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Correlates of HIV risk-taking behaviors among African-American college students: the effect of HIV knowledge, motivation, and behavioral skills.

This study identifies theoretically based predictors of condom use in a sample of 253 sexually active African-American college students recruited from two historically African-American colleges. The Information-Motivation-Behavioral (IMB) skills model of AIDS-preventive behavior was employed to delineate the roles of HIV/AIDS knowledge, experiences with and attitudes toward condom use, peer influences, perceived vulnerability, monogamy, and behavioral skills. A predictive structural equation model revealed significant predictors of more condom use including: male gender, more sexual HIV knowledge, positive experiences and attitudes about condom use, nonmonogamy, and greater behavioral skills. Results imply that attention to behavioral skills for negotiating safer sex and training in the proper use of condoms are key elements in reducing high risk behaviors. Increasing the specific knowledge level of college students regarding the subtleties of sexual transmission of HIV is important and should be addressed. Heightening students' awareness of the limited protection of serial monogamy, and the need to address gender-specific training regarding required behavior change to reduce transmission of HIV should be an additional goal of college health professionals.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

[Research advances in behavioral ecology of penaeid shrimp II. Effects of environmental factors on behavior of penaeid shrimps].

Animal has an extrinsic response to the changes of internal and external environments. To ensure the stabilization of internal environment, animal should adjust its behavior to conform the changes of external environmental factors. This paper reviewed the research advances at home and abroad on the effects of environmental factors on the behavior of penaeid shrimps, with the focus on the effects of light, current and tide, dissolved oxygen, substrate, and water temperature on the feeding, locomotion, spawning, moulting, burrowing and emergence of penaeid shrimps. The behavioral adjustment of penaeid shrimps to the changes of environmental factors was also summarized. The existing problems and future research directions in the behavioral ecology of penaeid shrimps, e.g., the relationships between penaeid shrimps behavior and disease spread, effects of penaeid shrimps behavior on aquaculture ecosystem, and effects of environmental factors on penaeid shrimps behavior in intensive and high-density culture, were put forward.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

[Smoking and sexual behavior of junior college students (report II). Relation to alcohol consumption and problematic behavior during adolescence].

A survey was performed on 581 junior college women regarding smoking, sexual behavior, alcohol use and problem behavior during adolescence to assess possible mutual relationships. The results are as follows: 1) Of these women, 37% experienced smoking; 9% were habitual smokers; 39% experienced kissing; 18% experienced sexual intercourse; 86% experienced alcohol drinking. 2) Many of the women had cross-experience in the combination of smoking, sexual behavior and alcohol drinking. A mutual relationship among these behaviors is suggested. 3) Many of the women who experienced smoking or sexual behavior had either experienced or considered problem behaviors during adolescence including attempted suicide, running away from home, bullying, etc. Poor adaptation to their home or school appears to be a factor associated with tendency toward smoking and sexual behavior.

Adolescent↗

Behavioral science in family medicine residencies: Part II. Teacher roles, relationships, and rewards. The STFM Task Force on Behavioral Science.

A survey of members of the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine provided information about roles, relationships, and rewards for teachers involved in family medicine residency behavioral science education. Family physicians and behavioral scientists perceive their own roles in behavioral teaching and patient care as greater than is perceived by the other group. All groups of respondents see a continued need for collaborative behavioral teaching, patient care, and research. Interpersonal rewards reported emphasize family physicians learning from behavioral scientists. Frustrations reflect personal style, use of jargon, and a sense that the other group does not understand important aspects of one's work. Income is markedly greater for family physicians than behavioral scientists. Most behavioral scientists responding plan to remain in family medicine teaching.

Behavioral Sciences↗

Behavior and caregiver burden: behavioral problems in patients with Alzheimer disease and its association with caregiver distress.

