bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating the occurrence of false positives and false
negatives in microarray studies by approximating and
partitioning the empirical distribution of p-values
Authors: Pounds Stan , Morris Stephan W.
Published: June 2003

Motivation: The occurrence of false positives and false negatives in a microarray analysis could be easily estimated if the distribution of p-values were approximated and then expressed as a mixture of null and alternative densities. Essentially any distribution of p-values can be expressed as such a mixture by extracting a uniform density from it.

Results: The occurrence of false positives and false negatives in a microarray analysis could be easily estimated if the distribution of p-values were approximated and then expressed as a mixture of null and alternative densities. Essentially any distribution of p-values can be expressed as such a mixture by extracting a uniform density from it.

Availability: An S-plus function library is available from http://www.stjuderesearch.org/statistics

Contact: stanley.pounds@stjude.org

* To whom correspondence should be addressed.
Investigating semantic similarity measures
across the Gene Ontology: the relationship between
sequence and annotation
Authors: Lord P. W. , Stevens R. D. , Brass A. , Goble C. A.
Published: June 2003

Motivation: Many bioinformatics data resources not only hold data in the form of sequences, but also as annotation. In the majority of cases, annotation is written as scientific natural language: this is suitable for humans, but not particularly useful for machine processing. Ontologies offer a mechanism by which knowledge can be represented in a form capable of such processing. In this paper we investigate the use of ontological annotation to measure the similarities in knowledge content or‘ semantic similarity’ between entries in a data resource. These allow a bioinformatician to perform a similarity measure over annotation in an analogous manner to those performed over sequences. A measure of semantic similarity for the knowledge component of bioinformatics resources should afford a biologist a new tool in their repetoire of analyses.

Results: We present the results from experiments that investigate the validity of using semantic similarity by comparison with sequence similarity. We show a simple extension that enables a semantic search of the knowledge held within sequence databases.

Availability: Software available from http://www.russet.org.uk

Contact: p.lord@russet.org.uk

* To whom correspondence should be addressed.
Perennial self‐audit: model and applications
Authors: Ni Zhijiang , Karapetrovic Stanislav
Published: June 2003

This paper illustrates a perennial self‐audit model for quality management system (QMS) improvement. The model is based on the concepts of self‐ and nano‐audits, which directly contradict the two central tenets of classical auditing, namely auditor independence and the discrete nature of the auditing process. The general model is presented first, including a description of the underlying concepts (self‐audit, milli‐audit, micro‐audit and nano‐audit), and an illustration of the model elements and their interrelationships. This is followed by an explanation of the benefits and possible uses of the model. Three specific applications are discussed: QSM upgrade based on standards, facilitation of the transition from minimalistic to excellence‐based business systems, and the provision of support in the integration of function‐specific management systems. Subsequently, the emphasis is shifted towards a real‐life application of the proposed model in a high‐tech company. A demonstration of how this model was used to help the case study company in the transition from the ISO 9001: 1994 to the ISO 9001: 2000 QMS is provided.
The potential role for automatic external defibrillators in palliative care units
Authors: Thorns Andrew , Gannon Craig
Published: June 2003

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has received frequent attention by professionals and the public in recent times. Concerns regarding the potential harms for little chance of success have caused palliative care units (PCUs) doubts about initiating CPR. However, there appears to be a moral responsibility to offer CPR to some, carefully selected, patients. Automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) have been shown to significantly increase chances of survival following CPR and are simple to use, even for nonprofessionals. It is argued that AEDs may increase the moral imperative on PCUs to offer CPR to certain patients and provide the basis for a necessary debate on where the border between appropriate active treatment and a disturbance to the aim of a peaceful death rests.
Psychiatric liaison in palliative care
Authors: Dein Simon
Published: June 2003

Palliative care is the active, total care of patients whose disease is not responsive to curative treatment. Psychological problems such as depressive illness, anxiety, delirium, problems coping and body image disturbances are common in the palliative care setting, although they are often missed. A full assessment of these patients should take into account physical, emotional and spiritual factors; therapeutic work should include the patient's family. Pharmacological (antidepressants, anxiolytics and antipsychotics) and cognitive–behavioural treatments are often effective in allaying distress in this group of patients, and can improve coping skills and quality of life. Liaison psychiatrists have a role in teaching palliative care staff to recognise psychiatric disorders. A number of case studies are presented to illustrate these points.
Military forensic psychiatry
Authors: Turner Mark A. , Neal Leigh A.
Published: June 2003

Traumatic psychological and functional somatic syndromes in military personnel, following recent conflicts, have generated considerable interest in recent years (Jones et al, 2002). However, there has been near-total academic neglect of forensic military psychiatry, despite the anticipated major changes in British military psychiatric provision (Winyard, 2001) and the military judicial system (Syal, 2002). The indications are that civilian psychiatrists are likely to become increasingly involved in all aspects of the assessment and treatment of mental illnesses in service personnel. This demands a knowledge of the British military judicial system, and the relationship between mental illness and criminality in the military, extending beyond that usually required of a civilian psychiatrist.
Pragmatic evaluation of computer-aided self-help for anxiety and depression
Authors: Marks Isaac M. , Mataix-Cols David , Kenwright Mark , Cameron Rachel , Hirsch Steven , Gega Lina
Published: June 2003

Background

Most anxiety/depression is not effectively treated.

