bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
And Then There Was One: Freedom of Religion in Canada – the Incredible Shrinking Concept
Authors: Ogilvie Margaret H
Published: April 2008

Defining religion for the purposes of constitutional or human rights protection is a challenge shared by UK and Canadian courts in this era after the enactment of the Human Rights Act 1988 and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms 1985, respectively: neither defines what is to be protected. Canadian courts have been impressed with this task since 1982 and, unsurprisingly, the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) has considered the content and scope of section 2(a), the fundamental right to freedom of conscience and religion, on a number of occasions, most recently in Syndicat Northcrest v Amselem. The outcome in Amselem is a salutary reminder that, for post-modern courts, religion can be whatever they want it to be, and, indeed, be nothing in particular, which merits protection or not at the whim of these courts. In Amselem, a 5–4 majority of the SCC reduced religion for Charter purposes to any beliefs which the complainant calls religion and persuades a court to be sincerely held. A court then has the discretion to decide whether to extend legal protection to those beliefs (and their allegedly offensive practice) without giving credible reasons beyond the complainant's sincere belief in them. Amselem may, therefore, be of considerable interest to British lawyers regarding the potential lurking within ostensibly generous constitutional protections for religion ultimately to reduce religion to nonsense undeserving of legal protection.
Parliamentary Report
Authors: Cranmer Frank
Published: April 2008

On 9 January 2008, Dr Evan Harris, MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, brought forward the following new clause to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill: ‘The offences of blasphemy and blasphemous libel are abolished’. His proposal had wide cross-party support and had also attracted backing from the House of Lords in the persons of the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Carey of Clifton, and the former Bishop of Oxford, Lord Harris of Pentregarth.
Reconciling public opinion and WTO rules under the SPS Agreement
Authors: EPPS TRACEY
Published: April 2008

The WTO Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (the SPS Agreement) allows Members to enact SPS measures necessary to protect health so long as they are based on scientific evidence. This scientific evidence requirement has attracted controversy among academics, policy-makers, and civil society. The argument has been advanced that the requirement inappropriately excludes the consideration of public opinion in the domestic risk regulatory decision-making process. The article addresses the question of whether it is possible to reconcile the SPS Agreement's requirement for scientific evidence with concerns regarding exclusion of the public voice in the domestic regulatory process. It responds positively to this query, subject to certain caveats to ensure that trade liberalization goals are not undermined. It argues that the scientific evidence requirement is not only the most appropriate means available for advancing the SPS Agreement's objectives, but that it provides countries with more flexibility than critics contend, including to respond to public sentiment in cases of scientific uncertainty. Recommendations are made as to how panels and the Appellate Body should proceed in disputes under the SPS Agreement, and how governments can comply with their trade obligations while remaining responsive to public concerns.
Domestic constituents and the formulation of WTO negotiating positions: what the delegates say
Authors: ZAHRNT VALENTIN
Published: April 2008

The present article examines what influence various domestic constituents exert on the negotiating positions member states adopt in WTO trade rounds based on a survey of national delegations to the WTO. The findings show that in both developed and developing countries, a broad array of governmental and non-governmental actors substantially shape trade policy-making. At the cost of those ministries traditionally in charge of trade policy-making, many domestic constituents have increased their influence since the conclusion of the Uruguay Round. This leads to a discussion of the problematic implications of these developments towards more participatory trade policy-making for WTO negotiations.
Laboratory determination of the rate coefficient for three‐body recombination of oxygen atoms in nitrogen
Authors: Pejaković Dušan A. , Kalogerakis Konstantinos S. , Copeland Richard A. , Huestis David L.
Published: April 2008

A laser‐based measurement of the rate coefficient for O‐atom three‐body recombination at room temperature is reported. The experiment employs the pulsed output of a fluorine laser at 157.6 nm to achieve high degrees of photodissociation of molecular oxygen. In a high‐pressure (1 atm) background of N2, the produced oxygen atoms recombine in a timescale of several milliseconds. The O‐atom population is monitored by two‐photon laser‐induced fluorescence at 845 nm, using a second laser with output near 226 nm. The measured value of the rate coefficient is (2.7 ± 0.3) × 10−33 cm6s−1 (1σ uncertainty), a value a factor of 2 lower than that currently adopted by the atmospheric modeling community.
Laboratory experiments on mesoscale vortices colliding with an island chain
Authors: Tanabe Aya , Cenedese Claudia
Published: April 2008