Behavioral dysfunction in Alzheimer disease (AD) is a major influence on the morbidity and disability of patients and is central to decisions on patient institutionalization. Behavioral dysfunction ranges from withdrawal, apathy, and depression to hostility, anger, and aggression, with most patients exhibiting some symptoms during the course of the disease. Symptoms of depression are common in AD patients (17-30%) and are associated with broad behavioral dysfunction and increased functional disability. Furthermore, the occurrence of depression in patients correlates strongly with caregiver burden and depression. This report summarizes the relationship between caregiver distress and patient behavioral problems. Administration of the Revised Memory and Behavior Problem Checklist provided information on the frequency of behavioral problems and their association with caregiver distress. In one study of 201 patient-caregiver dyads, depression-related behaviors were confirmed as the most distressing to caregivers. In another, the rates of caregiver depression were high (75%) among those caring for clinically depressed AD patients. Indeed, in a third study, 100% of patients with depression had depressed caregivers. The vulnerability of caregivers to depression is linked to their own age, gender, physical ability, personality, and available social supports. Alleviation of caregiver distress, burden, and depression will be of great value in the improvement of AD patient care.

Adult↗

Couch potatoes or french fries: are sedentary behaviors associated with body mass index, physical activity, and dietary behaviors among adolescents?

OBJECTIVE: To describe the demographic characteristics of adolescent boys and girls who engage in three sedentary behaviors (television/video use, computer use, and reading/homework), and to explore how each sedentary activity is associated with body mass index (BMI), dietary behaviors, and leisure time physical activity. DESIGN: This study draws on data collected from Project EAT (Eating Among Teens), a school-based survey examining personal, behavioral, and socioenvironmental factors that are associated with nutritional intake among adolescents. SUBJECTS: The study sample consists of 4746 middle and high school students from 31 public schools in a metropolitan area of the upper Midwest. All students were invited to participate. The overall response rate for Project EAT was 81.5%. Data collection was completed during the 1998-1999 school year. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Multivariate linear regression was used for examining associations between independent and dependent variables, controlling for age, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. All differences were considered statistically significant at P<.05. RESULTS: Among boys, television/video use and time spent reading/doing homework were positively associated with BMI (P<.05), whereas for girls television/video and computer use were positively associated with BMI (P<.05). High television/video use among boys and girls was associated with more unhealthful dietary behaviors (eg, increased consumption of soft drinks, fried foods, and snacks) (P<.05). In contrast, time spent reading/doing homework was associated with more healthful dietary behaviors (eg, increased consumption of fruits and vegetables) (P<.05). Leisure time physical activity was not associated with television/video use among boys or girls, but was positively associated with computer use and time spent reading/doing homework (P<.05). Applications/Conclusions Messages and advice aimed at reducing time spent in sedentary activities should be targeted at television/video use instead of time spent reading, doing homework, or using a computer. Nutrition education should incorporate messages about the influence of the media and advertising on dietary behaviors.

Adolescent↗

A brief history of behavioral and cognitive behavioral approaches to sexual offenders: Part 1. Early developments.

This is the first of two papers which briefly outline the development of behavioral and cognitive behavioral treatment of sexual offenders from the mid-1800s to 1969. We first consider the historic role of Sigmund Freud and note that a broad scientific interest in deviant sexual behaviour was well established by 1900. In the early to mid-20th century, two psychologies were prominent in the development of behaviorial approaches, those of John B. Watson and Alfred Kinsey. Behavior therapy for a variety of problems emerged in the 1950s and soon found application to deviant sexuality. The development of penile plethysmography helped to focus interest on deviant sexual preference and behavior. While nonbehavioral approaches to sexual offenders paralleled these developments, a combination of behavioral and cognitive behavioral treatments began to emerge in the late 1960s which ultimately developed into the approaches more commonly seen today.

Behavior Therapy↗

Fear and feeding in the nucleus accumbens shell: rostrocaudal segregation of GABA-elicited defensive behavior versus eating behavior.

This study examined localization of positive versus negative motivational functions mediated by GABA circuits within the accumbens shell. Microinjections of a GABA(A) agonist (0, 25, 75, and 225 ng/0.5 microl muscimol) in rostral shell sites elicited appetitive increases in eating behavior. In contrast, microinjections in caudal shell sites elicited defensive burying or paw-treading behavior. Rats whose microinjections landed bilaterally outside of the accumbens shell did not display either behavior. Defensive treading elicited by caudal shell muscimol microinjection appeared to be a negative motivated response to threat (similar in parameters and orientation to normal defensive burying of a threatening electrified shock prod). The nucleus accumbens shell thus appears functionally heterogeneous in coding motivational valence. The demonstration that muscimol elicits positive eating behavior from rostral shell versus negative defensive behavior from caudal shell suggests in particular that GABAergic substrates of positive and negative types of motivated behavior in the nucleus accumbens shell are segregated along a rostrocaudal gradient.