Aims

Open evaluation of a free clinic giving immediate computer-aided cognitive – behavioural therapy (CBT) self-help plus brief advice from a therapist.

Method

Test of outcome of self-referrals who used one of four computer-aided CBT systems for depression, phobia/panic, general anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Results

The equivalent of one full-time clinician managed 355 referrals over a year. Of the 266 who had a screening interview 79% were suitable. Completers and non-completers of computer-aided CBT had similar pre-treatment features, with very chronic, moderately severe problems. Completers of the computer-aided self-help had a mean total of an hour's live therapist support over 12 weeks. They improved significantly and clinically meaningfully with three of the four systems and felt ‘fairly satisfied’. Improvement resembled that in controlled and other trials of computer-aided CBT.

Conclusions

Computer-aided self-help is a‘clinician extender’ that greatly cuts per-patient therapist time without impairing improvement. It could reduce the per-patient cost of CBT.
Reception screening and mental health needs assessment in a male remand prison
Authors: Gavin Noel , Parsons Shaun , Grubin Don
Published: June 2003

Aims and Method

This study was designed to clarify the nature and extent of psychiatric provision that would be needed if a new health screening protocol were to be introduced into the prison system. The reception screening questionnaires for every inmate coming into the prison over a 15-week period were reviewed using the new protocol. A further mental health assessment was undertaken on those who had screened positive.

Results

201 men (32.6%) were found to be positive for serious mental illness

Clinical Implications

Based on this analysis, large increases in psychiatric resources would not be needed if the proposed new reception health screening processes were in place, although a reorganisation of the way in which services are delivered may be required.
Phase III Randomized Trial of 12 Versus 3 Months of Maintenance Paclitaxel in Patients With Advanced Ovarian Cancer After Complete Response to Platinum and Paclitaxel-Based Chemotherapy: A Southwest Oncology Group and Gynecologic Oncology Group Trial
Authors: Markman Maurie , Liu P.Y. , Wilczynski Sharon , Monk Bradley , Copeland Larry J. , Alvarez Ronald D. , Jiang Caroline , Alberts David
Published: June 2003

Purpose: To determine whether continuing paclitaxel for an extended time period in women with advanced ovarian cancer who had achieved a clinically defined complete response to a platinum/paclitaxel-based chemotherapy could prolong subsequent progression-free survival (PFS) and affect ultimate survival.

Patients and Methods: Patients were randomly assigned to either three or 12 cycles of single-agent paclitaxel administered every 28 days and were then followed up for progression-free and overall survival.

Results: As of September 6, 2001, 277 patients (262 assessable) had entered the trial, with a total of 54 PFS events having developed among 222 patients with follow-up data. With the exception of peripheral neuropathy, there were no major differences in toxicity between the regimens. The median PFS was 21 and 28 months in the three-cycle and 12-cycle paclitaxel arms, respectively. One-sided P values from an unadjusted log-rank test and an adjusted Cox model analysis (for stratification factors) were .0035 and .0023, respectively, both in favor of the 12-cycle arm. The Cox model-adjusted three-cycle versus the 12-cycle progression hazard ratio was estimated to be 2.31 (99% confidence interval, 1.08 to 4.94). With a protocol-specified early termination boundary of P = .005, these findings led the Southwest Oncology Group Data Safety Monitoring Committee to discontinue the trial. As of the date of study closure, there was no difference in overall survival between the treatment arms.

Conclusion: Twelve cycles of single-agent paclitaxel administered to women with advanced ovarian cancer who attain a clinically defined complete response to initial platinum/paclitaxel-based chemotherapy significantly prolongs the duration of PFS.
bozozokdirectly repressesbmp2btranscription and mediates the earliest dorsoventral asymmetry ofbmp2bexpression in zebrafish
Authors: Leung TinChung , Bischof Johannes , Söll Iris , Niessing Dierk , Zhang Dongyi , Ma Jun , Jäckle Herbert , Driever Wolfgang
Published: June 2003

