were citizens of Amsterdam, heterosexuals with private partners, gay men, and heterosexuals with prostitution partners. Although optimistically biased in all samples, perceptions of risk were related to previous risk behavior in high-risk samples only. Pessimism was more pronounced in samples higher at risk. Optimists had lower levels of previous risk behavior and increased intentions to adopt safe sex practices. Ss in samples higher at risk had, therefore, relatively adequate perceptions of risk. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Paired-associate learning and priming effects in amnesia: A neuropsychological study.

Conducted 4 experiments investigating the role of priming effects in paired-associate learning. Ss for all 4 experiments were 5 male and 3 female alcoholics (mean age 53.8 yrs; WAIS—R IQs 85–203) with Korsakoff syndrome. Control Ss were 26 male alcoholics (mean age 47.6 yrs). Exp I illustrated the distinction between the memory impairment of amnesic (Korsakoff) Ss and their intact priming ability. In Exp II, amnesic Ss showed good paired-associate learning for related word pairs but controls performed significantly better. Exp II also showed that the forgetting of related word pairs by amnesic Ss followed the same time course as the decay of word priming. Exp III showed that amnesic Ss were as good as controls at learning related word pairs when word-association tests were used. Exp IV showed that amnesic Ss exhibited normal priming when they were asked to free associate to words that were semantically related to previously presented words. Results indicate that both priming effects and paired-associate learning of related words depended on activation, a process that is preserved in amnesia. Activation is a transient phenomenon presumed to operate on and facilitate access to preexisting representations. (67 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)