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Using an ecological person-process-context model and recent conceptualization of the "employment continuum," this study examines differences in components of work-family balance among individuals in diverse types of jobs ranging from "inadequate" to "optimal." Cross-sectional data from the 1997 National Study of the Changing Workforce (n = 2,877) were used to test differences in work-to-family conflict and enrichment among individuals whose jobs have different constellations of favorable structural and psychosocial attributes. Results suggest jobs enriched with both structural and psychosocial attributes contribute to better work-family balance by reducing conflict and promoting enrichment. Similar patterns occurred regardless of family employment arrangement, but dual earner men reported higher levels of conflict compared with women when holding inadequate jobs. The pattern of results suggests that viewing jobs holistically is important for understanding the work-family interface. (Contains 3 tables and 1 figure.)

Using data collected over 14 consecutive days, we examined the impact of work hours and job demands on parent-child interactions for mothers and fathers in nonprofessional couples. Wives and husbands evaluated their interactions with their children similarly, such that changes in a spouse's evaluation of parent-child interactions typically matched those reported by the other spouse. Greater daily work hours were related to less time spent on child care and less time spent on leisure with children, but higher positive interactions with children were reported. Greater wife perceived job demands were associated with husbands having more positive interactions with children. The findings add to our limited understanding of daily experiences of work-family issues for parents within nonprofessional, dual-earner households. (Contains 5 tables and 1 note.)

Unrealistic relationship beliefs have been shown to be related to lower levels of relationship satisfaction. Yet, young adults often hold unrealistic or irrational beliefs about intimate relationships. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an intimate relationships course in reducing young adults' irrational relationship beliefs. Results indicated a decrease in irrational beliefs, although levels of romanticism remained stable. Gender differences were noted. In addition, participants reported an increase in their knowledge about relationship processes. According to instructor observations and student reports, the two teaching techniques most successful in changing unrealistic relationship beliefs were observing people discuss or enact relationships through guest speakers and video clips, and writing short reaction papers that required exploring one's attitudes and beliefs on a topic.

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tibs.2010.02.008 Byline: Heather A. Hundley (1)(2), Brenda L. Bass (1) Abstract: ADARs are a family of enzymes, present in all animals, that convert adenosine to inosine within double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Inosine and adenosine have different base-pairing properties, and thus, editing alters RNA structure, coding potential and splicing patterns. The first ADAR substrates identified were edited in codons, and ADARs were presumed to function primarily in proteome diversification. Although this is an important function of ADARs, especially in the nervous system, editing in coding sequences is rare compared to editing in noncoding sequences. Introns and untranslated regions of mRNA are the primary noncoding targets, but editing also occurs in small RNAs, such as miRNAs. Although the role of editing in noncoding sequences remains unclear, ongoing research suggests functions in the regulation of a variety of post-transcriptional processes. Author Affiliation: (1) Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA (2) Medical Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA

Using personal digital assistants, 91 parents employed in non-professional occupations were surveyed for 14 consecutive days about their job characteristics and work-family experiences. We found significant daily variation in work-to-family conflict (WFC) and work-to-family facilitation (WFF) that was predictable from daily job characteristics. Higher levels of WFC were associated with greater job demands and control at work. Contrary to the demands-control model (Karasek, 1979), these two job characteristics interacted such that the relationship between demands and WFC was stronger when control was high. We also found that demands were negatively related and control and skill level positively related to WFF. The results suggest ways in which jobs may be redesigned to enhance individuals' work-family experiences., Among the role domains occupied by adults, two of the more central and salient are work and family. Both domains are significant in terms of their temporal prominence and qualitative [...]

The author reviews the publications on RNA editing enzymes, ADARs. The topics of interest include ADARs functions, the double-stranded structure of ADARs substrates and the biochemical mechanisms of these enzymes.