Formation of the gastrula organizer requires suppression of ventralizing signals and, in fish and frog, the need to counteract the effect of ubiquitously present maternal factors that activate the expression of Bmps. How the balance between dorsalizing and ventralizing factors is shifted towards organizer establishment at late blastula stages is not well understood. Mutations in zebrafish bozozok (boz) cause severe defects in axial mesoderm and anterior neurectoderm and affect organizer formation. The boz gene encodes the homeodomain protein Bozozok/Dharma and its expression in the region of the organizer is activated through β-catenin signaling. Here, we investigate the molecular mechanism by which boz contributes to the establishment of the organizer. We demonstrate that the homeodomain protein Boz acts as a transcriptional repressor in zebrafish: overexpression of an En-Boz fusion protein can rescue the boz phenotype, whereas a VP16-Boz fusion protein acts as an antimorph. Expression analysis of bmp2b indicates that Boz negatively regulates bmp2b in the prospective organizer. We demonstrate that this Boz activity is independent of that of other zygotic genes, because it also occurs when translation of zygotic genes is suppressed by cycloheximide(CHX). We identify two high-affinity binding sites for Boz within the first intron of the bmp2b gene. Deletion of these control elements abolishes Boz-dependent repression of bmp2b in the early blastula. Thus, Boz directly represses bmp2b by binding to control elements in the bmp2b locus. We propose that early transcriptional repression of bmp2b by Boz is one of the first steps toward formation of a stable organizer, whereas the later-acting Bmp antagonists (e.g. Chordin, Noggin)modulate Bmp activity in the gastrula to induce patterning along the dorsoventral axis. Thus, similar to Drosophila Dpp, asymmetry of Bmp expression in zebrafish is initiated at the transcriptional level, and the shape of the gradient and its function as a morphogen are later modulated by post-transcriptional mechanisms.
Endothelial and steroidogenic cell migration are regulated by WNT4 in the developing mammalian gonad
Authors: Jeays-Ward Katherine , Hoyle Christine , Brennan Jennifer , Dandonneau Mathieu , Alldus Graham , Capel Blanche , Swain Amanda
Published: June 2003

The signalling molecule WNT4 has been associated with sex reversal phenotypes in mammals. Here we show that the role of WNT4 in gonad development is to pattern the sex-specific vasculature and to regulate steroidogenic cell recruitment. Vascular formation and steroid production in the mammalian gonad occur in a sex-specific manner. During testis development, endothelial cells migrate from the mesonephros into the gonad to form a coelomic blood vessel. Leydig cells differentiate and produce steroid hormones a day later. Neither of these events occurs in the XX gonad. We show that WNT4 represses mesonephric endothelial and steroidogenic cell migration in the XX gonad,preventing the formation of a male-specific coelomic blood vessel and the production of steroids. In the XY gonad, Wnt4 expression is downregulated after sex determination. Transgenic misexpression of Wnt4 in the embryonic testis did not inhibit coelomic vessel formation but vascular pattern was affected. Leydig cell differentiation was not affected in these transgenic animals and our data implies that Wnt4 does not regulate steroidogenic cell differentiation but represses the migration of steroidogenic adrenal precursors into the gonad. These studies provide a model for understanding how the same signalling molecule can act on two different cell types to coordinate sex development.
Induction of cardiomyocytes by GATA4 inXenopusectodermal explants
Authors: Latinkić Branko V. , Kotecha Surendra , Mohun Timothy J.
Published: June 2003

The earliest step in heart formation in vertebrates occurs during gastrulation, when cardiac tissue is specified. Dorsoanterior endoderm is thought to provide a signal that induces adjacent mesodermal cells to adopt a cardiac fate. However, the nature of this signalling and the precise role of endoderm are unknown because of the close proximity and interdependence of mesoderm and endoderm during gastrulation. To better define the molecular events that underlie cardiac induction, we have sought to develop a simple means of inducing cardiac tissue. We show that the transcription factor GATA4,which has been implicated in regulating cardiac gene expression, is sufficient to induce cardiac differentiation in Xenopus embryonic ectoderm(animal pole) explants, frequently resulting in beating tissue. Lineage labelling experiments demonstrate that GATA4 can trigger cardiac differentiation not only in cells in which it is present, but also in neighbouring cells. Surprisingly, cardiac differentiation can occur without any stable differentiation of anterior endoderm and is in fact enhanced under conditions in which endoderm formation is inhibited. Remarkably, cardiac tissue is formed even when GATA4 activity is delayed until long after explants have commenced differentiation into epidermal tissue. These findings provide a simple assay system for cardiac induction that may allow elucidation of pathways leading to cardiac differentiation. Better knowledge of the pathways governing this process may help develop procedures for efficient generation of cardiomyocytes from pluripotent stem cells.
Alternative splicing affecting a novel domain in theC. elegansEGL-15 FGF receptor confers functional specificity
Authors: Goodman S. Jay , Branda Catherine S. , Robinson Matthew K. , Burdine Rebecca D. , Stern Michael J.
Published: June 2003

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors trigger a wide variety of cellular responses as diverse as cell migration, cell proliferation and cell differentiation. However, the molecular basis of the specificity of these responses is not well understood. The C. elegans FGF receptor EGL-15 similarly mediates a number of different responses, including transducing a chemoattractive signal and mediating an essential function. Analysis of the migration-specific alleles of egl-15 has identified a novel EGL-15 isoform that provides a molecular explanation for the different phenotypic effects of lesions at this locus. Alternative splicing yields two EGL-15 proteins containing different forms of a domain located within the extracellular region of the receptors immediately after the first IG domain. Neither of these two domain forms is found in any other FGF receptor. We have tested the roles of these EGL-15 receptor isoforms and their two FGF ligands for their signaling specificity. Our analyses demonstrate different physiological functions for the two receptor variants. EGL-15(5A) is required for the response to the FGF chemoattractant that guides the migrating sex myoblasts to their final positions. By contrast, EGL-15(5B) is both necessary and sufficient to elicit the essential function mediated by this receptor.
Kinetics of Adsorption and Self-assembling of Thiophene and Dodecanethiol Studied by Optical Second Harmonic Generation
Authors: Mishina Elena , Tamura Takehisa , Sakaguchi Hiroshi , Nakabayashi Seiichiro
Published: June 2003