The present laboratory study investigates the behavior of a self‐propagating barotropic cyclonic vortex colliding perpendicularly with aligned circular cylinders and determines the condition for a vortex to bifurcate and split into multiple vortices and/or to generate dipoles downstream of the cylinders. During the experiments, four parameters were varied: G, the gap width between the cylinders; d, the diameter of the incident vortex; Ydis, a parameter expressing the initial vortex positions; and Disl, the total length of the “middle” island. It has been observed that as long as 0.1 < G/d ≤ 0.4, the vortex fluid was funneled between two cylinders at one of the gaps and a dipole generally formed, much like water ejected from a circular nozzle generates a dipole ring. After the dipole formed, the cyclonic part of the dipole became dominant and self propagated away from the cylinders. Furthermore, in some experiments having 0.2 < Disl/d ≤ 0.5, after a weak dipole formed, the remnant of the original vortex moved zonally “south.” When the remnant of the vortex came in contact with a new cylinder, fluid peeled off the outer edge of the vortex and a so‐called “streamer” went around the cylinder in a counterclockwise direction. Under the right conditions, this fluid formed a new cyclonic vortex in the wake of the cylinder, causing bifurcation of the original vortex into two vortices, as observed in previous studies. In general, independently of the configurations and Ydis, the number of cyclonic vortices downstream of the cylinders was one, either originating from the dipole or generated by the bifurcation of the original vortex. The vortex center position, radius, and circulation, before and after the interaction, were computed from its velocity field. It was found that for 0.1 < G/d ≤ 0.4, intense vortices experienced greater amplitude loss than weak vortices. The formation of both a dominant cyclone and an anticyclone (i.e., a dipole) downstream of the aligned cylinders, representing an island chain, is in agreement with recent oceanic observations of North Brazil Current (NBC) rings interacting with the Lesser Antilles in the Eastern Caribbean Sea. Since the passages of the Lesser Antilles have values of 0.07 ≤ G/d ≤ 0.3, the oceanic observations might be explained by the experimental results reported in this paper.
Tropospheric transport climate partitioned by surface origin and transit time
Authors: Holzer Mark , Hall Timothy M.
Published: April 2008

We perform the first analysis of tropospheric transport using the global boundary propagator Green function, ��, which partitions air at every point and time according to both the transit time since last surface contact and the location of that contact. We compute �� for a 3‐year period with the MATCH model driven by NCEP reanalyses. Last contact time is resolved in 3‐d intervals, and last‐contact location is resolved with a global tiling of 41 patches concentrated in the Northern Hemisphere. The transport climate is quantified for four midlatitude receptor regions in terms of the seasonal mean surface‐origin and transit‐time partitioning of the column burden, the surface flux of newly arriving air, and the distribution of air mass in transit from source to receptor surface. At long transit times a nearly receptor‐independent pattern of last‐contact location is governed by where air is injected into the upper troposphere by deep convection and the high terrain of Tibet. The receptor origin composition of the column burden changes only slowly after ∼40 d for winter and fall, while the composition of the flux onto the receptor continues to change at ∼60 d. European and SE Asian air contribute comparably to the flux onto eastern North America, in spite of SE Asian air having the dominant burden. The flux of European air onto SE Asia in winter and fall is larger than the flux of SE Asian air onto Europe. The surface‐to‐surface transport mass distribution, ℛ, is used to identify transit‐time‐dependent source‐receptor teleconnections.
Stratospheric impact of the Chisholm pyrocumulonimbus eruption: 1. Earth‐viewing satellite perspective
Authors: Fromm M. , Torres O. , Diner D. , Lindsey D. , Vant Hull B. , Servranckx R. , Shettle E. P. , Li Z.
Published: April 2008

The pyrocumulonimbus storm near Chisholm, Alberta, on 28 May 2001 has been studied in depth. However, the impact of this eruption on the lower stratosphere has not been characterized. Here and in a companion paper we explore this topic. This paper focuses on the “young” Chisholm smoke plume, from the age of ∼3 h to 1 week, as observed by Earth‐viewing satellite instruments. (The companion paper presents strictly profile data.) GOES visible and infrared image loops reveal the pyroconvective life cycle and initial transport of the smoke cloud. MISR stereographic heights are the first of their kind for a stratospheric cloud, showing smoke up to 5 km above the tropopause on 29 May. MODIS IR and visible images are analyzed to give constraints on plume height, thickness, and particle size. Infrared brightness temperature analyses reveal unique aspects of the “day‐after” Chisholm plume. Particle sizes are 1/3 to 1/2 compared to normal cirrus crystals. The daytime 29 May plume is optically thick at tropopause temperatures yet smoky brown. A transition from deep anvil blow off to “dry” smoke is still occurring after ∼1.5 d. TOMS aerosol index is used as a proxy for areas of particularly high smoke plume altitude. The Chisholm smoke in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere is traced with AI for 1 week as the plume blows across North America to western Europe. First estimates are made of stratospheric smoke mass in relation to emissions during pyroconvection. The 29 May stratospheric Chisholm pyroCb plume contains a mass between ∼1.39 × 104 and 1.09 × 105 t. This represents between ∼10% and 121% of total particle mass emitted from the fire on 28 May, calling into question some frequently assumed values for smoke single scatter albedo and/or emission estimates. Strictly in terms of mass, the stratospheric Chisholm plume amounted to ∼15% of background Northern Hemispheric stratospheric sulfate aerosol. Overall, the young pyroCb plume is seen to be a peculiar mixture of smoke aerosols and water‐ice that confounds operational cloud/aerosol detection routines and exhibits extreme, and still mysterious, composition and life cycle features.
Middle Oligocene extension in the Mediterranean Calabro‐Peloritan belt (southern Italy): Insights from the Aspromonte nappes pile
Authors: Heymes T. , Bouillin J.‐P. , Pêcher A. , Monié P. , Compagnoni R.
Published: April 2008