Aggression↗

Neglected children: mothers' report of child behavior problems and observed verbal behavior.

This laboratory investigation assessed situational differences in observed maternal verbal behavior and the report of child behavior problems between groups of low-income Caucasian mothers and their neglected, behavior problem, or nonproblem children. Relative to controls, the interactions of neglect mothers were most negative and controlling during child-directed play. Behavior-problem mothers were most negative and as controlling as neglect mothers during parent-directed play. Both groups reported more difficult child behavior than controls. The results indicate the importance of considering situational variability and mode of analysis (i.e., frequency and/or percentage) when behavior differences between groups are being determined.

Adult↗

Behavioral and physiological antecedents of inhibited and uninhibited behavior.

4-month-old infants were specifically selected for patterns of affective and motoric reactivity that were hypothesized to be associated with later inhibited and uninhibited behavior. Infants were classified as high on motor activity and negative affect, high on motor activity and positive affect, or low on motor activity and affect. Brain electrical activity was assessed in these infants at 9 months of age, and behavior toward novelty was observed at 14 months of age. Infants who were high on motor activity and negative affect exhibited greater right frontal EEG activation at 9 months of age and inhibited behavior at 14 months of age. Infants classified as high motor/high positive at 4 months of age exhibited uninhibited behavior at 14 months of age. No relations were found between frontal asymmetry at 9 months of age and inhibited behavior at 14 months of age. However, greater activation in both the left and right frontal hemispheres was associated with higher inhibition scores at 14 months of age. These findings are discussed in terms of the role that affective and physiological reactivity may play in the development of social behavior during toddlerhood.

Affect↗

Phase Behavior and Salt Partitioning in Two- and Three-Phase Anionic Surfactant Microemulsion Systems: Part I, Phase Behavior as a Function of Temperature.

Microemulsion phase behavior was studied as a function of salinity and temperature. The objectives were to investigate the influence of different electrolytes on optimal salinity and solubilization, and to relate the efficiency of each cation to change in microemulsion phase behavior. Two five-component microemulsion systems using anionic surfactants were studied as a function of type of cations (Na, K, Mg, Ca) and ionic strength. The phase behavior studies were performed at three different temperatures in the region [20 degrees C, 90 degrees C], and at different surfactant concentrations. The optimal salinity, defined as equal water and oil solubilization in the microemulsion phase, was used to quantify changes in phase behavior. Consistently, the divalent ions reached optimal salinity at lower salt concentrations than did monovalent ions. The effect of the different electrolytes on phase behavior was quantified by introducing an efficiency parameter. Knowledge of the efficiency relation between different cations in a microemulsion system provided a tool for predicting optimal salinity for salt mixtures. The microemulsion phase behavior was more sensitive to temperature in monovalent electrolyte solutions compared to divalent ions. At lower surfactant concentration the divalent cations had an even stronger influence on phase behavior compared to monovalent cation electrolytes. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Journal Article↗

Behavioral sensitization to nicotine is associated with behavioral disinhibition; counteraction by citalopram.

This study investigated the effects of repeated nicotine treatment on locomotor activity and behavioral inhibition, and the influence of citalopram on the behavioral effects obtained. Male rats received daily subcutaneous injections of vehicle + vehicle (veh + veh), citalopram (5.0 mg/kg) + vehicle (cit + veh), vehicle + nicotine (1.0 mg/kg; veh + nic) or citalopram + nicotine (cit + nic). Acutely, nicotine stimulated locomotor activity, and repeated daily nicotine injections sensitized veh + nic rats to the nicotine-induced locomotor stimulation after 5, 10 and 15 treatment days, whereas in cit + nic rats, the enhancement of nicotine-induced locomotion was suppressed. However, when challenged with nicotine after citalopram withdrawal (-36 h), the cit + nic treated animals were also observed to be sensitized. In the elevated plus-maze, repeated nicotine treatment produced behavioral disinhibition, measured as an increase of time spent in and entries made into open arms (%), and chronic citalopram treatment attenuated the expression of behavioral disinhibition. Moreover, the degree of nicotine sensitization correlated to the behavioral disinhibition observed. In summary, these findings suggest that behavioral sensitization to nicotine is associated with behavioral disinhibition and that chronic citalopram treatment counteracts the expression of both phenomena. Since citalopram is a highly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, the effects of citalopram may be due to a facilitation of serotonin neurotransmission caused by the chronic citalopram treatment.