The processes of adsorption and self-assembling of dodecanethiol and thiophene oligomers on gold substrate were studied in situ by optical second harmonic generation and kinetic constants were estimated using simple Langmuir model.
Direct Introduction of Primary Amine into Nonpolar Polyolefins Mediated by a New Metallocene IFZ Catalyst. A New Synthetic Approach for One-pot Synthesis of Allyl Amine-capped Polyolefins
Authors: Imuta Jun-ichi , Toda Yoshihisa , Matsugi Tomoaki , Kaneko Hideyuki , Matsuo Shingo , Kojoh Shin-ichi , Kashiwa Norio
Published: June 2003

We report on the first example of metallocene-catalyzed allyl amine incorporation having only one CH2 chain spacer into the nonpolar polymer backbone using new metallocene 1 and methylaluminoxane with high activity at high temperature. This is the first example of predominant chain end site-selective introduction of amine group into the polyolefins.
A Simple Route for Formation of Continuous Ni Nanoshells on Polymer Microspheres
Authors: Chen Dong-Hwang , Lin Jia-Peng , Wu Szu-Han , Wang Chun-Ting
Published: June 2003

Continuous Ni nanoshells of 1.2 nm-thick were successfully fabricated on polymer microspheres via a simple one-step process. The preferential coating of Ni on the surface of polymer microspheres was attributed to the use of ethylene glycol as a solvent and appropriate reaction temperature.
Fabrication of Silver Nanoshell on Functionalized Silica Sphere through Layer-by-Layer Technique
Authors: Jiang Zhong-jie , Liu Chun-yan , Liu Yun , Zhang Zhi-ying , Li Yong-jun
Published: June 2003

Core-shell assembly of negatively charged silver nanoparticles on silica has been obtained via electrostatic attraction and coordination. The thickness of shell can be easily tailored by a layer-by-layer technique.
Taking Advantage of Disorder: Amorphous Calcium Carbonate and Its Roles in Biomineralization
Authors: Addadi L. , Raz S. , Weiner S.
Published: June 2003

Amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) in its pure form is highly unstable, yet some organisms produce stable ACC, and cases are known in which ACC functions as a transient precursor of more stable crystalline aragonite or calcite. Studies of biogenic ACC show that there are significant structural differences, including the observation that the stable forms are hydrated whereas the transient forms are not. The many different ways in which ACC can be formed in vitro shed light on the possible mechanisms involved in stabilization, destabilization, and transformation of ACC into crystalline forms of calcium carbonate. We show here that ACC is a fascinating form of calcium carbonate that may well be of much interest to materials science and biomineralization.
High‐Performance Polymer Solar Cells of an Alternating Polyfluorene Copolymer and a Fullerene Derivative
Authors: Svensson M. , Zhang F. , Veenstra S.C. , Verhees W.J.H. , Hummelen J.C. , Kroon J.M. , Inganäs O. , Andersson M.R.
Published: June 2003

Solar cells prepared using the alternating copolymer shown in the Figure blended with a C60 derivative (PCBM) are demonstrated to have a high performance, with a power conversion efficiency of 2.2 % under simulated solar light. The molecular weight of the polymer is low due to limited solubility, and films of the polymer exhibit red‐shifted absorption.
Ruthenium Oxide Nanotube Arrays Fabricated by Atomic Layer Deposition Using a Carbon Nanotube Template
Authors: Min Y.‐S. , Bae E.J. , Jeong K.S. , Cho Y.J. , Lee J.‐H. , Choi W.B. , Park G.‐S.
Published: June 2003

A chemical vapor deposition‐related method (atomic layer deposition) is reported to have been successfully used to fabricate an inorganic nanotube array at low temperatures (below 400 °C) for the first time. The Figure shows a scanning electron microscopy image of a ruthenium oxide nanotube array on top of an anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) matrix on a silicon wafer after removal of the carbon nanotube template.
Electrochemical Growth of Dendritic Conducting Polymer Networks
Authors: Baba A. , Knoll W.
Published: June 2003

A simple approach to fabricate dendritic conducting polymer networks has been developed by means of electropolymerization of pyrrole onto a micropatterned self‐assembled monolayer. This polypyrrole network was obtained by a combination of microcontact printing (μCP) of an octadecanethiol self‐assembled monolayer (ODT‐SAM) pattern on gold and subsequent electropolymerization of pyrrole.
High‐Density 40 nm Diameter Sb‐Rich Bi2–xSbxTe3 Nanowire Arrays
Authors: Martín‐González M. , Prieto A.L. , Gronsky R. , Sands T. , Stacy A.M.
Published: June 2003