The Calabro‐Peloritan belt constitutes the eastward termination of the southern segment of the Alpine Mediterranean belt. This orogenic system was built up during the convergence between the Eurasian and the African plates, roughly north‐south directed since the Upper Cretaceous. It was subsequently fragmented during the opening of the western Mediterranean basins since Oligocene times. The curved shape of the Calabro‐Peloritan belt was acquired during the opening of the Tyrrhenian basin since the Tortonian. The origin, kinematics, and significance of the Calabro‐Peloritan tectonic pile are still debated. Our data in the Aspromonte Massif of southern Calabria reveal an Alpine history marked by two main superimposed kinematic regimes. A first phase corresponds to the piling up of basement nappes with a top‐to‐the‐SE vergence, i.e., in a direction orthogonal to the belt trend and toward the Adriatic foreland. This external vergence is similar to what is observed in both northeastern Sicily and northern Calabria. In Sicily, the age of nappe piling is Alpine, as evidenced by pinched slices of Mesozoic sediments. In the Aspromonte Massif, thrusting age is less constrained. Our data suggest remnants of late Hercynian structuration before the Alpine stacking. A second phase corresponds to the thinning of the continental crust, dated at around 30 Ma by both geochronological and stratigraphical data. This extension is mainly localized on two low‐angle detachment contacts, with top‐to‐the‐NE displacement. The lower one corresponds to the reworking of the former main nappe contact. The upper one is a large detachment fault cutting across the pile from upper sedimentary levels down to metamorphic basement. Extension of similar Alpine age and similar internal vergence has been already recognized in other parts of the Calabro‐Peloritan Arc, i.e., in the basement nappes of northeastern Sicily and in the ophiolitic units of northern Calabria. Coming back to the original geometry and position of the Calabro‐Peloritan belt, before its bending and the opening of the Liguro‐Provençal and Tyrrhenian basins, we evidence a homogeneous Oligocene NE‐SW extension all along the Calabro‐Peloritan segment of the Alpine Mediterranean belt. This tectonometamorphic history is best explained within the framework of the continuous Tertiary westward dipping subduction of the Tethyan oceanic domain below the European active margin and the progressive southeastward retreat of the Apennine trench since Oligocene times.
Linking hierarchical stratal architecture to plume spreading in a Lagrangian‐based transport model
Authors: Ramanathan Ramya , Ritzi Robert W. , Huang Chaocheng
Published: April 2008

In this article we present a new formulation of the Lagrangian‐based model for macrodispersion of inert solutes. The formulation is based on a hierarchical expression of the spatial covariance of log permeability developed from recent findings at the well‐studied Borden research site. The covariance expression represents a two‐level hierarchy of stratal unit types with a corresponding hierarchy of permeability subpopulations. The covariance is a linear sum of terms corresponding to the probability of transitioning across stratal unit types of different scales, and these terms are directly related to quantifiable geometric attributes of the hierarchical stratal architecture at the Borden site. The new macrodispersion model is also a linear sum of terms, with different integral scales defined by the hierarchy of cross‐transition probabilities and computed from the proportions and length statistics of the stratal unit types. The model allows the study of the contribution of each term to the composite particle displacement variance and thus the study of how the hierarchical stratal architecture influences plume spreading.
Genetic and Environmental Influences on Body‐Fat Measures among African‐American Twins
Authors: Nelson Tracy L. , Brandon Dwayne T. , Wiggins Sebrina A. , Whitfield Keith E.
Published: April 2008

Objective: To investigate the genetic and environmental influences on body‐fat measures including waist circumference (WC), waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR), and body mass index (BMI) among African‐American men and women.

Research Methods and Procedures: Measurements were taken as part of the Carolina African American Twin Study of Aging. This sample currently comprises 146 same‐sex African‐American twins with an average age of 50 years (range, 22 to 88 years). This analysis included 26 monozygotic and 29 dizygotic men and 45 monozygotic and 46 dizygotic women. Maximum likelihood quantitative genetic analysis was used.

Results: In men, additive genetic effects accounted for 77% of the variance in WC, 59% in WHR, and 89% in BMI. In women, additive genetic effects accounted for 76% of the variance in WC, 56% in WHR, and 73% in BMI. The remaining variance in both men and women was attributed to unique environmental effects (WC, 21%; WHR, 36%; BMI, 11% in men and WC, 22%; WHR, 38%; BMI, 27% in women) and age (WC, 2%; WHR, 5% in men and WC, 2%; WHR, 6% in women). When BMI was controlled in the analysis of WC and WHR, it accounted for a portion of the genetic and environmental variance in WHR and over one‐half of the genetic and environmental variance in WC.

Discussion: There are both genetic and environmental influences on WC, WHR, and BMI, and independent of BMI, there are genetic and environmental effects on WC and WHR among both genders. The results from this African‐American twin sample are similar to findings among white twin samples.
Body Mass Index and Physical Function in Older Women
Authors: Apovian Caroline M. , Frey Carolin M. , Wood G. Craig , Rogers Joanne Z. , Still Christopher D. , Jensen Gordon L.
Published: April 2008

Objective: We modified existing standardized measurement tools in the Physical Performance Test and tasks from the Frailty and Injuries: Cooperative Studies of Intervention Technique Study to evaluate physical function in older women. Our objectives were (1) to characterize physical function themes based on combinations of tasks (deriving factors or components) and (2) to quantify the correlation between derived factors and body mass index (BMI).

Research Methods and Procedures: Nutrition risk screens from enrollees in a Medicare‐managed risk program served as the sampling frame. To obtain adequate representation for a range of BMI, a random sample was obtained of 90 women from the following BMI strata: BMI, 22 to <27 kg/m2; BMI, 27 to <30 kg/m2; and BMI, ≥30 kg/m2. Subjects were asked to perform a series of 18 functional tasks during a home visit.