Animals↗

Growth cone behavior in the presence of soluble chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG), compared to behavior on CSPG bound to laminin or fibronectin.

Proteoglycans (PGs) are complex macromolecules of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that have a wide variety of effects on developing and regenerating neurons in vivo and in vitro. One hypothesis regarding the mechanisms of PG regulation of neuronal behavior states that the conformation of PGs may be critical, and thus that ECM- or cell surface-bound PGs may operate differently than secreted (soluble) PGs. Therefore, this study examined differences between the effects of soluble chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) and substratum-bound CSPG on neuronal growth cone behavior. Dissociated chicken dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons were cultured on either laminin (LN) or fibronectin (FN), both sensory neurite outgrowth-promotin glycoproteins. CSPG (or chondroitin sulfate alone) was either bound to FN or LN, or was added to the culture media. Subsequently, using time lapse video microscopy and image analysis, this study measured: (1) neuronal attachment, (2) neurite outgrowth, (3) rate of neurite elongation, and (4) filopodial length and lifespan. To determine the site of CSPG action, DRG neurons were grown on either: CS-1, a FN peptide [Humphries M. J. et al. (1987) J. biol. Chem. 262, 6886-6892], or a recombinant FN protein, RFNIIIcs (Maejne, submitted), both of which permit DRG attachment and outgrowth but do not have recognized CSPG binding sites, and the resulting neuronal behavior was compared to that of DRG neurons grown on intact FN. The results of these studies confirm that the effect of CSPG on DRG neurons is concentration-, conformation- and substratum-dependent. On I.N, soluble CSPG had little to no effect on neurite initiation or outgrowth, while substratum-bound CSPG inhibited neurite outgrowth. In contrast, on FN, soluble CSPG inhibited neurite outgrowth and decreased the rate of neurite elongation. Soluble CSPG did not affect the length of sensory growth cone filopodia or filopodial lifespan on either LN or FN. From the FN fragment experiments, we found that: (1) soluble CSPG reduces neurite outgrowth on FN or FN fragments, but not on LN, up to 80%, and reduces elongation rate on FN up to 50%, and (2) soluble CSPG regulates neuronal behavior by binding directly to growth cones elongating on FN. Given that substratum-bound CSPG from a variety of sources is inhibitory to neurite outgrowth and to the rate of neurite elongation, while soluble CSPG often has different effects on growth cone behavior, the regulation of growth cone behavior by CSPGs may be dependent upon CSPG conformation. Further, CSPG may affect growth cone behavior by either binding to the substratum or by binding directly to growth cones.

Animals↗

Behavior problems in children with diabetes: disentangling possible scoring confounds on the Child Behavior Checklist.

OBJECTIVE: The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL; T. M. Achenbach, 1991), when used to assess the behavior of children with diabetes, may contain confounds because some behavioral items can have a physiologic etiology, and may skew reports of behavioral disturbance. METHODS: Two techniques were used to disentangle possible scoring confounds in the behavioral ratings of children with and without diabetes: (1) the Somatic Complaints scale was deleted, or (2) Diabetes Items, identified a priori with 89% agreement by nine medical personnel, were deleted. RESULTS: As expected, with traditionally scored protocols, children with diabetes obtained higher Internalizing and Total Behavior Problem scores than controls. This group difference persisted whether the Somatic Complaints scale or the Diabetes Items were deleted. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to controls, children with diabetes obtained mildly elevated scores on six of the eight CBCL scales, regardless of scoring method, suggesting that their mildly elevated behavioral profile is not confounded by physiologic symptomatology.