Arrays of 40 nm Bi2–xSbxTe3 nanowires (x ∼ 0.7, density ∼ 5 × 1010 cm–2) have been synthesized. The individual wires are crystalline, relatively homogeneous, and highly textured in a 〈110〉 direction after thermal treatment. Wires containing Sb exhibit incomplete wetting of the alumina templates in which they are grown (see Figure). The composition, crystallinity, and morphology of the nanowires can also be manipulated.
Site‐Selective Growth of Colloidal Crystals with Photonic Properties on Chemically Patterned Surfaces
Authors: Fustin C.‐A. , Glasser G. , Spiess H.W. , Jonas U.
Published: June 2003

Microscopically structured colloidal crystals have been self‐assembled using capillary forces onto chemically patterned surfaces. It is shown that the wetting meniscus on substrates patterned with hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions acts in this process as self‐removing crystallization template (see Figure). By this method, closed‐packed structures with a well‐defined and intense bandgap in the visible range are obtained.
Facile Fabrication of Photochromic Dye–Conducting Polymer Core–Shell Nanomaterials and Their Photoluminescence
Authors: Jang J. , Oh J.H.
Published: June 2003

Photochromic dye (pyrene)–conducting polymer (polypyrrole) core–shell nanomaterials were fabricated using microemulsion micelles as nanoreactors. The adsorption state of pyrene was tunable over a wide range with a small pyrene loading because of the phase separation and the packing constraints of the pyrene crystal. This methodology provides a facile way to control the emission of organic dyes, and also presents a new concept of nanohybrids for electronic devices.
Metal Transfer Printing and Its Application in Organic Field‐Effect Transistor Fabrication
Authors: Wang Z. , Yuan J. , Zhang J. , Xing R. , Yan D. , Han Y.
Published: June 2003

The fabrication of multilayer microstructures, for example for organic field‐effect transistors, using metal transfer printing (MTP) is demonstrated. The Figure shows a two‐layer gold structure produced by MTP. Since MTP is a purely additive technique, in which mechanical adhesion acts as the patterning driving force, it is considered an attractive approach to reel‐to‐reel processing.
Formidable Increase in the Superplasticity of Ceramics in the Presence of an Electric Field
Authors: Shen Z. , Peng H. , Nygren M.
Published: June 2003

The ductility of silicon nitride‐based ceramics is dramatically enhanced in the presence of a pulsed electric field/current that induces movement of the charged species present in the grain boundary glassy/liquid phase, and thereby promotes grain sliding along the grain boundaries. The Figure shows an α‐sialon component before (right) and after (left) deformation.
Detection of CO and O2 Using Tin Oxide Nanowire Sensors
Authors: Kolmakov A. , Zhang Y. , Cheng G. , Moskovits M.
Published: June 2003

Highly uniform SnO2 nanowires, with bulk electronic properties directed by their surface chemistry, have been produced by isolating and oxidizing tin nanowires selected from a template‐synthesized array. The nanowires act as sensitive, fast, stable, and reproducible gas sensors that can be easily integrated into a multi‐component array (see Figure).
Single‐Step Self‐Organization of Ordered Macroporous Nanocrystal Thin Films
Authors: Shah P.S. , Sigman M.B. , Stowell C.A. , Lim K.T. , Johnston K.P. , Korgel B.A.
Published: June 2003

Spatially organized macroporous thin films made of close‐packed nanocrystals (see Figure) can be formed using a single‐step dispersion evaporation technique. Water condensation is induced, in which droplet coalescence is prevented by interfacially active nanocrystals, allowing close‐packed arrays of monodisperse water droplets to form. The hydrophobic nanocrystals then mold themselves around the water droplet template, leading to highly ordered porous nanocrystal films.
Formation of Polarization Gratings and Surface Relief Gratings in Photocrosslinkable Polymer Liquid Crystals by Polarization Holography
Authors: Kawatsuki N. , Hasegawa T. , Ono H. , Tamoto T.
Published: June 2003

Polarization holography in photocrosslinkable polymer liquid crystals films is described. By adjusting the polarization modes of the interference light beams, both “pure” polarization and surface relief gratings can be prepared. The Figure shows an optically polarized microscope image of a grating fabricated using orthogonal linear beams (arrows show direction of polarizers).
Patterns of daily physical activity during school days in children and adolescents
Authors: Mota Jorge , Santos Paula , Guerra Sandra , Ribeiro José C. , Duarte José A.
Published: June 2003

The purpose of this study was to examine the weekday patterns of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in school children and adolescents and determine if there are periods of the day that are representative of their typical MVPA. The sample comprised 84 subjects (boys, n = 30; girls, n = 54), age 8–15 years old. Daily totals for the physical activity variables were calculated by summing the values from 13hr of physical activity (PA) measurements (9:00–22:00), with 60‐min time blocks comprising each day. The MVPA data values were categorized in four daily periods: morning (9:00–11:59), noon (12:00–14:59), late afternoon (15:00–17.59), and evening (18:00–21.59). Our data show that boys participated significantly more in MVPA than girls. Despite no clear patterns or differences among sex being found, girls showed higher percent of time engaged in MVPA during the morning and early afternoon periods (sum of two periods 51.0%), while boys' percent of time engaged in MVPA is higher at late afternoon and evening periods (sum of two periods 53.8%). The principal components analyses showed four distinct components that accounted for 67% of the variance, as follows: school hours (component 1); lunchtime and outside‐school activities (component 2); morning time before school period (component 4); and period before bedtime (component 3) appear as distinct periods of the day. In conclusion, the present study shows that boys engaged more in MVPA than girls. Girls tend to be more active during school periods, while boys are more active after school. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 15:547–553, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modeling stability and change in strength development: A study in adolescent boys
Authors: Maia José António R. , Beunen Gaston , Lefevre Johan , Claessens Albrecht L. , Renson Roland , Vanreusel Bart
Published: June 2003