Results: The mean age was similar in the three BMI groups with an overall mean age of 71 ± 4.9 years (SD). Factors characterized by lower‐body function, upper‐body function, coordination, and strength were responsible for 30%, 11%, 9%, and 9% of the variance in task scores, respectively. BMI, controlling for age, explained 5%, 14%, 3%, and 0% of the variation in these factors, respectively. Higher BMI is associated significantly with poorer upper‐ and lower‐body function but is not associated significantly to strength or coordination.

Discussion: Higher BMI seems to differentially impede specific aspects of physical function, especially upper‐body function, and to a lesser extent, lower‐body function. BMI does not seem to be associated with levels of coordination or strength. Better understanding of how BMI impacts physical function will aid in the design of interventions to promote independent living in elderly, obese women.
Fat Mass Measured by DXA Varies with Scan Velocity
Authors: Black Eva , Petersen Liselotte , Kreutzer Martin , Toubro Søren , Sørensen Thorkild I. A. , Pedersen Oluf , Astrup Arne
Published: April 2008

Objective: To study the influence of scan velocities of DXA on the measured size of fat mass, lean body mass, bone mineral content and density, and total body weight.

Research Methods and Procedures: The subjects were 71 healthy white adults, 38 women and 33 men. The mean age was 41.7 ± 13.5 years and body mass index was 28.6 ± 5.6 kg/m2. The subjects were scanned consecutively in slow, medium, and fast scan mode by a Lunar DPX‐IQ DXA scanner.

Results: Throughout the body mass index and sagittal height ranges, scanned lean body mass significantly decreased with higher scan velocity and lean body mass was 2.7% lower in fast than in medium mode (p < 0.0001). In contrast, fat mass, percentage of body fat, and bone mineral contents were higher with increasing scan velocity. Areas not analyzed by the scanner, so called blue spots, increased with scan velocity and sagittal height, and their presence significantly enhanced the error. Body weight estimated by DXA in slow mode was −0.8% lower than scale weight in the women (p < 0.001) and −0.2% in men (not significant), and the difference was greater with increasing scan velocity.

Discussion: Scan velocity significantly influences the measured fat mass size, lean body mass, bone mineral content, and body weight. To obtain the most accurate results, slow mode is preferable and fast scans should be avoided. Future studies should report and take scan velocity into consideration.
Genetic and Environmental Influences on the Tracking of Body Size from Birth to Early Adulthood
Authors: Pietiläinen Kirsi H. , Kaprio Jaakko , Räsänen Maija , Rissanen Aila , Rose Richard J.
Published: April 2008

Objective: This study identified genetic and environmental influences on the tracking of body size from birth to 16 to 18.5 years of age.

Research Methods and Procedures: Longitudinal information was collected from a nationally representative sample of Finnish twin adolescents (birth cohorts 1975 to 1979) and their parents through questionnaires mailed when the twins were ages 16 and 18.5 years old. The sample included 702 monozygotic, 724 same‐sex dizygotic, and 762 opposite‐sex dizygotic sets of twins. The measures used were length, weight, ponderal index (kilograms per cubic meters), and gestational age at birth, and height, weight, and body mass index (kilograms per square meters) at 16 to 18.5 years of age. The changes in genetic and environmental influences on body size from birth to early adulthood were analyzed by quantitative genetic modeling.

Results: The twins who had a higher weight or ponderal index at birth were taller and heavier in early adulthood, whereas those who were longer at birth were taller, but not heavier, later in life. Adult height was affected more by the birth size than body mass index. In the genetic modeling analyses, the genetic factors accounting for the variation of body size became more apparent with age, and both genetic and environmental influences on stature had a sizable carry‐over effect from birth to late adolescence, whereas for relative weight, the influences were more age‐specific.

Discussion: The genetic and environmental architecture of body size changes from birth to adulthood. Even in monozygotic twins who share their genetic background, the initially larger twin tended to remain larger, demonstrating the long‐lasting effects of fetal environment on final body size.
Effect of Smoking on the Paradox of High Waist‐to‐Hip Ratio and Low Body Mass Index
Authors: Jee Sun Ha , Lee Soon Young , Nam Chung Mo , Kim Sang Yon , Kim Miyong T.
Published: April 2008

Objective: Research on diabetes mellitus (DM) indicates that people with a low body mass index (BMI) but a high waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) are in a particularly high‐risk group. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of and the effect of smoking on this paradoxical relationship.

Research Methods and Procedures: Our study sample consisted of 3450 men and 4250 women who had participated in the Korean Nationwide Health Examination Survey. We divided the study sample into tertiles (low, medium, and high), according to the level of WHR and of BMI, which yielded nine different combinations. Individuals exhibiting so‐called paradox A had the highest WHR and the lowest BMI.

Results: The prevalence of paradox A was 4.7% for men and 3.8% for women. The overall agreement of WHR and BMI groups was poor [for men: κ = 0.31 and 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.29 to 0.34; for women: κ = 0.39 and 95% CI = 0.37 to 0.42 for women]. The odds ratios for subjects having paradox A were estimated using a logistic regression model after adjusting for age, age2, height, education, smoking, use of alcohol, and exercise. The risk for paradox A among current smokers was 2.1‐fold (95% CI, 1.5 to 3.0) higher for men and 2.5‐fold (95% CI, 1.6 to 3.9) higher for women than for nonsmokers, after adjusting for age and covariates.

