Differences in adult and reproductive lifespan in the two male forms ofMnais pruinosa costalis selys (Odonata: Calopterygidae)

The damselflyMnais pruinosa costalis (Odonata: Calopterygidae) is unusual in that males are dimorphic, existing as clear-winged non-territorial ‘sneaks’ and orange-winged territorial ‘fighters’. Here we report the results of population census data and behavioural observations in the field and laboratory, and present estimates of emergence period, reproductive period, total lifespan, and reproductive success of each morph. Clear-winged males are smaller and have lower daily reproductive success than orange-winged males, but live for longer in the field and laboratory. We accounted for the difference in the ‘operational reproductive life’ of the two morphs and estimated lifetime reproductive success: there was no difference between clear-winged and orange-winged males. We discuss possible mechanisms for the maintenance of the two forms.     

Family Therapy Practitioners Researching the Reactions of Practitioners to an Outcome Measure

Family therapy is under increasing pressure to use ‘objective’ measures of effectiveness, but there are strong voices in the field objecting to such research. The primary objective of this project was to investigate the acceptability and perceived potential usefulness of a short self‐report questionnaire. A secondary objective was to explore the viability of conducting such research by a group of practitioners who would collaborate primarily through emails. Nine experienced family therapists were interviewed as they worked through the 16 items of a pilot version of the SCORE questionnaire. The recorded interviews were analysed using Template Analysis. The SCORE was found to be generally acceptable for use with clients but the exercise generated information on a variety of concerns about the content of the measure. Beyond its potential as an outcome measure there was considerable interest in how it could be used therapeutically. The operation of the Practitioner Research Network proved functional but indicated some of the difficulties that such networks might encounter.     

The Effects of State Alcohol and Pregnancy Policies on Women’s Health and Healthy Pregnancies

US states have enacted a wide range of laws to address health challenges associated with alcohol use during pregnancy. Some have taken punitive approaches that restrain women’s behavior, and some have taken supportive approaches aimed at improving women’s health and supporting healthy pregnancies. In this article we report on a study of implementation of supportive and punitive policies when both types of policies operate simultaneously in the same jurisdiction. Effects of mixed use laws on multiple stakeholder groups, especially pregnant and postpartum women, are studied. We conclude by identifying how our findings can be extended for future comparative state research.     

少数民族在西部大开发中的利益实现研究

少数民族作为西部开发中重要的利益主体,其利益主要表现在直接的物质利益、可持续生存环境的利益和自我发展能力。西部开发中,少数民族利益实现方式主要包括:通过开发项目对少数民族人力资源的动员、创造参与机会是获得直接物质利益的基本方式;通过资源替代和利益补偿调整经济开发行为是争取可持续生存环境利益的重要方式;开发政策和投入对西部地区"三农"的重视,在开发安排的受惠次序、城乡发展关系上关注农牧民、农牧业、农牧区,是保障西部开发中少数民族获得实惠的必要前提。     

Efficient Classification-Based Relabeling in Mixture Models

Effective component relabeling in Bayesian analyses of mixture models is critical to the routine use of mixtures in classification with analysis based on Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. The classification-based relabeling approach here is computationally attractive and statistically effective, and scales well with sample size and number of mixture components concordant with enabling routine analyses of increasingly large data sets. Building on the best of existing methods, practical relabeling aims to match data:component classification indicators in MCMC iterates with those of a defined reference mixture distribution. The method performs as well as or better than existing methods in small dimensional problems, while being practically superior in problems with larger data sets as the approach is scalable. We describe examples and computational benchmarks, and provide supporting code with efficient computational implementation of the algorithm that will be of use to others in practical applications of mixture models.     

Living everyday lies: the experience of self

Lying is a ubiquitous feature of everyday social convention and also permeates the intimate bonds of romantic and family life. This article reviews the research literature on the gender-based motivations for lying and the contexts in which it occurs, along with relevant psychoanalytic perspectives, which help to explain how lying is related to one’s experience of self. Emphasis will be placed on contemporary psychoanalytic formulations, which emphasize the subjective nature of truth and the multiplicity of self-experience. A case illustration is offered to demonstrate the applicability and complementarity of various viewpoints on the topic.This article is based on a keynote address given at the New York State Society for Clinical Social Work 29th Annual Conference held in New York City. The Conference theme was entitled “Secrets and Lies: Intrapsychic and Interpersonal Dimensions.”