The purpose of this study was to investigate stability and change in different expressions of strength development in adolescent boys using structural equation modeling. Three models were used: Markov simplex to study stability or tracking, Wiener or random walk to investigate fanning‐out or spread effects in change, and latent growth to study differences in individual pathways of change as well as group changes. In the Leuven Growth Study, 588 male subjects were followed for 6 years with a mean age of 12.7 years at the onset of the study. Vertical jump, arm pull, and bent arm hang were used to mark the following strength factors: explosive strength, static strength, and functional strength. All models were tested with robust estimation procedures based on the software EQS 6.0. Main results and conclusions are as follows: 1) all strength factors showed moderate to high tracking, with low values of instability in relative position of the subjects in their developmental channels; 2) the fanning‐out effect is not obvious, although some evidence showed a spread effect in functional and explosive strength; 3) there are marked interindividual differences in developmental pathways of strength manifestations; 4) strength development is linear and also has some curvilinearity, something akin to a breaking effect; 5) linear trend is negatively correlated with initial status and the leveling‐off effect is also negatively correlated with the linear change. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 15:579–591, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Measuring human energy expenditure: What have we learned from the flex‐heart rate method?
Authors: Leonard William R.
Published: June 2003

The measurement of daily energy expenditure is an important aspect of research on human health and nutrition. Over the last 30 years, G.B. Spurr has been a leader in developing and implementing methods for more effectively assessing energy expenditure and physical activity in traditional and modernizing populations. One of his most notable contributions has been the development of the “Flex Heart Rate” (flex‐HR) method. Since its inception in the late 1980s, the flex‐HR method has become a standard tool for measuring daily energy expenditure in free‐living human populations. This article reviews the initial development and validation of the flex‐HR technique, and examines recent refinements of the method and its application to research in biomedicine and human population biology. The review and analyses highlight how the flex‐HR technique has improved on earlier methods of assessing energy expenditure and greatly advanced our understanding of variability in human energy requirements. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 15:479–489, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Issues of work intensity, pace, and sustainability in relation to work context and nutritional status
Authors: Panter‐Brick Catherine
Published: June 2003

This article raises issues about work intensity, pace, and sustainability during physical activity, focusing attention on the nature of work in labor‐intensive societies, the management of exertion in habitual tasks, and the health and broad socioeconomic correlates of alternative ways to regulate work patterns. At the heart of this review are concerns to document human adaptability (in terms of the physical and behavioral management of heavy work) and to renew debate regarding the conceptualization and measurement of work intensity (variously evaluated in absolute or relative terms, as indexed by oxygen consumption, energy expenditure, percentage maximal work capacity, heart rate elevation, time and motion indicators, or physiological cost). Three questions are examined: Is heavy work primarily a matter of time or energy intensity? How is heavy work habitually sustained? What is the bigger picture relating work performance to work context and to nutritional or health status? It is argued that many arduous activities, such as carrying loads, demand endurance over time rather than intensive effort per unit time, and that work pace management lies in regulating both the rate of work and the time in rest during physical activity. Furthermore, strategies that maximize long‐term endurance (adopted by “tortoises”) and those that maximize short‐term productivity (adopted by “hares”) are appropriate to different work contexts (e.g., a subsistence or wage‐labor economy) and suit individuals with different health status and ability. Thus, work intensity is an important aspect of the links between physical activity, health, productivity, and society, as noted in literature reviewing objectives for sustainable development and public health messages for disease risk management. These areas of scholarship are underresearched, partly because consensus has been slow in agreeing on which are the best measures of work pace and work intensity for use in field situations, and which are the most meaningful thresholds for evaluating absolute or relative effort across a range of populations. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 15:498–513, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reported frequency of physical activity, fitness, and fatness in Kuwait
Authors: Ramadan J. , Barac‐Nieto M.
Published: June 2003