Discussion: Cigarette smoking may increase the risk of paradox A. The findings of this study should be crossvalidated to different populations.
Analysis of Obesity and Hyperinsulinemia in the Development of Metabolic Syndrome: San Antonio Heart Study
Authors: Han Thang S. , Williams Ken , Sattar Naveed , Hunt Kelly J. , Lean Michael E.J. , Haffner Steven M.
Published: April 2008

Objective: To use standardized cut‐offs of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist‐to‐hip ratio, and fasting insulin levels to predict the development of metabolic disorders and metabolic syndrome.

Research Methods and Procedures: We performed an 8‐year follow‐up study of 628 non‐Hispanic whites and 1340 Mexican Americans, ages 25 to 64 years, from the second cohort of the San Antonio Heart Study. We defined metabolic disorders as dyslipidemia (triglycerides ≥2.26 mM or high‐density lipoprotein <0.91 mM in men and <1.17 mM in women), hypertension (blood pressure ≥140/≥90 mm Hg, or receiving antihypertensive medications), and type 2 diabetes (fasting glucose ≥7.0 mM, 2‐hour test glucose ≥11.1 mM, or receiving anti‐diabetic medications). People with at least two metabolic disorders were defined as having metabolic syndrome.

Results: High waist‐to‐hip ratio and fasting insulin levels were significant predictors of developing metabolic syndrome. High anthropometric indices remained significant predictors of metabolic syndrome after adjusting for fasting insulin. Waist circumference, BMI, and insulin had similar areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (0.74 to 0.76). Further multivariate analyses combining these indices showed minimal increase in prediction. Of subjects who had a combination of high BMI (≥30 kg/m2) and high waist circumference (above “Action Level 2”), 32% developed metabolic syndrome, compared with 10% of subjects with both low BMI and low waist circumference.

Discussion: These findings support the National Institutes of Health recommendations for reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome. Adjustment for baseline fasting insulin levels had only a small effect on the ability of anthropometric indices to predict the metabolic syndrome.
Fat Intake Affects Adiposity, Comorbidity Factors, and Energy Metabolism of Sprague‐Dawley Rats
Authors: Ghibaudi Lorraine , Cook John , Farley Constance , van Heek Margaret , Hwa Joyce J.
Published: April 2008

Objective: Childhood obesity is an emerging health problem. This study assesses the effects of three levels of dietary fat (10%, 32%, and 45% measured by kilocalories) on weight gain, body composition, energy metabolism, and comorbidity factors in rats from weaning through maturation.

Research Methods and Procedures: The role of dietary fat on the susceptibility to obesity was assessed by feeding diets containing three levels of dietary fat to rats from weaning through 7 months of age. Body composition was analyzed by DXA after 6 and 12 weeks of dietary treatment. Energy metabolism was measured by indirect calorimetry.

Results: Energy intake, weight gain, fat mass, and plasma glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, free fatty acid, leptin, and insulin levels increased dose‐dependently with increased dietary fat. No difference in absolute lean mass among the three groups was observed. Therefore, the differences in weight gain are accounted for primarily by increased fat accretion. Compared with rats that were relatively resistant to obesity when on a 45% fat diet, diet‐induced obesity‐prone rats were in positive energy balance and had an elevated respiratory quotient, indicating a switch in energy substrate use from fat to carbohydrate, which promotes body‐fat accretion.

Discussion: Our data support the hypothesis that administration of increasing amount of dietary fat to very young rats enhances susceptibility to diet‐induced obesity and its comorbidities.
Impact of Body Mass Index on Changes in Common Carotid Artery Wall Thickness
Authors: Stevens June , Juhaeri  , Cai Jianwen , Evans Gregory W.
Published: April 2008

Objective:To examine associations between changes in body mass index (BMI) and changes in carotid artery intima‐media thickness (IMT) in a community‐based sample.

Research Methods and Procedures:Carotid artery IMT and BMI were assessed at baseline (between 1987 and 1990) and in three subsequent examinations at 3‐year intervals in participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities cohort. The 9316 African‐American and white men and women in the analysis were 45 to 64 years of age at baseline. Cross‐sectional associations between BMI and IMT were assessed using general linear models. Longitudinal associations were examined using mixed models analysis.

Results:Cross‐sectional associations between BMI and IMT were confirmed. At baseline, a 1‐kg/m2increase in BMI was associated with an increase in IMT that ranged from 2.5 to 7.5 μm among the ethnic‐gender groups examined. Changes in BMI were not associated with changes in IMT in models that adjusted for aging and other covariates. Results were similar across ethnic‐gender groups.

Discussion:Among free‐living, 45‐ to 64‐year‐old adults, changes in common carotid artery IMT associated with changes in BMI are either very small or absent.
Effect of Rosiglitazone on Insulin Sensitivity and Body Composition in Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Carey David G. , Cowin Gary J. , Galloway Graham J. , Jones Nigel P. , Richards Jackie C. , Biswas Nandita , Doddrell David M.
Published: April 2008

Objective: To investigate the effects of rosiglitazone (RSG) on insulin sensitivity and regional adiposity (including intrahepatic fat) in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Research Methods and Procedures: We examined the effect of RSG (8 mg/day, 2 divided doses) compared with placebo on insulin sensitivity and body composition in 33 type 2 diabetic patients. Measurements of insulin sensitivity (euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp), body fat (abdominal magnetic resonance imaging and DXA), and liver fat (magnetic resonance spectroscopy) were taken at baseline and repeated after 16 weeks of treatment.