Adolescent↗

Behavioral characteristics of scent marking behavior in the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus).

Behavioral characteristics of scent marking behavior in the Mongolian gerbil were investigated using the open-field apparatus. The gerbils raised in Japan exhibited a similar behavioral topography of scent marking behavior to those observed in the United States. The incidence and frequency of marking behavior were sexually dimorphic with predominance in males. A midventral sebaceous gland of the male was also larger than that of the female. In male gerbils which has been housed with other males (4 animals per cage), the frequency of marking was differed individually among the cage mates. On the other hand, when two males having similar marking frequency were housed in pairs for one month, one of the two increased the marking frequency compared with the prepairing whereas the other decreased it significantly. The evidence tends to support the notion that scent marking behavior is a species-common response in gerbils and that the behavior correlate to dominance and social ranking.

Animals↗

Observation procedure, observer gender, and behavior valence as determinants of sampling error in a behavior assessment analogue.

Several factors thought to influence the representativeness of behavioral assessment data were examined in an analogue study using a multifactorial design. Systematic and unsystematic methods of observing group behavior were investigated using 18 male and 18 female observers. Additionally, valence properties of the observed behaviors were inspected. Observers' assessments of a videotape were compared to a criterion code that defined the population of behaviors. Results indicated that systematic observation procedures were more accurate than unsystematic procedures, though this factor interacted with gender of observer and valence of behavior. Additionally, males tended to sample more representatively than females. A third finding indicated that the negatively valenced behavior was overestimated, whereas the neutral and positively valenced behaviors were accurately assessed.

Journal Article↗

Behavioral economics and behavioral momentum.

Some relations between elasticity of demand and the conditions of reinforcement are reanalyzed in terms of resistance to change, in ways suggested by the metaphor of behavioral momentum; some relations between resistance to change and the conditions of reinforcement are reanalyzed in terms of elasticity of demand, in ways suggested by behavioral economics. In addition, some data on labor supply in relation to variable-ratio schedules and alternative reinforcement are reanalyzed in terms of resistance to change and compared with steady-state resistance data for performance on multiple and concurrent interval schedules. The results of these studies can be summarized by two functions based on the behavioral momentum approach, relating relative behavioral mass to relative reinforcement per response or per unit time. The former is a relation between relative unit price and relative behavioral mass, suggesting the possibility of convergent measurement of a theoretical construct common to both approaches. However, the momentum and economic approaches differ fundamentally on whether it is preferable to construe discriminated operant behavior as selected and strengthened by its consequences or as part of a behavior-consequence bundle that maximizes utility.

Journal Article↗

Weight Concerns, Problem Eating Behaviors, and Problem Drinking Behaviors in Female Collegiate Athletes.

OBJECTIVE: To compare eating behaviors and alcohol drinking habits between 2 groups of female college students: varsity athletes and controls (nonathletes). DESIGN AND SETTING: We obtained descriptive data using an anonymous, self-report survey instrument. The instrument assessed eating habits and behaviors as well as alcohol consumption and drinking behaviors. SUBJECTS: One hundred forty-nine female varsity athletes and 209 female controls (nonathletes) from 2 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I universities. MEASUREMENTS: Data collected included weight and desired weight, meal patterns, methods of gaining or losing weight, details of past or current eating problem, 2-week alcohol consumption quantity and frequency (binge drinking), and problem alcohol behaviors. We used chi-square analysis for nominal data and t tests and multivariate analysis of variance for interval data. RESULTS: Compared with athletes, nonathletes ate fewer meals, and more of them reported feeling that they were too heavy and lied about their weight-control practices. Neither group reported high rates of pathologic behaviors such as vomiting. Nearly 18% of athletes and 26% of controls reported a past or current eating disorder. Athletes did not differ from controls in reported 2-week alcohol consumption, including binge drinking (nearly 50% of both groups). CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported problem drinking and eating behaviors exist in both athletes and controls but not at different rates. This finding may be a result of coach, athletic trainer, and peer-group counseling at these 2 schools or a general trend for lower rates of unhealthy behaviors among female athletes.

Journal Article↗