We studied reported frequency of physical activity (PA), body composition, and fitness in Kuwaiti females (n = 84) and males (n = 72), urban office government employees, or students. A sedentary (SED) group reported no or occasional participation in self‐directed PA of 30 minutes or more during the week for the last 6 months; group LOF (low frequency) participated in 1–2 sessions/week (walking, jogging, sports such as volleyball, soccer, or gym); group HIF (higher frequency) reported three or more sessions/week. Aerobic fitness was measured using Bruce's treadmill protocol. Body fat and fat‐free mass (FFM) were estimated from seven skinfolds and body weight (BW). Grip strength and trunk flexibility were also measured. Maximal O2 consumption (VO2max)/BW was proportional to reported frequency of PA in males and females, indicating reliability of the reported PA frequencies. SED males (%fat > 25), SED and LOF females (%fat > 30) were overweight. In males, LOF PA was associated with lower %fat and higher flexibility than SED, and in females with higher VO2max/FFM than SED. LOF females, in contrast to males, were resilient to or exercised at levels insufficient for fat loss but sufficient for aerobic conditioning of the FFM, likely related to the low VO2max of females in which PA would have the most effect. HIF PA (≥3/week) was associated in females with significantly lower %fat and higher flexibility than SED females and no further aerobic conditioning of the FFM, and in males with no further differences in study variables compared with LOF males. Grip strength was higher in males than females but was unrelated to frequency of PA, likely reflecting lack of strength training in the activities of most participants. Thus, low‐frequency PA was associated with health benefits both in males (lower %fat) and females (higher VO2max/FFM). Probably due to the generally low fitness level of females and, hence, the high aerobic effort (%VO2max) required for exercise sufficient to impinge on fat stores, this was only achieved in females participating in higher weekly frequency (≥3) of PA. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 15:514–521, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Olfactory function in workers exposed to styrene in the reinforced‐plastics industry
Authors: Dalton Pamela , Cowart Beverly , Dilks Daniel , Gould Michele , Lees Peter S.J. , Stefaniak Aleksandr , Emmett Edward
Published: June 2003

Background

Impairment of olfactory function in humans has been associated with occupational exposure to volatile chemicals. To investigate whether exposure to styrene was associated with olfactory impairment, olfactory function was examined in workers with a minimum of 4 years exposure to styrene in the reinforced‐plastics industry (current mean exposure: 26 ppm, range: 10–60 ppm; historic mean dose: 156 ppm‐years, range: 13.8–328 ppm‐years) and in a group of age‐ and gender‐matched, unexposed controls.

Methods

Olfactory function was assessed using a standardized battery that included tests of threshold sensitivity for phenylethyl alcohol (PEA), odor identification ability, and retronasal odor perception. Odor detection thresholds for styrene were also obtained as a measure of specific adaptation to the work environment.

Results

No differences were observed between exposed workers and controls on tests of olfactory function. Elevation of styrene odor detection thresholds among exposed workers indicated exposure‐induced adaptation.

Conclusions

The present study found no evidence among a cross‐section of reinforced‐plastics industry workers that current or historical exposure to styrene was associated with impairment of olfactory function. Taken together with anatomical differences between rodent and human airways and the lack of evidence for styrene metabolism in human nasal tissue, the results strongly suggest that at these concentrations, styrene is not an olfactory toxicant in humans. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:1–11, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Work environment and occupational health of Finnish veterinarians
Authors: Reijula Kari , Räsänen Kimmo , Hämäläinen Marjut , Juntunen Kalevi , Lindbohm Marja‐Liisa , Taskinen Helena , Bergbom Barbara , Rinta‐Jouppi Meeri
Published: June 2003

Background

Health and work environment of Finnish veterinarians was evaluated by The Finnish Veterinary Association and the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health in a questionnaire survey.

Methods

The questionnaire was mailed in the spring of 2000 to all veterinarians under 65 years of age and working in Finland (n = 1169); 785 (67%) responded.

Results

A veterinarian's work was physically demanding, and often involved an elevated risk of accident. The risks were considered moderately or considerably high by over half of the respondents, and the highest risks occurred among veterinarians working in equine, mixed (both small and large animals), or in production animal practice. The veterinarians were committed to their work, although, at the same time they experienced work‐related stress and fatigue. Particularly veterinarians working in towns, or those involved in education and research, reported the most stress. Serious work‐related exhaustion was experienced most often by women in the youngest and by men in the oldest age groups. On average, the veterinarians spent over 100 hr a month on call. Over two‐thirds of the participants in the survey reported their general state of health as good or fairly good, while less than 5% of the participants reported their health as rather poor or poor.

Conclusions

The work of a Finnish veterinarian, the work environment, and the risks of the work varied greatly depending on the tasks assigned to the veterinarian. This has to be taken into consideration when occupational health services are planned for veterinarians. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:46–57, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acute effects from occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs in a para‐professional health care worker
Authors: Kusnetz Eliot , Condon Marian
Published: June 2003

Background

While health risks from occupational exposure of nursing and pharmacy staff have been recognized, exposure of para‐professional health care workers (HCW) has received little attention.

Methods

This case report describes a patient care assistant who developed allergic reactions subsequent to exposure to urine of oncology patients who had been treated with antineoplastics.

Results

The patient care assistant on two occasions developed a pruritic, disseminated rash shortly after emptying commodes containing the urine of oncology patients treated with Vincristine and Adriamycin (doxorubicin).

Conclusions

Increased attention should be focused on the occupational exposures of para‐professional HCWs to potentially hazardous antineoplastics. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:107–109, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Application of a method to evaluate the quality of work histories and document the exposure assessment process
Authors: Rice Carol , Heineman Ellen F.
Published: June 2003

Background

Review of work history records by industrial hygienists is an important component of many occupational epidemiologic studies. A number of factors may influence the hygienist, such as the quality of the data and his or her previous experience. As part of a case‐control study of mesothelioma, a system was developed to capture data on several factors that can be considered in a review of work history information.