Results: There was a significant improvement in glycemic control (glycosylated hemoglobin −0.7 ± 0.7%, p ≤ 0.05) and an 86% increase in insulin sensitivity in the RSG group (glucose‐disposal rate change from baseline: 17.5 ± 14.5 μmol glucose/min/kg free fat mass, p < 0.05), but no significant change in the placebo group compared with baseline. Total body weight and fat mass increased (p ≤ 0.05) with RSG (2.1 ± 2.0 kg and 1.4 ± 1.6 kg, respectively) with 95% of the increase in adiposity occurring in nonabdominal regions. In the abdominal region, RSG increased subcutaneous fat area by 8% (25.0 ± 28.7 cm2, p = 0.02), did not alter intra‐abdominal fat area, and reduced intrahepatic fat levels by 45% (−6.7 ± 9.7%, concentration relative to water).

Discussion: Our data indicate that RSG greatly improves insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes and is associated with an increase in adiposity in subcutaneous but not visceral body regions.
Physical Activity and the Metabolic Syndrome in a Tri‐ethnic Sample of Women
Authors: Irwin Melinda L. , Ainsworth Barbara E. , Mayer‐Davis Elizabeth J. , Addy Cheryl L. , Pate Russell R. , Durstine J. Larry
Published: April 2008

Objective: To determine the association of moderate‐intensity physical activity (PA), vigorous‐intensity PA, and maximal treadmill duration with the metabolic syndrome among African‐American (n = 49), Native‐American (n = 46), and white (n = 51) women (ages, 40 to 83 years), enrolled in the Cross‐Cultural Activity Participation Study.

Research Methods and Procedures: The metabolic syndrome was defined as three or more of the following risk factors: waist circumference >88 cm, blood pressure ≥130/85 mm Hg, fasting glucose ≥110 mg/dL, hypertriglyceridemia (≥150 mg/dL), and high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol <50 mg/dL. PA was determined from detailed PA records that included all PA performed during two consecutive 4‐day periods. Maximal treadmill duration was determined from a graded exercise test. Women were categorized into quartiles of moderate‐intensity PA, vigorous‐intensity PA, and maximal treadmill duration. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios of the metabolic syndrome as a function of the four PA categories, adjusted for age, ethnicity, study site, menopausal status, and use of hormone‐replacement therapy.

Results: The adjusted odds ratio for the metabolic syndrome was 0.18 (95% confidence interval, 0.33 to 0.90) for women in the highest category of moderate‐intensity PA compared with women in the lowest category (p = 0.01 for trend). Similar associations were observed for the metabolic syndrome with vigorous‐intensity PA (p = 0.01 for trend) and maximal treadmill duration (p = 0.0004 for trend).

Discussion: Higher levels of moderate and vigorous‐intensity PA and greater maximal treadmill duration were inversely associated with the metabolic syndrome among an ethnically diverse sample of women.
Association of Physical Activity and Visceral Adipose Tissue in Older Women and Men
Authors: Riechman Steven E. , Schoen Robert E. , Weissfeld Joel L. , Thaete F. Leland , Kriska Andrea M.
Published: April 2008

Objective: Physical inactivity, abdominal fat, and age are known risk factors for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. Previous evidence supports an inverse relationship between physical activity (PA) and abdominal fat estimated by waist circumference. However, few investigations used computed tomography (CAT) scanning for precise measures of abdominal fat.

Research Methods and Procedures: Sixty‐five female and 106 male (age, 64.5 ± 5.2 years) participants in the Prostate, Lung, Colon and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial underwent a cross‐sectional L4–L5 CAT scan to differentiate visceral adipose tissue (VAT). Subjects were also interviewed by phone to determine PA and physical difficulties (PD).

Results: Women had lower VAT (170 ± 84 vs. 205 ± 95 cm2, p = 0.014), lower VAT/total fat (29.9 ± 7.2% vs. 42.6 ± 10.2%, p < 0.001), and higher total fat (596 ± 385 vs. 482 ± 183 cm2, p = 0.010) than men. PA was inversely correlated to VAT (r = −0.164, p = 0.034) and total fat (r = −0.231, p = 0.003) in men and women. Those who reported a PD had higher VAT (249 vs. 180 cm2, p < 0.001) and total fat (652 vs. 500 cm2, p = 0.008). Multiple regression analysis indicated total PA and PD were independently associated to VAT and total fat.

Discussion: This investigation suggests a beneficial effect of PA and a negative influence of PD on abdominal fat accumulation. Although the cross‐sectional design limits cause‐effect designations, these results are consistent with other studies showing PA/abdominal fat relation.
Plasma Adiponectin Levels in Overweight and Obese Asians
Authors: Yang Wei‐Shiung , Lee Wei‐Jei , Funahashi Tohru , Tanaka Sachiyo , Matsuzawa Yuji , Chao Chia‐Ling , Chen Chi‐Ling , Tai Tong‐Yuan , Chuang Lee‐Ming
Published: April 2008

Objective: Hypoadiponectin has been documented in subjects with obesity, diabetes mellitus, or coronary heart disease, suggesting a potential use of plasma adiponectin in following the clinical progress in subjects with metabolic syndrome (MS). In this study, we investigated the plasma adiponectin levels in relation to the variables of MS among overweight/obese Asian subjects.

Research Methods and Procedures: The plasma adiponectin, anthropometric and biochemical measurements, oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT), and modified insulin suppression tests were performed on 180 overweight/obese Asian subjects [body mass index (BMI) ≥ 23 kg/m2], including 47 subjects with morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2).

Results: The plasma adiponectin levels negatively correlated with BMI, waist‐to‐hip ratio, fasting plasma glucose, insulin, triglyceride, uric acid levels, hyperinsulinemia, and glucose intolerance in OGTT, but positively with high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol. In contrast, they were not related to blood pressure and total cholesterol. Moreover, insulin sensitivity, measured by quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) or in insulin suppression tests, significantly correlated with the plasma adiponectin levels. Among morbidly obese subjects, only the waist‐to‐hip ratio correlated with the plasma adiponectin levels. Using multivariate linear regression models, the area under curve of plasma glucose in OGTT and high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol among the overweight/obese subjects and WHR among the morbidly obese subjects were significantly related to the plasma adiponectin levels after adjustment for other variables.

Discussion: In overweight/obese Asians, the plasma adiponectin levels significantly correlated with various indices of MS except hypertension. Whether the plasma adiponectin level could be a suitable biomarker for following the clinical progress of MS warrants further investigation.
Binge‐Eating Disorder in Brazilian Women on a Weight‐Loss Program
Authors: Borges M. Beatriz F. , Jorge Miguel R. , Morgan Christina M. , da Silveira Dartiu Xavier , Custódio Osvladir
Published: April 2008

Objective: To examine binge‐eating disorder (BED) and its association with obesity, weight patterns, and psychopathology in a Brazilian sample of female participants of a weight‐loss program in São Paulo, Brazil.

Research Methods and Procedures: Two hundred and seventeen overweight (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2) women, ages 15 to 59 years, enrolled in the Weight Watchers Program were recruited for the study at a program branch meeting after completing the Questionnaire on Eating and Weight Patterns–Revised, Beck Depression Inventory, and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale‐20. Participants were categorized into four groups: those who met questionnaire criteria for BED, those who met questionnaire criteria for bulimia nervosa (BN), those that reported binge eating but did not meet all the criteria for any eating disorder (BE), and those with no eating disorder symptoms (No ED). Groups were compared on measures of weight, depressive symptoms, and alexithymia.

Results: Binge eating was frequently reported by women in this study (BED, 16.1%; BN, 4.6%; BE, 22.6%). BED women had significantly higher body mass index, greater highest weight ever, and more frequent weight cycling than the No ED group. BED women also reported more depressive symptoms than BE and No ED women, and were more alexithymic than the No ED group. BE women presented more frequent weigh cycling and were also more depressed and alexithymic than the No ED group.

Discussion: BED is not uncommon in overweight Brazilian women, and similar to North American and European samples, it is associated with overweight and higher levels of psychopathology in this population.
Two Measures of Health‐Related Quality of Life in Morbid Obesity
Authors: de Zwaan Martina , Mitchell James E. , Howell L. Michael , Monson Nancy , Swan‐Kremeier Lorraine , Roerig James L. , Kolotkin Ronette L. , Crosby Ross D.
Published: April 2008

Objective: To compare health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) measures in obese presurgery patients with and without binge‐eating disorder (BED) and to investigate the relationship between a generic [short form‐36 (SF‐36)] and a disease‐specific HRQOL measure [Impact of Weight on Quality of Life Questionnaire (IWQOL)] and measures of eating‐related and general psychopathology.

Research Methods and Procedures: One hundred ten patients ages 19 to 62 years with a mean body mass index of 48.4 ± 8.3 kg/m2 who were evaluated for gastric bypass surgery were asked to fill out questionnaires assessing eating‐related and general psychopathology (depression, self‐esteem), as well as the two HRQOL questionnaires. BED was assessed by self‐report.

Results: Nineteen (17.3%) patients met criteria for BED. Significant differences between patients with and without BED were found for four of the eight subscales of the SF‐36—with effect sizes ranging from 0.44 to 0.75—and for the total score and three of the five subscales of the IWQOL‐Lite—with effect sizes from 0.57 to 0.74. The mental composite score of the SF‐36 as well as the IWQOL total score correlated significantly with the measures of psychopathology.

Discussion: This is the first study comparing the results of HRQOL measures in morbidly obese presurgery patients with and without BED. The results indicate that BED has a profound negative impact on HRQOL that exceeds the influence of obesity. Both HRQOL measures were able to reliably discriminate between patients with and without BED. Depression and self‐esteem influenced HRQOL in a similar way as binge eating.
Ghrelin and the Hyposomatotropism of Obesity
Authors: Lindeman Jan H.N. , Pijl Hanno , van Dielen François M.H. , Lentjes Eef G.W.M. , van Leuven Cees , Kooistra Teake
Published: April 2008

Objective: Human obesity is characterized by growth hormone (GH) deficiency, which appears primarily related to a central pattern of obesity and is reverted on weight loss. As yet, the metabolic basis of the GH deficiency remains to be elucidated. The recently discovered endogenous ligand for the GH secretagogue receptor, ghrelin, stimulates GH secretion when administered to rodents or healthy humans. It may thus be hypothesized that low ghrelin levels underlie the hyposomatropism in obesity.

Research Methods and Procedures: We have tested this hypothesis in individuals with widely varying body mass and fat distribution and evaluated whether the improved GH concentrations on weight loss are associated with enhanced ghrelin levels.

Results: Both plasma GH and ghrelin levels were reciprocally related with body mass index (r = −0.67, p < 0.001). However, whereas 24‐hour GH secretion was negatively related to the visceral fat area (r = −0.72, p < 0.01), ghrelin levels showed a positive relationship with the visceral fat area (r = 0.49, p < 0.02). Weight loss resulted in increased GH secretion (median 24‐hour GH area under the curve: 1983 vs. 4024 mU/day before and after weight loss, respectively; p < 0.01) but did not affect ghrelin levels. No relationship could be found between GH and ghrelin plasma levels in obese subjects when comparing diurnal concentration profiles.