Methods

The overall quality of the work history record was described by noting the completeness and the consistency of the information; for any potential exposures, the reviewer experience on which the decision was based and the relative quality of the information were categorized. Because of the potential for mesothelioma cases and their next‐of‐kin to have undergone rigorous questioning about previous asbestos exposure an evaluation of the knowledge of the respondent was included. The frequency and intensity of exposure were also evaluated.

Results

Evaluation of 3,444 work records is described. The importance of data completeness in the overall evaluation of quality is shown; follow‐up questions regarding specific work tasks provide information not elicited in the standard interview process. The use of the literature was an important resource to the reviewer. Asbestos was reported by the respondent as an exposure on 149 work records; of these, 111 (74%) were judged to represent an unusual level of knowledge for a next‐of‐kin respondent.

Conclusions

The approach presented allows capture of information about data quality and experience of the reviewer in an epidemiologic analysis. The ratings of frequency and intensity of exposure allow exploration of differences in exposure–response analyses using various exposure metrics. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:94–106, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevention of latex allergy among health care workers: Evaluation of the extractable latex protein content in different types of medical gloves
Authors: Crippa Michela , Belleri Luca , Mistrello Gianni , Carsana Teresina , Neri Gloria , Alessio Lorenzo
Published: June 2003

Background

Since the 1980s, there has been increased use of latex gloves by health care workers and a concomitant increase of irritant and allergic reactions. The total protein content and the latex allergenic protein content in different types of medical gloves commonly used in our hospital were evaluated to acquire information useful for preventing latex allergy in our hospital personnel.

Methods

The total protein content and the allergic latex protein contents were evaluated with Lowry modified method and RAST inhibition assay in samples and extracts of 29 different types of medical gloves.

Results

The highest concentrations of total proteins and allergenic latex proteins were found in examination powdered latex gloves and in surgical powdered latex gloves; a significant amount of latex proteins was found in some brands of nitrile gloves.

Conclusions

The clear association between the total protein levels and the allergenic latex protein levels suggests that the gloves with highest total protein content have the greatest allergenic potential. Therefore, it is recommended that manufacturing companies should provide package inserts including the total protein contents and possibly allergenic latex protein levels. They should declare whether they have added latex to their nitrile glove formulation. RAST‐inhibition assays directly on glove samples instead of glove extract seems to be a good reliable and faster alternative for the evaluation of the allergenic potential of latex gloves. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:24–31, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Occupational injury and illness among migrant and seasonal farmworkers in New York State and Pennsylvania, 1997–1999: pilot study of a new surveillance method
Authors: Earle‐Richardson Giulia , Jenkins Paul L. , Slingerland D. Tucker , Mason Christine , Miles Melissa , May John J.
Published: June 2003

Background

Traditional worksite injury surveillance methods are often ineffective for Northeastern farms employing seasonal harvest labor. Many are small farms, exempt from mandatory injury reporting. The high proportion of foreign workers and the temporary nature of the work further discourages reporting. Therefore, an alternative migrant health center‐based occupational injury and illness surveillance system was piloted during 1997–1999.

Methods

Anonymous medical chart data from nine migrant health centers and four regional hospital emergency rooms was collected during 1997–1999.

Results

There were 516 injury/illness cases over two seasons. Joint/muscle straining (31%), falling (18%), poison ivy contact (10%), and object strikes (8%) were most common injurious events. The participation rate of health care was 75%; 130 cases were reported by hospital emergency rooms; and optimal health center participation was associated with: being a farmworker‐dedicated program, and including the chart reviewer in the health center's decision to participate.

Conclusions

Further development of a medical records‐based surveillance system should include hospital emergency rooms and focus on identified health center performance factors. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:37–45, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The relationship of unions to prevalence and claim filing for work‐related upper‐extremity musculoskeletal disorders
Authors: Morse Tim , Punnett Laura , Warren Nicholas , Dillon Charles , Warren Andrew
Published: June 2003

Background

Unionization has been found to be related to higher filing of workers' compensation (WC) claims, but the extent of the relationship and the relationships to other variables have not been previously reported.

Methods

Telephone interviews were conducted with both a population‐based and WC‐based samples of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) cases.

Results

Workers at unionized facilities were 5.7 times (95% CI 2.5–13.1) more likely to file a claim for WC, despite a comparable rate of MSD cases. Higher filing was also associated with several measures of MSD severity (1.8–14.1 odds ratios), economic sector (OR = 10.1 for manufacturing), hourly (vs. salary) wages (OR = 2.6), and for having a personal physician (OR = 2.5). Unions appeared to have a protective effect on social effects of work‐related MSD.

Conclusions

Unions appear to improve filing of work‐related MSD, particularly for less severe conditions. The higher filing does not appear to be a case of “moral hazard,” but rather improved and earlier reporting, as is advocated by early intervention approaches to reducing MSD. Am. J. Ind. Med. 44:83–93, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.