Discussion: We showed that plasma ghrelin and GH levels are both reciprocally related with body mass index, but no causative relationship could be demonstrated between low ghrelin levels and the hyposomatropism in human obesity.
Body Composition in a Seasonal Model of Obesity: Longitudinal Measures and Validation of DXA
Authors: Hunter Heather L. , Nagy Tim R.
Published: April 2008

Objective: Collared lemmings, Dicrostonyx groenlandicus, show rapid changes in body mass on a seasonal basis. The objective of this study was to measure longitudinal changes in body composition in animals undergoing photoperiod‐induced weight gain and loss using DXA.

Research Methods and Procedures: Adult, female collared lemmings exposed to either long (LD; 22 hours light/2 hours dark) or short (SD; 8 hours light/16 hours dark) photoperiods were anesthetized, and DXA was used to determine fat mass, lean tissue mass (LTM), total‐body bone mineral content, and total‐bone mineral density. After a baseline scan, one‐half of the animals were transferred to the alternate photoperiod (SD‐LD, weight loss; LD‐SD, weight gain) and one‐half remained on the same photoperiod (controls; SD‐SD, LD‐LD). Body composition was determined by DXA after 4 and 8 weeks. Animals were killed, and body composition was determined by carcass analysis. DXA‐derived data were validated by comparing with carcass analysis.

Results: Body composition by DXA was highly related to body composition measured by chemical analysis, thereby justifying the use of DXA. Lemmings in the SD‐LD group lost weight, and this was reflected in measurable losses of fat and LTM. Lemmings in the LD‐SD group gained weight, which was shown by measurable increases in fat, LTM and total‐body bone mineral content.

Discussion: Comparison of body composition determined by DXA to that by chemical extraction revealed that DXA is useful for measuring body composition. The longitudinal analysis revealed that collared lemmings undergo rapid changes in body composition when exposed to changes in photoperiod.
Overnight Dexamethasone Suppression Test: A Reliable Screen for Cushing's Syndrome in the Obese
Authors: Ness‐Abramof Rosane , Nabriski Dan , Apovian Caroline M. , Niven Mark , Weiss Eliahu , Shapiro Menachem S. , Shenkman Louis
Published: April 2008

Objective: Reevaluation of the validity of the 1‐mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test (ODST) as a screening test for Cushing's syndrome in obese patients.

Research Methods and Procedures: Eighty‐six obese patients (body mass index, 30 to 53 kg/m2) that were referred to a general endocrine outpatient clinic for evaluation of simple obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, polycystic ovary disease, or pituitary tumor. One milligram dexamethasone was administered orally at 11:00 pm, and serum cortisol levels were measured the following morning between 8:00 am and 9:00 am. Suppression of serum cortisol to <80 nM (3 μg/dL) was chosen as the cut‐off point for normal suppression. Patients with serum cortisol levels ≥80 nM were evaluated for Cushing's syndrome.

Results: Suppression of morning cortisol levels to <80 nM occurred in 79 of the 86 obese patients. Seven patients had serum cortisol levels higher than 80 nM; five were eventually diagnosed with Cushing's syndrome and two were considered false positive results in view of normal 24‐hour free urinary cortisol and normal suppression on a low dose dexamethasone suppression test (0.5 mg of dexamethasone every 6 hours for 2 days). We found a false positive rate of 2.3% for the ODST using a cut‐off serum cortisol of 80 nM.

Discussion: The ODST is a valid screening test for Cushing's syndrome in the obese population. The false positive rate was 2.3%, even when using a strict cut‐off serum cortisol of 80 nM. Abnormal cortisol suppression in obese patients should be investigated and not be considered false positive results.
Impact of Dieting Status and Dietary Restraint on Postexercise Energy Intake in Overweight Women
Authors: Visona Cristina , George Valerie A.
Published: April 2008

Objective: To investigate the unknown relationship between dieting status and dietary restraint on postexercise energy intake (PE‐EI) in overweight sedentary women after a bout of moderate‐intensity exercise. Specifically, this was investigated in women who were categorized as dieting with high restraint, nondieting with high restraint, or nondieting with low restraint.

Research Methods and Procedures: This study consisted of two experimental conditions, exercise (E) and nonexercise (NE) in a counterbalanced‐crossover design on 2 different days. On the E day, the subjects participated in moderate‐intensity exercise, walking on a treadmill for 60 minutes at 60% to 70% of their maximum heart rate. PE‐EI at lunch and 12 hours after was compared on the E and an NE day. Dietary restraint was determined using the Three‐Factor Eating Questionnaire.

Results: Participants (n = 36) were 26 ± 7 years of age, sedentary, and had a mean body mass index of 27 ± 3 kg/m2. There was a significant interaction (F(2,33) = 3.32, p = 0.049) of dieting/restraint status and condition (E vs. NE day) on 12‐hour EI. The mean difference in 12‐hour EI between the E and the NE day was significantly higher (p < 0.01) for the dieting with high restraint than for the nondieting with high restraint.

Discussion: The results of this study demonstrate that dieting status, high dietary restraint, and higher levels of disinhibition may influence PE‐EI in overweight women after a bout of moderate‐intensity physical activity.